Notes:  a bit of a different take on the usual way a Childhood story comes about.  Thanks, Jette and Faramir.

Mac Taylor woke up alone in a room, groaning in pain and agony.  His stomach ached.  His head was throbbing like he had been drugged.   He was chilled.  He was tired.  He made himself sit up so he could hold his head and look around.  It was an empty room.  One doorway.  A few windows.  Looked like a former office to him.  He heard a noise and shifted to look at the reason, hoping for a rat and not the reason he had been drugged.  He blinked when he saw what it really was.  He stared for a minute, making himself get up off the plastic-covered pallet to wander over to it.  It was under one of the windows, in the sunlight.  It was in his shirt, which he noticed, and that explained why he was cold.  It was slimy, it was young, and it was shivering too.  He picked it up to hold.  "Shh, baby.  We'll figure it out," he whispered.  He looked around, spotting his wallet, keys, shoes, and cellphone beside the door.  Placed like he would've normally placed it.  "Someone is screwing with our heads, kid."

He slid into his shoes and grabbed the other things.  That's when he noticed why his stomach was sore.  There was a new line of stitches on it.  "No way that's real."  He walked him outside, sitting down with him on the stairs.  It was marginally warmer out there.  His first call was to a friend who could deal with this for him while he was in the hospital.  "Stella?  Trace my signal," he said tiredly.  "I have no idea where in the city I am.  It smells like Brooklyn maybe?"  He coughed.  "I woke up with stomach stitches, dizzy from being drugged, and there's a baby here in my shirt, Stella.  Do it now please."  He hung up and waited.  "Don't worry, she'll only scream at whoever did this, kid."  He looked him over.  He looked okay.  He blinked at the paramedics screaming his way.  "That was fast."

One hopped out to come over.  "Sir, we were called about a person in labor about a half hour ago?"

Mac shrugged.  "I woke up drugged with him beside me.  I think the building's empty except for us."  He pulled his ID out of his pocket to hold it up.  "I have *no* clue what's going on."

"Okay, Detective, let me have the baby?" he asked.  Mac nodded and the baby screamed when he was handed over.  "Shh, little one.  I've got a few of my own. You're safe.  Come with us please, Detective?  You'll be warmer in the ambulance."  Mac let them help him to his feet.  One gave his stomach a look.  "Recent?"

Mac shrugged.  "Wasn't there last night when I fell asleep in my own bed at home.  That's the last thing I remember.  It's the twelfth, right?"  They nodded.  "I wasn't pregnant yesterday but someone went to a lot of trouble to make me think I was."  He got laid down on the bed, letting the second paramedic check him over.  Stella pulled in.  "That's my second-in-command.  Stella!" he yelled.  She came jogging over.  "Office upstairs, third floor," he said.  "This side of the building."

"From the top, Mac," she ordered, getting in with him to look at him.  "Stitches?"

"They had it set up so it looked like the baby's mine," he said weakly.  "I woke up on a pallet.  The baby was under the east window wrapped in my shirt.  My keys, shoes, phone, and wallet were all lined up beside the door like I'd do if I had taken them off."  He swallowed.  "Expect blood for a tox screen."

"Sure, I can do that.  Did you turn on your alarm last night?"  He nodded once, then groaned and held his head.  "Okay, let me handle this, you guys go to the hospital.  Bag the shirt and his clothes for me, I'm sending one of the CSI there," she ordered.

"Please not Lindsay," he begged.

"No, not Lindsay, Mac.  I'll send Doc or Danny."

"Danny.  He's able to blink off the strange stuff if it's necessary.  He won't tell me it's fascinating either.  I don't think I can take that right now."

"I can do that.  Call me," she ordered, writing her phone number on the order.  "If he's to be admitted.  "Got it?"  They nodded.  "Thanks, guys."  She got out and went to call in help for the processing.  Starting with Danny.  "Where?" she called.

"St. Vincent's.  His wallet card said so," the paramedic said, the driver getting out to close the door so the could go.

"Danny, me.  Mac was taken last night.  He just woke up alone, with stitches, and what looks like a newborn baby in Brooklyn.  He's going to St. Vincent's.  Get there now."  She hung up and called Don.  "Need a detective.  Mac got kidnaped last night and woke up with a baby next to him this morning, Don.  That's where I am.  I texted it on the way over just in case I'd need help.  Danny's going to process him and the baby.  I need you here."  She hung up and grabbed her kit to deal with it.  Someone had just earned her foot up their ass.  Maybe even a few times.

***

Danny walked into the busy ER, holding up his ID.  "Detective Taylor and a baby got brought in together.  I need to process them both?"

"He had us keep them together for you, Detective.  Trauma three please."  He nodded, heading that way once she had buzzed him through.  She walked around to accompany him.  "The stitches aren't that deep.  More than superficial, less than real surgery.  Whoever did them was excellent at it.  We've taken preliminary photos because we needed to cover them and wash the baby.  We did wipe him down and saved the cloths for you in case it's needed."  He grinned and nodded at that.  "His blood is already on the way to the lab and we pulled an extra vial for your lab if you need verification of ours.  From both of them.  They're both mildly chilled but should be able to go home once you're done with them and you find whoever had the baby."

"How old?"

"It was newborn slime so within days.  He's a bit large.  The mother had to have problems having him naturally."  She let him into the room.  "Detective?"  She nodded at Danny.  "This one?"

"Thank you.  Can I get him a bottle or something?  He's starving."  He looked at the baby he was holding again.  "Shh, it'll be soon, little one."  She nodded, going to do that for him.  "Danny, my clothes were cut off and they're in the corner," he said with a point.  He looked at him.  "What else will we need to do?  I was out of it while telling them to do some things."

"Sounds like they covered most of it.  Did we draw blood from him for DNA?" he asked the nurse when she came back.

"There's probably enough for that," she said.  "We drew two vials from each of them."  He nodded, bagging the clothes and tagging the other things that were bagged already.  "We did what we could.  He's a bit pushy."

"Should see him at work," Danny teased with a grin.  "Want the baby here?"

"Preliminary results said he's healthy.  If you don't have a parent waiting, we should probably admit him.  The hospital admin agreed to that for up to a few days."

"That'll probably be best.  It'll take us about a day to do DNA testing."  She nodded, carefully taking the baby to put him into the little glass bed on wheels.  "Any idea if he's from any particular sort of mom?  Druggie, sick, anything like that?"

"No, not that we've seen," she said with a smile.  "I'll take him upstairs, Detectives."  They nodded.

Danny looked at Mac.  "Camera?"  He pointed.  Danny checked the pictures, then came over to take his own shots of Mac's entire body just in case.  "Any needle marks you found, Mac?"

"No, but my head is still ringing.  I woke up with a dry throat so either I got oxygen while I was out or it was a gas."

"Stella told me she'd go to your place after she got done with that one.  We heading back to the office?" he asked, knowing how Mac was.  Mac nodded.  "Good.  I'll get someone started on paternity ASAP.  This is strange."

"Very," Mac said, wincing as he stood up.  "Tell me you brought me something to wear?"  Danny grinned and dug out a work jumpsuit.  "That'll do until I can hit my locker.  Thanks."  He slid into it.  "Want to do hair or nails?"

Danny looked then shook his head.  "Nothing under your nails.  Open?"  He pulled out his flashlight, checking his mouth.  "No signs of you biting someone."  He looked his hair over.  "Nothing that I can see.  I can do one if you want."  Mac shook his head.  It was a minimal chance at best.  "Okay."  He grabbed everything and they walked out together.  He waved at the nurses, letting Mac sign the forms so they could get into the official SUV.  "They said he was a newborn or really close to it.  It was authentic baby slime," he said once they were out on the street and heading toward the lab.  "She also said he was a bit big so the mother had a problem giving birth naturally."

"It's a lead," Mac said quietly. "I'm going to nap on my couch for a few hours until Stella's done."

"Good idea," he agreed.  "I'll have Doc check on you in a few."  Mac nodded at that, resting his head against the glass.  "You nap, Mac.  It's a good thirty more in this traffic."  He called Stella.  "It's me.  Got Mac, he got the nurses to do most of it.  The nurse said the baby's a newborn or close to it.  Authentic baby slime.  Said he was a bit big so Mom would've had a problem. You still gonna hit Mac's place?  He thinks he was gassed."  He nodded.  "That'll work.  I'm bringing him back.  We've got blood to run DNA too."  He hung up and flipped on the lights and siren.  Mac shifted but he stayed asleep.  "Must've been a bit too much gas," he muttered.  "He'd never sleep through this normally."  He sped up once an opening came up and headed faster.  He had to find out who the kid's parents were so he could beat them to death with Stella.

***

Danny walked into the lab at the page.  "Tell me you found at least one parent," he ordered.

"I found two."  He grinned.  "You're going to hate me and I'm going to go into hiding.  Here, have my seat."  He got up and moved out of the way.  He paged Mac again.

"He's out," Danny told him.  "Plus his phone's in trace."  That got a groan.  "Why?"  The guy canceled his screensaver and Danny stared.  "No way."  He looked at the tech.  "Gotta be wrong."

"Yes way and not wrong," he said dryly.  "I have no clue!  That's what the blood came up.  I even ran it against Mac's blood today.  It's *his* son and somehow the other one breaks down into a baby that's a horrible thing on the world, a Messer-Flack."  He shrugged. "I tried everything.  I had to halve it to get any sort of match and that's the only thing it came up as, Danny."

"Can't be."

"Bullshit."  He shrugged, throwing up his hands.  "What do you want me to do?"

"Rerun it!" he snapped.

"Four times!" he said, handing over the reports.

"Do I need to yell too?" Stella demanded as she walked in.  She looked at the screen.  "How in the hell!" she shouted.

"That's my feeling," Danny told her.  He looked at the tech.  "Got a clue?"

"Um, let's see.  Someone knocks out the former Marine with a gas, does surgery somewhere, leaves a theatrical setup with a baby there, Danny.  Know any drama queens who can plan an operation like that?" he shot back.

"You think someone made the baby?" Mac asked from the doorway.  Danny handed over the reports.  "You ran it three times?"

"Four.  I didn't print out the other one," the tech said, giving him a look.  Danny hit the print button for that one.  "Yeah, I do think, Mac.  I think somewhere there's a crackpot with a microscope.  This last one I broke down the unknown sample to try to get a family match.  Doing that came up with a baby Danny and Don."

Mac looked then blinked.  "Interesting," he said calmly.

"Go yell, Mac," Stella ordered, taking them.

"Once we find someone I will," Mac promised.  He looked at him.  Then at Danny.  "Any other strange appearing babies recently?"

"Two, both dropped off by actual mothers at an ER.  One did come up with strange DNA but that's mostly because he was sick and had a rare genetic defect."  That got a nod.  "A known one, not one from mixing in a dish.  One from Mom having radiation treatments."

"Okay," Mac said, taking a deeper breath.  Then he winced and rubbed his stomach.  "Call the hospital, tell them we may have a parent?"

"Going to," Danny agreed.  "We want to claim it?"

"I don't know," Mac said.  "I do know that they'll send it to social services if we don't."  Danny nodded, going to do that in person.  Just in case someone doubted.  He took one of the reports with him.  He looked at Stella.  "Anything at my place?"

"Two smudges that aren't yours," she said.  "A gas canister that's not yours.  A shoe print on a windowsill.  They came in off the fire escape.  Cut a small hole in the glass to get the gas in first."  He nodded at that.  "You probably ignored it as rats being out there."

"Probably.  Can you get Don?"

"Sure."  She called him and walked Mac back to his office, Don meeting them at the elevator.  "We have a brilliant DNA tech.  He even broke down the side that didn't come up to run a family search."  Don beamed.  "That side came up you and Danny as the daddies.  The other side came up Mac."  Don blinked, staring at them.  Then he slowly shook his head.  Mac nodded, handing over the reports she was holding.  Including the printed one from the last test he had grabbed before Stella could walk him off.

"No way!" he said, grinning. "It's april, right?"

"No, it's still march," Stella told him dryly.  Don glared at her.  She shrugged.  "We don't know.  The other side comes up with a single parent. Mac."

"How?" Don asked.

"The tech thinks a crackpot with a microscope and a petri dish," Stella told him.  "He made a good case for whoever took him being military or at least having some of the training."

Don nodded. "I can see that as a valid theory.  This is nuts though."

Mac looked at him.  "I have no clue, Don, but we need to figure this part out.  Right now we're letting you know you may be a grandparent."

"Ha ha.  Thanks, really."  He put them down.  "Now what?"

"Danny went to talk to the nurses at the hospital and possibly have them draw more blood.  If so we can do a test to tell if you're related and about how close."  Don nodded, taking off his jacket.  She called the tech to come draw some for that purpose.  He came in and drew it then left quickly.  "He told Danny he's going to run and hide."

"Whoever did this needs to.  The tech who figures it out doesn't," Don said, holding the small bit of cotton to the bend in his arm.  "Now what?  Anything forensically?"

"I've got the fingerprint tech going over the canister in detail for anything.  The shoeprint came up with standard military issue boot, able to be found at any surplus store in the city and most of the second-hand stores since hunters like them.  The place Mac woke up had nothing there.  A few hairs that didn't have tags for DNA.  I left them to be broken down, see if he can get mitochondrial or not.  It'll take about four days for that though."  Mac and Don both nodded.  "Danny said something about others?"

"Two abandoned this week, one had a rare genetic defect, a known one.  Other than that, no," Mac admitted.  He leaned back, rubbing his head.  "I have no idea what we're doing, guys.  If the kid's mine he's not going into the system."

"Amen," Don agreed. "It's overcrowded and we can do good enough."  Mac smiled at that.  "Though Danny gets to be the Mom, okay?"

Stella smiled.  "You're the one who wears mauve suits."

"Yeah but he'd be cuter in the dress.   Before you ask, no I can't tell you how I'd know."  He grabbed his jacket.  "Do we need to tell anyone?"

"Not yet.  Not until we have something definitive," Mac ordered.  Don nodded, heading back to his desk since his arm wasn't bleeding.  He looked at Stella.  "Can you get me some coffee?"

"Sure, Mac."  She went to do that for him, bringing him back an energy bar too.  He looked like hell.

***

Danny tapped on the door of the motel room where Mac was staying for the night.  "Hey."  He held up a the folded papers.  "Ran kinship and things."  Mac let him inside, finding Stella and Don there.  "I told the nurse and the social worker that worked at the hospital what we knew and what we thought.  The social worker said she'd file a report and if you wanted him, to let her know by tomorrow afternoon, Mac.  The next day he's discharged to a group home."  Mac nodded at that so Danny handed over the forms.  "I know how they had to do it.   I know all they needed was an embryo to make our half so it could be mixed with yours.  I have *no* clue who's doing this shit to us.  I even called someone who'd know about private research going on in the city for this stuff.  He said no one's on file as doing this sort of embryo study.  I had Doc run every single test known to mankind on that kid's blood.  He's healthy as a horse.  Healthier than I am.  Had all his shots.  Comes off with slight radiation from something but it's not a known ray we see from any usual source.  Doc said whatever the source it wasn't harmful and could've come from however he was being kept.  Doc and I agreed this is stranger than even the X-Files people would want to handle.  He even called ours."  He sat down.  "Ours said congrats and he's seen one other case, ten years ago.  Single set of parents and they both died.  Kid died in the hospital after the accident that killed her parents."  He shrugged.  "No one has a clue, Mac."

"Okay," Mac said, looking at the tests.  "You both come up as grandparents."  He handed them to Don.  "I'm still listed as one parent."

"Could it be someone military?" Don asked.

"Usually they wouldn't pay for this sort of research," Mac said patiently.  "I called a person I know who'd know.  He did some searching and said there were no open or even slightly sealed cases of that.  Anything else, Danny?"

"Kid's DNA came up in CODIS," he said dryly.  They both stopped.  "It was filed under another name.  That name led to a dead end in California.  It was put in for the boy's protection and identification purposes.  Doesn't say if he's dead or not.  Could be a runaway.  He's twenty-one."

"Definitely not this kid," Don said.  "Second set of results or did it copy over the old ones?"

"Not sure.  Doc saw that and threw a fit though.  In another language even."  Mac snickered.  "Sid was nearby and he didn't want to upset him."  He looked at Stella, who was snickering too.  "So we don't know.  Doc called them but their department was closed for the day."

"Closed for the day?" Stella asked.  "Small town?  Has to be but they don't have a night shift?"

"No.  No night shift.  Only open a few hours.  The answering service took a message and we'll see if they call back in the morning."  She nodded at that.  He looked at Mac.  "The X-Files person was in by the time we found this and he identified the town as being of his kind," he said, smirking a bit.  "Then he shuddered and went to have a drink for surviving that town once."

"Wonderful," Don said dryly, smirking back.  "Any other good news, like aliens?"

"No.  Not yet.  We're waiting.  So, Mac?"

"I don't know," he said.  "I don't want him in the system if he is mine."

"Mac, if you don't, I am," Danny told him.  Mac nodded at that.  "Then we'll figure it the fuck out."  He stood up.   "I already told her that, she said she'd give you first option since you're apparently the mother.  I'm gonna go home and look up what you need for a baby.  If you bring him home, I'll be helping at the very least."  He walked out, heading back to his place to think.

"Me too," Don admitted.  "But you guys get to tell my mother."  He stood up.  "Mac, you be okay tonight?"

"I'll be fine.  The hotel's security are alerted, there's an officer on the hotel itself.  I'll be fine, Don."  He nodded, leaving him and Stella alone.  "You okay?"

"Trying hard not to see you as pregnant and waddling," she said, standing up.  "We've got to tell everyone something, Mac.  Rumors are already starting."

"I'll do it tomorrow," he promised.  She nodded. "Go home.  I'll see you in the morning."  She nodded, giving him a pat on the shoulder before leaving.  He laid down on the bed, getting comfortable while he thought.  "Claire would have beaten someone," he decided finally.  "Then let Stella have them."  He yawned, letting himself drift off with thoughts of his former wife doing the job of vengeance this time.  She would have enjoyed kicking their asses.

***

Mac walked into the hospital and up to the nursery, nodding at the nurses up there.  He found the senior nurse and pulled out his ID.  "Can we talk?"

"Of course, Detective.  The other one told us what had went on last night and the social worker here had him tested for relationship as well in our lab.  It's a bit strange but this is New York."

"Did it come up too?"  She nodded.  He smiled.  "We've about decided between us that one of us is going to take him."

"Good."  She led him to where he could sit and hold the baby, letting him get used to him.  "He's a good boy.  Pretty quiet.  Doesn't like to fuss unless it's absolutely dark.  We had a momentary power blink and he didn't like that."  He smiled and nodded, looking down at him.  "Let me get the social worker for you, Detective."

"Is he healthy?"

"Very.  He's also very hungry."  She handed him a bottle and went to make the call.  "Detective Taylor is up here."  She smiled.  "For that reason, yes."  She hung up and went back to her duties, keeping an eye on him.  She knew he wouldn't hurt the baby but this was just too strange for this hospital.  The social worker came in pulling up her hair.  "There you go.  He's feeding him a bottle."

"Thanks."  She walked in there.  "Detective?"  He looked up.  "Hi, Anya Hallison- Petrovitch."  She shook his free hand before pulling a chair over.  "I see you two can get along."

"We can," he agreed, smiling down at the baby.  He had fallen asleep in his arms.  "He's a good little boy?"

"He is.  Very good.  I came up to check on him before I went home last night."  She smiled at him.  "I know this is odd."

"It is but Danny and I both agreed one of us was taking him.  The system's too crowded and if he's ours, he's ours."  He looked at her.  "Any idea how this happened?  Any others reported with similar problems?"

She shook her head.  "No, not that I've heard.  There was one down in Texas about four years back but that cleared up as sperm donation taken out of a garbage can and used."  He nodded once at that.  "I do know that he's healthy.  That he eats more than his fair share of the food.  That he likes sweets.  He tried to grab someone's lollipop."  He grinned at that.  "The only question remains which one of you is taking him home so we can start the paperwork."

"Can you call Danny and we'll talk?"

"Of course.  I did on the way up here when I heard you were here."  He smiled and went back to rocking and feeding the baby.  "Let him burp too," she said gently.  He handed her the bottle and put the baby on his shoulder, letting him burp a few times before going back to feeding him.  "You seem to be doing okay."

"I took the three hour class on how to handle a baby at the academy and we've run into a few on scenes," he admitted.  "Danny might know more than I do."

"All first time parents start out without a clue, Detective."  Danny came walking in. "Hi again."

"Hi."  He smiled at the baby.  "You look good like that, Mac."

"Thanks, Danny."  He looked at him.  "Which one do you want to try first?"

"You've got the bigger place.  Mine's got a bug problem I'm going to be spraying for next week.  Had to scream at the landlord earlier 'bout it."  He took the baby to hold and feed, shhing him when he fussed.  "It's Danny, quit that."  The baby settled down to eat and stare at him.  "No cracks about the hair.  I ran outta mousse this morning, kid."  He looked at her.  "Would that be okay?  We figure out visitation among the three of us?"

"Of course.  As long as he's going home to a stable, decent environment we have no problems."  She stood up.  "Let's bring him down to my office, all right?"  The nurse handed her discharge papers and she let Mac sign them.  Then they brought down the copies to her office so they could go over what was needed and how often they'd be visiting in the first few weeks.  Plus the all important list of where to get things cheaply.  She knew cops made crap wages.  Which was why she'd be paying special attention to this one.  Someone had interfered in her area of expertise.

***

Mac walked in the meeting he had called, nodding at his ultimate boss.  "I know it's strange and some of you know why we're here."  Danny came in with the baby.  "Yesterday, or the night before really, I was taken from my apartment and left in Brooklyn with this little guy here."  His boss sat up, staring at him.  He held up a hand.  "After paternity tests and other testing we found out that someone with a petri dish and a cheap degree decided to make Danny and Don a grandmother and me a father."  Danny snorted at that.  Stella handed his boss the report.  "That has the DNA workups and all that?"  She nodded.  He looked at him.  "After talking about it last night the three of us agreed he would not stay in the system."

"So you're claiming him?" the police commisioner asked.

Mac nodded.  "I am.  He'll reside with me for right now.  Danny and Don can both jump in whenever they want to help.  We'll figure out visitation and those things if and when it becomes necessary."  He looked at his team.  "As such, I've got to set up my place with a nursery and take some time off to find him a caretaker.  Stella, you'll be in charge while I'm out.  I know I have up to eleven weeks?" he asked his boss.

"That is federal law.  State law gives you another two weeks of emergency leave on top of that if he's ill."

"Nah, he's a healthy guy," Danny assured him.  He moved so he could see the baby.  "This is him.  We've still gotta figure out a name."

"He's adorable, Mac."  He smiled.  "You as well, Detective Messer, and Detective Flack."

"Thanks.  Can you tell my folks for me?  I wanna be in another borough, if not another state.  One further away than New Jersey or Connecticut."

"I can do that."  He looked at the reports.  It included how it had to have happened for the less wary prosecutor.  "Do we have any idea who?"

Danny stood up, shaking his head.  He paced a bit since the baby looked like he wanted to fuss.  "Nope.  I called the people who'd get the results for authentication.  I called the local science society, all that.  No one knows about anything like this.  Someone got curious and tried to figure out how it was done."

"I called some military contacts and they've never heard of anyone doing this either, sir," Mac said.  "I know it's odd and sudden...."

He held up a hand.  "I'd rather have him settled and safe than not, Detectives."  He stood up.  "Do you have the leave forms filled out?"

"On my desk, sir.  I did them before I went to the hospital."

"Good enough."  He clapped him on the back.  "Good luck, detective.  Remember, there's a parenting group on the NYPD server so you can get advice when the baby's being sick or something.  Let me know how much you're taking or if you need the full eleven weeks."

"Right now I'm planning four.  I have that much saved and banked for paid paternity leave."

"Good enough.  I'll get the forms on my way out.  Again, congratulations, no matter how he came to be."  He walked out smiling.  It wasn't an emergency.  Thank God it wasn't an emergency with his top lab.  He went to call his people and get them started on how it happened.  If someone was doing this in his city he wanted them found and that lab would destroy everyone if they found them first.  Then he sat down to call Don's father.  He had to know and his son was right to worry and to want to run.

Mac looked at his team again.  "So, Stella's in charge while I'm gone.  Danny, Don, my place later then we'll shop?" They nodded. "Good.  Stella, if you wanted to do a welcoming party, make it Sunday afternoon or sometime like that when it's not as busy.  My place or here, doesn't matter."

"Of course."  She smiled and took the baby to hold.  "Hi, precious."  He yawned and flailed a bit.  "Good boy.  How're we picking a name?"

"Don't know yet," Mac told her.  "We'll figure that out tonight too."  Don's phone rang. "Parents already?"

He looked.  "Nah.  Boss."  He answered it.  "In a meeting, boss."  He hung up on his growl.  "He's pissed.  I gotta head.  After shift?"  Mac nodded.  "You heading today?"

"I am."

"Good luck.  See you in a few hours.  Danny, I'll give you a ride if we're done at the same time or thereabouts."  He smiled at the baby.  "We'll play later, snookums."  He left, going to tell his boss.  He found him pacing and walked into his office, making him follow with another growl.  Don shut the door with a wave at the other detectives, giving them a comical look just before it shut.  "You know what happened to Taylor?"  His boss glared but nodded.   The kidnaping had made it back to his ear.  "The kid came up as one parent a mix of me and Messer, the other is Taylor."  His boss flopped down, giving him a horrified look.  "Yeah, so we're arranging things.  Mac's got formal custody right now but we're arranging for things and figuring the rest out.  We were having a meeting with the top guy over in CSI about that.  I can get you the reports if you want," he said when he opened his mouth.

"How?"

"Crackpot with a petri dish," he said bluntly.  "We're still hunting them."  That got a nod.  "So we're good now?"

"We're fine," he said dryly.  "Are you taking custody?"

"Now and then.  Apparently I'm a grandparent."  He shrugged.  "What do I know?  He's tiny, cute, and newborn.  Kinda big but they said the slime on him was newborn slime when Mac woke up."

"Military?"

"That's an idea that's been put forth.  Mac called.  No one knows anything."

"Fine.  Do you need legal services?"

"We'll figure that out later, Cap.  All we know right now is that the baby's just come out of the hospital.  Mac's gotta go shopping later.  Danny and I are gonna go with him.  That way I'm out of range of my parents when they hear.  Then I'll set up mine at my place.  Danny'll set up his at his place.  We'll share custody and expenses, that stuff.  That's as far as we've gotten so far.  Not bad for three bachelors who don't know a thing about kids, huh?"

His boss nodded.  "There's a lot more to raising a kid than sharing expenses, Flack."

"I know that.  Barely but I know that.  Watched it in a movie," he said with a grin.  "So I'm gonna go back to work but I need out on time tonight."

"Go."  Don left, letting him call his boss. "Have you heard about Taylor's predicament?"  He listened to the official version, which mirrored Flack's.  Plus that they had a copy of the report.  "He was cut?  Flack, he had surgery?" he called.

"Whoever took him cut him just enough to need stitches to make him look like he delivered," he called back.

The captain shuddered.  "They're sharing custody.  That's all they know so far.  That and Flack wants to give his parents time to scream first."  He saw Don's father walk in and pointed at his desk since Don couldn't see him.  Don did take off running though.   "Smart boy.  His dad's here."  He hung up and went to talk to him.  "Taylor has primary custody."

"He's in his office doing the last few forms before leaving.  I stopped in to see the baby."  He gave him a look.  "My son ran."

"He said he wanted to give you two time to yell."

"I should yell!"

"He should yell, you should yell, just do it somewhere outside my precinct, Flack."

"Fine, Gerrard."  He went to find his son, finding him back in Taylor's office with Messer.  "The kid in-between?"

"They didn't have to have it born ta do this," Danny offered quietly, feeding the kid.  "Are you always hungry?"  The baby gulped more formula.  He looked at him.  "They could've taken cells from an embryo and done it within days of mixing us together."

Don's father shuddered.  "Fine.  How are we sharing custody?"

"I'm taking primary, they can help whenever they want," Mac told him.  "If we need more firm rules we'll make them as needed.  You and your wife are welcome to visit too, Captain."

"Good to know."  He took the baby from Danny, looking at him.  "Want burped, kid?"  The baby belched without his help.  "Your dad did that a few times."  He patted him anyway, holding him.  "Don, your mother's going to scream."

"I'm helping Mac shop tonight, Dad.  I'm not going to have my phone on.  She can leave a message or ten."

"That won't save you, son.  She knows where you live," he reminded him.

"She should, she painted it."  He shrugged.  "Not like I have a clue, Dad.  First I heard of it, Danny and Stella told me."

"We'll figure it out then.  Hopefully without your mother demanding a shotgun wedding."

"Dad, not legal," Don said dryly.

"That won't stop her," he said, staring at his son.

"Trios aren't legal?" he tried.

"That won't stop her either, son," he assured him.  He took the bottle at the first fussy noise and stuck it in the open mouth.  "Needed more?" he teased with a small smile.  The baby sucked and got comfortable.  "You're a bit huge for a newborn."

"The nurse and the tests said it was amniotic fluid and blood on him when Mac woke up," Danny said.  "Tests said it was his."  That got a nod.  "The nurses thought he was a newborn too."

"Some woman in Brazil gave birth to a thirteen pound baby last year," Don said helpfully.  "It was in the news.  She even did it naturally without painkillers."

"More power to her," Danny quipped.  "Thank God it wasn't me."  Both Flacks cracked a smile at that.  He stood up.  "Let me finish doing my reports for this case, guys.  Then I'll come back to help you two shop.  I might need to move.  My place is New York tiny."  He left, going to his desk.  He noticed some of them giving him odd looks.  "Not like he came to be naturally, people.  Unless you saw me waddling and belching?  Or Mac waddling and belching, eating pickles and stuff?"  A few shuddered and Lindsay whimpered.  "Good.  Get back to work."  He finally made it to his desk, settling in to do his reports for this case.  Lindsay walked in.  "Hey."

"Do things like this happen in New York?"

"Now and then there's crackpots around here," he admitted.  "Any real city has some.  Ours come from all over the world."  He called Mac's office.  "What about international kooks with a petri dish?"  He nodded at his 'one of the ones I called was CIA, they'd have heard'.  "Just a thought."  He hung up.  "He put out a feeler that way too."  He got back to work.  "What?" he asked when she continued to stare.

"This doesn't bother you?"

"It bothers me a lot.  Someone did this to my kid."  He looked at her.  "That means I'm more motivated to get the bastard and make 'em sorry."

"For making you a father."

"No, for doing this without my consent.  I planned on having kids some day.  I knew it'd happen some day.  Didn't figure it'd be this way but I knew I'd have some some day."  He shrugged.  "Just strange that I'm a grandfather before I'm a father."

"You're not throwing a fit?"

"No."  He looked at her.  "Real New Yorkers roll with the punches, Monroe.  I'll throw a fit when I find 'em and make sure that I don't have a son *and* a grandson out there."  She shuddered, walking off to her desk.  "Don't worry about having to babysit.  Mac's not like that and neither are we.  Whoever wants to can offer."  He kept the opinion that he wouldn't want her to sit his kid or grandkid to himself.  She wasn't handling this shock very well.  She might say something to the kid that'd scar them for life or something.  He finished up that report and the other one he needed to finish, bringing them to Mac.  "Done."  He logged out from his computer then went to get his stuff from his locker, coming back to grab the baby.  "We have a carseat?"

"I borrowed one for the afternoon."

"That's first on the list then," Danny agreed.  He grinned.  "Come on, Mac."  Mac finished up and logged out, texting Don that they were going.  Don said he'd meet them at Mac's place in an hour.  He was doing an arrest report.  "We're good then," Danny said, seeing the answer.  "Let's go."  He walked out with the baby, letting Mac grab the empty bottle and small pack of stuff.  "Let's see what we can figure out for you, precious.  Including a name.  He texted the word 'name' to Don.  Don called back, letting him listen.  "You got any others?  Sure, that'll work.  Thanks, Flack."  He hung up.  "He's got four or five he likes right off the top of his head.  I don't care personally.  Nothing too stereotypically Italian but otherwise that's all good."

"Anything I'd like?"

"Paul.  John, James.  Normal names, Mac.  Make your own list and fight.  I'll veto anything too strange and it'll work."

Mac smiled.  "Sure, you can referee tonight."  He got them into his car, doing the babyseat while Danny watched.  That got a nod from the other guy.  "Think you can?"

"I think I'll learn."  That got a smirk.  "Not like I have a car in the city."  He buckled himself up and let Mac walk around to drive.  "Your place first, see what we have ta move?"

"The spare bedroom is my office."  He considered his place.  "The dining room closes off and it's a nice room.  Has a good view.  No fire escape but a good view. A small storage closet that's about stuffed full."

"Where would you put your table?"

"If I take the leaves out it'll fit in the area by the window next to the tv," he said.  Danny nodded at that.  "I've got a list from the social worker too."

"Good!  I didn't think to get one."  Mac grinned.  "I figured if I had to I'd ask an old girlfriend for help.  She's got four or so."

"Or so?"

"Well, a few are her girlfriend's."

"Ah, one of those."  He pulled out into traffic, heading for his place. They were catching the tail end of rush hour so it was horrible but the baby slept most of the way.  They finally got there and found Don waiting on them.  "How in the hell?" Mac muttered.

"He's a Flack.  Probably got a flight from the traffic copter," Danny snorted, taking the baby out.  "There we go, snookums."  He carried him over to Flack.  "We made it home.  We need a carseat."

"That's a good thing to start with," Don agreed.  Mac took out that one to hand back to his neighbor while they checked out his dining area.  Don looked around.  "This is gonna be the baby's room?"

"His spare room is the office."

"I could move the office in here," Mac admitted.  "The closet in there is packed higher."  Don nodded at that.  "Danny, put the baby on the couch?"  He went to do that and came back to help Mac take the leaves out of the table he usually spread out on and put it in the corner of the living room.  The baby made moaning noises and they all looked over.  "Is that normal?"

Don nodded.  "My cousin made those noises too."

"Good.  I thought the baby was a zombie or something," Danny complained.  The other chairs got stacked in the office for now.  Though Mac left one in there for feeding and things.  Then they measured the area.  Danny touched the subtly striped wallpaper.  "We gonna redo this?"

Mac looked then shook his head.  "No.  I don't want to wallpaper ever again."  Don grinned at that.  "Claire ambushed me when we first moved in.  I hate wallpapering."  That got a nod of understanding and Danny got them online to look at baby stores to see what they could get together and how much it was going to cost.  "Babies cost more than new cars," Mac said finally.

"And more than maintenance, but less than parking," Don added happily.

Danny looked at him.  "That's why I take the subway and cabs."  Don snickered at that.  "You two go argue over names.  We'll get the baby seat first.  Then we'll figure out where we're heading after that."

"I say one stop at a department store and we're done," Don said.

Mac nodded.  "If at all possible.  Sears?"

"Wal-Mart?" Don countered.  "Be cheaper."

"And probably fall apart," Mac said.

"Guys, doesn't really matter," Danny pointed out.  "We can't get diapers at Sears, but we can get everything else.  If we hit the one mall out towards Queens we can hit both stores, plus get food since Mac's cupboards are usually bare."  That got a nod and they settled down to look at a baby name sites.  They agreed to look at the 'top 100' names first to see if anything hit them.

"Aaron?" Don offered.

"I've never liked double vowel names.  Looks like you're stuttering when you write them," Danny said.  "Middle name?"

"I could stand that if it goes with the first," Mac agreed.  He started his list.

Ethan

Andrew

Anthony

Alexander

Lucas

Don did his.  He wasn't as picky bu the wanted it to sound good.  "Are we going with a last name of Taylor?"  Mac nodded.  "You sure?"

"I'm the only full parent of the three of us.  I thought it'd be reasonable."

"Sure," Danny agreed.  "Don?"

"Dad'll complain."

"You can call him."

"No, if I call him, Mom'll know I can be reached.  Not a chance."  He worked on his list.

Connor

Sebastian

Samuel

Steven

Alexander

Donald

Mac looked over.  "You want him to be a Don too?"

"Dad'll be a bit mollified."

"No he won't," Danny said with a grin.  "If you can't give him a third he'll pout the same as you do."

"Fine."  He scratched that one off.  "Looks like he we have a name in common."

"Alexander.  Good strong name, good men in history with it."

"What's it mean?" Danny asked.

Don looked it up.  "Defender of Mankind."

"That'll work for our kid," Mac agreed.  "I don't like it being Alexander Aaron though.  Ethan?"

"Then the kids would pick on him for being 'AET'.  Sounds like a bad cable network, Mac."

"AST isn't much better," Mac said dryly.  "Unless we want him to be an assistant?"

"A anything T is going to come up looking funny," Don pointed out.

"Good point.  Ethan?"

"Not really fond of it," Don said.  "Knew someone who was.  Bastard of the first order.  James or Dean?  Samuel?  Good biblical name."

Mac mentally said all those combinations.  "Dean," he decided.  Don muttered it then nodded.  Danny shrugged.  "It's settled?"  They all nodded and Mac put it on the birth certificate.  "We can file that tomorrow.  Where to first?"

"Mall," Danny reminded him.  "Carseat first then furniture."  He stood up and grabbed the baby, letting Don have him when he pouted.  "Here, have the baby."

"Thanks."  He beamed. "Hi, Al."  The baby blinked at him then farted.  He laughed.  "Don't like that?  Well we do and you'll learn to."  He walked him outside.  "How're we doing this?"

"It'll be safe enough on the way there," Danny said.  "Unless we're cabbing?"

"We'll need a minivan to carry back the crib and stuff," Don said.  Mac groaned.  "Order online and have it shipped?"  They  nodded, going back upstairs to do that.  There were a few of them that would and one was nearly as cheap.  That way the got the carseat, crib, and some limited supplies for tonight.  Danny found the online grocery store and ordered some of the stuff they needed.  Mac shook his head, canceling it and ordering food for the night.  "We can get the rest tomorrow.  When we have the carseat and we only need diapers and stuff."  The baby farted again.  "Yeah, for that stuff, Al."  He went to check him then shrugged.  "Still dry.  Just air so far."

"He's getting used to it," Mac told him.

Danny grinned.  "We'll all get plenty of the fury of the butt soon enough, guys."  They laughed at that but let it go for now.  Don cuddled the baby until the stuff got there then they set it up and it went okay.  Mac placed the crib first and the other stuff got put around it.  Finally the baby had a safe, good place to nap so they put him down.  Alex yawned then fell asleep with his thumb put into his mouth by Don.  "Good boy," he said quietly, leaving the door cracked open.  "What's left on the list?"

"Clothes, baby monitor, mobile if we want one," Mac said, reading it over.  "Diapers, formula.  We're down to half a can.  Should last until tomorrow morning."  He went to make a few for later on.  He knew he wasn't going to be able to handle it at one in the morning.  He came back to finish looking it over.   "All stuff that'll fit in the trunk."  They beamed at each other and dug into the dinner, Don turning off his phone after the first time it rang and came up his mother.

"Texas is pretty, right?" Don asked, eating a bite of sandwich.

"It's supposed to be," Danny agreed tolerantly.

"Maybe I'll hide there until Ma's less upset."

"She'll still be screaming even when you're fifty," Mac said patiently.  Alex sniffled and they all hopped up to check on him.  Don got to change his first diaper, grimacing a bit when he came out of the bathroom but that was to be expected.  None of them were really fond of the bathroom stuff anyway.

***

Mac got his first real diaper the next morning.  "Damn, Al.  Did you eat a corpse?" he demanded.  "I've seen less smelly things coming out of a dumpster dead."  He took a breath and dove back into the cleaning portion, ignoring the hurt look in the baby's eyes.  "I'm sorry, kiddo, but that's disgusting.  How formula turns into that is a mystery even to me."  He finished cleaning him, repowdered his butt, then put on a new diaper.  "Can we maybe keep that down to one a day?" he asked hopefully.  "Or every other day maybe?  Big people can do that."

The baby fussed so he got him his pacifier and let him suck on it while they went to see what time it was and what was in the kitchen.  He went to look online about diapers, finding something called a diaper capturing can.  It supposedly kept the stink inside.  "We need one of those."  He put it on his list for the day.  He got himself breakfast, sitting down with the baby in the little tabletop chair they had ordered.  He had to prop up the bottle while he ate, making the baby much happier.  "I forgot you couldn't do that yourself yet.  Sorry, Alex."  He decided he liked Alex better than Al.  Sounded more dignified.  He finished his breakfast and burped Alex then let him sit in his chair again to finish his bottle.  He seemed to like it.  He could see more than just him in it.  He grinned and the baby made that baby zombie noise again.  "We still have to finish your shopping, kiddo," he said quietly.  "I don't know if the other two are coming or not."

He called Danny.  "Are you coming shopping with us or did you want to do yours later?"  He smiled.  "That'll work.  Sure."  He hung up and called Don's desk since it was late enough for him to be in.  "It's me," he said in greeting.  "Shopping for your stuff?"  He grinned at Don's 'my mother's got stuff stored and she'll get pushy'.  "Sure.  Then we'll go today.  You guys come over tonight to help and see what I missed.  We'll figure out who's getting the next one set up.  Good.  Have a good day, Don."  He hung up and looked at the bottle.  It was empty.  "I don't think you need to suck air, Alex."  He took the bottle and the baby cried.  He found a pacifier and put it into his mouth and the baby was happier.  "I like that!"  He grinned.  "Let's get cleaned up so we can go look at baby gear."  The baby stared at him.  "Hmm.  How did they say to bathe a baby?"  He stared at him then shrugged.  The little chair was dryable and washable fabric over a plastic frame.  It could go into the shower with him.

The baby didn't seem to mind.  The diaper was already wet so that was fine too.  He adjusted the spray so it hit him and the baby was behind him.  His shower took a few minutes then he picked the baby up to clean him up.  The baby enjoyed it, he was making happy baby noises for him.  "We like water?  I guess that's a good thing for future cleanliness."   He finished up and watched the baby pee on him.  He had to smile at that.  "Wanted more time in here?"  He put him back into his chair, letting the water barely hit him while he scrubbed that part of himself again.  Then he got them both out, diapered in Alex's case, dressed both of them.  He stared at the carseat, deciding the instructions were good in this case.  He brought it down to his car, letting Alex lay on the front seat while he figured it out.  Which he couldn't.  He groaned, looking at the baby.  "I think we're missing a part."  Someone coughed so he looked at his neighborhood patrol officer.  "Hey, Bob.  Do you know how to hitch in a carseat?"

"I do.  I came to see if that was the little guy we heard about.  Rumors are seriously out of control."

Mac smiled.  "They're probably true."

"I hope not, we have a few alien ones, Detective."  He got him out of the way, then smiled and hitched the carseat in.  "Like that."  Mac beamed at him, letting him see the baby.  "Hi, little fella."

"We decided his name's Alexander Dean Taylor."

"Hi, Alex."  He shook his hand, smiling at him.  "So how?"

"Someone with a petri dish."  He shrugged.  "They decided to be theatrical about introducing us too."

"That I heard about."  He looked at him.  "Flack's a grandparent?"  Mac nodded.  "Damn.  His parents have got to be screaming."

"His father was calm yesterday afternoon.  Don's ducking his mother today and last night."  Bob laughed and nodded, letting him put the baby in there.  He hitched the straps down.  "There, comfy?"

"They make these little neck rolls so his head doesn't tilt too far to the side, Detective."

"Good.  I was worried about that."  He smiled.  "Have one?"

"Four.  My wife did fertility treatments and we have four."  Mac patted him on the arm.  "At least Messer and Bonasera will dote on the boy and spoil him until he begs."

"Probably.  Especially since Danny's his other grandparent on that same side."  The cop stared then burst out laughing.  "They created a baby Flack and Messer, then took some of the cells of the embryo to create him with mine."

"Oh, Sweet Jesus," he laughed.  "Well, at least one probably bakes cookies."   He walked off giggling.  "Have a good day shopping, Detective.  Try the second-hand store in the Village.  They have some nice baby clothes."

"I will.  Thank you, Bob."  He closed the door and walked around to get in and drive.  "That was very nice of Officer Bob," he told the baby, who burped.  He checked then used his handkerchief to wipe it off.  "There we go."  He turned back around, making sure all the doors were locked before heading off to the second-hand store.  It'd be cheaper to start there.

***

Mac looked up as Danny knocked then walked in.  "Could've sworn I locked that."

"I made a copy off Stella's key," he said with a grin.  "Just in case the baby needs stuff."

"Fine," he groaned, shifting some.  "He's down."

"Good!  Did we shop all day?"  He handed him something.  "From the guys at the lab."  He went to check on the baby, smiling at the other stuff now in there.  "Did the daddy spoil you, Alex?"

"Let him sleep.  Please let him sleep," Mac begged.

Danny laughed, coming out to sit next to him.  "Sure, he can nap until Don gets here."

"His mother ever find him?"

"No but his landlord called him to make sure he wanted to move because his mother said he was."  Mac shook his head.  "They talked and there's a bigger one in his building so he's moving there.  Not much more a month."  He got comfortable.  "We have anything left on the list?"

"I couldn't find a baby monitor that had a range I liked."

"Mac, it won't reach the office no matter what one you use.  That's why there's nanny cams," Danny said.

"I know what they are."

"Good!  Then you can set up long distance surveillance gear for that stuff."

"All of them were cutesy and didn't go that low in volume."

"Ah."  He nodded.  "I'll look tonight.  Not like we won't hear 'im."  He looked at the present.  "They'll give you more than a card when Stella does the welcoming party.  That's when it is."

Mac opened it, smiling at the congratulations card that had been signed by nearly everyone.  Plus the date of the party and time next to Stella's name.  "Thank them for me?"

"Sure."  He patted him on the arm.  "Did you remember groceries?  I'll cook."

"Thank you."  Danny grinned, going to see what he had then getting to work on dinner.  "Where's Don?"

"On his way.  I actually got done on time.  No new cases today."  He put some meat into a frying pan.  "Wrapped my last one this morning.  Handed Stella the report already."

"Anything else good happen?"

"Peyton's back."

"Interesting."   He went to check the baby since he heard sniffling.  He was still asleep so he backed out carefully, heading back to the couch to flop down again.  Don knocked.  He checked.  "It's open, Don."  Don walked in.  "Danny stole Stella's key."

"So did I.  Doesn't mean I won't knock for a bit."  He looked in on the baby, smiling. "There's my angel."

"Who flirted with every woman in existence," Mac told him dryly.  He gave him a look.  "Even the babies at the baby store didn't get as many coos as he did."

Don grinned.  "That means he's a little Flack, we're all adorable."  He sat down, looking at Danny.  "Want help?"

"Nah.  You get the next diaper though."

Mac looked back there.  "I swear the baby smelled like a trash barge corpse this morning.  No one said they were that disgusting.  I doubt even Sheldon could come up with a scientific explanation for how bad those are.  I know I can't."

"Um,  yeah, they are," Danny said with a grin.  "According to the place I looked online while doing my report they'll firm up in a few months."

Mac shuddered.  Even the thought of months of diapers like that made his head hurt.

Don patted him on the shoulder.  "Remember, we'll have him sometimes too."

"Good.  Change the next one?"

"Of course."  He settled in to watch tv with him.  "My  mother did want us to move in together.  I finally had to tell her why and she's wailing and determined to find whoever made him so she can rip him apart.  A few officers started a pool on who'd find the mad person first.  Six or seven bet on my mother."  Mac snickered.  "They did.  There's a good running for Stella next since it means she's gotta do more work.  A few for Danny.  A lot more for you.  Some for me.  Someone voted for Gerrard because all the baby stuff is driving him nuts."  They shared a look.  "Any clues so I can point my mother at them?"

"Bet on it being her?"

"Hell yes.  She's where I get the stubborn streak from."  Danny laughed, bringing him a  plate.  "Thanks, Danny."  They dug in and Danny came out to eat too.  At least until someone knocked.  "Who is it?" he called, hand going toward his gun.

"Open this door right now, Donald, before I paddle you again!" a woman shouted.

Don looked at Mac.  "See.  Stubborn."   He went to let his mother in.  "He's sleeping, Ma.  Let him."  He nodded at his Dad, who walked in shaking his head.  The baby wailed so he went to pull her away from him. "Ma!"  She glared.  "Let him sleep."  He picked up the baby, patting and calming him down.  "It's all right, Al.  It's all okay.  That's my parents.  The great-grandparents are gonna let you nap, baby.   I promise."  He got him calmed down and looked down.  "Liked the binky more than the thumb?" he teased.  He smiled at his father, letting him have him.  "Put him back down if he's going to nap."  He went back to his dinner, still mentally shaking his head.  Danny gave him a look but he shook his head.  The baby fussed.

Mac went in there.  "He's only had Stella and the nurses hold him so far," Mac said quietly.  "He's not used to women holding him yet."  He took the baby to finish calming him down, smiling when he fell back asleep.  Then he handed him back.  He sniffed.  "He must smell the meat on you, Mrs. Flack.  He didn't like me having a burger earlier."

"Some babies are like that."  She sat in the chair, cuddling him.  "You need a better feeding chair in here."

"I know.  I was thinking a rocking recliner."  She gave him a look.  "Same function, more padding.  Plus it'd give him something to sit in later on."  She apparently had it so he went to finish dinner and look for seconds.  "Thanks for cooking, Danny."

"Not an issue, Mac."  He took Don's plate when he held it up.  "Seconds or done?"

"Seconds if there's any left."  He grinned when his father came out.  "We've got to set up mine and Danny's nursery for visitation."

His mother came out without the baby.  "You can't move in like a real father?"

"I'm a grandparent, Ma, not a parent."  She glared at him, tapping a foot.  He swallowed.  He knew that look.  "We're still working stuff out, Ma.  I promise."

"I'm not moving and there's not that much room here," Mac told her.  "The closets are full with just our stuff."  He sat back down with his seconds.  "Sorry, Danny cooked because he knew we'd be starved after shopping earlier."  She waved him off and went to see what he already had.  "Don could use the help when he's moved."

"I know he'll have the stuff we have in storage," Don Senior agreed.  "Do you still need anything?"

"A good baby monitor that has more than a short range and a wider volume range.  I have a thick wall and I want it able to reach the fire escape.  The only one I found had teddy bears and balloons with no good range of volume."

"I can have someone look.  A mobile?"

"We debated about it but he didn't like them.  He screamed at most of them."

"I've found a great one," Danny offered.  "It's polished metal from recycled bikes.  No sharp edges but they've got some that're curved, some that're twisted, some that're shapes.  All sorts of colors.  I picked it up last night on the way home."  Mac smiled at that.  "I still need to move."  Mac nodded that he understood that.

"You know, Don's going to have a nice, big place," Mrs. Flack offered.  Her son scowled at her.  "You will."

"Ma, you'd have it if I was sleeping with Danny.  It means he's the only kid and he's a Taylor since I'm a grandparent."  He stuffed his mouth and went back to eating.  His father was trying hard not to laugh.  "But if you want I'll gladly bend Danny over and make him squeal a few times a night.  You up for that, Danny?"

"I've had worse offers," he said dryly, giving him a look.  "Be the other way though.  You'd have fun on your back."  He ate a bite and weathered the pouting mother.  "If he does you're going to hate not being able to nag for more grandkids."

"Fine," she muttered, going to check the kitchen.  "You're feeding him formula?  What about goat's milk?  They say it's better for them."

"The social worker and nurses said that was fine.  That's what he was eating in the hospital, Mrs. Flack.  When I find him a pediatrician we'll ask on the first visit," Mac said patiently.  Mr. Flack smiled at him.  Don did too.  So humoring her was the right track.  "Did you see anything else I'm missing?"

"He'll need more clothes.  Plus some toys in a few months."

"We'll start gathering baby toys next payday," Don told her.  "Clothes too, Ma.  We know he'll grow."

"He will," she agreed.  "After all, you came out a measly eighteen inches long, Don."

"Now look how tall you are," Danny teased.  "Our kid's gonna be the Jolly Green Giant."

Don swatted at him.  "Shuddup."

Mac shook his head at their playing.  "They'll have clothes at their places too."

"Good!"  She looked at Danny.  "How are we doing your nursery?"

"I've gotta move.  I'm in a studio."  She just nodded.   "No bigger places in my building so I'm looking now.  Then I'll set one up.   I'll run over ta help these two until I get mine set up."

"That's reasonable."  She patted him on the head and went to check on the baby again.

"Ma, let him sleep," Don complained.  "Please?  You know newborns never sleep."

"He's awake anyway.  He's laying a very bad diaper."  She brought the baby out.  "Changing area?"

"I've been using the top of the cabinet in the bathroom."

She nodded, going to change him in there.  "Oh, that's not so bad," she said happily.  "Not bad at all, precious."

Mac gave Don's father an odd look.  "It looked like a dead corpse's flesh this morning," he said.  "That's not bad?"

"Unfortunately that's about normal.  It'll be worse when he's sick.  You get used to them, Taylor."  He took the baby when she came back out.  "Hey.  What's his name?"

"Alex."

Don pouted at him.  "I liked Al."

"Then call him Al.  He'll figure out that you're you soon enough," Danny said to break up the fight and pouting.  Don nodded, taking his son from his father but his mother took him and handed him back.  Danny snickered quietly.  "What's next on our list, Mac?"

"Baptism," Mrs. Flack said from the baby's room.  "Mac, do you have a washer?  If not  you might want to consider getting one."

"It's in the closet in the kitchen, Mrs. Flack."  She brought out the laundry to do for him.  "I can do that."

"Shut up, Mac," she warned.

"Yes, ma'am."   He'd let her fuss and get it out of her system.  "Check the pockets?  I know some woman slid her number into Alex's t-shirt this morning."  She did that, looking at it before tossing it out.  He smiled at that.  "She had twins.  She said to call for advice."  She gave him a look then went back to checking things so she could do laundry.  Don snickered at that.  "She did," he said quietly.

"At least the girls think he's pretty already," Don said dryly.  "Clearly his Flack side coming out."

Danny looked at him.  "Sure it is, Don."  He ate a bite, smirking at the scowl.  He finished up and brought the dishes into the kitchen. She tried to shoo him out but he gave her a look.  "Don't even try, woman."  She backed off and he gave her a look.  "I cooked, I can damn well do the dishes.  Go fuss at the baby.  Shoo!"  She huffed but did that.  Don came in to help him with the dishes while Mac tried to get the baby back from Don's parents.  They shared a look.  "How long?" he muttered quietly.

"Two-three weeks," Don muttered back.  That got a nod and the baby wailed.  Don went to take the baby back and cuddle him.  "Shh, I've got you, Al.  It's all right.  No nasty nightmare is gonna get you."  He walked him around the living room, getting him calmed down.  "See, I'm good at fighting nightmare monsters.  That's my boy.  Let's go back to the crib or are you up again?"  Mac made a bottle and warmed it for him.  "Thanks."  He stuck it in his mouth, getting a greedily sucking baby.  "How much are we feeding you a day?"

"About twice what's recommended on the can," Mac told him.  "Which is why I got a recommendation from my doctor about pediatricians.  We go to see him next week."  Don grinned and nodded.  "You can both come if you can arrange the time off."  He leaned on the back of the couch, watching Don pace and feed the baby.  "Let me."

"I've got it.  Sit down."  Mac sat down, letting Don handle it for now.  He smiled at the baby.  "Have to bat at the fussy ones now and then," he told him.  His mother reached and he swatted her hands.  "See?  Do like that and you can stay with me."   The baby made happy baby noises again.  "That zombie noise is good, right?"  Don's father nodded.  "Good ta know."  He finally sat down and the baby drifted off in his arms, comfortable and content.  "Good boy, Al.  That's our good boy."  The baby yawned so he put down the bottle to burp him, getting a good one down his shoulder.  "We wash too."  The baby made interested noises.  "We like the water, huh?"

"He and I took a shower this morning," Mac admitted.  "He liked it a lot.  Peed on me to keep it going."  Don snickered at that.

"You're supposed to give them a bath in shallow water," Mrs. Flack told him.

"I don't have a sink that'll stop up like that and he liked the shower.  I was very careful to make sure it didn't drown him, Mrs. Flack.  Really, I am."  She huffed.  He took the baby from Don, weathering the pout.  "You can walk him later.  Hi, Alex."  The baby shifted but got comfortable against his shoulder and decided to finish his nap.  "Want back in your crib or do you want to stay up?"

"Let him stay up this time.  He'll be up and passed around again soon enough," Danny told him.  He held up his hands.  "Want me to?   Your washer is getting loud."  Mac handed off the baby so he could fix the unbalance problem that was making his washer bang in the closet.  "Morning, Alex.  Such a good boy to nap.  Yes you are," he assured him.   He patted his back gently, getting another burp.  "I know that happens.  It's all right."  He settled back into the couch so he'd be more comfortable.   "That's a good boy, Alex."  The baby shifted again but stayed asleep.

"Do you have other children?" Mrs. Flack asked him.

"Nah, dated a few girls who had kids.  One's got four or so now with hers and her girlfriend's kids together."

"I don't like that sort raising children," she said firmly.

He stared at her.  "While that's nice for you, she's a damn good friend'a mine.  I'm not your son."  She withdrew at that.  He looked at Don.  Then back at Mac.  "I'm looking at apartments closer to Don's neighborhood or between here and there mostly."

"It's an expensive area.  Claire and I managed to buy this one during the real estate crash in the late eighties.  I know one went up for sale in another building up the street for nearly half a million when it went condo."  He smiled at his CSI for sticking up for his friends.  "Closer to where Don lives is still nice but there's a huge slum between us too."

"I know.  I'm thinking that there's one on the next block over in the other direction. That bother you?"

"No, it's not that far away.  As long as you're not in another borough or something it'll be fine, Danny."  Danny nodded at that.  "We'll all have to do some commuting to hand him over.  I will warn you that the nearest subway stop is about seven blocks away."

"Knew that already. That's how I got here tonight."   He grinned and let Don have the baby since he was pouting.  "There, ease Don's pout.  Before it's permanent and some girl comes up ta mug him again so he's happier."

"I don't pout and she liked the badge," he defended.

"Sure ya don't," Danny said dryly, smirking at him.  "Want me to get a camera?"

"No.  Someone might post 'em on the bulletin board again," he shot back, giving him a look.  Danny just smirked at that accusation.  "I know it was you."

"Stella, not me."

"Fine."  He looked down at the baby, patting him on the back.

"Monroe found one of 'em her first week."

"If you say she got hot or drooled, I'm gonna complain," he said before Danny could finish that sentence.  "She might be a good CSI but it's not gonna happen there."

"Thank you for not dating in the lab," Mac said dryly, coming out with a damp cloth to wipe his mouth off.  "He's drooling again."  He tossed it into the sink and sat down again.  "Want relieved?"

"No!"  He swatted at him.  "G'way."

"Fine," Mac agreed, smiling at Danny.  "What's the one a block away like?"

"Not sure.  I'm looking at it after work tomorrow."

"Interesting.  I didn't know anything was open that way."  Danny found the day's paper and showed him.  "I know that address.  It had a jumper about six months ago."  He handed it back.  "Must've finally cleared out and fixed things."

"I'll make sure to have a priest bless it then."  He looked at the rest of the ads, smiling when the baby blinked at him.  "You awake?"  He cooed.  Danny grinned.  "Want read to?  We can do that."  He shifted and read the baby the ads, telling him about the neighborhoods or making comments like 'that'll be tiny' or 'that's a lot of stairs' with each one.  The baby got happy and fell back asleep listening to him.  "We do make cute kids together.  Smart too."

"He gets the cute part from me," Don said with a grin.

Danny pinched him on the arm.  "You've got a very good brain.  Quit that shit now."

"No swearing in front of the baby," Mrs. Flack said.  Danny gave her a look and she wilted again.

"Fine, he gets a third of his brain from me," Don said.  "Happier now?"

"Much.  'Cause I know you're not stupid."  He patted the baby on the head.  "Wanna lay down for real this time?"  He sniffed.  "Huh.  How you can sleep and do that I'm not sure."  Don grimaced but got up to change him.  "So," Danny said, grinning at Mac.

"We do make pretty and very smart babies together," Mac agreed.  "I'm hoping he'll be okay."

"Of course he will be.  You're the most overprotective parent in the universe, Mac.  We'll be fine."  Mac nodded that he probably would be.  "Because if we're not, Stella will smack us all until we beg for mercy."

"True, she will," Mac agreed, making Don laugh as he came out.  "She will."

"Yeah, she will.  She's got a bad temper.  Did you email your military buddies yet?  I haven't written any of my other friends to let them know."

"I was going to today but I haven't yet," Mac admitted.  He took the baby back.  "Did you powder or cream him?"

"Powder.  Cream's for when he starts to get a rash by the tube," Don told him.

"That's what I've been doing too."  He sat Alex in his lap, staring at him.  "Do you feel better now?"  The baby sucked his pacifier and stared at him.  "You'll be talking soon enough I'm sure, kid.  Want to lay down or go back to Grandma and Grandpa Flack?"  The baby sucked harder, blinking hard.  Don took him to hand to his father, letting them cuddle up to stare at the baby together.  They let them put him down for the next little while then leave.  Mac looked at Danny.  "Feel better?"

"I hate pushy people.  Sorry, Don."

"Nah.  No one's stood up to my mother in *years*," he said.  "Just don't make her cry or else I've gotta beat your ass."

"Not a problem."  He shifted, getting comfortable.  "Now what?  We've got a good few hours before he's up.  Don, your plans?"

"Ma's got the crib I used and a bunch of stuff that she saved from me in the attic.   She's even threatened to paint on me again."

"If she really wants to she can come wallpaper the baby's room," Mac said dryly.  "Beers?"

"Please," Don begged.  Mac got them both one and sat down, letting him sip it.  "I'll probably need to pick up some clothes and stuff."

"We hit some good second-hand stores for him," Mac told him, taking a long drink.  "Do you think he'll like the mobile, Danny?"

"I think he will.  It's interesting with a lot of colors and shapes, a bit sparkly in the sun but not too bright.  I noticed he didn't like the lab's lights because they were so bright.  You've only got the small nightlight in there and it doesn't bother him.  It's like a windchime for inside I guess."

Don nodded.  "I'll have to see if we can find one he'll like for my place.  Oh, I'm getting a three bedroom.  One's tiny but it's there."  He took another drink, looking toward the baby's room.  "Is he up?"

Danny went to peek in on him, smiling and handing him back his pacifier.  "You lost the binky but we can find it for you," he soothed.  The baby drifted off again.  He came back out.  "Lost the binky."  He sat down with his beer, rolling his head to pop his neck.  "Ah, better."

Don grinned at him.  "My mother's a bit set in her ways but she'd never say something directly to someone like your friend, Danny."

"Good.  Hate to have to smack her for it."

Don nodded. "I'd hate to beat you if you did."

"I'm sure she has some tact and won't upset anyone that badly," Mac said.  "I know a few very good same-sex couples raising babies.  I called on one of them earlier for help and advice in crib bedding."  He smiled.  "He was very helpful and told me why bumpers were good but also a bit dangerous."

Don nodded.  "I don't have a problem with that, guys.  I never have.  I know some really nice gay people myself.  Ma's stuck in her ways and the Church told her it was bad.  That's all she wanted to know.  Hell, I dabbled once and Dad caught me.  Warned me not to tell my mother if I was serious."  He sipped his beer.  "It'll be fine.  He'll get to know a lot of people through us and our friends.  Baptism, Mac, since that was all but an order?"

He shrugged. "I'm not particularly religious.  Danny?"

"Raised Catholic.  Lapsed most of the time.  Don?"

He shrugged.  "I still go when I can with the family.  I'm not letting her go to the family priest for it."  He called his father. "If he is being baptized it is not with the family's priest.  Yes, I'm quite sure.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "She's already getting pushy."  He finished his beer, looking at Mac.  "Got any you do like?"

"A few.  I'm still considering it."  They nodded.  "I wouldn't mind if he was baptized Catholic since the two of you are.  We'll figure that out in a few weeks."  They nodded, agreeing on that.  "You don't like the family priest?"

"He'd hate this situation.  He's a bit hidebound.  Doesn't like single fathers or mothers.  Tried to have one single mother run out of the church because she decided to have her eggs fertilized without a husband around.  I don't want the baby exposed to that."

"That I can agree with," Danny agreed.  Mac nodded.  "If we do, what about Father Lehrer?  That nice old guy down in the Village?  The one we worked with on that one case, Mac."

He thought back then nodded. "I did like him.  He seemed like a practical and loving man.  He was helping a lot of the street kids at the time."  He finished his beer.  "We can talk to him.  He seemed very nice."

Don smiled.  "Sure, you guys pick one and it'll be fine."  He looked in toward the baby's room.  "Sleep, Al."  The baby snuffled but went back to sleep.  He grinned.  "Ah."

Mac snickered.  "Soon he'll be sleeping through the night."

"That'll be nice.  Less diapers to change," Danny said.  He got up to check on him since he was panting.  "Hey."  He looked around, flipping on the lights.  "Mac!"  He came in and kicked the rat that was trying to crawl up the crib's legs, taking it out and tossing it out the window.  "Not good."

"No, not good in the least."  He went to see where it had come from.  None of them had seen it coming in and they didn't have an open window anywhere in the apartment.  He called his building's maintenance guy.  "It's Taylor.  Yes, that's me.  We just had a rat get in somehow with all the windows closed and whole.  In the baby's room.  Thank you."  He hung up.  "He'll come put down traps tonight and do something tomorrow."

Don looked back.  "My stuff's not fully down but the big things are mostly down if we wanted to stay at my place."

"We can do that," Danny decided.  "Mac?"

"I'll pack him a bag."  He did that, checking the diaper bag first.  He let the maintenance guy in so he could put down traps, smiling when he stared at the baby.  "I just found him the other day," he said.  "We're going to head to his house tonight."  That got a nod and they left once the guy had left, making sure everything was locked up tightly.   He drove the baby.  Danny rode with Don and stopped to pick up snacks.  It was better for the night.

Back on the street the rat changed back, rubbing her side.  "I was only checking on him.  Rude people!  I shouldn't have sent him over as yours so he'd have a better upbringing and be more secure and a better person without the dark streak.  Meany."  She disappeared.

***

Mac smiled at the look of Danny's new place.  It was relatively close to his.  Walking distance, only six blocks away.  It was large enough for him and the baby to move in, plus one of the other fathers if they had to.  The baby had a real bedroom and Danny had went for subtle touches of glass and wood with steel accents.  It was a nice place with a good kitchen.  The baby was cooing at his mobile with Don was tinkling it with his fingers for his amusement while Danny finished putting up his new baby clothes.

"There," Danny said finally.  "Done."

Don smiled.  "I think he likes this one nearly as much as the one I found him of dark shapes."

Mac came over to look at their kid, smiling.  "Happier today?"  The baby beamed and wiggled an arm.  "Good job.  You're doing better with that.  Keep practicing, Alex."  Someone knocked on the door so he went to get it.  "Yes?" he asked the woman standing there.

"I'm ...."

"Marna, I'm in the baby's room," Danny called.

She stomped that way. "Baby?  It was reported to us, Messer."

He looked at her then handed over a copy of the official report.  "You guys already cleared us.  The one over him already cleared all the nurseries and said we were good now."

She read it over then scowled at him.  "Who in the hell?"

"Who knows," he said dryly, nodding at the baby.  "Don and I decided we're dads instead of granddads anyway."  He grinned.  "We just got finished in here.  Like it?"

"It's very nice.  Open, a bit airy.  Is that mobile firmly up?"

"I had the maintenance guys put it up for me," Danny promised. "They anchored it into a stud for him."

"Good."  She came over to look at the baby.  "Hello."  The baby beamed and flailed the same arm. "Well, you are adorable."  She touched his hand.  "He's a bit warm."

"We were just outside carrying stuff," Don said with a grin.  "Hi, Don Flack."

"Marna Speccoli, CPS."  She shook his hand.  "I've known that one since he was a young heathen brat following his brother around.  You tell them?"

"I don't talk to them.  Kinda hard to," Danny said dryly.  He looked at her.  "Did someone report him to you?"  She nodded.  "For?"

"Being alive."  Danny gave her a look.  "Gay guys raising a baby."

"That's not against the law," Mac reminded her.

"Which my boss told him when he demanded to speak to her.  She still had me come warn him."  Mac smiled at that.  "He's healthy and all that?"

"So far.  He might be starting to cut a tooth early, we're not sure.  He's got an appointment in the morning."

"Good."  She turned to look at Danny.  "He never gave us his name."

"Oh, we've got a good few candidates," Danny said with a happy smirk.  "Sound Southern, native, or growly?"

"Growly."

"Guy up the hall or Don's boss then," he told her.  "We'll handle it."  She nodded.  "So anyway, you've seen.  Like it?"

"I do like the new place.  Can you afford it?"

"Yeah, it's not a problem.  Same as my last one really."  She rolled her eyes but left.  He smirked at Don.  "Yes, she used ta pant after me.  Then she got married."  He took the baby to hold, kissing his forehead.  "You are running a bit of a fever."  He shifted him to run a finger over his gums.  "No poky things yet.  We'll have to see why in the morning."

Don took him back.  "My turn.  Did Ma see this place yet?"

"Nope."

"Why not?"

"Didn't want to hear her complain about my decorating.  Your place is very different from mine."

"Good point."  He walked the baby out to the couch.  "How are you affording this place?"

"It's the same price my last one was."

"This is a more expensive neighborhood," Don said dryly.  Danny showed him his lease so he'd drop it.  "How did that happen?"

Danny grinned.  "I asked nicely.  That's what they wanted."  He sat down on one end of the couch.  "There's leftovers if anyone's hungry.  I'm not cooking tonight."  Mac smiled at that.  "I'm not.  I cooked and fussed all last night.  I'm tired."

"That's fine, Danny.  How's the lab doing?"

"We're good.  How's the nanny hunt?"

"Poor," Mac admitted.  He sat down between them.  "I've interviewed eight different ones and none were great.  None had great references.  All of them hated my hours."

"None of them knew self-defense?" Don teased.

"That either.  You told your landlord you had him?"

"I said I split custody when he heard me say that room would make a good nursery."

"That's one less thing we have to worry about," Mac decided.  The tv suddenly came on very loudly.  The baby scowled and it went off.  "Remote?" he asked.

"Did that last night too, I think it got shaken up in the move," Danny admitted.  He found the remote and waved it.  He turned it back on but turned it down and let them settle in to watch some mindless game show.  The baby even cooed at it and got comfortable being cuddled.  They all looked over as something that had been squarely sitting on a countertop fell onto the floor.  "If there's a ghost, no wonder I got it so cheaply," Danny said.  "If we do, they can stop that or I'm having them banished.  Because if they hurt the kid, they're going to meet God for whole different reasons."  The thing that hit the floor flew back up onto the counter.  "Thank you.  Don't bother me and I don't bother you.  And leave the baby alone."  It quit happening and he shrugged. "My place about ten years ago had one too.  He was going for annoying until I found a good priest to come in.  Hopefully this one'll be fine."

Don looked at him.  "I can't believe you believe in ghosts."

"We've seen too much weird shit to not to.  Plus too many dead bodies," Danny said dryly.  Alex suddenly squealed and bounced some in Mac's arms.  "As long as you don't hurt the baby," he repeated firmly.  "That's one sure way to get banished."  The baby cooed and reached then laid his head back down.  They all saw his shirt shift like he was being patted on the back.  "Thanks."  The ghost faded off and the baby settled down again.  "It'll be fine."

"We hope," Don said.

"He doesn't seem to dislike the baby," Mac offered.

"We'll watch it to make sure," Don said.

Danny looked at him.  "Of course we are."  Don grinned at that.  "Relax.  I still know what he did and how to get hold of him.  First time something bad happens and I'm calling."  Don relaxed and nodded.  "You better?"  Don nodded.  "Good, I baked banana bread."  Don went to get some.  He took the baby to hold, smiling at him.  "How do you know ghosts, Alex?"  The baby beamed at him.  "Has he had nightmares with you, Mac?"

"A few times.  You think it's a past life thing?"

"No.  Could be something to do with how he was born."

"I guess it could.  We'll see.  The evidence will come out however it will," Mac said, taking the baby back.  "Want to cuddle me since you're staying with Danny tonight?"  The baby cuddled him and loved on him until Don came back with a bottle.  "Ah, cupboard love," he teased.

"Often," Don teased back, settling in to feed the baby.  It was good, he'd be fine, and if that ghost so much as laid a finger on the baby Don would make sure he was banished to hell even if he had to personally escort him there.  The baby gave him an adoring look and he grinned back.  "You know who loves you.  Even if Ma is still fussing about your baptism not being done by her priest."   The baby fussed a bit.  "Don't worry.  Ma won't win.  Danny's more stubborn than Ma and Mac's more stubborn'n Danny.  That's why they yell at each other at work."  He winked.  "Either that or they should date accordin' to Auntie Stella."

Mac gave him a look then took the baby back.  "Don't give him that idea.  Stella's having a warped week."  Danny snickered and nodded at that.

"Introduced him to Aiden last week," Danny said.  "She had a good yell on the fire escape then came back to cuddle and coo over him.  Thinks the world's going to end because I had a kid."

Don snickered.  "Sounds like her.  She doing okay?"

"She was doing fine."

Mac smiled at him.  "I don't mind if she's an honorary aunt too, Danny."

"Good because I can't stop her."

"I doubt you could."  He looked at the baby, watching him slowly drift off.  "Let's go lay down in the big crib Danny got you."  He took him in there, laying him down so he could nap.  The baby yawned but snuggled in and finished falling asleep.  Mac walked back out, putting the rest of the bottle into the fridge.   "We should have a few hours free."

"Hope so," Don said, yawning a bit.  "Good banana bread, Danny."

"Welcome."

Don grinned.  "What else did you make?  It's all sealed up."

"You can have some at the baby warming party tomorrow night."  Don beamed at that.  He called Stella.  "We're doing that there at the office, right?"  He grinned.  "That's fine.  Sleeping.  My new place.  Yeah, there.  Why?"  He snickered then hung up.  "Dispatch had a call saying there was a homicide in progress here but the manager headed them off last night.  Wondered why I got the odd looks this morning."

"Your neighbor?" Don asked dryly.

"I got warned about him."  He stood up and found his badge and shoes, walking up the hall to talk to him.  He tapped on the door until the older man opened it.  "Sir, I'm Detective Messer, your new neighbor.  It's come to my attention that you called some of my coworkers last night about a homicide that was not taking place?  Especially since I wasn't even home at that time?"  The man sneered.  "You do know the penalty for filing a false report?  Beyond annoying all us?"  The man slammed his door.  "Hey, the only warning you'll get," he promised.  "The same as filing a false one with CPS carries a fine as well as jail time too," he assured him.  He walked back there, going to talk to his manager.  "Hey."

"He did it again?"

"Got hold of a friend of mine in CPS earlier today."  He moaned.  "I warned him about the penalties for filing a false report.  He slammed the door.  Pity.  Only warning he'll get."  That got a small smirk from the other man.  "Who's the ghost?"  He stiffened.  "I don't mind as long as he's gonna stay peaceful.  Just wanted to know if he had a name?"

"About six years ago a family lived there.  Their middle son committed suicide after his girlfriend dumped him."  Danny nodded, having seen that before.  "We're pretty sure it's him.  His name was Ralph.  He was a nice kid."

"Then we don't have a problem unless he tries ta hurt the baby."

"He in?"

"Yeah, he's spending the next few nights in."  He led him back there.  "Guys, this is the building's manager if we ever need him."  He let him see the baby, smiling down at his sleeping face.  "He's adorable, huh?"

"Very adorable."  He smiled at him.  "The old guy's on a check.  He misses that family and tries to get people to move out."

"He'll be fined if he keeps it up," Danny told him.  "I don't play and we hate it at the office."  That got a nod.  "So, we're good?"

"We're fine, Danny.  Thank you."  He left, going down to make notes about that talk.  Plus that he knew about the ghost and the ghost hadn't been bothering the baby.  It was a good sign.

***

Mac walked into his office, smiling at his co-parents.  "I have a good nursery watching him today."  He logged onto his computer then onto the internet.  "They're a secure nursery.  The babies wear a GPS chip while they're in there.  They have nanny cams that cover every inch of the building except the staff bathroom so you can log onto the system at anytime to check on the baby."  He handed over the cards.  "That's the address and the password to get on.  His name's the user name."  They both nodded.  "They're fully bonded and do work with some agents.  They've got everyone fingerprinted and DNA checked plus background checked.  The six women who run it are very good.  Two are former special ops sorts that retired due to knee and back injuries.  They run it up to the age of eight.  They understand about long hours.  I gave them   your pictures so when you go to pick him up tonight expect to be fingerprinted and have your ID checked.  They will not let you pick him up without them being on the allowed list and they check the allowed list when we make one.  It's you guys and Stella at the moment.  I'll add Sheldon or your parents if we need to, Don."

"Sounds secure," Don agreed.  "Playtime?"

Mac smiled, waving him over so they could see.  He logged into the nursery's camera.  "He's in the second crib."  They smiled at the squealing their boy was doing while trying to grab the teddybear mobile above him.  "They have one worker with an EMT certificate.  There's a fireproof doorway, heavy sprinkler and fire foam system - both - and there's no way for a gunman to get in there to hurt the kids.   They know that sometimes cases will come back to haunt cops or agents so they're very careful with  our kids especially. They even said Alex could wear the GPS bracelet all the time if we wanted him to.  They're all very nice ladies who love to read to the kids.  They have an after school program with a sister daycare for older kids if we need it then."

"I'm not sure I like him wearing bling this young," Danny said.

Mac smirked.  "They suggested they could put it on an earring if we wanted."

"My father would freak and my mother's screaming would know no end," Don said dryly.  "How did you hear about this place?"

"Your dad sent me to their associated daycare, one that's less secure and does a wider range of ages.  When they heard we're all officers they bumped me to the secure center.  They let me check the backgrounds they had done.  I spent two hours watching them from a hidden location to make sure no one was going to hurt him."

"Sounds like we'll give it a try," Don said.  "How much is our cut?"

Mac shrugged.  "I'll cover half, you two cover the other half?  I know you two make less."

Don gave him a look.  "What else do I spend it on, Mac?  Diapers and cable?"

"How much?" Danny asked impatiently.

"It's two hundred a week," Mac told them.  They both gave him odd looks.  "I'll cover half...."

Danny made out a check and handed it over.  "I'll pick him up tonight, Don?"

"We'll both go."  He looked at his wallet then at him.  "Let me get paid first?"

"Of course, Don.  You just moved, that's expensive."  Don grinned and left him alone to watch the nanny cam and listen to their son throughout the day.  He was very good for the strange women.  He was proud of how his son acted.

***

Danny looked out as someone came jogging up the halls.  "Hey, Don."

"Mac just called.  Small crash, he's fine, Alex is fine."

"Good.  Do we need ta pick 'em up?"

"Yeah, we should.  Whoever it was hit Mac's SUV pretty hard."  That got a nod and Danny checked out so they could pick them up.  They found Mac rubbing his ribs.  "Not sore at all, huh?" he asked dryly.  "You said you weren't hurt."

"They're only bruised, Don.  I'm not hurt."  He let him have the baby.  "He's fine.  The carseat worked wonderfully, like it should."

"Good."  He cooed at the baby, getting one back.  "It's good you're all right too, baby. Yes it is."

Danny grinned.  "You ready?  We checked out for the day."

"Sure."  He grabbed his shirt, wincing as he put it on.  They checked him out, letting him sign the papers for him and the baby, taking his pain killer prescription even though he probably wasn't going to use it.  The walk to the car was a short, quiet one.  "Carseat?"

"Mine's in the trunk," Don offered, handing him to Danny so he could install it.  Then the baby and Mac got into the back seat.  Danny and him got the front.  "Your place, Mac, or one of ours?"

"Let's hit Danny's.  We were out playing in the park because mine was getting sprayed again.  It was another rat," he said at Danny's look back.  "I don't know.  It's only ever one and it shows up now and then."

"S'fine," Danny agreed.  They went to drop him off, letting him go upstairs to rest.  Then they went back to work.  Stella was pacing and growling.  "Mac's fine.  The baby's fine."

"Why wouldn't they be and where did you go!" she demanded.

"Someone crashed into Mac's car," Don told her.  "They were out at the park."  She gasped, letting Danny help her sit down when her knees gave.  "Mac's got bruised ribs.  The baby's fine.  They're at Danny's place because of that rat."

"He's okay?"

"He's fine," Danny promised.  "Bruised ribs.  Has a 'scrip.  You know Mac."

"Yeah, I do."  She gave him a look.  "You back?"  He nodded.  "Good then I'm going to check on them."

"Go ahead," Danny said dryly.  "Give me a few hours and I'll be home to make it a party."  She smiled, going to do that.  "Make sure your phone's on."

"Of course.  It always is."

"I'm going to make sure the report was filed correctly," Don said, heading to his desk to do that.  His boss gave him a heated glare from his office doorway.  "Someone hit Mac's SUV.  We had ta pick him and the baby up from the ER."

"He okay?"

"Fine.  Bruised ribs.  Baby's good."

"Good.  Your father tried to call your desk."

Don shook his head.  "He could use my cell.  It was on."

"You back?"

"Until I get ta leave again.  Then we'll head back to Danny's.  Mac has this single rat that keeps showing up every few weeks or so.  They're spraying."

His boss nodded.  "Any luck with a nanny?"

"Not yet.  I'm about to suggest he get one of those professional, former military nannies.  At least then he wouldn't be quite so picky."

Gerrard laughed.  "I doubt he needs one."

"No but he might like one."  He sat down to check on that report, seeing it already filed.  "Good."  He logged out and went back to his own work.  He had plenty to do.  As usual, the scumbags in the city didn't want to give him a break and take a few months off.  Though he might worry if they did.

***

Danny came up the stairs and heard yelling, frowning at it.  "Not good," he muttered. It was coming from his place.  He unhitched his gun, giving Don a look when he jogged up the stairs behind him.  He nodded.  Don drew his gun and they both walked that way carefully, him handing over his keys.

Don unlocked it as quietly as he could and then pushed the door open.  "Mac?" he called.   The screaming picked up. "Mac!" Don shouted.

Danny nodded at the master bedroom, heading that way.  He glanced in the nursery but no baby.  He kicked in his door, walking in with his gun drawn.  "Who the hell are you, lady?" he asked coldly.

"That's mine!" she said, pointing at the baby.  "I had him turned back into a baby so he'd have a better upbringing and I'd get more than a guy like he was. You can't stop me from taking him back.  I never wanted him to learn more violence tendencies.  You're all mean and you kick rats!  I don't want my boyfriend to learn how to be meaner.  Therefore I'm taking him back and raising him right."

"Bet me," Don said.  He moved into position to shoot her if necessary.  "Mac?"

"We're good so far," he said, protecting the baby from her.  "I have no idea what she's on.  Stella's knocked out in the other room."

"Saw that," Danny assured him.  He shifted closer to the bed, letting Mac have his gun since he was better at it.  Alex let out a wail so he picked him up.  "Shh, little man.  I've gotcha.  It's us, we're here."  He glared at her.  "You're upsetting him."

"He's still mine."  She moved and Don shot her in the leg, Mac getting her in the shoulder.  She screamed but went down. "No, mine!" she wailed.

Don called it in.  "Dispatch, this is Flack Junior.  I'm at 2334 Mercer, apartment 3.  We have a B&E suspect here, down with two GSW to extremities.  Need backup please?"  He listened, nodding at what she said.  "She does.  Thank you."  He hung up.  "They'll send someone to take her away."

"Good," Danny said, glaring at her.  He saw a shimmer.  "Ralph, no."  The ghost did something and she shrieked and flailed then went limp.  Mac checked.  "She alive?"

"Barely."  He got a hand towel to put pressure on the wounds until the paramedics could get there.  "He's been protecting the baby?"

"Yeah, even from the squirrel that tried to get in."  He walked the baby into the other room, nodding at the manager when he stomped up the stairs with the cops.  "This time it was someone breaking in trying to get the baby.  Guys, she's whacked in the head too.  Said she made the kid a baby so he'd have a better upbringing."

"She the scientist?" one asked.

"No clue," Danny admitted.  "She went for the baby.  Flack and Taylor got her.  Taylor has my gun."  That got a nod and a note made.  The paramedics rushed in once they said it was clear.  They took her away after taking statements and Danny was still cuddling the baby.  The manager gave him a pat on the shoulder as he walked past him.  "Sorry 'bout that."

"Druggies are all over the city.  He's cute enough to get fixated on," he said, smiling some.  "Ever think about those former military nannies like the pretty people have?"

"No but I'm starting to," Danny said.  He walked out smiling.  "Mac, we need to clean that up?"

"It's mostly on the throw rug, Danny," Mac said.

"It can be washed."  He watched as Danny and Mac rolled it up, Mac getting the floor underneath with a clean towel and some bleach water.  Then they settled in to watch the baby together.  "Think she was the scientist?"

"No, I think she's a mental patient.  She said she was his former girlfriend."

"Interesting," Don said.  "Well, we probably won't have a whole lot of fight over her being confined to a hospital or the prison."

"Probably not," Mac agreed, taking the baby to hold.  "Hi, Alex.  Are you okay now?"  The baby sniffled but cuddled.  He was going to be fine.  Don grinned and patted him on the back, getting a small coo of pleasure for it.  "You're safe now and she won't come back," Mac promised.

"That's our good boy," Don agreed.  Danny got up to fuss in the kitchen for a bit, bringing out food and stuff for him too.  They settled in to eat and relax again.  Mac cleaned Danny's gun on him later that night while he was thinking, but that was just how Mac thought now and then.

***

Mac looked at the young man who had answered the agency's ad, looking him over.  It had been a long six months since he had gotten the baby.  The current daycare situation wasn't working very well for them.  They were good but it was out of the way to pick him up and they were usually tired at the end of their shifts.  This was his next option.  "What branch were you in?"

"Army, sir."

"I'm a Marine."  That got a smile.  "You've been doing this for a while now?"

"Six months.  My last charge moved out of state and I didn't want to."

"I can understand that.  We don't have many security risks but we are a bit paranoid since that one woman showed up."

"I was briefed with what you gave the agency, sir.  There's no way someone's going to hurt your son."

Mac smiled.  "Thank you.  Now and then the work does come back to haunt us but we try not to let it."

"I understand.  Is he here?  I know it's important that he like me as well as all three fathers."

"He is.  He's up the hall with his favorite aunt sucking up to her for some of her juice."  He paged Stella, bringing her and the guys.  "He wasn't getting your juice?"

"He decided to try to go for the motherlode instead," Don teased.

"I've noticed that now and then.  Guys, this is Jeremy.  He's the nanny candidate."

"Hi," Stella said.  "I'm Stella, Mac's second-in-command."  He shook her hand.

"Danny and he's Don," Danny introduced.  "Which branch?"

"Army, sir."

"Danny.  Don't sir me, kid.  Not unless I've got you in interrogation."

That got a nod.  "Of course not."  He smiled.  "Hi, Alex."  He looked at Stella, who handed him over.  "It's just as important that he like me as I like him."  The baby stared at him.  "They want to see if you'd let me watch you, little one.  Would that be okay with you?"  He sat down with him, letting him have his lap for now.

The baby stared then looked at Danny.  "Mama!"

Danny grinned.  "Well, that's new."  He kissed him on the head.  "You're so brilliant."

"Very," Stella agreed, smiling at him.  "Good boy, Alex."  He beamed at her then at the new guy.

"I think you're very smart too.  Yes I do."  The baby beamed at him, sucking on one of his fingers.  "Do you taste good?"  The baby cackled.

"That's usually the sign he's laying one," Don warned.

"Not the first diaper I've changed, sir."  He grabbed the diaper bag from Mac.  "Bathroom?"

"Two halls up then left," Stella told him.  He nodded, going that way.  She looked at Mac.  "Think he'll need that sort of security?"

"Yes.  She's out on bail," he said grimly.  Danny and Don both gave him looks.  "I don't know why but someone gave her bail until her trial in two months.  There is a restraining order as well."

"Good!" Don agreed.  "For all our places?"

"The prosecutor called me when he saw about the odd parentage and told the judge.  He agreed it was for all three places, our jobs, and any crime scene we're actively working.  She's to stay at least ten thousand feet from all of us at all times."  That got a nod.  He came back with the baby, who was giggling.  "He seems to like you."

"I like him too.  He's a nice boy.  Tried to pee on me but that's usual."  All the fathers nodded and Stella giggled at their 'oh yeah' looks.  "He has a bit of a diaper rash so I put on some cream."

"That's what we do too," Danny assured him.  "You think you can handle him?"

"I think I can, Danny.  Which house is he heading to tonight? That way I can get used to his schedule and any bedtime rituals he might have."

"Mine," Mac told him.  That got a nod.  "Don gets him this weekend and Danny all next week since he's off."

"That's fine.  I know you'll need me mostly during the working hours but you do work some longer hours now and then.  I looked up what you did for a living when I got offered the chance to interview."

"There's been days that we worked quad shifts," Danny agreed.  "Most of those, Don gets him."

"Again, that's reasonable.  I can do it whenever you need me to.  There's not even a girlfriend at the moment so I'm fairly open for my schedule."  They all smiled at that.  "Anyone else I should meet or be aware of, like girlfriends of the fathers?"

"Not at the moment," Don told him.  That got a nod.  "If it's serious enough that we'd let them have the kid we'll introduce you then."  He looked at Mac, who was grinning.  "Danny?"

"It's good with me.  Welcome to the lab's insane group of people, Jeremy."

"Thank you, Danny.  I hope I live up to your expectations."  He almost saluted but Danny waved him off.  "Sorry, old habits."

Mac snickered.  "I've done that now and then too.  Don's mother is a real general sometimes."  That got a smile.  "We'll introduce you to them tonight."  He looked at Don, who was telling his father that, getting a nod.  "Good. Think you can handle him this afternoon?  I've got two budget meetings and he likes to spit at the mayor.  The mayor was not amused last time and yelled, which made him cry and made me glare, which my boss didn't like."

"Of course.  Address?"  He wrote it down.  "Yours?"

"Mine," Mac agreed, handing him a key.  That got a nod.  "Be good for Jeremy, Alex.  We love you and we'll see you soon."  Alex beamed at all them, letting them all get hugs before he was walked off.  "Six week trial?" he told the others.

Danny nodded.  "That's fine with me, Mac.  He seems like a nice kid."

Don nodded.  "He does.  We'll make sure he's good with him."  He stood up.  "Dad said he'll bring over pizza and Ma.  He'll spring it on her so she won't complain about not cooking."  He grinned  "I should go back to work unless we have someone for me finally?"

Danny shook his head.  "Everything comes up inconclusive, Don.  Sorry.  Footwork?"

"Barely a lead and he's hiding."  He shrugged and went back to his desk to get back to work.  The detective across from him gave him an odd look.  "Mac just hired the new nanny, a guy recently out of the Army."

"We need a background done on him?"

"No, Danny already did.  Clean record except for his twenty-first birthday, when he went to get lit and came back signing show tunes off key."  That got a snicker from the other guy.  "He got some KP and it was fine.   He's got the sprout at Mac's place for the moment."

"That's good though, right?"

"It's great actually.  No more hurrying off to get him before the daycare closes."  That got a laugh and a nod.  "He said he knew they worked insane hours."  He smirked.  "I'm getting him all weekend."

"Good on you.  You're still on Saturday."

"I know.  Jeremy can work then and I'll get him when I get home."  He smirked at his boss when he walked past.  "FYI, the crazy broad who broke into Danny's place to get Alex is out on bail.  There's a restraining order."

"That secure nursery Taylor uses knows?" he asked.

"Mac just hired a former Army corporal for the new nanny.  His name's Jeremy.  Youngish guy, 'bout twenty-five.  Clean record except for one singing incident when he came in drunk after his twenty-first."  That got a nod and a small smirk.   "He's got him now."

"That's fine.  Let me know if we have to shift your schedule around again to fit theirs."

"Shouldn't.  He's not even dating.  He's pretty open."

"Even better."

"He said he looked it up and knows they work funny hours too."

"Best yet," Gerrard agreed, heading for his office.  "You have a raise review this month, Flack."

"Already did my part, boss."  He went back to his paperwork.  "Why can't they simplify forms?  It should only take one."

His partner laughed.  "Now and then it does.  Sometimes it takes ten or sixteen."

"Or twenty.  I think that's my all-time so far.  Then again, that was SWAT and bomb squad called at the last minute too."  He grimaced but went back to typing.  He finally got done and went to hand it in.  Then he could get down to arresting the next guy.  It was going to be a long afternoon.  He grinned at his partner.  "Alex discovered boobs.  Tried to eat off Stella, made me proud'a my boy," he said when he brought the guy back.  His partner had to run before he laughed so hard he pissed himself.  He smirked.  He loved making others happy.

***

Mac was going over a case's files with Alex beside him, smiling when the baby took the pictures to look at.  "Those are nice shots," he agreed, keeping anything gory from him.  The baby squealed at the short sword's picture, waving it.  "Do you like swords?"  Alex beamed at him.  "We should go to the museum soon so you can see swords then."  The baby beamed and snuggled into his side, letting him have the sword's picture back.  "Good boy."  He stroked his arm while he refreshed himself, smiling when he heard stomping coming up the stairs.  "Sounds like Grandpa Flack is here, Alex."  He knocked then used the key he had made off Don's.  "He's being cuddly."

"His grandmother is insane," he said bluntly, picking up the baby.  "Want to come home with us tonight?  She's getting pushy, kiddo."

"No.  He can stay here," Mac said firmly.  "She can visit."

"She thinks you don't trust her."

Mac looked at him.  "You've had *how* many dealers busted in your neighborhood?"

"That was my point but she got cranky with me.  Threatened to go to Israel to see about that program that was letting women her age have kids.  I said she'd have to kill me first.  She decided that was reasonable."

"Ah, the change of life," Don Junior said as he walked in.  "Hey, snookums.  Wanna come home with me tonight?  That way Grandma can come nag us about giving you siblings?"

"Don't you dare," his father warned.

"Not without a wedding, Dad.  You know that.  She'll kill me in a way that'd make even Danny and Stella turn green from the mess."  He took the baby to cuddle, getting a grin and a point.  "Awww, were you putting your baby CSI skills to work helping Daddy Mac?"

"He liked the sword picture," he said, showing it to him.  Alex squealed, taking it to hug.

Don grinned.  "You're adorable."  Alex beamed at him.  "C'mon, let's go remind Grandma we're not dating so you can't have siblings."  He kissed him on the head.  "Wanna do that tonight, Mac?"

"Sure, I don't mind."  He had to take the picture back.  "We'll go see swords tomorrow, when I'm off work, Alex."  The baby leaned down to suck on his hair.  "That's my good boy.  You be good for Don tonight?"

"We'll be just fine.  We'll go watch movies and cuddle and eat nummy food that Auntie Aiden cooked."  He kissed the baby on the head.  "Thanks, Mac."

"You know all you have to do is ask.  The same as Danny does.  Even if he does demand."  He waved.  "Be a good boy, Alex."  They left together and he laid down to go back over the file.  He had to testify in the morning then he had all afternoon off to play with the baby.

***

Mac walked Alex into the exhibit room full of suits of armor and swords, watching him beam and reach for one.  "No touching," he warned.  The baby pouted. "I know you want to touch but you can't."  They looked at each one as closely as he dared, keeping the baby from grabbing things.  The baby wailed when he couldn't have the battle axe but he got him calmed down quickly.  The museum's room guardian gave him a slight smile for that.  "He likes swords."  He moved onto the Asian room and their suits of armor and swords, making Alex coo as he tried to get one.  "Alex."  The baby pointed and squealed, trying to get free.  "No, Alex.  Be a good boy.  You can't touch stuff in here."  He shifted him to his other hip so he wasn't as close but let him look all he wanted.  He smiled at the baby.  "So you do like weapons?  Does that mean you want to watch me clean my guns?"  The baby sucked on his cheek.  "I love you too, son."  He walked him off, taking him to a weapons shop he knew.  It was exclusive and pricey but the baby nearly made him deaf with his squeal when he saw what sort of store it was.  He hated to shop but he apparently liked this one.

The man behind the counter smiled.  "He likes weapons?"

"He kept trying to get his own suit of armor at the museum."  He let Alex down since everything in here was in a case.  The baby had learned to walk just last night so he toddled over to look at the pretty things, letting his father walk behind him.  Alex had a definitely love of the katana and the mini battle handaxe they found.  He was cooing and petting the case like it was his cat.  He was calling it kiki too.  "It's not a cat, Alex.  It's an axe.  Can you say axe."

"Kiki!" he said happily, pointing but beaming at his daddy.  "Kiki!"

"Sure, that's a kitty," he agreed.  He watched as Alex went to drool on the gun case, smiling but shaking his head.  "I should have a video camera of this."

"I'll see if we can copy off the security ones," he said with a smile.  "Is he just browsing tonight?"

"I do need to refill my gun cleaning kit," Mac admitted.  He picked out what he needed and put it beside the register, going to take Alex away from the guns.  "C'mon, we'll go clean Daddy's gun."  Alex gave him a worshipful look before cuddling in.  "I love you too, Alex."  He paid for his things and took the copy of the tape with a smile.  "Thanks."  He took the bag and walked out with his content son, taking him home.  He found Stella pacing in front of his apartment.  "What happened?"

"Danny's having issues today."

"Why?"  He unlocked the door and let Alex down so he could run inside first.  He followed, letting her get the door.  "What happened?"

"Lindsay and he got into it today."  She gave him a look.  "Very badly got into it.  Like two cops pulled them apart."

"Did he start it?"

"No but he finished it and she walked off crying," she said, giving him a look.  "The cops pulled her off him."

"What happened?"

"She's been listening to rumors," she said bluntly.  He groaned. "Yeah.  She accused him and he went off, Mac.  He's probably pouting and drunk but he won't answer when I call."

Mac called him, Danny would answer him in case it was something bad with Alex.  "I have a new tape of Alex being adorable in a store if you wanted to see it."  He hung up and looked at her, nodding.  She nodded, giving the baby a cuddle before leaving.

Danny walked in a few minutes later.  "Saw Stella.  She nark?"

"What happened?"

"She called me a dirty cop in the middle of the halls."  He flopped down, taking the baby to cuddle.  "Hi, Alex.  We love you.  You have good taste because you never sucked up ta Lindsay."  He looked at Mac, letting the baby cuddle between them.  "I was fully within my rights to yell back."

"You were.  I think Stella's problem was that you got so loud others had to step in."

"I'm kinda surprised they pulled her off me," Danny admitted.  He shrugged.  "Don screamed at her later in the alley.  Didn't seem to do any good.  New tape of him being cute?  He hates ta shop."

"I took him to a gun shop."  He put it in and turned it on, settling in to clean his guns while Alex watched.

Danny snickered.  "So your son's a weapons nut, huh?"  He smiled at him.  "You can help me clean mine, Alex."

"How clean is yours?" he asked quietly, looking at him.  "I don't want to replay what Horatio had happen last year, Danny.  It'd destroy all of us."

Danny nodded.  "I know.  He handed it over.  "Been a month, could use it."

"Yes, it could."  He handed it back and watched as Danny cleaned it and Mac called Don.  "It's me.  We have a cute tape of Alex in a gun shop."  He smiled.  "Sure."  He hung up.  "He's had two or three beers with a few detectives but he'll be over soon."

"Sure."  He finished, letting Alex pick up something to hand him.  "Thank you.  I'll check the clip too."  Alex beamed at him then went to see what Daddy was doing with his other guns.

Mac laughed.  "Sure, we'll do the others too."  He settled in to clean the rest of his collection, making his son a happy son.  Don knocked then came in a while later.  Alex scowled at him.  "Quit," he warned.

"I know you hate it when we've been drinking.  Sorry. I had a breath mint."  He sat down so he could see the tv, letting Danny replay the tape for him, snickering at it.  He picked up the baby to cuddle.  "We'll make sure you have your own when you're old enough," he promised, kissing him on the head.  Alex patted his.  "Sure, since we're cleaning ours, I'll do mine too."  He put him down and cleaned his under the baby's watchful gaze.  He nudged Danny.  "The guys wanted to know if you still wanted to kill her or not.  If so, we'd make sure you two weren't left alone on a scene."

"I'm more professional than to kill her on a scene.  If I want her dead, I'll get her in her apartment," Danny assured him.  "Plus clean it up so there's no evidence."

"If you get that far into planning it, come cuddle Alex instead," Mac ordered.  "I don't want to arrest you."

"Yeah, I can do that."  He settled in to play with the baby once he had checked his clip and bullets, putting the gun back into his holster.  The baby cooed and snuggled into his chest, making him a happy guy.  Don ended up falling asleep on the end of the couch sitting up about an hour after Danny did.  Mac covered them and went to bed.  It wouldn't hurt Alex to sleep on Danny tonight.

***

Stella knocked on Mac's door at three, getting a glare from Don when he opened it.  "Mac here?  His phone's dead."

"Bedroom," he grunted, nodding that way.

She walked in and stopped, seeing Danny and the baby on the couch.  "Thank God," she said, going to wake up Mac.  He snapped awake as soon as she got close to him.  She knelt beside the bed.  "Keep Danny here."

"Why?"

"Lindsay just got attacked.  She claimed it was him."

"Hard to do since he fell asleep first," Don said dryly.  "Alex hasn't moved.  I'd have woken if he had.  Who has it?"

"Gerrard."  She looked at him.  "He kicked Hawkes and I off."

"We'll see about that," Mac said, groaning as he got up, grabbing clothes so he could change in the bathroom.  He did stop to take a picture of Danny on the couch with the baby and headed out.  "Don, stay.  Stella?"  She followed, driving him back there.  He yawned as he got out, walking over to the sneering captain of Homicide, showing him the picture.  "Danny fell asleep on my couch at ten.  The son would've woken Don or I.  Don was above his head sleeping sitting up."  Gerrard groaned.  "That good enough for you to exclude him?"

He nodded.  "I suppose.  Why were they over?"

"I had a new tape of Alex cooing at weapons and they came over to watch it.  Stella told me what happened earlier so Danny came over first.  Don came over after having a few at the bar."

"Fine.  He still asleep?"

"Probably," Stella agreed.  "Me showing up didn't wake him or Alex."

Gerrard nodded.  "Then you have a problem with your CSI.  She swears she saw him."

"She shaken?"

"No."

Mac walked that way, finding Lindsay sitting on the back of an ambulance with her arm bandaged.  "What happened?"

"Danny shot me!" she said.  He showed her the picture and she grimaced.  "Where..."

"He's on my couch.  He fell asleep at ten, Lindsay.  The baby never woke us up and he would've if Danny had so much as shifted position.  What made you think it was him?"

"The hair, the glasses.  The same clothes.  It was him or his twin."

Mac looked at her.  "The bullet?" he asked Gerrard, getting the envelope to look inside.  "That's a forty-five."  He handed it back.  "Danny has a nine-mil.  We were all cleaning them for Alex's delight earlier."

"We found a semi-auto in the alley, Detective," one of the officers reported. "We didn't think it was part of this so we bagged it but kept it separate."  He handed it over.  Mac looked then shook his head.  "Wrong one?"

"Wrong caliber.  That's a thirty-eight.  Stella, forty-five."  She nodded, going to search the alley.  He looked at Gerrard.  "My people are working this one.  I don't care if you don't like it.  If someone's trying to frame my CSI we're working it."  He looked at Hawkes, smiling.  "I'll let Don bring in the tape so you guys can coo over the cuteness tomorrow."

"What happened?"

"I took Alex to an exclusive gun and weapon shop.  He cooed and petted the cases.  He called a hand axe a kitty."  Hawkes smiled and nodded a bit at that.  He looked at the paramedics.  "Take her if you need to."  They nodded, getting her loaded and taking her off.  He looked at Gerrard.  "Any proof it was him?"

"Tape from an ATM.  Bonasera had it sent back to the lab."

Mac called AV.  "It's Taylor.  Run the tape, describe the person that looked like Danny to me and what he was wearing."  He listened as he ran it then frowned.  "No, he had on a tank top when he came over earlier.  Thank you."  He hung up.  "The same clothes he *left* in."

Gerrard nodded.  "Green shirt, black pants."  Mac nodded.  "We'll check."

"Please do.  Danny had changed when he came over at seven."

"I noticed in the picture.  Your kid likes guns?  Does Flack Senior know?"

"He tried so hard to get the swords at the museum.  Cried when I wouldn't let him touch them.  That's why we went to the gun shop.  He helped me clean all mine, Danny clean his, and then Don clean his when he came over."  Gerrard walked off shaking his head.  Stella came out smiling, holding up a gun.  "That it?"

"Forty-five semi-automatic, just like the officers who don't use nines use."  She slid it into a bag.  "Serial number intact."  He smirked.  "Let me go run that."

"Did you find any clothes?"

"Lots.  Laundry day up on the lines."  She pointed at the lines between the buildings.  "Some fell.  Why?"

"The ATM showed that whoever was wearing a copy of what Danny was when he left."

"Green shirt and black pants?  I can look."  They went to look for them then came back with a shirt at least.  It went to the lab too and they settled in to run evidence.  Gerrard was going to quit complaining to people because there was *no* way it could've been Danny.  He couldn't stretch anything that far.  Mac went back to lab to wait on reports, smiling when they showed up a few hours later.  "Who?" he asked as he walked into DNA to answer the page.

"Shirt's sweat comes up female.  We're running it though CODIS but we haven't gotten a hit in two hours," Hawkes told him.  "I'm starting to doubt we will unless she's covered under a governmental database.  Hair and glasses could've been natural or dyed.  I didn't see any.  Stella had the gun."

"Thanks."  He walked that way, stopping in AV to watch it.  It did look a lot like Danny.  Except for the eyes.  "Danny has blue eyes," he told the tech, who moaned.  "Those are brown?"  He nodded, enhancing the picture a bit since the perp had looked right at the ATM.  "Facial structure is a bit different too.  He looks younger than Danny does."  A thought hit him.  "Pull up his ID?"  He did that and it did come up with the wrong eye color.  Plus a younger picture of him. "He hasn't changed it since he came in and he said he used to wear contacts.  Probably colored ones," Mac said dryly.  "Can you match the two?"  The images were resized and flipped onto each other, finding it a match.  "So, someone hacked into our database and created a fake face?"

"The picture's too low resolution to do a bone structure analysis, Mac," the tech said.  "If it was good video I might be able to pull an underlying facial structure but I can't."

"That's fine."  He walked out, going to talk to Stella.  "Where is it registered to?" he asked since she was giving him her best evil smirk.

"LA.  To a gun dealer out there.  Reported as stolen last week."  She let him have the printout.  "It does match the gun."  He smiled at that.  "I called.  Their suspect in the case was arrested so he's going to ask him who he sold it to.  Citing that they shot a cop and that makes him an accessory to murder one in this state.  They said give them four hours.  The guy's not that smart."

"I can do that."  He went to his office to call home.  "You're finally awake?" he asked tolerantly.  "Yeah, that sort of diaper will do it every time," he agreed.  "No, you're clear.  What did Don tell you?"  He sat down, leaning back, waving in his boss.  "Chief."  He smiled at Danny's complaint.  "I'm telling Detective Messer what was found.  We know that the gun was stolen from LA last week.  They have a suspect in custody and they're asking him who he sold it to.  They said give them a few hours.  The gun we found was a match to the bullet in her arm.  The ID she gave was nearly correct but we think they used latex to make a face mask since it's an *exact* match for Danny's picture in his intake file ten years ago."  The Chief moaned.  "Down to the wrong color eyes, sir.  The picture showed brown, his file says brown, and Danny just said he was wearing colored contacts due to light sensitivity back then.  He hasn't changed his photo since his first ID so that's why she was so sure but we're not.  We do know that the sweat on the shirt we found was female and Hawkes was sure it was the shirt that the shooter was wearing. Her hair could've been recently cut or dyed.  They didn't find anything there."

"So he's fully clear?"

Mac nodded. "He's fully clear, sir.  He's at my place, has been since early last night to play with the son.  He fell asleep on my couch and Don Flack Junior was asleep just past his head on the same couch.  He fell asleep with our son in his arms and Alex would've woken us if he so much as moved."  He showed him the picture.  "Also, the clothing was a match to what he wore when he left.  When he got to my place he had already changed."

"The shooting took place at ten."

"Danny got over there at seven-thirty.  Don came over nearly at nine.  They were both asleep by eleven."

"So no way it was him."

"No, sir.  Not unless he has a younger twin with brown eyes."

"All right.  Let me know when you have a suspect."

Mac listened to Danny.  "I'll check her, Danny.  She is that insane."  He hung up.  "He'll be in once the nanny gets there."

"Good."  He looked around then at him.  "He going to be okay?"

"It clearly wasn't him.  We can convince CSI Monroe of it, sir."

"Good.  I'll let you tell me when you have someone.  Make sure they get an additional charge for impersonating an officer."  He walked off.

Mac smirked.  "Nice of him."  He went to check on Hawkes.  "Was she out there or here?"

"She was not.  Nor was she in any database we have access to."  He looked at him.  "Which means it's not your stalker since you had her put in specially just in case."

"Danny thought it might've been her or someone she hired."

"Possibly someone she hired.  We need a suspect then we can compare."  He handed over the reports.  "Gun?"

"Match."

"Good."  He moved onto his next piece of evidence.

Mac went back to his office, finding the nanny in there.  "Alex is at my place with Danny, Jeremy."

"Sir, we need to talk about one of my past assignments," he said bluntly.  He closed the door and got into a file, letting him see something.  "Did the screaming woman look like that?"

He looked then nodded.  "She did.  That's who threatened to shoot me and take him.  How did you know?"

He looked around then at him.  "I was part of a classified op, sir.  I had barely gotten there when it was shut down.  I was still in the specialized training portion or else I'd be at the UN right now hunting with my former teammates."

"Bounty hunting?"

"No, sir, demon hunting."  He got into another file.  "I had to check to make sure you could get access to this file.  I started asking for permission when I found out what the screaming bitch looked like."  He pulled up something, letting him see it.  "As I said, sir, I left there after a few weeks of being assigned because the town got a bit pissed and took us down."

"The ...town?"

"Well, four or five people in the town.  A slayer, two witches, a construction worker, a librarian, and one of our people who decided it was evil so he turned."  He stared at him.  "She was the girlfriend of one of them involved in shutting down the project.  That's why she was noted."

Mac frowned but read, then glared at him.  "Tell me someone with some sense put people in jail," he demanded.

"Yes, sir.  Many of them.  Most of the lower levels went to the UN and so did Agent Finn, the one who turned.  As I said, I was only there for a few weeks."

"Why send you to me?" he asked.

Jeremy shrugged.  "No one told me there was a higher objective beyond being your nanny and making sure your son would be safe, no matter who you brought down, sir."

"No one told you to come to me for any specific reason?"

"No, sir.  None of my former bosses nudged as far as I know.  I checked when I found out that the screaming bitch had been related to that.  Just in case there was a higher plan that I'd have to kill myself for partaking of.  If I had been there longer I'd have turned too, sir."

"I don't blame you, Jeremy."  Don walked in and shut the door again.  "The woman who claims Alex is her ex was the girlfriend of someone who took down Jeremy's former classified project, which he was only on for a few weeks before they shut it down."

"Sir, I was told I could tell you, not him," Jeremy said.

Mac smirked. "You're not.  I am."  He looked at Don again. "She's listed as a witch, a former vengeance demon, and her boyfriend's name was listed as Alexander Harris."

"Who was a construction worker as well as their weapons and planning support," Jeremy said quietly.  "We were trying to break the group up and it didn't work very well.  We tried to keep Miss Summers for her gifts, but the others they warned us were dangerous.  Especially the two witches and Harris.  He was unpredictable at best.  He'd been fighting the same battle since sixteen and he did take things personally.  Plus, for some reason, the demons liked him enough to want to keep him so it was thought he might influence them to attack us as well, sir."

"Huh?" Don asked.  Mac let him see the page he had open.  He read it then looked at Jeremy.  "You were there how long?"

"Three weeks before they were taken down by two witches, a slayer, a construction worker, and a librarian.  Plus one of ours that got tired of it and turned.  I would have had I known the full breadth of the operation, sir."

Don nodded slowly.  "Okay then."  He looked at Mac.  "You still trust him?"

"Sir, I know who I can ask to make sure Anyanka does not come near your son again.  I had to beg my former superiors to get him clearance to tell him when the connection was made.  They think...."

"Whoa," Don said, holding up a hand.  "Harris, the other DNA match?" he asked Mac, who looked it up then nodded.  "So we're thinking what?"

"Someone ....  What did Anyanka say, sirs?" Jeremy asked.

"She had turned him into a child so he could grow up more secure, more wealth oriented, and with less of a dark streak," Mac told him.

"Well, she's a lot like a ho.  Money and sex were all she really cared about.  Which was why we all thought it was odd Harris was engaged to her.  A vengeance demon is a type of wish demon, sir.  She can ....  I can put you on with someone who would know and would be able to tell you if this was her doing."

"Could she have impersonated someone else, like Danny, and shot someone?" Mac asked.

He nodded.  "It's possible.  It's also possible she talked Rosenburg into helping her since the last I heard from sources out there she was throwing a fit at Anyanka over what she had done to Mr. Harris this time.  If not, there's things that could mimic him and use a gun.  One got onto the base so we were warned and tested daily to make sure we were human."

Mac and Don shared a look.  "Call them," Don said.   "I want a full dossier on her, what she can do, what she's allowed to do, how to protect the kid from her, and how to stop and/or kill her if necessary."

Jeremy nodded, calling a number on the phone and talking quietly, taking the fax number Mac wrote out.  He hung up, nodding.  "My contact out there will get that from the former Librarian and Watcher, sirs.  It'll be here within a few hours. I didn't ask for her specifically, just in general.  That should hold over for all of them."

Danny walked in with the baby.  "Wondered where you were."

"Sir, I had to find clearance to tell Mac things about a past classified ops and it became pertinent about two weeks ago."

"You being recalled?"

"Hell no.  I'm not going to go hunting demons for the UN."

Danny stared at him.  "I heard something from a drunk friend about demons and the military."

"I was only there three weeks, sir.  I wasn't even out of specialized training yet.  Though he might lead back there as well."

"I heard that too. Asked her bluntly and she agreed."  He put him down.  "Go ahead, Alex."  He looked at Mac.  "It'll fade."

"You sure?" Don asked.

"She was sure and she's a very strong witch locally.  One of the city's protectors."

Don smirked at him.  "I didn't know you knew people like that."

"Roomed with her brother in college.   Slept with her a few times.  Was nice."  He smirked.  "She's already sealed off any influence the past out there had.  She found out and went off.  Then she fixed it and told me why."

"So he really was...." Mac started.  Danny nodded.  "The screaming bitch?"

"His ex."  Alex spit then beamed at Don, cuddling his leg until he got picked up.  "We're good.  It'll fade within a year or so, Mac."

"The weapons?"

"Might've been that or where the bitch changed him to be yours.  You do like weapons."

"True."  He took the baby to cuddle.  "Jeremy, if you are ordered...."

"Sir, I would've turned them in.  If I get ordered to do *anything* by my former masters, you'll hear first.  I don't care which ones.  I felt very betrayed that my bosses and yours liked that idea until it was stopped.  That's why I let my commission run out."

"Good to know.  Mac?"

"I still trust him," Danny said.  "He had to get clearance but he was honest."

Mac nodded.  "Okay."  He handed Alex to him after a kiss on the head.  "You be good for Jeremy today, Alex.  We love you and we'll see you tonight."  The baby beamed and waved, letting his nanny take him off.  Danny came over to read at Don's point at the computer.  "What are we doing about this?"  He turned on the nanny cam at his place, just in case.

"As far as I'm concerned, that makes her the scientist," Don said.

Danny nodded.  "Does to me too."  The fax started to spit out information so he gathered it, handing it over as he read it.  "She wasn't nice by any means."

"We'll protect the baby," Don promised.  "We can beat her the next time, right?"  He looked at them.  "I love the little guy but I wasn't ready to be a daddy yet."

"I know, neither was I," Mac admitted.  He smiled at Danny.  "That bother you?"

"As long as we can make sure she goes under the jail and doesn't get anything funky back so she comes back in a few years."

They all nodded, sitting down to make plans on how to stop her when she showed up this time.

***

In the end it wasn't that hard to capture and stop her.  They found her in her motel room unconscious.  She wasn't going to wake up.  She hadn't woken up after two weeks in the hospital.  The judge commuted her sentence since the doctors said she wasn't going to be waking up, probably ever.  It was one less worry.

Danny, of course, decided to throw a party.  His ghost had liked that idea and was teasing Stella's hair for her, making her shudder and move around some.  Danny had cooked.  Nearly everyone was there.  Peyton had glomped herself to Mac's side so she could coo at the baby, who was giving her odd looks.

Alex got put down onto the floor so he could wander around, smiling at his Daddy.  "Momma!" he said happily, hugging Don.

"Hey, sprout. You having a good time too?" he teased, picking him up to cuddle him.  "We love you."

"Dada!" he said, pointing at Mac.

"That's right, that's Daddy Mac. Very good," Danny said, pinching him on the cheek.  "You're gonna have a giant brain, even bigger than Uncle Sheldon's computer brain."  Sheldon snickered at that.  "He will!"

Alex smiled at him.  "Momma Da!"  He hugged him around the throat.  "Kissy!"

Danny smirked at him.  "Who taught you that word?"

"Sti!" he squealed, hugging her around the neck when she got into range.

"Did you teach my son a new word?" Mac called.

"Yeah, he wanted us ta kiss," Don said, smirking at him.

Mac took his son back.  "Alex, I don't think they're going to kiss just because you want them to."

"Kissy Momma Da!" he ordered, pouting at him, giving him the dreaded begging look that he used when Daddy wasn't giving him cookies.

Mac kissed him on the head.  "I'll kiss you instead.  How about that?"

Alex pouted.  "Kiss Momma Do?"

"No, I'm not going to kiss Mommy Don either."

Don burst out laughing, pinching Stella since she was bright red.  "Don't give our kid dirty thoughts already."

"Yeah, or you get to explain girls to him when he's older," Danny agreed.

"I'd do it anyway.  You three are *horrible* with women and can't seem to date anything but skanky hos and Mac doesn't date."

"Ho?" Alex asked, looking at her.  He grinned at Uncle Sheldon.  "Ho?"

"No, I'm not a ho.  Thanks for asking, Alex."  He patted him on the head.  "Can you say Sheldon?  Or Uncle Sheldon?"

He blew a kiss and giggled then let himself be hugged by that uncle, who smelled really nice.  He snuggled into his neck, hanging on while Sheldon got his dose of baby love.  "Kissy?"

"I already kissed you on the head."  He kissed him on the head again.  "There, how's that?"

Alex beamed and pointed at Don.  "Kissy?"

"No, I'm not going to kiss your daddies, Alex.  Sorry.  Not my type."

Stella was snickering into the couch cushion by now, trying to keep it quiet.

"Fuck!" Alex announced.

"No!" all three fathers shouted back.  The baby pouted but put his head down again.

"Bad word, Alex," Sheldon told him. "Don't say the bad words, they'll make Mommy Danny pout."  Alex beamed at him and wiggled over so Danny could take him.  "Subway?"

"Adam," Danny said dryly.  "He banged his knee the last time Alex saw him in the lab."  He looked at his son.  "You say that word again, you go take a nap."  The baby gave him his cutest grin and kissed him on the cheek.  "Love you too, kiddo.  Want to get down?"  He wiggled over so Don could take him. "Sure, you can go to Mommy Don."

"I'll get you later," he muttered.  He smiled at the baby.  "Hi, Al."  He got a beaming baby look.  "You're up to no good, aren't you?"

"Kissy Momma?  Kissy Dada?"

"No, I'm not kissin' either one tonight.  Not unless they ask.  Quit being so pushy."  He kissed him on the head.  "Get the new present Auntie Stella got you so you can drive her nuts for a change."  He put him next to the toy, letting him play with the very loud activity center.

"He's adorable," Peyton told Mac.

"He's got Danny's mischievous nature.  Plus Don's innocent look when he gets in trouble.  And his begging look when he sees you have cookies or something."

"Coco?" Alex asked, looking at him.  "Coco?"

"No," Danny said.  "No cookies around here, Alex.  You know that.  You ate the last one last night when you broke into the cabinet at two in the morning."

"How did he do that?" Mac asked.

"He's figured out how to climb the crib railing.  Apparently him thumping to the floor didn't wake me but the sound of the plastic of the cookie tray did."  Mac moaned.  "I woke up to him gobbling the last ten chocolate chip cookies."

"No wonder you looked so worn out this morning," Don said, giving him a sympathetic pat.  "Did he run baby laps or do his usual chocolate dance for you?"

"All night," he complained.

Mac snickered.  "I quit keeping it in the house."

"I hid mine inside a crock pot.  He still found 'em."

"I'll hide mine higher up," Don decided, watching him play with his aunt and the ghost.  "At least your other visitor is good for him," he said quietly.

"Yeah, real good."  He glanced back then looked at Sheldon. "He's okay."

"Who's making the mooing sound?"

"Ralph, he's my ghost," Danny said dryly.  "He likes Alex too.  Helps him bang on pots now and then."

"Okay then," he decided.  He took another drink of his juice and smiled at Stella.  "You need saved?"

"Me!" Alex yelled, bouncing up and down.  "Me!"

"Oh, do you need saved?" he teased, giving him a hug.  "Why don't you go pounce Auntie Peyton?"  He ran that way and pounced her, making her squeal since she was wearing a skirt that ended just about at his forehead and his head had went up it.

"Alex, no sticking your head up girls' skirts until you're our age," Mac said patiently.  He took the boy.  "Behave."

"Si?"

"Si?  Auntie Stella?"  The baby pouted.  "Oh, Sid.  He's not here yet, Alex.  You can try to call him if you want."  He dialed and let the baby have the phone to babble at him.  He grinned at Peyton.  "He *loves* Sid's stories when he escapes the office.  I've found him down there three times getting a story from Uncle Sid."

She smiled. "He does tell some amazing stories."  She looked at the determined look.  "Sid, he's got that face that means he's going to beat someone with the phone," she said next to it.  "You should come over."

Alex beamed at her.  "Ho!"  He let Mac hang up while Don coughed and tried not to laugh.

"No, love, I'm not Santa either.  Even if I'm wearing a red shirt."  The baby just grinned at her.

Danny topped up his drink.  "Sorry about him.  Alex, go play."  The baby pouted.  "Keep it up and take a nap."  The baby got down, going to play with the ghost and Uncle Sheldon this time.  Something quieter since Uncle Sheldon gave him the box of blocks.

"He's very protective of his fathers," she said, smiling at Mac.

"He is.  He flirts with women who Danny might like.  He shoos women off Don.  He shoos women off me.  I don't know why he lets Danny flirt."  He sipped his drink, going to let Sid in.  "He's at the table."

"He's a very bright young man, Mac.  We should encourage his mind."

"We are, but I'm not sure why sometimes he turns into this strange little guy."  Danny and Sheldon gave up their spots to him when he got pounced by Alex.  Danny got him some punch and a plate of stuff to nibble on.  "Nothing you're allergic to, Sid."

"Thank you, Danny."  He smiled at the baby, getting a cuddle back.  "Did you miss me?"

"Yes, he did," Sheldon assured him.

Sid beamed at the baby.  "I've not seen you in days.  What have you been doing?"

"Kissy!"

"Oh, you've been kissing?  Who've you been kissing?  You're very young for a girlfriend, Alex.  Is she your age?"

"Momma kissy Momma Do!" he said happily, beaming at him.

"Well, that's a whole sentence.  That's a good use of the language, young man."  Alex patted him on the cheek.  "I know, I should've shaved."  Alex kissed him anyway and made him smile.  "Anything else going on?"

"Dada kissy ho."

"No, I don't think your father was kissing Santa."

"That's his pet name for Peyton apparently since she's wearing red," Sheldon told him.

"Ah.  That makes more sense.  I didn't know your father was seeing Auntie Peyton, Alex.  That's very interesting news."

"Daddy kissy Momma?"

"You'd have to ask him about that."

"Not in public," Danny moaned.

"Fuck!"

Danny patted him on the head.  "No more of that word, Alex.  I mean it."  The baby pouted.  "Tough.  No."

"Bad?"

"Yes, bad.  No more."  He pouted but sucked up to Sid, helping him eat his nibbling things and talking to him about kissing people.

"I think Ma taught him 'bad'," Don offered.  "She says it when he tries to grab her hair."

"Your mother had helmet head last week," Danny reminded him.

"I saw and complained."  He sat down with Sid to play with his son.  His baby beamed and leaned over to kiss him but went back to talking to Sid.  "You're good."

"I try now and then," Sid shot back with a smile. "It's nice to have someone to tell stories to who'll talk back."

Don grinned.  "Even if he does have a dirty mind?"

"Indeed, but I've been at that stage myself," he said with a smile.  "Mine lasted a few years but I had a lot of fun and so did whoever I was with I hope."

"Kissy Momma?" Alex asked him.

"No, I've never kissed him, Alex.  None of your parents or Peyton.  I did kiss Sheldon on the head once because he was having nightmares while sleeping in his office and it calmed him down."  Sheldon coughed and blushed a bit.  "And I'd love to kiss your Aunt Stella but alas, she thinks of me as only a good friend and someone who admires her from afar.  Perhaps you can help with that?"

"STI!" he shouted.  She looked over. "Kissy!"

"No, I like Sid as a friend.  I'm not kissing him tonight, Alex.  Thanks for trying."  She smirked at him.  "Sid."

"What?  All I said was he could help me."  She rolled her eyes but she was smiling.  "At least you tried, Alex."  He patted him and helped him build with his blocks, making him a happy boy who quit thinking about kissing for a bit.

***

"So, Flack," Gerrard said the next morning, stopping beside his desk with a sneer.  "Your son seemed to have some information about your nighttime habits."

"No, my son has hopes and wishes that I bend his other fathers over and take 'em hard.  He's trying really hard to set us up together, plus Stella and Sheldon."  He smirked back.  "He might want, doesn't mean it happens, Cap.  This is the same kid who calls ME Peyton a ho."  Gerrard laughed at that.  "He does.  Did it all night.  Even when my dad and mom got there.  Stella taught him the word kissy and he used it very well in kiddie sentences all night long.  He even tried to bag Stella for Sid."  The nearest two detectives shuddered at that.  "He loves Sid.  If he's ever lost in the lab, check the morgue first.  Sid tells him stories and he loves 'em."  He looked at his boss again, still smirking.  "Anyway, why would it matter that my son wants me to be gay and bend his other fathers over?  For all I know, he wants siblings and thinks that'll do it."   His boss walked off shuddering at the thought of a pregnant Taylor or Messer.

"With the way Messer and Hawkes eat sometimes, are you sure they're not?" another guy joked.

Don looked at him.  "You can ask.  I'm sure Alex would accept any kids Doc had as his siblings."  The guy burst out laughing.  "Anyone wanna make a pool on how long it'll take my very persistent son to get his chosen couples together?  Because he can out-stubborn both my parents already.  Especially about chocolate.  Oh, never, ever give my kid chocolate unless *you* want to babysit, guys.  Last time he danced for *six hours* and we couldn't get him ta sleep."

Mac walked in with a case file.  "Please don't give Alex chocolate.  He's horrible and he'll steal it from you if you hide it.  He did to some cookies Danny had hidden."  He handed the folder over.  "You brought me a llama sample and then a bunny sample.  Think I could have a human one instead?"  He groaned, looking it over.  "For future reference, yes, the baby is a bit warped.  Stella taught him the word 'kissy', he does want siblings so he's put the ideas together.  No betting on when the son will manage it because we're all trying very hard to resist the pout."

"If he gets one of you, we'll try really hard to distract him but otherwise you're on your own,"  Don teased.  "Just like us."

"You know, if you showed him *girls* have babies, he might get the point that none of you can have one," another detective offered. "It helped when mine wanted me to give him a sister for six months."

"Tried that," Mac admitted.  "He thinks I am a girl."  That got a groan.  "Though he calls Don and Danny mommy more often than me I had to teach him that we're all boys.  He still hasn't gotten the point.  Oh, whoever got him the box of chocolate frogs for his birthday last month, I'm making you babysit him when he has the next one."  He walked off shaking his head.  That detective was cackling in the corner.

Don looked over.  "Thanks for getting me candy, Harner.  I needed it to deal with the warped moments, like when the kid asked Mac if he'd kiss Peyton last night."

"What's her pet name?" Harner asked from his seat.

"Ho.  She was wearing red last night.  It put him in mind of santa."  That got a louder snicker.  "Oh, and no swearing.  Adam taught him 'fuck' when he banged his knee."

"Retrain him using bribes," the experienced parent said patiently.

"He got the point it was bad when he suggested it ta Sid last night."  They all shuddered, they didn't want to have the image of Sid and anyone!

"Get back to work," Gerrard yelled.  "No more chatting about babies."

"Hey, Cap, you feeling all right?" Don joked.  "You having mood swings?  Who did my son set you up with?  Just so we know what to get you at the shower."  His boss gaped then stomped off, slamming his door so hard the glass broke.  "Good!  Make fun of my son's dirty mind again!"  A few of the guys laughed at that.  Don went back to work until his father called to tell him to take a nap, it'd help that problem his mouth was having.  "Can't, Dad.  Besides, we had Alex on a sugar high last night doing his chocolate dance."  He hung up on the groan, getting back to work.  It was a better mental image than him being pregnant.  Cleared the thought of Mac being pregnant out of his head too.  Though, he could see Danny as pregnant....  He did have those moods of his and the drama queen tendencies.  Maybe he'd make him take a test later, just in case.  After all, their son was that stubborn...

No, not even modern science could do that yet.  Someday maybe but not yet.

***

Danny looked around the birthday party, then at his son.  It was his second birthday.  Things had been going well recently.  No problems coming for the family.  No problems with Alex except now and then his mouth got him into trouble.  "Why are we doin' this here instead of at home?"

"More room here," she reminded him.  "Some of us won't get off shift in time for the party you wanted to throw.  It limits Grandma Flack's fussing and interference."

"Oh, yeah, that was the reason we agreed."  He watched his son do his nearly patented chocolate dance.  "Who gave him more?"

"I don't know.  I think Marty since he went looking for Sid and Sid wasn't in yet."

Danny gave her an evil smirk.  "Gonna tell me no?"

She snorted. "Hell no!"  She smirked back, just as evilly.  "Let Gerrard deal with him for being such a pussbag."

"Works for me.  Alex!"  His son turned around to stare at him and dance at the same time.  "Get Monroe to take you ta Daddy Don.  That way we can finish setting up and you don't peek at the presents."

"Presents?" he cooed, coming closer.

"Not until it's time for cake," Stella said with a grin.  The baby cackled.  "We need Daddy Don down here by then.  Have Lindsay take you over there."  She fed him another cookie and watched him run out hunting his least favorite aunt.  She smirked at Danny.  "Should we warn him?"

"Hell no."  He got back to work on the balloons.

"Why am I taking him to Don?" Lindsay asked from the doorway.

"Because two of the homicide detectives are hiding chocolate from him."

"Ah.  We're being evil."  She walked the baby down to Don's desk, letting him run over to hug him even though he had a suspect.  "They're putting up the balloons."

"Cake and presents," Alex told her with a happy grin.

"How many cookies have you had?" Don asked him.  Alex finished that one then went back to dancing.  "Tells me all I need ta know.  You know what?  Captain Gerrard was gonna give you chocolate for your birthday.  Why don't you go frisk him for it?  You're very good at frisking.  Nearly as good as I am."  Alex beamed his most insane smile at him and ran that way, pounding and kicking on the door until it was opened.  He ran over the captain and started to frisk him once he had knocked him down.

"What are you doing!" he shouted.

"Frisking.  He's learned very well, huh, Cap?" Don said with a proud smile.  He beamed at the suspect.  "He's two today."

"That's why I let my women handle mine and I visit."

Don snickered.  "We three dads share custody since the military made 'im for us."  Gerrard yelped.  "Xander, that's still not a candy bar!"

"Gun!" he shouted, coming out cuddling it.  Don held out a hand, checking it and ejecting the clip then handing it back.  The safety was on.  He went back to the office and dancing around with the gun as a partner.

"He's brilliant, loves weapons," Don said proudly.

"You're insane," the suspect warned.

"He hasn't slept in three days," he said happily.

"Yo, I'll confess.  Don't stick me in a room with him."

"Aww, where's the fun in that?" Don asked.  His captain deposited the baby next to him and took his gun and clip back, making Xander wail in misery.  He gave him a hug.  "Did you find the chocolate?"  He shook his head.  "You go look some more.  I know he's hiding it somewhere in there."  He got that baby 'determined' look that Danny and Mac both got when they were chasing someone.  He stomped back in there, making him yelp but run away from the baby.  "Find any, Xander?"

"Bars!" he shouted happily.  He came out with the bag of miniatures and Gerrard's handcuffs.  He waved them.  "Present?"

"No, those aren't a present.  Those are to lock bad little boys to a chair so they have a time out.  Before they're spanked."

Alex spit.  "Grandma Flack not need.  Woose."  He unwrapped a his-size candybar and ate it, going back to dancing with the bag.  As the captain stomped over to complain to the daddy he took his gun back too.  He ejected the clip and cuddled it and the bag of candy.  He beamed at the other detectives, going to help them by dancing near their suspects too.  Most of them begged, though one scowled.  He cackled and petted him like he would a dog in the park.  He was clearly bitchy.

"Flack," Gerrard ground out.  "Why is he over here?"

"Danny and Stella are setting up his party over in CSI.  That way the aunts who're on shift can see 'im today."  He grinned.  "Besides, I haven't slept in three days."  He beamed brighter.  "He's being helpful.  Anyone who doesn't want me to let the kid eat the *whole* bag of candy, confess," he shouted.  Suddenly, everyone really wanted to confess.  "See?"

Alex pouted.  "Being good," he said while he danced.

Gerrard took his clip and gun back, walking into the office and slamming his door shut, locking it this time.

"Woose!" Alex shouted.  "Subway bad guys nicer!"

"Alex," Don warned patiently.  "Your mouth and Grandma Flack are gonna meet again soon."

"Oops."

He looked at him.  "The only oops there was you blurting shit out.  Don't do that.  Mac won't be happy."

He pouted, then shrugged and cackled, going back to dancing near the suspects.  One tried to grab him so he bit him.  The detective smacked the suspect's head  "Don't touch the kid!"

Mac walked in and sighed, looking at his son.  "Do you need all that candy?"

"Yup!" he said happily.  "Present!"  He held it up with a big grin.

"He was already on a chocolate high when Monroe delivered 'im," Don assured him dryly.  "He did good frisking Cap."  The other detectives laughed.  "He's damn good at it."

Mac took the candy.  "If that's a present you have to make it last, Alex.  That way you have presents again next month."  His son hugged him, still dancing.  "What else did you do?"

"Gun," he cooed, beaming at him.

"Ah.  Whose?"

"Gerrard's," one of the other detectives said, handing him the rest of his can of soda.  "Diet, Taylor."

"Thanks."  He helped his son drink it to hopefully flush some of the sugar out of his system.  It wasn't going to work for a *very* long time but oh well.  "Come on.  You can help me in my office."

"Boring!" he complained, pouting at him.

Mac gave him a look.  "Tough.  Now, Alex.  March."  He pointed.  The baby ran over to cuddle Don, hoping to be saved.

Don smiled at him.  "It's only until the party.   Then you can dance around some more."  He winked and handed him something, sliding it under his son's t-shirt.  His son beamed and kissed him.  "Be a good boy and we'll be over soon, Al."  He nodded, heading that way, one hand holding the hershey bar in place so Daddy Mac wouldn't see it and confiscate it.

"That's mean," the suspect complained.

Don snickered. "He gets custody tonight."

"You're evil."

"Thank you.  Now, you did what again?  Oh, yeah, killed someone.  Why?"  He looked at him.  "Before I lock you and the son in the broom closet with another pound of chocolate."  He opened his desk drawer to show him the box.  It was the only way he ever got any.  Alex hunted any he kept at home.

The guy whimpered.  "He was doin' my baby's momma."

"Ah."  He typed that in.  "Any other good reasons you think you had?"

"I think he was staring at my boy."

Don nodded, typing that in.  "I could almost see that one.  Next time, report them.  We can cap them for you and not go to jail like you will be."  He kept filling out the forms.  At least until his phone rang and he had to grab it.  "Yeah, Flack."  He smiled at the complaint from Lindsay.  "How is he distracting you?"  He laughed and hung up on her continued complaints that him dancing in Mac's office was making it so she couldn't work.  "She can't turn around ta work and not watch the son dance his chocolate dance."

"She funny too?"

"Nah, she's sick in other ways," he said dryly, finishing the forms.  "Okay.  Let's get you booked, sent over, let you call a lawyer."  He got up, dragging the guy down to booking, handing over the forms.  The cop looked at it then at him.  "What?  That's the reason he gave."

He just nodded.  "Son keeping you up again?"

"It's his second birthday.  I unwisely took custody of him and the first cake at the same time.  Three days ago."

"Ah!" he said, nodding as he walked the guy off.  "When's the party?"

"Any half hour now."  He walked back to his desk, finding his captain scowling at him.  He grinned. "What?" he asked with a boyish, innocent grin.  "It's good for him to learn what the daddies do all day."

"Your son is a monster."

"Aww, did he not frisk you right?"

"No, he did it textbook."

"That's my boy," Flack said proudly.  "Even earlier than I learned."  Gerrard stomped off again.  "I'm gonna go help with the party stuff, Cap," he called after him, escaping once his desk was locked.

Gerrard growled.  "I get promoted and that's what I get for a present."

One of the guys looked at him.  "At least the baby doesn't have colic."

"Thank God," he muttered, heading into his office again.

***

Mac shut the door on his office once he had walked Alex inside, patting him on the head.  "Let me do three things then it should be time for the party."

"Presents?" he chirped.

"And those."  He sat down at his desk, watching his son dance around some more.  He got to work on the files, shaking his head.  His son really needed less candy this week.  He had no idea how they were going to handle Halloween this year.  Easter service, with candy, was tonight and Alex was *horrible* already.  He looked up, spotting him with new chocolate smears around his mouth.  "Where did you get more?" he asked.

"Daddy Don."

"I'm going to spank him," Mac muttered.

"Grandma Flack?" he asked.

"Don't tempt me."  He glared at the people watching his son dance, making a shooing motion.  Most of them went back to work.  Some kept checking on him.  He shook his head, finishing his work, stopping Alex from getting his gun.  "No."

"Pwease?  Be careful!"

"I know you will.  The answer's still no."  Alex sniffled.  He looked at him.  "Keep it up, wait longer for the party."

"Cake?"

"And that."

Alex pouted, going back to his dancing, managing to sneak a few of the his-size candy bars out of the bag on the desk.  His father caught him eating the first one and took the others, then swept his mouth with a finger to get the chocolate out.  He wailed.  "Presents!"

"You don't need more chocolate!"  He wiped his finger off then sat back down to do the rest of his paperwork. His son was throwing a tantrum and he was trying to ignore it.  He glared at him.  Alex stuck his tongue out.  "Sit!" he said, pointing at a chair.  Alex sniffled all the way over.  "Thank you."  He got back to work.  Stella leaned in and motioned at the baby.  "He's having a time out because he just stuck his tongue out at me."

"Uh-huh.  You were mean!"  She grabbed the baby and walked off.  "I think I heard Sid come in finally."  He squealed and wiggled until she put him down, running for the elevator.  He danced until it came then on and pushed the button until the doors closed.  She watched.  "He's fast," she decided, calling down there. "Marty, incoming for Sid."  She hung up and went back to the party prep.

Alex came off the elevator and looked around.  "Hey, Auntie Britty Lady Ho!" he squealed, waving at her as he ran past her, pouncing Sid.  "SID!"

"Alex," he said with a smile, turning to get him off his thigh so he could hug him.  "Are you in for your party?"

He beamed and nodded.  "Presents.  Bars!"

"Those are good presents at your age."  The baby beamed. "How many have you had?"

"Not know.  Grandma cake!" he said happily, hugging him around the throat, still wiggling.  "Party?"

"Yes, I'm coming up for the party."  He gave him the cuddle he needed, taking the candy Marty had before the boy could see it.  "Give it to him later."

"It's Easter, Sid!"

"I don't think his fathers would appreciate that."

"He's not my kid.  I'm being a good spoiling uncle."  He tucked the peeps into Alex's pocket and patted him on the head.  "We have to get to work so we can come to the party.  Then you can have Sid back.  Good for you?"

Alex nodded, kissing them both before getting down and heading for the elevator.  One of the adults in the hall pushed the button for him since it was too high.  He waved.  "Fank you!"  He got on and jumped up to hit the right button, heading back up to the floor, looking at the small box of yellow duckies.  "Huh?"  He ran into the room Danny and Stella were in.  "Ducks!"

Danny looked. "Those are Peeps.  They're like fluff only solid and kinda grainy from the sugar on the outside.  You can eat 'em later."  He put them on the table but Alex took them back and walked off.  "Oh, no.  Already gotten an earful from Daddy Mac," he warned, taking them back.  Alex pouted.  "Tough.  Go back to the office."  He went that way via the break room, he usually did.  Sheldon was in there eating.  "No more sugar until his cake!" he yelled up the halls.  "Or else you're babysitting tonight!"

"Thank you!" Lindsay called back. "He's distracting!"

Sheldon smiled as he let the baby down.  "Hug her too.  Remember not to touch anything if she's in a lab."  He gave him a bite of fried vegetable, watching him run off.  "No wonder he can't have more sugar."  He ate another bite.

Alex stalked his prey.  She was a sour auntie.  Didn't like him a whole lot and she gave bad presents.  He found her in the halls and saw she only had a file with papers.  He pounced and knocked her down to frisk her too, finding her roll of life savers.

Mac came out and grabbed him, handing them back.  He put him on the couch again.  "Thirty minutes, Alex.  You know better than that."  He walked out.  "Are you all right?"

"Was he frisking me?"

"Don learned when he was three and Grandpa Flack said it's a good skill to learn.  It was how they bonded a few days ago.  Are you all right?"

"I'm fine.  Nothing bruised."  She got up and handed him the report.  "For Danny.  Are you punishing him?"  He pointed at the sulky boy sitting facing the corner.  "Time outs work?"

"He hates having to sit still."

"Oh."  She walked off pouting.  The baby was mean to her!

Danny leaned out.  "He did what?  He went to help Sheldon eat his lunch."

"She was being cranky so I told Alex to hug her," Sheldon defended from the break area.

"He dropped her then frisked her," Mac mouthed.  Danny leaned back into the room and shut the door before starting to cackle.  He walked into the break room.  "Don and Grandpa Flack both decided to do some Flack-style bonding by teaching the baby how to frisk people."  Sheldon choked.  "Don learned when he was three.  Alex is brilliant.  He found her life savers."

"I only suggested a hug," he wheezed.  "She okay?"

"He did a good tackle," Mac told him.  "I'm not sure if I'm proud or not."

"Be proud.  Think of the cop he'll be when he's older."

Mac smiled.  "Thanks.  No sugar."  He walked off, heading back to the office.  Alex hadn't moved.  He was still pouting with his arms crossed over his chest.  He checked the bag on the desk.  It didn't look touched.  He checked his watch.  "Next time don't tackle your aunt, Alex.  You know better."

"She not nice!" he said.

"She's very nice."

"She wanna kissy Daddy Danny."

"That's between them, son.  Sit there."  He went back to his work.  Alex could be hell on the nerves at times.  Especially when he got into the candy.  He looked at him, seeing him shifting.  He walked over and frisked him, finding the rest of Lindsay's sugary stuff and a few things he had snuck somehow.  "Did you get into the bag?"

"Marty," he said with a grin.  "Daddy Don's friends too."

Mac moaned, opening an unused evidence bag to put all the candy into.  "You're still sitting there."  His son whined.  "Ten more minutes."  He slumped but went back to pouting, sitting as still as he could.  Mac knew that he'd had too much sugar to sit perfectly still like he should.  He was surprised he was able to sit any bit still actually.  When it was time he cleared his throat and his son got up, going back to dancing to wear out the extra sugar.  "We should take you to the gym, son."

"No!" he shouted with a scowl.  "Bad peoples!"

"There are?"  Alex pouted but nodded.  "Who?"

"Bad!"

"The next time you see them, you point them out to us, okay?"  Alex nodded, coming over to get a hug and take his gun to play with.  Mac took it back.  "Not at work, Alex."

"Meany."

"Want to sit another one today?"  Alex pouted and whined, reaching for it.  "We can clean them later.  All right?"  He nodded, going back to his dancing.  "Thank you."  He finally finished up and looked at his watch.  He called Danny.  "How long?"  He smiled.  "That'll work."  He hung up, then paged people with the word 'party'.  He stood up.  "Time."  Alex beamed and reached for the evidence bag, running back to the party room with it.  He smiled fondly at his demented son.  Don caught him and gave him a hug.  "That hershey bar was mean."

"No it wasn't.  It'll make sure he doesn't crash in the middle of the party.  The peeps from Marty were mean."

Stella snickered.  "Very."  She gave Alex a hug.  "It was two years ago that you were born.  You're getting old, little guy."

He pouted.  "Cute?"

"Yes, you're still cute."  She kissed him on the head and put him down, letting him look at the pile of presents that had appeared while he was gone.  "You can wait until everyone else gets here."

"Kissy Sid?"

"No, I'm not going to kiss Sid, Alex," she said patiently, making Sid laugh as he walked in. "He's got Mac's stubbornness."

"No, he has more than I do," Mac assured her dryly.  "I've seen whole platoons of Marines that weren't as determined as the son."  Alex just beamed and waved at him.  "Yes, you."

"Woose!" Alex yelled.

Don groaned.  "Don't call people that!"

"Oops."

Gerrard walked in and stared at him.  "I am not."

"Not pat down?"

"No, you already did once.  I think that's enough."  The baby gave him his best little hellion grin.  He handed Don a present.  "From the wife."  He walked off.  "I'm moving up.  Hernandez is moving over."

"Okay."  He nodded.  "Thanks and good luck, Cap," he called.  He shrugged.  "The Chief of Detectives needed a better ass kisser?" he asked Mac quietly.

"Apparently."

"Wonderful.  Well, I like Hernandez.  Could be worse."  He put the present onto the table, getting a beam from the baby.  "Not dancing anymore?"

"Sore feets!"

"So sit down and let Sid tell you about something, or Sheldon."  He pounced Sheldon, knocking him into a glass wall.  "Not nice, son."

"He knocked Lindsay down to frisk her," Mac said quietly.

"That's my boy.  He knows you don't frisk family and friends."  He watched his son as the rest of them came in.  He looked at Adam's package.  "If that's sugar, you're babysitting."

"I know better than that.  The last time you had him dance and do laps around my lab."   He put it onto the table.  "Who gave him peeps?"

"Marty," Danny said from his seat.  "Montana comin' or not?"

"She might be putting some liniment on the bruises," Sheldon offered, going back to explaining about the skeleton in the corner to the baby.  He was a good teacher.

Mac paged her, making her show up.  "Are you coming to the party too?"

"Sure, I could use some cake since he stole all my candy."  Mac handed her the evidence bag, letting her take what was hers back.  "He's good, Don.  He stripped me bare of sugar in seconds."  She put her present on the table.  "Are we nearly ready?"

"Yup," Stella said, lighting the candles.  "Alex."  He looked over and oohed at the pretty fire.  "Don't touch.  Make a wish and blow it out."  He stared at her.  "Make a wish."

"Bad."

"No, not a bad one.  Make a good wish, like to be happy next year or something."  He gave her a look.  "I promise.  It'll be okay as long as you make a good wish."  She didn't know why he didn't like to make wishes.  Not on falling stars, not on birthday candles.  It was strange.  She wondered who had said something.  He mumbled something.  "Now blow out the candles."  He blew.  They went out.  "Good job!"  She gave him a hug, lifting him up so he could see the cake.  "Look, race cars."  It was the only motif the parents had been able to agree on even if Alex didn't really like cars.  He associated them with shopping and he still hated shopping.

"Oooh, gangs!" he said happily.

"Don, no more gangster movies with the kid," Danny complained, cracking others up.

"We were watching _The Untouchables_.  It's a classic.  He couldn't sleep anyway!"

"I've got him tonight and this weekend, Don.  You can rest."

"Thank you!"  He patted Alex on the head.  "Okay, now let's cut the cake.  Then we can open presents once people have their slices."  Alex gave him a manic look but reached for the knife.  "Ah!  We'll do it, you tell us where."  He let the baby show him where to cut.  "Here?"  He nodded.  He sliced.  "Which way now?"  He pointed to the left so Don moved over to cut that side then the top, handing the square to Mac since had the plates.  "Who gets the first one?"

"Stella kissy Sid?"

She rolled her eyes.  "I'll kiss him some other time, Alex.  Let Sid have it."  He beamed at his uncle and nodded.  They let Alex hand out cake to the others, knowing he was thinking he'd get the rest.  She had a solution for that.  "You know, you could give the rest of the cake to the guys that Daddy Don works with.  Captain Gerrard just got a bigger desk and he deserves some cake too."  Alex pouted at her. "It'd be very nice.  It'd make him happy.  Like you are."

"Give?"

"Yes, giving it to them would be nice.  Like giving him a present for doing such a good job," Don agreed, smiling at her.  That was brilliant!  "We'll bring it over after you open your presents."

Alex ran over to the table full of presents, climbing up in the chair so he could sit on the table and rip them open.  Most people laughed.  "Presents!" he cooed, waving the first one.  Books!  He loved books!  He beamed at Sheldon, who smiled at him.  He opened the next one, letting Daddy Danny move them off to the side so he wouldn't lose them.  He lost things at home all the time.  He found a strange looking chair and looked at it then at Mommy Mac, holding it up.

"That's for when you learn how to go potty like a big boy," Mac told him.  "You'll hopefully learn this year or next."

Alex grimaced.  "Nasty!"  He put it aside, getting some laughs.  The one who gave the gift laughed hardest.  "Bad diaper!"

"Yeah, that's so you don't have ta have bad diapers," Don agreed.  "We'll like that too."  Peyton cackled at that, it was her present.  "Thanks, Peyton."

"Welcome, Don," she said with a pat for his shoulder.  Alex stared at her.  "I can give him friendly touches."

"No!"  He shook his head, whipping his hair around.  "No!  Mine!"

"Would you like one?"  She patted him on the head, making him smile.  "There you go, love."  She backed off.  "He called Britty Lady ho again, Mac," she said quietly.

"He's on a sugar high, Amanda.  I'll work on that," he said.  She smiled at him and give him a pat too.

"Momma mine too," Alex said with a scowl for her, cracking the others up.  That was Mac's pet name from him.

"Daddy," Danny corrected patiently.  "Not Mommy.  Mac's still a boy, Alex.  Boys are daddies."

He spit at him, getting a gentle smack on the mouth.  "Hey!" he complained.

"I warned you about that."

Alex pouted but Stella gave him his next present, making him happy again.  The rest of the party was jovial.  The baby was happy.  He loved the presents.  Even Monroe's Tonka truck, though he didn't really like cars.  She smiled at him for saying 'thank you' and took her cake to get back to work.  At the end, he helped his Daddy Don carry the cake over to his desk.  Don whistled.  "We got told the Cap was passing on and Alex generously donated his cake to help celebrate that."  Gerrard came to his doorway.  "He did."

"Thanks, Flack.  You too, Alex."

Alex beamed.  "Good job!" he praised, waving at him.  The other guys smiled at that.  He pounced Don.  "Home?"

"With Mac tonight, Alex."  He walked him off.  "Have a good new desk, Cap."

He got a piece of cake, smiling at the theme.  "Gangsters?"

"Probably Messer's idea," one said, coming over to get his own cake.  "Think it's sugar free?"

"Probably," Gerrard agreed.  "That kid's a monster on sugar."  He went back to his office, cheered up a bit.  Flack appreciated him.  Even if it was a way to keep the baby out of the cake later on.

***

Alex looked around the park then back at Danny that Sunday.  He saw the person staring at him and snorted.  He tugged on his daddy's hand, pointing at him.  "Looking!"

He looked over.  Interesting people you met in the park these days.  So, he'd be calm and cool about this.  He had seen the Flackmobile park a few minutes earlier.  "He's a bad guy.  What do you do when some bad guy is nosin' around you?"

"Grandpa Flack?"

"That's right.  You yell for Grandpa Flack."

"GRANDPA!  BAD PERSON!" he shouted as loud as he could.  His grandfather came jogging over so he pointed.  "Looking!" he said, looking pitiful.

He looked.  "That is a bad person, Alex.  Very good."  His hand was starting to move to his gun as he stared at the thug.

"And why do we yell for Grandpa?" Danny asked.

"Ragu?"

"That's right, because he can turn bad guys into spaghetti sauce when we can't."  Grandpa Flack laughed at that.  "I can't.  Too close to the situation.  Besides, I saw you walking."

"I can agree with that."  He walked over to the guy.  "Why are you bothering my grandson, sir?" he asked, his badge in his hand.

"Just watching a friend's grandson," he smirked.

"He's not.  Technically Danny is his grandfather."  He sneered.  "The park may be a free place but I'd move along, Sassone.  Before you get into a lot of trouble."

"It's a free country, no matter how often the Republicans try," he sneered back.

Alex looked at his daddy.  "Stupid?"

"That's right.  Thugs are stupid.  He's arguing with Grandpa Flack ta prove he's stupid," he agreed happily.  "'Cause the only one who can argue with him is Daddy Don or Grandma Flack."  Flack senior gave him a look.  "They are."

Alex walked over there, leaning against his grandfather's leg.  "Stupid?"

"Nah Messer's not dumb.  Usually."

Alex scowled and kicked him, then bit him.  "Not daddy!  You!  Stupid!  Woose!"  He ran back to Danny, cuddling him.  "Bad!"

"Yes he is.  He's a very bad man."  He called Mac.  "Our son is brilliant.  Sassone.  Called him a stupid bad man.  Bit 'im too."  He hung up, pulling out a cup of koolaid.  "Rinse your mouth out and spit, don't swallow.  Don't know what you'll pick up from his sort.  Like with your teeth."  He did like he did at night, earning a smile.  "Good job.  Go play."  He went to play, ignoring the silly adults.  They could handle the bad people for him.  That's what they were there for.  He smiled at a nearby mother.  She was looking very worried.  "He's presently waiting trial.  We're cops."  She nodded.  "He killed people."

"Good to know."  She gathered her daughter and headed off, just in case they had to shoot the guy.

He strolled over there, keeping an eye on the baby.  "You know, my parents do know.  I sent 'em a card and said they still can't visit my grandson."

"How do you have a grandson?" he sneered.

"The military made the kid for us.  He's got two grandparents who're cops and then a daddy who is."  He sneered back.  "So hop on your little bike and head back to Queens, Sonny.  Before my son has to prove he knows how to treat bad guys again.  Not like he doesn't see tougher on the subway trying to pick pockets."

"I'm sure you're having fun being a mother."

"Mommy Mac," Xander corrected.  "Really stupid you."

He glared at the kid.  "You should learn manners."

"He has plenty for the right people," Don Junior said from behind him.  Sonny glared at him and Mac.  "By the way, I'm his other grandparent and Mac's his daddy.  You might wanna move on now, Sassone.  I'd hate to have to teach my son why violence is wrong already."

He backed up.  "I still say he needs manners."

Alex came over again, leaning against Danny's leg.  He looked at Danny then at him.  "Woose!"

"Alex," Don warned.

"Is."

"I don't give a damn.  You don't say that word.  That's not polite. Even if it is true."

"Poodle?"

He looked at him.  Danny shrugged.  "Nah, doesn't have enough hair ta be a poodle.  Schnauzer maybe."  Flack senior snickered at that.  He looked at his son.  "When did you see a poodle?"  He pointed at the one up the park playing with a frisbee.  "You're right, he does kinda look like the shaved parts of the poodle's ass."  He looked at him.  "Anything else?"

"I think we'll talk again," he said smugly.

Alex tackled him and stared down at him.  "Stupid," he hissed.  "Mine."  He laughed so Xander put the pointy toes Daddy Don said he had into the guy's stomach, making him moan.  He stood up and jumped too until Mac caught him.  "Mine!"

"Damn, even the kid has ta protect you," Sonny sneered.  Danny pulled his gun and he backed up.  He wasn't going to go that far in the park in daylight.  "Fine.  We'll talk later."

"Poopie!" Alex called, waving at him.  "Bye!"

Don Senior coughed to stop snickering but his son wasn't so lucky.  He looked at Danny.  "How does he learn those words?"

"The kid in daycare."  He put him down, pointing at the playset. "Go play.  Or else we're gonna go home."  He ran over to play again.  He looked at them.  "He pointed him out to me.  Said he was a bad man.  Did what we told 'im to when I reminded him.  He yelled for Grandpa Flack."

"He did.  He's got a good set of lungs on him too," Don Senior agreed.  "I was parking."  He jogged off to make sure his car was locked.

Mac shook his head.  "That'll cause problems."

"Probably," Danny agreed.  "Which is why I'm stayin' out of it."

"Good," Don junior agreed.  Alex ran over to give him a hug then ran back to play some more.  He looked at him.  "You okay?"

"I wanted ta cap his ass," he muttered.  Don nudged him with a shoulder.  "I know.  Wrong thinking."

"Me too," Mac said.  "You two heading home soon?"  Danny nodded. "Yours?"

"Nah.  Yours.  We'll let Alex look at the weapons catalogs again."  That got a smile and a nod.  "Maybe a new one came.  Why is he calling battle axes kittens?"

"I don't know.  He always has," Mac admitted.  He shrugged, walking off.  "I've got that meeting in twenty.  Thanks for the warning, guys.  Don?"

"I'm off in ten minutes.  Clock me out when you get back?"

"Sure."  He went to do that.  This was definitely going to cause some problems.  He nodded at Don's father when they passed. "Budget meetings."

"I'm sorry, Mac.  I know how draining they are."  He clapped him on the arm.  "Don't forget to log the son out please?"

"Of course."  He went to do that.  Though he did type out a warning email to Stella.  She wasn't on until later so she'd need to know.  One to Sheldon too.  Just in case.

Don Senior flopped down on the bench, watching Alex climb.  "He have more sugar?"

"Nah.  Just normal afternoon hyper behavior," Danny assured him.  He looked at Don.  "The daycare's nagging."

"He's too young to be treated for ADHD," he said firmly.  "They can kiss my ass."

"Good.  That's what I said.  I also said he paid plenty of attention to what he considered important.  He really didn't like their crafts."  He shrugged.  "Had one last week that was on anti-psychotics at his age," Danny told Grandpa.

He shuddered.  "I still think that's wrong."  Alex came over to bounce in front of him.  "What?"

"Swing?"

"Sure, I can push you."  He got up, taking him to the baby swings a bit away to push him in one of the booster seat style swings.

"Why did we get rid of the nanny?"

"Too expensive," he sighed.  "We didn't need the security.  Damn we were stupid."

Don smiled.  "We'll figure it out.  Like we did diapers."

"Yeah."  He nodded at that, sitting back and crossing his legs.  His son was happy.  "He's turning into a little thug."

"Who uses bad language," Don agreed.  "Which kid?"

"Captain Overton's kid.  He's in IAB."

"Wonderful!"  He shook his head.  "Wanna start thinking about preschool?"

"Head start or a bigger one?"

"I don't wanna be yuppie and put him on a waiting list."

"That's one of the reasons we decided the nanny was too expensive.  So we could afford his education."  He scratched the back of his neck then pushed his glasses back up his nose.  "Catholic school or otherwise?"

"I wouldn't mind somewhere better academically.  If he's got yours and Mac's brains we want him somewhere they'll push him a bit.  Too many of the catholic schools are preaching to the test these days."  Danny nodded.  "Hillstop?"

Danny looked at him.  "You want him to be a middle class kid in a preppie school?"

"Somewhere like that?  At least with their scores?"

"That I can agree with."

"Yours," Don Senior called.

"Better than mine, Dad.  I want his brain to grow bigger'n Doc's."  He looked at him.  "Expensive?"

"Very.  I save some.  You save some.  We'll figure it out.  Plenty of them will let you make monthly payments."

"Good point.  We'll start looking around."

"Let's start by weeding out where we see on cases."

"Even better.  Think there's a guide?"  Danny handed him one from his backpack/diaper bag.  "Hey."  He grinned.  "Thinking?"

"Yeah.  I folded down a page.  I want him there for high school."

He looked then nodded.  "Good scores.  Low level of kids on drugs.  Small classes.  Expensive as hell."

"Remember the elementary school case?"

"Sword fish and twenty-seven grand a year for kindergarten," he agreed.  "Too much."

"They have scholarships if we can't afford it all."

"Okay."  He looked and found a chart, finding elementary schools with the same sort of rating.  "Most of these are really expensive preppy schools."

Danny leaned over to point at one the next bracket down.  "That's not a bad school.  It's near the station.  They've got a daycare/preschool program that'll take him next year.  They're not that expensive, and they'll push him.  If he's got brains, he'll be going higher places from there."  He sat up again.  "That was my suggestion."

Don flipped to that page, reading it over.  It sounded pretty nice.  Good scores.  Not that expensive, they could afford it on their salary.  They said they accepted children from many academic and social levels so their son wouldn't be an outcast from it.  "How much is the daycare?"

"One-eighty a week."

"We pay one-twenty for the daycare."  Danny nodded, looking at him.  "Yearly fees?"

"Four grand a year."

"Not bad considering."

"Monthly payments?"

He looked then nodded.  "Very not bad."  He folded the corner down and put the book into his pocket.  "I'll suggest it to Mac tonight."  Danny grinned.  "Want me to take him home?"

"Nah, we can go look at the weapons catalogs again."

"I can do that."

"Bored?"

"Date canceled."

"Another one who didn't like you having him?"

"No.  She's happy I'm taking such good care of my son.  Her dog's going in for dental surgery.  He broke two teeth so they've got to pull them and put in falsies for him."

Danny gave him a look.  "Excuse me?"

"Front teeth.  The thing can't eat without 'em.  Besides, I like her dog."  He stood up.  Alex saw and wiggled until his grandfather put him down.  "Wanna go home?"

"Bad man?"

"No, he's not back."  Alex pointed.  He looked then glared, moving his coat away from his gun.  Sonny strolled off again.  "Okay, that's a good reason to go to Daddy Mac's house."  Don Senior nodded.  "He's got weapons catalogs."

"He's very good with them.  Alex is going to be a wonderful cop or CSI in his year."  Don pulled out the guide and showed him the school they liked.  He looked at it then at him.  "Brats?"

"Probably not if they accept kids from lower classes."

"Expensive?"

"Four grand a year once he starts regular school.  One-eighty a week for the daycare/preschool he can start next year."

Don Senior considered it.  "That's not that bad.  About what you pay now, right?"

"Sixty more a week."

"Not bad."  He handed it back.  "How do they accept students?"

"Don't know.  We're passing the idea around the family.  We'll talk ta Mac later."

"That'll work," he decided, smiling at his grandson.  Then at his son.  "At least it'll be a uniform."

"Yeah," he said dryly.  "Not dress blues but one."  He picked Alex up with a moan.  "Too much candy, Alex.  You're getting heavy again."  They packed and headed back with Grandpa Flack.  Don's car was with Mac apparently.  It was going to be a long night but Alex could coo over the catalogs for *hours* on end without being bored.

***

Danny looked up as Mac came in, looking exhausted.  "Caught a late case?"

"Budget meeting that would not end."  He put his jacket down and flopped down, getting a beer from Don.  "He's down?"

"Just went down an hour ago," Don said happily.

Mac went to check, kissing him on the head.  He got a sleepy mumble. "I'm home. You're a good boy."  He left, closing the door again. He sat down and sipped his beer.  "Anything else happen?"

"He tried ta watch from farther away," Danny admitted.  "We got to talking about schools."

"Already?"

"Yeah," Don agreed.  "There's a nice sounding one up the road from the precinct.  Has a preschool program starting for three-year-olds."  Danny handed him the book.

Mac looked it over.  "How much more expensive?"

"Sixty a week," Danny told him.  "Four grand a year when he starts regular school."

"That's not bad considering.  Some of the better catholic schools are more than that."  He took another drink.  "Do they test?"

"Don't know yet.  We were talking about it, getting counter ideas."

"There's a great one on the island but it's too far out for daily commuting," Mac told them.  "I'll judge it against their standards."  Don flipped back to the chart that measured things side-by-side.  He looked then found their elementary program.  He compared the two.  "Not bad."

"I figure it's not the best but if he's got brains, they'll encourage 'em," Danny told him.  "If not, they'll be able to handle that.  Plus that school has a counselor for things like ADHD.  They have a low rate of kids on drugs."

"I do like that," he agreed.  "Let's get information.  We'll swing the costs somehow."

Don nodded. "I was doing simple math earlier.  If we take thirty grand and put it somewhere that has six percent interest, simple interest will cover it and give us about 2750 left when he graduates for a blowout graduation trip."

"I've got five I can move over from my retirement fund," Danny said. "Take out a loan for the other five?"

"The PD's credit union has special rates for education loans," Mac said.  "Stella got one for some continuing education classes.  Low interest."  He looked at them.  "That would work?"

"Simple interest, at six percent, without any withdrawals, but I figure it'll still keep growing and we'll have some times that're over six percent and a few that're right under it."

"I don't mind the idea," Mac said.  "We'll talk to them, see what we can work out.  If we start that now it'll be there when he's ready."

"If tuition goes up we can cover the difference or put it into the bank as soon as we know," Danny agreed.  "I was looking in the Times today and they had one that said most parents should expect to pay a good hundred thou in the city for a good school over the course of their lifetime."

"With simple interest that grows up to be about seventy," Don told him.  "Don't they have special accounts for education expenses too?"

"Savings plans," Mac agreed.  "Including a way to prepay tuition to any college in the state."  He took another drink.  "We'll take a day off together."

"I've got Thursday off," Don offered.

"I'm on four to midnight so we could go anytime probably before noon," Danny agreed.

Mac considered it.  "I can push back my schedule a bit.  We'll go that morning.  That way we know what we're doing by Monday."  They nodded and he smiled.  "I blacked that thought out of my head."

"I don't want the kid in public school," Don told him.  "Ever.  I don't mind catholic. I don't mind private, non-religious.  Just not a public school."

"I agree," Mac sighed.  "Danny?"

"Catholic until high school then I went to mega one over that way."  He flicked a hand in that direction.  "I'm hoping they don't have one of those years of waiting lists."

"Probably won't," Don told him.  "They're usually the really expensive higher end ones."

"Good!"  He sipped his beer. "We should start a piggy bank for him anyway.  He's always picking up change."

"I've got one for him at my place.  It's a small sealing glass jar."  That got a smile.  "He loves it and it helps me teach him his numbers."

"He's doing good with his learning," Mac said.  He finished his beer.  "Were you two staying over?"

"Any other topics we should discuss?" Don asked. "Clothing since he's growing again?"

"Shoes," Danny moaned.  "He hates them.  Especially any I pick out."

"I say we let Stella take him to the second-hand stores," Mac said, making them laugh.  "He hates to shop.  We hate to shop.  She likes to shop and it'll make her happy.  She suggested it earlier."

"Sure, she can be frustrated by him tryin' ta run outta the store," Danny agreed.

"You heard from your people?" Don asked.

"Louis called."  Mac looked at him.  "They know.  Have known.  Got the card I sent with the note that they're not allowed to see 'im.  I doubt they'd do more than Sonny has.  They can't hope to win a CPS case."

"Not with their history," Don agreed.  "Anything else we should know?"

"Girlfriend really likes him?"

Don grinned.  "She loves 'im.  They were making spaghetti the other day.  He was helping and smiling and didn't do more than flirt with her.  She calls him the adorable one."

"He is when he wants to be," Mac said.  "We've got to break him of the name-calling habit."

"Agreed," Danny and Don complained.

"Though it was funny he called Sonny a stupid woose," Danny said with a grin.

"Was," Don agreed.  "Thanks for rinsing his mouth too."

"You never know what scuzziness he's gotten into this time."  He leaned back.  "Workbooks?"

"I'm out at my place," Don admitted.  "The educational games are making him feel bored too."

"Mine too," Mac admitted.

"I've got one we haven't tried yet but he's pouting about them.  Should we move toward a more hands-on education style?  He likes tactile things."

Don nodded.  "We could do that."  He looked at Mac, who shrugged. "Teach him how to change the oil in cars?"

"Teach him to play basketball first," Danny ordered.  "That way he's got another way ta run."

"That's not a bad idea," Don agreed, smiling at him.  "I go this weekend to the mentoring meeting to pick my team.  I'll bring him with me."

Mac smiled.  "That'll work."  He sat up.  "Go home.  Let us rest."  They nodded, packing up and heading home.  He smiled once the door was shut and locked.  It was good that they could come to an agreement so easily.  Even if the thought of his education costs were going to make him heave soon.

***

Danny opened up his door the next Saturday morning, finding his brother there.  "They send you?"  Louis nodded.  "They still can't see 'im."

"I know that.  They don't want to, probably.  He is your son."

"Grandson."  He let him inside.  "He's at Don's."  He sat down, looking at him.  "Someone military was screwing around with DNA.  Made a baby Messer-Flack and then took that embryo and some of Taylor's seed to make Alex."

"The earlier one?" he asked, looking confused.

"Didn't need to be born ta do it.  All they needed was some cell splitting."

"Oh."  He sat down.  "So you're actually a grandfather?"

"Yeah, though we consider ourselves a trio of fathers.  It's easier.  He's a good boy.  Got our brains."  He grinned.  "Pounced Sonny ta try ta beat him for saying mean things ta me."

"Good for him."  He looked at him.  "Dad wants to see him."

"Dad can shit elephants."

"You kiss him with that mouth?"

"Yeah, even though we do have to remind him not ta swear," he quipped back.  Louis snorted at that.  "You can tell 'em no, they can't see 'im.  I don't care.  No."

"You sure you wanna set that challenge?"

"Yup.  Don and Mac don't want them to see the baby either.  Don nearly killed Sonny."

"I heard you pulled your gun."

Danny grinned.  "He was saying mean things to my kid."

"Fine."  He stood up.  "Photos?"  Danny found one for him.  "Recent?"

"After his birthday.  We had professional ones taken."  He sat down again, looking at him.  "You can tell 'em that his new favorite word is woose.  He used it on Sonny and the muggers on the subway."

"So he's really got your mouth."  Danny smirked and nodded.  "They won't be happy."

"Ask me if I give a damn.  You can quote me."

"I'll do that."  He headed home, handing his mother the picture.  "It's not his son, it's his grandson."  They glared at him.  "He said someone in the military was screwing around, made a baby Messer-Flack in a dish, waited until it started to grow some cells, then took one to combine with Taylor's sperm.  That's how he came to be."

"The kid in the center?"

"Danny said they probably never came to be, Ma."

She grimaced. "Ungodly."

"Danny made himself real clear.  We're not welcome near his son."

"Did you see him?" his father demanded quietly.

"Flack had him last night."

"I see."  He considered it.

"He also said he bit Sonny after trying to beat him, Pops.  He called Sonny a stupid woose.  Got Danny's mouth."

"That can be fixed."

"I doubt they're going to let you near their kid.  Since they're cops no judge is gonna take the baby away from 'em.  Even if they were gay and doing each other."

"It's not a good upbringing," his mother said firmly, glaring at him.

"No worse than divorced parents.  Plenty of people share custody of their kids, Ma.  Judges make it happen every day."

"That's against God's laws too."

He shrugged. "Oh well.  The state of New York says it's good enough for them.  No judge is going to take a baby from three cops.  Especially not a decorated one like Flack or Taylor."

"Point," his father said to end the argument.  He looked at him.  "He say anything else?"

"Yes but I can't quote him with Ma in the room."  She walked off.  "He said you could shit elephants and ask him if he gave a damn about what you wanted, Pops.  He pulled a gun on Sonny in the park. Oh, the baby called Sonny a stupid woose."  His father laughed at that.  "He does have Danny's mouth."

His father picked up the picture.  "The judge might grant us visitation.  We are technically relatives."

"That's a long court case, Pops," he warned.  "It might not work.  Not with my past and yours."

"Then we'll make it work."  He put the picture down.  "Do we know his daycare yet?"

"They've got him in a secure one that other cops go to."  He sat down.  "The kids play in a protected lot so no one can take pictures.  They apparently switch off custody.  When I tracked him Thursday and Friday, Flack Senior's wife picked him up both afternoons for an hour or so."

"Interesting."

"We touch her, the whole city might as well burn around us," he warned.

He waved a hand.  "I don't want to touch her."  He looked at him.  "I want to see my great-grandson."

"Danny said he considers himself his father instead.  It's easier.  Less confusing for the kid probably.  Sonny said he was calling Flack senior grandpa."

"Good," he said with a smile.  "Then he can learn this side's grandparents as well.  Arrange it."  He nodded, going to talk to some people.  He got comfortable, staring at his grandson's picture.  He was a handsome boy.  Huge brown eyes.  "Must be from one of the other lines, like the dark hair."

***

Don leaned back in his desk chair, rubbing his eyes.  He was tired.  He hadn't had Alex last night and he was still tired.  He heard a cleared throat and looked over.  "Hey, Gerrard.  What's up?"

"Your mother just called in a break-in."  Don hopped up, staring at him, suddenly very pissed.  "Check the clock, Flack."

"Who?" he demanded.

"Messer's less than stellar lineage.  His brother was spotted in the car."

"Danny didn't encourage it.  He told 'em to fuck off.  My mother?"

"She's fine.  Where's Messer?"

"Case."  He called.  "It's me.   Meet me somewhere with Mac, now."  He hung up and walked off, pulling on his jacket on the way.  Danny and Mac both met him outside. "Louis broke into my mother's house," he told Danny.

"I'll kill the fucking bastards," he vowed.  "Want SWAT or just us?"

"Us," Mac said.  Gerrard came out.  "Are you coming?  That way we make sure we don't shoot them?"  He headed for the official SUV.  Don got into the shotgun seat.  Danny got into the back.  Gerrard got into his and followed them.  Danny could navigate.  They pulled up outside the house an hour later, the lights still on.  "Weapons?"

"Loaded," Don said, checking his.

Danny checked his.  "Not sure I should have one."

"Anyone gets ta shoot 'em, I do," Don promised, sliding out of the SUV and walking around the front.  Mac and Danny were behind him, Gerrard behind them after calling in what was going on.  He walked up to the door and pounded, sneering at the woman who answered.  "Where is my son, woman!" he demanded.

"We don't have him."

"Mac?"

"Kidnaping is a felony, Mrs. Messer," Mac agreed, pulling her out to cuff her and hand her back to Gerrard.  "Hold her."  They walked in together.  Danny led the way to the study, kicking in the door.  Mac walked in first.  "Where is my son?" he demanded coldly.

"How dare you come into my house without a warrant!" Danny's father shouted.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Danny shouted back, making his father sneer at him.  "You stole my son.  Our son.  You got ten seconds to produce him or his location or you're going away for kidnaping, B&E, and any other charge we can get on yo.  I'll stand there and clap, Pops.  Since Louis was spotted in the car, we know you have 'im."

"He's napping."  Danny lunged and Mac grabbed his shoulder.  "Get out of my house."

Gerrard put down a warrant.  "Wasn't that hard to get one."  He walked out, looking at the officers who had brought it for him.  One had went to get it while he told Flack.  "Search the house."  They went to do that.  He looked at Messer.  "Outside."  Danny shook his head, following them.

"Guns!" Alex squealed when the officers found him.

Don sighed in relief.  "Ambulance needed?" he called.

"He looks okay, sir."  One of them brought the kid down with Danny.  "Looks a bit grimy."

"He was probably playing at daycare."  He looked at him.  "You hurt?  Any booboos?"  Alex hugged him around the neck.  "We'll get him checked out anyway.  Danny?"

"I'll drive."  He walked out, going to get the carseat out of the back of the SUV.  Mac's had one hidden in the trunk.  He installed it and they got the baby into it, then headed off again.  Mac was using what medic training he had to look him over.  "We good?"

"Dirty.  A bit tired. Probably time for his nap," Mac admitted.

"That's fine.  Can I kill 'em now?"

"No," Don said. "Let Dad.  He'll let you watch, applaud, give him ideas."  He smirked at him when Danny glanced back at a stop sign.  "Going on?"

"Yeah."  He drove on, taking their son to the ER.  He walked in first, showing his badge.  "My parents kidnaped our son."

"Is he bruised?"

"We need ta make sure," Danny told her.

"There's a few critical cases...."

He waved a hand.  "Fine."  She nodded, marking him down. They sat down to wait, though not very long.  Gerrard came in.  "They still in handcuffs?"

"Booking."  He looked at the sleeping baby.  "He okay?"

"We're making sure of that," Mac said.  "You couldn't call?"

"I went right to Flack when I got told."

Don looked at him.  "My mother?"

"She's fine. Your father called me.  The local precinct got the call.  They called him.  He called me because he didn't have Hernandez' number yet."  He sat down.  "I'm here to do the paperwork."

"Are we sure I can't kill 'em yet?" Danny asked.

Mac looked at him.  "You can have a few blows if they come back.  The same as I can."  Danny grinned at that.  He looked at him.  "We ran into Sassone in the park a few weekends back."

"You didn't report it?"

"I did put it into the prosecutor's ear and wrote a small, supplemental report on it.  Alex spotted him, told Danny, who got Flack Senior there.  They got us coming back from a case so we showed up too."

"The son brilliantly called him a stupid woose," Don said dryly, cracking Gerrard up. "Bit 'im too."

"Kicked him, stomped on him," Danny agreed. "Our son needs lessons in manners."

"Ma's working on it," Don assured him.  "She did mine."

Danny grinned.  "You are too polite to be a New Yorker some days."

"Blow it out your ass," he muttered.

"No swearing in front of him or he'll repeat it," Mac ordered.  The nurse came over.  "Us?"  She nodded so they went back to the exam room.  "Complicated thing but someone screwing with DNA made him of the three of us."  She wrote that down.  "Detective Messer's parents decided they wanted visitation."

"After I told 'em where ta go," Danny assured her.  "Twice when my brother showed up Saturday."

"He was at daycare, then my mother picked him up, like usual.  Apparently they took him from my mother," Don finished.  "We found him in a room?"

"My old room," Danny agreed.  "Locked in.  From the inside so I think he must've done it."

"That's fine, detectives."  She looked at Gerrard.

"I'm here for paperwork.  We arrested them."

"Good!"  She took the baby, waking him up.  "What's your name, cutie?"

"Alex," he said with a shy smile.  He looked at Danny.  "Bad poopie stupids?"

"They're in jail," Don told him.  "Quit calling people names."

"Yes, Daddy.  Mommy!"  Mac rolled his eyes but gave him a hug.  "Doctor?"

"Hospital," Danny corrected.  "We're making sure you don't have booboos.  Did you play outside?"  He nodded, beaming at him.  "Is that why you're dirty?"

"Grandma Flack garden!"

"Ah, no wonder you're so dirty.  Helping Ma with the roses? The sharp and pointy pink and white flowers?" Don asked with a grin.  The baby nodded.  "That explains the dirt then."

The nurse smiled, stripping him down to look him over.  "Well, he has a wet diaper."  She looked at his back.  "I'm not seeing too many.  This one on his back?"

Don looked.  "Didn't have it last night when I did his bath."

She nodded, making note of it.

Danny leaned on the table, looking at their son.  "Did the evil ones hit you, Alex?  Spanked, swatted, anything?"  He covered his mouth.  "Spitting?"  He pouted but nodded.  "Anywhere else?"  He pointed at his head.  "Hit you on the head?"

"Bangeded on door."

"Anywhere else?" Gerrard asked.  He shook his head slowly.  "Did they hug you?  Anything?"  He nodded.  "Which one?"

"Grandma.  Not Grandma?" he asked Don, looking confused.

"No, not grandma," Danny told him.

"Bad people?" Alex asked, sounding cautious.  "Hugged."

"I know they did, but they're like the guy in the park, Alex.  Not nice."  He nodded, accepting that and the hug from his daddies.  He looked at the nurse.  "Think we should try subdermal photography?"

"Do they normally slap that hard?"

"Depends," Danny admitted.

"You can try."

Don looked at him.  "Hey, Alex, where did you get the booboo on your back?"  He touched right above it.  "Here?"

"Thom," he said with a grimace.  "Meany."

"What did the brat do this time?" Mac asked.

"Swing!"

"Pushed you off the swing?" Mac asked.  He nodded.  "I'll talk with his father again," Mac muttered.

"Oh, let me," Don said with a grin.  "You got the first three."  He looked at the nurse, who was snickering quietly behind the folder.  "Anything wrong that we can see?"

"Not that we can see."

"Who locked the door?" Gerrard asked him.

Alex slowly raised a hand.  "Noisy.  Yelling."

"That's a good reason ta do that," Don agreed.  "Good boy."  He got him redressed.  "Thank you, nurse."

"You're welcome."  She let them have the paperwork and watched them leave.  "Aww."

Gerrard looked at him.  "Unless he has sugar," he assured her.  She laughed, walking off to get the next patient.  He walked outside.  "Which house are you three going to be at tonight?"

"Mine," Mac decided.

"Mine's got the extra rooms," Danny pointed out.  "They could know yours too, Mac."

"I'm all for going to visit Stella's place," Don offered.  "They could've been watching all our places."

Mac nodded.  "She only has one bedroom."  He looked at them.  "It could be a low risk tonight."

"Then Danny's got more room and he can cook," Don told him.

That got a nod.  "Good point.  Danny?"

"I'm all for it."  He looked at Gerrard.  "Need my address?"  He nodded so Danny wrote it on the back of the papers, handing them over.  "Let us check out.  Yeah, his parents know."  That got a nod and they left to hit the station for a minute to gather their things so they could go home.

Flack took a small detour, walking into the local IAB office, sneering at the captain in there.  "If your son *ever* hits my kid and bruises him again, you won't have Taylor in your face.  Am I clear?  It's bad enough your son's a horrible influence who teaches my son words like woose and stupid.  This time he bruised him and I will *not* put up with it."  He stared him down.  "If my kid can learn manners, so can yours."  He walked off again, heading down to drive home.  Danny and Alex hitched a ride with him, letting him plug his phone into his hands free system so he could call his father.  "Ma good?  We got 'im. They're in jail.  The ER said they didn't hurt him any.  She okay?  I knew you had it, that's why I didn't call sooner.  Is.  Ma.  All right?"  He smiled.  "Good.  Danny's.  All of us.  Sure."  He hung up.  "They're coming over too."

"I've got stuff in the pantry," Danny promised, glancing back at the baby.   He was sleeping again.  "How did he like your mentorees?"

"He loved 'em.  They taught him how to bounce the ball.  Anytime it went out of bounds he chased it for the guys.  And one girl, I got a girl on the team this year.  She's good though.   He tried to flirt with her but she was gentle and told me he'd be breaking hearts and she hoped he didn't have a baby's momma when he was eighteen."  Danny grinned at that.  "They want to see him most every practice."

"Sure.  I'm good with that if Mac is."   They finally got onto his block, letting him nod at the local patrol guys parking by his building.  They pulled up beside him, rolling down his windows.  "You guys good for the watching stuff?"

"Sure, Detective.  What happened?"

"My parents," Danny said.  Everyone on the force knew anyway.   "Kidnaped him from Flack's Ma."  They shuddered.  He pointed.  "We're on the second floor in that one."  That got a nod.  "I've got a neighbor who makes a lot of crank calls."  He smirked and they found a spot to park in.  Mac could park at home, change, then come over.  They made it inside, Don putting Alex down while he went for the pantry.  He had stuff.  He pulled out a few jars and a box of pasta, finding a good pot too.  Then he got to work.  By the time Mac and the Flacks showed up dinner was ready.  He nodded at the bowl since his mouth was full.

"Where did you order from?" Mrs. Flack asked.

Danny gave her an offended look. "I cooked, woman!"

She gave him a hug around the head.  "Thank you, Danny."  She got the rest of them food, glancing in on Alex before sitting down.

"They're in jail.  Gerrard took them personally," Don promised.  He looked at Danny.  "You mind a TRO on 'em?"

"Nope.  Them, Sonny, all of 'em."  He ate a bite, nodding at Mac.  "You?"

"That's fine, Danny.  I know this puts you in an uncomfortable position."

Danny snorted.  "Not really.  Not like they talk to me."

"Good point."  He smiled when Alex came wandering out.  "Are you up again?"

"Bad dreams."  He climbed into his lap, cuddling him.  He waved at his Grandmother. "Okay?"

"I'm fine, dear.  They only pushed me."  He nodded, snuggling in again, going back to his nap.

"They pushed you?" Don junior said.  "Really?"

She looked at him.  "I don't want you to do anything violent, Donald."

"Yay.  I won't.  Might tell some people that they tried to kidnap a cop's son."  He smirked. "Tried to hurt an older lady ta do it."

"Let me call some contacts, son.  You worry about him," his father told him.  "After all, I've put away more people.  More hell for them to go through."

Don smirked.  "Fine.  I can still tell mine though."  He dug in again.

Danny shook his head.  "I think I'd rather tell some of Sonny's contacts.  This'll draw attention to him, which they really don't want."  Mac gave him an evil smirk for that.  "We have one going to trial next week even."

"Good point," Mac agreed.  "Thanks for reminding me of court, Danny."  He dug in to eat.  It was a good plan.  Vengeance had nothing on them for touching their son.

***

Mac looked at the judge.  "You can't order all Messers to not go near him.  Danny's his biological grandfather and he shares custody with us.  Every Messer but him we don't want anywhere near him."

The judge looked at him.  "How did that work?"  Mac handed over the copy of his report, letting him read it over.  "We're sure?

"Four DNA tests confirmed it, Your Honor," he assured him.

"It is a wide range of places for them not to go."

"They don't need to be near his daycare.  It's in Manhattan and they live in Queens. We live in Manhattan.  The Flack's live in Yonkers.  Not near their neighborhoods either.  The four residences, the daycare, and the office.  Ten thousand feet from us if they find us out in public since Sonny was stalking him in a park."

He looked at him.  "Are you sure this is necessary?  They're in jail."

"The judge gave Mrs. and Mr. Messer, Danny's father, bail.  Louis is in jail without bail because he was in on the kidnaping.  Sonny Sassone came scouting the son for them.  Plus he's tried to accuse Danny of being a dirty cop in the past."

"Interesting.  Why?"

"Louis was in the same gang as Sonny.  Danny was younger and idolized his brother. Louis drove him off so he wouldn't join and that made his family disown Danny.  This'll be the third time this connection has come up."

He nodded at that.  "All right."  He signed the orders.  "We can do that.  It'll be legal for one year."  He handed it over. "I'm sure you know you have to keep a copy with you?"

"Of course.  My wallet, their wallets, filed with the daycare."  That got a nod.  "Thank you."  He took the report back.  "You have a good afternoon."

"You have a better week, Detective."

He grinned.  "I'm trying to."  He walked off, handing Don the restraining order.  "Copy that."  He nodded, going to get certified copies for everyone who'd need one.  He looked at Danny.  "You good?"

"Whispers.  They thought it was cute I broke in the office door."

"I thought it was good."  He clapped him on the door, taking his copy from Don to put into his wallet.  They did the same.  "Who's picking him up tonight?"

"I am," Danny said, taking that copy and heading to the daycare.  He smiled as he walked in, taking off his sunglasses.  "Hey.  Is Miranda around?"

"She's out back with the children, Mr. Messer.  Is there a problem?"

"My parents are shi...  Dirtbags," he modified, getting a smile.  He held up the order.  "Tried ta kidnap Alex the other day."

She looked at it, nodding.  "Okay.  Do we have pictures?"  He handed over the one he carried.  "How old is this?"

"Few years.  They don't look any different.  She keeps the same hairstyle."  She nodded, leading him out to the head of the daycare.  "Hey."  Alex came running over and he caught him, lifting him up to cuddle him.  "You ready ta go home now?"

"No."  He pouted. "Play park?"

"Not today, kiddo.  We'll play at my place then go to Daddy Mac's place."  Alex shrugged and hugged him.  He looked at the head of the daycare.  "They took him from Mrs. Flack."

"Aw, crap," she mouthed.  He nodded.  "How long?"

"One year."  He pointed at the picture.  "He's out, she's out, he's out.  He's in jail but he's trying to protest not getting bail since my parents did."

She nodded at that.  "All right."  She smiled. "It shouldn't be a problem."

"Thanks.  Let us know if they try?"  She nodded.  "Have a better day."

"You too.  Oh, he has a note."

"What did he do this time?"

"He and Thomas got into it."

"Who started it?"

"Thomas.  Your son ended it by knocking him down and sitting on him, then sticking his fingers in his ears and humming so he couldn't hear him complain."

"Well, non-violent.  That's at least good."

"Some."  She led him back to get his things, handing that, a tape, and the note over.  "We've had a talk with Captain Overton."

"Don got in his face the other day."  He smirked.  "It's my turn next."  She laughed at that, giving Alex a pat.  "C'mon, snookums.  Let's head home."

"Girlfriend?"

"Don's girlfriend?"  He nodded, lifting his head to look at him.  "We'll call Don, see if she's comin' over so you can see her again."  He beamed and waved at the daycare people as they walked out.  "Thanks."  He got him into his carseat and put the bag in front of him, walking around to drive back to the house.   Don was letting him use his car today.  He called while he drove.  "Our son is brilliant and thinks your girlfriend would like to see him."  He laughed.  "That's what he asked.  Home.  Yeah, in your car.  I'm being careful."  He hung up and paid more attention to traffic.   It wasn't bad this time of day.  For New York traffic.

Alex frowned, watching the car next to them.  "GUN!" he shouted, pointing.  Danny flinched but looked where he was pointing.  Then he pulled off, making them follow him.  "Oooh, bad poopies!"

"Yeah, they are."

"Me!"

"That's not a bad thing," Danny promised, trying to stay calm.  He called dispatch.  "This is Detective Messer, CSI Manhattan felony.  I'm in Flack's car on 5th.  There's a tan sedan following us with guns hanging out the window.  No shots yet.  Going past East 11th in a block."  He hung up.  "Alex, can you duck down a bit for me please?  Just in case?"  He saw cop cars and they turned to get the sedan.  He pulled over once they had them, getting out to look at them.  "What did they want?"

"They're toys."

"Bullshit."

"Well, one is," one of the officer said, holding up an uzi.  "This one's real."  He looked at him.  "What happened?"

"Alex saw it.  He told me."

"He good?"

"They didn't fire at the car.  We're all a bit jumpy since we had ta get a TRO against my family.  They kidnaped him from Flack's mom."

"You've had a bad week then, huh?" one of the officers quipped.

"Ya think?" he asked dryly.  Stella pulled up and hopped out.  "One real, at least one toy."

"I don't care!  You don't point guns at people in traffic!" she shouted.  "Especially not at a car with a baby in it!"  They shrank down.  "Danny, go ahead and go home?"  He nodded, getting in.  "If we need a further statement, I know where he is."  They nodded, letting her handle it.  She outranked them and if she wanted to scream, let her. They'd even let her do the booking paperwork.

***

Don tapped before walking in.  "Hey."   Alex beamed at him.  "You are a lucky boy.  I called her, she said she is more than happy to see you tomorrow night and we can play with the dog."  Alex bounced around cheering.  He picked him up to cuddle.  "You okay?"

"Yeah, first thing I knew he was shouting 'gun' and pointing.  One toy, one not."

"Two not but yeah."  He sat down.  "Psych students out of NYU doing a field experiment."

"So they'll get to do another one on what jail's like?"

"Judge denied bail for at least a week."  He looked at the baby.  "You look upset."  Danny started the tape, letting him see today's fight.  "Can we copy that?"

"I want Overton this time," he said dryly.

"Nah, let Dad do it.  It's his turn.  He hasn't gotten to yell at anyone in days."  He smirked. "He insisted."

"Yay.  It's my turn then him."

"He was gonna double-team with Ma."

Danny considered it.  "I'll look weak after that."

"Good point.  Sure, your turn."  He grinned.  "I like the non-violent response.  Very nice."

"Very.  They sent a note home too."  He handed it over with a smirk.  "They'd also like us to work on his mouth."  He smirked.  "Though, he did tell me he had a bad poopie when we started to drive defensively."  Don snickered at that.  "I thought he was calling them a name but he said it was him."

"He's definitely got yours and Mac's mouth," he agreed.  He patted him on the back, answering his phone when it rang.  "Flack."  He beamed. "Hey.  Cuddling him.  He's a little bit worn out.  At Danny's.  Take me half an hour but we can.  You mind, Danny?"

"Don't keep him too long."

"Sure.  Squirt, you wanna head home?  She's bringing the dog over tonight."  Alex beamed and nodded.  "Go get your stuff."  He let him down and ejected the tape. "We'll get copies tomorrow."

"Sure."  He waved, watching them head off, Flack cooing at his girlfriend.  "Mush," he muttered, shaking his head.

***

Danny walked the portable DVD player and DVD into IAB the next morning, putting it down and pushing play to show the pertinent parts.  "You know, one of these days he's gonna hit your son back and hurt him.  I'm happy he's staying non-violent so far but he *does* have my temper too."  Then he grinned.  "You wanna say stuff to your son yet?  This is getting ridiculous.  Really."

The head of Internal Affairs walked in.  "Why do you three keep visiting him?"

Danny restarted the film, letting him see it.  "This is the latest thing his son did to ours.  This was yesterday."

"Your son handled it well."

"He stuck his fingers in his ears and hummed Beatles songs so he wouldn't have to listen to him whine," Danny said dryly.  "His son's a bully.  My son's patience is as vast as Taylor's, but he's got *my* temper as well.  I'm hoping like hell my son stops at slapping when he finally snaps.  Since my son's coming home bruised at least once a week from his son, you might wanna teach him how to teach his son about the dangers of bullying.  Before they're both kicked out for the fight."

"I can do that.  Your son all right?"

"Fine now.  A few days back he had one in the middle of his back from being pushed off the swing by his son.  Like I said, about once a week or so he comes home bruised from him.  We've got most of them on film if you wanted to see them too."

"That's fine, Detective Messer.  Let me yell at him."

"Please do.  Us doing it hasn't worked yet.  Next he gets the Flacks."  He took the portable DVD player back to the lab, walking it into the morgue, handing it to Sid.  "Yesterday's scuffle."

He pushed play, watching the tiny screen.  "Well, it was non-violent.  Almost Buddhist of him."

"Yeah, well, still not good."  He smirked.  "The head of IAB came down ta see why we kept showin' up."  He took it and walked it off, going to show Stella.  She was with Mac so he put it in front of where she was pacing and pushed play, walking away.

She watched, rewinding it.  Then she giggled.  "Is he humming?"  She smiled at Mac.  "He is?"  He nodded, smirking back.  "It's cute and a good way to deal with the bully."

"Whose father is Captain Overton."

"Well, he's IAB.  He's a bully too."  She turned it off and handed it over.  "I needed that.  I hate this case, Mac.  I have absolutely no suspects and I know I'm missing something."

He took the folder to look over.  "Epithelials?"

"No. None."

"Gloves?"

"No sign of leather, ruber, latex, or anything else on the rope and there should be since it skidded."

"Winch?" he asked, making her hit herself on the head and go check the rope for winch marks.  He smiled, replaying the short clip.  Their son was a pain in the ass sometimes but he was good more often than not.

***

Don was the last one to arrive at the daycare the next Monday.  "Let me guess, he snapped and hit him back?" he asked.

Melinda looked at him.  She turned on the tape since they were all there.  Thomas Overton was telling their son about how his fathers were dirty cops and his father was investigating them.  How he was going to go to jail with them.  How he'd get to beat them all in jail.  Then he hit Alex on the jaw.  Alex glared and pounced, beating the snot out of him.  "He's in the emergency room.  He's going to need an arm cast and stitches in his lip."

Don looked at his dad, then at the other father.  "You proud now?  Your son clearly needs help.  He pushed ours into it."

"He still can't express such violence on the playground," Melinda said patiently.

"I agree," Mac told her.  "We will be teaching him when hitting is not appropriate.  I thought I got through to him when I told him walk away when he started this time."

"He has for the last few days.  On Friday Thomas told him his parents were gay and going to hell.  Then he tried to push him off the bigger slide, at the top."  Danny winced.  That was a good three foot drop.  "Alex has phenomenal balance right now and a very good grip.  He managed to avoid most of the shoves but one kick to his ribs sent him over the side.  One of the attendants got him before Thomas could pry his fingers off."  She looked at Captain Overton.  "I want your child out of my daycare.  Permanently.  He's not only picking on Alex.  He's picking on six other children.  I've already had this conversation with them.  They agreed.  Your son goes or they're going to start making police reports out."

"Whatever," he said, slamming his way out of the office.

She looked at them.  "Alex needs help controlling his temper."

"That's my heritage," Danny admitted, shifting some.  "You said yourself, he tries to stay non-violent."

"He has been.  He's been doing wonderfully.  He's even protected a few of the other kids from Thomas.  He still needs to learn that hitting is wrong.  Which is why he's not allowed back next week.  We consider it like a grounding."

Mac nodded. "We can handle that."  She smiled. "It's right to punish him for hitting."

"And for not stopping," Don Junior agreed.  "We can handle him for the week."

"Thank you for not getting huffy."

"Hell, Melinda, we wanted to beat Thomas," Danny said dryly, standing up.  "He here?"  She nodded, pointing at the nap area.  "Time out?"

"He walked in there and curled up under one of the cribs.  We've tried to get him out and he won't come for us."

Mac nodded.  "Let me."  He went in there, looking down at his son.  "We're not mad at you."  Alex pouted at him.  "I'm not.  You went too far but I'm not mad.  Thomas made you hit him this time."  He squatted down.  "Come on, let's go talk with the other daddies."

"Me bad," he whispered.

"No, you're not bad.  What you did was wrong, but you're not.  That's what we'll talk about.  It's wrong to fight.  How to handle bullies and things."  Alex scooted over, staring at him.  "I promise, you're not in trouble."

"Can't come back?" he whimpered.

"You have one week when you're grounded from daycare," he said honestly.  "Then you can come back."  Alex pouted.  "There's consequences for your actions, son.  This is the consequence for hitting him.  You knew better, even though he pushed you into it.  We're still not mad at you for it, but we do need to talk about how to handle those things better."

Don walked in and picked him up, looking at him.  "We're not mad.  Really."  Alex sniffled then cuddled his neck.  "Shh, Al.  We love you.  We're not mad at you."  He patted his back, helping Mac up and back into the office.  He sat down.  "Melinda, you're not mad, right?"

Alex looked at her.  "Not?"

"No, Alex," she said, staring at him.  "I'm not mad at you.  I'm mad at Thomas.  I'm mad that you hit him because hitting is wrong.  I'm not mad at you though."  He nodded, putting his head back down.  "Thank you, guys."

"Not an issue," Danny promised.  He stole him.  "My turn for Alex cuddles.  That way Daddy Don can drive us both."  He nodded, clinging to his neck.  "His bag?"

"All packed."  She went to get it for him, handing it over.  "Thank you for understanding, guys."

Mac patted her on the arm.  "We knew it'd happen sometime.  What did he break?"

"His ulna."  Mac winced.  "He...  I've never seen a baby that pissed."

"He's got Danny's temper," Don agreed.  "Copy of the tape?"

"I'll mail it."  They nodded, walking out together, Grandfather Flack hovering behind them.  She smiled.  They were reasonable parents.  She was so happy!  She did copy it and sent a copy to Captain Overton's boss as well.  He had said he wanted to know what was going on after the slide incident made her call him.  This would clearly show it.  Plus all the other copies she had.  She hoped his next daycare was better.

***

Danny and them sat around that night once Alex was down.  "How're we doin' this?"

"I've got six weeks saved," Don offered.  "I can take one."

"I can take some too," Danny told him.  "That good with you, Mac?"

"That's fine.  I can take him next weekend?"

"My mentoring kids love having him there."

"He can play basketball," Mac promised with a smile.  That got a nod.  "How did he learn those skills?"

"Past life?" Danny suggested quietly.

"Could be," Mac agreed.  He sipped his soda, glancing into the bedroom then at him.  "I'm almost impressed.  Even if it was wrong."

Don grinned.  "My boy's better at brawling than I was at his age.  I cried."

"Me too," Danny admitted.  "Louis used ta push me around all the time."  He sipped his drink too.  "You want earlier or later in the week?" he asked Don.

"I'll take earlier.  You have a case to wrap up."  Danny nodded.  "So you take Thursday and Friday?"

"I can do that."  He looked at Mac, who nodded.  "Think Gerrard's impressed since I know it's gotten around?"

"I am," Don admitted.  "We'll have to channel that into constructive ways."

"Martial arts?" Danny suggested.  "Mac?"

"I learned one.  We'll see what I can teach him when he's a bit older."  They nodded at that.  He stood up.  "Peyton and I are having dinner."

Don looked at his watch.  "Me and mine too."  He hopped up, heading out.  "I'll be back in the morning."

"Sure," Danny said, waving as they headed off on their dates.  He glanced in at Alex then went to make dinner.  It was more satisfying than a date any day.

***

Don looked at his boss early the next morning.  "My son got grounded from daycare for the week."

"I heard why.  Overton's kid looks rough, Flack."

He beamed.  "You hear what the kid said?"

"Oh, yeah.  Overton's boss wanted me to make sure there wasn't anything going on."

"I've got a girlfriend."

"I know that.  Not that stuff.  How was he last night?"

"Danny had him after we talked.  He wasn't having nightmares when I went out with my girlfriend."

"Good.  How long?"

"Danny'll take Thursday and Friday."

"That'll work."  He filled out the forms.  "Take them downtown.  Ask them for emergency leave for a few days thanks to kid issues.  I'm sure they heard too."

"Overton's kid really badly injured?  I know Alex broke his arm and he needed a few stitches in his lip."  He pulled out a picture and held it up.  "Alex didn't hit him on the eye, Hernandez."

"Really?"

"Yeah, watch the tape again."

"I'll do that.  Shoo."  He nodded, heading off.  He called the head of Internal Affairs.  "Just talked to Flack.  He pointed out something.  How did Overton's kid get a black eye?  He said Alex didn't hit him there."  He nodded. "I would, yeah.  Rewatch the tape.  Let's see.  No, he's grounded from daycare for the week so he's taking a few days.  Messer's taking a few days.  Taylor will probably have him this weekend since he's not on."  He smirked.  "Exactly.  It works for them.  Thanks."  He hung up and shook his head, making notes about the meeting and the phone call.

***

Don walked into Danny's place an hour later.  "The HR people thought it was a good idea."  He heard a moan and went to Danny's room, finding him in bed.  He frowned, going to Alex's room.  "Alex?" he called.  Danny moaned again.  "Alex?  Ralph, where's Alex?" he asked the local ghost.  He opened a cabinet door, showing him his son curled up hiding.  "Hey."  He got down to check him.  He was asleep too.  Pulse was good.  He didn't wake up when touched.  He called for an ambulance.  "This is Detective Flack.  We need an ambulance and CSI for two possible drugged people, Detective Messer and our son."  He gave the address and went to check on Danny.  He had a needle with him.  "No way."  He walked out at the first sound of footsteps.  "Stella, needle on the bed."  She went to gather things and search for clues.  "Want me to move the baby?"

She came out to look, taking pictures.  "You opened it how?"

"The ghost opened it."

"He won't leave prints.  That'll do it for me."  She patted him on the back.  "Guys, I don't know what's in the needle but I know Danny doesn't use drugs."  They went to look.

One of them sniffed then looked at her.  "Heroin."  She sniffed then moaned. "You're sure?"

"Absolutely positive.  Danny's a CSI with me.  On my shift."  They nodded.  "And that's their kid with Taylor."  That got a shudder from one.  "There's a few good candidates for this.  The baby's in the kitchen in the cabinet.  Want help?"

"No, ma'am.  What can we touch?"

She moved the sheets, looking him over.  "He doesn't sleep clothed."  She took pictures.  "Go ahead.  Tag for processing.  I'll get someone there."  They nodded.  "Run a tox screen as soon as you get in."  They nodded and took off with him, the other coming back for the baby.  "Don, follow."  He headed out.  She called Mac.  "Don walked in and found Danny unconscious with a needle next to his arm and the baby in one of the kitchen cabinets, where he usually keeps his crock pot, Mac.  The needle smells like heroin and we *know* Danny doesn't.  Exactly.  Ambulance is just leaving," she said, looking out the window. "Flack's riding along.  He'll need processed.  I'm on his place."  She hung up and got back to work on the bed.  She'd end up at the doorknob.  There were only a few causes for this.

***

Sheldon ran into the ER.  "CSI Hawkes.  I'm told I'm to process a set of patients?"

"The OD's?"

"Are an officer and his son.  We know the officer doesn't.  We were just drug tested a week ago."  She went pale.  "We know damn well he doesn't.  He's a CSI too," he said quietly.

"He's back in trauma bay two.  The other detective won't leave his side with the baby.  We're going to admit them both overnight."  He nodded, heading that way.  "I'll get security for you?"

"Don't bother.  We'll be here."  He walked that way, shifting out of the way of a rushing nurse.  He walked in and looked.  "They good?"

"Hell no," Don said grimly.  "Who in the hell....!"

He held up a hand.  "I don't know.  Yet."  Don nodded, going back to pacing with the baby.  "His clothes?"

"Bagged."  He pointed.  "Danny's too.  He was fully dressed and not in what he was wearing when we left last night."

"Okay.  That'll help."  He looked at the bags, then put them into his evidence box.  He came to look Danny over.  "Isn't he right handed?"

"Mostly.  Now and then you see him carrying stuff left handed."

"The needle was in his right arm."

"So definitely not doable?"

He pressed, finding the vein.  "Not unless he already knew it was there.  I know the last blood drive the nurses complained they had to take it out of his wrist due to deep veins."  The nurse walked in.  "Did the needle actually hit his veins?"

"Barely."  She handed over the report.  "You're a CSI?"

He grinned.  "Former ME as well."

"Even better."  She looked at the baby against the one guy's chest.  "We're going to admit them both."

"We over thinking Danny did this?"  She nodded.  "Good.  I'm staying with them.  We want them in the same room if possible."

"Out of the question."

"If someone did this to him...."

"We have hospital security."

Don pulled up his badge.  "They broke into a cop's house, drugged him, his son, stuffed his son in the cabinet under the kitchen sink, and redressed Danny.  We need them together because *no one* we don't know and trust are going to be allowed there."

"I'll see what we can do."  She went to talk to the floor supervisor, letting her know what was going on.  She came back thirty minutes later with a smile.  "He'll want some water soon."

"No, he'll want milk, juice, or soda," he said dryly.  "He hates water."  Sheldon handed him something.  "Lemonade for water.  That'll work.  Thanks, Doc."

"Welcome."  He grinned at the nurse.  "Even I can't get him to drink plain water and he loves me."  She smiled at that.  "Got it figured out?"

"We can put him on a smaller ward.  It's a corner room so we can put them together.  One of the nurses there used to do Pediatrics."  Don nodded at that.  "I'm assuming you're his partner?"

Don smirked. "Many assume but no.  Someone made the baby of us and another CSI.  Someone military," he offered at the confused scowl.

Sheldon smiled at her.  "They found out when Mac was kidnaped from his house and woke with shallow stomach stitches and the baby still covered in afterbirth fluids."  She shook her head.  "Exactly."  He finished up.  "Okay.  I'm done with him.  Don?"

"I let the SART nurse do his."  He handed him over once Sheldon's hands were clear.  "She's got the fingernail and hair stuff at the desk."

"That'll work."  He looked him over.  "No needle marks?"

"It looks like some was dropped onto his tongue.  Not a high dosage like Detective Messer got but enough to knock him cold.  We're also waiting on the report from his CT.  We were worried about a concussion since we can't wake him up."

Don smiled.  "If you did he'd flirt with you.  He likes to do that."  His father stomped in. "Hey, Dad.  Get a report from Stella?"

"Taylor threw a fit.  Cleared his desk finally.  Broke one of those pretty glass walls of his with the phone."

"I'm holding mine in."

"Go scream, son."

"Sure."  He looked at the nurse, getting a nod.  "Let me know the room number?"

"He'll be here," she said, showing him the transfer order.  He nodded, heading outside for some privacy to throw a screaming at God fit and vow to him that he was going to kill *someone* for this.  Possibly everyone, but whoever had done this definitely.  She looked at the older man.  "You're Detective Flack's father?"

"Captain Flack."

She smiled.  "Then I'm sure the baby Flack will be a great officer as well.  We'll be moving him now, CSI..."

"Hawkes."

"The one who used to be a surgeon?"  He nodded, smiling at her.  She handed over the rest of the chart.  "We noticed an anomaly during his physical look over."

He read it over, then frowned and looked at his leg.  "I don't think he hit it recently."  He handed it back and took pictures, just in case.  "Thank you, nurse...."

"Pritchard."  She smiled and walked off.  Detective Flack was walking back in looking a bit mussed but calmer.  "They're going to move him any minute now."

"Thanks."  He smiled. "You've been great to us."  He walked in there, taking the baby back from where he had been laying on Danny's stomach.  "Anything conclusive?"

"Did he bruise his leg?"

"Not in like three weeks."  Sheldon showed him.  He pushed some of the hair out of the way.  "That's a tazer, right?"  Sheldon took another picture then put down a ruler to take a sized one.  He nodded.  "Huh."  He looked down at the baby that was blinking at him.  "Hey.  Thirsty?"  He nodded.  "Dad?"  He handed over the lemonade packet, letting him get him a bottle of water somehow.  A set of orderlies came in.  "Hey."

"Sir, we have a bed waiting on him."

"He'll scream," he promised. "I'm going anyway.  Doc?"

"You're right after Stella and Mac, Don.  I'm sure he'll be here soon."  He packed up and carried the evidence out, stopping to get that one kit from the desk nurse.  He smiled at her. "Thank you, Nurse Pritchard.  You were very helpful."  He walked off, finding Mac parking.  "They're moving him upstairs now."  He stopped him.  "Mac, he got given about twice what a chronic junkie takes.  He was redressed according to Don, and Alex tazer marks on his leg."

"Tazer?"  Sheldon nodded.  "Anything else?"

"His body was way out of whack.  They let me see the report."  Mac nodded.  "Don and his father are up there with them.  They were moving him."

"Stella said whoever took the baby took the crockpot too."  He walked inside.  "My CSI is being moved where?" he asked politely.

"Third, Detective."

"Thank you."  He headed for the elevator, going up there.  He smiled at Don, who was sitting in a chair, letting the baby sip from the bottle of water.  "He awake?"  Don nodded, looking at him.  "Someone took the crockpot too."

"My wife," Don senior offered.  "She borrowed it last weekend since she can't find the liner to ours."

He texted that to Stella then looked at Danny.  "He wake up?"

"Nope.  Had to fight with the nurses about him not doing it to himself too.  They finally got the point when I demanded the SART nurse start processing Alex."  He looked down at him.  "You wanna go back to sleep or hug Daddy Mac?"

"Momma," he said weakly.

"Sure."  He handed him over, letting him have the chair.  "Consider me planted here, Mac."

"Of course we are."  He fed the baby more of the water. "Did Uncle Sheldon give you stuff to make lemonade?"  The baby smiled at him.  "Such a good boy.  How much did he get?"

"Drops on the tongue," Don told him, rubbing his eyes.  Danny moaned.  "Oh, now you wake up?" he called loudly.  Danny heaved so he helped him onto his side, letting him puke onto the floor.  "Nurse!" he called.  She came jogging in, moving him to help him.  "Puking."

"It's not uncommon.  Any idea who shot them up?" she asked Mac.  Who shook his head.  "How long before you know?"

"Hours," he said.  "Maybe a day at the most."  His phone buzzed so he looked at it.  "That's my boss.  The hallway?"

"The windows are a safe area."  She pointed.  He walked out with the baby still in his arms, holding the phone with his shoulder while he coaxed the boy into drinking more.  Danny started to dry heave so she sat the bed up and let him rest again, getting a cool compress.  Don took it over for her.  "Let me get him some water."  She went to do that, bringing back a cup of ice water.  "It won't help much but it'll keep him from vomiting stomach acid and ripping the lining of his esophagus."  Don nodded, nudging Danny's cheek until he blinked at him.  "Try to sip the water, it might help some."

Mac walked back in.  "The Chief of Detectives wants to call in the Feds.  I told him they get it when they pry it from Stella and Sheldon's fingers, then go through me.  He agreed I'm helping you stand guard."  He sat down.  "That's a good boy, Alex.  He helped by holding the phone."

"He's very helpful when he does that for me too," Don agreed.  He grinned at Danny.  "We don't know yet.  Doc processed you and checked the SART nurse's job on him.  Stella got your place.  You were redressed in jeans and your blue henley."  Danny slowly shook his head.  "Yeah."

"Lost it last month to the dryer," he whispered hoarsely.

"I'll let Sheldon know," Mac promised.  "Which jeans, Don?"

"Um, lighter, faded blue jeans."

Mac texted that then smiled at the baby. "Your Auntie Stella is so mad at whoever made you sick.  She's been swearing in Greek all morning."  He grinned at that.  "Want to lay down for a bit or can you finish the lemonade?"

"Drink?"

He let him have the rest of it to drink, smiling at the hovering nurse.  "He hates plain water.  Loves koolaid though."

"Warm jell-o," Danny told her.  "Same thing only thicker.  Worked when he had the flu last winter."  She nodded, going to make a note of that.  He looked over, squinting some.  "Our boy?"

"He's fine.  They didn't shoot him up," Don promised.  "Dropped some in his mouth and put him under the sink."

Danny looked at him.  "Who?"

"Not enough time to process yet," Mac told him. "Stella's already back at the lab working on it."

Danny hummed.  The nurse came back with someone with a mop to clean it up.  "Sorry."

"It happens to a lot of patients, sir."  He cleaned up the mess.

She looked at the mess.  "Did you eat last night?"

"Pasta florentine around nineish.  He had ravioli from a can at seven."

She nodded.  "That's a lot of material."

He looked over then shrugged.  "Yeah, very solid.  Maybe I'm not remembering a midnight snack."

Mac handed Don Senior the baby and took a vial of the sample, plus some of the mop water to compare against, texting Stella to come pick them up.  Lindsay showed up twenty minutes later to get them.

"Anything?" Don Junior asked.

"Not yet.  She said we've got nearly every machine working.  We moved this case ahead of everything but my Cabrio murder."  She walked out, going to bring them back to the lab for testing.  Stella pounced her at the elevator.  "One of mop water, one of stomach contents."

She looked.  "Huh.  Danny should've been down to stomach acid by then."  She noticed Mac had noted the time regurged and last time known eating.  "Okay."  She went to run those as well.  She wanted some answers and someone was going to be begging at her cute little toes by the time she was done with them.

***

Stella called her people together, nodding at Sheldon.  She took the folder he held out, nodding.  "Mine said the same thing."  She put hers and his on the table in front of the rest of them and the detectives from Don's squad.  "This is the asshole who tried to OD Danny and Alex."  One of the detectives grabbed and pulled it over to look at.  He stared at her.  "Fingerprints.  He left skin cells on the sheets and the clothes.  He left them on Alex's clothes.  It was nice he fed Danny before making him OD."

"He's ours," he said, standing up.

She let out a small laugh. "Like hell.   I'll let you lead."

He stared at her.  "You know how to use that thing?"

"Have in the past."

"Then why are we arguing?"

She smirked.  "I'm driving too."

"Fat chance.  I've seen you drive," another detective said, grabbing the folders. He looked at her.  "Interesting.  Let's go now."  They got up and headed to the other building.  They looked like an avenging army.  One of the officers there tried to get in their way but one of the detectives pulled him aside and cuffed him, putting him into a chair.  They stormed into the head office, finding him in there.  The one who had the folders down in front of the guy.  He looked then at him, backing away slowly.  He was shaking his head.  "Oh, yeah."

"Not only are you in such deep shit, you'd better pray," Sheldon told him.  "It's your only hope."

"Help!" he shouted.

His boss walked in.  "We're having a meeting?"

Stella handed him the evidence folders.  "Yes.  We are.  You're in the way."

"No I think I'm in the right place."  He looked at them.  "They good?"

"He nearly killed Danny and Alex!  Hell no!" she shouted, getting into his face.  "I want him first."

"We don't allow...."

She shoved him back at Sheldon, who looked at him then handed him over.  "Here, I don't usually carry handcuffs."  He helped pull the cowering man out of his seat, handing him to Stella.  "I'll make sure he lives."  He smiled sweetly.  "That way he'll be okay to go to Gen Pop tonight."  The head of IAB spluttered but wasn't going to get out of it this time.  He was handcuffed to a doorknob and they walked the unfortunate person outside.  A few other cops tried to get in their way but there was no stopping them.  The captain got free once he was outside but Stella pulled her gun and shot at his feet.  "You know, I keep forgetting what a good shot you are," Sheldon said with a grin for her.

She beamed.  "Someone's got to be around the lab. You and Lindsay suck.  Danny's only good because Don worked with him for months."  The captain was still frozen.  "You wanna come back here or am I going to have to come over there?"

"This isn't allowed," he complained, his hands up, staying where he was.

"Neither is dropping heroin into a baby's mouth and then shooting one of his fathers up so much he nearly died," she said bluntly.  "All because your kid's a bully and got kicked out of daycare after their son had to finally beat his ass for you."  The head of Internal Affairs came out.  "Oh, do get in my way," she sneered.

"Bonasera, you don't want to do this.  We'll have to send you too," he said, sounding reasonable.  "Let me handle it.  He'll be going to prison.  General population if I can manage it.  Come on, put it away?"

The detectives all laughed at that.  "After he dosed Flack's kid?"  The head of IAB looked behind him, finding Flack Senior there.  "Hey, Cap."

"Boys.  Stella.  Sheldon.  Didn't expect to see you here."  He grabbed the man by the neck, making him scream in pain.  "I think we're going to have a talk off the record."

"But ..." Stella complained.

"You can cheer."  He smiled.  "He is my grandson."

"He's as close as most of us are getting to kids."

"He scared me off having one," one of the detectives agreed.

Flack smiled.  "Fine.  Let's go to the alley, people.  Before some unsavory news crew shows up."  He walked them that way.  Then he let loose all of his anger.

Don Junior walked in.  "Ah-uh.  Mine!" he shouted.  They all got out of his way, including his father.  "Didn't we warn you?  I warned you.  Mac warned you.  Danny warned you.  Pity."  He laid into him, beating him until he wasn't getting up again.  He stared down at him.  "It would be in the best interests of the department for you to confess.  That way you quit dirtying the people who're supposed to stop the dirty cops."  He walked over him, looking at Stella.  He kissed her on the forehead.  "You can have your own."

"Some of us are scared after watching Alex's chocolate dance," one guy told him.

Don snickered, smiling at him.  "So are we, guys, and he still wants siblings."  He looked at Sheldon. "Thanks, Doc."

"Welcome.  Can we arrest him now?"

"Sure.  Go ahead."  He smiled.  "They're both awake.  The baby's drinking everything he can.  Danny's trying to drink but he's still a bit pukey.  The doc said they can come home tomorrow probably.  The baby definitely as long as his bloodwork stays good.  Danny maybe a few days later.  No chocolate until they're all better no matter how much the son begs, guys.  We can't have him hyper and sick.  He'll never get better."  He looked at his father.  "We done?"

"Sure."  He walked over him too.  "Should we present him to anyone?"

"Nah.  I'm sure someone around here can do booking forms."  He glared at the head of Internal Affairs, making him back up.  "Maybe next time you should take complaints like that seriously when they happen the second time instead of the eighteenth."  He walked off, heading back to his car.  "Heading back past CSI.  Got Mac's SUV.  Who'm I driving?"

"Me," Stella said.  "They wouldn't let me drive, Don."

"Neither do I, Stella.  Especially when you're pissed."  He opened the door for her with a grin.  "There ya go."

"Thanks.  Such a gentleman."

"Let's hope the son learns manners like I did."  He walked around to drive and the rest of them went back to the station to get back to work.

Flack senior smiled at the head of IAB.  "Remember when all bad cops were taken out this way?"

"Yeah."

"Good.  So do we."  He looked at him.  Then at the pitifully sobbing pile of human.  Then back at him.  "Let's hope his son grows up better.  That's a horrible example but it does show why his son's a bully."  He walked off.  "Going back to the hospital if you needed more information."

"No, I think I have plenty," he said, walking over to haul him up.  "Can you walk?"  He nodded, limping with him.  Once he was inside he cuffed him and tossed the still cuffed guy his keys.  "Meet me in my office."  He walked him up there, pausing to grab the evidence folders.  Then he went to fill out the booking slips.  He was going to be doing some hard time for this.  The injuries would fade.  His twenty to life wasn't going to.

***

Mac looked up from reading to Alex, nodding at Don Junior.  "We get him?"

"He's confessing.  He got the point it'd be better for him."  He kissed the baby on the head, getting a grin.  "That's my good boy.  Soak up more knowledge so you can be smarter than Daddy Danny."  He winked and looked at Danny.  "Is he supposed ta be gray?"

"No.  They say it's where he's been sick."

"Uh-huh."  Don went to wring out the wet compress, bringing it back out.  Danny looked at him.  "Don't puke on me but if you have to, Alex might like that."

"He laughed last time," Danny said dryly, but pretty weakly.  "Do I wanna live?"

"Yeah.  Otherwise you'll never get to see him graduate college."

"Good point.  Damn it."  He shifted and Don put the washcloth on his head. "Thanks."

"Welcome."  He patted him on the head.  "We got 'im."

"Who?"

"Overton."

Danny looked at him.  "He did this because his kid's a bully?"

"Yup."

"I'll kill the bastard," he mouthed, not wanting his son to hear that sentiment.

He smirked, patting him on the cheek.  "He's confessing," he said, staring into his eyes.  Danny relaxed and nodded.  "When I got there, Dad, the whole squad, Stella, and Doc had him in the alley with the head of IAB."  Danny looked at his hands, offering the washcloth.  "I'm fine."  He grinned.  "Now, you think you can handle soup?"  Danny moaned and rolled onto his side to aim at the pail the nice nurse had gotten him.

Alex, being a toddler, thought it was hilarious and giggled some more.

***

Danny walked into his apartment and flopped down, putting his feet up.  "Damn it," he said, realizing his door didn't fully close.  He had to try twice until he got up, wandering over to close it then going back to his comfy, soft, non-antiseptic smelling couch.  He curled up on his side, flipping on the tv.  They'd be over soon but he hoped someone else planned on cooking.  He fell asleep there.

Don walked in first with the baby.  "Aww, look.  Daddy Danny's nappin', Al."  He put the baby down, letting him toddle over there to climb up his father and hug him. "That's my good boy."  He went to check the fridge, starting to toss stuff out.  Thankfully it was trash day so it wouldn't stink up the apartment for long.  He finished weeding out the bad things, looking at one jar.  He wasn't sure what it was so he left it alone, even though it did look foul.  He carried out the trash and came back to find Alex had flipped the channel to the playboy channel.  He looked at the baby, blocking his view.  His son pouted.  "Don't even think about it, Al.  Grandma would definitely scream about that program."  He flipped it to Nick Junior and took the remote with him.  He went back to figuring out dinner, frowning at what was in there.  His phone rang.  "Hey."  He smiled.  "At Danny's.  He's just back from the hospital so I brought the sprout over and figured I'd make him dinner."  He grinned.  "Tomorrow?"  He nodded.  "I can do that.  Hey, Al, want to eat dinner with her tomorrow?"

"No!"

He looked over.  "Why not?  There's a hockey game.  We'll watch it on her tv."  Alex pouted patting daddy.  "We'll see how you feel tomorrow."  He put the phone back against his ear.  "He's pouting and patting Danny on the head, but I'll be over."  He grinned.  "It's a date.  Sure, call me an hour beforehand to let me know if I need ta bring anything.  You too, babe.  Have a good day."  He hung up and figured he'd make pasta.  Danny had a lot of it.  He made good pasta.  He had some frozen sauce.  He pulled that out and some vegetables.  Mac knocked then walked in, making Don hand him the remote.  "The son wanted bunnies."

"Like Bugs?"

"Like playboy."

"I forgot Danny had that channel on his tv."

"Well, he's single."  He shrugged.  "Peas?"

"Not with the case I had earlier."  Don put those back and pulled out broccoli.  He smiled at the baby.  "Hey, Alex.  Is he pettable?"

"Tryin' ta sleep.  Let 'im," Danny mumbled.

Alex leaned down to kiss him on the head like he got then stroked his hair for him some more.  Both fathers smiled and Mac took pictures.  Alex scowled at him so he took one of that look too.  That way he could prove to Danny that the baby did have his scowl.   Alex shook his head, shifting to pet the daddy better, waking him up.  Danny blinked up at him.  "Sleep, Daddy.  Beddy bye."

Danny grinned, pulling him down to cuddle. "If I'm gonna sleep I'm gonna need a teddy like you have.  Wanna be mine?"  Alex beamed and snuggled in.  "That's my good boy.  Tell your other fathers to put up the camera and to quit burning my good pots please?" he called.

"No!" Alex shouted.

"Making pasta."

"You don't need the flame that high to boil the water," Danny shot back.

"Fine."  He lowered it. "Takes longer."

"Scorch marks don't come off."

"Fine.  Go back to sleep."  Danny drifted off again and Don checked before turning up the heat again, shaking his head.  At least until the smoke detector went off.  Then he grabbed a towel to fan away the smoke and turned down the burner again.  Mac snickered, coming over to help by taking out the battery for a few minutes.  Don finally got to put the pasta in and it was nice.  Real food.  Danny snored.  Alex snored with him.  They could enjoy that tonight.

***

Alex looked at Grandma Flack, staring at her.  "Grandma?"  She smiled at him.  "Daddy kissy Momma soon?"

"No, son.  They're not going to kiss anytime soon."

"Why?"

"Because your Daddy Don knows it would upset me."

He pouted at her.  "Need kissies."

"He has a nice girlfriend, dear."

Alex shrugged.  "So?"

"That's not how good men are."

Alex nodded at that.  "Momma kiss Daddy Danny?"

She pursed her lips.  "I know you have a one-track mind, Alex, but really."

Don senior came out of the kitchen.  "If they do I'm sure they'll let you know, Alex.  Don't you worry about it."  He patted him on the head, staring at his wife.  "If they do,  you can't say a word."

"I can so!"

"You can also be without the grandson," he reminded her. "Messer knows a few good gay folk and so does Taylor.  They're very open minded and are going to raise the boy that way.  They've said so plenty of times."

"It's not right."

He shrugged.  "To you.  I'd rather have the three of them happy, wouldn't you?  Instead of Taylor dating the tiny ME who the grandson calls a ho?"  She pursed her lips at that, looking pissed.  "Don's girl is nice from what I understand."  He shrugged, looking at his grandson.  "If they do, they'll tell you and talk about it, okay?"  He beamed and nodded.  "Good boy.  Want to help me trim the grass?"  He nodded, going to help him with the old push mower.  He didn't have enough grass for a real mower and a weedeater was too much trouble for this much lawn.  So he had gotten one of the old spinning wheels of blades mower. "You sit there and watch me.  Watch my coffee for grass for me?"  Alex cuddled the cup for him, getting a smile.  He got to work doing the seven passes that was cutting his backyard, watching the boy look at his coffee very carefully.  He smiled, finishing up and stretching.  "There, all done!"  He smiled, taking back his coffee.  "Thanks, Alex.  You're a good coffee guardian."   He patted him on the head.  "That's a good boy.  Cartoons?"

"Bunnies?"

"Bugs or is there a new one?"  The baby got up and bounced.  "What are you doing?"

"Bouncing like bunnies!"

"Aw, damn it, Don said Messer had the playboy channel."  Alex giggled.  "Did you sneak and watch it?"  He beamed and nodded.  "Don't watch that trash.  You'll never date a nice person."  He led him back inside, sitting down to read to him instead.  He'd have to remind the guy his tv had a V-Chip and how to use it.  Before his grandson got more weird ideas.  Because his son and Taylor?  Not a great match without some buffering.  They were both too stubborn.

***

Danny came back from the doctor's, finding the Flacks in his apartment.  "Hey."  He sat down, taking the baby to cuddle.  "How're you?"

"Daniel, we've programmed your V-Chip so he can't get onto the nasty channels," Mrs. Flack said.

He looked at her.  "Really?  Gee thanks but I like those channels when he's in bed and my tv won't let anyone into them when you use it because the chip's faulty.  I do block it so you have to punch in the number."  She gave him a hurt look.  "Unfortunately after the last power reset I had to reset my channels and didn't get around to blocking out Lifetime and those."  He took the remote and canceled it, turning off the chip.  Then he went to fix that problem.  All the channels he hated or his son shouldn't see he blocked out.  "There, better?"

"But...."

He glared.  "That way he has to go hunting.  Not like you don't live next door to the nice lesbian madam."  She went pale.  "Who he told me allll about the other day because he can see into her bedroom window."  He smirked. "He was very impressed with her handcuffs and whips.  Thought Stella could use one."   She moaned.

"She got the point, son," Flack Senior said.  "Maybe you should date."

Danny looked at him. "I date babbling little things who're young and cute.  They don't really like single fathers."  That got a nod.  "I'd date older women but they bore the crap outta me."  He looked down at the baby.  "How was your day?"

"Bored.  No bunnies."

"You can't have bunnies anyway.  You know that."

"Bouncy?"

"No, not even the bouncy ones.  Sorry."  The baby pouted but snuggled in instead.  "Any other issues?"  They shook their heads.  "Isn't your son supposed ta watch him tonight?"

"Date," Flack Senior said.  "Mac's on call.  Can you handle him?"

"Hopefully.  I just got cleared for duty."  That got a nod.  "Thanks for telling me he was getting into those stations again."  He smiled at his son.  "Tell them good night now?"

"Night!" Alex said, waving and beaming.  "Be good!"

"I think that's what we tell you," Grandpa Flack said dryly, patting him on the head. "You sure?"

"I'm sure."  She left and he stopped Flack Senior.  "Would you like tell me where my son learned the word fag from?" he asked quietly.

He moaned.  "She's very set in her ways."

"Yay.  He said it to a gay minister I know and shocked the hell outta us."

"I'll work on her."

Danny smiled.  "Thanks.  We fixed his.  He knows he's not supposed to say those words.  He also knows he's supposed ta chastise those who use that word."

"Good point, son."  He gave him a pat on the head too then left.

Danny looked at his son.  "Don had a date?"  He nodded.  "With the same girl?"  He nodded. "Huh.  Want pizza for dinner?  I'm too tired to cook."

"'Shrooms?"

"Sure, we can have mushrooms if I can find my wallet."  He went to look then shrugged and called anyway.  He had money in the bank and a fifty.  He could afford dinner and subway fare to work.  He let the baby play until the delivery guy got there.  He opened the door, giving the driver a surprised look.  "Moonlighting from the gang?"

"No," his brother said, handing over the pizza.  "Can we talk?"

"No.  The baby's here.  I don't want you anywhere near my son."

"I'm your brother."

"And he's my spawn.  No.  Sorry.  I'll meet you in the park tomorrow."  He closed the door in his face and went to check the pizza first.  No drugs.  Nothing bad on it.  He grimaced at the onions but Alex wouldn't mind.  He put out two pieces and put the rest in the fridge for later.  He ate a good sized bite first, making sure he didn't have any funny symptoms and wouldn't fall asleep from it.  Then he let the baby have some.  Alex nibbled while he built with his blocks.  Someone knocked as he was about to suggest a bath.  "Who is it?" he called.  No answer so he got up to look.  "No.  Don't make me enforce the restraining order."  He walked away, calling Mac.  "My brother delivers pizza sometimes and now my mother is here."  He smiled. "We're fine.  I got cleared for desk work.  Going to give him his bath.  Sure."  He hung up.  "You're lucky.  Daddy Mac is on his way over," he said loudly.  He heard her stomp off.  "Bath?"

"No."

"Yeah.  Time for a bath."

Alex pouted.  "Not dirty?"

"Bull.  Bath."  He pointed.  Alex put up his blocks, like Daddy Mac made him do, then headed that way so they could have a good bath together.  Even if he was the only one getting clean.  Danny looked out when the door opened.  "Hey, Mac.  She still out there?"

"We had a talk.  I informed her of the particulars of the restraining order and pointed out she was in violation."  He closed the door behind him, coming in to help.  Alex was still pouting.  "You usually like baths."

"Not dirty."

"Uh-huh.  Were you outside?" Danny asked.  He nodded, smiling.  "Then you're dirty."  He went back to scrubbing his back for him.  "Even if you don't want to you should take a bath every day, Alex.  That way people don't think you stink."

"Not!"

"Now.  That's what a bath is for," Mac told him.  "To make sure you don't stink."  Alex pouted at him.  "What?"

"Diapers stink?"

"Yes, they can," Mac agreed.  "But someday soon you'll be a big boy and potty trained.  Then no more diapers."

"Then you can have undies like Daddy Don, ones that'll make you giggle at them too."

Mac smiled.  "He did?"

"He did.  Don was sleeping in some when his apartment's heater got stuck on.  He giggled all the next day about it and most of the rest of the week.  Don blushed the first few times then told him some day he'd have pink underwear too."  Mac snickered at that.  He finished scrubbing him and looked at his hair.  "We gotta do the hair."  Alex held his ears.  "We'll get those looked at, Alex," he promised, keeping him upright.

"I've noticed he doesn't like to dunk his head as much," Mac said.

"I think he's getting an ear thing."  He shrugged.  "Who knows.  Kids do it all the time."  He covered his eyes so he could rinse the shampoo out, making his son giggle.  "He likes the sound of the falling water."

"It's the same sound as the potty," Mac told him.  "That means he'll like it a lot."

"You're really looking forward to not changing diapers, aren't you?" Danny taunted.

"A lot."  When Danny was done he grabbed a towel and the baby, walking him back to his room.  Alex spread himself out for ease of diapering.  "When did you get this rash?"

Danny came in to look.  "I didn't see it earlier."  He tested his forehead.  "He's warm."

Mac looked.  "That looks like chicken pox."

"He just got his booster a week ago," Danny said, then he moaned.  "They said you could catch a mild case."

Mac gave him a look then shook his head.  "They're going to go insane at work."

"ER?"

Mac checked his watch.  "It's before the late night bar accidents.  Let me call the local one."  He went to look up the number and call it.  "Hi, I have a two-year-old son who got his chicken pox booster about a week ago.  On his rear.  Yellowish pustules.  I haven't seen any others.  Danny, did you see any others?"

He looked him over.  "Yeah, in his elbows and the back of his neck."  He came out to look at him.  "He's running a slight fever."

Mac repeated that.  "That's what we were wondering."  He nodded at her instructions.  "I can do that.  Thank you, ma'am."  He hung up.  "They're full already tonight.  It'll be six in the morning before they'll be able to see him if we show up right now."  Danny grimaced. "She said calamine lotion and call the pediatrician."

"Go ahead.  You know his number too.  Let me look in the cabinet."  He picked Alex up, carrying him under his arm.  "Let's find the anti-itch stuff."  His son giggled.  He found a small bottle and smiled, checking it.  "A bit old but it'll do for tonight."  He brought him out, watching Mac listen to the answering service tell him who was on-call tonight.  "Someone we like?"

"Ours."  He left his name and the phone number, then hung up and helped cover the spots.  Alex was giggling so much he nearly had an accident so Danny sat him on his potty chair while they did the back of his neck.  Alex looked down when he peed, then at him.  "That's what big boys do," he agreed happily.  "That's a potty too."  He took him to wash it out then put the small cup back under the chair.   "Looks like I'm still off, Mac."

"All of us, Danny.  We can all carry it."  He went to call Don Senior and Junior.  His cell had three-way calling for field questions.  "Guys, bad news.  We think Alex sprouted a case of chicken pox from the vaccine."

"Tell me you're kidding?" Don begged.

"Wish I could.  Looks like it.  The good news is he was giggling so hard that Danny put him on his potty chair and he used it while laughing.  The back of his neck, elbows, and his rear."

"That means I'm a carrier," Don said dryly.

"All of us," his father reminded him.  "The pediatrician?"

"Waiting on the callback.  He was out of reach for two hours.  He should be back in about another thirty."

"Speaking from experience.  Calamine lotion, oatmeal baths, some minor rubbing alcohol over the sores when they're full to make them disappear faster, Taylor."  He hung up.

"I should tell her, right?" Don asked.

"You should.  If we don't hear back I'll ask Sheldon his opinion."

"Okay."  Don junior hung up and went to talk to his girlfriend, who was lounging on the couch.  "Alex popped up some chicken pox from the vaccine."

"Is he all right?"

"They didn't say he was horrible but he's apparently not making his other fathers happy."  He smiled.  "This may mean I'm quarantined."

She kissed him.  "If you are, I would be too.  Whatever shall we do?" she asked, teasing his throat with a nail.

He grinned. "Once we know it's not something more serious in a half hour?"

She nodded.  "Of course.  Which one called?"

"Mac three-way conferenced with my dad.  Means Ma's gonna complain about grocery shopping."  He shook his head and kissed her, taking his mind off it for now.  She didn't mind.  When the phone rang forty-five minutes later he answered it with one hand, putting it against his ear.  "What's up?"  He listened, then he sighed.  "Picture phone?"  He nodded.  "How long?  And her?"  He smiled.  "Thanks, Mac."  He hung up.  "I've got about a week to make sure I don't sprout."

"It'll be fine."  She stroked his cheek.  "We'll handle it."  Don nodded, pulling her onto his lap to kiss her again.

***

Danny looked at the Chief of Detectives when he opened his door.  "We have chicken pox in the house."

"I've had them."  He walked inside, seeing the miserable, pouty baby on the couch.   "I can understand why you're off.  Why are Taylor and Flack?"

"Pediatrician's orders.  We could be carriers."

"Everyone's had chicken pox."

"Don hasn't."  He groaned.  "For that matter, Alex got 'em off his vaccination."

"Damn it," he muttered.  "You're leaving the lab short, Messer."

"Why come ta me about that?  Did I get a promotion and no one told me?"  He got given a scathing look.  "Mac lives about three blocks away.  Hasn't moved in decades from what I've heard."

"Fine.  Can you handle him alone?"

Danny snorted.  "No!"  He gave him a look.  "He's running one-oh-two at the moment and we've got to keep applying the cream, give him baths, meds to take down his fever, all that good stuff.  Did your mother do it alone?"

"Yes."

"Without any help?"

"Well, my babysitter."

"Uh-huh."  Mac walked in.  "We're leaving the lab short."

"I didn't know you had been promoted over me."  He handed over the bag.  "Our pharmacy was nice enough to bring it to the car for me."  He picked up the baby to cuddle him.  "Are you feeling nasty?"

"Itchies!" he whined, pointing at his diaper.

"I know it does.  Let's see if more cream will help it."  Alex put his head down on his shoulder, cuddling in.  "Sir, with all due respect, it's not like we could help it.  Plenty of kids get chicken pox off the vaccination every year."  He stood up, carrying him into his room so he could look at his butt.  "It looks like it's time for another bath."

"Not dirty!" he complained.

"Soaking in the slimy stuff makes it quit itchin'," Danny called.  "This'll be a play bath.  You can splash yourself all you want, Alex."

"Daddy Don?" he whined.

"He hasn't had this yet," Mac told him.  "So he can't come see you for a few days.  Then you can see him."  Alex started to cry.  "Shh, we've got you and he still loves you.  Want to call while you're in the bath?"  He walked him that way.  "Oatmeal packets?"

"On the side of the tub, Mac."  He gave the baby a hug.  "We'll call."  Alex pouted but nodded, putting his head back down.  He looked at the Chief of Detectives again.  "Sorry but unavoidable, sir.  Not like we planned on him getting chicken pox."

"Fine.  How long?"

"Until his last sore is dried up.  He can't go back to daycare until it does."

"The average time is...."

"A week and a half ta two weeks.  Mac might be able to go back sooner.  Or I might.  We still have to get him back down the other side of the bad part."

"Fine.  I'll let Bonasera know."

"She called earlier ta check on him.  She knows."  He 'humph'd then walked out, slamming the door.  "Puss sucker," he said quietly, heading for the bathroom, grabbing the phone on the way.  He smiled at the panting voice.  "Is your son going to interrupt?  He's pouting because you can't come over.  Sure, give you thirty."  He hung up, looking at the baby.  "Daddy Don is in the middle of his own bath so he can't talk but he'll call when he's done.  Good for you?"  Alex pouted and shook his head.  "It'll be soon.  In about a half-hour."

"Interrupting?" Mac asked quietly, giving him a look.

"She's playing nurse.  He's getting the special bath."

"Oh."  He nodded, getting back to washing down the sores.  Alex was still squirming but not as much.  "Does that make it feel better?"

"No.  Itchies!"

"I know," Mac promised.  "I had them when I was ten."  He let Danny kneel beside him to help him wipe their son's back down.  "I thought this vaccine was supposed to mean no one would get it ever again."

"It covers some of the strains but not all.  It was more to protect you against what they could but if you got it you'd get a lighter case.  No more deaths from the fevers it can cause sort of thing.  Like the flu shot.  It covers twelve-to-twenty strains of the flu but there's over a hundred out there."

"That's something I need to get again this year."  He went back to helping their son, handing him a toy boat.  Alex played listlessly but he did play some.  "Have we heard from Don's parents?"

"Twice.  His Ma giving me advice about alcohol baths and to feed him oatmeal because she said it helped Don when he had a fever."  Mac hummed at that.  "Told her his fever wasn't that high yet but I'd keep it in mind."  Mac nodded, accepting that.  Someone knocked.  "Who is it?" he yelled.

Don walked in.  "Fuck it, if I'm getting 'em I'm getting 'em."  He walked in and knelt between the other two.  "She said she'd gladly check me for spots in a few days.  She had ta go do work stuff this afternoon."  He hugged his son, getting a sniffling cuddle back.  "I know, you feel miserable.  You're all itchy and nasty feelin'.  That's what the slimy stuff is for, Al.  To make it quit itchin'."  Alex let him help wash him down.  "Did you miss me?" he teased with a grin.  The baby looked up and nodded.  "I missed you too."

"Girlfriend?"

"She'll see you once you're better.  She promised she'd even bring over the dog."

"Sorry to interrupt," Danny said quietly.

"Nah, was still good and she agreed, he needs me."  He grinned at him too.  "Didn't matter.  Still got what we both wanted.  Gave me a chance to catch my breath."  He handed Alex a floating toy clown, watching him bat at it so it'd drown.  "Not him, huh?"  He got him something different.  This one got a confused look.  "It's a tiny gunboat.  Like in the movie you and Daddy Mac watched."

"Bang?"

"Yes, it's a boat that has guns," Mac agreed, making the baby a bit happier but still kinda pouty as he shot the clown and then the other toy boat.

Danny shook his head.  "We need to start gun safety lectures soon, Mac."

"I'll work on those."  He looked at him.  "We've done a good job so far."

"Gerrard's last day he took his gun off him, ejected the clip, then cuddled it," Don said.  Mac laughed.  "Exactly."  He looked at Danny.  "Go nap."  He nodded, going do that.  "Didn't figure he had with as tired as he looks."

"Probably not.  I didn't get much last night from the couch either."  They finished up with the baby, making him pout.  "What?  Want to stay in?"

"Itchies?"

"We'll be putting on more cream," Don promised.  "I'll wear gloves but we can do that."  Alex nodded, hugging him to get him damp.  "That's my boy."  He pulled him out, wrapping the towel around him before carrying him back to his room.  More calamine lotion was applied then a diaper.  "There.  How's that?"

"Cwothes?"

"You want clothes?" he teased.  The baby nodded.  "Did Daddy Danny teach you to wear clothes?"

"Grandma say no naked boys."

"True, she told me that plenty of times."  He pulled off his t-shirt and put it on the baby.  It was a special treat he loved.  "There ya go, kiddo."  He put him down, watching him wander out to cuddle next to Mac on the couch.  He took off the gloves and went to do the same.  "Want cartoons or read to?"

"Food?"

"Food's good," he agreed, getting up to see what was in the cabinets.  "Danny clearly needed to grocery shop."  He looked then at Mac, who nodded for him to go.  "Is it safe?"

"If you're going to sprout you probably would've by now."  Don nodded, grabbing another shirt to wear so he could grab some quick groceries from the corner store.  Mac pulled Alex into his lap, cuddling him.  "You have been a very good boy.  I'm proud of how good you've been."  Alex beamed at that.  "Now, want cartoons or read to?"

"Food?"

"Once Don gets back, Alex.  There's nothing to eat yet."

"Poop."  Mac gave him a look, getting a sheepish one back.  "Bad?"

"Very bad."  He turned on the tv.  He had to change the station off A&E but that was fine.  Alex liked the DIY shows and he found one within a few channels.  He settled in to watch the people work on the houses with him, comfortably cuddling with him.

***

Danny looked at Don two days later, reaching over to test his forehead, making Don duck away.  "You don't have the stigma anymore."

"What?" he complained.  Danny got his hand mirror, showing him the area below his ear.  "Damn it."

"Yup."  He pointed at the spare bedroom.  "Hit it, Flack."

"I can...."

"Go lay down before I tell your girlfriend?  Yup," Danny overrode him.  "Now.  Take some tylenol too."  He pouted but went to do that.  "Wondered who he got the pout from," Danny muttered, calling Mac.  "Don's got 'em too."  He hung up and went back to fixing dinner.  Alex was still down for a nap on the couch.  Don would need something too.  He walked the soup in there, going to get Don's phone at the same time.  He handed it over with a nod.  "Yours."

"Thanks.  I should call her but she's out of town."

"So wait until she's free."  He walked off again, going to check on their boy.  The ear thermometer didn't wake him up, which was nice.  His fever was down, which was nicer.  Mac came over with ice cream and he smiled.  "Thanks."

"I figured they could both use some."  He put it into the freezer, looking at the thermometer.  "Not too bad.  It's closer to normal."

"He's in the bad, puss building stage.  He'll be fully ripe probably tomorrow. Then we're on the downward side after a few days."

"Even better."  He went to check on Don, who was still staring at his phone. "She call?"

"She's out of town.  I sent her a text message about needing a back scratcher."

Mac looked at his back, nodding.  "You have a few between your shoulder blades."

"I know, they itch."  Mac got the calamine lotion and dabbed some onto his.  "That doesn't help that much."

"Didn't when I had them either.  When did Danny have them?"

"Don't know.  Haven't asked.  Hey, Messer, when did you have chicken pox?"

"I was three.  Or so my mother told me."

"That's young," Mac said.

Danny shrugged.  "A cousin had 'em probably.  It's not unheard of for parents to expose their kids on purpose to get it over with."  He went back to the kitchen, checking on their son.  "Hey," he said, seeing the open eyes.  "Want some soup?"

"No.  Want Willow."

"Willow?  Is she a friend from daycare?" Mac asked as he came out.  He tested his fever.  "He's burning up, Danny."  Danny got the baby tylenol for him and handed the bottle over.  "Where do you know her from, Alex?"

Alex blinked at him.  "I don't know you," he said, sounding confused.

Danny stared at him.  "Alex, do you know me?" he asked calmly.  The baby shook his head.  "Huh.  Okay.  How old are you?"

"Twenty-one," he said weakly, taking the medicine Mac was holding up.  "Eww.  I haven't had that in years.  Willow used to feed it to me."  He sat up, looking at himself.  "Spell?" he asked.

Danny came over, squatting in front of him.  "Do you remember someone named Anya?" he asked quietly.  His boy nodded slowly.  "She did it."

"My Anya?" he asked, looking so miserable.  Danny nodded, giving him a hug.  He struggled until he got free, staring at him.  "She can't.  She loves me."

Danny gave him a sad smile.  "She said she wanted to give you a better childhood, Alex."

"Xander," he said, pouting some.

"We know.  We were told the memories were gonna fade when we found out."  The baby looked heartbroken.  "You've got the chicken pox.  A really high fever."

"So it unblocked it?  The fever sneezed open the memories?"

"Apparently," Mac agreed, stroking over his hair.  "We don't know how she did it, kiddo.  All we know is that you're our kid now.  Have been since you were found near me the day you were born."

The baby stared at him.  "Willow?  Buffy?"

"We checked out that way.  We heard they were fine," Danny told him.  The little body relaxed.  "We're not sure if these are gonna stay or not," he offered.

"Can I tell myself stuff?"

"We can tape record a message," Mac promised.  "I have to run home to get one but it's only a few blocks."  The baby nodded, giving him a trusting look.  "We do the best we can for you, Alex.  It's a whole new start."

"What do you do?"

"We're officers.  Danny and I are CSI.  Your other father is a detective."

Xander blinked at him.  "Cops?"  Mac smiled and nodded.  "I guess that's good.  Drinking ones?  There's a lot in Sunnydale."

"No, we hardly ever do.  You scowl so hard at us," Don promised as he joined them.  He grinned at him.  "We'll let Mac get the tape."  He headed off to do that once he had Don's keys.  "It'll be okay.  We promise we're nice guys to you."

"Sure.  I guess that's good."   He looked at Danny.  "Are you sure it's okay in Sunnydale?"

"It was when we checked late last year."

"Can... can I call?"

Danny considered it.  "I don't know if they know, Alex.  She never said if they knew or not.  There's every chance your fever will go down and you won't remember."

Alex leaned forward.  "Willow vowed to the Goddess that I'm her soul-bound friend."  Danny handed over the phone.  "All I want to do is hear her voice."  He dialed a long- known number, listening to the chipper voice.  He choked and hung up, handing it over.  "She's okay."

"Shh," Danny said, picking him up to hug him, letting Don sit beside him.  "It'll be okay.  She's happy.  You'll be fine. You'll grow up again and it'll all be great."

Alex looked at him. "Things happen around me and come for me," he said quietly.

"We've noticed you seem ta draw bullies," Danny said dryly.  Alex smiled and nodded a bit.  "The rest, we'll handle when we have ta."  Alex nodded, resting against his shoulder.  Mac came back with the tape recorder and a few tapes.  He gave the baby a nudge.  "Go into the bedroom, tell your younger self all about you, Xander.  It'll be okay.  When you're older we'll have this talk again if you don't remember."  He nodded, letting Mac help him with the unfamiliar machine while Don put him down onto Danny's bed.  They left him alone for a while, letting him figure out what to say, how to say it, and let him decide how much he was going to tell himself.  They listened but it was nerve rattling.  "The fever?" Danny asked.  "Or what Overton did?"

"Could be either.  Could be both," Mac offered.  "We'll have to see if it fades again after his fever goes down."  He listened at the door for a second before going to make himself something to drink.  "Either way we have to get his fever down.  It can't be good for him."

Don wiggled but Danny rubbed the itchy spot for him.  "Thanks."

"Welcome.  Been doing a lot of this recently.  If chicken pox weren't so nasty I'd do this for a living," he teased.

Alex came out of the bedroom, staring at him.  "I had chicken pox when I was ten or so.  Willow took care of me.  How did I get it again?"

"The vaccination.  We've been giving you all your shots," Mac told him.  He sipped his tea.  "It's not unheard of to get them off the vaccination."

"Oh."  He frowned.  "No demons, right?"

"This is New York.  If there are, they're hiding from the mobsters," Danny said with a  smirk.

"I guess.  As long as *they* don't try to get me too."  He rolled his eyes.  "What else am I doing?"

"Daycare at the moment.  You're only two," Don said quietly.

Alex looked at himself then at him.  "Do you feel freaky too?"

"Yup."

"Good.  It's not just me.  Hell, I'm used to mojo and accidents happening from it and it's still not just me."   He looked at them.  "If I don't usually have my memories...."

"Your fever spiked and there was a problem with another officer who wanted to get us back for his kid getting kicked out of daycare because he tried to thump you," Danny said honestly.  "You beat him good and they kicked him out.  He broke in and dosed us both with heroin."

Alex gave him an odd look, then looked at Don.  "He's dead, right?"

"A cop in prison.  Soul's dead."

"Okay.  I guess I can accept that. There's all sorts of stories about cops in prison."  He went back to the bedroom then came back out.  "She did it why?"

"She said to give you a more secure childhood than the one you had," Mac said.

Alex looked at him then at Danny.  "Anya used to be a vengeance demon.  I know very well how her mind worked.  Sex or money?"

"Some money, better emotional control, less violence," Danny said honestly.

Alex just nodded at that.  "Okay then.  She's....."

"In a permanent coma," Don said quietly.  "We think whatever she paid to impersonate Danny while shooting a coworker got her for not paying a debt or something."

"That's kinda reasonable with their sort.  Preschool?"

"Next year.  How were your grades?" Danny asked.

Alex let out a bitter snort.  "I loathed school.  Every damn last minute of it.  I hated school.  The only reason I went was because it got me out of the house."  He went back to talking to himself, his future self, whatever.

Don got up and leaned in.  "Hands-on stuff work better for you?  We can send you to a good school, kiddo."

Alex shrugged a bit, rubbing his forehead.  "I didn't like lectures very well.  We didn't have hands-on classes really."

"Wanna learn what Mac and Danny do?  They're crime scene guys.  They're the ones who find out who did what bad thing.  Lots of science but they've got one who reminds me of a trained chimp on night shift."

Alex grimaced.  "I passed freshman biology and called it quits.  I barely passed freshman biology and that's because the teacher turned into a demon that wanted to eat me after killing the first one."

Don just nodded at that.  "You get on well with engines, that stuff?"

"I was doing carpentry when she did this to me."

"Okay.  So maybe hands on stuff would work okay?  More project based than reports, testing, that stuff?"

"That might be nice," he admitted, grinning some.  "We didn't have much choice in Sunnydale.  Honestly, I tested so sucky I nearly got put into special ed.  Twice. No matter what my SAT scores said I sucked ass in school."

"No swearing," Mac said.  "Sorry, reflex."

"No, you're right, I shouldn't," Alex agreed quietly, staring at him.  "I don't know.  Trust me, you'll know when I hit problems.  Also, a bit dyslexic now and then."

"There's ways ta help with that and the bounciness that you have," Don promised, getting a grin back.  "Though we're still going to cut you off sugar for a while.  You scared perps the last time you did your chocolate dance."  He withdrew, going to look at the books.  "Project based."

"There's a magnet school that does but it's junior high," Danny admitted, taking it to find it.  He pointed.  "We can ask."

"Now we know why he likes catalogs instead of books," Mac said calmly.

Danny punched him on the arm.  "We'll handle it, Mac.  Even if the old memories are here ta stay.  He'll still be our kid."  Mac nodded, finishing his tea.  "Did Jeremy ever get us good info from his last life?"

Mac shook his head.  "Only what that group saw."  He turned to make another cup.  "Guys?"

"Nah.  Thanks anyway, Mac," Don said, getting some water and going back to bed.  He felt miserable and had to call his girlfriend.  Though he wouldn't be mentioning this, just in case.  This was freaky and he didn't think she could deal with it.  He wasn't dealing with it very well and neither was Mac.  Stella and Doc might but they weren't.

"Hey, Alex, when you're done, let's do a bath," Danny called, sipping his beer.  Mac smiled at that.  "He's still got the fever.  Can't be good for him."  That got a nod and Mac went to run it while Danny finished up then went to brush his teeth.  Alex finally clicked off the tape recorder an hour later and came in to let himself be stripped and put into the bath.

He looked down at himself.  "Thank god I grew," he said quietly, cracking Mac up.  He grinned.  "I did.  Thankfully."  He let them bathe him, wincing and holding his head as the fever got a bit worse.  Danny got him new medicine when it was time.  He started to feel sleepy and drifted off.

Mac looked down at the baby, smiling at him.  He took his temperature.  "Closer to normal."  He kissed him on the head.  "We'll take good care of him, Xander.  You don't worry about it.  We have it."  He went back to helping Danny bathe him.  When he was out, relotioned, and back in his bed, he headed home to start a background search on him.  Even hackers weren't going to stop him this time like they had Jeremy.

***

Stella looked up at the young woman walking up to the reception desk the next morning.  "Can I help you?"

"I'm not sure.  I wanted to speak to someone about a young boy named Xander."  She stared at her.  "Which I think you may know."

She blinked.  "The only child I know is named Alex, miss."

She sighed.  "He called last night.  Can you...."

"Let me call Mac," she decided, calling him.  "Mac, I have a young woman here who is asking about a child named Xander....."  She handed over the phone.  "He said he knows."

She listened.  "This is Willow."  She smiled.  "No, I want to know what happened.  I got the phone call.  That's why I'm in your city instead of mine.  Please.  I can meet you there.  That's not a problem.  Thank you."  She hung up and smiled at her.  "Thank you.  I know it's a bit strange but necessary."  She walked out, heading to the cabs outside so she could catch one to the address he had asked her to go to.  "15 Gramercy please?"   The driver took off and she relaxed, thinking about all the ways something could've happened to him.  They had all wondered for the last few years.  She got out and paid the driver, then walked to the man sitting on the stairs.  "Mr. Taylor?  I believe you were doing background searches on a subject very dear to my heart."

"He's got chicken pox up the street."  He looked at her.  "Last night his fever spiked."

"What happened?"  She sat down next to him.  "Will the residents or owner mind?"

"No.  It's a detective I know.  He'd say it would be fine if he was home."  He looked at her.  "There was a young woman named Anya who kept showing up.  She claimed she deaged him to make him have a more secure and less violent childhood."

"I'll kill the bitch," she muttered.  She looked down then at him.  "He's how old?"

"Two.  Just barely two," he said quietly.  "The first we knew I woke up in an older building and he was covered with birth slime near me.  I had some shallow stomach stitches."

She nodded at that.  "Okay."  She handed over something.  "Xander's journal."

He smiled a bit.  "We met him last night when his fever spiked."

"Did something else happen?  You don't sound too sure."

"A few weeks back an officer broke in and retaliated against Danny, one of the other fathers, and Alex by OD'ing them on heroin," he said quietly.  "His kid was a bully and got kicked out of daycare for it."

"Xander used to protect me from bullies all the time," she said quietly, giving him a sad smile.  "Is he okay otherwise?"

"He's a good little boy with a mouth on him," he said dryly.  "He likes to help us clean our guns."

"Yeah, he was always a weapons person," she sighed.  She looked down then opened her purse and handed him something.   "That is a full background on him.  My diaries, all of it."  She looked at him.  "It can only help him this time."

He nodded his thanks.  "We were told the memories would fade."

"Mostly it's like Xander's asleep in the back of his own head."  She stood up.  "I want him to be happy this time.  His parents last time were crap.  Very big piles of crap."  He nodded at that. She licked her lips then rubbed her nose.  "Don't drink around him.  I can warn you of that much."

"We know."

She nodded.  "He should be happy.  Not hunting, because that wasn't making him happy.  Violent.  Seeing himself like he saw Batman.  Not happy."  Mac nodded at that.  "Don't tell him about Sunnydale unless he asks."

"He made himself a tape."

She smiled a bit.  "Of course he did.  It'll probably not mention that either.  It might be warning him about his taste in women."  She smirked a bit.  "You can make sure he's happy and safe?"

"As safe as we can make him, Willow."

"Thank you."  Someone pulled up the street going slowly.  "Who're they?  They're radiating trouble."

He looked then he sighed. "That is the next attempt by Danny's family."

She looked at him.  "Why?"

"Danny didn't want to be a thug.  They kicked him out."

"Oh."  She looked then she muttered and waved a hand.  They watched as the car suddenly dropped speed and rolled to a stop a second later.  She looked at him.  "No more problems.  You let me personally know if we have any problems that relate back to demons, magic, or otherwise.  I'll make sure they're handled and I'll be telling someone local to watch over him for me.  That way you can have a son and not a future warrior.  He deserves a better life than yearly apocalypses and fighting every night while never expecting to come home."  She walked off, heading to find one of the local witches.  She knew where they were.  She had looked them up on her way over.

Mac got up and went to look in the car.  There sat five perfect looking iguanas.  He looked after her but she was gone already.  Then he looked in the car again.  "Danny's going to throw a fit," he muttered, calling him.  "It's me.  I did meet with her.  We had a nice talk.  In a minute.  What do you want me to do with the iguanas who were your father, brother, Sonny, and a few of their thugs?"  Danny spluttered.  "Yes, that's what I said, Danny."  He smiled.  "The same source, Messer.  Do you want me to call the ASPCA?" he asked.  A car came up the street and he flagged them to go around.  The driver parked and stared at him.  "Someone parked their car here with five iguanas in it."

"Why?" he demanded.  He looked at his house then at Mac.  "Needed my front step?"

"Yeah, it led back to the person who gave us Alex."

"That's fine then."  He came over to look.  "Need some pets?"

Danny was yelling on the other end of the phone. Mac could hear him with it against his shoulder.  "I just asked Danny that."  He hung up on him, smiling when he came stomping up the street a minute later.  He waved a hand.  "What do you want me to do?"

"I should let the pound have 'em," he muttered.  The detective gave him an odd look.  "That's my brother's car."

"Charming.  So?"

Danny grumbled but pulled a pillow case out of his pocket, letting Mac put them into the bag for now.  "Get it towed?"

"Sure.  They here?"

Danny looked at the bag then at him. "Don't know."  He walked off shaking his head.

"How is the boy?  I heard he had chicken pox," the detective said.

Mac nodded.  "His fever broke last night but Don has them now too."  That got a snicker.  "So we've got two miserable, pouty people."  He walked off shaking his head.  "Have it towed."

"Sure.  Thanks, Taylor."  He called that in and then went to have lunch.

***

After Alex had went down and Mac had gone over all the information he and Danny sat down to go over it together.  There were some surprising things.  The tapes hadn't hinted at some of what Willow had left with them.  Don came stumbling out rubbing his eyes.  "Do you have spots there too?"

"No.  Can't sleep."  He flopped down and took the pages they were done with so he could go over it too.  "I can see why he's your son and our grandkid," Don said finally, looking at them.  "Now what?"

"She thought it'd be like a sleeping presence in the back of his mind," Mac told him.  "I would guess it would've been the fever that did it."  He leaned his arms on the table.  "Have we seen hints of this before?"

"His thing with guns?" Danny suggested.

"I'm not sure and I don't think we should treat it like it's gonna follow the same course this time," Don said.  "He's not the same guy.  He doesn't have the same sort of parents.  Why do we have iguanas?"

"Willow did it when Danny's family showed up," Mac said dryly.

"Uh-huh," he said, checking his own forehead.  "I'm not that warm."

"I saw her do it," Mac told him.

Don shook his head.  "Then I wholeheartedly want him out of that life.  Before his next tantrum turns one of us inta one."

"She wanted the same thing," Mac agreed.

"Good.  Then we can work on it.  They'll be like signposts of what could be," Danny decided.  "It'll help us with school stuff a bit.  We know he needs ta learn ways to channel his frustration sometimes.  Other than that, I say we lock it up and wait until he's at least fifteen ta give it to him."

"I can agree to that," Don said.  "I think the tapes were meant for an older him anyway since they were warning him about dating and stuff."  He yawned and stretched backward, then winced.  "This disease sucks."

"It does," Mac agreed with a small smile.  "Need more calamine?"

"Please.  I was wiggling on the bed when I woke up."

Danny got it for him and fixed his spots so they hopefully wouldn't itch as much.  "We have plenty of oatmeal packets."

"I'm not a bath sorta guy unless I'm in with someone," he said dryly.  "Thanks, Messer."  He stood up and stretched again.  "Gonna go back to bed now.  Any idea on schools?"

"There's a few," Mac admitted.  "I'm looking into them."  That got a nod and Don went back to bed while Danny went to fuss in the kitchen.  "Are you okay with this?"

"I found out first and Jeremy admitted what he knew," Danny reminded him.  "I've always considered it an indication of what could happen, not what would happen.  Though I am liking the hands-on stuff a lot more at the moment."  He looked at him.  "What was his SAT score?"

"Eleven hundred."

"Huh.  Yeah, that's not testing sucky.  That's other things got his attention."  He went back to fussing with the dishes.  "Think we got enough of everything to get them both through this?"

"I hope so.  Then again, one of us can go back to work starting in three days by Health Department rules.  We'd have to switch off though."

Danny shrugged.  "That'll work for me."  He turned to look at him.  "Flack's ma thought he had it."

"It could be a different strain than he had.  Which means he's in for a lesser case."

"Maybe."  He went back to his dishes.  "Check his fever?"

"I can do that."  He took the ear thermometer into the baby's bedroom to test his temperature, smiling at the low number as he came back out.  "Ninety-nine.  Good, low number."

"So we're really on the downhill side," Danny said, sounding happier.  At least until Don had to go get sick.  "Just hit the bowl and don't make a mess," Danny called after him, getting Mac some ice water for him.  It was going to be a long few weeks.

***

Don finally got back to work and had to pout at the stuffed chicken on his desk.  "Not cute, guys."  He flopped down and stared at the lack of files.  "Did someone do the paperwork for me?"

"No, we had to steal all your open cases," one said, handing him two folders.  "Payback, man."

"Thanks.  Didn't think it'd take me that long to get over them.  Ma thought I had 'em before."  He looked them over then at the one guy.  "The mechanic?"

"Pretty sure, waiting on the lab.  Figured you could use an easy one to get back on the horse after two weeks," he said, giving him a look.

Don gave him an unhappy one.  "I had a hundred and ninety-four pustules," he said.  The other detective shuddered.  "With a fever.  There's *nothing* that eases the itch of those, especially in your ear."  He grinned.  "Alex got one on the end of his dick.  We had ta put on some heavy pants to stop that scratching.  Oh, and he decided Danny should kiss booboos better since he does so well with his knee.  Mac too."

"His?" the other detective asked.

"Mine."

"Ah.  His slutty mind is back."

"That's how we knew he was better.  He wanted Stella to cuddle him and he wanted Mac and Danny ta kiss me better."

"Your kid's gonna make you a grandfather *way* too early," another detective joked, tossing Don one of his files.

"No, we've got that covered.  He knows having babies makes you evil.  He complained Mac was going evil while he was sick."  That got a few more laughs.  "We're looking for a good project oriented school for him, guys.  If you hear one, give us a note or something?"  That got some nods.

"Not higher brain trust places?" the first detective asked.

"He likes hands-on stuff.  It'll probably be easier to start there then move onto a bigger brain trust place.  Maybe less expensive too.  The one we liked on the brain trust side is only four grand a year, but that adds up."

"To about a new Beamer," the other detective said with a shudder.

"Yeah, plus tuition hikes and inflation," Don said dryly.  "We've got a school fund started, thankfully, but man!"

Their boss came to his doorway.  "I thought you were looking at the place up the street."

"While we were all babying me and the baby we figured out he does better with hands-on stuff instead of traditional ways of being forced to learn stuff, Hernandez.  We decided to try somewhere project oriented first.  He's still got Danny and Mac's brains but they'll train it gently in ways he'll appreciate since it'll let him be a bit more hyper too."

"What did the kid get from you if he got their brains and Messer's nose and chin?" the second detective asked.

"My cuteness," he said with a grin.  "That's how he picks up girls all the time.  Helped me get my present girlfriend."  They all laughed at that.  "Dad ranted about that before anyone asks.   Though the son thinks she's sweet enough to last until he gets his way about us getting together."

Hernandez shook his head.  "I'm sure you'll straighten him out sometime, Flack.  Need more files?"

"No, thanks, really.  I'll take first case."  He got a nod and the boss went back to his desk.  Don frowned but got into the files.  Another detective came in late and dropped off another file.  "I didn't have this many open when I left," he complained.

"Yeah you did," Hernandez called.  "By the way, Monroe found your chocolate stash.  We figured it would be better to let her have it than listen to her bitch out a suspect who had insulted her."

Don looked then at the office.  "She can replace it too," he called back.  He sent her an email to that effect then got back to work.  He was only paused by a phone call.  "Flack."  He grinned.  "Hey, Melinda.  What's up?  No, he was fully healed for the last day and a half, we were waiting on my last sore to dry up before we brought him back.  Why?"  He leaned back, listening to what someone had said.  "She's paranoid.  He got it off the vaccine.  Really?  Huh."  He nodded.  "Sure, I'll check on him.  Thanks, Melinda.  He okay?"  He beamed.  "That's my boy.  Thank you."  He hung up and called Danny's phone.  "Melinda said you look like hell?"  He got hung up on so he called Mac.  "Melinda said Danny looks like hell?"  He blinked at that.  "Really?  I didn't....  How did he manage that?  Anything...  Sure.  Thanks, Mac."  He hung up.  "Messer caught them off us.  Even though he thought he had them when he was three.  Mac checked with Hawkes and the Health Department.  There's no way I'm contagious."  That got some nods.  "But Danny's hiding.  So if you need Messer, he's at home.   Still."  He got back to work, shaking his head.

***

Mac knocked on Danny's door impatiently.  He'd been doing this for the last two minutes.  No movement.  He knew if he simply walked in while Danny felt rotten he'd be hit with something.

Don came up the stairs, giving him an odd look.  "Ma wanted to babysit since he's better."  He opened the door.  "You throw shit at me, Messer, and I'm throwing it back no matter how bad you feel!"  He walked in and found him on the bed.  Fevered.  Sweaty.  Thrashing in a nightmare.  He touched him on the arm, then ducked when Danny took a swing at him.  "Uh-huh.  Mac, shower?"  He went to start one while Don hauled their buddy up and took him to the bathroom, tossing him in clothes and all.  Danny woke up with a moan of complaint.  "Nightmares?" he asked.

"Yeah."  He looked at himself.  "I didn't need this."

"Your bed's soaked with sweat.  Yes you did," Mac told him.  "Shower.  We'll remake the bed for you, Danny."  He went to do that.

Don got Danny his bathrobe then went to find the anti-germ spray.  They got the bed remade and Danny was still in the shower.  They shared a look.  "Stella?" Don suggested.

"She'd beat us," Mac said dryly.  "And then scream."  He went in there, reaching in to wake Danny up again.  "Shower."

Danny mumbled but showered once he tossed his wet clothes out onto the bathroom floor.  He got out and Mac got a scowl when he found him shaking the calamine lotion.  "Don't need it."

"Bull," Mac said, turning him around to start on his back.  "I think you have more spots than Don did.  I should coat you from head to foot with it."

"Then he'll look like a sunburned Italian," Don teased.  "All pink...."  Danny glared at him so he handed over the tylenol.  "All yours, buddy."

"Yay."  He took the cottonball to do his front himself.  "Thanks."

"Welcome," they said together.

"Sprout?"

"Ma," Don said.

Danny looked at him.  "She gonna give him another anti-gay rant?"

"I hope not.  I yelled about the last one," Don said, giving him a look.  "Even my dad yelled about the last one, Danny."

"'Kay."  He finished up and put on his bathrobe, taking his wet clothes to put into the laundry basket so he could get dressed.  "Why else are we over?"

"You're sick," Mac told him.

Danny snorted.  "I'll be fine in a few days."

"Yeah," Don said dryly.  "And I so believe that after having them last week!"  He gave him a look.  "They might be scared of Mac's little Marine white cells but you and I are normal folk and you still need a bit taken care of."

"I'm fine."

"Shuttup," Don complained, going to make him some soup.  He found some cold on the stove and looked.  "Got tired while warming?"

"Yeah.  Thankfully I remembered to turn it off.  Things went a bit technicolor there for a few."  He came out and Don had poured it into a mug for the microwave.  Then he got handed the warm cup.  "Thanks."

"Welcome.  It's what we do, Danny."  He put him onto the couch and handed him the remote.  "Rest."

"I'm trying to."

"No, you can't hide from us," Mac said.  "It'll upset Alex."

"Point.  No letting him fuss."

"Yeah!" Don snorted.  "Because he didn't learn that from you already!"  He called his mother.  "Hey, Ma.  We were right.  He's got it now too.  Fussy.  Doesn't want anyone ta fuss.  Making him more soup in a minute.  Sure.  He good so far?"  He smiled as the baby got handed the phone. "Al, have you been good for grandma?"  He listened then he snorted.  "Hand Grandpa the phone."  He leaned against the counter, free arm over his chest.  "Dad, can't you just yell at her?  No, our son isn't against it.  She is.  And if she keeps up with that shit, she's not gonna be watchin' him alone."  He hung up.  "Ma tried again when Alex pouted that we hadn't kissed my booboos better.  Dad's saying stuff."  He looked at the door.  "I'm gonna go get him."  Mac nodded. "You sure?"

"Bring him back here.  That way he can fuss too.  He's been looking forward to fussing since he helped you get better."

"Good point."  He headed out, driving to his parents' house.  He walked in and caught his naked son.  "Where's your clothes?"

"No bath!  Tired of baths!" he pouted.

"You still need the normal, washing up bath, kiddo.  Otherwise you might start ta stink and then what'd we do with you?"  Alex pouted at him.  "Besides, if you don't get clean you can't help Daddy Danny feel better.  He's got the same spots we did and he feels rotten."  Alex scowled at that, wiggling until he put him down.  Don watched him run back to his grandfather and the bath, then looked at his mother.  "We don't care if Alex is gay or not, Ma," he said quietly.  "Quit."  She gaped.  He gave her one of the looks he used on suspects when they were throwing fits.  "My son is going to be raised very tolerant.  There's a lot of different people in my city and he'll learn that they're all good unless they're breaking the law.  Gay, straight, trannie, blue, green, purple, red, or orange.  Got me here?"  She nodded.  "If he wants to try to make us kiss, that's his imagination.  It's good for him to stretch it.  Then again he thinks Mac's still a girl so he can have a baby sister too."  He smirked.  "Been working on that one again."  He went to help with the bath.  "Hey, Dad.  You getting undirty for us?"

Alex pouted at him.  "Daddy needs boy."

"You're right, daddy does need his boy ta cuddle him so he feels better.  You're very smart and you'll make him feel a lot better.  Even if he is growly at Mac."  Alex beamed and let his grandfather finish him up, then he got out immediately and held up his arms.  "Let's get you dressed."  He grabbed a towel to dry him off.  "Thanks, Dad."

"Welcome.  I tried to talk to her again."

"I laid down the law," Don assured him.  He walked Alex back to his old room, getting him dressed again.  "Okay.  Let's go baby Daddy Danny until he whines."  Alex beamed and got up, running for the car.  He grabbed his diaper bag, heading out after him.  "Thanks, parents.  We'll see you tomorrow."  He walked out, letting Alex open the door so he could climb into his booster seat.  "Good job!"  He got him buckled in and turned to find someone behind him.  "Yeah?" he asked the guy, closing the car door.

"Do you live here, sir?"

"My parents do.  Why?"  He moved his suitcoat to show his badge.  The man backed off.  "Why did you need to know?"

"We've had a lot of foreign traffic.  It's got some citizens worried."

Don snickered.  "This whole neighborhood has known me since I was my son's age.  It's not an issue in my case."  The man backed up another step.  "Keep going."  He turned and walked off.  Don walked around to get into the car, sharing a look with his father over the roof before sliding in to drive.  His dad could kick the guy's ass.  He had taught him after all.  They drove back to Danny's apartment, Alex humming with the stereo.  When they got there, Alex got the seatbelt undone and rushed out of the car, hurrying up to the apartment, pounding until Mac let him in. Don followed with the diaper bag once the car was relocked.  "He knew he had ta take a bath so he could be clean enough ta fuss."

Mac smiled.  "It's a good strategy with him."

Don watched as their son cooed and petted Danny's hair, giving him a cuddle.  "You'll be okay soon," Alex cooed.  "I was and so was Daddy Don.  You'll be okay and we'll make sure of it."

"Thanks, kiddo.  I needed ta hear that," Danny said, patting him gently on the back.  "Wanna hit the bed since it's bedtime?"

"NO!"  He gave him a look like he was stupid - he had learned it off his Auntie Stella.  "Make you soup!"  He got up and went to find the cans of soup in the pantry.  Mac helped and he watched as his mother poured it into a mug to warm up then helped carry it out very carefully, handing it to him.  "You drink!" he ordered, tapping a foot until he took a sip.

"You look like Stella when you do that," Don teased, patting him on the head.  "Drink, Danny."

Danny sipped, smiling at him. "You make good soup."  Alex beamed.  "Now that I've had soup...."  His son snorted and went to check the bed, coming out to get him some stuff to look at, like Mommy had gotten him when he was bored but stuck in bed.  Danny took another drink when his son gave him a look.  "You look a lot like Auntie Stella when you do that."

Mac got the camera and filmed it.  He'd get the soup scene again when Danny had drained that cup and Alex made him another one.  He was so cute!

***

Stella came into the office the next morning looking confused.  "What happened?"

"Our son has turned into a miniature you," he said, turning on the tape.  "We had to convince him this morning that going to daycare would let Danny sleep and it'd make him feel better faster."

She turned to watch, giggling at what he was doing.  "I don't tap my foot that way!"

"You do so.  You did when they were in the hospital."

Don leaned in.  "We're hoping he doesn't want to curl his hair, but he's good!"  He walked off, going to find Lindsay.  "Monroe, you have *anything* on my case yet?" he called as he found her up the hall.

"Still working on it, Don."

He looked at her  "Why?  It's only three fingerprints and a hair."

"We're backed up!  We haven't had a full staff with all the sickness."  She scowled.  "Why is Danny still off?  Did he get suspended?"

"No, he got the same version of chicken pox I did," he said dryly.  "He was running a hundred and one this morning."  She shuddered.  "Exactly.  So how much longer?  I'm gonna go talk to a suspect this afternoon."

"I'm waiting on Adam for the hair.  The fingerprints weren't to the same person."

"We expected that.  That's why we had reference samples taken."  She shook her head.  He nodded, handing her the folder, open to the proper page since his thumb had been holding it in place.  He pointed at the note made.  "Yeah, we did."

She sighed.  "I didn't see those."  She went to look at those.

He stared at her back, then went back to Mac's office.  Stella was giggling and it was good to hear.  "We're that backed up?"

"No.  She couldn't find matches," Stella said.  "Adam got backed up because we moved the child molestation case ahead of yours."

"That I get.  She said it's because we're underpowered on lab people."

"Not hardly!" she assured him.  She pinched him on the cheek.  "He is like a miniature me.  I'm so proud I warped the baby that way.   We should show Sid."  She walked out to go look over Adam's shoulder.  "Hey."

"Hey, Stella."  He handed her something.  "I saw Flack."

She looked then texted him to find her.  He leaned in so she handed it over.  "The mechanic."

"I thought so!"  He walked off going to find the guy and talk to him.

She looked at him.  "Danny's got the chicken pox."

"Poor man.  I was miserable when I got them in high school."

"Yeah.  But it was so cute!  Alex turned into a miniature me.  All the same scowls and mannerisms when Danny didn't want fussed over."  He grinned at that.  "Mac's got it on tape."  He laughed, going to watch.  She paged Sid with the message of 'new Xander tape of extreme cuteness' and got back to work.  Lindsay could page Don when she finally figured out what they already knew.  Sometimes gut instinct did work.

***

Alex looked up from playing at daycare, staring at the new man who had walked in.  "Bad man!" he shouted, pointing.  Not sure why but somehow he knew.  The daycare workers reacted and looked, one of them pouncing him since he had a gun in his hand.  Alex pouted.  "Me help?" he called.

"No, you stay," the daycare worker said, locking the room and calling the cops, like they had planned.  "Don Flack, this is Alex's daycare.  We had someone walk in with a gun.  He's down.  Thank you."  She hung up and went to cuddle those kids.  "It's all right."  She smiled at Alex.  "That was very good spotting work."

"Chocolate?" he asked, giving her his best hopeful puppy eyes begging look.

"Later on.  We'll make sure your daddies give you some."  He beamed and went back to playing.  Don Flack Senior stomped in and waved at them then hauled the guy up and outside.  She sighed in relief, letting him do a search of the daycare just in case.  She came out.  "Did he say why?  Or how he got past our metal detector?"

"Your door guard is knocked out," he said quietly.  "Coming around with a headache.  Looks like he was gassed instead of hit.  The metal detectors they unplugged."  She sighed.  "Who spotted him?"

"Your grandson."

"That's my boy," he said proudly.

"He wanted chocolate as a reward."

"Hell, I'll watch him do his chocolate dance for hours for that."  He smiled at her.  "I don't know why they're here.  We'll find out in a few minutes.  For now, keep it locked down."   She nodded.  "Give him a hug for me."  He smiled at his grandson and waved, getting a happy smile and a wave back.  "Also, his grandmother's on another anti-gay kick but Donny put down his foot with her.  Correct him because the boys want their son to be tolerant."

"I've already done that once today," she promised.  He smiled and nodded, heading back out.  She went back into the room.  "Alex, he'll see you after daycare and he did say you could have a treat for that.  Good boy."  He beamed again and went back to playing.

***

Mac got the page and walked down to Don Junior's precinct, finding Don Senior there.  "What happened?"

"This putz walked into Alex's daycare with a gun.  Alex spotted him and the daycare people got him down.  He gassed the guard and unhooked the metal detector."

"Hmm."  He looked at him.  "That was extremely stupid with how many children of officers go there."  Don Senior put something down in front of him.  He looked at the ID card then at him, sneering now.  "We'll be having a talk."

"Think it relates back to whatever Jeremy got called off to do?" Don Senior asked.

"There's another thing that he let us know that it could be."  He took the ID.  "Bring him to my office."  That got a nod.  Mac called an old friend on the way.  "Captain, I have a Marine in custody for walking into a daycare with a gun.  Coincidentally the daycare my son goes to," he said when he spluttered.  "I want his service jacket and I want it within the hour.  That's his name.  Who sent him?"  He got hung up on.  He called back.  "Don't try that.  Jeremy told us what he used to do."  He paused, listening to him complain.  "And?"  He nodded.  "I'll make sure it's fixed.  I want his jacket.  He's being charged as a civilian.  The others can take it if they want."  He hung up and walked that way.  "Fax come in yet?"

"No.  What did Jeremy used to do?" Don Senior asked.  Mac pulled out the information Jeremy had once gotten for them, handing it over.  He read through it slowly then looked at him.  "Yahoos with a grant?"

"It's where Alex came from," he said grimly.  He looked at the soldier.  "So.  Were you after Xander?"  The man flinched.  "I see.  Any other targets?  If you tell me now I won't let his other fathers know until you're in lockup."

He glared at him.  "He's ours.  We made him."

"Anya made him."  He walked over there, staring down at him.  "I already know, kid.  I know *everything*."  He leaned down.  "His nanny used to be Initiative."  The guy swallowed.  "I heard *all* about it.  Then I talked to Miss Rosenburg."  The guy started to sweat.  "So we know all about him as well.  What.  Were.  You.  Going.  To.  Do?" he asked calmly but very coldly.

"I wasn't going to harm anyone.  Just retrieve what we made."

"For?" Don Senior asked.  "Unlike him, I'll get away with hitting you until you beg, son.  It comes with the higher rank."

The man blinked at him.  "You won't."

"I will," Mac promised.  "Since I'm a higher rank than you are, Marine, and in the same Corps you're dirtying, I'd talk.  I can and will make everything you've ever been through look like my son's daycare."  The man swallowed.  "And we'll be handing you over personally to someone *I* trust.  After we charge you."

He went pale.  "They're in Colorado.  Some of the scientists.  They wanted him back.  For testing and stuff."

Mac stood up.  "I want their address."

"I can't, sir.  I was to call when I got him out of the city.  They'd meet me."

"Uh-huh," Don Senior told him.  "Phone number?"  It was written down.  "Good."  He looked over as the receptionist walked in a sheet of papers.  "His?"

"His, sir."  She looked at Mac.  "Do you want booking slips brought here, Detective?"

"Please.  Though I need transfer ones as well.  He's still active duty and we need to consult with NCIS about this."  She nodded, heading to get those for him.  He looked at the service record, frowning.  "Not a very good Marine.  Two write-ups for drunk and disorderly.  One for insubordination."  He flipped the page.  "Hmm.  Sent to them when your mouth got out of control.  Interesting."  Don Senior took the forms from the receptionist while Mac made a call.  "I need you here in my office, Gibbs.  Today.  I have one of ours."  He stared at him.  "Initiative.  They came for my son."  He hung up on the spluttering.  The Marine was curled as tiny as he could.  "That is not how Marines sit!" he snapped, making him sit up straighter again.  "Thank you!"  He checked the clock then looked at Don.  "Want to tell your son?"

"Hell no!  He didn't leave me hardly any of the last one who threatened Alex."

Mac smiled.  "If it had been me there wouldn't have been anything."

"I'll remember that and let you take your turn last," he said dryly.  "By the way, the daycare's undoing what the wife's been preaching."

"Don said it best, Captain.  She keeps it up, she's not watching him alone."

"I understand why."  He looked over as someone ran through the door.  "Hold up, kid."  The tech panted.  "A lab assault?"

"Monroe fell down after passing out, Mac."  He hurried off.  He looked at the prisoner then at him.  "We had to call someone but they're being slow.  Want me to call you some backup, sir?  Stella's here."

"I can handle this little boy all by myself, son.  If you see him in the halls, shout."  That got a nod and he left again, jogging back to his lab. He smirked at him.  "You're damn lucky she passed out, kid.  No one's seen Taylor break bad since the last lab assault.  I heard it was damn good.  Obviously he sucked up the training you didn't."  Mac came back.  "She okay?"

"Probably.  Looks like a dizzy spell.  I sent her off to the ER with the paramedics.  Nothing got compromised."  He made notes and wrote a quick informal memo to the bosses over the lab, sending it by email.  That way no one could fault the lab's protocol or say that it allowed tampering.  Don Senior gave him a look.  "If a sample had been left open the defense can say it was compromised and challenge the test's results.  Most judges don't have a clue."

"Pity.  There's that many rules?"  Mac pulled a thick book off his shelf and put it in front of him.  "That's the handbook?"

"That's just the Federal one.  We have a supplemental for state and city codes," he said grimly.  "My personal ones are tougher than all three but we have to have them all in place, memorized, and make sure they're all followed to the letter or they can send in agents who don't have a clue to bother us for a day.  It gets messy when they end up in the morgue freezer thanks to bothering Sid and Marty."  Don Senior laughed at that.  Don Junior walked in.  "We're seeing if we keep him or if the Feds want him since he's active duty," he told him.

"Why was he at the son's daycare with a gun?" Don asked a bit too calmly.

"That stuff Jeremy told us about.  They've started to reform and they wanted to test the son.  He was on a retrieval mission."

Don looked at the man.  "How stupid are you?" he sneered.  "Like we wouldn't have had every single cop and Fed in this country looking for our boy within seconds of hearing."  He shuddered, shifting away from him.

"I've never seen a Marine with that bad of posture," Don Senior said.  The Marine stiffened again.  "Or that scared of anyone.  Hell, Taylor can take torture and not whine.  So can Messer and he wasn't a Marine, he was a street rat."  The Marine growled.  "I dare you, son."  He jumped up and tried to hit him so Don Junior tripped him and stood on his back, making him beg for air.  "Nice move."

"Learned it from the son when he did it to Gerrard the last time to frisk him for more candy."  His father and Mac laughed.  "How long?"

"I called the one I trust.  He'll be here within two hours," Mac assured him.

"That'll work."  He got off him and pulled him up, shoving him back onto the couch. "Enjoy the padding.  Your ass won't be feeling anything but thin prison mattresses for *years*."   He looked at Mac.  "Saw the ambulances?  Danny show up for work?"

"Lindsay passed out," he said.  "Danny's at home watching talk shows.  He sent an email to complain about that fact."

"He's got the playboy channel."

"He's too miserable for anything but dysfunctional people on talk shows."  He printed off the email to let him have a copy.

"Ah," Don Junior sighed, shaking his head.  "Drama queen."

"Bored one," Don Senior reminded him.  "By the way, Alex spotted him and wanted chocolate as a reward.  Tough, son."

"Hey, I'll let him share my cookies," Don said proudly.  "That's my boy."  The Marine mumbled something.  "What was that?" he snapped, glaring at him.  He shrank away from him.

"If I have to tell you again I'm strapping you to a backboard," Mac warned.  The Marine sat up straight again.  "You disgrace all of us."  He looked at Don again.  "He's feeling better.  Don't give him too much.  Are we all going to make Danny's life less miserable?"

"Should."  The door was pushed open behind him so he looked at the gruff looking older man walking through.  "You are?"

"The one I called," Mac admitted.  "Thanks for the quick flight up, Gibbs."  He handed him what they knew.  "Jeremy, our former nanny, was there for about two weeks before someone finally got wise and ended it.  They apparently want our son back to test him.  They're in Colorado."  He handed over the phone number.  "He was to call when he got our son out of the city.  He's such a disgrace to every Marine that I've to be a drill sergeant with the little worm."

Gibbs looked through it then at him.  "I knew what they were doing.  We were on the mop-up when they got stopped by civilians."  Mac handed him something else, letting him look at it.  He nodded once.  "Saw them."  He looked at him.  "You're sure?"

"That came from Miss Rosenburg."

"That explains that angle.  He's whose son?"

"They set it up so he's the grandson of me and a CSI here named Danny Messer.  Then that kid's cells were combined with Mac's to make Alex," Don told him.  The Marine tried a move and Don turned, slamming his head into the glass wall.  "I said don't move," he snarled. "Trying to escape means I can take any reasonable action to stop you."  He whimpered so he let him drop to the floor again.  "Anyway, Mac was kidnaped and left in an older building with the baby beside him wearing afterbirth slime.  They apparently want him back now."

Gibbs nodded.  "Kidnaping?"

"He only got to the point of walking into the daycare with a gun," Don Senior told him.  "Alex spotted him and warned."

"That's a good boy," he said.  "Going Marines?" he asked Mac.

Mac shrugged.  "I'll suggest it but he's hyper and a weapons nut," Don said with a grin.  "Coos, pets, helps us clean.  I've been told he'll be good at hands-on stuff."

"Then he might make a good one even if he is a bit bouncy.  Most people grow out of that."  He closed the folders.  "You want him?"

"I want them stopped," Mac said calmly, leaning on his desk.  "Either you do it or I do it."

"Also, can we check to see if this recent influx of chicken pox has been them?" Don Senior asked.  "I know very well my son got it when he was younger.  Alex I can see getting it off his vaccine, but Don and Messer both when they've had it?"

"It wouldn't surprise me if it was a biological release," Gibbs admitted.  "With these people anything is possible."  He stared at him. "You guys charge him then we'll take custody for questioning.  Even the disgraced ones in prison would kill him for this."

"You can use our interrogation rooms if you want," Don Junior offered.  "You can even borrow Stella.  She's got ways of making men beg for mercy."  He grinned at his father.  "Mac's got a tape of the night I came to get him.  He turned inta Stella."

"That does sound cute," he admitted.

Mac sighed but turned it on, making Gibbs laugh at some of the boy's fussing.  "He's a bright kid, Taylor, protect him," Gibbs said.  "Let's go."  He hauled the Marine up and walked out with Don Senior escorting him.  That way they could get him arraigned and then questioned.

***

Two days later, Willow appeared in Mac's office.  "I really hate those guys."  He smiled at her.  "The ones in Colorado.  The dweeb patrol.  Alex okay?"

"He's fine, Willow.  His little bit of memory seems to have went back to sleep once his fever came down.  The chicken pox are no longer going around thanks to them.  It's good."

She beamed.  "Good."  She handed over something.   "A birthday present."

"It was a few months back."

She gave him a look.  "For when he's eighteen, Mac."  She disappeared.

Mac looked at it, checking the tag.  Then he put it into his bottom desk drawer and shut it.  It'd be a long time before they had to deal with that issue again.

Though he did have the best son in the world.  He had learned how to make the cookies he begged for constantly with Danny.  That's why they had six dozen cookies that had went to daycare this morning and they each had a good sized bag in their drawers as well.  He nibbled one.  They were good cookies.  His son was amazing.  He was a very proud daddy.  Even if his son insisted he was actually the mommy.

The End.