Work Text:
Scratch's once youthful appearance grew small wrinkles around his eyes, as he cradled his son, Jax, humming a tune older than the circus. Jax was throwing another tantrum due to Ragatha stealing the newest recruit, Pomni, away to play with dolls.
He was beating his tiny fists against Scratch's shoulder, tiny wells of tears swelling in his eyes.
“Shhh, hey, I'm sure Pomni will be right back for ya. You're her favorite, remember? Soothes Scratch unsuccessfully, getting his snout punched in protest, Scratch helps, nearly dropping the hare.
“Need some help?” Asks a well mannered man, waving over to Scratch, his face brightening.
Scratch shuffles his feet, nodding hesitantly, passes Jax to Kinger, who immediately tries peek-a-boo. Earning a smack with Jax stuffed clown plush, Kaufmo got him for his 3rd birthday.
“Jax! Kinger, I'm sooo sorry! He's usually– Kinger put a hand out to stop the rambling, giving Scratch an understanding look, ruffled Jax head.
“Kiddo, it's not good to smack others with your toy. Kinger sets Jax on his lap, continuing, “What if Pomni did that to you?”
Jax went still, his pupils dilating, unhinged his jaw, biting Kinger, growling, his first bristled.
“Jax..” Kinger warned.
Jax growled again, narrowing his eyes at the chess piece.
Kinger raised his hands, Scratch was about to interfere, till he saw the chess piece swiftly hit Jax's arse in quick succession. “No.”
Jax whined at the stinging, letting go reluctantly, he scooted away from the hand, as if it offended him personally.
“Jaxy! I'm back!” Shouts a tiny voice, his ears perked up, he hopped off Kinger, slamming into Pomni to rope her into a cuddle-hug.
Scratch fiddles with his glove, swallowing the question in his throat, Kinger patted his shoulder, nodding to him.
“Sometimes a firm hand is what you need for him.” Says Kinger, watching Pomni and Jax leap frog over each other.
“...Yeah, thanks again. Its…been difficult recently since, you know… murmurs Scratch awkwardly.
Kinger waved him off, chuckling. “I understand. Your wife would've been proud of you. You've taken good care of him, Scratch. Trust me.”
The two fathers watched the kids play, as Queenie was in the kitchen making snacks for everyone.
Queen set out a plate with Meg from Hercules drying her hair onto the counter, she set three cut and cleaned celery sticks lined with peanut butter and raisins on it. A handful of frosted animal crackers and a strawberry yogurt was set next to it.
Next, Queenie set out a Rocko's modern life plate, with Rocko, Heffer and Filburt waving in a group shot. Bunny apple slices were sat in a row together, along with carrot sticks cut like fries and a side of ranch. Purple and green grapes were by the ranch cup, as she moved to the next.
A my little pony plate was up next, Queenie placed a small slice of strawberry cake, frosted in pink frosting, the jam in the middle was creme, oozing out of the layers. An apple tart, freshly baked and a handful of pretzels.
A scooby doo plate with the whole gang in their van looking for mysteries. Queenie placed a cut peanut butter and jelly sandwich down, with a side of barbecue pringles. She then put a handful of goldfish crackers and a pudding cup.
Franklin the turtle plate had a few chips in the setting of the plate. Queenie put two mini bags of Pokémon fruit snacks and a handful of scooby snax. A BLT sandwich, with no crust.
The plate next to the Franklin was of a cat of snow white fur, in a frilled collar, and a clown jumpsuit similar to Kaufmo. The cat waved with no apparent features on her face, next to her was a sheep with a red nose, making a silly face. Cut up hotdogs were placed, with sweet potato fries, a cup of assorted fruit such as peaches, cantaloupe, melon and strawberries. And a cosmic brownie on the side.
Lastly was a plate that's been through hell and back, an orangish yellow dinosaur and white cat with purple markings were front and center. A chocolate coated raisins mini box sat on it, with cuts of last night's burger in smaller bites, an orange and an apple juice.
With the help of Caine, carried the plates to the dining area, where Ragatha was coloring in her mlp booklet, as Gangle sat nearby, doodling her friend quietly.
“Kids, it's snack time!”
A rush of pitted feet slammed against the floor, as they sat in their assigned seats. Ribbit tugged on Pomni's sleeve, pulling her closer to their group, causing Ragatha to stomp her foot.
Jax snickered at the display, earning a leveled look from Queenie, Scratch helped pass the plates to the hungry kids, cooing at Jax offering Pomni his apple juice, who traded with him.
“The rascals are finally settled, correct?” Asks Caine, watching the youngsters eat happily, some pushing their desserts aside.
Scratch nodded. “Yeah, we'll call for you when we're ready.”
Caine beamed. “Of course! See you soon, superstars!!