Having worked in a daycare as long as you had, you had come to learn to expect the unexpected. And in New York, where the Avengers were based, the unexpected always happened. However, nothing could have prepared you for what you walked in on one morning.

"Hey, Y/N? You've got a new kid in your room today." The way she said it made your brows furrow. You walked in your room and stopped short. Steve Rogers was there with a couple of people you'd never seen before. "Can I help you?" you asked. Steve gave you a smile. "Good to see you again, Y/N. We've got a few new people with us, as you can see. But there's one in particular." Two of the new-comers moved aside to reveal a small...tree?!

"I am Groot," the tree greeted, Your eyes widened a fraction before returning to Steve. "I figured since you've had experience with the whole 'interesting' child thing, you would be able to help him." He shuddered a little and so did you. You remembered a time when half the Avengers were turned into children thanks to an experiment gone wrong. You ended up spending the day chasing after a tiny Pietro, complete with super speed, a miniature Clint who liked to get into everything, and a baby Bruce that didn't like naptime.

"Yeah, okay. I get it. I just need a second." One of the strangers smiled at you. "I'm Peter. Peter Quill. Star-Lord?" You arched a brow, making the woman next to him laugh. "It seems this one isn't going to fall for your charms either, Quill. I'm Gamora and this is Groot." You looked back at the little tree who smiled.

"I am Groot." You laughed a bit as he walked over to the other kids. "That's all he says, by the way." You shrugged. "I deal with babies and toddlers mostly. A lot of them can't speak yet so they gesture or use the same words for everything. He's not gonna like, blow anything up, is he?" Quill shrugged and Gamora elbowed him. "No. He just needs looking after for now. We have our own missions and the Avengers have theirs. We have no one to keep an eye on him and he likes to get into trouble."

After saying their goodbyes, Gamora, Steve, and Peter left. Groot watched them go sadly, standing at the door until they were out of sight. You knelt down next to him. "Hey buddy, would you like to come play with the other kids?" Groot looked up at you with wide eyes, but shook his tiny head. "Okay then, how about some crafts? Would you like to color?" He looked confused so you offered your hand. Instead of taking it, the tiny tree stepped onto your palm and climbed up to your shoulder. He reminded you of a parrot.

He didn't stay on your shoulder very long. He'd gotten down to color for a while, but he quickly got bored. Gamora had been right in saying he liked to get into trouble. The tree was everywhere. It took a good forty-five minutes to catch him and calm him down. After that, he was perched on your shoulder again and he stayed there until you had to start changing diapers.

"I AM GROOT!" he said in disgust, dramatically throwing himself down to the floor until you were finished. Unfortunately, that's when he found the finger paint. Before you could stop him, Groot was not only painting on paper, but all over the other kids and the classroom. It took everything in you not to yell. Clearly they didn't have this kind of stuff for him back home and he was curious.

"Groot, we don't paint on other people. Now I have to clean everyone up. Let's get you cleaned up and then you can pick a book for us to read while I clean the others, okay?" Groot gave you an unimpressed look. For a kid, he sure had a lot of sass. Still he let you clean him up and went to the bookshelf.

Before you even finished with the other kids, Groot was back. With a smile and wide happy eyes, he showed you a book. To no one's surprise, there was a tree on the cover. You smiled down at him. "Alright. We'll read that book. Would you like to sit in my chair while you wait? Then you can help me read the story." With a skip in his step (do trees skip?), Groot went over to your chair next to the bookshelf. He was practically bouncing when you finally made your way over to him. When all the other kids were settled, Groot once again made his way up to your shoulder and perched as you began the story.

It didn't take long for you to hear the steady breathing that was a tell-tale sign that many of your charges had fallen asleep. You glanced at the little tree on your shoulder. "I am Groot?" Pressing your finger to your lips, you moved Groot to your lap and quietly finished the story. When you closed the book, Groot was also asleep. Not wanting to wake him, you stayed in the chair, rocking softly. You knew you had to enjoy the peace now because the afternoons were always busier than the mornings.

Today was no exception. After their naps, all the children were a little more alert and energetic. Add to that a tiny tree that was curious about everyone and everything now and you had a recipe for busy. While you typically spent the afternoons chasing after the kids or letting them play outside, Groot was making things a little more difficult.

When one little girl tried to take a toy from another child, Groot tried to fight her. When a little boy decided that throwing blocks was okay, Groot tried to bite him. Then, he encouraged the other children to try and eat some of the craft supplies. You found yourself wishing it hadn't been raining. You needed to get them outside to run off some energy. Nothing else you tried worked and you'd tried everything. You were about ready to tear your hair out in frustration, a state that took a long time for you to get to.

"I am Groot?" You glanced down at Groot and attempted a smile. He looked confused for a moment, then his little eyes closed like he was concentrating. You weren't sure what he was doing at first, but then the other kids started laughing except one little girl who started crying. You looked up and saw one of the plants you kept in the room was growing and looked a little like it was...dancing?

"Are you doing that, Groot?" Groot smiled. "I am Groot!" He reached up so take your hand and lead you over to the plant. "I am Groot!" he declared proudly. You scooped him up. "That is very nice, Groot." He looked so pleased with himself, you had to laugh. You weren't sure how he was doing it, but he managed to keep that plant moving until the kids started getting cranky again.

"Snack time," you decreed. The toddlers all toddled to the little chairs while you took your time getting the babies situated in high chairs. You were glad most parents and guardians packed snacks and lunches for their kids. It kept you from having to try and keep too many food restrictions in mind. You made sure no one brought anything another kid was allergic to, but you didn't have to worry about avoiding sugars or gluten or anything like that. And it was especially helpful in Groot's case. The children all sat happily eating. Groot even tried talking with some of them.

The children were all so engrossed in their snacks and conversation that none of you noticed Gamora enter the room with Steve and Peter right behind her. You jumped slightly when you felt someone tap your shoulder. You turned around and smiled. "How was he?" Gamora asked.You glanced back at Groot who was clearly telling the others a story in his own way. "He was...interesting."