II Agere Oneshots!

Steps (Nickel and TK)

Nickel had never been one for sleeping, he always hated it, and forever would.

When Nickel was little, though, it was worse. As he had never been a stranger to throwing a fit, but Tea Kettle was always able to put up a fight, though.

Step One: Offer Milk

"Hey! Bubba!" The kettle called, warming up a bottle.

Nickel shakily stood up, but when he looked over and noticed a bottle—he rushed over—though falling over in the process.

It was late, the sun had long since set, though it had left a little nickel in its place.

"Oh, hun," The caregiver began, leaning over to pick the boy up. "I would've come and got you if you needed help!"

Nickel whined, letting a few tears fall from his eyes, sucking his pacifier and snuggling Tea Kettle for comfort. While the taller figure stroked his side, trying to soothe him.

"Alright, well, I called you here to give you this!" She exclaimed, handing him his now warmed bottle. Nickel cooed, reaching towards it, as Tea Kettle took out his pacifier softly.

"Aww, good boy, hun."

Nickel gurgled in response, wrapping his small legs around the bottle, drinking fast. Tea Kettle swayed him, trying to relax him as much as she could.

Step Two: (More) Babying

"Oh sweetie, you're so small." The caregiver whispered, petting Nickel's side. Nickel hummed, relaxing in Tea Kettle's warm embrace.

Nickel babbled softly—trying to fight sleep—squirming as he began to finish his bottle.

"Oh little one, you must be so tired... I think it's time for a nap, hm?"

Nickel whined, nuzzling Tea Kettle, "Mama... I don't want to..."

Tea Kettle sighed, stroking the boy gently.

"Why don't you want to? You don't have to tell me, but Mama may be able to help."

Nickel whined, mumbling, "Dark..."

Tea Kettle's shoulders slumped, sighing as she leaned in to kiss the boy on the forehead. Nickel sighed happily at her touch, turning into a puddle.

"Aww, well I think it's someone's bedtime, isn't it?" Tea Kettle smiled, rocking the boy. Nickel hummed in agreement, closing his eyes and resting peacefully in the caregiver's arms.

Tea Kettle took the chance to give him a few kisses on the forehead, before the falling asleep herself.