Flames

Weaning and Waning, part 1

"One more story, Mama!"

Damn, she really is his twin, Becky thought as she looked down at her daughter. The older Roux got, the more people said she looked like Seth. Becky saw hints of herself in her too, both in appearance and behaviour, but she couldn't deny the striking resemblance between father and daughter. The eyes were the worst, because they were both masters of the puppy-dog eyes. And she isn't even three yet! We're so screwed! Sighing, Becky kissed her daughter's head. "That's what you said two stories ago. It's time to sleep," she said firmly.

She almost expected Roux to cry, but instead her daughter sighed. "Cuddles?"

"You can have some extra cuddles, yes. Come here." Becky set the book aside and sat on Roux's bed, pulling her daughter up onto her lap. "Did you have a good day?"

Roux nodded, head brushing up against Becky's chin. "Yeah. Was your day good?"

Becky heard a noise and looked up to see Seth standing in the doorway, smirking. One more story? he mouthed, then pointed at his watch.

Sticking her tongue out at her husband, Becky toyed with Roux's curls. "I did. Thank you. And tomorrow's going to be even better," she added, "because where are we going?"

"Bookstore!" Roux exclaimed, kicking her feet happily. The sequel to one of Roux's favourite books had just come out and the author was doing a reading, and Becky was delighted—and relieved—to see that it fell on a day where they could actually go together.

"That's right. But we have to get up early," Becky reminded her, "so we need to get to sleep, right?"

"Yeah." Roux hugged her mother again before grabbing her stuffed wolf and stretching out in bed. "Blankies now?"

"I'll call Dada to tuck you in. Night, Roux. Sweet dreams." Becky kissed her cheek and eased off the bed, walking softly out into the corridor where Seth was waiting just outside the door. "Your turn."

Seth gave Becky a quick kiss. "I was starting to think you two had forgotten about me."

"Never." Becky smacked his ass as he went into Roux's room and watched as he hugged their daughter—and her stuffed wolf, of course—and kissed her goodnight, pulling her blankets up just the way she liked. No matter how she tried, Becky couldn't quite get it right, so she was happy to leave that be a part of Seth's routine.

"All good?" he asked quietly as he closed Roux's door most of the way behind him.

"Yeah. I know we need to get up early," Becky replied, wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her face in his chest, "but I'm not tired yet."

"Maybe Roux's not the only one who needs a cuddle. Come on." Seth led her to the living room and sat in her favourite armchair. It wasn't designed for two, but it meant she could curl up on his lap. Once she was comfortable and cozy, he kissed her forehead. "What's wrong? You've been distracted all day."

"I'm just... I did After the Bell today," Becky began, wrapping one of Seth's curls around her finger. Roux's hair was too short to tell for certain yet, but Becky hoped it curled like Seth's did.

Seth laughed. "I know. Who do you think had to help reorganize all of the stuffed animals to make room for the big bumblebee Auntie Trinity sent?" Nuzzling Becky's hair, he added, "Apparently everyone has to be in a certain spot and everyone had to say hello to the bee and it's all very formal."

"Just be glad she didn't bust out the tea play set," Becky replied. "Imagine how long it would take to serve tea to the whole menagerie."

"And you wonder where she gets her distraction techniques from." Seth cupped Becky's face in both hands and kissed her gently before leaning back. "So what's wrong? Corey and KP don't usually get you riled up."