𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

Auntie Claire| Request

AN: I received a request in which Y/N is hesitant to let Claire babysit for their daughter since she loves Claire a lot. This makes Y/N worry that maybe her daughter is closer to Claire, but all worries are dismissed when her daughter calls Claire 'Auntie'! 

Instead of using D/N, I've added Sherry into the story as the daughter since it made the plot flow a little better, I hope this is okay!

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I sit on the grass as children and other families make the most of the sunny, summery day. Sherry, our adopted daughter, runs across the field with mine and Leon's closest friend, Claire Redfield. Leon and I met the younger woman in Raccoon City, and ever since the three of us have been inseparable. I watch as Claire laughs freely with Sherry, the pair end up bumping into each other before Claire wraps her arms around Sherry and tackles her to the ground gently, both rolling around before laying side by side staring up at the fluffy clouds. I smile to myself as Leon rests his head on my shoulder, his own face mirroring my own look of contentment. As much as I adore it when Claire comes to visit us, I can't help the small flicker of insecurity that rises every time Sherry glues herself to Claire's side. I some times wonder if Sherry should've went to stay with Claire instead. They both joined up during the Raccoon City incident, and Claire spent most of the time with the younger girl, but afterwards Claire went to continue her search for her brother, leaving Sherry with Leon and I. 

We don't mind, of course, even though our family expanded a lot sooner than we planned, it felt right to take Sherry under our wing and give her a home whilst we tried to recover and restart our lives in a whole new city. However, neither me nor Leon seem to have that playful bond with Sherry, I know she's a happy girl and is safe with us, but I almost feel like she prefers Claire over me. It's as if I'm just the step in mother until Claire comes around again. Leon must sense my insecurities, because he lifts his head from my shoulder and wraps an arm around me instead, hand rubbing my shoulder as the clouds cover the sun for a few seconds. "You okay, love?" 

I nod, faking a smile as I tilt my head back and squint against the sunlight. "Yeah, just thinking about something." I wave off. Leon doesn't push it any further as Claire and Sherry start making their way over to us once more, hand in hand. I swallow back questions and useless comments as Sherry grins up at Claire before releasing her hand and running to us, instead of wrapping her arms around me she falls into Leon's lap as he chuckles and tickles her.

Yet again, I feel like I'm losing a race I'll never catch up to.

A few afternoons later, Leon and I find ourselves stuck for options as our usual babysitter cancels on us last minute. Desperate to take me on our muchly anticipated date, Leon texts Claire whilst I'm getting ready. As soon as I hear the confirmed plans, I can't help but to lose my final straw.

"Why would you do that?" I snap, crossing my arms over my chest as Leon blinks at me with confusion and hurt. Sherry's in her room, packing her bag ready to head to Claire's.

"I..." Leon leads off, tilting his head at me as his brows knit together with concern, "I figured Claire's reliable and knows Sherry. We can trust her, don't worry." He reassures, stepping towards me with open arms, but I gently push him away as tears burn my eyes. Leon's lips part as I take a deep breath to calm myself down.

"She's supposed my daughter too." I whisper thickly, "so why doesn't it feel like it? What am I doing wrong?"

Leon shakes his head, this time I let him embrace me as I cling to him, heart full of worry and a sadness that's washed over me like a tidal wave. Leon's hands rub my back soothingly as he kisses the top of my head. "You're not doing a single thing wrong, honey," Leon softly murmurs, "You're a great mother to Sherry, and she loves you. Having a special bond with Claire doesn't diminish what she has with you."

I huff, about to say something else until Sherry pokes her head through the door, smile fading as she sees my state. I sniffle, smiling as I ruffle her hair and fix her hairclip before checking she's got everything she needs. Leon watches us with a gnawing worry, as if he's now hesitant to let Claire take over. But I can't let my doubts mess things up for everyone. Together, Leon and I drop Sherry off at Claire's, the little girl barely waves to me as she darts through the door, giving Claire a high five.

Leon cleares his throat as Sherry skids to a stop. Quickly she spins around and rushes to me as I crouch down and give her a lingering hug. Sherry seems eager to get to having fun though, so I release her with a laugh. "I hope you have a great time, don't forget I'm just a call away if you need anything." I tell her. With that, Claire smiles and promises to take care of her as Leon guides me back to the car.

I sigh as Leon weaves our fingers together as he starts the engine. "I promise everything is okay. Sherry might have loads of fun with Claire, but you're the one who tucks her in at night and looks after her when she's sick. You're the one who helps her with homework and cheers her up when she's sad. You're her mom in every way that matters. She might not realise it yet, but you're the most important figure in her life." Leon softly says, bringing our hands up to his lips as he plants a sweet kiss to my wrist. I nod, feeling a little better and more reassured. I never saw things in that way, but now I can see that I'm not as useless as I thought.

Leon and I have a lovely dinner at a new restaurant he scouted. He does his best to make me laugh and take my mind off of my troubles, and after a short time it works. Our date nights come rarely these days, so I make sure to enjoy every second of it. By the time we pick Sherry up from Claire's, hours have passed.

I knock on the door, hearing Claire's chirpy voice shout for Sherry before she opens the door. Immediately I'm greeted by Sherry ducking under Claire's arm as she hugs my legs tightly. I grin, heart bursting as I crouch low.

"Mom! Dad! Claire and I had the best time! We watched movies and did face masks, and I even made you some stuff!" Sherry excitedly says, reaching into her backpack and pulling out a series of crafts. I smile, listening to every word as I praise her. In the corner of a drawing is a little note.

'To the best mom and dad, I love you!'

I hold the drawing to my chest as Leon and Claire chat above me. Sherry takes my hand in hers, smiling at me with a warmth I felt like I was missing. "Come on, kiddo, let's get you home." Leon smiles, ruffling Sherry's hair as she nods and follows us down the path, but she stops and turns, pulling her hand from Leon's momentarily to wave to Claire.

"Bye, Auntie Claire!" She shouts, before joining hands with Leon and I once more. Over the top of Sherry's head, Leon gives me a knowing smile, as if proving that my worries were for nothing. I don't need to feel threatened by Sherry and Claire's bond since I have my own unique one with my daughter. I'm just glad that our little girl is surrounded by love and people who care about her.