Twilight of Shadows | LingOrm (GxG)

FOURTY SEVEN

"Earn, hey, my love... good morning," Lada whispered, sitting on the edge of the bed, her fingers gently running through Earn's hair. She leaned down, placing a soft kiss on Earn's forehead. "I have an urgent meeting at the office. I'll see you once I'm done, okay?"

Earn stirred, barely opening her eyes, her voice groggy with sleep. "Why are you up so early? It's the weekend, baby. Come back to bed..." Her hand reached out, finding Lada's and pulling it close. 

"You're the boss. Just ask Dao to push it. I need you more," she mumbled, a lazy smile curling on her lips.

Lada couldn't help but chuckle softly, watching Earn's sleepy, adorable plea. There is always something about Earn's vulnerability that tugged at her. "I wish I could, but I really can't, love. It's important," she said gently, brushing her thumb across Earn's knuckles. "I won't be long, I promise. I'll be back before sunset."

Earn groaned softly, her eyes still closed, but her grip on Lada's hand tightened. "Mmm, okay... but kisses, please," she whispered, her lips pouting for the affection she craved.

Lada's heart clenched for a second, the sight of Earn pulling her in. She leaned down, pressing her lips against Earn's in a slow, lingering kiss, the kind that always made it hard to pull away. "I love you," she whispered, the words soft but filled with a quiet weight.

Earn, her eyes still shut, whispered back, "I love you more. You better be back soon, baby."

As Lada rose from the bed, her eyes lingered on Earn for a moment longer, watching her cuddle into the sheets. The thought of staying, of giving in to the softness of that moment, tugged at her. But the weight of responsibility pulled her away, as it always did.

•••

Earn walked into the kitchen, the sound of laughter drawing her in. She spotted Narin and Aunty Sum, their giggles filling the air.

"Good morning, Aunty Sum," Earn said with a warm smile, leaning in to kiss her cheek. Her eyes then landed on Narin, whose cheeks were stuffed with food. "And good morning to you, princess!" Earn swooped down toward Narin, planting playful kisses on both her cheeks, tickling her just enough to make her squirm.

"Mama! Stop it!" Narin giggled, trying to wiggle away, her mouth still full. The bright sound of her laughter echoed through the room, filling Earn's heart with warmth.

Earn chuckled, watching Narin's little attempts to escape her tickling fingers. It was moments like these that made everything else fade into the background—the joy, the simplicity of being here with her.

"Alright, alright," Earn relented, sitting down next to Narin and serving herself a bowl of porridge. "No more tickling, for now."

Aunty Sum smiled gently, her eyes flicking to Earn's stomach before speaking. "Narin, be careful with Mama, okay? You have to be gentle. There's a baby in her tummy."

Aunty Sum nodded approvingly, but Earn waved it off lightly. "It's okay, Aunty Sum. I'm good. Narin's just being her playful self."

"Still, we need to be extra careful now, right, Narin?" Aunty Sum added, smiling warmly as she handed Earn a cup of honey tea.

"Yes, Mama," Narin said, her voice soft now, leaning over to give Earn a gentle kiss on her belly. "I'll be careful."

Earn's heart swelled at the gesture, an unexpected wave of emotion crashing over her. She blinked back the sudden warmth in her eyes, smiling through it. "Thank you, princess," she whispered.

Aunty Sum's voice broke through the moment, "Earn, honey tea for you?"

"Yes, please," Earn replied, her voice steadying, though the softness of the moment lingered. She took the cup from Aunty Sum and sipped it.