TNN ONESHOTS

And.... relax - AFK & AMR

Mia watched as Autumn paced around the living room, her energy seemingly boundless despite the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow through the windows. "You really need to rest, i know you are secretly exhausted," Mia said gently, her voice soft but firm. Autumn shook her head, a playful smile on her face. "I’m not tired at all! I can’t nap now; there’s too much to do!"

Undeterred, Mia approached her friend and took her hands, guiding her toward the couch. "I think you forget we grew up together, i know how you are feeling before you do. Please, for me, just close your eyes for a few minutes. I promise I’ll be right here." she urged, her tone soothing. Autumn hesitated, glancing around as if searching for an excuse to resist, but the warmth in Mia's eyes melted her resolve.

"Okay, fine," Autumn relented, her playful demeanour fading as she settled onto the couch. Mia tucked a soft blanket around her shoulders and sat beside her, brushing a few strands of hair from Autumn's face. "Just relax. I’ll wake you up in a little while, and if they wake up first, i can see to them," she whispered.

As Autumn closed her eyes, Mia began to hum a soft tune, the same tune she hummed when they were younger, the gentle sound filling the room. Within moments, Autumn’s breathing slowed, and a peaceful expression settled on her face. Mia smiled, knowing that sometimes the best remedy for Autumn was simply allowing her to drift away, even when she didn’t want to. As Autumn finally surrendered to sleep, Mia felt a sense of warmth and contentment, happy to have helped her friend find a moment of rest.

Once Mia knew Autumn was fully asleep, she stood up and slowly made a start on the jobs that she was so stressed about

After a while, Autumn slowly stirred from her sleep, blinking against the soft light that streamed through the curtains. As she sat up, she took a moment to gather her thoughts, noticing the living room around her was now spotless. The coffee table was cleared, the couch cushions fluffed, and the floor was free of any stray items. It looked as if a whirlwind of organization had swept through while she slept.

Confused but grateful, Autumn remembered Mia had made her take a nap when all she wanted to do was clean up the house while Dorian and Emery were asleep. A warm smile spread across her face as she realized her friend had taken the initiative. Mia always had a knack for making things feel brighter, and today was no exception. Autumn swung her legs over the edge of the couch and stretched slightly, the soft scent of fresh linen wafting through the air.

As she made her way down the stairs, she found Mia in the kitchen, humming softly to herself while washing a few dishes. The sight made Autumn's heart swell with appreciation. "You didn't have to do all this," she said, her voice still a bit groggy. Mia turned, her face lighting up with a grin. "I wanted to! A clean space can make a big difference, right?" Autumn nodded, feeling a wave of warmth wash over her. In that moment, she felt grateful not just for the tidy room but for the bond they shared, knowing that even in the quietest of mornings, she was never truly alone.

"Also, they are still asleep, dont worry, I've been checking." She smiled while pointing at the baby monitor on the kitchen side. Autumn couldn't hold it in any longer. She felt tears pool in her eyes. "You have no idea..." she started to talk but soon stopped when she felt Mia wrap her arms around her tightly, holding Autumn close. "I do know, char is the same when she has her girls." She hushed in an attempt to make her feel validated with how she's feeling. Autumn sighed while leaning against Mia more.

"Aut, come with me, and i will run you a bath so you can relax. Dori and Ems are okay with me. I can feed and change them when they wake," Mia whispered calmly as she felt Autumn sqeeze her hands slightly. The red head slowly took autumn upstairs. "Find something comfy to put on after your bath while i run it." She told her before heading into the bathroom. Mia knew that Autumn loved her baths to be stupidly hot, even as a child.

Mia stood in the softly lit bathroom, the warm glow of the candles flickering gently around the room. She could hear the faint sound of water running as she prepared for Autumns bath. It had been a long day, and Mia knew that a soothing soak would do wonders for her.

“Hey, Autumn, how are you feeling?” Mia called out, her voice filled with warmth and concern.

“I’m okay, just a bit overwhelmed,” Autumn replied, her tone slightly hesitant. She stepped into the bathroom, looking a bit anxious about the bath ahead.

Mia smiled reassuringly, stepping forward to help her. “Let’s take it one step at a time. I’ll be right here with you.” She gently guided Autumn to the edge of the tub, where the water shimmered invitingly.

As Autumn slowly lowered herself into the bath, Mia kept a steady hand on her back, ensuring she felt supported. “See? You’re doing great,” Mia encouraged, watching as Autumn’s tense shoulders began to relax.

Once Autumn was settled, Mia grabbed a soft washcloth and dipped it in the warm water. “Let me help you wash your hair while im here,” she offered, moving closer. Autumn nodded, a small smile breaking through her earlier apprehension.

Mia carefully lathered the shampoo, her fingers working through Autumn's hair with gentle strokes. As she did, she spoke softly, sharing stories and laughter, creating a safe space for autumn to unwind.

“Thank you, Mia,” Autumn finally said, her voice a mix of gratitude and relief. “I really needed this.” Mia smiled softly at Autumn. "Take as long as you need, im going to check on the twins and then sort the washing out that is due to finish." Mia whispered calmly while rubbing Autumn’s back soothingly with the washcloth.

"Please, all i ask is that you look after my babies while im in here, and please, if they starts crying, if they doesn't settle down within a few minutes, come and get me." Autumn begged as Mia kissed the top of her head. "They are going to be okay, but i promise to find you if i have any problems, now please relax." Mia whispered calmly before slowly moving out of the bathroom to give Autumn space to relax.