Oneshots and Other Assortments

little Laurmani

A/N: Guess who's back and didn't freeze to death or get eaten by a bear?

Lowkey important to note: Kind of set in an AU like New Adjustments, and littles generally tend to be in headspace a majority of the time.

2.3k words, read and enjoy!

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"Mani, if you run too far ahead one more time, I will make you stay right here and hold my hand," Dinah warned as she caught up with the girl, Lauren stuck to her side.

Technically, Normani should have been right next to her anyways, but she wouldn't tell her wife she was a little lenient. And if she bribed Mani enough, the girl wouldn't tell, either.

"But, Mama, there's so many lights!" the dark skinned girl exclaimed, but slowed her pace considerably. "An', an' rides, an' games! I wanna see them all!"

Lauren whimpered slightly as a few kids bumped into her, and she pressed herself tighter to the blonde woman.

They had decided that even though Ally had to work, Dinah would take the two girls to the Winter Carnival. Normani had been incredible in adjusting to Lauren's sudden appearance. She could often be found in the mornings in the younger girl's bed after Lauren had a nightmare, and sometimes she would be the only one Lauren would go to if something was wrong. Lauren herself was still adjusting to not having to be on the alert constantly, and the couple decided the two deserved a night of fun, though so far the younger girl refused to leave the taller woman's side.

Both littles had come to the couple from manipulative and/or abusive caregivers. When Normani first arrived, Dinah's loud, boisterous laugh alone was enough was to make the girl flinch and hide in her room for an hour.

As for Lauren, it took her almost a month before she would make eye contact with anyone, and then another two before she spoke.

"I know that there's so much to do," Dinah acknowledged, taking one of Mani's hands. "But, I don't want you getting lost, alright?"

The older girl sighed and kicked at the ground, but she eventually nodded. "'M sorry, Mama," she mumbled.

The taller woman smiled. "It's alright, bubs. I just want you to stay where you can hear me."

Normani nodded and held out her pinky to the blonde. "Promise, Mama. Can we go on the carousel?"

Dinah accepted the outstretched pinky with her own. "Lauren, does that sound like fun to you?"

The green eyed girl shook her head and buried her face in the taller woman's coat.

Dinah gave a small smile as she wrapped an arm around the smaller girl's waist. "Alright, how about this," she started, seeing Normani's hopeful look. "Lauren and I will wait over at that bench," she pointed to a bench that had a perfect view of the ride entrance and exit, "as you ride it as many times as you want. Then when it's over, we'll meet you at the front."

Normani nodded exuberantly, giving the woman her best puppy dog look. "Please, please, Mama?"

"Okay, but you do not leave the ride exit until I see you. Understood?"

"Got it, Mama," the dark skinned girl nodded, giving a playful salute.

Dinah led the girl to the ride, and when Normani was situated, began to lead Lauren to the bench.

"Alright baby girl, if you somehow get separated from me and don't think you can find me, head for the bench. I'll be there in seconds, just get to it," she instructed softly, knowing the younger girl was still struggling with separation anxiety. It was a work in progress, but Dinah knew it could still take a while.