(no subject)

[stbethadettes]

When Beth Junior started crying about ten minutes after they put her down for the night, Beth had been a little startled. Junior's a tricky kid, though, which might be Spike's fault (and could even have something to do with Yorick), and she'd brightened as soon as they'd gotten into her view.

"You know, sweetheart," Beth tells her confidentially, lifting her from the crib, "I appreciate the six or so hours you've been sleeping lately, but how about you keep going to sleep easily?"

Junior gurgles noncommittally, but she's still pretty sweet.

Cupping the baby's head with her hand and holding her close, Beth rocks gently from side to side. Over her shoulder, Junior sticks her hand in her mouth and eyes Spike.

Comments

[not_that_spike]

"Hey. You should be asleep. You're only four months old."

[stbethadettes]

"She's a busy girl. No time for sleep."

Junior grins.

[not_that_spike]

"Most beautiful baby in the universe."

Just like her mom.

[stbethadettes]

Beth smirks.

"No wonder she can't get enough of you."

[not_that_spike]

"I just love the hell out of you both, ma'am."

[stbethadettes]

Junior blinks like a solemn little owl.

"Yeah, I know."

[not_that_spike]

"Want me to hold her?"

He's glad to try it.

[stbethadettes]

"Bet she'd like that."

Smiling, Beth carefully hands her over.

[not_that_spike]

"Yo. Junior." He rocks her so gently in his arms.

[stbethadettes]

Beth leans against the wall, watching. It's a sweet sight.

[not_that_spike]

He tells Junior a story about life on Mars.

[stbethadettes]

Beth seems just as interested as Junior.

Neither yawns.

[not_that_spike]

It's full of intrigue and danger.

He speaks softly.

[stbethadettes]

Riveted, Junior gums her fingers.

"Easy audience," Beth whispers.

[not_that_spike]

"Good story."

He weaves a hell of a tale.

[stbethadettes]

Shrugging, she smiles and nods in agreement.

It's true.

[not_that_spike]

Little Beth's eyes start to close.

"She's fighting sleep."

[stbethadettes]

"She's stubborn."

And that, Beth knows, she gets naturally.

[not_that_spike]

"She takes after you."

Smiling, he rocks the baby.

[stbethadettes]

"You're stubborn, too, bounty hunter."

And Yorick was, too.

[not_that_spike]

"Takes one to know one."

He... loves her.

[stbethadettes]

Leaning in, mindful of Junior, she kisses him.

[not_that_spike]

He grins.

"Think your mom likes me, Junior."

[stbethadettes]

Proving she's not a tough crowd, Junior laughs.

[not_that_spike]

"Shh. It's bedtime, princess."

He rubs her belly.