(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]

"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.

[stbethadettes]

Her feet kick halfheartedly. Beth captures her toes.

[not_that_spike]

If he sang, he'd sing Junior to sleep.

[stbethadettes]

Beth strokes Junior's soft hair.

"I'll rock her?"

[not_that_spike]

"You got it, ma'am."

They're so beautiful together.

[stbethadettes]

Taking Junior, she sits in the rocking chair.

[not_that_spike]

His eyes soften as he watches them.

[stbethadettes]

One tiny hand clutches at her collar.

[not_that_spike]

"I think she's almost there, don't you?"

[stbethadettes]

Her voice stays low.

"With any luck."

[not_that_spike]

He knows he's the universe's luckiest guy.

[stbethadettes]

"Got any plans for once she's asleep?"

[not_that_spike]

He smile so privately.

"Yeah, I do."

[stbethadettes]

"Good."

Junior's slowing down, and that's promising.

[not_that_spike]

He rests his hands on Beth's shoulders.