KH: Middle Of The Night

Posted on Thu Dec 5th, 2024 @ 10:50am by Theeressa & Sr Journeyman Riklan

Mission: 3531 AL
Location: Kymos Hold
Timeline: MD 2 D20

Sometimes the middle of the night feeds were her favourite thing about being a mother of a newborn. She sat there watching the fire as Kasa nursed in sleepy bouts despite declaring loudly that she was hungry only moments before and it was perfect. Everything about the last couple of months melted away and she could not help but love the outcome of it all. She and Riklan were closer and more in love if the was possible, Laressa was more settled and Kasa made the family complete in her opinion. She glanced up as a sleepy looking man appeared in the doorway returning home. She hated his night shifts but it was nice to see him in moments like that if feeds aligned with him returning home.

“Hello, healer.” She greeted softly. “You will have to get your own tea though.”

Riklan hated the night shift. Sure he knew it was important and the people appreciated it but he didn't like not being home with his family. Normally they were all in bed. Of course, tonight was different.

“Oh,” he said in surprise before a tired smile touched his lips. “I can do that. Do you need anything?”

The man looked surprised to see her which was nice. Laressa was not a fan of going to sleep without the man there so it was pretty good that she was out of bed as he could at least have some space in bed if he went there before she did, “It is a good thing I am awake as Laressa is asleep in our bed.” She admitted. “And no… me and Kassa are perfect here.” She assured touching the baby’s cheek as she carried on suckling still a little more alert. She had a cup of tea close by if she needed it but she had not so far.

He chuckled tiredly. “Lars still not wanting to sleep?” He asked softly as he moved around making himself a cup of tea before he went to bed for the night. He returned a few moments later with a steaming mug in hand. “How are you and Kasa tonight?”

“She did not want to go to sleep without you being home despite me explaining that you would be there to cuddle in the morning. She is just getting used to our new routine as am I.” She smiled up at him and moved the pillow that was beside her to the floor. “We are sleepy despite declaring that we were very hungry but she is perfect. How is it possible to love someone so tiny and loud?”

“Hopefully I won't be on night shift much longer and we can try to get a routine started.” He knew with a little one though it would be a while before things were normal. “So she is just tricking us?” He smiled sipping on his tea.

“No, she is just a little sleepy but needs to feed,” Theeressa assured caressing her cheek just watching the baby. She was in a dreamy mood but it was nice to feel that relaxed in her opinion. “How was your shift? And please do not worry. You change to get the best feel of everything. Lars has just forgotten that.” She said looking up at him as he stood there.

He leaned against the counter as he watched his family. “It was thankfully quiet. a couple young ones that weren't feeling well but not major problems.” Riklan smiled as he watched Kasa. “How bout your night?”

“Quiet. Midwife did her final checks on me and Kasa and we are all healthy and on our way to being completely healthy. I read a couple of pages of a book before I fell asleep with Laressa curled against me.” It had been quiet but nice in her opinion. She did not want to be busy or active, she loved the quiet nights reading by the fire and glows.

“That's good to hear. Sounds like a perfect evening to me.” He couldn't wait to be able to enjoy those kinds of evenings again. “and I'm glad to hear you are both healthy and happy.” He loved his little family and wanted them all happy and healthy.

Theeressa smiled at him as she heard the longing in his voice for a moment before it was gone. She missed him on the nights that he was not there but she knew what he was doing now would help walk the tables and become a master soon to give him more freedom. “Only thing missing was you, my love.” She said watching as the baby finally gave up nursing and allowed Theeressa to lay her against her shoulder to burp her.

“Soon,” he promised. He knew why he needed to do the rotations and it was only fair but it was still hard. He smiled as he watched. “Want me to take her for a few minutes?” He offered as Kasa gave up nursing.

“Soon is good enough for me. And are you just wanting to have a snuggle with her?” She wondered gently slowly rising from the chair to walk over to him. “The healer left you a note by the way telling you how perfectly healthy I am to stop you worrying too.” She teased him just a little.

“Yes I want a cuddle with our little snuggle bug,” he grinned. “Then the rest of my family.” He raised a brow at her words and had to laugh a bit at that. “You know I am still going to worry,” he pointed out.

Theeressa laughed softly herself as she watched him looking happy but tired as he took the newborn and she laid the cloth over his shoulder just in case Kasa spit up. “I know you will Rik but she thought it might especially as she left some type of infusion.” Theeressa stepped back a little and just watched him. “You are perfect, dear husband.” She caressed his cheek before she set about putting the room into order for breakfast.

“It does help,” he agreed as he cuddled Kasa close. An infusion? Well that sounded right and like everything was in order. He smiled up at her. “Thank you lovely. And you are my world.”

Theeressa smiled as she set out cups and plates quietly giving him a few moments with their newborn before she turned from the first place to look at him. “Are you climbing into bed with Laressa and me… somehow or are you taking Laressa’s bed to get some decent sleep?” She wondered, smiling at him and the look on his face as he watched Kasa falling asleep in his arms. “I would offer to get Laressa out but I fear she would wake this close to dawn.”

Riklan looked up from Kasa's sweet little face. “Think I'll try Lars bed for just a little sleep cause I know she'll be up early and there will be no sleeping after that.” He did need to catch up a bit on his sleep before his shift the next night.

“You sleep as long and as much as you need to. We have a little morning routine so we can be quiet and outside as we need to get some supplies for someone's birthingday.” She teased him walking over.

Riklan raised a brow. “Not asking but I could definitely do with a bit of sleep.” he's be usually without at least a candlemark. Not that he hadn't done it before.

Theeressa just smiled and gently took the baby from him and held her close in one arm as she squeezed his hand. “Have as much as you need. Want me to wake you when we come back in the afternoon?” She offered softly indicating they were going to bed now.

Riklan was reluctant to give Kasa up but they all needed sleep. “Please,” he said, returning the squeeze. “I'd like to spend some time with my family.”

Theeressa smiled as she led the way up to the bedrooms and grinned as she turned back to look at him as she got to the top of the stairs. “This is like when we were roommates.” She teased him thinking of them in different rooms.

He laughed softly. “You are very right. Let's not get used to it,” he grinned, leaning over to kiss her. “I'd rather be with you.”

The auburn haired woman nodded and moaned softly into his kiss. He was perfect even in the early hours of the morning and exhausted. “I would rather be with you too. Go to sleep.”

He reluctantly pulled away. “See you in the morning,” he whispered, heading for Laressa's room.

The woman just smiled and let him go. She quietly put the newborn into her cot and climbed back into bed with Laressa relieved that she stayed asleep and Theeressa was back asleep within moments just relieved and happy to have everyone back under the same roof.