Tea Cups & Top Hats

“It’s just little kicks. Come here, feel it.” She reached out for his hand, letting his palm rest against where her stomach had gotten rounder. There was a pause between the baby’s movements, then a quick pair of kicks she could feel where Jefferson’s fingertips had rested.

Jefferson let Ariel guide his hand, palm running across the smooth skin of her distended stomach. Inside of her, the woman he loved, was their child. They were having a family. Even feeling the tiny kicks against his hand, he could hardly believe it. 

“They’re kicking! You wanna feel?”

“Because it is sweet!” she laughed at his pout, and gave the bottom tip of his lip a little boop before she wrapped her arms around him. 

“Hmmmmmm……”  she hummed thoughtfully, teasing further, she made sure to give a very thoughtful expression as if she were really debating on whether or not she’d risk her life for his. By this time, there wouldn’t be any doubt she wouldn’t risk her life for him. Over time they’d become family. Even if they weren’t together, Jefferson was too important for her not to act in the interest of his well-being.

“Well, I suppose if in the unlikely event something were to happen, I, too would take a bullet for you.” She left a small peck on his lips before adding, in a quiet serious tone, “– provided I’m not wearing designer. I wouldn’t want to ruin my outfit.”

“Well,” Jefferson relented, wrapping his arms around Ariel in return, “that’s understandable, really. But, you know, if my hair looks particularly good that day, maybe you can make an exception?” He pressed a quick kiss to her lips. 

@teacupswithtophats [as Jefferson ]asked: “Like, I don’t expect to ever have to take a bullet for you, but I would.” 

“Aww, that’s so sweet.” She gave his chin an affectionate pinch before she leaned close to leave a peck at the tip of his nose, purposefully neglecting to reciprocate the same sentiment before resuming her reading.

Ariel laughed. His attempted to out-pout her was admirable. Far from overpowering her ability to get others eating out of the palm of her hand, but it was a respectable attempt on his part. 

“Oh, of course I caaare!” she said, puckering her lips into a faux-sympathetic pout as she pinched his cheek affectionately. “But I worked hard for these candies, and I’m not just going to surrender them so easily.”

@teacupswithtophats​ [as jefferson] said: *reaches over and takes some of her candy* (barnacle)

“–hey!” Ariel moved her plastic jack-o-lantern away from Jefferson’s reach. “You have your own!” She tilted her head, gesturing at Jefferson’s basket.

Shit! How the hell was he going to leave this place now!? The item he swiped was promising him a pretty hefty payload, but only if he could get it back to the seller. Unfortunately, his partner had met a... traumatic end with the knights. It was tragic. He cried. Not really. Well, he had a little, but because one of the knights had kneed him between the legs.

This only presented a problem to him because he had been his way out. The secret passage way in the castle took two to open. 

Jefferson was now short one.

"That's a really cool toy you have there."

"Go sit in time out!"

"Hey, little one. Are you lost?"

"Do you want to play together today?"

"Stop splashing everywhere! You're making a mess."

"No, that's not just yours. You have to share."

"Do you want a bedtime story tonight?"

"Ouch! Are you okay? That looked like it was owie."

"Are you sure you didn't do this? Are you lying to me?"

"There are no monsters in the closet or under the bed."

"No cookies before dinner! Put it back."

"If you behave, I'll buy you something at the toy store."

"What happened? Where are your parents?"

"No, we're not there yet. Just look out the window."

"Should we go to the playground today?"

"I don't care who started it! You don't hit people!"

"I said 'Bedtime' an hour ago. Why are you still up?"

"Yes, I am the boss of you. Now listen to me!"

"Put that down! That's not for you!"

"I don't care if you don't like it. You're going to eat it or you won't get dessert."