Brothers in Arms.

“I was looking for something, but I’m sure I’ll find it somewhere else.”

“Deal, but you can’t tell them I said you were my favorite. They will only whine and become sullen.” She ran her fingers through his hair, trying to soothe him. “Okay. No sleep.”

“I won’t tell.” Iapetus giggles and rolls onto his side. “You sleep I’ll watch for bad dreams.”

“Papa why does babies cry when they needs naps?” Ari asked, plopping down beside Helios. 

Running his fingers through Ari’s soft curls. “Well, I think it’s because sometimes they just don’t know how to say what they need, so the only thing they can do is cry. I’m sure sometimes you feel frustrated with things, but you know the words to tell us. It’s harder for babies to make themselves understood, Erastus and Elaina are getting better at it like you. But sometimes it’s easier to just cry and crawl into Mama or Papa’s lap and let us take care of things for them.”

“Papa,” Ari ran out into the hallway in his underpants. “You has to helps me. I can’ts reach my shirts.”

“Don’t worry about it then. Just know for future reference, you don’t have to hold anything back with me.” Truth be told, she adored her cousin. “How is it scary?”

Laughing he wriggles in her arms and kisses her cheek. “Thank-you and no telling the others, it’ll be funny when you don’t get cross at me.” Frowns and hides his face in her neck. “Well they come after me when I sleep and I can’t get away.”

“Papa,” Elaina took one of the flowers and stood on her tippy toes trying to put it into Helios’ hair. 

Ducking his head down so that she can reach he smiles. “Flowers for Papa too, my little love... why thank-you. Do we all look beautiful now Elaina?”

“So, what exactly are you not allowed to say to me that you want to?” She smiled softly, tapping the tip of his nose. “Don’t let Hypnos hear you say that. He’ll make you sleep for a few hours.”

“I don’t remember...” Frowning he scratched at his head trying to think. “Uh... oh no I always hide when he comes round. Sleeping is far scarier than being awake.”

“Papa,” Ari ran out into the hallway in his underpants. “You has to helps me. I can’ts reach my shirts.”

                     ” YES, I DO! Yes! ” Hera squirmed in her excitement, kicking her legs in joy and throwing her arms up in the air with unadulterated glee. 

Sensing the look she was giving him he sighed. “Just try little one that’s all I am saying.” Lifting her down and placing her on the ground he chuckled. “Run ahead then, little one. You should find some of your cousins in the water already.” He smiled as he followed, looking forward to an afternoon spent with his daughters.and his nieces.

“Don’t look so glum, my dear we wouldn’t do such a thing to you, but yes talk to Koios. He’s bound to have come up with a fun plan for you.”

“Well, I say you can tell me or say anything to me that you want,” she answered, kissing his cheek. “Why do you like to watch me sleep?”

“Oh good it’s hard to keep track of all the things I’m not meant to say.” Shrugging he frowns a little. “I don’t know you look happy when you sleep, I don’t sleep so I like watching others sleep.”

“Well you’ll have to wait for your plan as I will need to get Koios onto that as he’s the one for making the best plans.”

Her fingers slid through his hair gently and she grinned. “She’s right. You’re also about the only one of you psycho’s I’d let in a bed with me because you usually keep the questionable comments to yourself. I will snuggle you to sleep.”

Nods and smiles. “Yes Ko says I’m not to say how much you’ve grown. You can snuggle me, then I will snuggle you and watch you sleep.”

“I think it’s time for Ari to learn to ride a horse,” she answered Helios’ question. “He’s been training with swords since he could stand on his own two feet. I think he’ll be all right.” She stayed comfortably in bed watching Helios dress. At his last question she laughed again. “Yeah, pants to bed might be a good idea. Ari is at the climb in bed with Mama and Papa age and Erastus and Elaina will be there soon too.”  

Pulling on a shirt he looks at Eos still laying in bed, winking at her he starts for the door. “Hey up wench you have manly breakfasts to prepare.”