intrepidity

Chapter 24

Without another word, Aiden gently lifted her in his arms, his movements careful, almost tender. He didn't say anything, but she could feel the warmth and the weight of his presence, as if he were silently telling her that it was going to be okay.

He carried her up the stairs to his room, the air thick with the unspoken words between them. When he entered, he set her down on the bed, tucking the blankets around her with care. She sniffled, wiping her eyes, and looked up at him with a small, tentative expression.

Aurora was now curled up under the blankets, her face pressed into the soft fabric, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside her. The tears from earlier had subsided, but the weight of everything still hung heavy in her chest. She could feel the warmth of Aiden beside her, but his silence was both comforting and a bit overwhelming. She didn't want to be a burden, but at the same time, the closeness felt safe, like a fortress against the dark.

"I'm not a baby, you know," she whispered, her voice barely audible against the soft fabric of the pillow. She tried to hold on to a sense of dignity despite the tears that were still fresh on her face. "I'm not."

Aiden didn't respond right away. He simply leaned back against the headboard, his eyes still on her as she shifted uncomfortably under the covers. His silence was too much for her, and she felt the need to clarify herself again.

"I'm really not," she repeated, her voice a little more forceful this time, though the vulnerability was still there.

Aiden hummed quietly, his lips twitching into a small, almost sarcastic chuckle. "Of course not," he said, his tone teasing but not unkind. "I wouldn't even consider it."

Aurora frowned, feeling the mix of embarrassment and frustration creeping in. She sat up slightly, glaring at him with as much seriousness as she could muster. "I'm not a baby!" she repeated, her voice a little louder, almost defensive. And no, she did not whine.

Aiden didn't miss a beat. Without a word, he leaned down, pulling the blanket over her shoulders tighter in a swift, almost playful motion. He then proceeded to carefully wrap the blankets around her, tucking them snugly at her sides like she was a small child. It was almost like he was swaddling her.

She stared up at him, eyes wide with shock. "Aiden!" she exclaimed, her face turning a deeper shade of red. "I said I am not a baby!"

Aiden's face softened as he carefully adjusted her blankets, his eyes still playful, though the hint of affection in them was undeniable. He glanced down at her, his voice quiet but firm.

"You are now," he said softly, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder as he gently helped her settle back into the bed. "And I'll always treat you like my little girl. Now, you need to sleep. Rest, Aurora."

Aurora felt a rush of warmth at his words, even if she didn't entirely agree with him. She was still a little embarrassed, but somehow, his care and attention made her feel safe, protected. She closed her eyes, the weight of the blankets making her feel secure. But something about his presence, his steady warmth beside her, made her want to fight back a little.

"I'm not a baby..." she murmured one last time, but the fight had gone out of her, and she let out a small sigh. Her body relaxed under the comforting weight of the blankets.

Aiden chuckled again, but this time, it was softer, more affectionate. "As you keep reminding us," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "But you're our baby sister, Aurora. Always will be."

Aurora didn't have the energy to argue anymore. Her eyelids fluttered, the tension in her body finally starting to dissipate. She let herself sink into the bed, surrendering to the comfort of his care. Her body, still tense with exhaustion, finally began to relax under the weight of the blankets. But she couldn't quite fall asleep yet.

She shifted again, her hand instinctively reaching out for him, grasping the hem of his shirt. "Aiden..." she whispered, her voice cracking a little, barely above a breath.

Aiden didn't hesitate. He gently moved closer, lifting her carefully into his arms as if she weighed nothing at all. He cradled her against his chest, the warmth of his body comforting in the cool room. Aurora let out a soft gasp, surprised by his sudden gentleness, but she didn't pull away. Her tears had long since stopped, but the remnants of them lingered in her eyes.

"You're alright," he murmured, his voice low and steady, like a lullaby. He began rocking her slowly in his arms, his hand resting gently on her back, the softest rhythm as if coaxing her into sleep.

Aurora's heart beat faster as she let herself settle against him. She didn't want to be a baby, didn't want to feel so fragile, but something in the way he held her made it impossible to fight the urge to rest, to allow herself to be vulnerable for once. She sniffled softly, her breath hitching as she clung to him.

"I'm not a baby," she whispered again, the words more for herself than anything else.

Aiden chuckled softly, the sound low and warm. "Of course you're not," he said, his voice rich with affection. He adjusted his grip around her, tightening his hold slightly as he continued to rock her gently. "How could anyone mistake you for one?"

Aurora nodded her head and let out a small sigh, burying her face in his chest, her body relaxing as he continued his slow rocking motion. The motion was soothing, and with each gentle sway, her eyelids grew heavier. It wasn't long before the exhaustion began to overtake her, the world around her fading into a haze.

Aiden held her close, watching over her with quiet affection, making sure she felt safe in his arms. As she slept soundly, he whispered softly, a promise only meant for her ears.

"Goodnight, little one."

And in the silence of the night, Aurora found peace at last, wrapped in the safety of her big brother.

author's note - as i said, enjoy the fluff while u can :))) 

stay safe and drink water brats!!! love u all <3