First Sleepover
"Thank you so much, Cid, Niaka… we appreciate the help." Three adults stood just inside the entryway of a decently sized flat, the sounds of hammers and drills faint behind the metal door. A toddler was playing with a stuffed cactuar in the family area, and his father nodded gruffly before going to sit next to him.
"It's not a problem at all," Niaka said, watching her husband and her son playing together on the ground. "Sin strikes, and we rebuild… we're just glad you got out of your home in time. I know you couldn't salvage much, but we've got room to spare until we can help you get back on your feet again." She reached out a hand and squeezed the other woman's shoulder. "Come on, Cenna, let's get you two settled in. Your husband said he'd be sure to be back by supper." She walked toward the stairs, and Cenna followed slowly, cradling her six-month old son in her arms.
"We couldn't even find his crib," she said softly, her voice a bit choked up as they reached the landing.
Niaka looked back at her with understanding in her eyes. "Just be thankful that you had him with you. Don't think about the might-have-been's, okay? Besides, I'm sure he'll appreciate the company until we can build him a new one. Rikku won't mind sharing, it's an awfully big cradle for one baby."
The two women entered a small but bright bedroom, yellow curtains filtering the light as it entered the room. Niaka smiled softly as she reached into the crib in the corner, gently scooting her daughter over to make some more room. "You like friends, don't you sleepyhead?" She grinned and gestured to Cenna. "Bring him over… they're both asleep for now, we might as well keep them that way."
Cenna walked over, patting the little boy gently on the back as she shifted him to keep him from starting. "Sssh, Gippal, it's okay… you know Rikku and Nia…" She waited until she was sure he was settled until lowering him down to lie next to the three-month old already inside the crib. Gently, she pried his fingers off her shirt before covering the two infants with a light blanket. Little Rikku reached out in her sleep, shaking her fist around before grabbing a handful of Gippal's onesie and holding to it tightly. The two mothers laughed quietly as they watched.
Cenna turned and leaned her head on Niaka's shoulder, crying softly as she watched her son sleep soundly. Niaka smoothed her hair soothingly, offering comfort to her friend. "It's alright, Cenna… he's just fine… he's having his first sleepover with a girl, and at such a young age, too. He's going to be a lady-killer, starting so early." She grinned as her friend laughed thickly. "Come on, I'll show you the guest room."
This was a response to a challenge on QTC awhile back. I hope it provides a moment's amusement, even though it's so short!