Hawke X Merrill Shorts

Chapter 21

Aunt

Summary: Always the watchful aunt

'And she has to be in bed by 9: 30, no later otherwise she won't sleep. Also she likes to have a small light on at night', Merrill listed as she climbed down the stairs with Bethany, the latter taking in every single listing of her sister in law's instruction. 'Merrill we'll be fine', assured the younger Hawke.

Tonight the two married couple were going to a theatre to see an old play that Merrill had seen as a child but the problem was the theatre wasn't a place for children and little Lyn wouldn't be able to attend. Immediately Merrill cancelled the plan but after Hawke convinced her that a night out between the two was needed since they hadn't had any time to each other since Lyn was born. Still as much as she wanted to have her husband all to herself Lyn was still her priority and she refused to leave unless Hawke could find the babysitter appropriate for their daughter.

So in the end Bethany, who was still near their home, was hired by her brother. Seeing as she had no major plans or anything else to do, Bethany was happy to accept this request if it meant babysitting her niece. Entering the living to retrieve Hawke, who was sitting on his chair playing with his daughter. Bethany was smiling happily at her niece as her brother tickled her small stomach. Lyn looks almost identical to her mother she noticed, her cheek bones and small frame yet her eyes were a mix of green and blue while having his hair style.

Her black hair was always unkempt looking like she was raised in the forest like an elf, it was down all the time and usually got in her eyes but after hr parents had read story to their child about elves, wizards and mages the girl was a giant fan of the fantasy lore. Looking at his sister and wife, the husband patted his daughter's head as he kissed her forehead. 'Alright little one, time for us to head off', he said. Lyn placed her hands on his above her head, giggling as he petted her. 'Okay papa', she said.

Merrill knelt down and cuddled her daughter lovingly as Lyn nuzzled her face into her mother's neck, inhaling her vanilla scent. 'Behave for auntie Bethany, alright?', she asked. 'Yes mama', the little girl promised. 'And make sure to brush your teeth too…and no later then 9:30, alright?', she asked. 'Aww mama', whined the little girl. 'No buts'.

Giving her daughter a quick peck on her forehead, the mother turned and left with Hawke. Bethany turned to Lyn as the little girl smiled innocently at Bethany. 'So…what shall we watch tonight?', Bethany asks. Lyn beamed at this as she took her aunt's hand and guided them to the "family room", which was the room where everyone gathered to watch a films and play games together. The room was a relatively small one for the family of three, a huge couch that was perfect for them with a large tv in front of them, in the dresser was filled with old VCRs, a game console or two and a DVD player.

Near the dresser was a small shelf filled with films which Lyn then begun to seek out the film of her choice. 'While you pick out the films, I'll prepare the snacks', Bethany said. Lyn grinned as she returned film seeking. Entering the kitchen the young woman tossed in some popcorn and finding a letter left by Merrill, she placed two candy bars in the bowl along with making hot cocoa for the two. As she waited for the popcorn to pop, she smiled at the memories of the new born Lyn, the day she was brought home. Bethany adored children but when Merrill showed her Lyn, she never saw anything so precious and innocent. When she held her for the first time, the baby giggled at her, even Hawke said that was the first time their child didn't cry when she was in the arms of someone that wasn't her parents.

Maybe it was because they were related but since then Bethany had adored their daughter, every time Hawke asked her to baby sit or to come visit she took it without any hassle. Making the food Bethany entered the living room to laugh as she saw Lyn sitting behind a huge pile od DVD's of all the films she planned to watch. 'Maker's breath Lyn, do you want your mother to scowl at me?', she asked. 'Mama will understand! We're watching her favourite too!', she proclaims. Childish logic always seems to win over Merrill these days…

Bethany laughed as she set the food down on the table as Lyn played the film, hopping on the couch as the film played and snuggled into Bethany's side, the latter pulling a blanket over them as the popcorn was munched quietly between them. Gently the aunt ran her fingers through her niece's soft black hair, earning a giggle from the former.

Midnight…

'I hope Lyn won't be upset we didn't give her bed time story', Merrill whispered as Hawke quietly unlocked the door. 'Merrill clam down, I'm sure Bethany would've done it for us', he assured. The theatre was a treat for the two but Merrill was constantly checking her phone in case of troubles at home. Hawke was glad his wife was so open with her fear for danger around Lyn, it helped him hide his own paranoia.

Entering their home, they could hear the sounds of music to Merrill's favourite film being played. Curious the two peered into the family room to find Lyn sleeping on Bethany's lap while she was sleeping away. Merrill and Hawke looked at each other before using the stealth of ninjas, Merrill carried her baby out and upstairs while Hawke helped his sister lay down properly and placed a pillow beneath her head.

'Thanks', he whispered as he covered his sister in the blanket. Upstairs Merrill tucked her baby in her little bed, gently covered her up and flicked on her night light. 'Good night', she whispered with one gentle kiss on her cheek.

Leaving the bedroom, Merrill smiled as her husband joined her for the night. Leaving their baby in their sister's hand was about to become more common…