Authoress Notes: I can't help it, I get carried away, this story is so cute~

Claim: Alyssa and the others who have yet to make their appearance belong to Kyla and Lorrie and I.

Disclaim: I wish I owned Gundam 00. That'd be awesome.

Merry-Go Round

25

Louise was playing with the little paper umbrella from her drink as they made their way to the car, twirling the toothpick stem between her forefinger and thumb while her other hand laced with Saji's, squeezing every now and then.

"Is there anywhere else you want to go before we head home?" asked Saji as they made it to the dark blue car that reflected the moon off it's surface. Louise paused, thinking, as her hand rested on the handle.

"Yeah," she answered, making Saji blink. He had figured she'd be tired and want to go home, but this was completely unexpected. "Can we drop by that baby place?"

"Sure," he answered easily, glad that Louise was in a good mood still. Not to say that she was never in a good mood, but she had been irritable in the last few weeks, and he had been afraid to invoke her temper, knowing that she'd be beyond livid if he had done something wrong.

She climbed into the car and buckled up as he checked for cars and backed out, parking lot giving way to the long expanse of nearly empty road. Saji slowed as they reached a red light, engine rumbling beneath his feet.

Louise was occupied by the umbrella at the moment, humming under her breath idly while she toyed with the little useless trinket that she had decided to take home. It was pretty, however, the wafer thin paper decorated with flowers and a nice, peach color as it's backdrop that made the floral print stand out more.

The store that boasted baby products loomed into view, glowing neon sign blaringly bright as they pulled into the parking lot and got out. Night had chilled the air somewhat, and Saji drew his jacket around him tightly while following Louise into the store.

It smelled of formula and baby powder in here, the colors pastels and gentle hues of faded colors that made him smile and look around. Louise grabbed his hand and lead him towards the clothes section, abandoning his hand to browse through the little outfits.

She hooked one on her finger and held it up, presenting it for her husband to see. "What do you think?" she asked, blue eyes searching his face. "Do you think it's cute?"

"It is," he agreed, stepping beside her. "But what about this one?"

And for a while, they enjoyed looking through baby clothes and trying to find the best outfits.

[Haro!]

"She's asleep," noted Feldt with a glance towards the carseat and the sleeping infant. She had opted to sit in the back, paranoid about the safety of her child. Neil chuckled and glanced at her from the rearview mirror.

"She's fine, Feldt." he soothed, and Feldt simply shrugged, adjusting the blankets around her daughter. Rubbing her eyes, Feldt leaned back, shifting to get comfortable. Neil glanced at her again and then back to the front as he said, "You're tired. Try and get some sleep."

Feldt would have protested, but she was tired. It wasn't that Alyssa was trouble or anything, because she wasn't. It was simply that she was still drained from her stay in the hospital and then their dinner outing that they were returning from.

Nodding mutely, she leaned her head and rested a hand on the carseat, closing her eyes as she tried to rest in the short time it would take them to arrive home. Neil smiled, eye gleaming warmly as he continued the drive home.

Feldt was fast asleep when he pulled into the driveway, and he paused before getting out, debating on carrying her in as well. He didn't have to decide, however, as she stirred, rubbing her eyes before climbing out and carefully pulling the baby from the seat.

Alyssa whined quietly and stirred before going back to sleep with a soft sigh, fingers curled into tiny fists. "She's so cute," murmured Neil, arm winding around his wife's waist as they walked into the house.

The crib had been placed in their room right next to their bed for quick access, and Feldt laid Alyssa down carefully before getting ready for bed and climbing underneath the blankets. Neil did the same, and they soon drifted into peaceful dreamland.