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Arthur reaches down and pulls the blanket up over her shoulder, he hesitates for a moment and thinks better of it, folding it back down to its previous position. His hand hovers over her while he contemplates what to do next. With a sigh, he lifts it from the crib to scratch his jaw, his eyes still dissecting the blanket with concern.
With a sigh, he lifts it from the crib to scratch his jaw, his eyes still dissecting the blanket with concern
"Do you think she's too warm?" he turns to you, and you bite your lip, fighting back a smirk.
He'd been like this ever since Tris had been sick. Having only had a bout of colic she was now completely fine, but that hadn't stopped Arthur from being in a constant state of panic. You had expected Arthur to have some worry given what he went through with Isaac, but nothing could have prepared you for Arthur in full panic dad mode.
He carried her constantly. Other than feedings you're pretty sure she hadn't been out of his arms at all, and even then, he made sure to stay close, his hand supporting her or touching her in some way. If he hadn't been so damn adorable, he would have driven you mad. You had let him live out his paranoia, figuring he'd learn from this since he never got the chance to see Isaac as a baby but eventually you had to draw the line.
You watched curiously as Arthur moved Tris around in his arms awkwardly. He would place her in a position, hold her in one arm and then shake his head, rearranging her again and doing the same thing until you finally had to know.
"Arthur, what on earth are you doing?"
He glances up at you only briefly before switching Tris around once more. "I have to pee."
"So, give her here and go pee." You reach for your daughter and raise your brows when he quickly pulls her away.
"I-." he refuses to meet your gaze. "-I don't want to let her go." He admits, his barely above a whisper.
You blink, completely stunned. "Arthur, you have to pee, you need to put her down"
He looks around as if searching for an excuse, "I-I know. It's just-" He hangs his head, "I know."
His hand comes up to cup her head, as she continues to sleep peacefully against him. "I can't let her go. I keep thinkin' what if something happens, somthin' I coulda stopped but I wasn't there." He shakes his head, "I'm a goddamn fool."
Your chest clenches and understanding washes over you. Stepping forward, you slip your hands around Tris, and he lets you peel her away. His eyes refuse to meet yours while you settle her against your chest.
"You're not a fool." Free a hand you tilt Arthur's chin up, forcing him to look at you, "At least not about this."
He huffs a humorless laugh. "Sure."
"You calling me a liar Mr. Morgan?" you smirk your finger and thumb still tight on his chin. "You are a protective man Arthur, every instinct in your body screams at you to protect. It's only natural that you're feeling extremely protective over your little girl. Especially because she was sick, and especially after what you've been through."
He circles your wrist, turning your palm to his lips.
"But you can't smother her. Otherwise, she'll never learn to do things for herself."
"She'll never have to I-."
"Will learn to give her space." You cut him off will a raised brow and finally, you see him relent with the smallest nod. "Now go pee papa bear. She'll be safe with me until you get back."
That had been two days ago and again now as you smile at him from the bed you see his fingers twitching with the same desire to hold her.
He sighs, "I'm doing it again aren't I?" at your nod his shoulders slump and he drags himself back to the bed, landing on his back next to you with a huff. "She's just so tiny."
"I know, but she's your daughter
"I know, but she's your daughter." You swing your leg over his thighs and his hands settle on your hips, "She'll be terrifying.
He reaches up, threading his hand into your hair and tugging you down to meet his lips, distracting himself with a kiss.
"Then she's definitely your daughter Mrs. Morgan." He whispers against your mouth before leaning up to swallow your response.
You melt into the kiss, quickly consumed by him. The way Arthur pours himself into every kiss startles you, his lips and tongue speak with an intensity his words never can. He nips your lip, sucking the flesh lightly to soothe the sting.
Soon things begin to heat up, his movements more forceful and his grip tighter, your hips were beginning to rock against him until suddenly you hear the faintest noise.
"Papa."
You both freeze, your heavy breaths the only sound in the room.
"Did she?" Arthur's eyes widen.
You hear blankets rustle and then two tiny hands claw up the side of the crib, a startling pair of big blue eyes peer over the top as Tris balances on two unstable legs.
"Papa"
Arthur moves before you can even think. Pushing you from him you bounce against the mattress. He scoops her up in his arms his face a mix of emotions.
"Say that again sweetheart, c'mon." he encourages.
"Papa." She giggles, her tiny hands grabbing at his cheeks.
He breaks into the largest grin, turning to face you. "Did you hear that?"
"Her first word." You beam, getting up to join the pair. "Say it again Tris."
"Papa Papa!" she squeals, enjoying the attention. She pulls on Arthur's stubble and plants a slobbery kiss on his cheek.
If you could bottle the moment forever, you would. You thought you would feel disappointed to not be your daughter's first words but seeing the pure joy on Arthur's face is better than you could have imagined. He looks younger and more carefree than he has in all the years you've known him.
He takes a hold of her chubby wrist and kisses her knuckles. "Can you say, Mama?"
"Papa"
"No, Mama." He points to you. "Me Papa, that Mama."
"Papa." She claps and drops her head to his shoulder. Throwing you the biggest grin she owned, and you swear you know exactly what she's doing.
You smile, not at all hurt. If anything, you were impressed because you knew she'd figured out how to play her daddy already, wrapping him around her tiny finger.
"Sorry sweetheart, it was probably just easier for her to say. She'll say it soon." Arthur presses a kiss to your hair as you lay your head on his arm, enjoying this special moment.
"She's definitely a daddy's girl."