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The room was filled with the peaceful sound of their soft breathing, creating a sense of tranquillity. Rossie, the silver-haired toddler was sleeping on Neuvillette’s right-hand side, her small hand tucked under his chin. A blonde-haired toddler, Liam was sleeping on his papa’s chest, with Neuvillette's arm holding him securely there.
Navia's heart swelled with a warm feeling that spread across her chest. She couldn't help but smile at seeing her family peacefully sleeping together. While her marriage with Neuviellette did not start as ideal, it had become one of the most heartwarming and satisfying relationships she had ever experienced.
Liam, a toddler with silver- hair, was sleeping in his mother's arms. Liam had always been a mama's boy, and of the three siblings, Liam was the most attached to her. The boy. However, was sleeping right in the middle of their king-size bed. In between his mama and papa. Taking in all his parent’s love all by himself.
Her eyes shifted to her husband. So close. Yet so far away. He was too far away from her reach. A pang of longing crept inside her heart. She yearned for the closeness she once shared with her husband. How long has it been since she last cuddled with him?
A month? Or two months? Or perhaps half a year?
She missed holding him close to her body during the darkest hours of the night, his warm and protective embrace wrapped around her body. She yearned for his touch.
An idea crossed her mind. Propping her torso up with one arm, she scooped up Lucas and laid him on the other side of the bed. She then proceeded to scoop Liam from Neuvillette's chest and put the boy next to his brother Lucas.
Navia looked at Rossie, pondering whether she should pick up the little girl so she could join her brother, but decided against it and left Rossie as she was. Now, satisfied and happy with this new arrangement, Navia was scooted closer to her husband.
She put down his arm from his chest and snuggled up in his embrace. As their body closely pressed together, the familiar scent of his cologne washed over her face, bringing a sense of peace and comfort that she was longing for.
It had been a while since she last had the chance to cuddle and have him all to herself. Having three little toddlers to look after had kept the couple on their toes. Navia let out a soft yawn as she settled deeper into the embrace of her loving husband, her body pressed closely against his.
Neuvillette stirred. His arm felt heavier than usual. His eyes fluttered open to see Navia move to his side of the bed. She was nuzzling her face in his shoulder and her arm wrapping around him, holding him tightly.
He was still half-asleep, but his lips carved into a small smile.
"My Navia. When did you get here?" he murmured, pulling her closer.
"I missed sleeping next to you like this. I hope you don't mind me being selfish just this once" said the young mother. Neuvillette propped his head up and found both boys were on the other side of the bed. The boys were sleeping peacefully, oblivion to their mama’s mischief. Neuvillette gave a low chuckle.
"You are never selfish for wanting me," Neuvillette replied. "I also missed you holding you close to me like this”
He nuzzled his face against her hair, inhaling her sweet rose scent. He hummed softly, his body relaxing. Hiis eyelids were closing slowly.
"Mmmmm" Rossie stirred as she felt her papa's body shift to her mama. Neuvillette instantly froze; his head turned to look at the little one. He noticed Rossie was starting to wake up.
"Shhh, shhhh..." He whispered, wrapping his arm around her tiny body and rubbing her back in circular motions.
"Mmmmm…" the little girl sunk her face into her papa's armpit. Sniffing his body odour.
"What is she doing?" Navia asked, amused.
"She likes the way I smell, I think." Neuvillette chuckled as Rossie continued to sniff her papa. It looked almost suffocating to breathe. Neuvillette tried to reposition her, but the little girl kept returning to her usual position every time he did. Rossie happily sniffed away her papa's armpit.
Neuvillette finally gave up and sighed in defeat. Rossie seems happy with the way she was. So, he just lets her be.
Navia giggled at his struggled "Ah, I see she got that trait from you."
Indeed, when Navia’s hormones changes due to her pregnancy, Neuvillette's scent also heightened. He would often find himself sniffing her. Especially if she was feeling overwhelmed with emotions. They have a unique scent on their own. It was a fascinating discovery for the Iudex of Fontaine. He’d never experienced like that before. But the familiar scent of her skin and her unique musk always had a calming effect on him.
The mere thoughts of this made Neuvillette sniff his wife’s scents, seeking comfort from old habits. And her scents soothe his nerves, making his muscles relax.
"I'm afraid it's in her blood. Nothing I could do to stop it." He chuckled at Navia's comment, still stroking Rossie's back as she continued to sniff her papa’s armpit.
Navia savoured this moment as she snuggled up close to her husband. She laid her head on his chest, her breath coming in deep and slowly as her exhaustion began to slowly pull her into sleep. She rested her hand on his chest. She could feel his heart beating and his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.
Her fingers traced over his bare chest, feeling his muscular body. She felt so safe and so warm sleeping by his side. There was nothing more she could ask for but to stay in his embrace like this.
She yawned. “I’m going to sleep now. Good night. My love.." she murmured. Her eyelids grow heavier and heavier.
Neuvillette kissed the top of her head. He whispered back to her.
"Goodnight, my love. Sleep well”
With her body close to his and his children safely sleeping on the other side of the bed, Neuvillete felt a sense of peace washed over him. The sound of her steady breathing and the warmth of her body against his was comforting. He pulled her closer to him, his hand slowly rubbing small circles on her back.
The soft smile slowly fades from his lips, his eyes growing heavier. The room went quiet. As Neuvillette fell asleep, on the other side of the bed, Lucas kicked his brother in his sleep earning a low 'Owww’ from Liam.
Neuvillette snorted in a low chuckle.