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“I don't need to be put to bed.” Nine says with a pout, crossing his arms. “Nonsense.” Shadow replies, setting a pair of PJs on the bed. “You've been staying up way too late. You've got to get a proper night's sleep. You're a growing kit. Now get changed.”
As Shadow walks out of the room, closing the door behind him, Nine sighs and scowls, reluctantly putting on the pajamas.
Nine frowns. Okay. So they are soft and warm. That's nice, I guess. Shadow knocks on the door. “Are you done in there, kid?” He asks. “Yes.” Nine replies in his most scornful voice. He couldn't let Shadow know that he was secretly enjoying wearing pajamas.
As Shadow enters the room, Nine narrows his eyes. “What’s that?” He says, pointing at the book in Shadow’s hands. “A bedtime story.” Shadow replies. “I don't need a bedtime story. I'm not a baby.” Nine replies at once, crossing his arms.
Shadow rolls his eyes at the scowling kit. “We'll see about that.” He says, walking over to Nine’s bed, pulling aside the covers. “Into bed, kid. We don't have all night.” He commands, his voice firm.
Nine heaves a sigh and stomps over, angrily getting into bed. As Shadow pulls the covers up to his chin, Nine tenses, but doesn't hiss at him the way he normally would.
Shadow opens the book, his fingers resting on old, worn down pages. “It better not be anything stupid for little kids.” Nine says. “Oh, don't worry.” Shadow says. “This book is right up your alley.” He promises.
His red-brown eyes trail over those familiar words, and begins to read them for the first time in years.
The sun shines brightly in the sky, lighting the world below. Her warmth heals the land, raising the crops, and bringing joy and light to our world.
The stars shine so brilliantly in the night. The moon shifts the waves of the sea, shaping the lands we walk upon.
The waves of the ocean blue fly into the sky, joining with rumbling storm clouds to bring life into the ground, keeping the land cool when the sun grows too hot.
The ground feeds us, and feeds the things that walk upon it. The grass and the deer, the fox and the rabbits, the bear and the fish.
We the people walk upon the land, exploring its skies and seas, discovering the wonders this world has to offer us.
The endless blue skies. The starry nights. The waves of ocean blue. The grass we walk upon–places of infinite wonder and excitement to fill our hearts and minds at once.
Shadow lets out a little sigh, closing the book and setting it aside. He looks over at Nine, who's eyelids are heavy as he tries to stay awake.
“That…” Nine yawns. “Wasn't as…stupid as…I thought it would be.” The kit says before finally drifting off, unable to stay awake a moment longer.
Satisfied, Shadow stands, a small smile on his face. He silently switches off the lamp on Nine’s beside table, and leans down to press a gentle kiss to Nine’s forehead.
“Sleep tight, kid.”