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It felt like an eternity had passed but finally, her little star fell asleep. Lillian stared at the small, chubby face nestled against her bosom. From time to time, those little lips would move as they suckled on her breast. The baby cooed softly as Lillian pulled her away.
“That’s enough, my little star,” Lillian spoke softly to the child. She stood up from the rocking chair and walked over to the crib. After putting her baby on the plush mattress, Lillian arranged the small plushies around the baby’s body like a barrier. She looked up and pressed on a button of a mobile hanging above the crib. The mini stars and planets slowly moved as a gentle lullaby played.
Lillian checked the crib one more time, making sure her baby is comfy and safe. “Is this to your liking, Layla?”
The baby cooed again. Lillian smiled. She leaned down to give her baby one last kiss before leaving the nursery. She slowly closed the door so that Layla could sleep in peace.
Lillian stood in the hallway. She took a deep breath and slowly sighed in relief. “That little girl…she’s already a handful when she’s only a year old.” Lillian chuckled while shaking her head. “Oh Lord of Light, please help us all.”
A rustling sound caught her attention. Lillian’s head snapped up and she turned to where she heard the noise was coming from. The hallway was dark except for a sliver of light coming from one of the rooms. Lillian’s smile grew. Guess I have another baby to put to sleep, she giggled at her own thoughts.
Lillian walked over to the room. Her footsteps lightly padded on the carpeted floor. Lillian pushed the door open, slowly to make sure she did not disturb the person inside the room. She did not need to search the room as that light drew her attention to its source. It came from a desk lamp and a figure sat there. He sat hunched over the desk with his back facing her. So, he did not notice Lillian entering the room and walking up to him.
Her husband, Nolan, had his head resting on his hand. His fingers pinched at the bridge of his nose, just between the eyes. His brows furrowed in a very deep frown. He had his other hand on the desk. His fingers were drumming on the surface before he let out an exasperated sigh.
“Working hard, Professor?” Lillian greeted, unintentionally making Nolan jump out of his skin.
When he realized it was his wife, Nolan took a deep breath and sighed. He shot her a judgmental look as he said, “You almost gave me a heart attack. When did you come in?”
“If I was a burglar, you’d be penniless before you realize it.” Lillian leaned down to give him a kiss on the cheek. She pulled back to give him a smile. “Luckily, I am not.”
Nolan hummed while nuzzling into her cheek. “I don’t mind if you are one. I’d let you rob me.”
Lillian scoffed and lightly hit his shoulder. “You’re speaking nonsense, my love. Is it the thesis again?” She asked to which Nolan groaned in response.
“What else?” He said underneath a miserable grumble. Lillian could only chuckle at his answer. Though, deep down, she felt pity for him.
It’s near the end of the semester. This is the time where every student scrambles with their final projects while also juggling to find time studying for an upcoming exam. Nolan and Lillian are not spared. Even if they have Layla, their responsibility as students continues. Lillian had a portion of her burden lifted from her shoulders because the university allowed for her to extend her study period after her labor. She was grateful for it but Nolan didn’t get that privilege.
As much as Lillian wanted to help, she could only make sure that he did not collapse from exhaustion.
Lillian’s hands slowly slid down Nolan’s shoulders. It was so slow like water being gently poured onto his body. Nolan could not resist it. He let out a relieved sigh and melted into her touches. He leaned back with his shoulders relaxing and his head dropped back. Nolan’s eyes were closed and his lips parted as Lillian massaged him.
“Does that feel good, love?” Lillian murmured into his ear. Nolan only moaned in response.
Then, she felt a calloused hand brushing over hers. Lillian looked down and saw Nolan’s right hand caressing hers. Lillian smiled and took his hand up to her lips. She lightly kissed his knuckles. Her ears listened for his soft sighs – music to her ears.
“Don’t stop…” She heard him murmur to her. It almost sounded like a soft plea. “This feels too good.”
“Well, you are quite stiff.” Lillian squeezed hard on his shoulders, pulling another delighted groan from him. She let out a breathy chuckle before leaning down to whisper, “Maybe a bit too stiff.”
Lillian pressed a kiss at his temple. She continued to massage his shoulders, “You should relax more, dear. You’ll collapse before our little star gets to say her first word. I’m sure you don’t want to miss being called ‘Papa’, would you?”
“That sounds like a threat…”
“It is.”
Nolan chuckled and looked up at her. His eyes were half-opened and she could see the fatigue weighing on them. The golden light of his desk lamp poured over his face, giving his skin a gentle glow. At the same time, it made his angular jawlines look more prominent. He appeared more masculine and handsome – oh, Lillian felt like she was falling in love all over again.
Enchanted by his eyes, Lillian stopped her massage. Her mischief was gone as her brain stopped. One of her hands moved up to cup at his cheek and Nolan leaned close like a cat yearning for affection. He even turned his head to lightly kiss her palm.
“I love you, Lillian…”
Those words made her feel warm. Lillian’s cheek blushed red and a sheepish smile spread her lips. She felt her heart beating loud. In her mind, she was transported back in time to when they had their first date.
It was at the cemetery – a peculiar place for a date, of course – and their favourite place was the single willow on top of a hill. Lillian would sit in between its roots with a book in her hand. Nolan would be lying on her lap, napping. It was easy to put him to sleep. Lillian stroked her fingers through his hair, unwinding his stress from studying and also lulling him to sleep.
It would be the most peaceful moment for Lillian on that day.
After a few minutes, they finally left the study room for bed. Lillian was concerned that Nolan might be sleeping at his desk again. He’s not a teenager anymore. He’s had multiple physical ailments, mostly caused by past experiments. If he slept at the desk, Nolan would be waking up unable to stand up properly the next morning. As much as it is comedic to see him becoming a hunchback, Lillian’s heart felt extreme pain seeing him that way.
Lillian put Nolan to bed. He struggled a bit due to his stiff back from sitting at his desk. Lillian wondered how long he had been sitting up. She knew he left to continue his research after dinner but he should take breaks, right? Lillian shuddered to know the truth.
He’s definitely not. She thought to herself while glancing at him lying on the bed.
Nolan was keeping it in but Lillian noticed the way his brows furrowed or the way he was clenching his teeth. She saw his fists closed tight on the bed. Lillian laid down beside him, reaching out one hand to gently stroke at his cheek.
“You alright, love?” She whispered yet the concern was clear in her voice. “Is it your back?”
Nolan slowly shook his head. He cracked open one eye. He seemed to be looking at her but then Lillian realized he was looking past her. Following his gaze, Lillian saw he was looking at the window. The night sky was dark but the Eruditio city lights were bright, giving more vision than stark darkness. From the distance, Lillian saw a darker mass coming towards her direction. From time to time, she caught flashes of light amongst the mass before a rumbling sound of thunder confirmed her suspicion.
Oh, that’s why.
Nolan, at one point in time, got into an accident. Lillian still remembered it clearly because it was such a terrible moment in Eruditio history. It was during Eruditio’s annual Festival of Light. The university hosted an automaton panel where students got to showcase their inventions and designs for the public to see. Eruditio students or those passionate about engineering look forward to this event because this is the only time where they can allow their creativity to shine without being judged by their professors. While this seemed to be a good thing, it proved to be too good to be celebrated.
During that time, Lillian and Nolan were involved in different teams. Lillian was part of the decoration and gifts team while Nolan was part of the logistics team. Lillian and her friends were assisting with the banners when all of a sudden, there was chaos. She heard people screaming and Guardians – the automatons in charge of enforcing the city’s law – were en route to where the panel was meant to be held. Lillian remembered being confused like her friends.
An explosion shook the city, causing more panic amongst the public. That was when the cause of the chaos revealed itself. One of the automatons meant for the panel lost control. Lillian forgot what the automaton was for but it acted very aggressively. A lot of the Guardians were destroyed. Nolan and the others went to help subdue the automaton. They succeeded but they did not walk out unscathed. They were injured but Nolan supported the most injury because he had jumped in head first to act as bait for the rogue automaton.
It was a horrible experience that had burned itself into her memory. Lillian thought he was dead. Nolan underwent multiple surgeries. The surgeons resorted to using metal supports for his bones because they had been shattered during the scuffle. Even though Nolan survived, the effects now became part of his life.
Every time a storm or any cold weather arrives, Nolan would be in intense pain. It’s the metal rods and screws in his body. As his body generates heat to counter the cold environment, the heat gets absorbed by the metal hence making his pain receptors more sensitive. It’s torture for him.
Lillian placed a kiss on his cheek before scooting off the bed. Nolan is now heaving for breath as the rain pattering against the windowpane. Lillian hurried to the bedside table, pulling at a drawer to take out a small pouch. Liquid sloshed inside the pouch as it was moving around. Lillian left the bedroom. Her feet took her to the kitchen as fast as they could. In her heart, she prayed to the Lord of Light to lessen Nolan’s pain. The grumbling thunder made her worry more.
A water-filled kettle sat on the stove. Fire burned beneath it, slowly heating up the red kettle while Lillian waited. She was tapping her toes impatiently. She stared at the kettle as if her intimidating gaze would help heating the water a lot faster. It must have worked because a few minutes later, a high-pitched whistle filled the kitchen. Lillian instantly turned off the flame and poured the hot water into the pouch before hurrying up the stairs to the bedroom.
“Nolan dear, I brought you this…” Lillian said as she stepped inside. Nolan did not respond. He was still occupied by the intense pain.
Lillian wasted no time and pulled back Nolan’s night robe. A surgical scar along his right thigh greeted her. Lillian gently placed down the heated pouch onto his thigh. She lightly held it and shot a glance at Nolan. The heat should help lessen the pain but Lillian had no intention to burn his skin.
“Does it hurt?” Lillian asked.
Nolan took a deep breath and sighed through his lips. His eyes finally opened. The tight knitted brows finally unwound and relaxed. Nolan stopped heaving. It took him a few breaths to return to normal. Lillian moved the pouch along his thigh, making sure the heat spread evenly. She also made sure to have the pouch touch his knee and shin. Lillian continued the heat massage until Nolan could finally let out a sigh of relief.
Nolan leaned into the pillows. Lillian turned to him and saw a clear face of gratitude from him.
“Thank you, my love.” He whispered under his breath. It was almost inaudible as Nolan was still recovering from the pain but Lillian heard him.
Lillian smiled. She pulled the robe back on, covering his thigh before placing the pouch on it. The robe was thick enough to insulate but also provide enough warmth. Lillian grabbed the blanket and pulled it over the both of them. She laid down beside her husband and cuddled close to his side. She felt his arm around her and smiled.
“Told you that the pouch would come in handy.”
Nolan let out an amused snort. Lillian had brought up the pouch when they came across a bazaar in Eruditio and one of the stalls was selling medicinal equipment. At first, Nolan waved her off, saying he did not need it and Lillian herself had her own heat pouch for her period cramps. Yet, Lillian still bought it since, at that time, Nolan had just recovered from his surgery. He’ll be needing this one day, she thought to herself.
And she is correct!
Nolan pinched at her cheek. “Okay, smarty pants. Do you need a reward for that?”
Lillian pouted at being pinched. “This better not be the reward,” She whined while gently pushing his hand away. Lillian retaliated by poking at his hips which Nolan jumped with a loud yelp. “Revenge is mine!”
“Is that so?” Nolan’s eyes had a glint as he grinned at her.
“Nolan, what’re you-”
Lillian’s words were cut off by her scream as Nolan started to tickle her. She was trapped, entangled in the blanket and also having her husband on top of her. Lillian laughed out loud. She tried to shield herself with her arms but Nolan moved to her exposed part. Lillian twisted and turned in bed. Tears were rolling down her cheeks while her mouth opened wide to let out a shrill laugh.
“Enough! I yield!” Lillian said in between giggles.
Thankfully for her, Nolan listened and ceased his assault. Lillian was left breathless. Her blond hair poured over the pillows. Her robe was undone during their little ‘scuffle’. Nolan saw and immediately raised his brow at her. Lillian noticed and scoffed.
“Don’t even think about it,” She said while hitting his arm. Lillian pulled her robe close and tied the sash. “I’m too tired. I need sleep.”
“Of course, I know.”
Nolan laid beside her. He snuggled close so that his head was resting on her chest. He wrapped his arm around her, holding Lillian as if she was a large teddy bear. Lillian sighed. Her hand went up to stroke her fingers through his hair. Instantly, Nolan sighed and his body relaxed.
“Goodnight, my love.”
Lillian smiled. She dipped her head and gave him a kiss on top of his head, smelling the sandalwood scent of his favourite shampoo.
“Goodnight, my darling.” She murmured.
With the rain continuing to pour, sleep easily embraced them. Nolan was the first one to succumb to his fatigue. His snoring filled her ears. It oddly sounded therapeutic along with the rain. Lillian kept stroking his hair until sleep claimed her as well. Her eyelids slowly drooped and soon, she was snoring softly with her husband.
END