Work Text:
Helen stood at the stove, making dinner for her and Madeline.
Madeline and Helen’s daughter, Emma, rested against her mother’s chest in a purple wrap, her tiny fingers occasionally curling in the fabric. Emma was ten-months-old, strawberry-blonde and now had her big blue eyes looking at her mother.
The door to the apartment opened and Madeline walked in. She had just come back from her afternoon performance in Me Me Me, she had already got her stage make up off and was in a navy blue sweater and dark trousers.
“What are you making tonight?” Madeline asked as she walked into the open kitchen.
“Pasta,” Helen replied.
“Smells good,” Madeline said, a smile tugging at her lips.
Emma turned her head toward Madeline, her little face lighting up.
Madeline’s smile brightened.
“Hi, honey. How are you doing today?” said Madeline.
Emma responded with a giggle.
“I’ll take her so you can finish cooking, Hel,” Madeline offered.
“Sure,” Helen said, loosening the knot on the wrap.
Madeline slid her hands under Emma with practiced care, lifting her daughter into her arms. Emma settled in instantly, cheek pressed against Madeline’s shoulder.
Helen gently smoothed Emma’s back before turning back to the pan.
“Look, Emma—Mom is cooking pasta,” Madeline said softly.
“Mm… Moma!” said Emma.
“Huh?” said both women in unison, exchanging glances.
“Moma…” Emma repeated, pointing at Helen with her tiny finger.
“Oh, she means you, Hel,” Madeline said with a chuckle. “How about me?”
“Mama!” said Emma.
“I’m Mama and she’s Moma?” Madeline grinned.
“Mm!” said Emma.
“Good job, Emma,” said Madeline .
- - – - - - – – -
Helen put the pasta on the plates while Madeline made a warm bottle of follow-on formula for Emma.
Soon they settled onto the couch, plates balanced on the two adults’ laps while Emma nursed her bottle between them.
A few minutes later, Emma lowered the empty bottle and said, “Mama.”
“Hmm?” Madeline asked, glancing down.
Emma held up the bottle.
“You finished?” asked Madeline.
“Mm!” Emma replied.
Madeline set her plate aside, took the bottle, and carried it to the dishwasher.
After Helen and Madeline finished cleaning, the three of them snuggled on the couch and watched Tom&Jerry together.
An episode later, Emma climbed onto Madeline then rested her head on Madeline’s chest, her head rising and falling with each breath from her mother.
“Hmm…” came a tiny murmur from Emma.
“Is she falling asleep?” Madeline asked quietly.
“I think so,” Helen whispered.
Madeline rose, rocking Emma gently in her arms. She walked into the nursery and laid Emma in her crib, switching on the slow-spinning mobile with soft lullaby music. With one last stroke on her daughter’s head, Madeline murmured, “Good night, Emma.”
Madeline then slipped out of the nursery.
Back in the living room, she lowered herself beside Helen. “She’s asleep.”
“That’s good,” Helen said, leaning into her.
Madeline draped an arm around her wife’s shoulders, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “How was your day?”
“Good. Emma was quiet for most of it—but she gave a little speech this afternoon.”
Madeline chuckled. “Oh? About what?”
“She crawled to the front door, babbled for a while, then made her way to the photo wall. She pointed to a picture of you.” said Helen.
“About me?” said Madeline.
“I think so. She didn’t nap today, and you’re usually on show during her naps. Maybe she was asking where you were,” said Helen.
“Oh…”said Madeline.
“I explained to her that you were working. She then stopped babbling after that.” Helen smiled. “It was adorable when she gave her little speeches.”
Madeline’s lips curved warmly.
The TV continued playing as they leaned into each other.
Eventually, hand in hand, they made their way to bed and fell asleep together.
……..