Work Text:
Erik stumbled down the stairs, hair sticking up in all directions.
How long was he asleep? Who knows, all he wanted at the moment was coffee, and maybe to play a game or two.
The coffee machine whirred as he rummaged through the cupboard for his mug. Grinning, he carefully pulled it from the shelf, cautious not to break anything.
After the last time, which he definitely didn't want to repeat, he was always extra careful with the dishes. Still hearing Bobby's wailing echo in his ears long after that incident sent a shudder through him.
Thank fuck they found a replacement for that turtle mug, otherwise Bobby likely never would've stopped crying.
The coffee maker beeped and Erik snapped out of his thoughts. Carefully, he removed the pot, poured his coffee and set the pot back with the machine. The fridge hummed as he picked up the creamer. He sniffed it to make sure it was still good, before he started pouring some into his cup.
A sudden yawn came from behind him, and he jumped, his back hitting the fridge and slamming it shut, probably knocking a few things inside of it over.
"Papa? What are you doing up so early?" Aino mumbled, hands coming up to her face to rub sleep out of her eyes. Her hair antenna followed her movements as she swayed slowly in place.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Erik smiled down at her. "Sorry, Aino, Papa has work today. They're short on staff and want me to help them out in a few hours. I'm gonna be gone for a while."
Aino nodded in understanding. "I see. Well, tell them I said hi. I'm gonna go back to bed." Erik watched as she shuffled out of the kitchen and over to the couch. Wrapped in her favorite duck blanket, she climbed onto the couch and yawned again.
"Honey, that's not your bed." Erik chuckled, setting down his mug and walking over to the couch.
Aino grumbled as he tried to pick her up, so instead he tried a different tactic.
Rolling her into a blanket burrito, he picked her up and sits down on the couch himself, with Aino's head resting on his chest.
Eventually, Aino settled down enough for Erik to kiss her forehead, earning a sleepy giggle and a smile.
"Did you just want cuddles?" Erik teased softly.
"Maybe." Aino mumbled.