Work Text:
Natalie, once a meek little girl, finds that motherhood suits her. Her world is awash with color, from the fuzzy yellows of anxiety to neon violets of euphoria. Life is fleeting, and every moment with her daughter feels precious.
Bleary-eyed and half-delirious from sleep deprivation, she gazes down at Sophie. “Stop growing so fast.”
Sophie. They'd picked a name unburdened by previous associations. Let her start fresh.
Nicknames will come eventually. Nat wonders what Sophie will get. Hopefully a name that will grow alongside her. Something sweet, unlike Sugar. (Pete has reassured her that Berzatto family trauma wasn't automatically inflicted as a cruel hand-me-down, but Pete has been wrong before.)
“I just want you to do what you can, and be proud of it. You have so much to look forward to.” Four weeks of adapting to the needs of her newborn and she can't tell who the words spilling out of her mouth are meant for.
Sophie seems to accept it, giving an appreciative coo.
“I love you so, so much. Regardless of what mistakes you make or how your words make me feel.”
Her daughter isn't able to speak yet, but their conversations still leave Nat feeling wholehearted.