"it's unreal," simon would breathe, cradling the little bundle closer to his chest. his mask was off; he hardly wore it anymore. there was no need; not around you or the little one. it had been quite the adjustment. you— a relationship, a constant partner in his life. you had chosen him. why, he still couldn't wrap his head around.

everything had seemingly happened so fast. he proposed. you two married, bought a house together and now? now you two had a baby together. a new, fresh life to care for. you two had made this, together.

slowly, he'd pull his gaze away from the infant in his arms, his attention being pulled to you. "rest," he assured you tenderly, his voice not but a quiet rumble. he could tell just how tiring the entire pregnancy had been but you had been beautiful; stunning, glowing. a vision he did not know he needed and had already come to miss. not only that, but adjusting to a new baby was no simple task. the constant attention, whining, crying— you were exhausted. he was exhausted, but he could manage.

he didn't mind taking over for a while. it gave him some quality time with his child, you the opportunity to catch up on sleep. so, he would usher you away into the bedroom, slipping the sheets over your form and a kiss to your forehead. "call if you need," he murmured, a calloused thumbs swiping over your cheek, "the little one and i are only a room away."

with that, he was off; settling him and the babe onto the couch. offering them that warm smile he so often wore these days, a long sigh leaving his nostrils. "what are your mummy and i to do with you, hm?" he murmured, pressing a raspberry to their cheek, earning a squeal and giggle from the baby, "you're lucky you're a cute bugger, aren't you?"