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He releases a shuddery breath before nodding quickly. "Please. That. Y-yours. Want it."
I hum in pleasure, relief slowly loosening the ache in my chest. "Let's get you undressed then. You can soak while you eat and drink. Then it's bedtime."
"You'll stay though?" he asks, his eyes filling with tears again.
"Of course." I brush hair off his forehead and press a kiss to the newly exposed skin. "You're mine now, little one. I'm not going anywhere."
If I had any doubt that there's a little boy inside Casey, it disappears when he argues with me about leaving the bath. He hadn't cared about me seeing him naked, even asking me to join him - which I had politely declined, not sure if he'd regret it once he sobered up. I had let him soak in the lavender bubble bath I found in their cupboard while hand-feeding him bites of a meal bar and fresh grapes and helping him sip water. Despite how sleepy he got once full, he refused to get out. He even talked me into refilling the water and adding more bubbles, so it was warm and "fluffy" again. When he reached the point of exhaustion where he could no longer keep his eyes open and his body started swaying, I told him it was time to get out.
That was 5 minutes ago.
He's good at pulling at my heartstrings, his big blue eyes softening me for the blow of each needy plea.
"The water is getting cool again," I argue after he whines about it being so nice and warm. "I'm not filling the bath a third time, little one."
"But - but the bubbles aren't all gone yet!"
"They're almost gone."
"Almost."
"You're going to be a giant prune soon."
"That rhymed." He giggles. Then he remembers he’s arguing with me and pouts instead. "Would you not like me if I was a giant prune?"
I chuckle. "I'd still like you, but-"
"Then I don't mind."
"Casey, little one, it's time to get out."
"But - but-"
"Casey," I say again, this time with a stern voice. His bottom lip wobbles. Shit. Shit, shit, shit. I grasp at an excuse that will make him happy to get out, hoping to recover the situation before he loses it. "Don't you want to cuddle?"
He perks up, wobbly lip forgotten. "With you?"
"And your dolphin."
"David."
I fight a frown, confused but not wanting him to think I’m upset. "David?"
"My dolphin,” he says, his tone indicating this should be obvious. "His name is David. He can snuggle too?"
Oh no.
Oh, I am such a fucking goner for this boy.
How did I ever convince myself otherwise?
"David the dolphin can totally snuggle too."
He shoots up to his feet, water splashing everywhere. He doesn't seem to notice. "Let's go!"
I grin, helping him out of the tub and wrapping him up in the biggest, fluffiest towel I could find. He sinks against me as I rub my hands along his cotton-covered skin, letting me guide him toward his room. He hovers near the door as I quickly make up his bed properly, giving me a sleepy smile when I place David in the center between where our bodies will be. "Should we get you dressed or are you still more comfortable sleeping naked?"
He blushes adorably, shuffling his feet. "Naked."
