Cold Feet 5 - Late Night Wanderings By Astra She crept down the short hall as silently as she could, feeling his presence just behind her. She motioned to him without looking. *Quiet.* Faint noises drew them closer yet they both knew enough to be cautious. They didn't want to wake them if they really were asleep. A muffled giggle escaped from behind the closed door, ending any question there might have been that one of them, at least, might be sleeping. And if that one was giggling... They took up positions on either side of the doorway, just out of the sensor's reach. Waiting... Another giggle, then something else... another voice. Perfect. She gave him the signal, still clutching the item that had started this late night foray. Together they reached up, activating the sensors almost at the same moment. The door slid open and another laugh greeted them, cut off abruptly. "Surprise!" The yelled, running full speed into the room and taking a running leap. "Oooof." The bed's occupants broke apart just fast enough to avoid being completely flattened. Triumphant she laughed and wiggled down into the warm bedding. Beside her another body fought for a share of the coverings. Arms went around her, wrestling her. "Come here, you troublemaker." She giggled and kicked her feet playfully. "What are you two monsters doing up?" Mama demanded, amusement lighting her eyes, despite her stern look. "I found it." She announced, holding her prize up for her parents to see. "The missing sock." "I helped." Jacques added. "And where might this errant garment have been hiding?" Papa asked in his "captain's voice." Jacqui snuggled closer to him and smiled. "In the doll house. My dolls were having a sleep-over and needed sleeping bags." "Naturally." Papa replied, casting his eyes ceiling-ward over her head as he looked over at Mama. "And of course you had to show us this now. It couldn't wait til morning." "We would have waited if you were sleeping. But we heard you laughing so we knew it was ok." Jacqui replied huffily. "I know better than to wake you up." "Cause it makes you crabby." Jacques added helpfully. "Who's crabby?" Mama demanded, tickling the little boy. "I will be if my family doesn't let me get some sleep." Jean-Luc stated, softening the statement as he looked at Beverly. "All of you." "Yes, papa." Jacqui said, kissing him before climbing over him to get out of bed. "Yes papa." Jacques agreed, letting Beverly lower him into Jacqui's arms. Good nights were shared all around and the children left, whispering together. Just before the door closed they heard Jacques ask his sister, "What has Mama's nightgown got to do with us getting a little brother or sister?" Beverly flopped face down onto the pillow and groaned. "It was your idea, Beverly. See what happens when you keep me from getting my much needed rest." She turned her head enough to give him a look. "Maybe we should just get some sleep." "Maybe I should get rid of this nightgown." She countered. "Don't you dare." He gathered her into his arms and kissed her. She responded, but the mood was gone. And it was late. "Let's just go to sleep." He conceded at last. "Yes papa." As they settled down, Jean-Luc felt an odd lump in the bed and reached down to retrieve it. It was the sock. He scowled at it for a second before Beverly took it out of his hand and tossed it the general direction of the closet. He never did like socks. :::end:::