Jude
I took off the second the little girl did. She was blasted fast- took me five minutes to even figure out where she was, let alone catch up. I managed to get a few feet away from her.... and she bolted again. Biting down a swear, I took off again. I finally caught up- finally - and wrapped my arms around her from behind. Maybe not the best idea. I got a hard bite to the forearm. Whimpering, I set her down on the steps of another building.
"Sh, sh, it's okay, hush now," I said awkwardly. I had no experience with children. "Now, mind telling me why you're crying?" I said gently, taking her small hands in mine.
"Your hands are cold," she choked out.
"I know- is that why? Oh dear, let me warm them up real quick.." Mission accomplished. The girl giggled a little.
"No... I just..." She began to cry again. On instinct, I pulled her into my arms, rocking her. After a few seconds, I got an idea. I pulled away, reaching into the back pocket of my cloak.
"This," I said, pulling out my stuffed puppy, "is Rosco."
"Rosco?"
"Yes, Rosco. That's my brother's name." I made a face. "Rosco always stole my pillow..." I said wistfully. The girl giggled again, petting Rosco's head.
"Why would your brother want your pillow?"
"No idea," I said, turning my head back to her. "But you can borrow Rosco for tonight, if you want." I said, holding the puppy out. She looked on with wide eyes.
"Really?"
"Sure."
She took the dog, nuzzling his nose. The bird cheeped, and I gave it a look that went, for the most part, unnoticed. The girl yawned loudly, then covered it. I laughed.
"If you're sleepy, you're sleepy. Come on, up up," I said in the most maternal voice I could. I scooped her up, tucking Rosco between her and me. By the time we got back to the little group, she was fast asleep. OLT gave me an impressed look, to which I replied with a shrug. The older girl took the small one, and I massaged my arms, already sore.
"What's your name?" I said, tilting my chin up towards the two boys.
"Luke," the young-looking one said smoothly.
"Not you," I said with an eyeroll. I'd long since been immune to suave boys. "You." I said, tipping my head to OLT.
"Jurian."
Jurian. Huh.
Nice name.
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