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At the core of it, they were children. Wrought with expectations that society put on them, and no way to shield themselves from the consequences. Qifrey was very much aware of how tiny each of his children were in the grand scope of the reality that the world forced on them. Too young for such expectations like understanding harsh rules and punishments. Try as he might, All of the children under his care were precious, and he could do little but fall in love with them.
He supposed it was Coco that sealed his fate. A child that was a victim to the manipulations of adults. He knew full well that she would have never encountered such a book, had the Brimmed caps not prayed on her curiosity and innocence. How was she supposed to know that the act of drawing would breed such tragedy? In spite of his own childish ambitions, her sudden illness drove his needs to a halt. Firmly. It was true, even he sometimes forgot that no matter what, Coco was only a child. What right did he have to force her to play along with his burdens when she had so many himself?...She was only a child. Yet, she was so unbelievably strong. He couldn't help but want to strip her down to being just so. A child who could just simply be.
One thing that Coco was shy about was touch. Somehow in her mind, she believed that somehow she was excluded in the simple pleasures that touch provided. Whereas Tetia, and Richeh, had no problem taking over his personal space and Agotts growing fancy of holding his hand. Coco still remained hesitant and shy. Sure, she Occasionally forgot her own limitations she set upon herself. If she was conscious of it, she willingly refused to come to him. Even in fear, he was more of the one who reached out to her, than the other way around. He had a feeling that Coco still felt unwelcome in his home. At the core of it he wondered if her earlier tribulations forced her to reason to herself that she was unlovable and undeserving of needing comfort. It broke his heart to think so.
It was an early evening in the Atelier when Qifrey decided to fix this issue for her. It was after their lessons and a snow storm rattled the windows angrily. Though the fire was lively, the other children huddled around him for added comfort and warmth. (Something about him hogging all of his precious body heat) He could read that Coco very much wanted to join in... Often staring longingly after the other children when they asked for cuddles and hugs. While they had no issue with crowding him. Coco remained on the other side of the carpet, watching. ‘Well that won’t do!’ He thought.
“Tetia, won't you reach into that basket beside the couch and hand me a blanket?” Qifrey asked, while glancing knowingly at Coco. ‘Must you be so stubborn?’ He could see her blush as she met his gaze.
Tetia reaches into the basket and pulls out a large blanket. “Actually, pull out the smaller one as well.” If he was going to do this he was going to do it the right way.
Tetia returned to the basket beside her and pulls out another, smaller blanket.
“Alright, you three cuddle in closer.” He commands, and unfolds the blanket and opens it wide. The blanket was large enough to fit all five of them comfortably. “Richeh, move over a moment. I don't want to hurt your head.” Richeh grumbles but moves over. “Tetia, Agott, tuck the corners of the blanket around yourselves - Coco” he calls, grabbing the smaller blanket and looking at her Gently.
Coco jumps from her haze, not expecting him to call for her. He was sure in her mind she concluded that this was a private family moment. That would include you too, silly girl!
“Come over here, Won't you? You look chilly over there all by yourself!”
He opens his arms wide in a welcoming invitation to her.
“But- master… it's just-” she tried to protest.
“You’re part of this family too. Cuddles are part of it, no?” He said Coaxing the girl. If anyone could use cuddles it was Coco.
Coco scooches over hesitantly unsure if what he said was true. When Coco came within reach and before she could hesitate. Qifrey reaches out with both arms and wraps Coco up in the blanket, picking her up much like an infant. Coco was stunned at the sudden movement but before she knew it, she melted in his arms. Qifrey rearranged the blanket around her, making sure that all limbs were under the covers. He could hold his girls all day like this, and never grow tired. Coco was unbelievably light, and radiated heat much like a snug stone. In fact, as he held her the other girls couldn't help but move closer to her as well.
“Nevermind master, Coco’s definitely hogging the heat!” Exclaimed Tetia. Qifrey couldn't help but chuckle as the other girls got closer. His and Coco's personal space was null at this point, and he had no choice but to happily concede.
Qifrey starts to rock Coco slowly, and whispers “You don't have to be shy, here. All cuddles are welcome!”
With that, all the worrying that had shone on her face earlier melted away.
Qifrey rearranges coco to sit on his lap. Keeping the smaller blanket around her and moving the blanket over them both. He then frees his hands one last time. “Agott, Pass that book here.” Gesturing the book he had intended to read to them earlier. Agotts, eyes grew with excitement as she could see the pages of her favorite book.
“Master, you’re going to read this?” She asks with a hint of excitement. Qifrey Nodds and receives the book. He brings his hands around Coco, duly embracing her and getting ready to read to the girls as well.
One of Qifrey’s favorite things was his size. He enjoyed the fact that he was able to provide a Shielded comfort for the girls. Coco was still so small, he towered over her in every regard. Being able to read while she was in his lap was a happy instance. Not only did he get to cuddle her, but he got to read to the rest of his girls. There was no better way to spend an evening than this. He would gladly provide more.
Sometime later….
There was a noticeable quiet as Olruggio made his may back to the main living space carrying brushbuddy. He had spent most of the day cleaning up his workshop and organizing orders. In a short moment of freedom from his work he ventures to the kitchen in order to make a snack. Though as he approached the living room what he saw gave him pause.
Qifrey and his students in a puppy pile by the hearth. He couldn’t help the smile that bloomed on his face as he wandered over. Throwing another piece of wood on to the fire, Olly then wanders over to the couch and lays down behind Qifrey. Not a hint of movement from the bigger man in front, or the tiny girls that surrounded him.
If he couldn’t beat them, he saw no reason not to join them, too. He grabs a forgotten blanket from the floor and grabs Brushbuddy placing him on his lap. He turned his head and he couldn't help the small smile of victory as he saw a hint of green hair in Qifrey’s lap.
He knew that Coco's tendencies prevented her from seeking comfort. He knew more that when Qifrey put his mind to something he was quite persuasive. Of The two He knew that Qifrey was the stubborn one. Coco was going to be cuddled whether she felt included or not.
Olly closes his eyes, marking another win in Qifrey’s parenting book of wins.