Lullabye

[bradyell]

It's been a while huh?!?! To make up for it here's a looong chap for you! There is a shed load of fluffy daddy Aden/Lola stuff at the beginning and then some more angsty stuff at the end and one **'d swear word! I hope you all enjoy it and as this will most likely be the last update before the big day....MERRY CHRISTMAS

18

Following the pizza Nicole had insisted on taking Lola to bed and by the time Aden went up to check on them half an hour later they were both fast asleep on Nicole’s bed. He carried Lola into her own room and after checking on Nicole and tucking a blanket over her left her to sleep.

The following morning Lola woke him at the crack of dawn as usual. They spent a while snuggled in his bed chatting and laughing until Lola started to get restless and noisy and he decided to take her downstairs to avoid waking Nicole.

“Is it Sunday daddy?” The little girl asked as she climbed up onto her seat at the table.

“It is baby, all day.” Aden answered as he pulled open a cupboard and began to take out the things he’d need to make breakfast.

“Yay! I love Sunday!” Lola proclaimed as she smiled happily at him.

“You do huh?”

“Yup, it’s my bestest day.”

“Why’s that then beautiful?” Aden asked as he looked at her over his shoulder.

“Cau….

“Because.” He corrected.

Lola sighed at his interruption but continued. “Because we have pancakes and we go to the beach and we go to nana’s house and I get to spend all my minutes with you.”

“You are just….you are perfect my baby girl, come here.” Aden stepped over to her chair and lifted her into his arms. “I love spending all my minutes with you too angel, I love you.”

“I love you too, you’re my bestest daddy!”

“I’m your only daddy you monkey!” he laughed.

“Well then you are the bestest daddy in all the big whole wide world!” Lola grinned.

“Thanks bub.” Aden smacked a kiss against her lips then returned her to her chair. “Now, what does the bestest daughter in all the big whole wide world want on her pancakes?”

“Chocolate sauce and banana.” Lola answered immediately.

“Why’d I even ask?” Aden grinned as he picked up banana out of the fruit bowl on the side and handed it to his daughter along with a small chopping board and a knife. “Think you can chop this up?”

“Yep, I’m a good chopper daddy, granddad taughted me just what to do.”

“Taught not taughted.” He corrected again. “Just be careful, we don’t want any of those pretty little fingers mixed in with our banana!”

Lola giggled as she began to prepare the fruit and Aden quickly got on with mixing the pancake batter and before too long he was placing a stack of the breakfast treats onto a plate in the middle of the table.

“Here you go gorgeous.” He placed a pink, Disney princess adorned plate in front of the little girl. “Tuck in!”

“Don’t forget the chocolate sauce daddy.” Lola reminded Aden as she took a pancake from the pile and dropped it onto her plate followed by a spoonful of chopped banana.

“As if I would!” He grinned taking the bottle of sauce from the counter and flipping open the lid. “You want me to do it or….”

“I’ll do it!” She insisted taking the bottle from him, tipping it up and squeezing a generous amount over the fruit.

“Whoa angel! I think that’s enough!” Aden laughed as he rescued the bottle from her hands. “Come on, eat up.”

He picked at his own breakfast as he watched Lola tuck enthusiastically into hers. She remained silent until her plate was cleared.

“That was yummy! Thank you daddy!”

“You’re welcome.” He grinned. “You want another one?”

“No thank you.” She replied politely. “My tummy is all filled up. Can I go and play in my room now?”

“You sure can gorgeous….” Aden answered “…After you’ve given me a cuddle.”

Lola climbed off her chair and skipped around the table towards him, her arms outstretched. As soon as she was close enough he lifted her onto his lap and held her tightly against his chest as she wrapped her little arms tightly around his neck.

“I love you daddy.” She mumbled her face buried in the crook of his neck.

“Oh I love you too baby girl.” He replied. “We’ll go to the beach after you’ve played for a little bit yeah?”

“And nana Rene’s house?” Lola asked pulling away so she could see his face.

“And nana Rene’s” Aden answered with a smile.

“Yay!” Lola exclaimed “I’m going to go and get all my things ready.” She pressed a sweet kiss to his cheek and then climbed down from Aden’s lap and skipped towards the stairs.

“Lola.”

The little girl froze in her tracks and turned towards Aden when he called.

“Play quietly yeah; we don’t want to wake up auntie Nic.”

“Ok, I’ll be as quiet as a little tiny teeny mouse.” Lola bellowed back through the room causing Aden to chuckle.

“Good girl.” He replied, laughing further as he watched her tip toe exaggeratedly up the stairs.

*******

“What are you up to?”

Nicole couldn’t help but grin as she pulled open her bedroom door to find Lola creeping past on her tip toes her hand held against her mouth.

“We have to be shhh Coley.” Lola explained in a loud whisper.

“And why would that be?” Nicole asked crouching down and placing her hands on Lola’s waist to pull her closer.

“Cau...because daddy said play quietly so we don’t wake…wait, wait Coley! Daddy said so we don’t wake aunty Nic but you are ready waked up so…so can I be not quiet now?”

“I think that will be ok.” Nicole giggled. “Have you had breakfast?”

“Uh huh.” Lola nodded “Daddy’s pancakes. Now I’m going to get my things ready for the beach and for nana Rene’s house.”

“Sounds like a good plan princess.” Nicole replied, pecking a kiss onto the little girl’s forehead. “I’m gonna go see if there are any pancakes left.”

“Going to Coley not gonna!” Lola corrected with a tut as she walked into her own room leaving Nicole laughing in her doorway.

“Cheeky monkey!” Nicole muttered under her breath as she made her way downstairs.

“Hey, sorry did she wake you up?” Aden asked as he paused in what he was doing to see Nicole enter the kitchen.

“Nah, I was awake.” She answered. “You doing coffee?”

“Yup.” He waved the pot in her direction before placing it back on the counter and reaching up to pluck another mug for her from the shelf above him.

After a few minutes he poured the steaming liquid into their mugs and carried them both to the table placing one in front of Nicole and kept the other in his hands as he sat down opposite her. “How’d you sleep?” he asked, his eyes firmly trained on hers.

“I’ve had better nights.” She answered honestly.

“Princess….” Aden sighed.

“Aden don’t, please don’t.” Nicole whispered as tears sprang to her eyes.

He instantly got up from his chair and made to round the table towards her but she held a hand out to stop him.

“No don’t. Aden I mean it if you touch me I am going to lose it and….and I can’t, not here, not now!”

“Honey I…” Aden trailed off and returned reluctantly to his seat but lay his hand on the table right next to hers. “…you need to talk…to me…to somebody else… I don’t care. But it has to be somebody Nic, please. I can’t sit by and watch this eat you.”

“I want to talk…to you…only you.” She whispered and with a deep breath rested her hand over his. “But I can’t…not right now, I just need a little time to get my head straight. Maybe later yeah?”

“You promise?” Aden asked staring intently at her.

She nodded her head and the corners of her lips rose in a small smile.

“I promise.” She murmured as she allowed him to reach over the table and gently wipe the tears from her cheeks.

“Ok. That’s good.” Aden nodded as he pulled his hand away and picked his drink up again. “So I’ll get the monkey out of the house for a bit. Give you time to unpack and think and whatever. Unless…if you want to come with us or for me…us… to stay…I could just take her to Irene’s or…”

“Aden its fine. You do whatever it is the two of you get up to on a Sunday, I’ll…”

“We go to the beach on a Sunday and I’m all ready!” Lola interrupted her having crept down the stairs unnoticed.

A burst of laughter bubbled over Nicole’s lips as she took in the small girl’s attire.

She was wearing a bright blue, one piece swim suit that had a short green sparkly skirt attached and the little mermaid emblazoned on the chest. Around her waist there was a bright pink inflatable ring and a pair of matching water wings were dangling from her upper arms. She had completed her outfit with a pair of hello kitty sunglasses and, the main reason for Nicole’s laughter, the pair of bright yellow wellington boots she had worn a few days previously.

“What the….” Aden trailed off seemingly at a loss for words as he gazed at his girl.

“I’m all ready….for the beach.” Lola explained.

“And the boots?” Aden asked.

“Oh. I couldn’t find my flippy flops.” The little girl shrugged as if wellington boots were the natural choice when faced with missing flip flops.

“They should be…have you…you can’t…” he raised a fist to his mouth and bit onto his knuckle to hold in the laughter that was threatening to burst free. He took a deep breath and then continued. “Ok. Where have you looked angel, for the flip flops? They must be somewhere.”

“I looked everywhere daddy!” Lola replied seriously.

“Everywhere?” Aden repeated.

“Nearly everywhere.” The young girl corrected herself. “They aren’t in my bedroom and they aren’t in your bedroom and they aren’t in the bath and…”

“Why would they be in the bath?”

*******

As Nicole had requested Aden and Lola spent their Sunday as they usually did, a few hours at the beach followed by lunch and some quality time at Irene’s and then an hour or so at the surf club.

By the time they arrived back home Nicole had unpacked all of her boxes and prepared a simple dinner for them. They ate together and Aden was happy to see that Nicole seemed relaxed and at ease. Once they were finished Lola insisted the two adults join her to watch the princess and the frog, her current favourite DVD. Aden had agreed but insisted that the little girl have her bath and get into her pyjama’s first meaning that when she fell asleep halfway through the film, which he knew she would, he was able to carry her straight up to bed.

“Hey, I’d have done that.” Aden told Nicole as he came down from Lola’s room to find her in the kitchen finishing off the cleaning up from dinner.

“That’s ok, it’s all done now.” She replied as she placed the final plate in the cupboard and closed it firmly.

“Thanks.” Aden smiled sincerely at her. “You want a drink?” he asked as he opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of white wine.

“Silly question!” Nicole laughed as she pulled the cupboard she had just closed open again and took out two glasses.

She carried them into the lounge and placed them onto the table before dropping down onto the couch. Aden followed her in a few moments later with the opened bottle and poured a generous amount into both of the glasses.

“Here you go.” He handed her a glass as he took a long gulp from the other then flopped onto the couch. “I needed that!” he added. “I love my girl heaps but she sure knows how to tire me out! It’s harder than being at work running around after her!”

Nicole nodded as she laughed. “She’s worth it though huh?”

“Totally.” Aden grinned.

They fell into a comfortable silence for a few minutes. Aden rested his head back against the back of the couch and closed his eyes so he jumped slightly when Nicole spoke.

“He started at work a few months back….Nathan I mean.”

“You sure you are ready to do this now princess?” Aden checked as he sat up straight and looked deeply into her eyes.

“Yeah. Like you said, I need to talk about it and…”

“It doesn’t have to be to me. I could call Rachel or…”

“I want it to be you.” Nicole insisted interrupting him. “If…I mean if you don’t want to or…”

“Nic, honey, of course I want to …well not want to…I’d much rather you had nothing to tell but you do and I wanna be the one you trust enough to tell.”

“I do trust you.” She murmured taking a deep breath before continuing. “So he started a few months back, he’s Joanna’s right hand man!”

“Joanna’s like the boss right?”

“Yeah, that’s the one. So we all kind of knew that…well I guess we all wanted to stay on Nathan’s good side. He…he seemed like a really nice guy at first…really down to earth and complimentary about my designs and stuff. He’d been there... I dunno…about three weeks when there was this awards thing. You know hotel, cheap booze, a bit of Perspex on a stand for the best dress and the most inspiring shoes blah blah blah!”

“Yeah I know the thing.” Aden nodded.

“Well, it was just after I’d been out with that model guy and I wasn’t really even that keen on going but he…Nathan…he asked me to go…with him. I agreed and…well we had a good time. There were other people from the office there and we got stuck into the cocktails and…and I was kind of tipsy by the time it came to go home.”

She paused to take a sip of her drink and Aden took the opportunity to reach over and take hold of her hand squeezing it reassuringly.

“Thanks.” She murmured, reassured by the gesture to continue. “So we got a cab home and he…he came in for a coffee…that’s all it was Aden I swear. I wasn’t…anything more wasn’t…”

“Hey, you don’t have to convince me sweetheart, I know you Nic.”

“Thanks.” She repeated once again. “So we had coffee and then…then he…he kissed me…tried to kiss me… I pushed him off straight away …tried to push him off at least.”

“Tried?” Aden exclaimed. His free hand was clutched into a tight fist and his anger was clear to see.

“Yeah, he…he was…persistent. His hands were everywhere and I…I couldn’t get him off Aden.”

Nicole finally succumbed to the tears that had been threatening from the beginning of the conversation.

“Shhh, it’s alright, I’m here, you’re safe now princess. I’ve got you. He’ll never hurt you again, I promise. I’m here now.” Aden pulled her into his arms and held her until she calmed down.

It took a few minutes but eventually her tears subsided enough for her to pull away from him and continue.

“He…I…I managed to get myself out from under him and…and he just…he was horrible and was calling me a tease and saying…saying that I led him on. I didn’t Aden, I swear I didn’t!”

“I know sweetheart.” He murmured pressing kisses into her hair. “I know. So…what happened then?”

“He…he left and the next day at work…it was like nothing had happened. I tried avoiding him but he came in to the office and…he was just…just like he always was. I didn’t know what to do so I just…I did what he did I guess, just pretended it hadn’t happened.”

“You should have told me Nic.” Aden sighed deeply. “I would have…”

“You would have come to the office and punched him and…I didn’t need that Aden. He was…well he wasn’t my boss but he was as good as. All he’d have had to do was say one word to Joanna and that would have been it. I’d have been out of a job. And it was alright, for a while anyways.”

“What changed?”

“We had this pitch to do for this big restaurant chain; they wanted a new design for their staff uniforms. If we pulled it off and got the job it meant huge money for the company. Anyways, Joanna came to see me and told me that she wanted me to work on the design…with Nathan. He had told her that the two of us were close and that we’d be able to do a great job together. The next thing I knew he was in my office talking about materials and colour schemes. It was…I felt uncomfortable the whole time but I…I had to just do it, get on with it you know?”

Aden nodded knowing that was what Nicole needed. What he really wanted to say was that she should have told somebody what was going on and refused to go anywhere near that scumbag but he managed to hold his tongue.

“It was alright for a few days but then…you know when you walk into a room and everybody stops talking and you know they’ve been talking about you? It was like that, everywhere I went in the place I could hear whispering. I found out that Nathan had let it slip…” She made quotation marks in the air with her fingers. “…that we’d been sleeping together since the awards show and they were all saying that I’d only got the chance to do the pitch because of that.”

“Man, I wish I’d knocked that jerk the f**k out when I had the chance.” Aden growled unable to contain himself.

“I know” Nicole whispered. “I walked into the staff room and I heard…they called me a…a whore and a slu….”

“Hey! No way Nic, you are not…you…don’t take that to heart please. You are the most beautiful, kind, amazing person I know. You are a million, million miles away from being…what they said.” He finished with, unable to utter the hateful words himself.

“Thanks.” She murmured. “It was just so hard to even think about him but I had to go back into my office and he was there and…and…”

“And?”

“And…it was the day I came here…Friday…I went back into the office and I was crying and he asked what was wrong and I just lost it and started yelling at him…screaming that it was his fault and how dare he say those things and…he just laughed. He laughed in my face and said as everybody was talking about it we might as well just do it….”

“He what?!” Aden’s fists were clenched again, anger radiating from every pore.

“He backed me into the corner and…and he tried to kiss me again and I was telling him to stop and trying to get him off…I didn’t think I’d be able to…he’s so much bigger than me. Then the door opened and…I don’t even know who it was I just…I ran…I went home and threw some things into a bag and came here. I needed to be here because I knew…I knew I’d be safe here.”

“You are safe here.” Aden murmured as he pulled her into his arms as she began to sob again. “I’m always gonna keep you safe honey, he won’t ever get near you again. I just wished you’d told me this on Friday then yesterday would never have happened.”

“I know.” Nicole sniffled “I didn’t think he’d be there. I was just gonna get my stuff and drop a letter in to Joanna. I was packing up my desk when he came into my office. He…I…I didn’t have a chance to even say anything he just locked the door and he was…he…”

“I know sweetheart.”

“I was so scared Aden. I thought he was…that he would…but then you…you were there…a…and…”

“I’ll always be there Nic, always ok. I’m never ever gonna let you get hurt like that again. I promise princess, I promise.” He murmured into her hair as he held her sobbing form as close to him as he could. “It’s alright now, it’s all gonna be ok.”

He held her and continued to whisper words of comfort until the sobs subsided and then he rested against the back of the couch pulling her to lean against his chest. The only noise for the next fifteen minutes was the occasional sniff from Nicole and the quiet murmur of Aden’s whispers.

Eventually he pulled away slightly and realised that Nicole had cried herself to sleep. As carefully as he could he manoeuvred them both so that he could lift her into his arms and he then gently stood up and carried her up to her room.

As he placed her onto her bed Nicole stirred and he instantly raised his hand to brush her hair out of her face.

“It’s alright honey, go back to sleep.” He whispered and was relieved when she listened to him and closed her eyes again.

He perched himself on the edge of her bed, his hand continuing to brush her hair and spent a while gazing at her, wishing that things had been different but at the same time grateful that she felt safe with him and trusted him enough to open up. He leant forward and softly pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“Night sweetheart” he whispered before standing up and creeping out of the room, quietly closing the door behind him.

[xknomex]

AMAZING CHAPTER!!!

the perfect balance between fluff and seriousness... LOVE Lola! her wellies, and flippy flops being in the bath! :lol!: :lol!:

poor poor Nic, so glad that she could open up to Aden!

and how is Aden!? *sigh*

[HighwayUnicorn]

Mr Aden Jefferies

Loved how protective he was & I loved that he was there for Nicole & she felt comfortable talking to him.

Nathan's a ... a ... very bad person & I want to use a rude word but I shouldn't. It's unsuitable to put on here.

I actually loved that chapter. It started off amazingly well written with Lola. Flip flops in the bath So cute.

& then it got even better & I love Aden's emotions & protectiveness & then I loved Nicole & how she could open up to Aden.

& did I mention the emotions already? Yeah? Well, once again, seriously, it was just amazing! Wow, wow, wow.

Just wow, Ellen. Well done.

I loved it & I look forward to the next update.

Love Carina xxx

[hitmanfan]

ohhhhhhhhhh poor Nic, the talk was heartbreaking

and it started out nice and happy LOVE Lola - correcting Nic and Wellies instead of flippy flops

[Red Ranger 1]

Giving the little girl a chopping knife...hope Aden counted her fingers afterwards.Aden and Nic's reaction to Lola's wellies was brilliant.And then the "angsty bit"...I'm glad Nicole opened up to Aden and I really hope she finds the strength to make sure Nathan's punished.

[bradyell]

So the snow does have its uses...seeing as how i haven't really been able to do all the visiting i'd had planned for this week i've been able to snuggle up in the warm and write some fluff (in between the snowball battles and the sledging trips ) Hope you all enjoy it, i certainly loved writing it!

19

It had been three weeks since Nicole had moved in with Aden and Lola. The three of them had quickly settled into a routine and they all seemed happy with the new arrangement.

Aden had tried many times to encourage Nicole to report the attack and Nathan’s harassment of her to the police but she had refused each time. She had, with his help, written a letter to Joanna explaining what had happened but this was the most she would do claiming that she didn’t want to have to talk about it again.

Being a Wednesday it was Nicole’s turn to collect Lola from pre-school allowing Aden to work a little later. She was greeted with a huge smile from the little girl and had her arm twisted into a detour to the beach on the way home.

“Ten minutes Lola.” She called as the little girl ran ahead onto the sand. “And stay away from the water!” She added.

“They’re hard work at that age aren’t they?” Gina was walking along the grass as the top of the beach and fell into step alongside Nicole.

“Tell me about it!” Nicole replied with a grin.

“Fun though.” Gina mused as she watched Lola use her hands to push sand into a pile and pat it down.

“Absolutely. She’s the funniest thing.”

“Shall we sit?” Before Nicole had a chance to Reply Gina had dropped down onto the sand in clear view of the little girl. “So are you happy to be home or…?”

“Definitely happy to be home.” Nicole replied as she sat down. “Things in the city…well, in the end they didn’t work out like I’d hoped.”

“That’s a shame, a talented girl like you. Have you given any thought as to what you are going to do now?”

“Well there’s not really much call for fashion designers around here.” Nicole sighed sadly.

“Oh, I wouldn’t be to sure.” Gina grinned at her.

“What? I...”

“My year eleven’s have been grumbling about the lack of design on the curriculum.”

“You…I…I’m not a teacher Gina!”

“I realise that.” Gina smiled at her kindly “It would just be part time and I’d have one of our other teachers available to help you out. Not that I think you’d need it.”

“I…I don’t know what to say.” Nicole stammered.

“Just take a couple of days to think it over.” Gina suggested. “You know where to find me.” She gave a reassuring squeeze to Nicole’s shoulder then stood up and after calling goodbye to Lola made her way off the beach towards the surf club.

Nicole sat in stunned silence for a few minutes, thoughts of the offer swirling in her mind. She was brought back to reality by a shout from Lola.

“Is it ten minutes yet Coley?”

“Nearly sweets.” She stood up and made her way over to Lola crouching next to the pile of sand she had made. “How about I help you finish this off then we go home and make a start on dinner?”

“That’s a good idea.”

*******

“I don’t know what they did at pre-school today but she was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow!”

Aden had just returned to the lounge after putting Lola to bed.

“She said she was tired when we were walking home earlier.” Nicole replied. “And she didn’t eat that much at dinner. I hope she isn’t coming down with something.”

“She wasn’t hot or anything.” He answered “We’ll see how she is in the morning. You alright?” he checked as he sat down next to her on the couch.

“Mmm, just thinking.” She replied.

“I thought you’d made your mind up about the job.”

Over dinner Nicole had filled him in on the offer Gina had made and he had convinced her that she’d be crazy not to take it.

“Yeah, it’s not just that. It’s….I don’t know, I…when Gina told me about the job all I could think was I have to tell Aden.”

“Ok…and?”

“And…and it’s like we are this couple or something just without the kissing and stuff.” She stopped abruptly and bit her lip nervously.

“I…do….do you want the kissing and stuff?” Aden asked quietly.

She shrugged her shoulders in reply “Do you?” she whispered.

“Nic I…that night when we kissed a few years back there was a part of me that just wanted to…to not stop and to tell you to stay in the bay….to be with me.”

“But you didn’t.”

“I didn’t. You…you always do so much for everyone else princess and you were finally given this opportunity to do something for you. To use this incredible talent you have. I couldn’t stand in the way of that.”

“And now? I’m here and I’m not going anywhere and….”

Before Nicole could get any further Aden leant forward and brushed his lips against hers.

“Aden I didn’t…” Nicole began only to be interrupted by him as he raised his hands to gently cup her face.

“Shhh.” He whispered as his lips found hers again.

This kiss lasted much longer than the first as Nicole responded, her hands clutching at his shirt in an attempt to pull him even closer.

A satisfied groan sounded from Aden as their kisses intensified each becoming deeper and more passionate than the last. His hands were now tangled in her hair and as the need for breath caused them to part for an instant she used the opportunity to rise onto her knees and slip one leg over both of his.

“God! Are you sure about this Nic?” Aden managed to mutter as she placed a fiery path of kisses along his jaw. She reached his mouth and trailed her tongue slowly across his bottom lip and kissed him deeply again before answering.

“I’m more than sure. Are you?” she asked.

He kissed her again then pulled away moving his hands to her waist he gently pushed her backwards slightly to give them a little distance.

“This is…god this is amazing and I want it…you…I want you so much but I…I wasn’t attacked a few weeks ago.” As he spoke he tenderly played with the hair framing her face.

“This is so far away from that Aden that I…I haven’t even thought about it. I mean you make me feel special and safe and I know that if I wanted to stop you would.”

“I would.” He agreed sincerely.

“But I don’t…I don’t want to stop.”

She shuffled forwards and closed the gap between them again. She wound her arms around his neck as his wrapped around her waist.

“You’re sure?” Aden asked again wanting to be certain she was ok.

Instead of answering with words Nicole initiated a deep, passionate kiss, wiping away any of Aden’s doubts.

One kiss led into another as the intensity increased, their breaths coming in gasps during the brief interludes.

They stayed like that for ten minutes until Nicole broke away and climbed off his lap reaching out to take his hand.

“What? Are you…”

“Yes I’m sure.” Nicole interrupted Aden before he could voice his concerns again.

He stood up and pulled her into his arms, kissing her as soon as he was close enough.

“It’s not just what happened.” He murmured as he broke the kiss. “This is a big deal Nic. It’s us and we are about to…I mean I know it’s not like it’s the first time we’ve done it but…”

“Before was just sex.” She whispered referring to the couple of times they had slept together years before when Aden and Belle had broken up and Belle was in rehab. “This is…it’s different. I want you to make love to me Aden.”

As she spoke he stared deeply into to her eyes and knew that she fully meant everything she was saying. He nodded his head and kissed her, stopping quickly before they got carried away again.

“Come on.” He took her hand and led her up the stairs not stopping until they were outside her bedroom.

She leant her back against the closed door and he rested his hands on either side of her, slowly closing the gap between them as a wide smile lit up his whole face.

“Hey, are you sure you want this?” Nicole asked as his lips brushed against hers and then travelled across her jaw and down her neck. “I mean you aren’t just…I haven’t made you or…”

“Stop talking princess.” Aden grinned as he moved back slightly to look at her. “I want this. I want you. Now.”

He returned his lips to hers, one hand cupping the back of her head the other gliding down the door until it reached the handle which he turned slowly.

The door was just starting to open when a call from across the hallway made him pause instantly.

“Daddy!”

*******

Nicole giggled as Aden let out a groan burying his head against her shoulder for a second before raising it and turning towards Lola’s room.

“Lola, you should be asleep.” He called turning back to face Nicole as they awaited a reply.

“I need you daddy.” The little voice called back.

“Argh!” he groaned quietly.

“Go on.” Nicole urged pushing against his chest. “See what she wants.”

“Don’t go anywhere.” Aden kissed her quickly but passionately. “I’ll be back.”

“I’ll be waiting.” Nicole grinned as he backed away then turned and headed into Lola’s room.

“What’s up angel?” he asked as soon as he was over the threshold of her room.

“I don’t feel good.” Lola murmured.

“You don’t?” Aden crossed the room and crouched down next to her bed as he flicked on the small lamp next to her bed. As the light fell onto her it was instantly obvious that she was unwell. “You don’t look too good baby.” He said as he sat himself on the edge of her bed, gently pushing her hair back from her forehead. Her skin was pale and clammy and as soon as he touched her he realised she had developed a fever.

“I need to be…” Before she could get any further the little girl leant forward and began to throw up onto her quilt.

“Whoa…alright baby, it’s alright.” Aden quickly took hold of her hair and held it out of the way and rubbed her back gently. “You get it all out sweetheart.”

“Oh honey!” Nicole had come into the room as she heard Aden’s exclamation.

“I don’t feel good.” Lola cried again as she sat up straight.

“I can see. Here, I’ll see to that.” Nicole said as Aden tried to move the doona away from Lola.

“Thanks.”

Nicole gingerly folded the clean part of the quilt over the sick and carefully picked it up as Aden lifted Lola into his arms.

“Come on baby girl, let’s go and clean you up. Nic, will you bring the paracetamol up with you? It’s in the kitchen in the cupboard above the fridge.”

“Sure. I won’t be long.”

Aden carried the little girl into the bathroom and closed the lid of the toilet before sitting down on it.

“Let’s get this off you first.” He told Lola who was perched on his lap. She moved away from where she was leaning against him so that he could pull her nightdress over her head. “Well that explains things.” He muttered as the removal of the nightwear revealed a number of red spots on her torso.

“What is it?” Lola asked as Aden moved her slightly so he could see her back where he found more of the marks.

“Lola Belle, you have the chickenpox.” He exclaimed.

“The chicken….I don’t want to be a chicken daddy!” Lola cried as her bottom lip began to tremble.

“You won’t be a chicken baby.” Aden chucked as he pulled her into a cuddle. “You’re just going to get a bit spotty and a bit itchy and probably feel a bit yucky for a few days.”

“I ready feel yucky.” Lola replied with a sniffle.

“I know gorgeous.” Aden soothed as he pressed kisses into her hair. “Daddy’s got you angel. We’ll get you cleaned up and give you some medicine and then you can come and sleep with me ok? How’s that sound?”

“Good.” Lola answered simply and quietly, confirming to Aden how unwell she must feel.

“Good girl. Let’s clean you up.” He reached out and plucked her toothbrush and tube of toothpaste from the cup on the side of the sink. Balancing the brush on the side he managed to load it with paste with one hand and then handed it to the little girl who raised it to her mouth and gave her teeth a quick brush. Whilst she was doing that he took a face cloth from the pile folded on the shelf above the sink and held it under the warm tap until it was soaked. He squeezed all the excess water from it and when Lola had dropped her tooth brush into the sink he wiped it gently over her face.

By the time Nicole returned to them clutching a bottle of children’s paracetamol Aden had finished washing her and had a fluffy white towel draped over Lola’s shoulders.

“That better princess?” Nicole asked as she crouched down in front of them.

“I have the chicken spots.” Lola said sorrowfully

“What? Really?” Nicole cried as Aden nodded and moved the towel to show Nicole the spots. “Oh Lola! You poor thing.”

“I’m not going to be a chicken.” she explained helpfully. “But I feel very yucky so I have to sleep with daddy in his bed.”

Nicole looked up at Aden and as he caught her eye he mouthed the word sorry. She smiled widely at him to let him know without words that he had no need to apologise. Lola’s health and happiness was as important to her as it was to him.

“That’s a very good idea.” She replied as she returned her attention to Lola. “I think you are going to need lots of cuddles and your daddy is very good at those.” She flashed her eyes back to Aden and winked as he grinned down at her.

“He’s the best at cuddles.” Lola agreed then yawned loudly as she snuggled back against Aden.

“Come on poorly girl.” He said as he held out a hand to help Nicole stand up and then stood up himself. “Say goodnight to auntie Nic.”

“Goodnight Coley.” She murmured.

“Night pretty girl. Sweet dreams” Nicole replied kissing her cheek. “Here you go.” She handed Aden the bottle of paracetamol and a small plastic spoon.

“Thanks princess.” He smiled as he took it from her making sure his fingers brushed against hers. “You have sweet dreams too.” He leant forwards and pressed a warm kiss on her cheek before moving his lips until they were hovering just above her ear. “I know I will.” He whispered.

[HighwayUnicorn]

Another fanatasic update Ellen.

Poor Lola, thinking she would turn into a chicken. That was funny.

& Nicole & Aden! You know, usually, I would be so against it if Belle was still in the picture. But she's not.

& you wrote it just ... perfectly. How you write their relationship is actually amazing.

A brilliant update & thank you very much for doing another one - I wasn't expecting one until after Christmas!

So thumbs up to the snow for that one.

I look forward to more.

Love Carina xxx

[Red Ranger 1]

Awww, on every single level.Glad about Nicole getting the job offer and good that she's going for it. Aden and Nicole, totally cute.And I loved the way Lola interrupted them and glad that there wasn't anything that seriously wrong with her.Looking forward to more of this!

[bradyell]

Your first 2011 Lullabye update!! It's been a long time coming!!! Hope you guys enjoy

20

Nicole sat at the kitchen table her laptop open in front of her as she nibbled on a piece of toast. She had been up for an hour and after showering and getting dressed she was using the time to look up chickenpox on the internet hoping to find something to ease Lola’s suffering.

“Morning.” Aden mumbled as he walked into the room to join her.

“Hey.” She grinned up at him “Coffee?”

“Yes.” Aden sighed gratefully “You think you could set up an IV of the stuff?”

“Bad night?” she asked as she stood up from the table and walked over to get the pot of coffee and a mug.

“Yeah, she was sick another couple of times and then in between was just really restless.”

“The poor little thing.” Nicole sympathised as she handed him his drink. “Is she asleep now?”

“Uh huh. She seems pretty settled for now so I’m just gonna grab this and then have a shower whilst I’ve got chance.”

“Good idea. Well, I’ve been swatting up…” she nodded to her laptop “…and there are a few lotions and things that will help with the itching so I was gonna head out to the shops to stock up.”

“What would we do without you?” Aden grinned as he placed his coffee cup onto the side.

“I’m sure you’d manage.” Nicole replied with uncharacteristic shyness. “So…yeah…I’ll go now.”

She picked up her purse and keys from the table and went to make her way out of the room when Aden grabbed hold of her hand and pulled her towards him.

“Come here.” He whispered before pressing his lips to hers.

It took a second for Nicole to respond but she soon began to kiss him back, winding her arms around his neck as his wrapped around her waist pulling her as close to his body as he could.

He wanted her to know that what had happened between them the night before hadn’t been a one off. He wanted to be with her properly, for them to be a couple and he was pretty sure she wanted the same thing. He knew they’d need to talk more but in the kitchen after a restless nights sleep with a poorly little girl upstairs was not the time or place for a deep and meaningful conversation. He just hoped that the kiss would do for now in conveying how he felt and was reassured by the smile on her face when they eventually parted.

“Just hurry back yeah?” He whispered

“I will.” She grinned widely as she pecked another kiss against his lips “bye.”

He watched her leave and then turned to pick up his coffee taking a long gulp as he pulled out a chair. He was just about to sit down when a cry from upstairs halted him in his tracks.

“Daddy?”

“I’m here baby, I’m coming.” He called as he pushed the chair back underneath the table and headed back upstairs taking his drink with him. He pushed open his bedroom door to find Lola sitting in the middle of his bed scratching at the spots that had appeared overnight on her arms. “Whoa, angel don’t scratch.” He warned hurrying into the room and placing his cup on the nightstand before sitting down on the bed and taking the little girls hands in his own.

“But it’s scratchy daddy.” Lola replied sadly.

“I know bub.” He raised her hands and kissed them before dropping them so he could rub her arms gently. “How about a bath huh?”

“With bubbles?” Lola asked hopefully.

“Erm, I don’t know sweetheart.” Aden was reluctant, unsure if the bubbles would aggravate the spots. “Let me call Rachel and ask. We don’t want to make you more itchy do we huh?”

Lola shook her head in answer.

He bent down to drop a kiss on her head as he picked up his phone.

Lola watched on as he talked to Rachel and he had to pause his conversation a few times to repeat his instruction for her to not scratch.

After thanking Rachel for her advice he hung up and lifted Lola onto his lap.

“No bubbles baby.” He told her sadly, hating seeing the disappointment on her face.

“But daddy…”

“I know beautiful, as soon as your spots are gone you can have a huge bubble bath I promise.”

“Will my spots be gone tomorrow?” Lola asked

“No, not tomorrow sweetheart, it’ll be a few weeks.”

“That’s a lot of days daddy. Will I be scratchy on all them days?”

“I don’t think so, auntie Nic has gone to get you some cream and Rachel said we can put some powder in your bath that will help with the itching.”

“So I can have a powder bath?”

“Yeah you can if we can find some powder.” Aden replied. “Want to come help me look?” he asked.

“Yes daddy because I don’t like being on my alone.”

“I don’t like you being on your alone either.” He grinned as he stood up holding her tightly in his arms.

*******

After searching through the kitchen cupboards Aden eventually found a pot of the bicarbonate soda that Rachel had recommended he put in Lola’s bath. He sprinkled in a generous amount and then left the pot next to the bath, certain that it was going to be used a few times over the next few days.

Feeling too unwell and listless to play with her toys like she usually did Lola asked to come out of the bath after just a few minutes. Aden wrapped her in a fluffy towel and carried her to her room where he dried her and helped her into a clean pair of short pyjamas.

Once she was ready he collected a spare quilt from the linen cupboard and carried her downstairs to the lounge where he made her comfortable on the couch, laying the quilt loosely over her.

“Can we watch a princess film daddy?” She murmured as he crouched in front of her, pushing her hair from her forehead.

“Which one baby?”

Lola thought about it for a moment before answering “Beauty and the beast.”

Aden pressed a kiss to her forehead and nodded before heading over to the shelf where all their DVD’s were stored. After a few minutes he had found the one that she had requested and had slotted it into the player.

“Will you watch with me daddy?” Lola asked.

Aden looked into the kitchen where he had been planning on heading to make a start on preparing their lunch and doing some washing then back to Lola who was staring at him with her big brown eyes full of hope. There was no way he could say no.

“I will baby, here you go.” He lifted her up slightly and sat down before bringing her head to rest in his lap. “Comfy?” he asked.

“Uh huh.” Lola nodded contentedly as he brushed his fingers through her hair.

Less than half an hour into the film she had fallen to sleep. Not wanting to disturb her Aden pressed pause and was happy just to watch his girl sleeping peacefully until Nicole arrived back home an hour later.

“Hey.” Aden grinned at her as she crept through the door.

“Hi.” She whispered back. “How is she?”

“About the same.” He answered and even though he was quiet Lola began to stir on his lap.

Nicole placed the bags she was carrying onto the floor and crouched in front of Lola so that when she opened her eyes she was the first thing the little girl saw.

“Hey pretty girl.” She murmured when Lola opened her eyes. “How’re you feeling?”

Lola yawned and stretched before answering. “I feel yucky Coley.”

“You do?” Nicole leant forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead “That’s not good is it? I wonder if there’s anything I can do to make you feel a little better? Maybe a present would work?”

“You have a present for me?” Lola asked instantly perking up.

Aden chuckled as he helped her to sit up.

“You shouldn’t have Nic.” He said as Nicole placed a large spotted gift bag onto the couch next to Lola.

“Of course I should!” Nicole replied instantly. “It’s a chicken pox survival kit!”

“I’m pretty sure she doesn’t need all that!” He grinned as Lola began to remove items from the bag.

As well as tubes of calomine lotion and aloe vera to help with the spots the bag contained a new pair of pyjama’s, some princess hair ties, colouring books and pens, a couple of DVD’s and a selection of Disney comics.

“She does.” Nicole insisted.

“There are lots of things.” Lola pointed out as she finally emptied the bag. “And I do feel a teeny bit better now.”

“What do you say to Auntie Nic?” Aden reminded Lola.

“Thank you Coley.” Lola exclaimed throwing her arms around Nicole’s neck.

“You are welcome sweet girl. Now, I’ve been to the diner and your nana Rene gave me her special recipe for soup that she promises will make you feel heaps better. I’ve got all the ingredients so you enjoy your pressies and I’ll go and get cooking ok?”

“You’re cooking? Really?” Aden asked with a grin.

“Yes.” Nicole replied trying her hardest to look offended but failing as she couldn’t help but return Aden’s grin. “Irene gave me step by step instructions. I can’t go wrong.”

“We’ll see.” He laughed. “I’ll just settle my girl here then I’ll come and give you a hand.”

“Cool.” Nicole stood up and headed into the kitchen carrying the remainder of the bags.

*******

By the time Aden had settled Lola and made it into the kitchen Nicole was already busy chopping vegetables.

He tiptoed up behind her and slipped his arms around her waist.

“Hey” He whispered into her ear before placing a warm kiss just underneath it.

“Hey yourself.” She replied.

“Thanks for the presents. That was really good of you.” He whispered as his hands moved up her back and began to rub her shoulders.

“It’s my pleasure. I’m glad she liked them and they seemed to do the trick.”

“Yeah they did.”

He leant over her shoulder to read the recipe that Irene had written out, his hands pausing as he did so.

“Hmm, don’t stop.” Nicole groaned as she leant back against him.

“Feels good huh?” Aden grinned as his hands began to work again.

“Yeah, I’m all achy today.” She told him. “I guess it’s all the running around.”

“Yeah? You sure? Come here a sec.” He turned her around in his arms and pressed his lips to her forehead. “You’re pretty hot princess.”

“I bet you say that to all the girls.” she quipped.

“Nic!” He warned with a laugh. “I think you have a fever.”

“What? No! It’s just hot out and the stove is on and…what are you…Aden stop!”

She wriggled away from him as he tried to lift her top up.

“Just let me…”

“Aden!”

“Just let me look.” He laughed. “Seriously, no funny business, just let me see.”

“See what?” Nicole asked as she relented and stood still so he could lift her top up to expose her stomach.

“See these.” Aden answered as he pointed to the cluster of spots above her belly button. “You have the pox princess.”

[xknomex]

naawwwwwwwwwww love it!!!!!!!!!!!! see thats how amazing Aden is, he loves Beauty and the Beast toooooooooo

and a chicken pox survival kit! BRILLIANT! but all you really need is Aden hehe

aww Nicole has the pox toooo, that means even more amazing Adenness! *sigh*

can't wait for more!