Chapter Text
Jim startled awake when he heard the crying. He was out of bed, cringing when his cold feet hit the floor, running into the other room.
Saavik had pulled herself up by the bars of the crib and was crying, big tears running down her cheeks.
“Oh sweetheart, come here.” Jim picked her up. “Did you have a nightmare, ladybug?”
She sniffled and put her head on his shoulder.
“You’re okay. I got you.” He grabbed her blankie from the crib and went back to the bedroom.
In the meantime, Spock had woken up and was sitting in bed.
“Is she alright?”
Jim kissed the side of her head. “Someone had a nightmare. So we’re all going to cuddle up, Saavik, Tati and Daddy.”
He put their daughter in the middle of the bed and climbed back in. Saavik rolled on her side towards Spock and grabbed his hand forcefully.
“We are here, tal-kam.” He cooed, lying back down to be face to face with her. “You are alright.”
“Ta-Ta” She announced and pulled his fingers apart to inspect them.
Jim grinned at his husband. “Well, I hope you were done with sleep for tonight.”
“She will tire herself out. And she can take a nap earlier tomorrow.“
Spock was on paternity leave for at least a year while their daughter was still an infant, only 18 months old. After that, she would attend a daycare for the children of Starfleet officers, located on campus so that Spock could return to his teaching position.
Meanwhile, Jim was working part-time. They had established a routine, many months after Saavik had come into their lives, and it changed with every milestone she hit. She was becoming mobile, so they were going to switch her to a new bed to prevent the risk of injuries.
But for now, she was safely tucked in between them, kicking her little legs and babbling while playing with her father’s hand.
Jim propped his head up on his hand and leaned over to blow a raspberry against her chubby little cheek. Saavik squealed and giggled, wrapping her little fingers around a strand of his hair and tugging forcefully.
He winced and carefully removed himself from her grasp.
“Are you bossing daddy around? Yes, you are. My little ladybug.”
Saavik looked at him, her big brown eyes resembling Spock’s so much that it hurt in his chest.
“I could meld with her, to help her fall back asleep.” Spock suggested after a while. “Or take her outside, so you can get more sleep.”
Jim was sprawled on his side, one of his fingers in his daughter’s grip as she gnawed on it, barely keeping his eyes open. “Nono, m fine. You sleep.”
He heard a sigh and opened one eye to find his husband climbing out of bed and picking up their daughter. “Come with me, ko-fu. Daddy is sleepy. We may go and read a book if you do not wish to sleep.”
Jim stretched his hand out towards them. “Nooo don’t leave.” He slurred. “M gonna miss you. Stay? You can read here.”
There was more rustling and when he opened his eyes again, Spock sat back against the headboard, Saavik on his lap and a book in his hand. “Der Levone’s Shvesterl…”
Jim must have fallen asleep eventually, because when he woke up, the sun was shining through a gap in the blinds and he heard noises from the kitchen. He got out of bed, and after a quick detour to the bathroom, he joined his husband and daughter in the kitchen.
Saavik was in her high chair, mashing up banana slices with her fists. Spock handed his husband a cup of coffee and leaned in for a kiss. “Did you sleep well, adun?”
“Like a rock. Thank you so much, honey. You’re amazing.” Jim took a sip from his coffee and sighed in satisfaction. “I love you.”
“LUW!” Saavik shouted and almost knocked her plate from the tray.
Jim grinned and kissed the top of her head. “Yeah, I love you too. Are you gonna be good for tati today? Daddy is going to work in a bit.”
“Dada” She nodded wisely, her curls bouncing.
“You need to have breakfast before you go.” Spock said, turning to the counter. “Are you bringing David home tonight?”
“Yep.” Jim replied, accepting a place with banana bread. “I’m picking him up after work.”
“How long will he be home?”
“At least three weeks.” He looked up to find his husband pulling a face. “Don’t look at me like that, I’m not happy with it either.”
“This inconsistency is not good for him.” Spock said sourly. “If Carol is not equipped to agree to a schedule, perhaps we should reconsider this custody agreement.”
Jim shook his head. “No. I’m not going to take him away from her.”
“You are kinder than she is.”
“Honey.” He admonished, not quite wanting to talk about this right now.
“My apologies. I am looking forward to David coming home.” Spock bent over to wipe Saavik’s hands and face. “Did you hear that, tal-kam? David is coming home tonight.”
“Dawwwh”
“Good enough.” Jim finished his banana bread and got up. “Well, I gotta go. You cuties have fun today.“
Spock pulled him into a hug. “I am sorry.” He whispered and Jim cupped his cheek.
“It’s okay. I love you.”
“I love you as well. Have a good day at work.”
“Thank you.” Jim kissed him and then removed himself from the hug to kiss the top of his daughter’s head. “I’ll see you tonight. Can you say bye bye daddy?”
Saavik threw her hands in the air. “Bye bye dada!”