hot_water | Fic: Tahno the Businessman Father

Tahno stretches as he shuts the door, loosening his tie. Ling, his wife, comes to greet him with a kiss on the cheek, and he wraps an arm around her shoulders.

"How was work?" she asks, leaning her head on his chest.

"Cutthroat," Tahno says, managing a tired smile. "How is Shui? And how are you?"

"I'm fine. Shui is--"

Tahno perks up as he hears the baby fussing. His smile softens, and he gives Ling a squeeze before releasing her. He sets his briefcase aside and crosses to Shui's room. Ling offers him a smile as he crosses the threshold, and heads to the kitchen.

"Hello, baby," Tahno whispers, scooping the infant up underneath her arms and supporting her head. He nuzzles her neck, noticing that she smells of milk and baby powder. His gaze gentles, and he kisses her cheeks. "Hello, sweetheart."

He checks her diaper and rests her on his shoulder, patting her on the back. Then he crosses to their rocking chair and settles.

"Oh, little lotus flower," Tahno sings gently, cradling her in the crook of his elbow. She wriggles and fusses, and he gives her his finger to grip. "In the shadow of the great wall--oh, little lotus flower, far, far away..."

He kisses her downy head, amazed at how fast her hair is growing, and how soft and warm her skin is. "Oh, little lotus flower, shining like the moon," he sings, "Oh, little lotus flower, gone, oh, gone, too soon. Gone, oh, gone, too soon."

Shui yawns again, nestling against her father's chest. He sighs, stroking her head, and leans down to cuddle with his baby, his favorite part of the day.