#//“thank you miss camilla” we all say in unison

[nohrslittleflower]

[Water ] - The liquid of life, the quencher of thirst. Served in crystalline glasses. And what’s more dramatic than throwing water at someone’s face!

"Don't forget to drink some water while you're having fun!" She gave her littlest sister a warm smile.

Elise beams back at her sister as she’s handed a cold glass of water. She has to hold herself back from launching herself into a hug, but she doesn’t wanna spill water on the both of them. It would ruin her sister’s pretty outfit, she can’t do that! Though Camilla’s outfits are always pretty, in her opinion. Camilla’s just pretty in general. She’s lucky she loves her too much to be jealous. 

Their moms had enough jealousy for about a hundred of them anyway.

The cool drink is exactly what she needs after all her running around, dancing, and yelling. She hadn’t even realized her throat had been starting to feel dry until the feeling was already gone. Along with the water. “Hehe, thank you! That feels a LOT better, seriously. You’re the best big sister ever, Camilla!”

…How does Camilla always seem to know when she needs something anyway? And how does she always know exactly what she needs?? Huh. Spooky.

[justreadingfics]

It’s a Deal (Chapter 11)

Chapter Summary: Bucky is ready for commitment.  

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Words: 4.6k

Warnings: fluff. Bucky is so smitten.

A/N: It’s been 84 years, but I hope you have fun! Thank you, @lesqui, for reading it over and helping me out with English and everything. The link to my masterlist, where you can find the other chapters, is on my description. Feedback is highly appreciated.

Tag list for this story is closed.  

  Placing your hands on each side of your hips, you smirk at the popped-up screen in your office. Another project you just nailed. Ever since the promotion, your productivity has increased tenfold and you feel as motivated as ever, your creativity on a top level. Also, the last few weeks, after you decided you needed some time alone, you did set more focus on yourself and your own projects. Work being one of them.

It’s weird to say the least… you’ve been busier than ever and yet, it seems like you actually have much more time to yourself now. You’ve been reading books you’ve bought but never really got to read them, eating ice-cream at 3am as you watch The Return of the King for the millionth time, your drawers are finally organized and so is your precious DVD collection. You got to explore a great number of parks and spots you’ve never been before, even living in New York for so long. You’ve been going out a lot and catching up with friends and family. 

It was a good decision. You remember in your relationship with Eddie there were always obstacles for you to hang out with people outside the small inner circle of you as a couple. Sometimes the obstacles were subtle, and not always brought solely by Eddie, but also by you who let yourself get involved in that dynamic. You had no idea how much you missed people that were yours only, and not yours and Eddie’s.

It’s been great to be single. Really, really single for the first time in your adult life. No boyfriends or fiancées, no booty-calls or deals. Completely single… A title and state of mind you didn’t really get to enjoy in the first months of being broken up, being too heartbroken to even think of everything you could do with your life then.

Deciding to be alone for a while…It was a great and reasonable decision.

You have to admit something to yourself, though.

Sometimes you just wanna throw “great” and “reasonable” out of the window. Because you do miss him… A lot.

Finding out how he’s changed his mind and predisposition towards your relationship has messed quite a bit with your mind… and heart. You weren’t expecting that at all and now you don’t really know what to do with the chaos that’s bringing upon your feelings. And what’s making it even messier is the other guy who also changed his mind and predisposition towards your relationship… you weren’t expecting that either… however, that particular change of heart hasn’t been making your own heart jump each time you think of it…

Squeaky little yells and an animated chattering sound of female voices catch your attention to outside your office. Your previous smirk turns into a smile while you shake your head to yourself. That type of commotion only ensues when a certain someone drops by the Tech Department.  

With a wave of your hand, you shut down the screen you’ve been working on, before moving towards the sound. What you come to find a few stops outside your office, at the Department’s common area, is a little circle of your female coworkers around a Super Soldier. He’s always a hit among your coworkers, but today it seems like they’re even in a bigger frenzy, fussing around something that he seems to be holding in his arms. You attempt to catch an eye of it, but the bodies in front of you make it quite hard.

He spots you as you approach them and opens a huge grin at your sight.

You smile back at him just as widely and after you come closer and some of the girls make room, your eyes widen and a small little gasp slips out of you when you finally find out what the fuss is all about. They are all cooing and marveling at a beautiful cat on Bucky’s arms, white as snow on a mountain peak, standing there like royalty, staring back like they’re nothing but proud of being where they are.

“Hey,” Bucky greets, prompting your eyes to focus back on him.

“Hi, there,” you answer back while your gaze carries an amused question mark at him.

He lifts a hard drive with his free hand to your vision field, “We collected this last mission, it’s some alien stuff,” he offers you the drive, keeping his eyes on yours.

As you gaze at each other, you reach for the little device. His fingers brush against yours and that’s precisely when the chattering around both of you becomes nothing but a distant and vague noise that barely reaches your senses… until a loud clear of throat sound stands out.

“Alright, girls, let’s get back to our desks and let these two, ahm… work,” Camilla, your closest friend there, gives you a pointed look and a discrete curve curls the corner of her lips as she leads the group - which looks far from happy about it - away.  

When your gaze meets Bucky again, he’s got that shit-eating grin of his that tells you the little interaction between you and your friend didn’t quite skip from his attention.

You bite your lip and are about to say something when he beats you to it, “Sorry, I had to bring her with me.” He looks down at the cat on his arm and gives it a gentle shake, grinning down at her while she looks up at him before her incredibly blue eyes shut in what looks like sheer contentment, “This little girl right here started whining at the door when I was leaving… she just can’t leave my side anymore.” Bucky shrugs and ticks his tongue, before winking at you.

You chuckle, finding the surprising scene before you nothing less than adorable. The fact that you enjoy being in the presence of his charm again doesn’t go unnoticed by you, but you say nothing about it, “It’s ok, of course. I love cats. What’s her name?”

“Y/N, this is Alpine. Alpine this is Y/N,” he introduces you two with pride lacing his voice.

“Oh, hello, Alp-” your attempt of petting the cat comes to an abrupt halt with you withdrawing your hand at the loud hiss the animal aims at you.

Your eyes snap at Bucky to see his jaw dropping and his eyes widening with a mix of shock and fluster, “Fucking Christ,” he gasps, before looking down at the cat who now licks its paws absentmindedly, “What the hell, missy? Apologize. Apologize now,” he scolds, gaining absolutely no reaction in response.

He scoffs, looking back at you with incredulous lifted eyebrows.

You laugh, mainly at his attempt of making Alpine apologize, “Don’t worry…” You wave him off, “How did that happen, though? I don’t remember you having a cat.” You narrow your eyes just when your head tilts.

He bites his lower lip before an almost cringing smile forms on his lips, “Oh well…”

 A FEW WEEKS BEFORE…

 “Weren’t the Skrulls, like, actually good guys?” Bucky frowns, shoving one of his post-missions Oreos in his mouth and crossing his ankles over the spaceship’s dash.

“Every bunch has its bad apple, I guess,” from the pilot’s seat Natasha shrugs, eyeing the apple in question from over her shoulder.

“You’ll regret this,” threatens the prisoner, who’s actually a Skrull slaver named Gragnon and has his hands and feet securely tied up, stuck on a sit at the back of the ship. Still, he tries to get up and advance towards the front, but a shield of red mist surges in front of him, making him fall back on the chair again with a growl.

Wanda, the third member of the party on that mission, smirks from her seat right behind Nat’s.

Nat rolls her eyes, “What a douche… Talos has been leading a search for him for years now, he’d be thankful we’re taking him to them. Feet off the dash, please.” 

Bucky quickly obeys, pulling down his legs to the floor as Wanda snickers.  

“In fact… we should thank the success of this mission to a certain someone, who came up with a device to break alien codes.” The cheeky smile on Wanda’s face as she started speaking only fades so she can shoot a glare back at the prisoner, who’s now revolved by a red mist dome.

“Damn right.” A dreamy little curl pulls Bucky’s lips as he swings on his seat and passes the bag of Oreos to Wanda.

“Jesus,” Nat scoffs, setting the ship on autopilot, before swirling her chair to see both Bucky and Wanda, “Could you ever imagine this could be possible? That this guy would someday be that smitten over someone?” she questions Wanda.

“Not in a million years. I don’t know Y/N that well, but I bow to her.” Wanda mimics the gesture before shoving a cookie in her mouth.

Bucky doesn’t even drop the dreaminess of his smile. He is smitten… completely… utterly… and fuck if that doesn’t feel damn good. He always thought that kind of feeling would be a pain in the ass, boring and painful. It is not. He feels like singing, dancing, hugging every human being and alien he comes across. Fuck, he would hug the Gragnon dude if it didn’t mean to get a kick in the ass from Natasha. It’s been ages that he doesn’t really get high on anything, but that feeling… he’s definitely hooked on it.  There’s not a doubt inside him anymore and he’s in love with being in love with you.

“So, spill it,” Nat crosses her legs, swinging on her chair “You really went to her place and poured your heart out to her? Right after her ex proposed to her?” She questions, “What did she say?”

“Well, first she thought I was kidding and laughed her ass off…” He shakes his head with the same dreamy little smile on his lips, “Then, when she realized I was not, she started crying and, of course, so did I.” He shrugs, ignoring when Nat and Wanda exchange looks, “She wasn’t expecting that from me at all, and, we can’t really blame her can we?” 

“Definitely not.”

“Nope.”

Bucky chuckles at the unison response from her friends before leaning over and snatching the bag of cookies from Wanda, before giving them the details of his talk with you, having their undivided attention.  “And she said she needs some time alone, being single, I mean, to sort her feelings out… Also, it seems like she doesn’t think I can’t deal with the kind of commitment that being in love requires,” he says with a mouthful.

“Oh, honey…” Nat tilts her head.

He notices the sympathy on hers and Wanda’s expressions and waves his hand to brush her worries off, “No, no. None of that. All in all, it went pretty well. As much as I wished it would be different, I think her decision is fair. At least she didn’t say yes to the jackass with the ring,” he huffs, “I wasn’t really expecting her to throw herself in my arms. At least, not just yet.” He smirks.

“What?” Natasha shoots a look at Wanda before turning to him, “You’re not stepping aside?”

Bucky snorts at the question, “Are you kidding me? The first broad I ever fall in love with and you think I’ll leave the path free for that short little clown who thinks ten years matter?” He lets out an exaggeratedly loud laugh, “I’ve lived more than one hundred of them. Ten years mean nothing to me, and soon enough she’ll realize it doesn’t have to mean much to her, either.” A small smile rises on his face, “Of course she can have the time for herself she wants, find out what’s like being single. She deserves that. And she can think and figure out all she needs… have her fun... It’s all good…” He nods, “But in the meanwhile? I’ll be around romancing the shit out of that woman,” he states, right before tossing another cookie in his mouth.

“Holy shit,” Wanda addresses Natasha, with both eyebrows high on her forehead.

“I know…” Nat answers with an equally dumbfounded look on her face, before turning to Bucky, “Listen,” she sighs and tilts her head, “I hate to be such a killjoy here, but… I get you’re in love, and I know this is new and exciting for you.” She’s smiling before her lips tighten, “Having said that… I think she might have a point about you not being ready for commitment Bucky, you never wanted that. I’m gonna be honest here, I’m the one who set what you two had up because I thought it wouldn’t lead to this…” She waves all around him, “Feelings, I mean… and I would hate myself if you two ended up hurt because of it.” She focuses an apprehensive gaze on him while Wanda also rests her attention on him, looking like she agrees with her friend.

Bucky takes a good look between the two of them before putting into words the answer that’s so clear on his head now, “I know it may sound weird and uncharacteristic of me. Trust me, I know that.” He nods at Natasha, taking a moment to silently communicate with her in the way that has been always so easy for the two of them, “You’re right, I’ve never wanted that. Settling down to just one person, commit to a long term relationship…But with her,” he sighs and the corner of his lips curl up without further notice, “I want her and I want all of that with her, the whole package. I’m ready. I’m not afraid. I think the reason I didn’t want all of that before is because I hadn’t met her yet. That’s it. Simple as that. I know it’s not going to be easy, but to hell with easy. I want her. And I want her hard.”

Wanda already has a huge grin on her face when a satisfied little smirk twists Nat’s lips, “That’s what Amanda said.”

Bucky’s eyes widen before he squints at her, “What’ve you been up to?”

Nat puts on a nonchalant face and reaches forward to grab a cookie from the package. She takes a bite and shrugs, “Poor girl… needed some comfort after being let down by your buddy down there.”

Bucky lets out an outraged scoff and throws a cookie on her way, from which she dodges easily as she laughs, “I bet you were of great help in consoling her… Jesus… Amanda and you? The world isn’t ready.” He shakes his head.

Natasha sports a smug smile on her face when she nods her agreement, “You’re not wrong.”

“Alright, as much as I want to hear all about this Amanda girl, we’re getting close to the Skrull base now and we need you to land us, Nat,” Wanda nods towards the dash.

“Copy that,” Natasha makes a military salute at her, before shifting her seat and taking control of the ship again.

“And as for you,” Wanda turns to Bucky, “I don’t need to read what’s on your mind to know you’re telling us the truth. You’re ready for commitment,” she offers him a soft smile, which he reciprocates, “And if you really wanna show her that, I may have an idea.” Her smile turns into a devious little smirk and that’s enough to pique Bucky’s interest.

~~~

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Bucky asks, shoving his hands in his pockets as he walks alongside Wanda through the busy sidewalks of Manhattan, “I mean… I know I said yes, but it is one hell of a commitment, what if it’s not for me?”

“Don’t worry, Bucky,” she smiles, “We’re just gonna take a look around, feel the vibe, and then see what happens. You don’t have to decide anything just yet,” she assures, wrapping an arm around his elbow as he looks down at her, “I just think it’s a good idea for you to get to know a bit more of this sudden inclination to commit…to experiment, I guess,” Wanda shrugs, “Besides, a dear friend of mine runs the shelter and the girl knows her stuff. If she feels like you’re not ready, she won’t allow you to get out of there with one of her babies.”

Bucky lets out a laugh. Feeling a little lighter about the subject, he places his hand over the one Wanda has wrapped around his arm, “Alright… I’m not opposed to the idea of having a dog, I guess. I always loved Labradors…” he frowns, “I would have to switch apartments, though…”

“Look at you.” Wanda nudges her shoulder on him, “Already making plans for your child…”

“Child…” Bucky can’t help but snort. He had agreed to Wanda’s idea of going to an animal shelter because he thought it would be a good way to show you he’s ready for commitment and, like he said, he’s always been fond of dogs and he’s sure if he ends up taking one home he’ll treat them well. But he also never understood how some people could be so attached to an animal to the point of considering them a child, or family…“I don’t know… I’m definitely not taking a pet home today. I agree with you, I shouldn’t decide anything just yet.”

As they walk past a small alleyway, Wanda halts, forcing him to stop with her.

“What?” Bucky frowns down at her.

“Shhh,” she brings a finger to her lips, staring towards the alleyway, “Listen.”

That’s when Bucky’s enhanced hearing catches the thin and shaky little sound coming through the trash cans.

“Come on,” Wanda pulls him to the alley and towards the cans.

What they find behind one of the containers, among all the filth around is a ball of white fur. Curled up and shaking just like the meows they heard seconds ago. A cat, a young adult white cat looks up and a pair of baby blue eyes meets Bucky’s and he just can’t look away from the plea on them and it’s just when something clicks inside his chest.

“Oh, no, look,” Wanda points at the tail, that has an evident injury on it, but when she leans down to examine it further, the animal flinches and rushes towards Bucky’s legs, letting out another trembling and weak meow. Bucky freezes as it starts climbing up his calves. 

Given the poor coordination on their back little legs – probably from the damage on the tail- it can go much higher,  but keeps trying. After the initial surprise, Bucky can’t help but to smile at the little fighter, who seems to reach out at him for protection. Next thing he knows, he’s leaning down and picks it up with all the caution he can muster.

“Hello, little lady… what happened there, huh?” He coos, nodding towards the small injury, which looks like a bite, having the cat meowing while bumping and rubbing the head against his chest.

“Is it a female?” Wanda tilts her head, an amused and questioning expression on her face.

Bucky smirks, not taking his eyes away from the animal, who is now quiet and seems much calmer, but digging her little claws on Bucky’s shirt, “I know a beautiful lady when I see one. Don’t I, gorgeous?”

A purring sound comes out of the now contented animal, the small injury on her tail apparently not being a problem anymore while she climbs higher and practically hugs Bucky with her little paws, whose fur is smudged by dirt, making his heart take a flip in his chest. Damn his heart nowadays…

“Aww, Bucky…” Wanda smiles, placing her hand over her heart, “What are we going to do? Should we take her to the shelter?” Wanda offers, with a bit of tentativeness on her voice.

Bucky’s eyes widen largely, before they snap to her friend. A protective tightness laces his hold on Alpine, who lets out another weak meow. Shit… Alpine? When the hell did he even come up with a name? Fuck if he knows, all he knows he’s done for and can’t possibly think of parting from that white furry little thing, who seems to have gone through a lot in her life already and probably has never met with human kindness before.

He doesn’t need to say anything as understanding falls upon Wanda’s face. He would even guess there’s a bit of pride adorning the smile on her lips now, “Alright, alright… we do need to take Alpine to the vet, though, Mr. I’m not gonna take a pet home today.” She winks.

~~~

PRESENT DAY…

“Oh well…” Bucky scratches the back of his neck while you keep your beautiful interested eyes on him, “I found this beauty on the street… she had an injured tail, poor thing… probably bitten by a dog. But she’s fine now, aren’t you, sweetie?” He coos, putting on the new tone of voice that belongs to Alpine now and loving the sound of your chuckle, “You know… I’m fully committed to taking care of her. I’m a cat dad now.” He says, putting some effort to highlight the word “committed”.

“I can see that…” you comment, nodding with a glimmer of fondness in your gaze at where Alpine is cuddled against him with eyes closed, completely relaxed.

Bucky looks down and smiles. That one is too cute for her own good, but he’s definitely having a talk with her later, for hissing at you like that, like he hadn’t given her a lecture about good behavior and how incredible you were before they left home.  

“So, it’s been a while, huh? How’re you doing?” He asks softly, boring his eyes on you and holding back every ounce of him to not pull you to his arms and shower you with all the intense love he’s gathering in his chest at your sight in front of him. If it was up to him, he wouldn’t have spent those long weeks apart from you, but he met with missions and an Alpine in the way. Also, as much as he’s resolved to show you he’s the one for you, he understands you needed time for yourself. But, hell, he missed you so much.

“Oh, I’m good, I’m good… pretty good,” you ramble, brushing a finger behind your ear, that thing you do when you become a bit self-conscious, which happens often when he places his gaze so intently on you.

He can’t help but smile, his chest impossibly swelled with his feelings for you, because that woman who becomes all flustered with his attention is the same woman who whined to suck his dick while shitfaced after a party. Damn, he’s so in love with you.

“That’s great...Are you free tonight?” He asks, smoothly, “Wanda and Sam will make hamburgers, they’re one hell of a team in the kitchen, you’ll be welcome to come if you want to.”

“Oh… I…” You falter.

“I’m not trying anything, I promise,” He’s quick to add with a chuckle and raises his free hand up, noticing the trepidation in your voice. “Everyone’s gonna be there. We’re just gonna eat and hangout.” He shrugs.

“Oh… no, it’s not that, it’s just…” You tighten your lips “I’ve got plans.” Something Bucky guesses to be disappointment or something like that sweeps into your voice. As for him, he holds his breath, bracing himself for the news that you’re going out with that douche of an ex, “I’m gonna meet some friends from college tonight. I got a reservation for us for dinner and then we’re gonna go dance…”

Bucky lets out a breath and the smile that grows in his face is wide when he says, “Oh, alright. That sounds like fun.” Really, really fun, especially if that jackass isn’t involved. He’s not disappointed. Far from it.  

You smile back at him, matching his mood. It doesn’t slip from his attention that you seem a bit surprised by his reaction at you declining an invitation from him in favor to hang out with your friends, but he says nothing of it.

“Yeah… I’ve been getting reacquainted with them lately,” you say, excitement plastered on the little curve of your lips and the glint in your eyes, “It’s been fun. I’d love to get to know Wanda and Sam’s talent in the kitchen, though….Maybe some other time?” You offer.

“Sounds perfect, sweetheart.”

The term of endearment brings the effect he was aiming for when you promptly does that thing with your finger on your ear again, but it was also noticed by the other girl in the room and currently in his arm, who seems to wake up from her comfort slumber against his chest to hiss at you again.

You look at each other in widened eyes.

“What the hell,” Bucky scolds down at the cat, glancing at you briefly, catching your now amused expression, before addressing Alpine again in a whispery voice, “We’re gonna have a talk back home, young lady.”

~~~

“What a number you put out there, huh?” His voice is gentle despite the reprimanding intention in his words while Bucky crouches and fills her little plate with the special food the vet recommended.

With her crystal-clear eyes glued on the plate, Alpine doesn’t really acknowledge his half attempt of admonishing her before digging in.

Bucky chuckles, “She’s cute, isn’t she? But so are you,” He scratches the back of her ear and she stops eating for a moment to brush her head against his hand, “You don’t have to be jealous, doll. You’re so cute, you’re my girl, too, you know?” he coos, still petting her, “But you gotta help me out there buddy. Ok? She’s really special and I know you’ll love her, too.”

Alpine lets out a weak meow before getting back to her plate and Bucky swears to God he sometimes wonders if the cat is some sort of shapeshifter in disguise, understanding every little thing he says.  

Letting her out to eat, he stands up, “Hey, Friday,” he calls.

“Yes, Bucky?”

“Could you search for a table reservation in the name of Y/N Y/L/N tonight? I need the address of the place.”

A small silence ensues before the A.I speaks again, “Isn’t it a bit creepy?”

He sighs, placing his hands on his hips, “Friday… babe…” He smiles at the giggles that resound in his kitchen, before bringing a hand to his heart, “I’m in love, ok? I’m not gonna ruin her night…If anything, I’m just going to make her night out with her friends more… interesting.”

“Alright, you know I can’t say no to you,” the A.I concedes, “You can find the address in your phone’s map. Good luck, handsome.”

“Thanks, babe,” Bucky grins, before turning to Alpine, who’s now about done with her food, sprawled on the floor busy with cleaning out her paws, “And you?” He calls, catching her attention before he points at her, “You’ll have burgers with your aunt Wanda. I have plans for tonight.”  

~~~

To be continued...

[yukiwrites]

A Clumsy Addition

Thank you so much for commissioning me again, @arod7293! I hope you like it!

Summary: After seeing yet another child of ELise and Ryoma’s, Felicia and Azura feel the need to expand their family by one more member -- and the maid is happy to be the host for their baby this time. Young Arete is on her way!

Commission info HERE and HERE!

The kingdom of Hoshido was in a state of joy. Their small Queen Elise had been carrying King Ryoma's second child for the past nine months -- and even though it was her second pregnancy, the people's thoughts and prayers stayed with her since she was so tiny while Ryoma was a large man. They worried for their Queen's wellbeing during the entire pregnancy, but that came to an end the very day the royal family gained yet another family member -- a big baby girl with a loud voice and brown hair was born.

"We won't release her name until a while from now, but it's fine to tell you since you're my family!" Elise chirped happily as she welcomed her siblings for yet another baby shower. "She's Carmellia! Like the flower and like my beloved Big Sis, heehee!"

Well, 'welcomed' might not have been the right word: she was still in bed from the birthing, but, this time, Shiro welcomed the guests with a prideful puff of chest.

"Baby shistah, Shiro's." He would point to Carmellia's tiny futon, patting it so as to encourage people to sit closer so he could show his sister off to people.

Camilla cried a little after seeing her namesake cooing uncomfortably and adorably by her small cot. "And you named such a sweet little bun of adorableness after me? I'm unworthy, Elise!" She hugged her youngest sister, wanting to squeeze her dry, but mindful of her condition.

"Heehee... I don't think I'm still there yet in this 'motherhood' thing, so I always keep striving to be like you, Big Sis. I hope naming this little one after you will give me the strength I need to be their guiding light." Elise said awkwardly, smiling softly as she caressed her baby's fluffy cheek. "I just want them to do a good job in raising them like you did with me."

"Oh, my darling!" Camilla sniffled, pressing her forehead on Elise's. "You've already grown so very much since we were young; surely you are already an outstanding mother to these little meat buns. Aren't I right, Shiro-bun?"

The toddler flashed a wide, toothless grin, nodding vehemently. "Uh-huh! Mommy's best Mommy!"

"Shiroooo!" Elise sobbed, snatching her son from his seat to give him a bear hug.

"A-Azuraaaa!" Felicia hiccupped from the door, not wanting to disturb the adorable display of familial love. "I don't know how to announce ourselvess! Everything is s-so cute!"

The princess patted her wife's shoulder, her heart warm from watching the scene unfold. "We will have our opportunity, hm?" She looked down to the toddlers by their feet.

Shigure held onto Felicia's skirt as Linnea stood in front of Azura, both of them watching Shiro being manhandled by his mother and aunt.

Suddenly, Linnea raised her hand as though asking for permission to speak, though she waited for none and spoke anyway. "Lin' too! Huggies, Mommy!" She raised her other arm, stumbling over her own chubby feet to turn around to Azura.

"Shi-Shigure too..." The boy held onto Felicia's leg, pouting visibly.

Both mothers clutched their hearts in adorableness, bending down to pick their children up. "What spoiled little children we have here!" Azura giggled, booping Linnea's nose. The little girl giggled enthusiastically, hiding in her Mommy's shoulder. Shigure looked from his sister to Felicia, his eyes shining expectantingly.

The maid blushed deeply, her heart being maimed by the cuteness of her children. "W-what a spoiled little child w-we have here...!" She stuttered, embarrassed, booping Shigure's nose right after.

The toddler smiled brightly, giggling into his Mama's shoulder. "Heeheee, MAMA'S the best Mama." He said loud enough for the whole room to hear, catching Elise's, Camilla's and Shiro's attention.

The young High Prince puffed his cheeks. "It's MOMMY!" He struggled to disentangle himself from Elise, jumping on the wooden floor.

"Mama!" Shigure didn't even look to Shiro, holding onto Felicia instead. The maid, on her part, was on the verge of having a crying fit due to how utterly cute her child was.

"Mommy!!" Shiro stomped on the floor, his chubby cheeks so stuffed it looked like he had overeaten.

"Yeah! Mommy!" Linnea kicked her feet by Azura's arms, pointing to the princess.

"Oh, my!" Azura gasped softly with a smile.

Shiro's brow furrowed deeply for a second or two, his small brain trying to understand what had happened, but soon a clicking sound could almost be heard inside his head. "MY Mommy!"

"Mine!" Linnea and Shigure said in unison, overwhelming the solo High Prince on the floor. His lips started trembling as his eyes shone with tears.

"MINE!" He stomped on the floor. "Mine, mine, mine!"

"There, now, Shiro! Be good to your cousins, please?" Elise tried to appease her son from her futon while Camilla giggled.

"Isn't it adora- oh, dear, we woke little Carmellia."

"Ah!" Shiro snapped out of it, quickly running towards his little sister. "I sorry! Big bro do shh now!" He panicked.

"Aww, you're already a full-fledged big brother now, aren't you, Shiro?" Elise pinched her firstborn's cheek before collecting Carmellia from her futon, intent on breastfeeding her. "Little Carmy's so lucky, isn't she?"

Shiro widened his eyes, his cheeks reddening with pride. "M-mhm! Shiro best big bro!" He nodded as he watched his mother coddle the little baby, poking her chubby arms gleefully. "Heehee...!"

"Maybe we should excuse ourselves for now," Azura said in a low voice so as not to upset the baby even more. "Forgive us for making a scene-"

"Oh, psh, Shiro's like that with everything!" Elise shook her head, adjusting Carmellia on her breast. "He's just like Ryoma, competitive about everything! Can you believe it? He's TWO!"

"Heehee," Felicia giggled, finding a place to sit. "Shiro's so energetic; just like Linnea." The maid put Shigure over her lap, criss-crossing her hands over his belly.

Azura watched how her wife got all mushy about the royal baby and smiled to herself, quietly sitting beside her. She put Linnea on the floor, the toddler immediately taking off to the futon so as to take a closer look at Carmellia.

She and Shiro exchanged some gibberish baby words, though it actually looked like they were understanding each other as they pointed from Shigure to Elise to Carmellia and finally to Camilla. It seemed like a very important discussion, so the adults simply sat back and watched them do their thing.

Despite their young age, it was surprising how well the three toddlers behaved in the presence of a smaller baby than themselves. Shiro made Linnea and Shigure sit in front of him as he spoke of something serious-sounding in their baby language, as though he were a teacher giving a lecture.

Felicia inadvertently took Azura's hand as they sat there, side by side in that room filled with motherly love. It was as though she was in a trance, watching that young Elise grow up into such a beautiful and caring mother.

It made the maid wonder if she ever could be like that, as well.

Of course, don't get Felicia wrong -- she was as much Linnea's and Shigure's mother as Azura, that was a fact.

But- but she... She wondered how it would feel to carry the fruit of hers and Azura's bond; to nurture it, bring it to life and be the first one to hold it after it was born... Somehow, she found herself thinking that it would be great to have another addition to their small and happy family.

And this time, she would be the one to get pregnant.

"Azura, I..." She whispered as the toddlers got along in the middle of the room.

The princess squeezed her wife's hand. "I am quite sure I know what you'll say, my love." She rested her head on Felicia's shoulder. "And I do think it would be such a great happiness I do not know how to cope with it."

Felicia teared up immediately, sliding one hand through her wife's back, holding her waist. "Oh, Azura...!"

They didn't need words.

Their bond was strong to the point of conveying their strongest feelings through it without so much of a conversation.

They would do it -- they wanted to have another bond child; to make their family even more wholesome than it already was. They would have a third child.

Since Linnea and Shigure didn't need breastfeeding nor constant attention during the nights, Felicia and Azura felt comfortable in leaving them behind for two days or three while they enclosed themselves inside the same DeepRealm that had welcomed them during Azura's pregnancy.

Of course, the twins couldn't be left alone, so they would spend this short week with their aunts Corrin and Rhajat, who happily volunteered to take care of the little ones. Well, Corrin happily volunteered as Rhajat simply smiled shyly under her bangs, always enjoying the presence of little children around her.

Felicia and Azura felt like newlyweds preparing for their honeymoon -- they clearly remembered how dream-like the first eight months of retreat inside the DR were.

Being only around each other, 24 hours a day, worrying only about what name to give to their little baby.

Of course, they would miss the twins terribly, so they would take some of their toys and baby clothes alongside their luggage so as to appease the hole the toddlers surely would leave in their hearts.

They thought about taking Shigure and Linnea with them, but were scared that the DeepRealm would rob them of their youth, much like what had happened to Rhajat and the other DR children. Azura and Felicia wanted their babies to grow up following the proper wheels of time, inside the real world they were born in.

Over the course of the next week, the wives decided on the smallests details, making sure to tell the twins that they would only go away for a short while and to be good children to aunt Corrin and aunt Rhajat.

"Lin be good! Mama and Mommy go!" Linnea saluted clumsily, too young to have eye-to-hand coordination as Shigure held onto her.

"Shigure too. No late, Mama. No late, Mommy." He pouted, already missing his mothers before they even started making their bags to go.

"We were blessed with such good children, weren't we, my love?" Azura picked Linnea up as Felicia did the same with Shigure, sharing a big and warm family hug.

"Mhm; and we're about to be blessed with yet another good girl or boy."

The ritual would be performed inside the DeepRealm, unlike before. After all, neither the wives nor the Queens wanted the children to witness their Mama fainting after being kissed by their Mommy; it would only bring unnecessary distress to their young, budding hearts.

"You know the drill," Rhajat handed each of them a ritual knife, placing a bowl over the table between them so as to collect the blood. "No need to be so nervous, alright? Last time, you almost fainted even though Azura was the one having her stamina sapped." The Queen Consort pointed to the eerily-calm maid.

"Oh, um," Felicia smiled, glancing from her wife to the bowl, then to the Queen Consort. "I think NOW I can understand what Azura felt that time, you know? She simply... trusted me. Trusted that I would be the first thing she would see when she woke up and that I would make sure to catch her; just like I do now."

"I'll make sure our heads don't bonk, either." Azura teased.

"T-that's mean! They didn't bonk that time..."

Rhajat snorted, pushing the bowl closer to them. "... I'll have your blood, now."

"Right," they said in unison, smiling at each other before cutting their wrists and watching the red liquid flow from their arms to the bowl for a short couple of seconds before the healing magic of the ritual knives kicked in and closed their wounds.

"Remember to-"

"Hold our hands, yes." Azura nodded, intertwining her fingers with her wife's closing her eyes. "Our bond will not lose, Rhajat."

"... I believe it." The Queen Consort whispered under her breath, taking the blood so as to add the potion -- the mixture once again turned into a bright shade of pink, signaling its success. "I wonder if mine and Corrin’s would reflect such a clear color... I'm somewhat jealous," she said to herself, but immediately shook her head, walking towards Azura. "This time, you'll be the one drinking it, then kissing your wife."

Azura groggily opened her eyes, the ritual already possessing both wives, sapping them of their strengths and zoning out their senses. She gulped the potion in one go, listening to the sound of her own rasped breathing.

So that's how Felicia felt the day they conceived -- the potion burned from her lips to her insides; it was a fire that could only be put down with the sweetness of her wife's taste. Azura caressed Felicia's cheek, pulling her towards her so they could share a kiss that felt like their first: wild, raw, with fire descending their throats as their bond enveloped them kindly.

They kissed deeply and slow, the hotness leaving Azura's body and entering Felicia's, the magic neatly taking its place in the maid's womb.

Felicia felt her legs give out, but Azura held her close by her waist, unwilling to let go; unwilling to let that kiss end.

The princess and the maid lost themselves in each other's arms until the consciousness left Felicia's body entirely, her mind drifting to their calm and loving future alongside their new child.

The maid woke up two days later over the very bed Azura had used years ago, during their first pregnancy.

"Pregnancy..." Absentmindedly, Felicia trailed her left hand to her stomach, wondering if she could feel something changing inside of her already.

Well, apart from the overflowing love for her wife, her body didn't feel much different than what she remembered; her right hand clasped with her wife's who slept right beside her.

So this was how Azura felt at that time. Such overflowing love! It took everything Felicia had not to start sobbing right there and then, just by watching her beloved sleeping soundly as she refused to let go of her hand.

"Azura..." Felicia whispered lovingly, lying on her side so as to take her wife's beauty in. "So this is how you felt that time..."

"Oh, my darling Felicia," Azura whispered as she slowly opened her eyes, brought back to the world of waking by her wife's voice. "I cannot describe the happiness I feel right now -- after having conceived our child into you; after physically feeling our bond envelop us kindly and lovingly as the ritual drew to a close... Our feelings are one, my love."

"Azura...!" Felicia sniffled, pressing their foreheads against one another as she caressed the princess' cheek. "I can't wait to meet our little one! I really, really can't wait!"

"I am so very much looking forward to spend these eight months in your presence only, my love." Azura whispered over Felicia's lips, taking them with the last of her breath. "I love you so, my Felicia."

"Mmph..." Felicia rolled her eyes in pleasure with the sudden kiss, shyly grasping her wife's nightgown, bringing her warm body closer. "I love you too, my dear Azura..."

The days, weeks and months that followed were each unique and filled with so much love they were fit to burst. Of course, there were their share of tears, as well -- the first time Felicia saw her bump grow, or the day she felt the baby move; or even the first time it kicked so hard it made her lose her balance. All of them were filled with happy tears, clumsy laughter and a lot of cuddling.

They read under the shade of trees, they shared their dreams under the covers before going to sleep; they napped into each other's arms by the fireplace once the weather got cold.

"Say, Azura?" Felicia caressed her seven-months stomach one evening, lying on one of the hammocks they had by the veranda.

"Hmmm?" Azura tilted her head to her wife, never taking her eyes off of the little pair socks she was sewing.

"Do... do you remember the day we went to visit Lady Elise's little girl?" The maid stuttered, her heart pounding by her chest. She had had this idea for the longest time, but could never find the right words to convey it to Azura.

"Of course I do, silly."

"Then... Do you remember how Lady Elise said that she wanted to borrow Lady Camilla's strength by naming little Carmellia after her?"

Finally seeing where her wife wanted the conversation to go, Azura put the crochet over her lap, raising her gaze to Felicia. "Mhm...?"

The maid blushed. "I- What do you think if we- um," she twiddled her thumbs awkwardly, "I also want to borrow the strength of someone I look up to but never had the chance to meet before and I... wanted to give this name to our baby if we're blessed with another girl."

Azura touched Felicia's hand, caressing it with her thumb. "Go on."

"Doyouthinkwecannameourdaughterafteryourmother,Arete?" Felicia said in one breath, panting right after.

The yarn ball and needles fell on the floor. "After Mother...?"

"Oh, um," Felicia glanced at the rolling yarn ball, then back at her wife. "Is that no goo-mmmph!" Azura silenced her wife with a surprise kiss, carefully holding her into her thing arms.

"Of course we can, my love! Oh, Mother, how I wish you were here to see this! The child of me and my beloved, named after the most important person of my early life... I didn't think I could feel this happy, and yet you always surprise me, Felicia!"

"Heehee," the maid giggled awkwardly, resting her cheek on her wife's. "I want little Arete to live happily, with a great name to protect her down the road."

"Yes... Oh, most certainly!" Azura sniffled, her wife's words moving her deeply. "I cannot wait to share these news to the world, my love...! One month to go and we can go back to our children and introduce them to their little sister...!"

"Though I also wanna stay here a bit longer with you..." Felicia pouted adorably, making Azura steal yet another kiss.

"We will be together always, my love. For as long as we live."

The following month came as quickly as it went, and soon the wives were back at the real world -- Felicia sporting a large and healthy bump.

"Mama fat!" Linnea blurted out the very moment they reunited, not even giving her mothers the time to hug her.

"M-Mama sick?" Shigure teared up, stumbling on his chubby legs to hug Felicia's.

Azura laughed heartily, crouching down to pat their twin's heads. "You two remember how Shiro turned into a big brother, hm?" She asked, receiving two confused nods in return. "Well, you will be big siblings too! Mama is holding your little sister inside her tummy until she's big enough to leave."

"MAMA’S TUMMY WARM?!" Linnea gasped loudly, running towards the already sitting Felicia. "Warm!" She touched her mother's knee, the highest she could reach from down the floor.

"Mhm! Your little sister is nice and cozy here," Felicia tapped her stomach. "You'll meet her soon!"

"Shigure big bro?" He gripped at Azura's dress. The princess nodded, picking both toddlers up so she could sit on the bed, beside her wife.

"Yes, you will be soon."

"I think we arrived just in time for the public announcement of Carmellia's name, right? Wait, is that right? We spent eight months in there for us, but only a week passed here, yeah...?" Felicia looked up in confusion.

"Indeed; I'm quite sure our presence will be required at the temple later this week. Do you want to go? I do not want you to push yourself..."

"I wanna go! I wanna see little Carmellia again; and I wouldn't want to deny Lady Elise's invitation! I'm still at my eighth month, so I'm fine!" She made a flexing movement and smiled.

"Very well, then we shall attend. I was told Forrest would bring ceremonial kimonos to the whole family."

"T-the toddlers included?" Felicia blushed.

Azura nodded in understanding. "The toddlers included."

"Awawawa... I can't wait to see them wearing miniature kimonos, aah!" She squealed in delight, pinching her own cheeks.

They've barely come back and were already thrown into the rushing pace of real life! Phew!

The weekend came quickly, and soon it was time for them to attend to the traditional ceremony at the temple: Elise would gong the central bell three times and offer a prayer to the Dawn Dragon, revealing the princess' name to it first and foremost before announcing it to the people right after.

Azura, Felicia, the twins, Corrin, Rhajat, Camilla and the others would be inside the temple in their designated seats, waiting for the people outside to calm their clamors before the private ceremony could begin and a priest could bestow the Dawn Dragon's blessings upon Carmellia.

While Elise and Ryoma were outside, Felicia moved uncomfortably in her hakama (wearing a proper kimono was out of question due to how large her belly was, after all), wondering if she could take it off on her own for a quick bathroom break.

"Azura, Azura!" Felicia whispered gravely to her wife. "I need to pee so bad, please cover for me a bit, okay? Ahh, my bladder..." She stumbled on her feet without waiting for her wife's response, quickly making her way into the far-reaching corridors of the temple.

"Do you need help with-" Azura said tentatively, but Felicia was too fast, "the hakama? Heehee, oh well."

"Mama pee a lot..." Linnea noted, looking around.

"Indeed. That happens when you have to protect a baby inside you." Azura patted her daughter's head, her gaze falling on the uproar outside.

Elise and Ryoma came back after a few more minutes, two servants quickly closing the large double doors behind them. "Phewww, I didn't remember this being so exhausting the first time!" Elise leaned on her husband, too tired to keep walking straight.

"Do not push yourself so, my tiny Queen. It was only last week that you gave birth."

"Yeahh... It really is tiring, but I gotta do it! No, I WANNA do it!"

Azura giggled at her little sister's enthusiasm, wondering at the back of her mind where in the world Felicia had gotten to.

Maybe she got lost? She IS clumsy enough for that... What if she got lost on her way to the latrines? Poor thing, she wanted to go so badly! Perhaps Azura herself should go...

But then the twins would worry, not to mention how rude it would be to the priest for her to leave. Maybe wait a few more moments before excusing herself?

The moment she opened her mouth to speak, she heard a quiet sniffling beside her. Widening her eyes, Azura noticed how Shigure sobbed silently, holding his knees.

"Shigure? My son, what's the matter?"

"Id-id hurds, Mommy...!" He hiccupped, opening his arms to hug Azura's waist.

"Where does it-"

"Mommy..." Linnea started feeling nauseous as well, tears washing down her cheeks.

Azura felt a hollow pit engulf her from inside, cold sweat streaming down her temple and back. What WAS this terribly bad feeling? It was as though a cold hand was plucking her inner organs one by one, throwing them into the pit.

"Felicia...?" She didn't hear her own voice whispering.

A door to the left opened with a bang, a hurried soldiers quickly making his way to Ryoma. "M-My Lord, a prisoner's escaped the dungeons! We managed to track him down here, but we lost him after he went into the temple!"

Azura's heart froze. A prisoner? "Who was it?" She got up, her legs moving without her meaning to. "Who was this prisoner?"

The soldier hesitated, glancing from the princess to the King. "Um, it was Ka'lik, my Lady..."

The princess' ears deafened, a thin and loud ringing sound making her consciousness waver. "Felicia... Felicia!" She turned around quickly, "please take care of the twins for me!" And left through the same door Felicia had used previously.

Dumb, idiot! How could you have let your heavily pregnant and clumsy wife wander around an unfamiliar temple without an escort?! Oh, Felicia, please be alright-

Azura ran through a series of corridors, each turn she took looking exactly the same as the previous one. "Felicia... Felicia!" She panted, the desperation in her voice making her entire body tremble.

"Because of you! I've been rotting in jail! You stupid maid!" A faint yet familiar voice reached Azura's ears.

"I don't care what you do to me, but don't touch my baby!" Felicia barked back, her voice sapped of strength.

"Felicia!" Azura hissed, turning the last corner.

"A-Azura! Don't come! He has a knife!"

Azura didn't hesitate. "And I have water." Without even losing her pace, the princess dove right into Ka'lik, summoning a large amount of water so as to envelop Ka'lik's head with it, intent on drowning him without mercy.

"Grghl!" The man gurgled, letting go of Felicia as he helplessly gripped at his own throat for air. Azura pushed him out of the way, not even sparing him a glance as his body shook with convulsions while he drowned with the round bubble of pure water covering his entire head.

"Felicia! Felicia, oh, my love; what did he do to you?!"

"S-save our baby, Azura..." The maid said faintly, looking down at the middle of her legs -- she bled.

Ka'lik had approached her from behind and kicked her several times before taking out his knife, but Felicia made sure to always keep her back to him so he wouldn't touch hers and Azura's baby.

"F-Felicia, stay with me," Azura lost the color of her face, dreading seeing her wife bleeding to death once again. "Stay with me, Felicia!"

"We'll need to deliver the baby as soon as possible." Were the midwife's first words the moment Felicia was brought in. "I have a birth-inducing medicine in the ready, so I'll need everyone but my assistants to leave-"

"I'm not leaving her." Azura gripped at her wife's hands with all of her strength. "I'm not leaving my wife."

The midwife turned to make the medicine, "then you'll have to do everything we say."

"Of course."

It would be a difficult birthing -- Felicia wasn't entirely conscious for the most part, and the healers couldn't focus their staves on her because that would also heal the birth-inducing medicine AND the wounds the baby would make while coming out.

She would need to feel the pain from start to end, but Azura wouldn't let her feel it alone. She would be there, holding her hand, the entire time.

"Don't leave me, Felicia; don't leave me..." The princess chanted the whole time, for the next five hours. She refused to move, eat or speak to anyone, simply focusing on her tired and weak wife. "You can do it, my love. Push just a bit more, okay? For our baby. For us. F-for me." She sniffled after the sixth hour, finally showing something akin to desperation.

Arete's loud crying filled the room with happiness and worry in equal amounts -- the most critical time would be now: they would need to work their staves tirelessly on Felicia to mend the wounds Ka'lik infused her as well as to stop the bleeding from the birthing.

"Can you hear it, Felicia? It's our daughter. It's as though we knew it would be a girl... It's Arete, Felicia. She's here with us. Can you hear it?" The princess' hands trembled as the midwife washed the baby, hesitant in giving it to the broken princess. She wasn't in a state to hold a little baby-

"Give- give her to me... My baby... I wanna hold her first, Azura..." Felicia tried and failed to lift her hand towards the crying sound, turning her head to the sides, delirious.

"Felicia! Oh, my love!" Azura's eyes regained their shine. "You did it, my Felicia, you delivered our daughter!" She quickly looked at the midwife, nodding for her to bring the baby closer.

It was like magic.

The moment Arete was placed over Felicia's chest, the maid regained her color, the forces she thought sapped coming back for the very reason of embracing her little baby.

"Your voice is so strong, Arete... I'm sure you'll be a great singer, like your Mommy." Felicia smiled, placing a tender kiss over the small head. Arete stopped crying slowly, the constant beating of her mother's heart under her soothing her into her first sleep.

"Felicia!" Azura cried, pressing their foreheads together. "I thought I had lost you, oh, my love!" She sobbed, her warm tears falling over Felicia's lips.

"P-please don't cry, Azura... You'll set me off too..." The maid pressed her lips into a thin line. "I'd rather you kissed me-"

"As many times as there are stars in the skies, Felicia." Azura quickly placed a soft peck on Felicia, followed by another, then yet another one. "Do not scare me like that ever again, you hear?"

"I may need more kissing for that..." Felicia teased, her breath intertwining with Azura's.

"I can provide," the princess smiled, opening her mouth for a deep and much-needed kiss.

The maid closed her eyes to enjoy her wife's taste, weakly lifting her hand to caress Azura's face. "Thank you for being here with me, Azura. I love you so much..."

"So do I, my dear Felicia... So do I."

[cecilspeaks]

114 - Council Member Flynn, part 1

At least their heart’s in the right place, I say, softly running my hand across a plastic takeout container. Welcome to Night Vale.

In light of a string of armed robberies across Night Vale, the City Council today called a press conference. They announced in unison that they are greatly disturbed by this crime wave, because it means that they’ve had to put their vacation plans on hold. They really want to find a nice autumn spot to spend a month or two leaf-peeping, maybe kayaking if the sun’s out. But no, now someone’s running around town waving a gun and robbing stores. Plus they have this new City Council member, 16-year-old Tamika Flynn, who they’re trying to train. And now with all the robberies, the transition of their new member is going much more slowly. “Also,” they added, crime waves require so much paperwork and we’re way behind! You people.” And here the Council pointed their many fingers at the gathered citizens and press. “You! People!”

Yesterday’s robbery of the Ralph’s only resulted in the theft of 72 dollars and an endcap of Chex Party Mix. And while nobody was hurt, this was the 12th robbery in the past week. Weekday shift manager at the Ralph’s, Charlie Bear, described the robber as a slight person with a high voice, wearing coveralls and a black leather mask. The robber demanded whatever money Charlie could grab, so he emptied his bank mag of petty cash. But when he went to unlock the register, which had several hundred dollars, the robber had already left.

City Council, waving their many limbs in frustration, asked for calm. “Everything’s fine,” they said unconvincingly. “It’s fine!” they repeated, but the agitated crowd continued to scream and clutch their chests. “Please be chill, it’s going to be fine!” the City Council roared with their many discordant voices from one body. But for some reason, the crowd just wasn’t feeling fine.

And now a look at sports. The Night Vale High School wheelchair basketball team defeated the Sand Planes Snakeguarders 60 to 58 last night in the pre-season state basketball tournament. This weekend they will take on the Pine Cliff Lizard Monitors in the finals. The Lizard Monitors were the division champions last year, going undefeated in the regular season. But the Night Vale Scorpions are being led this year by sophomore point card and my niece, Janice Palmer. Janice led the division last year in assist..s, which is a statistic.. of some kind. I asked my brother in law Steve Carlsberg, who is an offensive coach on his daughter’s team, what an assist was and he explained it, at length. But I forget exactly what he said. It-it-it-it made sense at the time, it’s it’s like a numerical measure of how helpful a person is, and Janice led our division last year in helpfulness. So here’s hoping that continues. Good luck, Scorpions! Go get’em, Janice!

And now a word from our sponsors. Today’s show is brought to you by the new green market co-op, which just opened up on Galloway Road between Patty’s Hardware and Discount Pastries and one of those escape-the-room places, where you wake up in a bath tub chained to a pipe, and there’s  another person across the room also chained to a pipe, and in the middle of the room is a dead body with a gun and a cassette player? Yeah, I hear those are great fun. Green market co-op owner Tristan Cortez said he opened the new store to provide a safe space for all your produce optics and food content transactions. Too often, the people who eat food don’t know where they are, or why they are, and they cry. They just sob in the middle of a store, afraid. Well, the new green market co-op store front on Galloway Road won’t let that happen, Cortez said. He said he will there every day to hold your hand, to nuzzle your neck with his nose, to whisper to you: “Don’t be afraid”, as he hands you an eggplant.

Oh, a quick aside, listeners. Did you know that people in Europe don’t call them “eggplants”? They call them “aubergines”. They also call arugula “rocket”, oranges “dipdops”, Boston lettuce “Dublin weeds”, and plums “swole grapes”. Anyway, Cortez said building the new store was his daughter Camilla’s idea. She’s an undergraduate studying business, and according to Camilla’s intensive research into the matter, she found having a physical location would be a huge boost in sales for a grocery store. So come on down to the brand new green market co-op. You’re not safe anywhere but here.

Only minutes after their initial press conference, the City Council called another press conference. There was no new news on the ongoing burglaries, they just wanted to say that it used to be different, this town, this whole area. “Nah you don’t understand,” they said. “We are centuries old,” the City Council said. “We were born in caves far beyond this desert, and we wandered until we found a place we could call home. We swam rivers, navigated forests, even climbed mountains. Yes Night Vale, there are mountains. For we have not only seen them, but crested them, and we ended up here in Night Vale. We were many-voiced, but also many-bodied then, like all of you. We wore crowns made of soft meat, and taught ourselves magical spells, and used mind control on birds!” the Council continued. “We ran this town, and the people who settled here feared us! They respected us, too. Respected the blank out of us, like respect coming out the blank. Blanking respectful as blank. You know?” The City Council coughed slightly and asked for a can of Pamplemousse la Croix from one of their aides, as they thumbed thru their notes.

“But one day, our magic failed us, and our many bodies became one body,” the Council said, still in unison. “It was Deborah that messed up the spell.” 

“I did not!” came a single voice from the City Council’s body. “Did too!” came a different single voice. “Your handwriting is garbage, Germaine!” said the first voice. “Stop it, both of you!” the Council shouted in unison. 

They continued: “And over the years, our legend, our mystique, has faded in the eyes of Night Vale. We were seen as fallible, as weak, as protectors of an old guard. And now as we witnessed this new face, this young Tamika Flynn, join our ranks we are reminded that the world moves on. The world is always growing older, and younger at the same time.” The City Council sighed. “I guess what we’re trying to say is millennials are ruining everything with their civic involvement and their lack of magic, and their disregard for wearing soft meats on their heads. So entitled, this genere-”

Just then, Tamika Flynn appeared at the site of the podium, and there was a long silnece. “Awkwardd!” The City Council sang. Tamika stepped ofrward to say she completed the paperwork to increase temporary funding for police overtime, in light of the recent wave of robberies. “Rad, thanks!” said the Council. “Do the young people still say ‘rad’?” the Council asked Tamika who replied, “I gotta get back to the Mayor’s office to ask about financial relief for robbery victims,” and left.

Let’s have a quick look at traffic. Last week’s storms flooded the old cemetery down in the lowlands in Old Town Night Vale, and several human remains were washed out of their burials into Route 32. It wasn’t, like, skeletons or anything. I mean, there were a few skeletons and three or four really well preserved bodies, like skin and clothing and everything, but for the most part, it was just kind of a pulpy mud that blocked the road. Transportation department crews are still working on clearing the roadways, but it’s super gross, so the workers are vomiting a lot. Which is causing motorists on Route 32 to vomit as well, which is really slowing things down. So avoid Route 32 and take 9A instead. This has been traffic.

Listeners, only minutes after their last press conference, which was minutes after the first press conference, the City Council called another press conference. This time with Tamika Flynn. They said, “We’re still trying to teach this young one about how to council a city, so we brought her up here to shadow us. She’s a single-voiced, separately-bodied entity. Yet, she still has not joined our form! She walks and talks separate from us, and that is not how a city council should operate!” they said in unison, attempting to stare down the teenage council member. “It goes against Robert’s rules of order, Miss Flynn,” the City Council hissed condescendingly. “Anyway,” they said, “we’re having a third press conference, because there was another armed robbery just now, at the Spiky Hammer coffee shop, over near the Science District. The perpetrator stole the tip jar, which contained well over 17 dollars. They also stole a French press, but like, a really nice stainless steel insulated one, not that tempered glass garbage.” The crowd murmured their panic, and the City Council shouted, “It’s fine, try calming down for once, geez!” which had the opposite effect of calming.

Tamika then leaned over and said quietly to the Council, “They were calm. Listen, we can fix this, this is not a problem.” The City Council said, “You’re a problem!” “Am not,” Tamika quipped. “Yuh huh!” As of this report, the “am not” versus “yuh huh” debate is continuing on the press podium at City Hall. The gathered crowd of alarmed citizens has begun clawing at each other’s faces and screaming things like, “17 dollars!” and “It could have been us!” and “A glass French press? What are we, monsters?” More on this story as we get updates.

But next, let’s have a look at today’s weather.

[”Song For Myself" by Bears with Eagle Arms]

Well. The City Council press conference is still going on. But it looks like the argument has resolved, and only Tamika Flynn remains at the podium. She has stepped to the mic, paused dramatically and stoically, and then begun speaking. Here is her speech.

“People of Night Vale. Have I not fought librarians? Have I not flown helicopters and battled corporate overlords? Have I not read all 9 volumes of William Faulkner’s epic anthology, “Alexander and the Terrible, No-Good, Very Bad Day”? 

People of Night Vale, have I not always been there for you, to serve you, to protect you? Have I not proven that I can defeat a small-time armed robber?

 You have nothing to fear. Not just because I’m here, but because the City Council is here. We are a complementary balance of incredible talents. My talent is weapon skills, intolerance for wickedness, and a love of books. The other council members’ talent is enjoying long vacations during difficult times. The rest of the City Council and I have come to an agreement. To make this town safe, I will work closely with Sheriff Sam and the Secret Police and the Mayor to make Night Vale more secure. The other members of the council will take a month-long trip to Traverse City, Minchigane. They told me they only recently learned that Milshtafudd was a real US state, and they can just travel there, and they really wanted to go apple-picking and eat cider donuts. Autumn is the most beautiful time of year on the lake, they said. we’ll make you all proud with our vacation to Middasham, Night Vale. And I agreed and sent them on their way. We are a good and effective city council, Night Vale. You are a good and cooperative citizenry. Everything’s fine. It’s fine.”

Tamika repeated those last two words, each iteration softer and slower. And the crowd’s murmuring and fidgeting grew softer and slower, until there was silence and peace. Then Sheriff Sam jumped up on the rostrum, leaned in to Tamika, forgetting that the microphone was still on, and said, “Councilwoman Flynn, a robber held up the new green market co-op and nicked all their cash.” The  crowd gasped. Sam continued: “But it’s much worse than that. Whoever did this, also burned the building down.” The crowd gulped. Sam then said: “Miss Flynn, we found the bodies of Tristan Cortez and his daughter Camilla inside.” The crowd wailed. Sam added: “I-I-I’m sorry Miss Flynn, it’s a bit loud here. I’m having a rough go at hearing you what with all the screaming. Can you speak up?” But Tamika stood still, silent, as the crowd ran in circles, pulling at each other’s hair. Tamika gathered herself and then stepped back to the microphone. She cleared her throat and said, “I know everything is no longer fine, but it will be. I got you, Night Vale. I got you.” 

The crowd stopped running and shrieking, although they continued tugging at each other’s hair. Tamika said, “Our small-time criminal is now a real threat, a force of violence among us. But I can stop them. Do you want safety?” and the crowd chanted: “Yes.” “Do you want security?” and the crowd chanted: “Absolutely.” “Do you trust me?” and the crowd chanted: “We certainly do, because we are scared!”

Tamika then turned to the Sheriff and said: “Sam, do you agree?” “Yes, anything, whatever you want,” Sam said. 

“Give me your badge.” Sam paused. “Give me.. your badge.” Sam slowly reached   across their lapel, unhooked their badge and handed it to Tamika, who then pinned it to her shirt. “And your hat and jacket,” Tamika said. And Sam gave her their hat and jacket, and Tamika put them on.

Tamika said, “OK. Curfew is now 8 PM. No one is out after 8 PM. And no one is out alone at any hour. Sam? You’re my Deputy Sheriff now. No one goes in or out of town. Arrest anyone who does.” Tamika then ordered all city buildings to be painted red, to let this criminal now we will cover the whole town in their blood. She said once more: “Everything’s fine, it’s fine. It’s 6 PM already, so go get your dinner and go home before curfew. And do not be out alone. The Secret Police will stop anyone walking alone.”

She concluded the press conference by saying: “Good night, Night Vale, good night.”

Today’s proverb: The seven habits of highly effective people are: 1. levitation. 2. translucense. 3. omnipresence. 4. country music. 5. lime zest. 6. suns for eyes. 7. hiccups.

[yukiwrites]

This Time, They’ll do it Right

Thank you so much for commissioning me again, @pissybritchess! This one hurt and comforted at the same time, so I hope it’s to your liking :D

Summary: Three years after suffering a miscarriage, Sonja and Niles wonder if they’ll ever be blessed with a child of their own, anxiously panicking once she gets pregnant again... this time of twins!

Commission info HERE and HERE!

Part 1 - Part 2

Healing didn't come quickly to Sonja and Niles. They took their time with their grief, and would yearly visit their baby's grave amidst the flowerbed closest to their quarters.

Sonja did her best to spend more time with as many people and animals as possible -- so she could fill her life with the joy she thought lost the day her baby was unborn. "You're a really spoiled horse, did you know, Apollo?" She snorted as she scratched her mount's ear. He leaned his head on her hand, as though telling her to never stop.

After the miscarriage, she steered away from mounting altogether, feeling the phantom pain inside her womb every time she thought of doing so. However, simply spending time with her faithful steed helped her immensely -- the beast was as tame as it could be, as well as spoiled to a fault. He refused to eat if his feed wasn't given by Sonja herself and the gods forbid someone other than her to brush him. Eventually she went back to ridding, all so as to pursue happiness again.

Apollo neighed happily, closing his eyes to enjoy her caress.

"I'm gonna get jealous, you know." Niles' voice sounded from behind them, at the stable's entrance. Apollo quietly growled. "Hah! What a little pest!"

The princess sputtered, coughing a laugh. "How many years do you think we've known each other?" She turned to her approaching husband, leaving one hand over Apollo. "You should at least be used to him by now."

Niles sneered. "Not my fault he's a monopolizing little shit. Look at that! Glaring at me like he owns you!" He placed one hand by his wife's waist, hearing the horse growl loudly. "I never even heard a horse growl before this guy."

Sonja's body trembled as she tried to hold in a laughter, to no avail. "T-this is too funny, I can't help it- You're competing with a horse!"

"Little old me? No way, little bird. I'm the one bedding you at night." He winked, licking her lips as he looked dead into Apollo's eyes. "There's no competition here."

Saying that, the retainer slightly moved Sonja out of the way, making her stop caressing the horse. That only made the princess burst into a louder laugh.

Practically carrying his wife, Niles stared back at Apollo as he dragged Sonja out, walking backwards. Too incoherent to speak, Sonja laughed all the way out, drying tears of mirth from her eyes after they were away from the stables.

"You're impossible! I can't believe you still feel jealous o-of a h-horse, pfft...!"

Niles held Sonja's chin up, closing in on her as their breaths intertwined. "What can I say? I have to mark what's mine." He licked her lips before opening his mouth for a deep kiss to which Sonja gladly succumbed, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Little by little their days had started to be filled with happiness once more, though both of them avoided the subject of having children. It had been almost three years since the miscarriage, and although sex was strange at first, they never actually avoided it.

On the contrary, they could say that they were a very sexually active couple -- and yet, why didn't another pregnancy come? Afraid of the answer, they never looked for a midwife to either confirm or deny it.

Honestly, both of them still longed to have a family of their own -- that would finally make them feel like their lives were complete, and that they could finally hold the fruit of their love with their own hands. But would such fruit come to them naturally or would they need to give one of the children from Camilla's orphanage a home?

... And even if it did come naturally, would Sonja be able to see the pregnancy through the end? The dread of going through another miscarriage made her freeze in her tracks whenever she thought of bringing that up with her husband. She knew Niles shared her desire of having children, and also knew how he purposely never talked to her about it so she wouldn't go back to how she was during the first weeks after the loss.

They needn't words to communicate -- both of them knew of each other's desires and anxieties, but they also needed time to sort out their feelings as well as to muster courage to seek a professional. Meanwhile, they would enjoy their days to their fullest.

It wasn't a bad deal, really.

Up until the day Sonja first felt sick during the morning.

She jumped out of the bed and ran towards the latrines to throw up, a ritual she had done for the first 10 weeks of her failed pregnancy. With wide eyes, she slowly got back into the room, meeting Niles' equally surprised mien.

Sure, they might be looking too much into it, but Sonja had a strong stomach as well as a high tolerance for pain. The only time she ever felt so sick to the point of throwing up was when she was with child.

The princess froze by the door, one hand still over her mouth as though wiping it, the other one gripping at her sleeping gown over her stomach. "N-Niles..."

"C-calm down," he quickly ran to her side, protectively placing one hand behind her back. "We shouldn't jump to conclusions, yes? What did you eat yesterday?"

"Don't try to change the subject!" She felt her eyes burn with tears, walking at slow steps towards the fainting couch. "I know we've been avoiding talking about this, but... but I... I..." Sitting down, her eyes welled up.

Niles sat beside her, carefully wrapping his arms around her, placing her head by his bare chest. "I'm sorry for never bringing it up, but-"

"I know... I know everything, but still I- I can't help but feel so anxious- What if I'm finally pregnant again? What if I can't keep this baby either?! How will I live with myself after that?!"

"Don't!" Niles held Sonja by her shoulders, making her desperate eyes look at his pleading one. "Don't think like that, p-please, I don't want to see you that way ever again. I'm not the best at being hopeful or saying pretty things, but- let's call the midwife quickly, alright? She might laugh at our faces for jumping into conclusions, but I want to do everything right this time."

Sonja sniffled, feeling warm tears stream down her face. "I- M-me too." She brought both hands to her chest, remembering the little box which held her first baby. "I want to hold our baby into my arms, I want to tell them how happy they've made me. I-I want to meet them, oh Niles! I want to meet them!" She sobbed, throwing herself by his chest once again.

Niles' brow flickered with emotion, his eye burning with emotion as he desperately held onto his beloved, digging his face into her fluffy hair. "We'll do everything right this time, little bird."

Hearing her beloved's serious yet uncertain voice by her ear made Sonja sob louder than before, one hand protectively over her stomach the whole time. They couldn't say how long it took for them to compose themselves again, but after Sonja sniffled for the last time, she looked up to her husband with conviction.

"Don't ever let me be alone, okay?" She said with a deep voice, but before he could open his mouth to reply, she raised one finger. "I don't meant just you -- of course you have your duties with Leo and stuff. I mean to never leave me on my own; I need someone to check on me for any bleeding or to get water for me without me needing to get up and stuff. I... don't want that same situation to happen again. Never again."

"Of course, little bird." He cupped her face, placing his forehead on hers. "I'm sure Jakob's gonna be more than happy to be with you all the time... But I guess I should call Feli-- no, not her -- Lady Camilla, instead. Or Lady Azura."

Sonja snorted with her husband's selection, nudging her cheek on his. "It doesn't need to be only one person. Everyone can take turns if that's what it takes. I just can't be left alone. Promise me that, Niles."

"I'll promise a thousand times if it'll appease your heart, little bird." He smooched her lips, trailing his kisses to her pointy ear. "We'll do everything by the book this time."

Finally did the princess' shoulders sag, the anxiety temporarily melting away. She closed her eyes and enjoyed her husband's scent for a while longer.

Later, the midwife indeed laughed at them for jumping into conclusions, since no other symptoms could be found (no stress, no missing period -- yet, anyway --, no cravings etc etc), but still told them to keep an eye out for any of them from then on.

"It's common to have another pregnancy a few months after the miscarriage 'cause the woman's more fertile. Ev'ryone's their time, though, so now might be the time ya've finally healed and are ready for another try." She had said. "Keep in touch, though, an' we can arrange for me to move to the servant tower closest to  here to keep an eye on ya if ya so unsure."

"Please move in right away." Sonja said reflexively. "I doubt my brothers will notice the movements of a new servant or two at the tower, so you can leave the moving all to me." She never let go of her husband's hand, looking for much-needed support. "Of course, I'll compensate for your time and any clients you might lose with the moving, even if I turn out not to be pregnant, but... I need every precaution this time."

The woman had had an air of mirth from the start, but soon her expression hardened with Sonja's speech, seriously taking it all. "Alright, then I'll be yer shadow from now on. But only time will tell if yer really expectin'."

Husband and wife exchanged glances, tightening their grips on each other's hands. "No matter how long it takes." They replied in unison.

The following weeks were filled with anxiety and anxiety counter-measurements. Sonja shouldn't feel stressed if she truly were pregnant, after all. Whenever she did, she would -- veeeery slowly -- walk towards the stables to pamper her horse.

"I'm sorry I won't be able to ride you today either, Apollo. I might not for a while, too." She patted his nose, "you need to be a good boy and let other people care for you, okay? It might take me a while to come back here."

The horse neighed with distraught, lightly nibbling at his master's hair. Sonja laughed. "Don't be so pouty! I need you to promise me, c'mon!"

Apollo looked away, and if he could puff his cheeks, he would have at that moment. Sonja placed both hands over her hips.

"Apoollloo..." She threatened, making him lower his head and turn his ears back. Finally he conceded and begrudgingly neighed in accordance. "There's a good boy! Who's a good boy?" The princess squeezed his sides, making it neigh happily.

By the entrance, Jakob watched in amusement. "It truly does look like the beast understands you, milady. It's a wonder you understand it as well."

Apollo growled, glaring at the butler, then turned his face away. Sonja laughed. "He shows everything on his face, though. But thanks for accompanying me, Jakob."

"At your service, milady," Jakob bowed, narrowing his eyes to the impudent horse. "Were Niles here, he would most likely bicker... with the horse, after all. I AM the most suited to assist you in your every need, however."

Sonja giggled, happy to be able to do so. Despite the anxiety, she was so very glad to be surrounded by people who cared for her and were ready to be there for her should anything happen.

She wouldn't let that happen again. Not this time.

A few weeks later, they finally confirmed that Sonja's period was late by at least 12 days, so they've redoubled their attention. Paranoid, she would take as long as one minute to take one step whenever she wanted to take a walk, taking the 'take it easy' line way too literally.

"You know you don't need to be this careful, right?" She would hear many a person say it, but she chose to ignore it. Niles even started to walk slower on his day-to-day duties since he got used to accompanying his wife.

By the 8th week, the midwife noticed something strange during their weekly examination. "Oh, my. My! My!" She lifted her head from under the blanket, gesturing for Sonja to close her legs and compose herself. "It's been a while since I saw this!"

Immediately did husband and wife hold hands, their chests cold with dread. "See what, lady?" He asked brusquely, cold sweat streaming down his back.

They didn't notice how happy the woman was, but that was understandable, so she cleared her throat before saying: "There's room for two here!" She winked. "If I'm right, ya'll start growing a bump two weeks from now!"

Sonja felt faint, quickly lying her head back at the pillow. "Niles-what did she say? Did I hear that right or-"

Befuddled, Niles took one hand to his forehead, slicking his bangs back. "Two?" he mumbled, squeezing his wife's hand, not knowing if he should laugh or cry. "Two?!"

The princess giggled nervously, the world twirling around her. "Are you really sure about that?" She breathed out, not being able to focus on the nearby midwife.

"My predictions are usually right, ya know. As I said 'fore, only time will tell, but I'm purty sure you'll have two, yep."

Barely did the words reach Sonja, she brought her free hand to her mouth in emotion, her eyes immediately welling up. "T-twins...!" She sniffled, turning to place her head by her husband's leg. "Oh, Niles!"

"Hah, hahah..." The retainer laughed nervously, not wanting to show that much emotion while the midwife watched, but barely being able to contain his feelings. "We'll do this right, we will..." he managed to say despite the lump growing inside his throat, slowly bending down to his wife so as to make their foreheads touch.

Realizing that they needed their time, the midwife quietly left the room, taking it upon herself to deliver these babies. She wouldn't let another miscarriage happen, by the gods! Not with such loving couple and wonderful parents.

Her predictions were on point, after all: after barely two weeks, Sonja already had to change out from her usual pants and wear looser dresses -- the bump started to sprout.

The morning she saw it, the princess could barely contain her emotion, breaking down in tears in front of the mirror -- she had gotten only as big during the first pregnancy, though it had taken double the time. She would see herself grow more and more, for sure. For sure.

Seeing the bump grow brought even more resolve to the couple's heart, as well as more anxiety and paranoia. Every single time Sonja chose to lie down during the day, she never used a blanket to cover herself. Last time, she hadn't noticed the bleeding because it was under the covers. Not again.

She would also keep the jug of water by their bedside table, so she wouldn't need to get up to take it. Not again.

Every day, Niles would talk Jakob's ear off, resulting in a daily bickery about how the butler is already qualified to take care of his lady, thank you very much and how the retainer had to bring up the past mistakes so as to keep him on edge. Not again.

Of course, Niles never left his Lord wanting regarding his own duties, but his mind would always drift back to his wife, expectation and dread beating side by side in his heart.

Their nervousness reached its peak once Sonja reached the 20th week -- the same point she had reached last time. They could barely form words during that entire week, always treating Sonja as though she were glass. Once it passed, the princess cried a little, laughing as her husband said that they've gotten a new record and that they would keep breaking it until the end.

The rate which Sonja's stomach would grow was astonishing -- twins really did need a lot of space! She already looked like 8 months pregnant at bit past four months. Camilla would visit often to gush over her tiny nephews as well as to give Sonja a really good oil for the skin so she wouldn't have lingering stretch marks after the birthing.

"You'll let me apply every so often, won't you, darling? I so want to feel my little babies as much as I can!" Camilla would say sometimes, always trying to look for a tiny head or a foot as she inspected Sonja's growing belly.

The feeling of having someone (someones!) growing inside of her was magical and strange at the same time -- she could feel whenever they moved, and would giggle, imagining that they would be fighting for space inside that cramped womb.

"Don't worry, little ones, you'll have plenty of room to grow once you're here with Mommy." She would whisper whenever they moved, so very much looking forward to meet them already!

More often than not, Niles would miss the times whence the babies moved, pouting before filling his wife's belly with kisses. "You rascals! I won't let you elude me forever!"

Slowly but surely did their anxiety over a miscarriage faded, all the while Sonja grew more and more each day. The morning Niles could actually see a little foot through Sonja's belly was the most emotional he had felt ever since first finding out she was pregnant, all those years ago. He was uncharacteristically happy that entire day, his wide smile creeping Leo out.

Sonja stopped taking long walks once her legs swelled up to the point of her not being able to go down a flight of stairs without a great amount of effort. The day she dropped her book while getting up was also one filled with mirth: she couldn't for the life of her to bend herself down to fetch it, awkwardly letting Niles take it for her as he laughed her ears off for hours.

Sometimes he would sputter out of nowhere, prompting Sonja to elbow him on the stomach. He would still, laugh, however, feeling so utterly happy, not only from the good joke.

They would often lie awake on each other's arms -- Niles always hugging Sonja from behind so as to caress her belly -- unbelieving of their situation. She was due soon, sooner than they actually felt prepared to. The pregnancy, despite filled with anxiety, insecurities and lots of slow-walking, went by so fast.

More than once did they talk about how should they name the babies, but without knowing their genders, they were forced to think up two names of each gender, not knowing which of them to choose should a boy-girl pair end up being born instead.

Sonja had chosen the names for the boys while Niles chose the ones for the girls, both of them scarcely believing that they were at that stage already.

For peace of mind's sake, they had made the midwife move to the anteroom of their quarters, so she would be close at any given time.

Every single discomfort Sonja felt was reported to the midwife, who would scold her for startling everyone because of gases or constipation.

"But this time- this time I know it's different-" she said one afternoon, pressing at her belly to check. "I can't feel this level of pain, but I'm sure it should be hurting a lot by now."

"Oh, alright, lemme check." The midwife gave in, making Sonja sit so she could lift her skirt. "Oh, my. It's true! Your water's gonna leak anytime now, dear."

"Hah! What did I tell you-" Sonja's cheekiness kicked in quicker than the surprise and expectation did. "Oh. Oh gods. It's really happening? Jakob- JAKOB!" She gripped at the mattress as the midwife quickly went back to the anteroom to get everything ready. The butler promptly opened the door right away.

"Did you cal-"

"Go get Niles, now!" She huffed, not actually feeling any pain, but knowing that the contractions were happening.

Panicked, the butler stuttered something akin to 'is it coming-' before turning on his heel and running back to fetch his lady's husband. Soon the midwife's whole staff was on standby, counting the frequency of her contractions not by her cries of pain, but by how often the water leaked from her.

Niles arrived not too long after, too anxious to even speak, simply kneeling by the bed and holding his wife's hand the whole time. They exchanged glances, their sweaty foreheads matching as finally Sonja felt pain -- it was time to start pushing.

Compared to when she had lost her baby, pushing an entire one out wasn't so hard -- she just needed to breathe and squeeze her husband's hand to near bone-shattering. The moment Sonja heard the first cry, she started sobbing.

"My baby- My baby... let me see it!" She cried, lifting her free hand.

"Concentrate! There's still one more to push!" The midwife said as the first baby was being washed by her assistant.

"It's a boy!" The girl said, wrapping the pointy-eared baby on a warm towel.

"Kana!!!" Sonja cried out, pushing the second baby with everything she had. Niles was torn between looking at his crying wife, his crying son or waiting to hear the cry of his second baby.

Not three minutes later did another wailing start, louder than the first one. "Ohh, this one's got a strong lung!" The midwife laughed, "and it's a girl!"

Niles finally broke down, his shoulders sagging so much he almost melted onto the mattress. "Nina...!" He sniffled, letting go of Sonja's hand to welcome his tiny daughter on his arms at the same time she did with their son.

Both of them had matching pointy ears, just like Sonja's. "They're your spitting image, Sonja. I demand more children so they can look like me." He tried to joke under his sobs, giving his index for the tiny red baby to grasp. She gripped it with the most strength her oh so very small fingers could muster, making Niles' chin tremble with emotion.

"Oh, Niles, they're so small!" Sonja cried. "Finally, finally our family is--" She sobbed, ever so softly kissing Kana's head. "Finally we're complete."

[yukiwrites]

A Joyous Occasion

Thank you so much for commissioning me again, @breeachuu! Thank you also for your patience ;v;) Hope you like it!

Summary: Leo and Cressida unexpectedly find out that she’s pregnant, and amidst their own emotion, they need to come up with ways to say the good news to the nohrian royal family. Cressida fears only one thing...

Commission info HERE and HERE!

Part 1 - Part 2

Cressida knew herself. No matter how much she had fought her overworking tendencies, she knew she was still prone to do so. After her marriage to Leo, they somewhat had become each other's warnings: He would stop her if he realized she was overdoing it and so would she if he started to show signs of exhaustion.

They walked to Castle Krakenburg's infirmary one morning after Cressida had felt sick seemingly out of nowhere. "I'm telling you, you don't need to come with me every time, Leo. You're so busy as it is."

The prince lifted his chin. "And neglect my wife when she's feeling sick? You don't really think I would do that, do you?" He opened the door to her and whispered as she entered: "Especially after being so thoroughly scolded for neglecting you that time."

Cressida coughed to hide her smirk, not wanting to give in to his invitation to a tease battle right after locking eyes with the head healer. "Alright, then. Let's get this over with quickly so we can go back to our duties."

Leo lifted one eyebrow as he smirked, the hand of victory patting his pride. He turned his head to the healer. "I've brought her again."

The woman laughed, sitting back at her desk. "You never miss a month, do you? Should I guess what is it this time?"

Cressida awkwardly sat down at one of the chairs positioned in front of the healer's desk. "It's probably the same as always," she looked away. "My husband's just a worrywart, that's all."

"With reason, I should say." Leo sat beside Cressida, protectively placing one hand over her back.

The healer smiled softly, taking out the scroll in which she wrote Cressida's history of visits. "Well, let's hear it."

Suddenly, the bow knight's heart started pounding, making it hard to breathe. She felt stressed, moreso than usual, and it wasn't only at that moment. She had been feeling stressed and clingy for a while, especially after those pesky mornings filled with sickness. Ugh, what a way to start the day!

While she spoke, she placed both elbows on the desk, resting her head over her hands. "Besides, my period's late again." She concluded, her only solace being Leo's hand going up and down her spine.

"Ohhh, oh my." The healer smiled, itching her feather pen over her lips as she read Cressida's file. "You said that last month too, yes? Well, the period part; the other symptoms are new." She waited for Cressida to nod in confusion. "Did it ever come? I mean, the period."

The bow knight looked up in thought, placing one hand over her chin. "Now that you mention it, I don't think it did. And I did rest like you told me to."

"My, my, my, my! Congratulations, Prince Leo and Lady Cressida!" She clasped both hands in glee, the confusion in the couple's faces growing with each word she spoke. "You're pregnant!" She said finally, pointing at Cressida.

"What?!" Both of them said at the same time, banging both hands on the desk, immediately looking at Cressida's stomach afterward.

The woman laughed. "Late periods are normal if you're under much stress, but from everything you've told me, these aren't stress symptoms, dear. The castle is going to be blessed with yet another child! Oh, what joy!"

Stunned, Cressida sat back at her chair, placing both hands over her stomach. Equally stunned, Leo froze on his feet, his wide eyes trying to look for a bump on his wife's belly. Of course, he found none, but the emotion of looking forward to when he would actually see it made his eyes burn with tears.

He opened and closed his mouth to speak, not knowing how to word for a good minute or two.

"Do you want me to spread the good news?" The woman wrote Cressida's situation down at her scroll, remembering how the entire castle brightened up when Queen Kamui was pregnant of Crown Prince Siegbert.

"No!" They said in unison once again, Leo's previous emotion giving way to dread. "We'll tell them ourselves." He added, finally meeting his wife's eyes. She looked lost and hopeful, surely much like he himself looked. "Is there anything we should know before we go? We need to take better care of her health from now on, yes?"

"Oh, yes, yes. Sit down; let me inform you two about the progression of the pregnancy."

Leo exchanged glances with his wife once more, grasping onto her hand to support her and be supported in return as he sat back down. The healer explained many things Leo himself had witnessed happen to his sister Kamui while she was pregnant, but she also told them many other details they were never aware of.

Emotion gave way to expectation. Just hearing about the stages of pregnancy made Leo want to hug his baby already!

They left the infirmary without ever breaking their hand hold, both young hearts beating so loud they could almost hear each other's heartbeats in the silent corridor.

"So I'll, uh, tell Xander about it. I have a meeting with him soon, anyway." Leo scratched his cheek, not knowing where to look.

Cressida squeezed his hand on hers, putting her free hand over her chest to calm down her feelings. "I... I'll tell Lady Camilla this afternoon. She called me for tea again."

"Again." Leo cleared his throat.

"Again." Cressida sighed in defeat. She loved her new family, yes, but she was never one to enjoy smothering and spending time with a lot of people. Like Leo, she liked the silence of an empty library, or the morning air of the deserted training ground.

Telling Camilla would be an... experience, to say the least.

Thinking about how she most likely would have her air hugged out of her body made Cressida somehow calm down about her own situation and dread the tea time instead. Leo felt the same about having to tell his brother, though he was actually thinking of ways to say the words 'my wife is pregnant' without breaking down in tears.

Just thinking about it made his eyes burn and his chin tremble.

Their child!

He wanted to wait until they were back at their room to show his emotions, but with every step they gave, the harder it became to hide how he felt. He stopped walking altogether once they arrived at the royal wing, away from any marauding servants or guards.

"Leo-" Cressida turned to check what made him stop walking and pull her hand to him instead, finding his eyes welled up with tears.

Emotion once again filled Cressida's heart like a fast arrow hitting the bull's eye. Inadvertently, she placed her free hand over her mouth, her lips trembling.

"I'm-" he struggled to say, caressing her cheek at the same time he brought her hand to his lips in a soft kiss. "I'm just so-" he let out a nervous laugh, feeling one tear escape from his eye, promptly drying it right away. "I can't say I n-never thought about this moment, but- experiencing it is-"

"Oh, Leo..." Cressida wrapped her arms around her beloved, resting her head on his collarbone, the tears finally flowing through her cheeks. "I- I still don't know what to feel, but I know that we'll- we'll learn together. We'll love this baby and protect it from everything together."

Leo squeezed his wife in return, looking up so the tears wouldn't blur his vision. "You're pregnant! Haha!" He laughed, digging his face into her silky hair.  "Oh, Cressida! I thought I was at my happiest after you accepted my feelings! Or during our marriage ceremony! But every single day with you has been making me the happiest I've ever been." He sniffled, his voice slightly trembling with emotion by her ear, setting her off as well. "I'm sure every single day will be happier than the last, especially now that our family will grow."

Cressida dug her fingers on her beloved's back, sobbing by his chest. "A-are you trying to compete on who's the happiest here?" She laughed as she cried.

"Hah!" Leo chuckled in return, squeezing her even more into his hug. "I'll MAKE you happier every single day, you'll see."

Sniffling, Cressida lifted her head to her husband, caressing his tear-stained cheek. "I can't wait, then." She bit her lower lip as she closed her eyes to feel his taste on her.

They locked their happiness with a tender kiss, their heartbeats as one. Ah, recharged! They thought as their tongues danced in their mouths, never wanting to let go.

They broke the fast in their room, giddy with happiness before each set off to their own battle. Leo to his meeting with Xander and Cressida to find the other princesses.

She didn't want to tell each one of them separately (mostly because her heart wouldn't take it to say it so many times without breaking down in tears and to run away from repeated smotherings), so she would just invite them to that afternoon tea and tell them all at once.

The couple parted ways without really wanting to, their hands lingering on each other as they walked to opposite sides. Leo looked down at his hand the whole way to Xander's study, still feeling Cressida's warmth. He silently took the hand to his face and closed his eyes before doing his personal knock on the door. "Brother? Forgive me for being late."

"Leo. How unusual of you to miss an appointment." Xander commented from inside, allowing the prince's entry. One could barely see the King behind all the paperwork scattered around his desk.

Sorting these papers was a shared work between both siblings (as well as the King's retainers, ideally; but alas, Peri wouldn't be able to differentiate a plea from a citizen from an assassination contract), which made Leo falter with guilt. "F-forgive me once more, Brother. I'll start working on these immediately. Only--"

Xander took his eyes off of a report to look at his fidgety brother. He smiled softly, his frown softening under his brow. "You know you can tell me anything, Leo. Did something happen to make you lose your composure so?"

"Hah, I--" Leo fought a nervous smile, wanting to laugh aloud. He scratched the back of his neck and looked up to shoo away the tears. "I just received the best news of my life and I wanted you to be the first one to know."

The King needed but to look at all signs his brother was giving out: his ears were red, his eyes were shining and his lips fought a losing battle against a stubborn smile. The only one who was capable of bringing such utter happiness to him was none other than Cressida, the wife who fought valiantly to be accepted into the royal family.

He put down the papers on the desk. "Will Siegbert finally be blessed with a cousin from you, Leo?"

The prince widened his eyes, failing to hide the wide smile. "Wh- How did you know?! Did that healer actually tell everyone-"

"Haha, calm down, little brother." Xander leaned his back on the chair, peace filling his heart. Another child to brighten up the palace. What a blessing! "I simply looked at your behavior and realized it. It is a wonder how you are good at card games, being like this."

Leo sat down in front of Xander's desk lest the embarrassment swallowed him whole. "Ah, yeah, uh, I..." He groaned, hiding his face under both hands. "Forgive me for losing my composure like that, I promise I'll-"

"Nonsense, Leo. It is a joyous occasion; composure has no room in this." The King replied, softly placing the report he had just read over Leo's forehead. "Congratulations, little brother. May your baby be born safely and be filled with good health."

Under the paper, Leo looked down to his hands, which once again throbbed with Cressida's warmth. He felt his eyes burn with tears. "T-thank you, Brother. It means a lot coming from you." He whispered the last part, though not low enough for Xander heard every word.

"Do not hesitate to ask me anything should you have any questions regarding your wife's pregnancy. I may not be an expert at child-raising as I am still on my firstborn, but I wager I can teach you a thing or two."

"I'm sure you can." Leo finally took the report, managing to swallow back his tears. "Don't mind if I do, then, Brother."

"I ask nothing more that you rely on me." Xander said, opening yet another document, unaware of how those words affected the prince's heart.

Agh, the tears are coming back, he thought as he leaned back on his chair, trying to appear as nonchalant as possible. Would he feel this way the whole time? Gods, he couldn't wait to hold his baby already!

On the opposing wing of the castle, Cressida walked towards the music room, aware that Princess Elise's piano lessons happened at around that hour during the second day of the week. "Excuse me, Elise?" She knocked before popping her head inside. "I'm sorry for interrupting your lesson--"

"Oh, Cressida!" Elise beamed, jumping out of the piano's bench towards the door. She didn't actually like that instructor, so a distraction came in handy. "What's up?"

Cressida looked down at her hands as Elise tightly grasped them, her bright smile making the bow knight's shoulders sag. "I think you know, but me and Camilla are going to have tea later this afternoon-"

"Oh, yeah! She told me last night, so I'm coming for sure! What about it?"

The winds of Cressida's sails were promptly stolen by Elise's overeagerness. "Uh, I was about to invite you to go. But if you're already going, then..." She meant to leave, taking a step back to close the door.

"Awww, are you leaving already?" She pulled Cressida back, tip-toeing to whisper by her ear: "Please stay a bit more, Mister Jennard is super scary when he's angry!" She glanced to her shoulder, signaling the increasingly upset music instructor by the piano.

"Is that so..." Cressida pressed her lips into a thin line, not wanting to stay, but not about to refuse such a desperate plea for help. "Alright, but I can't stay for long, okay? I still need to look for Lady Kamui and Azura."

"Oh, you're inviting them too? Yayy! It's gonna be a girl's night!" Elise bounced, walking back to the piano with light steps.

"Hah, tell me about it..."

"Hm? Did you say something?"

Cressida cleared her throat, sitting beside Elise. "Nope. Why don't you play something nice for me?"

"Alrighty, look out, Cressida's ears! Here I come!"

For someone who didn't like taking classes as Elise, she was actually a very good player (better than Cressida ever would be, at least), making the bow knight stay even longer than she was supposed to. It was almost the appointed time for tea and she hadn't found neither the Queen nor Azura.

She sighed, knowing that after Camilla heard about her pregnancy, the whole castle would follow, starting from the court ladies closest to the royal family. Of course, the eldest princess would keep it a secret should Cressida ask to, but there wasn't really any need to, after all.

Cressida just wanted to be the one to tell Leo's sisters. To... to feel like she belonged, or something.

To her surprise, however, she found Kamui and Azura already inside the tea room once she opened the door. "Huh? Lady Kamui?"

"Oh, Cressida! Elise told me you wanted everyone to be present this afternoon, so here I am! Did you want to talk about something?"

"When did she find the time-" Cressida coughed, "nevermind. I do have something to say, but where's-"

"Right here, darling." Camilla seemingly materialized beside the bow knight, making her jump out of her skin. "I went to fetch our dear little sister away from Jennard's claws."

Hugging her eldest sister, Elise smiled brightly. "Did you like the surprise? I asked Arthur to call my big sisters! I couldn't wait for the girl's talk!"

Cressida laughed nervously, suddenly forgetting how to breathe. "Hahah... Thanks, Elise; that was very sweet of you."

"Are you alright, Cressida? You're getting paler by the second." Azura got up of her seat to touch the bow knight's hand. "You're so cold!"

"Oh, no, please sit down!" Kamui patted on the seat beside her, over a couch. "Is everything okay?"

Three heads almost bumped each other, worried about Cressida, narrowing her field of vision. "D-don't fawn over me too much-"

"That's right, girls. Let her breathe." Azura placed one arm protectively beside Cressida, slightly pushing Camilla, Elise and Kamui. "Forgive me, I shouldn't have pointed it out."

"Drink this, darling. It's sweetness will surely calm you down." Camilla swiftly poured a cup of tea, handing it to Cressida.

She didn't really feel like drinking anything, but if it would make them stop worrying, she would promptly do it. "Thank you Lady Camilla."

"Tsk tsk, still not used to calling me by my name, dear? Surely we're family by now?"

"Now even more than you think." Cressida blurted out after taking a sip, widening her own eyes in surprise to what she had just said.

"Oh?" Camilla tilted her head to the side, looking at her sisters as her smile grew. "Are you teasing me, darling Cressida? It's not nice to make me hope for a nephew or niece from you like this!"

Azura took one hand to her lips to hide her surprise, understanding before all four that Cressida actually meant that. Kamui looked from the bow knight to her cousin, widening her eyes right after.

"No way, it's true?!" The Queen placed both hands over her face in glee. "Oh, Cressida!" She jumped in for a hug, making the bow knight almost drop her cup. "O-oh, sorry."

"Let's take this out of the way, yes?" Camilla placed the cup on a nearby table, immediately hugging Cressida in the middle of her chest. "What great news, my dear! Oh, I simply cannot wait to smother on your and Leo's baby! He or she will surely be the most huggable and pinchable little thing!"

"Yay! I'll get another nephew!" Elise threw her hands up. "Oh, or niece! I already have Sieggy and Velouria! I can't wait to meet my new nephew or niece, heehee!"

"Congratulations, Cressida!" Kamui patted the bow knight's shoulder, unable to hug her while Camilla still protectively gripped onto her.

Cressida closed her eyes, pressing her lips into a thin line. She didn't know how to react to such gleeful reaction to her news, as awkward as her delivery was.

She was more of a loner type, but... but that warmth wasn't all so bad.

Well, when it didn't rob her of her air, that is. "L-Lady Camilla- breathe--"

"Oh, dear!" Camilla let go of the hug. "Forgive me, darling. Are you okay?" She caressed the bow knight's head as Kamui patted her back to help her cough for air.

"I-I'll live." She gasped, breathing heavily. "T-thank you."

"My, whatever for? It's natural to be this happy to know that our family will grow! And you ARE part of our family, are you not?"

Cressida nodded shyly after one entire minute of hesitation, looking down to her hands. She already missed Leo's warmth on them, but for that evening, she would indulge his sisters -- now hers as well -- and talk about 'girly stuff' as Elise put it. She would need his tender hug to recharge her, but she would live.

Seeing everyone’s smiling because of her condition also brought her happiness, after all. Hopefully she would be able to endure eight more months of smothering… Her eye twitched. It was going to be arguably the busiest time of her life, that was for sure.