Sunday
Clare leaned against the railing of the S.S. Linebeck, Bane on one side of her was about knee height while Lucas was just a little bigger than him with eight tails and on Clare's other side. A soft breeze was playing with the ends of her hair as Luke steered them home. Clare closed her eyes and ran a hand threw her hair. Slowly Levious, home, came into view on the horizon.
"Look guys...Home..." Clare whispered to the two dogs by her sides.
"You okay mom?" Lucas asked looking up at her.
"I'm tired...Don't tell anyone okay?" Clare asked crouching down to them.
"I won't as long as you promise to rest when we get home...Okay?" Lucas requested.
"Okay...after I get at least one box off the ship." Clare agreed. Lucas nodded and nuzzled her cheek. Clare smiled and nuzzled the top of his head before standing back up. The dock was empty when they reached it. Clare hummed and walked down the stairs to the cabin, "No one's there to greet us..."
"That's odd but we are a little earlier than usual..." Luke replied.
"Well grab a box, we'll go up after we unpack..." Clare said picking up the lightest box. Luke nodded and grabbed two boxes. Clare walked down the gang plank and onto the dock. Luke followed with the boys hot at their heels. Clare walked over to the house and turned the knob for the front door. Lucas pushed the door open and padded inside with Bane. Clare smiled and walked into the house then into the library. Luke followed not sure where she wanted the boxes.
"Just set those...Uhh...here." Clare said motioning to the coffee table. Luke set the boxes on the coffee table then brushed his hands off on his pants. Clare set hers on the couch before standing up and swaying slightly. Luke placed his hands on her waist, "Are you alright?"
"I'm a little dizzy...and light headed..." Clare said putting her hand to her forehead. Luke made her sit down and looked her over. Clare sat down and sat still.
"You're a little pale, lie down sweetheart..." Luke replied guiding her to lie down. Clare laid down with a sigh. Luke placed his hand to her cheek and smiled softly, "Just rest until your colour comes back."
"Okay..." Clare said and listened as Bane laid down on the floor in front of the couch. Luke kissed her forehead and went to get the rest of the boxes. Clare let her hand drape onto Bane's head and she rubbed his ears. Bane leaned into her hand to offer some comfort. Clare smiled softly and closed her eyes. Luke packed in a few more boxes and set them on the floor next to the couch.
"That should be all of them." Clare said watching him.
"Feeling better?" Luke asked crouching in front of her over Bane.
"Yeah." Clare said smiling softly.
"Shall we go see Ely and the rest of the family?" Luke asked as he helped her sit up slowly.
"Sure. I would love to see the Little Miss." Clare said smiling softly. Luke offered her a hand and called the boys. Clare smiled as she put her hand in his own. Luke gently pulled her to her feet and gave her a moment to make sure her dizziness didn't return. Clare leaned against him and made sure the room didn't spin.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Luke asked as he placed his arm around her waist. Clare nodded when she did see the room not spinning. Luke frowned a moment before leading her out of the house and up to the Inn. Bane and Lucas followed at their heels. As Luke opened the door a very happy two year old wrapped herself around Clare's leg.
"And who do I have stuck to my leg?" Clare asked looking down.
"Auntie, I missed you..." Sophie said happily as she looked up at Clare with bright emerald green eyes. Clare smiled and picked her up, "I missed you too. How's everyone else?" Clare asked.
"Liam and Lily are walking and Ely's still quiet like usual and Sheik's living with us now..." Sophie replied a few letters either missing or miss pronounced. Clare smiled and walked into the Inn. Sheik was in the window with a sleeping Ely and Link had the twins. Anni walked into the room and her eyes snapped to Clare.
"Hi, Anni..." Clare said waving, "You too Sheik and I have something for you Link." Clare said walking over to the younger Hyrulian. Link shifted Lily to sit next to her brother and looked up at Clare, but Anni's eyes never left Clare.
"Let's see where did....Ah ha." Clare said pulling a letter out of a pocket in her dark blue skirt before passing it over. Link took the letter and read it, smiling every so often. Anni crossed the room and took Clare's wrist, "Can I talk to you alone?"
"Yeah sure. Link she wants you to send a letter back." Clare said as she followed Anni. Anni led her down the wall to the small spare room from two years ago. Clare walked in and looked around, "So...what did you want to talk to me about?" Anni shut the door and turned around, "Auntie Clare, how have you been feeling lately?"
"I was dizzy just a little while ago and tired to." Clare confessed with her head tilted to the side.
"How about nauseous?" Anni asked.
"Nope." Clare replied.
"Now don't get mad at me but, have you noticed maybe things aren't fitting the way they used to?" Anni asked next. Clare couldn't help but narrow her eyes, she was very self-conscious about her body, "Everything's been fitting fine." Anni took Clare's hands and squeezed them gently, "Auntie Clare, you're pregnant..." Anni said gently. Clare gasped and her eyes rolled into the back of her head. Anni managed to catch her and lower them both slowly to the floor. Clare laid there lightly. Anni smiled sadly and ran her fingers through Clare's hair. Clare slowly opened her eyes then blinked at Anni.
"Are you alright?" Anni asked as some of Clare's colour returned.
"Please tell me your joking...?" Clare asked in a whisper.
"I'm sorry, I'm not..." Anni replied gently as she tried to keep her Aunt calm. Clare twitched slightly then a massive mood swing, "I'm going to hit him..."
"Shh...calm down...I thought you both wanted one of your own..." Anni said gently as she hugged her Aunt and rubbed circles in her back.
"Yeah..." Clare muttered softly. Anni smiled and continued to keep Clare calm, "I'll be here to help just like you helped me..." Clare nodded and sat up slowly.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Anni asked as she gently squeezed Clare's hands.
"Yeah...I should go out there and tell your uncle and get hugged to death..." Clare said softly.
"I'm surprised you're not showing yet, I mean you're in such good shape, you'd start showing before someone like me." Anni mused as she smiled softly and hugged Clare one more time. Clare scrunched her nose then hugged her back. Anni released her and stood up before offering Clare a hand. Clare sighed and put her hand in Anni's before standing slowly. Anni smiled sympathetically knowing Clare hated feeling helpless and opened the door, "Do you want me to call him down here or do you want to go home and tell him?"
"Better to get him in here now instead of making him worried." Clare said with a sigh then ran her hand through her hair. Anni nodded and squeezed her shoulder before calling Luke. Clare turned her back to the door and wrapped her arms around her stomach. Luke slipped in and shut the door, "Sweetheart, are you alright?"
"Remember last year and the year before...You were talking about twins and if what gender we'd preferred..." Clare said still keeping her back to him. Luke walked over to her and placed his hands on her waist, "Sweetheart?"
"Luke...I'm pregnant..." Clare whispered fiddling with her hands and wedding band. Luke turned her around so she was facing him before wrapping her in his arms, "That's fantastic..." He whispered.
"Yeah it is...and I knew I'd be hugged to death..." Clare said softly. Luke smiled and let her go, "Do you know how far along you are?" Luke asked.
"Well I'm not showing yet so what do you thing?" Clare snapped as her moods started to swing.
"Shh...It's okay..." Luke whispered pulling her back into his arms and running his fingers though her hair. Clare sighed and leaned against him before her ear twitched.
"What did you hear?" Luke asked rubbing her back.
"Two males, one taller and heavier than the other one. The other knows how to be sneaky..." Clare said softly.
"Link, Sheik get lost before I sick Anni on you both." Luke growled at the door. Clare raised an eyebrow at him.
"What, this is a special moment that they just ruined..." Luke muttered unhappily.
"Okay..." Clare muttered then shook her head. Luke smiled and pulled her into his arms again, "I'm guessing you're only two, three months along."
"I don't know for sure..." Clare whispered closing her eyes.
"We'll know soon enough..." Luke replied holding her tightly.
"Yeah..." Clare whispered then her ear twitched again.
"Let's go home before I smack them both..." Luke whispered.
"It is Bane and Lucas." Clare said softly. Luke sighed and released her long enough to let the boys in.
"How would you two feel about a new addition to the family?" Clare asked them softly. Lucas's eyes lit up, "Really, you're sure?"
"Anni's sure...what does that tell you?" Clare asked with a sigh. Lucas jumped into her arms and nuzzled her cheek gently. Clare smiled softly and nuzzled the top of his head while Bane wagged his tail quickly.
"Come let's go home and celebrate, we can tell the other's when you're more comfortable." Luke said as he put his arm around her.
"Alright..." Clare hummed and put Lucas on the floor. Luke smiled and led her out the door to head home. Bane and Lucas pranced happily in front of them, chasing off stray birds. Luke smiled at his two adopted sons as he traced circles against Clare's side. Clare smiled softly as they kept walking until they reached the house. Luke opened the door and let the boys in before scooping her off her feet. Clare wrapped her arms around his neck and let him carry her. Luke told the boys to stay downstairs for a little while before he carried his wife upstairs. Clare raised her eyebrow at him. Luke smiled and kissed her forehead. She smiled back and kissed his cheek gently. Luke slipped into their room and kicked the door shut before placing her on the bed and curling up next to her. Clare smiled and rolled onto her side to snuggle into his chest like she usually did. Luke ran his fingers though her hair then down her side to her stomach. She kept snuggling into his chest calmly.
"I didn't want to tell you at the Inn, but you are showing a little sweetheart..." Luke whispered. She humph and rolled over so her back was to him. Luke wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back against him, "Angel..."
"What?" Clare grumbled.
"Why are you so upset?" Luke asked gently as he soothed circles against her stomach.
"Could've told me..." She grumbled.
"Only I would notice sweetheart..." Luke replied still trying to sooth his wife.
"Cause you're the only one who touches me..." Clare said putting her hands on his lightly. Luke nodded and kissed her jaw while hugging her tightly but gently. Clare sighed and closed her eyes. Luke smiled against her neck and traced light circles against her stomach.
"Have you figured out how to get Oni out of your head yet?" Clare asked softly with a smile.
"I told him you'd figure it out...I'm going to ask Anni to separate us the same way she did with Sheik and myself." Luke replied quietly.
"Okay...better get that done quick..." Clare whispered softly. Luke nodded and turned her around before securing himself at her waist and placing a light kiss to her stomach. Clare sighed and shook her head lightly.
"I'm happy, let me enjoy it..." Luke whined and nuzzled her very slightly curved stomach.
"Fine..." Clare whispered and stared off at the ceiling. Luke smiled and kissed her stomach trying to keep her calm and happy. Clare sighed and smiled lightly. Luke smiled to himself for his little victory. Clare hummed lightly still smiling softly.
"Are you happy Angel?" Luke asked quietly.
"Yeah I'm happy..." Clare whispered softly. Luke smiled and placed another kiss to her stomach. Clare smiled and closed her eyes.
"Dad, can we come in now?" Lucas asked. Clare looked opened her eyes slightly.
"Yeah you can come in..." Luke replied and snapped his fingers causing the door to open.
"You Levians and your magic..." Clare muttered as Bane and Lucas came in. Luke sniffed and nuzzled her stomach. Clare shook her head as Bane and Lucas looked at the bed. Lucas managed to get up on his own, Bane on the other hand decided to stay on the floor.
"I'd pick you up Bane but your father's stuck on my waist..." Clare said dropping her hand to scratch his ears. Bane leaned into her hand then settled contently on the rug. Clare smiled and rubbed his ears lightly. Lucas settled his head on her collar bone, "Mom, are you sure you're having a baby, you don't look like it?"
"Put your head, or paw, don't matter, on my stomach..." Clare said softly. Lucas got up and moved to lay his head on her stomach. Clare shifted slightly. Lucas stayed still as Luke yawned.
"What does that tell ya?" Clare asked softly. Lucas moved back to her collar bone and settled there again, "That you're maybe two and half months along." Clare sighed heavily and tossed a pillow over her face.
"Mom..." Luke coaxed, "You're still beautiful." Clare groaned quietly. Lucas nuzzled her neck in a comforting manner. Clare took the pillow off her face and stared at the ceiling, "I'm getting hungry..." Lucas laughed quietly and smacked Luke on the head. He groaned and nuzzled Clare's stomach further.
"Dad wake up, Mom's hungry." Lucas said giving his ear tip a smack. Luke opened his eyes then yawned.
"Go make lunch, Mom's hungry." Luke restated. Luke nodded before unwrapping his arms. Luke slipped from the room stretching as he did. Clare made to sit up and climb out of bed.
"What are you doing mom?" Lucas asked.
"Getting up..." Clare said.
"You promised me you'd rest and I know that you're tired so don't say you're not." Lucas replied.
"For a Keaton with only eight tails, you're smart..." Clare said sitting up but not getting out of bed. Lucas sighed contently and settled in her lap. Clare smiled softly and rubbed his ears gently. Lucas shifted and gently nuzzled her stomach.
"What's so fascinating with my stomach?" Clare asked.
"It's soft and there's a baby in there now..." Lucas replied. Clare blushed and stared at the window. Lucas settled with his ear just over her naval. Clare stretched her arms up as Bane put his head on covers gently. The young dog sniffed to get her attention. Clare smiled and put her hand on his head and scratched his ears. Bane's tail thumped against the floor happily. Clare smiled lightly and kept scratching his ears. Luke slipped back into the room with soup and tea. Clare smiled and took the bowl of soup. Luke sat on the edge of the bed next to Bane. Clare smiled and ate her soup.
"Still mad at me?" Luke asked.
"For what?" Clare asked after swallowing some soup.
"I just thought you'd be mad about earlier..." Luke replied.
"I could never stay mad at you..." Clare whispered kissing his temple lightly. Luke smiled and moved around to the other side of the bed to sit next to her. Clare smiled and kept eating her soup. Lucas and Bane yawned and were soon asleep. Clare smiled and reached for her tea. Luke shifted and snaked his arms around her waist so his hands rested on her stomach. Clare hummed and sipped her tea. Lucas rolled from her lap onto the bed as Luke rested his chin on her shoulder. Clare hummed lightly and sipped her tea again. Luke sighed contently as he traced light circles against her stomach. Clare smiled into her tea lightly. Bane flopped down on the floor and slept soundly. Clare smiled and finished her tea before finishing her soup. There was a peaceful silence that settled over the room. Clare paused and looked around. The boys were asleep and Luke was contently cuddling her. Clare hummed leaned against Luke gently. Luke rumbled quietly and carefully shifted her into his lap. Clare smiled and leaned completely against him, closing her eyes.
"You're still light as a feather..." Luke whispered as he kissed her temple.
"I don't think I'm that far along to gain that much weight..." Clare muttered.
"You never know, but you should try to put on at least ten pounds Angel, it's better for you and the baby." Luke said tracing a few more circles against her stomach. Bane's ears perked up then flatted as Clare growled.
"I know shut up before I get smacked..." Luke said as he removed his hands.
"You should know from experience Luke dearest...Don't piss off a pregnant woman...especially if she's married to you..." Clare grumbled. Luke kept his contact with her to a minimum as he apologized for not thinking, and not keeping his mouth shut. About ten seconds after he started Clare turned and kissed him. Luke was a little shocked but soon returned the kiss. Clare broke it turned back around and put his hands back on her stomach.
"Mood swings, need to get used to those again..." Luke muttered as he settled back into that position. Clare hummed and closed her eyes. Luke shifted his legs so they were on either side of her and she was tight against him. Clare leaned completely into him and sighed softly.
"I'm sorry, I offended you Angel..." Luke whispered as he draped a blanket across her lap.
"That was the old ninja pride ... I should get some more weight though...make sure the baby is healthy..." Clare whispered. Luke smiled and kissed her temple. Clare nuzzled his cheek lightly.
"Why don't you get some rest, you've had a big day...?" Luke whispered.
"I'm right on that..." Clare yawned lightly before nuzzling his shoulder and falling asleep. Luke smiled and ran his fingers though her hair as he took the blanket and wrapped it around all of her. Clare smiled in her sleep and nuzzled his shoulder gently. Luke settled with her safely wrapped in his arms. Clare slept peacefully and contently. Luke let her rest until she was ready to wake up. Clare shifted slightly and yawned before snuggling his chest. Luke ran his fingers though her hair. Clare smiled and opened her eyes lightly.
"Sleep well?" Luke asked quietly.
"Yup..." Clare whispered nuzzling his chest. Luke smiled and held her close. Clare snuggled his chest lightly.
"You want some dinner?" Luke asked quietly.
"Sure I would love some dinner..." Clare said smiling.
"Then you're going to have to let me up." Luke said quietly. Clare groaned but rolled off him. Luke kissed her temple and then slipped from the room to make dinner. Clare propped herself up and leaned against the headboard. Lucas stretched and yawned. Clare hummed softly and rubbed his belly. The young dog settled and was soon asleep again. Clare smiled softly and kept rubbing his belly. Bane stood up and trotted out of the room. Clare watched him curiously. Lucas shifted under her hand. Clare moved her hand to rub his ears gently. Luke slipped back into the room about ten minutes later with her favourite and a cup of tea.
"Mmm...that's what smells so good..." Clare said smiling. Luke chuckled and sat on the bed beside her as he handed her the plate and a fork. Clare smiled as she took the plate and fork before eating. Luke settled himself beside her and set the tea cup on the nightstand. Clare ate happily then when she was finished she reached for the cup. Luke handed her the cup as he took the plate. She smiled as she sipped her tea. Luke shifted so his left arm was around her waist. Clare smiled and leaned against him.
"Still feeling alright?" Luke asked.
"I'm feeling fine." Clare replied. Luke nodded and kissed her neck. Clare smiled softly and continued to sip her tea. Luke shifted his hand slightly so it rested more comfortably on her side. Clare smiled and finished her tea. Luke set the cup on the nightstand then shifted them so his hand had to lie on her left side. Clare smiled softly and closed her eyes. Luke placed both arms around her and held her close, "I guess we should start thinking about what colour to paint the nursery."
"We can do that tomorrow..." Clare whispered.
"Alright, now go to sleep...it's not just you anymore." Luke replied. Clare nodded and closed her eyes before falling asleep. Luke smiled, covered them up and then joined her.