Sunday
"Oh come on already, we're already running a day late! Can't you just leave us alone!?" Clare shouted at the pirate that had boarded their ship, Jolene.
"Because I'm pissed and I'm taking it out on you!" Jolene yelled.
"We don't have time for this..." Clare grumbled and just barely dodged an attack from the blacked haired pirate.
"Too bad..." Jolene growled. She was behaving like a cornered dog, her attacks were vicious and unrelenting. Clare just barely dodged another of those wild attacks. Jolene growled and made contact. The pirate's sword cut across the ninja's right thigh, just above the keeper mark there. Jolene growled and whirled around bringing her blade up in a high arc. The blade cut across the ninja's stomach next then across her left shoulder. The pirate then shoulder checked the ninja into the wall next to Luke's crate. Clare groaned and slid down the wall, then put pressure on two of her three injuries. Jolene pointed the tip of her blade at Clare`s throat, "Where is he?" She growled.
"Go to hell. I am NOT telling you where he is." Clare stated calmly.
"Then you die..." Jolene said through gritted teeth and raised her blade to a kill position. Clare closed her eyes quickly and waited. Then right as Jolene swung the crate Luke was hiding in exploded and sent the pirate flying to the other side of the hold. Clare cracked one eye open slowly. Luke stood in the middle of the remains of his crate, his new rapier in his hand and his magic curling and snapping around his frame.
"...at least he didn't break his charm...I think..." The ninja muttered and winced slightly before putting more pressure on her stomach wound. Luke knelt next to her and placed his blade down at his knee and placed his hand over hers.
"How bad are they?" He asked completely ignoring the pissed off woman that was hauling herself to her feet.
"Leg not too bad either is the shoulder but the stomach..."Clare muttered and lifted her arm off, blood was pooling around her already. Luke ripped the bottom half of his shirt off and bandaged her stomach to the best of his ability at the moment. The poor ninja winced slightly and closed her eyes.
"As soon as I get rid of her, I'll take better care of you..." Luke whispered and kissed her temple as he picked up his blade.
"Alright..." Clare muttered. Luke turned to face the pirate that was advancing on him.
"Finally going to show your chicken ass now? Ha, maybe I should've beaten her up ages ago..." Jolene snarled. Luke tightened his hand around the grip of his blade, cracking his knuckles. Before Jolene could even blink Luke had her pinned to the wall behind her. The pirate smirked and went to stab him with her sword. Luke flipped back out of her range, kicking her in the stomach while he was mid flip. She put one hand to her stomach and growled before launching herself off the wall at Luke. He sidestepped and tripped her before pinning her with his foot in the middle of her back.
"Get off you pansy assed chicken!" Jolene yelled at him. Luke stared at her blankly and stabbed the tip of his blade into her sword hand. Jolene flinched and released the sword. Luke then knocked her onto her back and applied pressure to the already forming bruise on her stomach. The pirate groaned and cursed loudly. Luke stared icily at her, "I'm going to let you up, and you then have ten seconds to run before I rend you in half wench." Luke stated adding more weight to get his point across. Jolene growled but nodded anyway. Luke lifted his foot but kept his blade point at her throat. The pirate grabbed her sword and bolted for the stairs. Luke narrowed his eyes when she paused. She muttered a curse at him before leaving the S.S. Linebeck. Luke dropped his rapier and rushed back to Clare. The blood had already soaked threw the makeshift bandage and her eyes were closed.
"Clare, honey, open your eyes..." Luke said as he placed his hand to her cheek and pulled the first aid kit over to him. She did one eye at a time, "I'm so going to get killed when we get back..."
"Right now what matters is getting the bleeding to stop or at least slow..." Luke said as he unpacked the peroxide, a clean cloth and the bandages.
"I wish that stupid healing spell worked on the caster too..." She grumbled and sat up carefully since she started sliding down the wall. Luke untied the makeshift bandage and then poured the peroxide onto the cloth and gently cleaned the wound. Clare winced slightly. Luke squeezed her hand and began to bandage her wound properly.
"Yeah, I'm so going to get killed...or worse pampered..." Clare complained, needing small talk to help pass time.
"I'll keep most of them at bay, Anni may be the trick..." Luke said as he tied off the bandages. Just then the ship lurched to a stop, Luke placed a hand to Clare's back to keep her from hitting the wall.
"Anni's the one I'm worried about..." Clare muttered. Luke smiled and gently lifted her off the floor.
"This is going to be fun..." The ninja said sarcastically. Luke chuckled quietly and carried her topside. Clare sighed heavily then winced slightly.
"Try not to breath too deeply Angel..." Luke instructed as he nudged the door open.
"Okay okay..." Clare muttered softly. On the dock stood only Link and Sophie.
"Uh...where's Anni?" Clare asked looking over at them.
"Up at the Inn, she's really tired lately..." Link replied.
"Why?" The ninja asked from her place in Luke's arms.
"Mommy's having a baby." Sophie said happily. Clare blinked then blinked again before wincing.
"We'll finish reunions after we get Angel patched up..." Luke said and fazed to the Inn. Clare grumbled about men and their pants.
"Anni, where's the good first aid kit?" Luke asked as he opened the bathroom door and set Clare against the tub.
"Under the sink why?" Anni asked from the couch.
"Your Aunt took a beating today..." Luke replied and pulled it out, instantly searching for phoenix tears, he'd run out earlier in the year.
"From who?!" The young mother questioned as Link came in the door.
"Who do you think?" Link said as he unwrapped Clare's stomach and uncorked the bottle.
"Clare took a beating...Jolene...I'm going to..." Link growled.
"Link calm down..." Anni said, "Make yourself useful and refill this."
"Fine..." Link grumbled and took what Anni had asked him to refill. Luke shook his head and dropped a single drop on Clare's arm, leg and stomach. The ninja rubbed her newly heals stomach lightly, then stood with some assistance from Luke.
"Still hurt a bit?" Luke asked placing his hands on her upper arm.
"Yeah...At least they aren't bleeding still...Let's go check on Anni..." Clare said and walked to the door. Luke smiled and followed her out. She made her way to the couch and leaned over the back, "How far along are you?"
"Eight and a half months, give or take a week..." Anni answered her hand resting on her very round stomach.
"Alright change of plans Luke, weddings going to be in three days...," Clare said addressing her fiancé, then she looked back at Anni, "How many?"
"Two..." Anni replied then winced.
"Well, I can honestly say I feel no sympathy for you two...But I'll do what I can to help." Clare said.
"At least I think it's two, that's what Sophie keeps telling me..." Anni added as she rubbed her back.
"Well with how big you are already, I'm guessing she's right." The ninja said leaning on the back of the couch. Anni shrugged her shoulders then made an expression of discomfort as she rubbed the right side of her stomach.
"Anyways, other than being pregnant again, how are you?" Clare asked taking a seat next to the expecting mother.
"Sore and tired but what do you expect..." Anni replied as Link passed her Sophie and tucked a hot water bottle behind her back. Clare shook her head again and stretched before rolling both shoulders.
"Sorry about all this, we were hoping I'd delivered before you got back." Anni said as she sat Sophie on her other side.
"Oh, don't be sorry, you can't plan life down to a tee, it's impossible." Clare said while relaxing. Anni smiled and nodded as Sophie placed one hand to her mother's stomach.
"How has everyone else been?" Clare asked looking around.
"Sheik and Tetra stop by every day, most of the pirates have stayed her and Medli and Komali found themselves a place beyond the ranch and Makar's been helping me mostly." Anni replied as she ran her fingers through Sophie's hair while the little girl had her ear in the place of her hand.
"Hmm, sounds like they've finally got their own place...Nayru, can you come down here for a minute?" Clare said looking up at the roof. The blue haired goddess appeared on the back of the couch next to Link, which startled him badly, "Yes..."
"Just wondering, since you're a goddess and all, you can wed people right?" Clare asked fidgeting slightly.
"Yes we can, and I'd be glad to do it." Nayru said gently squeezing the young woman's shoulder.
"Thanks. It's in three days." The ninja said then went to go look for a good spot around the Inn to hold it.
"Alright see you then..." And with that she disappeared. Clare nodded and went outside to look around. It was early summer in Levious and the grass was thick and green. Flowers were everywhere and the temperature was nice and mild.
"Yes, warmth without salt in my face..." Clare sighed and looked up at the sky before closing her eyes. Luke looped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder. Not expecting it, the ninja meeped lightly.
"Calm down Angel, it's only me..." Luke cooed and kissed her cheek.
"You're not going to let me out of your sight are you?" Clare asked as she kissed his temple lightly.
"No, that and there's only so much cute a person can deal with." Luke replied and nuzzled her shoulder. Clare smiled lightly and shook her head gently.
"I think here's a good spot for the wedding ceremony and reception don't you?" Luke mused.
"But we're not even four steps away from the porch." Clare pointed out.
"I didn't mean here exactly Angel, but out here, under a night sky..." Luke replied.
"Of course..." Clare smiled.
"So then shall we go back inside?" Luke asked.
"Hmmm..." Clare hummed and a playful glint appeared in her eyes. She slipped out of his arms and walked down to the beach, hips swinging. Luke smirked and quickly and silently caught up to her before sweeping her off her feet.
"Oi!" Clare shouted and started to wiggle out of his arms.
"What?" He purred placing a feather light kiss to her neck.
"Put me down!" She demanded.
"Why?" Luke asked and kissed her temple.
"Because..." She purred and started to wiggle again.
"Because why Angel?" Luke asked nipping behind her ear.
"Kinda hard to go swimming with your arms wrapped around me..." Clare muttered. Luke smiled and chuckled quietly before setting her on her feet and kissing her forehead. Clare kissed his nose then continued back down to the beach. Luke smiled and followed her quietly. She dove in when she was knee deep in the warm waters and swam around. Luke sat on the end of the dock and watched her. When Clare surfaced again, she looked over at him and smirked.
"What?" Luke asked watching her carefully. Clare continued to smirked as she treaded water before splashing him. Luke flipped away so he didn't get wet.
"Well, you're no fun..." Clare whined before floating on her back.
"Not up for a swim today Angel..." Luke said as he laid on the dock and let his fingers brush the waves. She swam over to him and put her arms on the dock and rested her head on top of them, "Why not?"
"Just don't feel like..." Luke replied and brushed the back of his finger against her cheek.
"Alright..." Clare whispered and kissed his finger lightly before slipping back into the water. Luke smiled and watched her while one hand dangled off the dock. Clare swam on her back around and under his hand, his finger tips brushing her stomach gently. Luke smiled. After another minute, the ninja swam over to the shore and climbed out. Luke hadn't noticed, he was watching the patterns his fingers made in the water.
"Hey, Luke, we can go inside now." Clare called over to him. Luke stood and followed her before looping his arm around her waist. Clare smiled and walked back to the Inn. When they opened the door they could smell lunch and hear Sophie's giggles.
"I'll just go get into dry clothes then I'll be back down alright." Clare said and kissed his cheek lightly. Luke nodded and released her to go sit in the chair by the couch closest to Anni. The ninja disappeared up the stairs to change into a dark blue set of clothes. Sophie's giggles could still be heard when she came down again. Clare smiled softly and walked over, "Now what's so funny?"
"One of the twins kicked her hand, she's so happy she gets to be a big sister..." Anni replied as she smiled and ran her fingers though her daughter's long hair.
"That would do it..." Clare said and leaned on the back of the couch. Sophie had the widest smile on her face as she giggled and her mother winced slightly. The ninja shook her head and went to sit on the floor by Luke's legs. Luke pulled her into his lap on her way by. Clare rolled her eyes good naturally and sat on his lap. Luke locked his arms around her waist and nuzzled her shoulder. She leaned against his chest and rested her hands on top of his arms. Sophie smiled and looked over at her Aunt, "Auntie Clare, they kicked..." She said happily.
"Did they? Oh that's so cool." Clare said smiling. Sophie smiled even wider and snuggled into her mother's side. Clare smiled lightly and closed her eyes with a sigh.
"See why I slipped outside..." Luke whispered in her ear.
"And you're the one who wanted to come back inside..." Clare whispered back, eyes still closed. Luke chuckled and nuzzled her shoulder. A moment later someone tapped Clare's leg. The ninja opened her eyes and looked down. Sophie was standing, a little unsteadily, on the floor with her arms up.
"Oh, hello Sophie..." Clare said and bent to pick up the child.
"Hi Auntie..." Sophie said as she wrapped her arms around Clare's neck loosely. Clare smiled lightly and leaned back against her fiancé. Sophie snuggled into her neck, the little girl always had been and always would be affectionate. The ninja smiled lightly again then five keatons jumped into her lap, "Grandma!" A larger Keaton with eight tails walked in following them with a tired step, "Kids be nice..." Clare smiled lightly again then thought for a moment, "Hmm I wonder..." Sophie had instantly scooped up the smallest of the group and cuddled him gently.
"Excuse me for a moment Sophie, I want to try a new spell." Clare said sipping the girl into Luke's arms then plucked a single fur out of Lucas's tail, "Sorry Lucas..." Lucas's tail twitched but he had already fallen asleep in Sophie's gentle hold. Clare smiled lightly again and stepped away from the others. She closed her eyes again and with a pop, a fuzzy Keaton stood in the ninja's place.
"That's an interesting look mom..." The large eight tailed vixen said. The blue eyed Keaton smirked then sneezed. Johnny laughed and called her kits sans Lucas down. Clare wiggled her nose before sneezing again then gave her head a shake. Luke reached over the arm of the couch and scooped her up. Clare looked up at him, her fur still sticking up everywhere.
"Sorry Angel, didn't mean to startle you..." Luke said and gently stroked her back smoothing out her fur.
"Right..." The ninja muttered and put her head on her paws, one of them had a the gold and silver engagement ring on it. Luke smiled lightly and continued to stroke her back gently. Clare would have smiled but keatons couldn't so she settled with letting her ear twitch softly. Sophie yawned and snuggled closer to Luke while he stroked Clare from the top of her head to tail tip. The Keaton ninja purred softly.
"Link can you come help me up?" Anni asked her husband.
"Certainly." Link replied and pulled her up gently.
"Thank you..." Anni said quietly and gently slipped Sophie out of Luke's arms before walking the best she could out of the room. Link sighed and sat on the couch.
"What's on your mind kid?" Luke asked his nephew.
"I'm going to miss my sister..." He sighed. Clare looked up then.
"She's not going anywhere kid, just getting a different title..." Luke told him as he picked Clare up and handed her to Link.
"Yeah, Link. Just going from not really sister to really aunt. I'd rather be related to you threw that title then not." Clare said putting her small black paws on his chest lightly. Link smiled and stroked her back, "I guess you're right."
"Now we can be really related instead of pretend." The ninja Keaton said nodding slightly. Link smiled and hugged her gently. Clare smiled and nuzzled his cheek lightly.
"You really seem to have your hands full these days kid..." Luke said.
"Yeah...just glad you two are around now, she'll have someone else to chuck pots at..." Link said trying to joke.
"You're half at fault here, kid." Luke replied.
"That's why I have no sympathy for you two..." Clare said and wiggled.
"We were only trying for one...I don't know how we ended up expecting twins." Link sighed and let Clare go.
"Because, expect the unexpected." Clare said and jumped off him and onto the floor.
"I just can't but feel bad for Anni, she needs so much help these last two months and I know she hates it..." Link sighed and flopped sideways on the couch.
"Just be glad it isn't triplets..." Clare said and jumped into Luke's lap. Link smacked one of his hands to his forehead.
"Let me guess some did have triplets." She said and curled up on Luke's lap, pinning her tails down with her front paws.
"Not that I know of." Link said and stood up hearing Anni coming down the stairs. Clare shook her head and put it on top of her paws. Link came back with Anni leaning against him as Luke ran his hand down Clare's back. When his hand left the yellow fur, she popped back into her original form and stretched.
"That's better..." Luke whispered and looped his arms around her as Link helped Anni sit. Clare smiled lightly and leaned against Luke's chest and closed her eyes once more. Luke looked over at his niece as Link placed a pillow at the small of her back, "How you holding up sweetie?" The ninja cracked one eye open and looked at the expecting mother.
"Can't wait till I deliver to be honest, I hate having to constantly ask for help with the simplest things..." Anni confessed with a tired sigh.
"Five days..." Clare said and shifted slightly to get more comfortable.
"Cheater..." Anni muttered as Link passed her the blanket she was trying to reach.
"Would you rather have it later than sooner?" Clare asked then sighed when she was comfortable.
"No but you didn't need to tell me..." Anni said as she wrapped the blanket around her.
"Not telling, just a guess...I've delivered twins and triplets before so I'm just guessing off experience. If I had seen it I would be paler than you." Clare pointed out closing her eyes again. Anni shook her head and shivered slightly, "I can definitely do without these chills."
"Can't help you there, unless you want to snuggle up with your Uncle." Clare suggested.
"I got her..." Link said wrapping Anni in his arms and calming her shivers. The ninja shook her head and stretched before relaxing again. Luke smiled and nuzzled her shoulder. She smiled lightly and let herself be the passive one. It was a cute scene until Ann whimpered and placed one hand to her stomach. Link covered hers and rubbed circles in the small of her back. Clare sighed and ran a hand threw her hair, pulling her bangs to the front. Luke shook his head and nuzzled her shoulder.
"Well I guess I should really start freaking out about the wedding since it's in three days and what not but I don't feel like it..." Clare muttered absently.
"Freaking out wouldn't do anything other than stress you out Angel." Luke said quietly as he kissed her neck.
"Says you..." She muttered. Luke hummed and rubbed circles against her skin. Clare relaxed and leaned back against him. Luke smiled and tucked her head under his chin. Anni sighed and dropped her head against the back of the couch, "Could do without those too..." she whispered. The ninja stretched her legs out then relaxed even further. Luke chuckled quietly and mimicked his nephew in running his fingers through his fiancée's hair. It wasn't long after that, that the ninja was asleep. Link was coaxing Anni to her feet, "Come on honey, let's get you to bed..." He whispered so as not to wake his soon to be Aunt. Not that Clare could be woken up by his regular voice or anything, seeing as she could sleep through cannon fire. Anni was a lot of help, was soon being led up the stairs by her husband as Luke carefully gathered up Clare. The ninja turned and snuggled into his coat. Luke smiled as he stood up slowly and headed for the stairs. Clare took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He slipped into their room, which, even heavily pregnant, Anni had kept clean. Clare smelt the scent of the room and sneezed gently. Luke chuckled quietly and slipped her onto the bed before removing her sandals and tucking her in. She yawned and curled up, hugging a pillow. Luke smiled and tucked her bangs behind her ear before grabbing a book and curling up on the couch. The ninja rolled over and put her nose under the blanket. Luke smiled once more and started reading. A few hours later Clare sat up with a yawn and looked around.
"Did you have a nice nap Angel?" Luke asked as he placed his sixth book down.
"Yeah I did...Oh yeah, that book that Nayru gave me, she told me it was for us to do, she wants you to teach me Sheikhan." Clare said shuffling over to the edge of the bed.
"You just remembered that now Angel?" Luke asked as he patted his lap.
"Yeah because I left the book here..." Clare said pointing to the blue box on the desk. She grabbed it and walked over to sit in his lap.
"That thing is evil as far as I'm concerned..." Luke muttered not liking the way it stirred up his magic.
"Nayru said it was a weird side effect but I think it's a spell in here that's doing it..." Clare said tapping the box.
"Well then let's find it and end it..." Luke muttered already faint swirls of blue magic appearing.
"Alright..." She said and opened the box then pulled the book out. Luke sighed as once more that day his magic was visible. Clare ignored the blue magic, swirling around her and opened the cover of the book. Luke's magic twined around her wrist as he buried his nose in her neck. Clare's magic was starting to react now as she turned the page, white wisps coming off her hands. Luke muttered something nasty about Nayru in Sheikhan and amazingly Clare understood.
"You know...you shouldn't say things about goddesses unless you can back it up." She muttered and flipped through the pages finding the active spell.
"Wait...Clare, you understood what I said?" Luke asked lifting his head.
"Yeah..why?" She said and looked at him over her shoulder.
"Cause I said it in Sheikhan..." Luke replied.
"But...That doesn't make sense, because the only difference this time is my magic is reacting to..." Clare muttered. At the moment her magic and Luke's were mixing together and around them.
"Let me try something..." She said, then spoke in Temarian and he understood.
"I understood that..." Luke said automatically falling into Sheikhan.
"Hmmm..." Clare said falling into her native language, "I wonder what would happen if I closed the book..."
"I don't know try it..." Luke suggested in his own native tongue. She nodded and closed the book then spoke in twilight.
"I only caught half of that..." Luke replied falling back into a language they both understood.
"Well how about..." Clare said and then spoke in her native tongue. Luke shook his head.
"Let's open the book again..." She said in the new language. Luke sighed but nodded. As soon as the ninja opened the book, her magic appeared and floated around lightly.
"I think your Aunt is on your mom's side now..." Luke muttered as his magic twined with hers.
"The only one not is Din...I think..." Clare said and flipped to the page she was at when she closed the book. Luke hummed and buried his nose back in her neck. Clare scanned the page then the next still looking for the active spell. Luke sighed and snuggled her tighter. She turned the page when something caught her attention, "Hmm?"
"What did you fine?" Luke asked.
"A picture of magic...swirling together...like ours?" Clare said and pulled the book closer to examine it. Luke hummed and relaxed a little, but for no apparent reason.
"I'm starting to think that this book isn't just an ordinary spell book..." Clare mutter and turned the page. Luke sighed and traced a circle against her stomach while listening to what she was saying. She turned the page and the ink went from black to blue to white. Luke nuzzled her neck gently.
"Still can't find that spell..." Clare muttered.
"Well, keep looking, I'm sure you'll find it..." Luke said quietly for the sake of her ears.
"Yeah, I will..." Clare said and flipped the page. Luke rumbled quietly and snuggled her more. The two magic's floating around and mixing where making Clare tired but she kept turning those pages. Luke nipped behind her ear, "Stay awake Angel..."
"I'm trying..." Clare yawned and flipped the page. Luke covered her hand stilling it, "Shut the book Angel, we'll try again later..." Luke told her.
"Alright..." Clare said and closed the book after dog earring her page. Luke took the book and put it back in the box and closed the lid. Clare yawned again and shook her head, as the two magic's faded away. Luke smiled and pulled her against his chest. She leaned back against him and sighed.
"Get some rest Angel, I'll wake you up when Link calls us for dinner." Luke said quietly as he ran his fingers against her temple.
"Alright..." Clare said and closed her eyes then promptly fell asleep. Luke shifted her so she was on her side next to him, her head over his head. She grabbed his shirt front in her hands and pulled herself closer. Luke smiled and placed his hand on her waist. She snuggled into his chest gently before really falling asleep.
"Sleep tight Clare..." Luke whispered and kissed the top of her head. Clare smiled lightly. Luke reached over and grabbed the book he hadn't started yet. She shifted slightly but that was it. Luke quickly opened his book and started reading one hand still on her waist. Her hands relaxed off his shirt lightly and slowly. Luke smiled and carded his fingers through her hair. She tucked her nose beside his ear and continued to snooze. Luke moved his hand back to her waist and continued to read. Her breath ghosted his skin gently and softly as she slept. About three hours later, Link called them for dinner. The ninja groaned and scrunched her eyes.
"Wake up Angel..." Luke said quietly and kissed her forehead.
"Why...?" She whispered lightly.
"It's dinner..." He replied running the back of his finger against her cheek.
"Okay...what shall we do after dinner?" Clare said while stretching.
"You and Anni might want to sit down to plan out the wedding..." Luke suggested.
"Alright...Let's go get some food..." She said. Luke smiled and gently helped her sit up. She stretched again and rolled her right shoulder.
"Shoulders bugging you Angel?" Luke asked as he sat up.
"No, just releasing tension in my right shoulder...Tenses up once in a while." Clare explained reaching over it to rub the scar gently. Luke smiled gently and stood up before offering her a hand. She smiled back and placed her hand in his. Luke pulled her to her feet and then into his arms.
"Are you going to pack me down the stairs?" Clare asked as she looked up at him.
"No..." Luke replied and trailed his finger along her jaw. She smiled and stood on her toes and kissed his nose gently. Luke quickly pulled her into a kiss. Clare smiled and kissed him back. Luke broke them apart and offered for her to go first. She smiled again and stepped out of the room first. Luke followed after her closing the door behind him. Clare walked down the stairs and into the dining area. Link was already at the table feeding Sophie. Sheik and Tetra had appeared at some point that day. The ninja smiled and waved at the two as she took her own seat. Link smiled and rubbed Sophie's stomach so she didn't get the hiccups. The ninja pulled her legs ups and sat cross legged on her chair. Luke sat next to her and started to dish up. Clare reached over and grabbed a spoonful of vegetables and put those on her plate.
"You guys want something to drink?" Link asked as he wiped Sophie's face.
"Hot water please." Clare said.
"Coffee." Luke replied. Link nodded and stood up. Clare pulled out the same coin from the first time she was in Levious and put it on the table. Link came back with two mugs and a pot of hot water. Clare took the pot and dipped her coin in before pulling it out. Link sat back down after handing Luke his coffee and cuddled his daughter. Clare poured herself some tea and sipped it before she started on her dinner. Luke had already finished his dinner and was drinking his coffee. Clare finished her dinner and leaned back to sip her tea.
"Clare when you're done, could you take the plate in the kitchen up to Anni?" Link asked rubbing Sophie's back.
"Already on it..." Clare said standing after draining her tea cup. She balanced it on the tea pot and took that into the kitchen then came out with the tea and Anni's dinner.
"Thank you." Link said.
"Uh huh..." Clare said and started up the stairs. Luke and Link started into a quiet conversation over how the year went as she headed upstairs. Clare kept one ear on them the other on where she was going. She went into Anni's room, "Oh Anni, I brought dinner." The younger woman was resting on her left side, "Thank you...um...can you help me up?" Anni asked sheepishly.
"Of course." Clare said, setting the things off to the side before helping her up.
"Thank you..." Anni said.
"No problem, now here, eat up then we can get around to planning." Clare hummed passing Anni her food, before pouring herself some tea.
"Sure thing..." Anni said after slipping a pillow behind her. Clare smiled lightly again then sipped her tea. Anni ate her dinner then placed the empty plate on the nightstand before trying to get comfortable.
"Want some tea?" Clare asked pointing the spare cup she brought up.
"Sure..." Anni replied finally finding a position that didn't make her back hurt. Clare smiled and poured some tea in the other cup and handed it to her.
"Thanks..." Anni said with a slight wince.
"Don't know if it'll help but it's still good." Clare said while leaning back.
"No they're just really active..." Anni told her rubbing the left side and taking a sip of her tea.
"Well shall we get started then?" Clare asked .
"Sure." Anni replied.
"Well we already have a general location and theme." Clare said pouring herself more tea.
"So that leaves the dress, the cake and the decoration..." Anni added.
"Correct." Clare said smiling to her.
"Well, started the dress about a week ago, it's in that trunk there..." Anni told her, pointing to the trunk at the foot of the bed. Clare walked over after hip checking the door shut and opened it. Neatly folded on the top was a navy and white dress with very detailed beading on it.
"I take it you had fun with this..."Clare said pulling it out carefully.
"I can't really do much around the house..." Anni replied with a sigh.
"Good point..." Clare said and held it against herself.
"It has sleeves that I haven't quiet finished but...do you like it?" Anni asked.
"Can I try it on?" Clare asked, a smile on her face.
"Sure...You can change behind that screen." Anni said pointing to the wooden screen in the corner of the opposite wall. Clare moved behind it and changed into the dress.
"How much do I need to let it out or take it in?" Anni asked after a few minutes.
"That's not the problem here...it's the bottom..."Clare said and stepped out from the screen.
"Too long again?" Anni asked.
"Yeah." Clare said, she had to lift the skirt part of the dress so she didn't walk on it. Anni motioned her over, "Bring that stool with you." Clare nodded and picked up the stool and carefully walked over. Anni had pulled a spool of thread and a needle from somewhere and was sitting at the edge of the bed.
"Where do you want me?" Clare asked setting the stool down.
"A little closer and up on the stool." Anni replied. Clare kicked the stool closer then stepped up onto it.
"I need to get your measurements one of these days..." Anni mused as she began hemming the skirt of the dress.
"If you want we can get that done now." Clare said while standing still.
"No, I'll do it some other time..." Anni replied as she gently turned her soon to be Aunt.
"Okay." Clare said and spun slowly. Anni stopped her and continued her stitching. Clare stood still again then the door turned, "Anni' I'm coming in with Sophie..." Link said.
"Alright..." Anni replied not looking up from her work. Link came in with Sophie and looked at the ninja carefully. Anni tapped Clare's leg to get her to turn. She did and Link closed the door, "A corset?" He said quietly so no one but the other occupants in the room would hear.
"Auntie Clare likes it and that's all that matters in my mind..." Anni replied and resumed her work.
"She's not the only one who's gonna like it." Link said.
"Oh hush you..." Anni muttered. Clare rolled her eyes and shook her head. Anni tapped Clare's leg for the last time. She turned again. Anni quietly finished then sat back upright, "There..." She said. Clare stepped off the stool and gave a little spin.
"Good?" Anni asked.
"Perfect." Clare said noticing the dress was just long enough to hide her sandals. Anni sighed happily and put the needle and thread away while Link put Sophie in her crib.
"I'll just change out of this and since the rest can wait to later..." Clare said and slipped behind the screen again. Anni smiled and rubbed her rounded stomach.
"Kids acting up again?" Link asked sitting next to her.
"More that Sophie ever was..." Anni replied. Clare quickly changed out of the dress, folded it then slipped into her usual clothes. She put the dress back in the trunk then went to the door after grabbing the dishes, "I'll just leave you two love birds alone." Clare teased as she left.
"You're one to talk Auntie Clare..." Anni called after her.
"Not my fault if your Uncle is an absolute stud." Clare called back before going down the stairs. Anni's quiet laughter followed after. Clare smiled lightly and got the dishes into the kitchen. Luke was just finishing the dishes when she came in.
"I've got more to add to your pile..." Clare said putting the dirty dishes next to the sink. Luke chuckled and washed them quickly. Clare smiled and went out into the dining area then outside, to go to her rock and watch the stars. The twins were full and round and there always seemed to be more stars out whenever they were home. A cool summer breeze was dancing across the lawn it was quiet except the crickets chirping somewhere in the grass. Clare smiled and laid on her rock then stared up at the night sky. About ten minutes later, Luke sat down next to her. Her ear twitched signalling that she heard him. Luke smiled and ran his fingers through her hair and down her neck. She shivered lightly and looked over at him. Luke had lain next to her and propped his head on one hand.
"Comfortable?" She asked.
"Not really..." Luke replied.
"Want to go somewhere more comfortable?" She asked.
"That depends ... do you?" Luke replied.
"Well other than the fact I have a rock jabbing me in the back...I'm quite comfortable." Clare said. Luke smiled and slipped his arm between her and the rock before flicking the pebble out of the way. Clare smiled to him and went back to star gazing. Luke sighed contently and rested his head on her stomach. Clare put her hand on his head and smoothed out his hair gently. Luke laid one arm across her waist and nuzzled her stomach gently. She kept smoothing his hair back, unbeknownst to her, her white magic was appearing.
"Clare, sweetie, reign you magic Angel..." Luke muttered.
"But...The fire's out..." Clare said.
"I can still see it..." Luke said passing his hand through one of the wisps.
"...Those damned goddesses!" Clare cursed and started muttering in twilight. Luke smiled softly and rubbed her arm while nuzzling her stomach gently.
"Damned cursed goddesses..." She cursed again. Luke ran his hand along her side while still nuzzling her stomach. Clare sighed after a moment and relaxed. Luke rumbled quietly and continued the two actions. The ninja sighed again and did some more star gazing. A falling star shot across the night sky overhead.
"Luke...stars are falling..." Clare whispered while poking him lightly. Luke glanced up as another shot across the sky, "So they are, make a wish Angel..." Luke replied. Clare smiled and made her wish with closed eyes. Luke smiled and nuzzled deeper into her stomach. She smiled again and opened her eyes. Luke hugged her waist gently.
"Should we go inside now?" Clare asked looking down at him.
"Only if you want to..." Luke replied being even more passive than normal.
"Are you alright Luke?" She asked propping herself up on her elbows.
"Absolutely perfect..." He whispered nuzzling her ribs gently.
"So if we go inside I try to find that spell in that stupid book you'll let me?" She asked.
"Sure..." Luke replied.
"Alright, let's go." Clare whispered. Luke wrapped his arms around her and sat up. Clare smiled and nuzzled his cheek gently. Luke placed a kiss to the spot between her ear and her jaw.
"Come on Luke..." Clare said standing. Luke followed her lead and stood up before pulling her into a deep kiss. Clare meeped but kissed him back after wrapping her arms around his neck. Luke looped his arms around her waist. She pulled herself closer. Luke smiled and lifted her up so her weight rested on his hips. She wrapped her legs around his waist as support. Luke nipped her lip lightly. She opened her mouth in return. Luke quickly deepened the kiss. Clare moved her hands to play with his hair. Luke squeezed her rear lightly. Clare squeaked and looked at him. Luke broke the kiss, "You said no pinching and that was it..."
"...Uh..." Clare tried to come up with a reason for not squeezing her butt. Luke smiled and kissed her cheek, "I won't do it if it makes you uncomfortable..."
"I'm not used to people grabbing my butt..." Clare said.
"Then I won't do it..." Luke promised and kissed her forehead. Clare smiled and kissed his cheek. Luke switched his hold on her so she was cradled against his chest and hopped of their rock. Clare kept her arms around his neck.
"Do you want to walk or do you want me to carry you to our room?" Luke asked.
"...Tag." She said and tapped his nose before bounding away.
"So much for more cuddles..." Luke sighed and went after her. Since Luke didn't have his bracelet off, Clare was faster but she jumped out into a clearing. Luke didn't follow he into the clearing rather prowled the edge in the shadows. Clare landed rather heavily in the center of the clearing and took her time standing back up since she jarred her legs landing. Luke stuck to the shadows and watched her carefully. After shaking her legs out, Clare jumped back into the trees. Luke followed carefully and silently above her. The ninja took a sharp turn to the left and jumped away. Luke sprung off a tree trunk and followed. Clare took another turn to the left and jumped away. Luke followed acting somewhat like the dark angel he could appear to be. Clare turned around right when she got to the clearing edge and jumped back into the trees. Luke sighed to himself and followed her again. Clare stopped and put her hands on her knees and took some breaths. Luke dropped silently behind her and waited till she stood up to warp his arms around her waist. Clare felt his arms snake around her waist so she jumped and squeaked.
"Easy Angel, it's just me..." Luke said quietly as her kissed her neck.
"Geeze...You scared me." Clare said and looked up at him.
"Sorry Angel, but that's actually what I was aiming for..." Luke confessed nuzzled her shoulder. She shook her head and kissed his temple.
"I am sorry I scared you though..." Luke said quietly as he rubbed her side.
"It's alright..." Clare said and nuzzled his temple.
"Shall we head home now?" Luke asked.
"Let's." Clare purred. Luke smiled and scooped her up into his arms. Clare smiled and snuggled into his chest.
"Mind if we faze?" Luke asked, knowing she hated it when he fazed.
"Okay." Clare said then closed her eyes. Luke kissed her forehead and fazed back to their room. Clare shivered lightly. Luke rubbed her stomach gently and laid her on the bed. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. He smiled and kissed her forehead before disappearing into the bathroom. Clare smiled lightly and slipped off her sandals. Luke reappeared in his black night pants. She smiled and crawled under the sheets before removing her shorts and chucking at the dresser. Luke's lips curled into a smile and crossed the room to slip under the sheets. Clare smiled again before snuggling down into the blankets. Luke reached over and looped his arms around her pulling her back against his chest. She let loose a quiet giggle before snuggling into his chest
"You're a mischievous little thing tonight..." Luke cooed.
"And?" Clare asked looking up at him with as smile.
"I like it..." He whispered back.
"Shall we play then?" She purred quietly.
"That's up to you Angel..." Luke replied soothing as he nuzzled her temple.
"Let's just go to sleep, we can play plenty during the honey moon..." Clare said and kissed his cheek gently.
"Alright..." Luke replied and pulled her tighter against him. She smiled and nuzzled his chest before sighing softly then slowly closing her eyes.
"Sweet dreams Angel..." Luke whispered as he ran his hand down her back