Next month – Monday

Clare shifted slightly and rubbed her stomach. Luke shifted behind her and nuzzled her neck. Clare shifted again before reaching for a pillow. Luke opened his eyes a crack, "Something the matter sweetheart...?" Luke asked in a whisper. Clare groaned quietly and grabbed the pillow, "Ice....cream...." Luke smiled and slipped from the bed to get his wife what she was craving. Clare shifted slightly and started to chew on the corner of the pillow she grabbed. Lucas smacked her on the nose. Clare groaned and opened her eyes. Lucas was sitting in front of her.

"What...?" Clare groaned quietly.

"You were chewing on your pillow..." Lucas replied.

"I was...oh...so I was..." Clare muttered softly. Lucas shook his head and curled up against her. Clare sighed softly and stretched. Luke sat down behind her and, being the evil man he was, placed the cold bowl to her arm for a moment.

"Ek! Cold!" Clare screeched and backed away from the bowl.

"Morning Angel..." Luke purred and kissed her temple.

"That's an evil way to make sure I was awake..." Clare grumbled.

"I'm sorry sweetie..." Luke replied as he sat her up. Clare shook her head softly. Luke smiled warmly enough to melt her ice cream as he handed it to her. Clare smiled back and took her ice cream and ate it slowly. Luke laid back down and wrapped his arms under her now even rounder stomach. Clare smiled and finished her ice cream. Luke nuzzled and kissed her stomach. Clare smiled and put the empty bowl on the nightstand. Luke traced feather light circles to the underside of her stomach.

"Today's new year's day isn't it?" Clare asked as she put her hands on her stomach.

"Yes, do you want me to get Anni to help you because she still has your kimono." Luke replied.

"Sure..." Clare smiled softly.

"Alright, I'll go get her..." Luke replied and kissed her temple.

"Okay..." Clare said and shifted to lean against the headboard. Luke pulled on his shirt and pants as he disappeared out the door. Clare put her hands on her stomach and rubbed it gently. Again in two months, the infant shifted in two places at once. Clare rubbed both places slightly confused. Lucas caught the confused look, "What's the matter mom?"

"She kicked two different spots..."Clare whispered. Lucas laughed and nuzzled her cheek, "She's got hands too mom..."

"Right, silly me." Clare replied and nuzzled the top of his head. Lucas laughed and settled comfortably at her hip. Clare smiled and stroked his nine tails lightly. There was a light knock on the door, "Good morning." Clare looked over, "Good morning." Anni smiled gently as she slipped into the room and shut the door, "Out you go Lucas..." Lucas nodded and disappeared in the usual way keatons do.

"You're bigger every time I see you." Anni said sweetly with a smile that put Luke's to shame. Clare sighed and rubbed her stomach lightly, "Yeah, I know...two and half more months..."

"I want you guys to move back to the Inn at the end of the month..." Anni said as she placed the pile of fabric on the bed.

"That's a long walk..." Clare muttered as she shifted slightly.

"I know, but I want you nearby if something happens..." Anni replied as she offered a hand to Clare. Clare sighed and put her hand in Anni's. The younger woman helped her onto her feet and didn't remove her hand until she knew Clare was steady. It was a couple of minutes before the heavily pregnant ninja was steady enough. Anni smiled, "Things not fitting right anymore?" Anni asked gently.

"Nope." Clare replied.

"Aren't you glad you have me around?" Anni asked handing Clare the much needed support.

"Yes. Finally no more ugly old bra." Clare said quickly stripping then changed her bras. Anni giggled and shook her head. Clare adjusted the bra then smiled. Anni returned the smile, "Alright off with the pants."

"Okay..." Clare said and slid her pants off. Anni unfolded the heavy white skirt and handed it to Clare. Clare took it and slipped it on. Anni then handed her a white under shirt. Clare pulled that on over her head. Anni nodded and adjusted it so everything sat comfortable. Clare smiled and waited for the other piece.

"I know you hate layers but I didn't want you to get chilled..." Anni said as she pulled out the much heavier light blue skirt on over Clare's head the adjusted it over the white one.

"I've been a whole lot more colder as if late anyways." Clare said as she let Anni do what she did best.

"Starting to get the cold spells now?" Anni asked as she slipped the heavy opal blue kimono onto Clare's shoulders.

"Oh yeah..." Clare said as she shifted her shoulders slightly.

"And yet Uncle tells me you're craving ice cream of all things..." Anni replied as she adjusted the kimono so it would keep Clare warm.

"So..." Clare said looking off in a random direction a nervous blush to her cheeks.

"And you wonder why you're cold, oh but who am I to talk, I craved hot chocolate in the middle of summer..." Anni replied as she stood in front of Clare with a narrow obi over her shoulder.

"Yeah...you are one to talk." Clare said smiling slightly. Now it was Anni's turn to blush as she wrapped the kimono shut. Clare smiled lightly and waited patiently. Anni tied it at the side then wrapped the obi above her rounded stomach and below her twins. This time it was loose enough that she could breathe properly. Clare smiled to her and rubbed her stomach lightly. Anni motioned for her to sit on the edge of the bed after she finished the back of the obi. Clare gratefully sat on the bed.

"Are you sure you're not having twins?" Anni asked as she sat behind her and carefully pulled Clare's hair up in a ponytail.

"I'm not sure..." Clare muttered. Anni rubbed her back gently relieving the tension that was already building, "But the odds are completely against it..."

"Completely." Clare agreed. Anni gently eased her back to her feet. Clare shifted slightly then moved to let Anni up. Anni got up smoothly and straightened out her kimono.

"Well I suppose we should go down stairs." Clare said smiling lightly.

"Do you need a hand?" Anni asked.

"Yeah, would be much appreciated." Clare smiled. Anni nodded and let Clare leave first. Clare walked out the door and over to the stairs. Anni slipped in front of her and then offered her smaller hand. Clare put her hand in Anni's. Anni slowly led her down the stairs, knowing how unsteady Clare was feeling. Clare had one hand on the railing, just in case. Anni handed her off to Luke who was waiting at the bottom of the stairs in dark green. Clare put her now un occupied hand in his and took the last step off the stairs. Luke smiled and placed his hand to her covered stomach once she was in front of him. Clare smiled lightly and put her other hand on top of his. Anni picked up Sophie, who was wearing a light blue kimono. Clare smiled softly. Anni smiled and motioned for them to follow. Clare took Luke's hand in her own and started to follow the younger woman . Luke kept close at her side as they left the house. Clare stepped carefully so she wouldn't trip on anything.

"I can carry you if you want?" Luke offered.

"If you want to...doesn't matter to me." Clare replied. Luke nodded and opted to let her walk until she actually asked. About half way to the town, Clare leaned against Luke slightly, "Okay...you can carry me now..." Luke smiled and gently picked her up. Clare leaned her head on his shoulder gently. Luke shifted his hold on her as they met with Link who had the horses for the rest of the way to town. Clare watched as the snow started to fall from the sky. Luke set her back on her feet as he went and got Moonlight. Clare held out her hand and caught a few flakes of snow before smiling softly. Luke brought Moon over, the white and black mare was happy to see Clare. Clare smiled and patted her nose lightly. Luke gently lifted her into the saddle before climbing up behind her. Clare put her hands on her stomach and leaned back against him. Luke placed one hand to her stomach and then turned Moon towards town. Clare closed her eyes and rubbed her stomach gently. Luke smiled and kept Moon's walk even and smooth. Clare would've fallen asleep if it wasn't for the snow still falling. Luke gently shifted her back carefully so she was sharing his warmth and so she wouldn't get a chill. Clare sighed softly and opened her eyes.

"Almost there sweetheart..." Luke said quietly. Clare nodded slightly and watched the snow fall. Luke watched as they reached the edge of town. Clare sat up slightly so she wouldn't bugger up her back and so Luke could get down. Luke slipped from Moon's back then lifted Clare down carefully. Once Clare was on the ground she gave Moon's neck a light pat and turned to Luke with a smile. Luke placed his arm around her waist and rubbed her side as he led her into town. Clare smiled and let him lead her. The New Year's festival was already in full swing, children running back and forth across the square, couples making wishes at the shrine and much more. Clare watched, not feeling up to doing all she did last time she went to the New Year's festival.

"Shall we sit down for a bit?" Luke asked.

"Please...My feet are hurting..." Clare whispered. Luke smiled and led her to a spot under one of the square's magicked trees and helped her sit on one of the blankets that was spread out. Clare sat then shifted her kimono so it didn't bunch up. Luke sat next to her, "How's your back sweetie?"

"A bit sore..." Clare confessed. Luke nodded and shifted her into his lap. Clare leaned against him and rubbed her stomach lightly. Luke gently started to work any tension from her back. Clare smiled softly and closed her eyes. Luke kissed her temple and slipped his hands under hers when he was finished. Clare smiled again and threaded their fingers together. Luke smiled and placed his other hand to her stomach. The babe kicked lightly before shifting. Luke missed it but sighed contently anyway. Clare smiled and rubbed the spot where the infant kicked gently.

"Umm Clare, could I ask you a favour?" Tetra asked quietly, Ely in her arms looking quite scared.

"Yeah, sure." Clare said opening her eyes and smiling softly.

"Can you take Ely, she's not doing well with the crowd...?" Tetra asked shifting the tiny child in her arms.

"Sure, pass her here." Clare answered holding her arms out. Tetra knelt down and handed her Ely. The tiny silver haired child clung to Clare the moment she was away from her mother. Clare smiled softly and held the child close. Ely was trembling badly and on the verge of tears. Clare started to hum softly and kindly, wanting to calm the infant down. After twenty minutes and a few tears, Ely finally calmed. Clare smiled lightly and shifted slightly.

"She definitely doesn't take after her parents..." Luke mused as he ran his fingers through Ely's hair.

"Actually...there is some Sheik in her." Clare whispered softly.

"Do explain..." Luke replied, now curious as he'd shared his head with the other Sheikhan.

"Sheik, didn't like crowds when he was a kid...clung to the back of my dress like a scared child most of the time." Clare whispered. Luke nodded and placed his hands back to her stomach. Clare smiled softly and leaned against him. Luke smiled as Ely yawned and snuggled up to Clare.

"Luke...Can you get me something to eat and drink, I'm kinda parched and hungry?" Clare asked him, looking over her shoulder.

"Anything in particular sweetheart?" Luke replied as he removed his arms and gently slipped her from his lap.

"No, I'm not craving anything." Clare answered, shifting slightly. Luke nodded and disappeared into the crowd. Clare smiled softly at Ely and shifted her closer. Ely yawned and fisted her hands in Clare's kimono. Clare smiled softly and started humming softly. It wasn't long until Ely was sleeping peacefully. Clare smiled softly and shifted again. Luke returned with hot soup, tea and a blanket. Clare smiled softly and waited for him to sit. Luke sat next to her and wrapped the blanket around her, "Just in case."

"Thanks dear..." Clare whispered and kissed his lips gently.

"You are welcome sweetheart, I don't want you getting sick." Luke replied and returned the kiss. Clare smiled softly then took her soup after passing Ely to Luke. Luke kept the tiny child close not wanting to upset her again. Clare smiled softly and ate her soup. Luke kept Ely safe while Clare ate. Clare smiled softly as she finished her soup and started on her tea. Luke shifted Ely and waited to hand her back to Clare. Clare finished her tea and put the cup inside the bowl before holding her arms out for Ely. Luke slipped the sleeping child into her arms then pulled her into his. Clare smiled and leaned back against him, sighing contently. Luke settled his hands on her stomach again. Clare smiled softly and closed her eyes for a second. Ely shifted trying to escape the cold. Clare smiled lightly and draped one of her long sleeves over the infant as a blanket. She settled into Clare's warmth. Clare smiled lightly and brushed the silver blond hair off her forehead.

"Just a couple more months sweetie, then we'll have one of our own..." Luke said quietly as he gently rubbed her stomach.

"I wanna get something special for her...or him..." Clare whispered looking down at Ely, smiling lightly.

"Like what Angel?" Luke asked, matching her tone.

"I don't know...a necklace or bracelet." Clare whispered smiling lightly.

"Do you want to take a walk around to see if anything catches your eye?" Luke asked.

"Can't right now, Tetra hasn't come back yet." Clare said shifting slightly.

"I don't think she's coming back until after the fireworks which aren't for another two hours..." Luke replied tapping a few pressure points on her back.

"Okay, but I'll have to keep Ely close...So no one jostles her awake." Clare hummed softly. Luke nodded and carefully helped her to her feet. Clare smiled and held Ely close to her chest as she slowly made her way back into the crowd. Luke kept Clare close in turn sheltering both females from the crowd. Clare made her way slowly to the vendors. Luke kept one hand in the small of her back at all times. Clare past vendor after vendor slowly, looking at everything. Ely shifted a little, her tiny hand falling out away from her body. Clare shifted her slightly, putting her hand back towards her body then crossed the center to get to the other side. Luke shifted the blanket around her shoulders so it covered both herself and Ely. Clare smiled to him then continued her search. As usual Luke made sure no one bumped her. Clare looked and stopped at a vendor with bracelets on the front table. Luke stopped behind her and rested his hands on her hips. Clare examined a pair of bracelets that had little bells, Triforce and Sheikhan eyes hanging off them.

"Hmm..." Luke hummed as he looked over her shoulder. Clare smiled softly, "How much for these two?"

"One hundred and fifty for both..." The vendor replied.

"Honey...?" Clare asked looking up at him. Luke smiled and placed the money on the counter. The vendor nodded and wrapped the two bracelets up before handing the small package to Clare, who had to shift Ely to grab them. Luke helped her support the tiny child as she took the package. Clare slid the small package into her kimono before shifting Ely closer.

"Shall we go sit back down sweetheart?" Luke asked.

"Sure." Clare replied, smiling softly. Luke placed his hand back in the small of her back and led her back to their previous spot. Clare let him lead her, holding Ely gently, yet closely. Luke once again that night helped her sit down. Clare sighed and shifted slightly. Luke sat next to her and then pulled her back into his lap. Clare smiled lightly and leaned against him. Luke smiled contently as he placed his hand back to her stomach. Clare smiled and closed her eyes lightly.

"How's your back sweetheart?" Luke asked quietly.

"A bit sore..." Clare whispered as she shifted slightly. Luke quickly but gently worked the tension away again.

"Did Anni tell you...she wants us back up at the Inn." Clare whispered as she let him work.

"No, but I know now..." Luke replied as he finished her lower back.

"She's giving us till the end of the month..." Clare said as she shifted Ely then stretched her legs out.

"We can start getting our things together later this month..." Luke replied as he worked his way to her shoulders. Clare sighed softly and contently while nodding. Luke smiled and kissed her temple when he was finished. Clare smiled, "So, when are the fireworks starting again?" Luke glanced at the clock tower, "About half an hour..."

"Okay..." Clare whispered and shifted Ely so she was in one arm. Luke smiled and returned his hands to their previous position. Clare smiled and rubbed her stomach lightly before holding Ely in both arms. All the shifting had caused Ely to wake up.

"Hello little miss..." Clare whispered softly. Ely blinked and yawned adorably. Clare smiled softly and held her gently. Ely turned in Clare's arms so she was warmer. Clare smiled and shifted Ely so she was closer to her chest. Luke in turn shifted Clare closer to him. Clare smiled softly and leaned against him. Luke nuzzled her neck and rubbed her stomach gently.

"The fireworks are going to startle both Ely and the other little one..." Clare whispered softly.

"You keep Ely happy and I'll keep our little one settled..." Luke replied. Clare nodded and held Ely just so her ear was near Clare's heart and the long sleeves had covered the other. Just as Ely settled, the first of the fireworks exploded overhead. Clare looked up and held Ely just a little closer. Ely once again fisted her hands in Clare's kimono. Clare sighed and draped both sleeves over the infant. Luke kissed her temple as his hands laid still against her stomach. Clare kept Ely safe from the noise as she gazed up at the fireworks. Luke smiled as the display came to an end twenty minutes later.

"I guess we should look for Tetra now..." Clare whispered softly, moving her sleeves. Ely was smoothly removed from her arms by her father.

"Ack!...Where'd you come from?" Clare asked as she jumped back slightly. Luke held back a groan, "Behind you." Sheik replied.

"Don't sneak up on me..." Clare said as she sat forward off Luke.

"My apologies..." Sheik replied as he settled Ely in his arms and Luke rested his forehead against Clare's shoulder. Clare shooed Sheik away then nuzzled Luke's temple, "Sorry about jumping on you dear..."

"Not a problem..." Luke replied in a pained whisper. Clare nuzzled his temple again before placing a slow and lingering kiss to it, "Let's go home..." Luke nodded and fazed them home not feeling like walking or riding back. Clare shifted slightly and still kissed his chin. Luke smiled slightly, "Come on, let's get out of these things..."

"Okay..." Clare said then paused to rub her stomach, "That really hurt..."

"What's the matter Angel?" Luke asked.

"She kicked really hard..." Clare whispered rubbing her stomach.

"Where sweetheart?" Luke asked giving her his hand. Clare put his hand on her stomach where the growing infant kept kicking. Luke frowned for a moment then gently applied a small amount of pressure as he rubbed the offended spot. The kicking stopped eventually and Clare sighed lightly.

"She's going to be a feisty one..." Luke mused as he left his hand in place but relieved the light pressure he had applied. Clare nodded and kept rubbing her stomach lightly. Luke smiled lightly and untied her obi. Clare sighed softly and shifted slightly, pulling the bracelets out of her kimono. Luke helped her out of her layers of clothing then handed her the warmer pyjamas Anni had left for her. Clare smiled softly and slipped her sleep wear on. Luke changed and cleaned up before returning to her side. Clare sighed softly and slowly made her way to the bed. Luke as usual in the last few month, wrapped his self around her from behind, his hands resting on her stomach. Clare smiled softly and closed her eyes.

"Go to sleep Angel..." Luke whispered gently rubbing his hand up and across her naval. Clare nodded slightly and yawned before falling asleep. Luke kissed her pulse point then joined her.