April 4th 2007, Present.
"Ciao, Brother, sister!" Athena greeted arms spread wide.
Adley smiled sliding out of the car with Thea in tow. She was wrapped in a light blanket with a small stuffed lamb in hand. Marcus unfolded himself with August in his arms behind her. August shook his stuffed lamb as he looked around. The underground garage wasn't meant to be the meeting place she thought. Sully and Athena had other plans.
"Athena," Adley embraced her as best she could while balancing the squirming babe.
Thea's brown eyes focused in on Athena. It wasn't long until a smile appeared, five little teeth in her top row clear from the gums along with two in the bottom.
"She has teeth!" Athena cooed taking the baby. "You've grown so much, look at you. They are what five months old? Are you sure? That is quite a grip. She certainly takes after her father."
"Thea, gentle dear." Adley cooed kissing the top of her daughter's forehead. "They have both got a grip to them. Human babies are hard to pry fists open from. These two it's doubled."
"Did they fly alright?"
Adley grinned watching Ibrahim take the bags out of the limo along with another vampire. "The slept as if they were under a spell."
"They are a little young to be given drugs, aren't they?" Athena questioned.
"No! Gods no." She assured. "I merely kept them sleepy for the duration of the flight. Quite easy since their so young. My Eomma showed me how."
"I tend to forget you are quite a powerful woman," Sully commented taking August from Marcus.
"Where are my brothers?" Marcus asked.
Both babies were smiling showing off their incoming teeth to them. Thea had two little sprouts of hair with bows holding them in place, her bangs already beginning to take shape. August had a full head of dark hairs recently trimmed by her uncle.
"Trial, a feud between two small covens in the alps. Aro is allowing it to be heard." Athena replied. "Enough about work though, you're here to celebrate Adley's approaching birthday along with the belated holidays. Did you bring the photo books with you?"
"Yes, it's in my bag that Ibrahim took. I promise I took all the photos and kept digital copies as well for you both to do as you please with." Adley replied.
"I know this long distance is temporary but it's still very different missing their firsts." Sully sighed holding August close.
"I promise we'll be here as often as we can these next few years to decades of course." Adley hugged her sister-in-law. "Now, may we go to the kitchens I am a bit hungry from that flight and I am sure the twins would love to try some food. They're the size of eight-months-old babies and at that stage of development, so we are doing some solids. They aren't exactly eight months old yet."
"What kind is allowed at this stage?" Athena questioned.
"Cereal, carrots, peas, baby food usually, they've had some rice, but it's limited to what they grab off my plate. We've been keeping it to soft foods."
"The food options for babes have changed vastly from when we were human. They are being given blood, correct?" Sully asked.
"Yes, in their milk." Adley assured. "They will let you know if there is no blood."
"Babies do not talk." Sully's noise scrunched up.
"They are just as expressive. Also, we've been using simple ASL for them, they've picked it up so well. It was suggested by this woman in my mommy and me class. Cassie's girlfriend referred us, most mothers are witches or come from families of supernatural origins. I seriously still need to sit with Aro to find out exactly what creatures are made up and real." Adley shook her head as they entered a dining room.
Two new high chairs were positioned at the side of the long table. Felix brought out two trays with food spreads and three goblets amongst the bottles, clear glasses, and water.
"Are they showing any signs of being like you?" Athena asked settling Thea into her chair.
Adley took the two lambs to set on the table she'd learnt over time these were their comfort objects. She'd had a blue stuffed bear for the longest time. It currently resided on a shelf in the twins' room.
"Thank you, Felix." She sat down. "August seems to make us smile when he is happy and laughing. Thea seems to make August cry when she is upset. I'm on the fence if it's the family empath gift or us being their parents."
Ibrahim entered the dining room hands full with five photo albums. Each black book had a month labelled on it. Adley offered a smile as Marcus took to setting the soup and sandwich in front of her.
"How are your hands and arms?" Sully asked laying out a few soft cookies in front of August.
"I've been able to do just about everything for a month now. Marcus is… well Marcus."
"Are you implying something, Little One?" He whispered in her ear.
Adley blushed. "Merely you dote on me hand and foot."
"Indeed."
"Sully, come see this! Our brother," Athena declared leaning over showing the book labelled January.
January 2007
Adley's hair was tossed up in a high bun over grown bangs pinned back out of her face. She was bundled up in a knit sweater and her jeans tucked into her high boots. Winter was in full swing. The early morning sun was just rising. The twins were left with her parents so they could get the ingredients and make the few required cakes they were needing for the upcoming lunar new year and the twins' Baek-il.
They weren't out long. The morning rush was just beginning when they finished up. They parked in front of the cabin. Adley hopped out of her Jeep. Her hand barely touched the handle to the back seat.
"Ah, not a movement more, Little One." Marcus warned.
"Why?" She questioned looking over her shoulder at him. "It's just the bags and flour—"
She didn't get to finish. "I believe your aunt only allowed you out of her sight if you respected the no lifting or cooking order."
"We have rice cakes to make. Over three hundred to be specific. One hundred for family and friends, then for Lunar new year." She protested. "You seriously don't think I'm leaving that to just you. That's unfair!"
"I am your fiancé, here to care for you." He embraced her settling his chin on her head.
"You haven't cooked in how long? Do you even know how to operate a stove beyond turning it on and off? Do you even know what rice is?"
"Your smart mouth will get you into trouble." He rumbled in her ear.
"Promise?" She grinned pressing back into him.
"You play with fire, my temptress." He sighed pulling back. "Allow me this peace of mind, your arms have not yet closed. Your fingers are still sensitive. I do not wish to see you suffer."
"I bought gloves if that makes you happy, so there will be no way the food will irritate my hands or wounds." She replied.
"Good girl, now get into the house. It's cold." He sent her along.
She rolled her eyes taking just her purse into the cabin. She pressed her lips. She'd been out of the hospital on a regular basis for almost a month. Her Aunt checked in on her and the twins weekly. The doctors advised she was healing rather well, if slow. She undid her sweater once she kicked her boots off.
Ibrahim stood with a hanger waiting for her.
"Not you too," she huffed. "I'm perfectly capable to hang my coat and sweater."
"Doctors orders Lady Adley." He rebutted. "I revere you, but your Aunt Janet terrifies me."
"I get that." Adley relented. She handed her coat over.
It wasn't long until Ibrahim opened the door once more. The cold air rushed in swirling around her. The exposed skin from her elbow to her shoulder stood on edge as the falling snow escaped into the foyer. Marcus stood with arms full of bags, and boxes. His brown hair around him windblown and little snow flakes remained spattered through out the locks. He was as pale as he always was. Unlike her where her cheeks were still rosy from the cold, and nose too.
"Camera, please."
Marcus closed the door with his foot, not disturbing his many items. His left brow arched as his red eyes landed on her. Adley held a finger up to him.
Barely two seconds later Ibrahim handed her trusty Canon to her. The camera already was on. She held it up quicky adjusting the lighting on the thing so she could get the clearest shot. She snapped a few, some which she'd edit later and print out.
"Whatever was that for?" He questioned.
"My Camera?" She tilted her head. "It's for taking photos, invented about a century and a bit ago? You've seen this many times –"
"That is not what I meant." He sighed shaking his head, despite the budding smile on his lips. "Why did you take a photo of me so urgently."
"Photo evidence." Adley answered turning to the kitchen.
Marcus followed he set a few of the bags for the kitchen on the island, the rest he set in the living room. Ibrahim took them immediately, a few rolls of light pink and silver wrapping in hand. They were a few gifts they had gotten for the twins.
"Whatever do you need that for?"
"I want proof that one of the most powerful and feared vampire Kings is a very domestic man." She explained. "Also, it's kind of hot seeing you do this."
"I'm going to another cabin," Ibrahim announced.
"No need. We've got rice cakes to make. Well, I do, Marcus will be acting as my hands. Since I am too injured to cook." She reassured Ibrahim.
Present,
"This photo is very vital," Athena snorted pointing to the photo of Marcus with his hands full. "Our brother is one of the most powerful warriors we have known. Seeing him at the beck and call of such a tiny woman, it's funny."
"I think that is more evident in this photo." Sully tapped the next page.
Marcus was stood with a pink apron on many rice cakes were set on trays around the kitchen island. His hair pulled back. Adley was leaning over showing him how to shape the cakes. A wide grin on her face as she showed her perfectly round cake. Marcus stood a bit confused with a similar one none the less. The evidence of many attempts was across his apron and smudges of flower on his face.
"I did not realize how delicate human food was." Marcus bemused.
"You did wonderfully for a man who has no experience with cooking such things." She kissed his cheek. "You were used to meat, nuts and wine."
"I shall leave the cooking to you," he advised sipping from his silver goblet.
February 10th 2007,
"Eomma!" Adley sung pushing open the door of her parents' home.
She was careful with Althea and August who were balanced on each of her hips bundled up. Marcus was carrying many of the last rice cakes for the celebrations on Sunday. She noticed quite a few shoes on the many shoe racks along the wall of the foyer. Marcus carefully grabbed each of their slippers setting them down for her to slide into.
Chelsea and Cole were the first to appear in the entrance. Anna was not far behind with Eomma.
"Marcus, Addie!" Anna greeted before swooping in to take a twin. "Well hello Thea, look at you. Auggie boo, you've grown so much. Almost one hundred days!"
"They make Mack look tiny." Chelsea mentioned across her chest was a small bundle wrapped in a wrap.
"How is she?" Adley asked approaching her.
"Marcus follow me," Cole motioned for him to follow to the garage where the spare fridge was to store the cakes.
Chelsea loosened the holder. "She's doing good, she's a month next week."
"She's so tiny," Adley smiled brushing a finger over the soft dark hair upon Mack's head. The little whisps held strong. "I wish sometimes they remained so small at times."
"Your babes are a little more unique." Chelsea chuckled.
"Hey, it passes to daughters, she may just be as well." Adley nudged her.
"We'll keep an eye on Mackenzie," Eomma stepped in. "Come sit you three, Appa is getting tea."
"Does he need help?" Adley asked taking a wiggling August.
"No, no." Eomma declined. "How are my grandbabies?"
"More and more alert each day." She assured. "They are growing so quickly. Speaking of which… Eomma the Hanboks, will they fit?"
"Eomma, has five sets for you to choose from, Adds." Anna assured.
"Anna, why don't you go get them? They are up in the attic."
Anna placed Thea on the ground next to Adley and August. A few toys were strewn in front of the twins to occupy them.
"What colors did you chose for tomorrow's family meal?" Chelsea asked.
"Pink, white, and a sage green." Adley answered. "Have you begun to choose yours? Not too long until Mack is up."
"Maybe yellow, and a soft blue. I've gotten my Hanbok made and fitted already. Eomma took me last weekend to get it." Cheslea commented.
Adley's eyes went wide. "Shoot! Marcus… We haven't gotten him a Hanbok made. He's at least a foot taller than any of our uncles and cousins…"
"No need to worry, Addie." Eomma spoke up.
Appa brought out the tray with the cups and tea pot then. Behind him, Marcus stepped out. His hair was pulled back in a knot at the base of his neck. His sleeves a light cream, with a sage body and closing tie accented with cream. His pants were a matching cream. When he got closer, she saw he was even wearing lighter slippers with the dark toe and heel. The small details in the fabric done with cream.
"Oh, Marcus…" She stood running over to launch herself at him. He caught her without effort holding her close. "You look so handsome."
"Yours is in a matching dusty rose." Anna replied carrying five boxes.
Present,
Adley smiled fondly to the photos on the next page. Marcus was dressed in a Hanbok Eomma had specially made for him. Appa had provided a hat to be borrowed for the traditional family photo. The twins were smiling wide at the camera. They had taken family photos with various family members and of their little family. The twins were placed with their offerings. The next photos were of Lunar new year the following weekend.
"Brother you look quite distinguished in that Hanbok." Sully complimented.
"Look at his smile, I've never seen him so happy." Athena added.
"I have not felt this happy in many years. Adley has been my leading light." Marcus responded, wrapping an arm around Adley.
Athena flipped the page showing Althea and August sitting in their chairs with their first attempt to eat solid food. Despite Adley being the one to feed them, there was food all over their high chairs and both babies.
A few photos of bath time with both babies wrapped in their hooded towels. Each little head a frog.
A few photos of the twins playing with their blocks, and few raddles they had gotten for Christmas from various family members. January, they celebrated Marcus' birthday for the year. Valentines' day was between the Baek-Il and Lunar new year.
"Afternoon, brother, and sister. We apologize for being so tardy to greeting you. The trial went on longer than expected." Aro settled into a chair beside his wife. A goblet was placed in front of him.
"We would have been done an hour ago had Aro not allowed them to drone on." Caius grumbled sat beside Athena.
"We must allow each side to divulge their reasons."
"You split it down the middle right down to each stone and building Brother."
"This is why there should always be a third person between you two." Sully reminded the two men. "The covens have left?"
"They were destroyed ultimately." Caius reported.
"You killed them?" Athena perked up.
"They were not happy with our decision, despite asking our guidance." Aro shrugged. "They know not to challenge the Volturi thus."
"One tried to attack him."
"Jane stopped them." Aro assured his wife who tensed.
"The twins are here?" Adley looked up.
Jane and Alec stepped into the room. She got up immediately going to each of them. She braced as they hugged her together.
"How have you two been? How's Bree?" Adley asked holding them tightly.
"She's settling in a bit better now." Alec answered.
"Do you want to come see her?" Jane suggested.
"In a bit, we've just arrived. The twins need to finish their bottles."
"We will watch the twins, why don't you and Marcus go check in for a little bit. You've had a long flight. I'm sure you want some time to yourselfs." Athena offered.
"Are you sure? I really don't want to pawn them off on you."
"We will have the next four weeks together. Go greet everyone and settle in." Aro waved them on.
"I feel like we're abandoning the twins."
Adley took her hair out of the braid she'd done for their time on the plane. The twins had a habit of grabbing at her hair. She ran her fingers through the heavy waves. She turned in the mirror on the vanity. Her hair had gotten nearly three quarters down her back. Her bangs over grown almost blending into her hair.
Marcus exited the bathroom with a towel on his hips, bare chest with water still rolling down his alabaster abs. she slowly looked him over, his curls were hanging around him styled perfectly if not damp. His brow arched.
"We are allowing them to get to know their aunts and uncles." He reminded coming up to wrap his arms around her. She'd gotten out of the shower before him. "Let us enjoy it, it has been sometime since we have been truly alone."
"We are quite spoilt in our time together. Most parents do not get so much support."
"We are quite fortunate," he murmured brushing her hair over her shoulder revealing her skin of her neck.
He pressed kisses against her head, he trailed many down her face to her neck. She leant away giving him more access. She sighed as his hands ran over her bare flesh teasing her. He ran his teeth over the juncture of her neck and shoulder, teasing over her most recent bite mark he'd left time and time again. She shivered leaning back into him.
Ever since she'd died once more her last marks had disappeared. Marcus quite enjoyed putting them back once more. She loved the possessive reminder.
"Marcus," she sighed.
"Patience Little One, let us enjoy this time."
"Not one of my strengths." She breathed.
"Only well-behaved girls, get rewarded. You've been doing so well Little One. Listening when requested to. I know these weeks have not been easy, doing as told. You are a very independent woman. Will you continue to be a good girl?" He asked.
His left hand snuck under her night gown bunching it above her hip. he nudged her legs open. She watched in the mirror before them, as he ghosted his long fingers over her folds, sliding them between but giving her no friction. She bit her lip. A groan fell from her lips.
"I'll be good." She exhaled.
"Good girl, now up on the bed, on your knees. Wait for my instruction."
"Yessir."
A/N: Hi Y'all I apologize seriously for being gone so long, I was recently officially diagnosed with ADHD and given meds that have taken some time to adjust to. I also have just gotten really busy in life and hit a wall of no motivation to write. I am not abandoning these fics I am still going to be writing. I Adore you all. thank you for reading :) I hope Y'all enjoy the feel good for a bit... the dark isn't over :)