Levy was at a loss. She had tried everything; little tips from other parents, research from books that Lucy had been kind enough to bring her, and instructions from Porlyuisca. Yet she couldn't comfort her poor squalling babies, both of whom were running slight temperatures.
She knew that she had nothing to worry about, she and Gajeel had done everything right and only had to keep the twins comfortable till they were cured. Still she couldn't help the tears as she cuddled with Shutora on the couch, humming as she watched her husband try to sooth Yajeh from across the living room. He looked as exhausted as she felt, dark rings under his eyes from the lack of sleep. She had to give him props, though. Since they had gotten sick, he hadn't left her side while they wailed. Even Lily had been more than helpful in taking care of them, enlisting the help of Alzack and Bisca.
And they had more than enough help coming from the rest of the guild as well, with well-wishers coming almost constantly to offer their own tips. Finally irritated to the point of bursting, Levy had taken both of the twins to the bedroom and shut the door, wishing for a quiet moment. To her utter surprise, (and Gajeel's as well) Jet and Droy posted themselves in front of their front door, barring any more well-wishers from bothering the exhausted parents. She could understand the rest of the guild wanting to help, but she was more than thankful for her boys.
"Finally got him to sleep," Gajeel sighed, easing himself into the chair next to her. She nodded, glancing up at him and the baby who had tucked his tiny hand into his father's hair. Shutora had drifted off as well, providing them with a rare moment of silence. Sniffling, Levy reached for his hand, biting her chapped lips as he grasped her fingers gently. He squeezed them gingerly, rubbing them as he studied her face.
"Gajeel," she murmured, and he rumbled as tears slipped over her cheeks again.
"Lev, it's okay, the kids are fine," he reasoned. "Kids get sick, we ain't done nothing wrong." She nodded, despite her quivering lip.
"I know, but still," she said. "I feel so horrible, knowing I can't help them feel better right away." She snuffled as Gajeel gently got up and set his sleeping son on her chest, nestled next to his sister. He then took the corner of the soft blanket and wiped her tears away, kissing her brow and nose soothingly.
"Yer a great mom already, Lev," he muttered, tweaking her nose. "The kids will get better in no time, I promise." He ran his hand through her hair, gently massaging her scalp. She sighed in relief, relaxing against his hand as he tugged another blanket up over her legs. Her eyelids drooped lower and lower as his fingers continued to lull her into a doze, comforted by his presence.
"Mmm, Gajeel?" She murmured, feeling the tug of sleep creep up on her. He paused in his administrations, crooning in her ear. "You're a great dad, you know?" After a heavy moment of silence, she could feel his lips on hers, soft and tender as she succumbed to sleep finally.