Ch 50

The morning of Arthur's first birthday wasn't out of the ordinary. It was a weekend and everyone was keen on sleeping in... everyone over a year old that was. Arthur and his unborn sister were both very insistent on trying to wake their mother, though Terra was probably more effective since she was closer in proximity.

River groaned and rolled over in bed, closer to the Doctor. She hadn't been getting much sleep lately and wanted just another hour or so of rest.

Her husband draped his arm over her, awake from Arthur's calls for his mum. "Should I go get him?" He mumbled.

She yawned, "Shhhh..."

He wisely stopped talking, though Terra kicked roughly. River groaned, pressing her face against a pillow. Terra persisted, shifting and moving as much as she could to rouse River.

She growled, "Stop it."

"Did I do something?" The Doctor retreated his arm, thinking she was talking to him.

"She won't stop moving," River muttered, nuzzling his arm.

He put it back. "Have you asked her to stop?"

She mentally asked Terra to stop.

Why? She stilled, but the question was loud.

Mumma's very tired, she needs sleep.

But I want small hands. This was her name for her sisters.

Not now, later, if you let Mummy sleep. You can have Daddy's hands now. River moved closer to the Doctor, "Can you put your hands near her?"

He obliged, pressing his palms against her round middle. Terra settled against the soft pressure, calming, though this didn't solve the whines still coming from Arthur's room.

River relaxed for a few minutes, then sighed when the whining didn't cease. "I'll bring him back in here."

"I can do it if you don't want to get up." The Doctor offered.

She struggled to sit up, shaking her head, "I'll do it."

"Alright." He didn't push too much, still groggy.

River went to retrieve the baby, smiling when she saw him, "Good morning, Arthur. Happy birthday."

All three of the cats had managed to get into his crib and were crowding him. He reached up for her rescue, making a distressed whimper. She lifted him up, having a bit of trouble with her large belly in the way. "Better?" She asked, grabbing his blanket and going back to her bedroom.

He clung to her, also setting down. "Muh." She kissed his forehead, bringing him back to the Doctor.

The Doctor looked up at them sleepily. "There's the birthday boy."

River smiled and set Arthur down on the bed, lying beside him. She was out of breath from the walk, "Terra certainly didn't like being taken away from you."

"Did she? Well, here I am." He rested his hand on her belly again. River smiled weakly as their daughter settled against her father's hand once more.

Arthur shifted between his parents, happiness levels rising. "Birday."

"Yes, birthday," River repeated, sleepily.

Arthur giggled, not really knowing much about birthdays, but knowing that it involved cake from the information the girls gave him. River smiled, pressing a kiss to his cheek, "Can you say good morning to your baby sister?"

He wiggled so his head was on her bump. "Hi!"

"Remember to use your hands, my love."

He traced a sloppy circle with his finger on her belly. "Hi!"

"Good boy." River smiled. Terra nudged back in response and he made a squeal-like bout of laughter.

Tiny hand.

Arthur. River corrected and looked over at the Doctor, smiling softly.

Arthur hand. Terra echoed.

"Sleep in, Riv."

"Are you sure?" She asked.

"I'll keep an eye on him." He nodded. "You're tired."

"I don't want you to feel like I'm abandoning you." She murmured. She seemed to forget that she was pregnant sometimes and needed the rest.

He chuckled. "You're right here, and if I need you, I'll wake you."

"Okay." She hesitated but started getting comfortable. He smiled and kissed her temple. She closed her eyes, starting to drift off.

The Doctor kept Arthur entertained easily, though he was distracted more when the girls came in with Toby. They soon went to the kitchen for breakfast.

River slept soundly for another few hours, catching up on some much-needed rest. When she woke, she slowly got up and went to find her family, taking it slow. Toby met up with her in the hall, walking with her to the kitchen where laughter was coming from.

She smiled when she found her family, "Good morning."

Arthur looked at her from his high chair, a bow stuck to his head and a little, stuffed whale on the table.

River went to give the girls each a kiss on the forehead, then went to kiss the Doctor. He was making pancakes on the stove, though paused to kiss her. "Morning."

"I feel wonderful after those extra few hours." She thanked him, leaning in for another quick peck.

He smiled. "Good. Hungry?"

"Yes, quite."

"Grab a plate then. This batch is really for eating."

River grabbed plates for each of the family members, helping to serve. The girls and River got large chocolate chip pancakes, while Arthur only a had a little one to go with his baby food. River talked and ate with her family, smiling brightly.

They had a small party planned out which would consist of their close friends, sometime after breakfast. There would be some down time after that and then they were planning to take the kids out to Vaetir, the garden planet the Doctor had suggested a few weeks ago. The girls were very excited to see their Aunts and Uncles, chattering away about the plans ahead.

"Mummah!" Arthur reached for River.

"Arthur!" River smiled, lifting him up. He squirmed, having been trying to show her his new stuffed whale. "Oh, yes I see." She nodded, touching the whale, "Do you like it?"

"Looo!" He waved it for a moment before cuddling it to his chest.

She laughed softly, "Good, I'm glad."

"Clara helped the girls pick that out for him a while ago." The Doctor informed. "They wanted to give it to him early."

"Well, you girls did a very nice job." River praised.

They smiled, "When are we going to get our aunties?"

"They're going to come very soon." She wiped a bit of syrup from Arthur's mouth, "Which means you two should go get dressed."

"Daddy has to go pick up Auntie Vastra and Jenny because they live in the past." Freya reminded, getting up to clear her plate.

"Yes, I know, but that doesn't mean you don't have to get dressed."

The twins nodded and scurried off to their room to put on clothes.

"I'll get Arthur dressed." River murmured.

"I'll clean up breakfast and start setting up." The Doctor informed.

She gave him another quick kiss, "I'll be back down soon."

Arthur didn't complain when he was brought from the kitchen, though refused to let his whale go. River didn't make him part with his new toy, managing to change him without causing a tantrum.

The morning was spent mostly in preparation. It wasn't going to be a big party, but the girls still insisted on decorations and there was cake to make and things to arrange.

River was finishing up the decorations when the TARDIS returned with all of their guests. The girls were as energetic as ever, going to greet everyone with hugs and excited chatter.

Clara immediately took Arthur, while Vastra insisted that River sat and get off her feet, asking the Doctor to fetch his tired-looking wife a drink. He got her a glass of water as everyone settled in the living room.

The group asked the girls questions about school and tentatively inquired about Terra, unsure of how River would react. The Doctor sat close with his wife, keeping an eye on Arthur, who seemed perfectly happy in Clara's arms.

"Puppy!' Arthur cried as Toby came into the room to sit with the girls.

Clara grinned. "When did you learn how to say that?"

"Mumma." He cooed, snuggling against her, not really having the vocabulary to answer her question.

"Did Mummy teach you that word?" She asked though the question was directed towards River.

River shook her head, smiling softly, "No, he learned it on his own a few weeks ago."

"I think it was from hearing the girl say it so much." The Doctor commented.

"Puppy." Arthur pointed at the dog again.

Toby moseyed over to him, sniffing his little, stuffed whale. Arthur hugged the whale tightly against his chest, holding his hand out for the dog. He licked the boy's hand and settled in front of him.

"I'll go get the food." River stood.

"I'll help." The Doctor stood, too.

They went into the kitchen to gather everything they prepared. The cake was still baking, but other snack-ish dishes were brought back to the guests. Arthur make a very high pitched sound of excitement when Clara offered him a cracker.

River sat back down, wincing and putting a hand to her side. If anyone noticed, they didn't say anything. Well, all except the Doctor. "You alright?"

She nodded, "Yes, fine." She gave him a weak smile and squeezed his hand tightly. He looked at her with concern. "Braxton Hicks."

He offered a smile back and squeezed back. "Let me know if you need to go lie down."

"I don't want to miss Arthur's party." She murmured.

"It's only if you feel you need to. And I'd wake you up for cake and presents." He added.

"I'll stay for now." She murmured, trying to get re-involved in the conversation.

Arthur had started crawling around with his whale, Toby up and spotting him. Toby tried to steal the whale from the boy, thinking it was a dog toy.

"Noo!" Arthur cried trying to stand to get his toy back. Toby didn't understand, thinking the boy wanted to play and walked further away, wanting Arthur to chase him.

"Lulu!" Anyone could only guess that that was Arthur's name for the whale. He'd gotten to his feet, though was having trouble balancing and stumbled forwards.

River practically fell out of her seat to catch him when it looked like he was going to fall. Had Arthur been doing so, River arms would have nicely saved him, though instead falling, he kept moving forwards. He managed to get himself flailing and stumbling to the dog, demanding his whale back. Toby dropped the whale at Arthur's feet, licking his face.

This time, he did fall back and plop down on his bottom, hugging his toy protectively. River pulled him into her lap, kissing his cheek and holding him as protectively as he was holding the toy.

"Mummuh." He snuggled to her.

"Did you see that, Riv? He was walking!" The Doctor was excitedly distracted by his son's first real steps.

"Yes, I saw." She whispered, still holding the baby tightly.

"He's alright." He assured, rubbing her arm.

She took a deep breath and nodded, starting to let go.

Arthur lifted the whale to show River again. "Lulu."

"Yes, I see-ugh." She sucked in a sharp breath.

The Doctor and Vastra, this time, were instantly asking if she was alright. "Really, I've already told you, I'm fine." She insisted. They exchanged glances, though let it be for now. She slowly stood, picking up Arthur and sitting back in a chair.

The tot remained in her lap for the majority of the time. The conversation went on, mostly about work and other such small talk topics. The girls were eagerly taking all the snacks, though were susceptible to falling for Toby's pouting face and giving him bits of food.

River went to go finish the cake in the kitchen as the group talked, icing it and getting the candles ready.

The girls snuck in when she was putting the candles in. "Can we help?" They were mostly just interested in the cake.

"Well I'm just about done, but if you want you can go tell everyone that it's time for cake."

They nodded and scurried back to the others. River carefully lit the candles, carrying the cake to the dining room. Jack had dimmed the lights, the Doctor trying to keep Arthur from wiggling too much.

The girls lead the birthday song as River set the cake down in front of the baby. He clapped as the song finished, mesmerized by the candles.

"Blow them out, sweetheart."

Arthur took a deep breath, trying to blow out the candles. He didn't get too far, so the Doctor helped him out until there were no more flames. River smiled and clapped, kissing Arthur's cheek.

"Cake time!" The girls cheered.

River got a knife, plates, and forks so everyone could eat. Chocolate cake was universally liked among the group, so everyone accepted a slice, though the girls wanted big ones.

River gave the girls generous slices, then sat back beside the Doctor, eyes closed, a small crease across her forehead.

"You look stressed." He murmured.

"I'm okay." She whispered though the expression didn't leave her face.

"Party's almost over, we'll have some downtime soon." He assured. She smiled weakly.

"So, Doc, how's my newest niece doing?" Jack asked between mouthfuls of cake.

"Just fine." The Doctor answered. "Two more weeks."

"It looks like she's getting big." He joked.

The Doctor chuckled halfheartedly, not really that amused. River scowled at the both of them, obviously not pleased with the comment.

"Are you planning on taking the children somewhere today?" Vastra asked as a change of subject.

"Yes, we're taking them out later to..." River seemed to lose her train of thought, distracted.

"To where?" Jack pressed.

"What?" She blinked, "Oh, um...I don't remember."

Vastra looked concerned at this as the Doctor answered for her. "We're going to a garden on Vaetir." River nodded, though she still appeared a bit distant and confused.

"Hey, River, what's the matter?" Jack asked.

"Just tired." She murmured, glancing at him.

"Then go nap." He suggested.

She shook her head, "It's Arthur's birthday, I don't want to miss it."

"Present time?" Freya asked.

"Sure." She nodded, standing and taking Arthur from Clara. The Doctor helped get all the presents in a pile. River held Arthur in her lap, letting him pick and open them one by one.

Most of the presents were small things like toys and books and a few clothes. Jack got him a baby walker toy that made lots of noise when it moved. Though the whale still won the place or Arthur's favorite, the walker got his attention quickly.

River put him in it so he could test out the new toy. Arthur squealed and batted curiously at the gizmos attached to the thing as his legs flailed beneath him. River smiled as she watched the boy play with his new toy.

The girls hovered around their brother, also having a go at spinning the knobs and bits. Arthur was happy to demonstrate what all the knobs on the new toy did for his sisters.

"Thanks, Jack," The Doctor said since Arthur didn't have the vocabulary to do so.

River sat back in her chair, smiling softly, "Thank you, Jack." She repeated.

Jack gave them a two finger salute. The rest of the party was fairly mellow, the adults chatting away and watching the little ones play with the walker. The girls at some point convinced their parents to let them all have more cake, though only got small pieces.

River ended up on the couch with her legs draped across her husband's lap and Vastra gently rubbing her shoulders.

"What a year it's been." The Doctor commented, massaging his wife's ankles.

She hummed softly, "Quite eventful."

"Made it through, though." He watched Arthur.

"I suppose so." She murmured as Arthur bounced in the new walker.

"I think he'll get the hang of that thing in a week."

She nodded, "He certainly does love it." She smiled.

"He'll be able to join the girl's football games soon."

"You'll finally have someone else on your team."

He chuckled at the thought of himself and the kids playing in the backyard. River smiled weakly, the girls running to get Arthur's whale when he threw it.

"Think we should wrap this up soon?"

She nodded, "Arthur needs to go down for a nap."

"Girls," He called them over. "Your Uncles and Aunts are going to be leaving soon. Say goodbye."

The girls ran to give each of their aunts and uncles a goodbye a hug. "Uncle Jack, will you come with us on an adventure soon?"

"Sure thing, kiddos!" He ruffled their hair. "So long as your parents say it's alright."

"We'll sneak you along!" They both giggled.

"Take care of your mummy and daddy for me." Vastra instructed as she hugged them, "And be good for them."

"Of course!" They hugged her back. "And you hafta come back soon, too!"

"I'll be back very soon." Vastra smiled, "And you know I'm just a phone call away if you need me."

They nodded, scurrying over to Clara to deliver her hug. "I'll see you two on Monday." Clara smiled.

"I'll get them all home." The Doctor told River, rising from the couch.

"I'll put Arthur down and clean up here," River replied.

"Girls, will you help Mummy clean up while I bring everyone home?"

"Do we hafta?" They pouted.

"Yes, lovies." He nodded. "I'll help too once I come back."

River gave him a quick kiss, then took Arthur upstairs. The guests piled into the TARDIS and the sound of it taking off followed River up the stairs.

Arthur snuggled to his mother, all tuckered out.

"What an exciting day you've had already." River murmured, rubbing his back as she brought him into his room.

"Birday." He said sleepily.

"Birthday." She echoed, placing him in the crib and draping his blanket across his legs. "Sleep now, my love."

"Lulu." He mumbled, hugging his whale close. He had a hold on River's finger and wasn't letting go. She rubbed the back of his hand with her thumb, setting to wait there until he had fallen asleep.

His grip loosened once he fell asleep, which only took a few minutes. Tiber padded in, rubbing against River's legs. River shooed the cat out and shut the door behind them, going downstairs to clean up.