Wednesday
Clare felt the two infants snuggled into her stomach and she smiled softly. Lucas was still curled around Marie. Clare looked over her shoulder then smiled lightly. Marie shifted and groaned quietly. Clare grabbed the twins and sat up. Lucas nuzzled her neck and she quieted slightly. The ninja shifted and rested the twins in her lap so she could stretch. Miloh and Flora hugged each other. Clare smiled and rested the twins on Luke's chest so she could get the water boiling. Marie shifted trying to find a comfortable spot. Clare stood and stretched again before going to the kitchen. Luke stayed asleep with the kids until she was done. Clare carried a tray with two bottles of milk and coffee and tea back up to room. When she returned Luke was keeping the twins quiet so they didn't wake Marie. Clare sat the tray on the nightstand and offered to take one of the twins. Luke handed Miloh to her as he took one of the bottles. Clare sat on the bed and grabbed the other bottle. Flora suckled happily. Clare smiled and gave Miloh the bottle's nipple and let him suckle. Luke held Flora and her bottle with one hand as he drank his coffee. Clare shifted Miloh to one arm and grabbed her tea. Luke smiled as Flora finished. Clare set Miloh's empty bottle back on the tray and continued to drink her tea as she burped Miloh. Luke lay Flora on her stomach in his lap as he finished his coffee. Clare finished her tea and set the cup on the tray next to the two bottles. Luke rubbed Flora's back as he pulled Clare over. Clare meeped and looked at him. Luke smiled and kissed her forehead. Clare smiled back and nuzzled his cheek.
"Watch the little ones...and Marie, I'm going to make breakfast." Luke said quietly.
"Alright." Clare said taking Flora off his lap. Luke kissed her forehead and slipped from the room. Clare set the twins on the bed after making a box of pillows around them then checked on Marie. Lucas had followed his father downstairs, leaving Marie alone. Marie groaned and shifted. Clare crouched down by Marie and rubbed her ears lightly. Marie groaned and opened her eyes.
"How are you feeling?" Clare asked softly.
"Not good..." Marie replied with a groan.
"Are the kits acting up again?" Clare asked still rubbing Marie's ears.
"Mmhmm..." Marie answered.
"Okay..." Clare said and crossed her legs to sit by the basket. Marie shifted trying to roll on her back. Clare gave her a little push to help. Marie sighed when she went all the way over to her other side.
"Do you want to stay on your back?" Clare asked. Marie nodded, "It doesn't hurt as much..." Clare nodded and turned the Keaton so she was on her back then held her there. Marie sighed in relief as most of the weight was off her sides. Clare's ear twitched, listening for the twins. They remained quiet and happy to play with each other. Clare smiled lightly and kept her attention on Marie. Marie's moment of relief was ruined when her entire litter shifted and she curled in on herself.
"Want to lie on your side now?" Clare asked as she saw Marie curl. Marie nodded as she winced. Clare gently lay the Keaton on her side. Luke returned with breakfast, pancakes. Clare rubbed Marie's ears once before standing. Lucas returned and curled up before his friend. Clare smiled and went to the bed. Luke scooped up the twins and carried them back to the nursery. Clare grabbed the plate of pancakes and started to eat one of them. Luke returned ad sat down to eat his breakfast. Clare smiled and finished hers first. Luke finished soon after her. Clare put her plate back on the tray then stretched. Marie yelped and curled around her stomach. Clare stood and walked over, "Are you okay?" Marie shook her head and whined as she started to pant.
"Luke hot water now and a lot of towels. Lucas you need to leave the room dear." Clare ordered as she crouched by Marie. Lucas seemed reluctant to leave Marie as his father grabbed the requested items.
"Lucas if you don't leave on your own, I'll have your father remove you by force..." Clare threatened as she shifted to get ready. Lucas whined and then left, "Be nice honey, he's worried." Luke said as he placed the hot water and towels next to her.
"I'll apologize later." Clare said as he kicked him out to. Luke did his best to reassure his son. Lucas was pacing outside the door, his claws clicking against the hard wood. Luke picked him up and stroked his fur.
"She's in good hands kiddo..." Luke said just as Marie yelped. That stressed the Keaton even more, "Don't say that as Marie's yelping Dad!" Luke sighed remembering he'd been the same way with Clare and did the same thing his nephew had done and that was give Lucas a little shake, "She'll be fine...Clare's delivered all three of Anni's kids and who knows how many others."
"At least ten..." Clare's voice said from the other side of the door then, "You're doing good Marie..." Luke looked at his son with a raised eyebrow, "Now calm down." Luke said as Marie yelped again.
"You have the worst timing dad..." Lucas grumbled but remained calm, for the most part anyways. Luke chuckled quietly as he resumed stroking Lucas from head to tail tips. It was around lunch time when Clare opened the door. Luke had to pin their adopted son to his lap to keep him from bolting into the room before they knew if it was alright. Clare looked down at them, "You can go in now Lucas, but be quiet, Marie's sleeping with her kits." Luke released Lucas and then glanced at Clare.
"I need a bath..." Clare said scrunching her face. Luke chuckled quietly and turned her around, "I figured you would so I drew you a bath and magicked the water to stay warm." Clare smiled, "Thanks dear, I'll be out in a bit." Luke smiled and slipped back into their room to check on the newest additions. Clare slipped into the bathroom and stripped before sinking slowly into the warm waters. Luke smiled at the four tiny balls of fluff curled against Marie's stomach as Lucas kept watch. The five small keatons were all asleep. Luke laid down and waited for Clare to return. A few minutes later and Clare came out in a fresh pair of clothes and flopped on the bed beside Luke. Luke wrapped her in her arms, "How'd she do?"
"Pretty good for a first time." Clare answered.
"Second question, how are you?" Luke asked.
"Tired..." Clare replied turning to snuggle into his shoulder. Luke smiled and ran his fingers though her hair, "Honey look..." Luke whispered pointing towards Marie. Clare lifted her head up and looked. Lucas was curled around Marie with his head on her shoulder as they both slept and the kits nursed. Clare smiled softly and let her head fall against the sheets.
"He'll make a good dad to those kits..." Luke whispered as he carded his fingers through her hair.
"Yes he will..." Clare whispered softly and nuzzled his shoulder again. Luke kissed her forehead and covered her with the blankets. Clare fell asleep soon after.
"Sweet dreams everyone..." Luke whispered as he pulled out a book and began reading. Clare shifted slightly and draped an arm across his chest and the other went around her stomach. Luke placed his free hand just below her naval, letting his warmth ease her pain. Clare sighed contently and relaxed. Once he had to gently slip away from her to put one of Marie's kits back against her. Clare shifted and rolled onto her other side, trying to get comfortable. Luke returned to her as soon as the kit was safe and warm. Clare had curled in on herself in pain. Luke gently worked her out of her ball to hold her against him as his hand found its previous position. Clare relaxed little by little until she nuzzled his shoulder in a complete relaxed state. Luke kissed her forehead before returning to his book. Clare shifted slightly and put her arm back across his chest. Luke smiled and fell into the world of his book. Clare shifted closer to her husband slightly as her ear twitched. Luke put his book down and stroked her cheek. Clare smiled lightly and snuggled his shoulder before tucking her nose under the covers. Luke smiled and then returned to his book as he waited for her to wake up. Clare shifted and stretched before grabbing Luke's arm in her sleep. Luke chuckled silently as he gently rubbed her side. Clare stretched again before rolling away from him, suddenly too warm. Luke slipped out of bed to check on the twins as they were unusually quiet. Clare shifted and was cold again so she patted around for her living heater. Luke returned a few minutes later. The ninja had wrapped herself in the blankets and was shivering horribly. Luke frowned and slipped back in with her to pull her back against him. Clare immediately attached herself to his side and stopped shivering. Luke ran his fingers through her hair trying to figure out an explanation for her temperature fluxations. The was a tiny sneeze from under the covers where the ninja was hiding, she must of caught a cold yesterday fighting the Wolfo's. Luke smiled softly and rubbed her back. Clare mumbled something and nuzzled his arm.
"Shh..." Luke whispered and held her close. Clare nuzzled his arm again before settling. Luke covered her and waited till she was ready to come around. Clare stretched and shifted before opening her eyes.
"How are you feeling honey?" Luke asked quietly as Lucas, Marie and the kids were still asleep.
"I've got a sore throat..." Clare whispered, her voice proving her statement.
"I'll go make you some tea..." Luke replied as he moved to slip out of her arms.
"Okay..." Clare whispered softly. Luke stroked her cheek as he stood before slipping away. Clare shifted so she was leaning against the headboard. One of Marie's kits fell from the basket with a tiny thump. Clare climbed out of bed to get the tiny kit back to its mother. The kit fit easily in the palm of her hand. Clare smiled lightly as she tucked the kit back against Marie before taking one of Lucas's tails to keep the kits together. Luke returned with a cup of tea and a bowl of soup. Clare smiled lightly then stood to go back to bed. Luke placed the cup and bowl on the nightstand before tucking the blankets around her. Clare smiled lightly and took the bowl. Luke kissed her forehead as he sat next to her. Clare smiled lightly then started to eat.
"You should have told me you weren't feeling well..." Luke said as he tucked her hair behind her ears.
"I wasn't feeling well since the week started..." Clare muttered softly.
"You've been sick all week and you didn't tell me?" Luke asked sounding a little hurt.
"I did tell you. Actually you found out yourself, remember the leaves?" Clare asked as she looked up at him. Luke rolled his eyes, "I didn't mean that Angel, when did you fall ill?"
"This morning..." Clare whispered. Luke shook his head, "You should've told me, then I could've done more for you."
"I still would've kicked you out of the room..." Clare said as she looked over at the keatons. Luke sighed and signalled for her to finish her soup. Clare quietly ate her soup and when she was done, reached for her tea. Luke took the bowl and handed her the cup. Clare nodded to him and sipped her tea lightly. Marie yawned and opened her eyes. Clare finished her tea and stretched.
"Any better?" Luke asked as Marie shifted, not quite used to the feeling of her litter nursing.
"My throat doesn't hurt anymore." Clare replied.
"Good..." Luke said, then glanced at Marie, "She seems a little uncomfortable."
"She's just not used to it." Clare replied. Luke smiled, "She kind of reminds me of the time Bane thought you were his birth mother..." Clare smiled also, "Yeah..."
"The look on your face was adorable..." Luke whispered teasingly. Clare gave him a mock frown, "You weren't bit so you don't know." Luke chuckled quietly and kissed her temple. Clare smiled and nuzzled his shoulder.
"I highly doubt he bit you that hard, he barely had his milk teeth..." Luke whispered.
"Why don't I bite you and see how you like it..." Clare purred in his ear. Luke rumbled quietly, "Maybe..." Clare smiled and nipped his temple lightly.
"Honey, we have six small problems..." Luke whispered.
"I know...I'm just teasing you..." Clare whispered as she backed off his temple. Luke smiled and kissed her. Clare smiled into the kiss as she kissed him back. Luke shifted her so they were lying down. Clare shifted to make herself comfortable on his chest. Luke smiled as he rested his hands on her hips and nipped her lip. Clare opened her mouth for him. Luke deepened the kiss. Clare smiled and rested her hands on either side of his face. Luke broke the kiss and placed a quick one to her lips. Clare smiled softly and kissed the end of his nose. Luke smiled and pulled her down against him. Clare smiled softly and nuzzled his chest. Luke smiled and tucked her head under his chin. Clare smiled softly again before closing her eyes. Luke ran his fingers through her hair as he rested his other hand on her back. Clare moved her hands so they were lying on his chest beside her head then snuggled his neck before falling asleep. Luke smiled and let her sleep. Clare shifted her legs slightly. Luke pulled the blankets back up over her. Clare snuggled into his chest lightly before settling. Luke hummed his new song in hopes of keeping her asleep and helping Marie return to sleep. The young Keaton yawned and laid her head on her paws as Clare stayed asleep. Luke smiled and continued to hum. It was the twin's calling that woke Clare half an hour later. Luke moved her back to the bed, "Shh...go to sleep Angel." Clare shifted and laid against her pillows before stretching and going to sleep. Luke smiled and went to tend to the twins. Miloh and Flora were both standing against the bars of the crib looking at the door.
"Hey little ones..." Luke cooed as he scooped them up. They both attached themselves to his neck and looked around for their mother.
"Mom's sleeping, she's not feeling good..." Luke told them. Flora and Miloh looked at each other before Flora pointed to her ball. Luke smiled and carefully handed his daughter her ball. Flora clutched it as Miloh looked to the door.
"Do you want to see her?" Luke asked knowing his son was probably worried about his mother. Miloh nodded. Luke smiled gently and kissed his son's forehead as he returned to the master bedroom. Clare was tucked carefully under the covers, still asleep. Miloh watched for any signs of sickness then sighed, much like his father.
"See...she's alright..." Luke whispered. Miloh nodded and pointed to the door. Luke stood and slipped from the room. Miloh pointed to the conservatory door, smiling lightly. Luke chuckled at his son as he headed to the conservatory. Miloh smiled as Flora looked around. Luke rolled out a blanket and placed Flora down there. The tiny girl bounced her ball happily. Luke sat down at the piano with Miloh. The tiny boy looked up at his father with a look that said, 'Are we going to do the same or a different song?'
"Do you want to learn a new one?" Luke asked his son as he ran his fingers through Miloh's darkening hair. He nodded and pointed to the silver flute on the shelf, that was gathering dust.
"You want to learn your mom's song?" Luke asked hoping he interpreted that right. Miloh nodded, smiling widely. Luke smiled and kissed the top of his son's head and showed him the first three notes. Miloh followed shortly after. Luke continued to teach his son the Song of Destiny until he could play it on his own. The song came out slower than it should but there was not a note skipped or out of tune.
"Good job kiddo..." Luke praised. Miloh clapped his hands happily.
"Try again..." Luke coaxed and glanced at Flora that had fallen asleep. Miloh played again, slightly faster but still slow.
"That's it...keep going..." Luke said. Miloh stuck his tongue out as he got the last few notes of the song. Luke chuckled and tickled him, "Cheeky little thing, just like your mom..." Miloh giggled and laughed. Luke smiled, "Want to try again?" He was answered with a yawn.
"Time for bed..." Luke said as he cradled Miloh then scooped up his sister. The two infants hugged each other as Miloh fell asleep. Luke smiled and took the children to bed. Miloh and Flora slept peacefully. Luke leaned his arms on the crib and watched his two little angels sleep. A pair of arms wrapped around his waist, "They're too cute, aren't they..." Luke smiled and turned to his wife, "Yeah, when Miloh wakes up he has a surprise for you."
"I can't wait..." Clare whispered smiling to him. Luke placed a kiss to her lips, "How's Marie?"
"Still sleeping, though Lucas is awake now." Clare replied. Luke nodded, "And how are you?"
"Good." Clare answered smiling again. Luke smiled, "How good?" He asked in a seductive whisper.
"Good enough to do this..." Clare purred as she licked this temple then sucked on it. Luke rumbled quietly and slipped out of the nursery, "Just need to do one thing so wait for me in the bedroom." Clare smiled and disappeared into the master bedroom. Luke carefully picked up Marie's basket and moved her back downstairs. Clare arranged herself on the bed to look sexy. Luke leaned against the doorframe and growled in approval. Clare smirked and motioned him over with her one finger. Luke closed the doors and curtains with a snap of his fingers. Clare smiled and still called him over silently. Luke was more than happy to do so. Clare patted the bed beside her gently. Any thoughts of him lying next to her were forgotten when he knelt over her and kissed her fiercely. Clare responded by kissing him back. Luke nipped at her lip as he slipped his hand under her shirt and found the clasp of her bra. Clare opened her mouth for him . Luke deepened the kiss as he unclipped her bra and trailed his fingers up to her peak. Clare smiled and moaned lightly. Luke broke the kiss long enough to remove her top and bra. Clare smirked and slipped his shirt off him. Luke growled as he attacked her neck. Clare moaned lightly and went for his ear. Luke shifted to lightly press his knees against her sweet spot. Clare clamped her legs around his knee and stopped moaning.
"Sorry...I forgot." Luke whispered and shifted his weight to one side of her. Clare released her knee and turned her head. Luke kissed her cheek, hoping she wasn't mad at him about his lack of memory. Clare turned her head back to him and kissed his forehead lightly. Luke smiled and nuzzled her weak spot. She tilted her head away from him to allow him more access. Luke kissed and sucked at her weak spot. Clare moaned lightly. His fingertips found her peak and he tweaked and pinched them lightly. Clare moaned louder in response. Luke smiled and trailed kisses down her breast bone. Clare moaned again and smiled. Luke stopped at the middle of her breast bone and nipped there. Clare moaned again. Luke smirked as he licked and nipped to her peak. Clare moaned louder. Luke licked her peak before taking it in his mouth. Clare moaned louder and closed her eyes. He nipped and sucked gently. She moaned and arched her back. He smirked as he tweaked her other peak with his fingers and continued to tease the other with his mouth. Clare groaned and arched her back more. Luke released her and switched sides. Clare moaned still. Luke continued to tease trying to push her over the edge. Clare moaned and started panting. Luke smiled, just a little more. Clare groaned and finally flopped against the bed. Luke chuckled and nuzzled her neck as he lay his arm across her stomach.
"You are...evil..." Clare gasped out.
"Just a little..." Luke whispered as he kissed her temple. Clare continued to pant and gasp as she tried to reclaim lost air. Luke rubbed her side and littered her skin with light kisses. Clare sighed lightly and rested her hands on her stomach.
"Are you alright Angel?" Luke asked as he placed a kiss to her temple.
"Just give me another minute..." Clare whispered. Luke smiled and pulled the blankets up over them. Another minute passed and Clare snuggled into her husband's chest. Luke ran his fingers through her hair as he settled with her close to him. Clare sighed softly again before her breathing evened out.
"Sleep tight Angel..." Luke whispered. Clare shifted closer slightly. Luke smiled and placed a kiss to her forehead before joining her.