February 11, Winter, year 36

I really dislike the waiting…

Skye paced the floor, having been tossed out of the healer's chambers by no one less than Miharu, along with the children who were in various stages of anxiety, despite the early hour of the morning.

Probably the most aggravating thing was the he couldn't hear anything through the door, so he had no idea if it was safe to stick his head in. Sure Claire tended to have easy births, but there were exceptions to everything.

So he paced, having nothing better to do. Lauren played pretend with Mirei, Alan and Meredith slept on another bench, and Jamie read a book, glancing up from time to time in amusement at his father's antics.

Once Skye caught the look, and smiled a bit.

"Just wait til you become a father," the silver-haired man retorted. "See how anxious you get over the birth of your first child."

That killed the amused looks quickly, as Jamie blushed a bright red and buried his head in his book. Lauren laughed, privately glad that she didn't intend to ever have children the natural way. If it came down to it, she'd cheerfully adopt.

Mirei, not following a word of it—she was almost asleep again at this point, despite playing with her sister—just blinked and shrugged. She was willing to bet it would be another one of those 'When you're older' things.

"Breathe Claire."

"I am! Nnng."

"No, don't push! Not yet!"

"This isn't fun!"

By the time Miharu came out, a crowd had gathered. Skye had been joined by almost all his siblings—Daisuke and Tsuyu were at Court, otherwise they would have been there too—Tenshi, and several other people that Claire had made friends with over the past eight months.

She looked at all of them and frowned.

"You're not all going in there at once," she said sternly, propping her hands on her hips.

Glances were exchanged, and several shoulders slumped in resignation. Miharu's word in the healer's section beat even the word of Prince's and Princess's. Jamie and Lauren got up eagerly, wanting to see their mother and the new siblings. Skye was already there and waiting, his own anxiety plain to see.

Miharu shot glances to the rest that said if they didn't wait they'd regret it, then let the trio into the room. Claire was laying down in her bed, face pale and covered with sweat, asleep, but clearly happy. Next to the bed in bassinets on stands, were the three newborn babies. A glowing field of magic—Miharu's protection because the trio were several weeks premature—surrounded the bassinets, translucent enough to see through.

Two babies were swaddled in pink, one in blue, and Lauren grinned a little.

"Looks like the girl's side of the family outnumbers the boys permanently," she quietly teased her brother.

He elbowed her, rolling his eyes. Skye just chuckled lightly as Miharu stepped in quietly.

"She told me of the name preferences the pair of you chose," the healer's voice was also quiet. "And seemed to be quite fond of Lucien for the boy, and Selene and Luna for the two girls She wanted me to make sure that it was alright with you."

"Those are... perfect. Any idea who's going to take after whom?" Skye couldn't help asking.

Miharu rolled her eyes, amused despite herself.

"You've been a father how long?" she reproved him gently. "Now shoo, the rest of them are getting restless. She'll remain here for a few weeks, I had to open her up to retrieve them safely."

"We'll visit," Skye promised, even as Miharu ushered them out.

"Oh believe me, I know that you will."

All healthy, if premature. For now at least. Miharu says that she does not foresee any problems, but she would be safe rather than sorry, so neither my love nor the babies will be leaving the infirmary for at least two weeks.

I hope I will at least be allowed to give Claire some Valentine's day chocolates…

Ah, her birthday will happen before Miharu officially releases any of them! I wonder if maybe I can't convince her to let them out early some how? I shall think on this for a while, until I'm allowed back in to see Claire.