Bo
Bo shrugged hard. Aife meant well, but it was taking them hours to get the kids to wind down. Just when the Succubus finally laid her head down, she heard a noise. She refused to wake Lauren up, because the Doctor had a hell of a time getting the boys into bed too. Didn't help that their first born was leading the disobedience.
Bo lifted her head, and listened. Oh for Fae's sake, she mumbled internally. It finally registered what the noise was. Bo pulled the thick sheets and blankets off of her body, pulled her kimono on, and went to the door. Gently opening it, she looked down.
"Charlotte, what are you doing up? Bo asked.
Charlotte didn't answer, but ran past Bo, and jumped into their bed. The shifter stretched out on her back, and crossed her paws behind her head. Normally Bo would've thought it looked adorable, but the mother in her was kicking in too.
"You have your own room, and bed to sleep in Charly, now go to bed". Bo whispered.
"It won't hurt her to spend one night here Bo. Remember the last time she did this? It was when I was pregnant. She's here for the baby". Lauren said turning over in bed.
"Charlotte, we're not going to do anything to each other, or anything to harm the baby. Now go to bed". Bo said pointing towards the door.
Charlotte huffed, and snuggled up next to Lauren.
"She's not going to leave Bo. Let her sleep here, or get ready to go at this for hours. But as a Doctor, and someone that's carried three of them, you are going to need a lot of sleep". Lauren said patting Bo's spot on the bed.
"Ok. But tomorrow she sleeps in her own bed". Bo sighed as she finally climbed back into bed.
Lauren nodded. Charlotte closed her little eyes and was soon asleep. Lauren knew it really was about them not trying to harm the baby, but she loved how Charlotte was so close to her. This could be another step towards them becoming closer.
Bo shook her head, and smiled. Charly was going to make her gray sooner rather than later.
"Ooooo! Bo screamed.
Charlotte, and Lauren looked at her.
"What's wrong? Lauren asked.
"Nothing. It was just a sharp pain". Bo said, and laid back down.
Charlotte turned over to sleep in Bo's direction. Lauren did the same thing. She even reached out, and took one of Bo's hands. The Succubus gently squeezed it, and smiled.
Charlotte closed her eyes long enough for her mothers to think that she was asleep. When she started to hear light snoring, she opened her eyes again. She watched everything about Bo. How she slept. Her facial expressions. At one point when she didn't like how Bo was sleeping, she stretched her little arms, and legs out to force Bo to change her sleeping position. When Bo opened her eyes, Charlotte quickly closed hers. Ten hours later, Charlotte was still pretending to be asleep.
She knew what kind of mother Bo is and could be. But sensing the Succubus lack of experience being pregnant, Charlotte was going to do everything that she could think of to remind Bo when Charlotte was first born. The Succubus had to learn on the fly. When to feed Charlotte. When to change her. When to hold her when she cried. The young shifter remembered all of it. Bo putting two leather coats on her to take her out on the patio at the hospital. The mountains of blankets Charlotte slept under in her crib. But the baby was rarely cold.
She's going to be a big sister again. If Bo's delivery day is anything like her other mother's, the Succubus is going to shatter a lot of glass with her screams. So Charlotte has to be ready to step in, and help her little brother, or sister adjust to whatever happens.
She turned over in bed, and cuddled under Lauren's arm. A tear escaped the shifter's eye thinking of her mother sleeping and none of the doctors, or Bo understood why she slept so long even after Charlotte had been born. She didn't quite yet understand who the blonde in the bed was. But the woman was familiar after Bo had placed her in Lauren's arms over, and over again. Even in a hospital room, the woman she grew to realize was her mother, had a warm touch about her. Charlotte wanted to stay there, but her other mother kept pulling her away when the other people entered the room.
Now here she is in bed with the both of them. And a baby that won't have to live almost a year without both mothers looking after him or her. Finally closing her eyes and trusting that it was finally safe to do so, Charlotte yawned and gave into sleep.
Later that morning.
Lauren yawned, and stretched in the bed. She smiled at how adorably Charlotte and Bo were sleeping. Pulling on her robe, and slippers, she gently walked out of the room. She screamed when she tripped over something.
Charlotte stood up in the bed, gritting her teeth. Bo jumped too, and ran over to Lauren.
"It's just Ethan and Dillon". Lauren said. The twins were asleep guarding their bedroom door, and Lauren hadn't noticed them.
Charlotte jumped off of the bed, and looked up at Bo.
"Seriously? What's with the glare? Bo asked.
"She probably knows you need to eat something Bo. Which is where I was going". Lauren said.
"If she can read a book, she can talk. I'm not a mind reader". Bo laughed.
"C'mon lets go get some breakfast". Lauren said pulling Bo, with the kids running behind them.
Charlotte stayed close to Bo. Bo was starving. She wanted a little of everything. Steak, eggs, potatoes, veggies and toast. Lauren cooked everything too.
Charlotte chewed her breakfast slowly. Never taking her eyes off of Bo. Lauren found it amusing. Until she tried to kiss Bo. Charlotte jumped in between them, and put her hand over Bo's mouth. The Succubus sighed. She already predicted how this pregnancy was going to go. A little kiss here, hand holding. But the first would have to be out of Charlotte's sight.
"Charlotte eat your breakfast". Lauren said. Charlotte huffed, and did as she was told. Bo was starting to feel like she had something on her face or robe. Ethan and Dillon seemed unfazed, and had finished their breakfast. Both boys sat, identically watching their sister.
"She's not ready to play babies, but you can go out! Bo smiled.
Lauren nodded, and opened the patio doors for them. In no time, they were running around the yard, and tackling each other.
"Remember when you used to do that Charly? Bo asked. But the shifter just stared at her.
Already out of patience, Bo pushed away from the table, and stood up. "I get it Charlotte. You don't trust me not to harm our baby. But I'm not going to do anything or go anywhere that will put me or the baby in danger. I get that you protect your brothers, and you're already trying to protect your new little brother or sister. But your doctor mother, and I have got this. Go out there, and be a baby again. You're not even two yet, it's ok to be a kid".
"Bo let her be Charlotte. Don't try to change her". Lauren said softly.
"I'm not. I just... Charlotte's in a position that I was never in before. She can go out and be a regular kid. She knows she's different, but nobody's going to shame her for it. Or toss her out of the house while she's still in school. I want our kids to live a normal life. They have that right now. Finally". Bo said softly looking out at Ethan and Dillon playing.
"That's on me Isabeau". Aife said walking into the room.
Bo sighed. "It's not your fault. We know why you gave me up, to protect me from Hades, and the Fae. That's probably where my need and want to help, and protect people came from".
"Charlotte is just like you Bo. She's trying to protect the baby. To make sure that it is born healthy and safe. She probably saw that in you when I was in my coma. She's a smart, and very perceptive baby". Lauren said slowly stepping to Bo.
"I know. I'm filled with so much pride over that. I just wish she'd enjoy being a kid". Bo said.
"Well if it makes you feel any better, I didn't like going outside to play much. Well that is until the scientist in me discovered the wonderful world of nature". Lauren replied.
"Well there you have it. She's a little of the both of ya. Congratulations. Now where's my damn coffee? Aife applauded, and laughed.
"Mom". Bo said softly.
"Fine. Charlotte don't curse like Nana. Mmmkay? Mmmkay". Aife laughed as Lauren poured her a cup.
"Long night? Lauren asked.
"Not too bad. I had to make sure the park was cleaned up, and closed to the public". Aife answered taking her first sip.
"Mom what were you thinking? Once they get going over there, they'll never want to come home or go to bed". Bo sighed heavily.
"C'mon who doesn't like an amusement park? If you're really good, mama might build an adult sized one". Aife laughed.
"We don't want them spoiled". Bo said seriously
"Ok. Ok. No more surprises". Aife winked down at Charlotte.
"Ok. She's done. Time for a bath Charly". Lauren cooed. She picked her up, and carried her out the room.
"Mama". Charlotte called reaching for Bo.
"Damn it. It's always a task bathing her". Bo laughed.
"But you will enjoy it". Aife smiled.
"I will and I do. She doesn't give Lauren problems when she bathes her though". Bo laughed.
Aife turned when the doorbell rang. She walked over and let Kenzi in.
"Holy shit. Where did that amusement park come from!? Kenzi asked.
"I built it for the kids". Aife said.
"Dude that shit is awesome! We are they, so I'll have an excuse to go over there". Kenzi beamed.
"The boys are outside. Charlotte is being bathed. They will be given baths after her. So no. They're not going anywhere anytime soon". Aife answered as she took a seat
"Damn". Kenzi whispered as she grabbed a piece of bacon.
"Good morning Kenzi". Lauren said as she returned to the dining room.
"Good morning Lauren! I stopped by after noticing the park next door. Then I was told the boys haven't been bathed yet". Kenzi smiled as she grabbed more bacon.
"Not yet. Bo's still bathing Charlotte". Lauren smiled.
"Oh balls. That doesn't sound good". Kenzi laughed.
"Charlotte! Come back here! I haven't finished drying you off yet! Bo screamed.
"I've got her! Aife laughed scooping up a squirming Charlotte into her arms.
"I'm sorry. I can't run after her like I used to". Bo said panting.
"Are you okay? Lauren asked softly.
"I'm okay babe. Just a little winded". Bo said.
"Here. Sit down". Lauren said pulling a chair out for Bo.
"And drink this". Aife said pushing a bottle of water across the table with her free hand.
"Ok...what have I missed? Kenzi asked.
"Bo's pregnant". Lauren smiled as she rubbed the Succubus back.
"Well sh... sheets! Why didn't you call?! I would've packed up a bag, and picked out a guest room to help out! Kenzi smiled.
"We just found out, and we can handle this". Bo said.
"You have three kids with crazy powers. You don't have three arms, and neither does Lauren. At least let me help until the baby's born". Kenzi said.
"We have six arms actually, but she's right Isabeau. We don't know how your body will respond to all the powers, that Lauren and the babies possess". Aife said.
"No. Thanks. But this is my family, we've got this. Mom will continue to live here, and help out when, and wherever she can. Kenzi, you're always welcome here, and you know that. As far as my pregnancy and new powers, I have a great and experienced doctor here". Bo said squeezing Lauren's hand.
"Then I'm staying all day. Hale can handle our clients and case load". Kenzi said as she grabbed her phone. She sent Hale a long text, and put it away.
Lauren sat with Bo, watching her. Of course she had experience having three children. But it still haunts her that she wasn't aware with Charlotte. The shifter was resting at Bo's feet. Lauren pulled a blanket from the couch, and wrapped it around the Succubus.
The gang sat in their own thoughts. Bo broke the silence first.
"Ladies and my child, I'm fine. Go. Do what you need to do. Kenzi go to work. Mom..do whatever you do. Lauren and I still have to bathe our sons. Charlotte? Go play! Bo cooed.
Charlotte kept her spot. Her little eyes were already getting droopy.
"It's okay sweetie. Take a nap". Bo cooed as she rubbed Charlotte's back.
"I'll bathe the boys. Ethan? Dillon? Come inside". Lauren said as she held the door for them.
"I do have something to do". Aife said as she set her coffee cup in the sink, and left the house.
"I'll keep Bo company". Kenzi said moving to a chair closer to the Succubus.
"Ugh. I don't need to be looked after, or keep company". Bo sighed.
"Bo. C'mon it's me. We both know how you wigged the hell out when you thought Lauren was dying. Her body had to adjust to it, and so does yours. Aife can tell you what a Succubus birth is like. But Lauren's a shifter at the hands of the Una Mens. That can't be a regular Fae baby birth. You pampered the hell out of Lauren. Let her, and us, pamper you". Kenzi said.
"I'm not helpless. I can still do a few things. Well accept keep up with Charlotte when she's running. I've never been able to keep up with them on foot". Bo said shyly.
"Well look at it this way, you'll have all the powers that they do. So you'll be able to run faster, and do everything that they do". Kenzi said gently pushing on Bo's shoulder.
Bo nodded. She hadn't thought of that. It sucked when Lauren or Charlotte took off, and the Succubus needed a car or motorcycle to try and catch up to them.
"This is your family Bo. Look at Charlotte. She could be out there playing, but she's sticking to you like glue. You don't have to pace hospital halls alone. Or fall asleep in a cold hospital room, alone. In a short amount of time, you and Lauren had a family. A badass one too. So Succubus, stop trying to be She-Ra, and accept the love and support that's around you". Kenzi said.
"I was putting up a front Kenz. I'm just a little scared. I want this baby, I do. I'm just scared that I'll do something wrong, and lose it. Lauren lost her life once because of me, I don't want to lose our baby too". Bo whispered.
"That's Lauren's baby too Bo. You know she would move heaven and Earth trying to save and protect that little one. Shucks Charlotte may try and go to hell or Valhalla to try and kick somebody's ass". Kenzi said.
Bo sighed into her hands.
"C'mon lets go watch a movie. It'll take your mind off of it". Kenzi said stretching her hand out to Bo.
Bo took it, and stood up. They walked into the living room, and once Bo was settled on the couch, Kenzi started browsing through the TV channels.
Bo laughed when Charlotte was sleep walking, and jumped on the couch, and stretched out next to Bo.
"Awww. The Lion King again! Bo laughed.
"It's okay. I'll watch it with them. Besides you and Lauren need to talk". Kenzi said as she made room for Ethan and Dillon on the couch.
Bo nodded silently, and took Lauren's hand. Bo looked back for Charlotte, but the shifter was watching the movie.
Aife.
"So it's almost done? Aife asked.
"Yes ma'am". James replied.
"Then get people to work on the inside too. I will be back in three days. It better be done". Aife replied.
"Yes ma'am, it will be". James nodded.
Lauren and Bo.
The women decided to talk in their bedroom. Lauren made sure that Bo was comfortable on the plush chair.
"So what do we need to talk about? Lauren asked.
Bo took a few quick breaths while staring at Lauren. This could trigger other issues that their relationship hasn't completely healed from yet. But she needed to be honest with the doctor. Considering her biggest fear is medical.
"Bo? Lauren said.
"I want this baby Lauren, I do. But I'm scared that I'm going to do something that kills it. You lost your own life because of me, I don't want to cost our baby it's life too". Bo said quietly. She was trying to keep her voice even. But everything in her was screaming for her to cry.
"Bo we didn't know that I was pregnant. We had gone for months like that. I didn't know what I was doing. I could've gone into the woods or something, gotten into a fight, and lost her. But there was always something in me that knew that I needed to take care of myself. In your situation, we know what to expect.
You took care of Charlotte on your own. When you needed help, you reached out, but I know in my gut and from what I saw on those security tapes that you did and tried everything that your gut told you to.
The Una Mens were powerful. Trying to handle, or to match their powers proved fatal to me, and many others. But in my situation, you brought me back because you wanted to. Because you love me. You will not lose this baby because we love each other and it.
You asked to carry my baby, and I trust you completely to do so. Because I love you and our family". Lauren replied.
"I love you". Bo cried.
"I love you too. Now come on. It's time for you to eat again". Lauren said pulling Bo to her feet.
The women reached the living room. Bo took her seat back, as Lauren went to prepare lunch. Charlotte settled down and put her head in Bo's lap. Bo sighed and settled herself down.
TBC