trust no one ;;

❛ If I tell you a secret, will you keep it? ❜ Luke invited Alex to go to his penthouse. There is something he hadn't opened up to anyone, but he thinks Alexander wouldn't judge him. His brother is so stoic, hard to read. But he had some sentiment, otherwise he wouldn't have fallen in love with his best friend, and built a family with her. ❛ How's your day going, Dad of the year? Is the boy okay? ❜ He saw how fragile the boys were; he didn't think they would last that long, but he was glad they were two little fighters to keep it going.

⸻ Elizabeth knew that there was something wrong with her babies. Call it six sense or her maternal instinct it never failed her. When the doctor delivered partially her sons state of health to her, she just nodded understanding everything while he delivered the news to Alexander ( the younger might not survive but they will do what they are doing what can do ) . The nurse, however, was helping her. Liz was crying again, and the nurse was sympathetic with her and spoke about her experience with other new mothers and how everything was okay. wiping her tears, the boy was calming in her arms. Liz was a bit scared to hold her own babies, but she remained them close to her and tried to help to feed them. They would receive the food through the tube, which was easier for the moment and their current situation.

When Claude arrived, he too didn't demonstrate much of his feelings; in fact, in general, he always posed as if he doesn't care for anything, but deep down, he does. He was more worried about his daughter than her grandsons. nothing against them, but he just wanted his daughter well, and it wasn't because she is the bread winner of this family, despite of his twisted way he loves her. He made a call to Stella, warning her that he also didn't see his own daughter or the grandkids, but everything is under control. It reminds him the time Liz was really sick as a child, and he realized that he didn't want to lose his daughter. "Don't worry, Alex, everything is going to be ok. It almost feels like a deja vu to me; she ended up fine and so was the kiddos. She was under stress, and had saw Jack dying so, and the cops and investigation was stressing her." He recalls the day Lilou and Beau were born. "The doctor said I could lost Liz, until this da,y she doesn't know what her doctor told me. She is a Beaufort, and you know Beaufort women are the strongest. " He spoke in a paternal way.

Once he entered in the room he quickly kissed Liz's top of her head, made a joke that they're in good sides, noticing her daughter's pout and her puffy face, he fucking knew she was crying, he managed making everyone on the room laughs a little with his mood, and her Facetime Stella as he promised, he held the phone and Liz changed a quick words with her mother and he showed the twins on the camera for Stella, and then turned off the call. Liz asked to Claude and Stella to share Lilou and Beau when everything is more settled to bring them.

───despite appreciating the effort Claude made to offer him some comforting words, the worry did not lessen. it was the first time he had heard that Liz almost lost her own life after birthing their first set of twins —it involuntarily made him think that he would have chosen her over them if it had come down to it; no matter how much he loves their babies, she is more important to him. but this was not the case this time, so he reassured Claude that Liz was fine, even though she had been under a lot of stress during the whole duration of her pregnancy, and it was their twins who were in a fragile state. premature birth was not uncommon for twin pregnancies, but the constant state of stress and pressure she had been under had left them with some developmental issues, heart, and lungs —he had entirely left out the possibility of their little one passing away. It was odd for him to accept it, too, when he had been so comfortable with death his whole life, it surely hit differently when it came to Liz or their babies, his brain couldn’t wrap around the possibility. the fact that he essentially had no control over it made it even more difficult for him; he is used to being able to resolve whatever issue arises, being with money, diplomacy, or violence; no means are out of the question, but this one? entirely out of his control.

when Claude was inside, he took the time to call John, too, perhaps the only person who was reliable in her family, to let him know of the news ( well, part of it, as well as he did Claude ) also allowing them to have a little time as father and daughter, maybe call her mother, too.

he was in fact glad that Claude did not argue about staying longer with her, even though weirdly enough he believed he would make an effort to care about her this time around too, like he had done when she had given birth to Lou and Beau ( and he ought not forget that it had been Claude there then, not him; one of his few redeeming qualities ). “they seem calmer with you…” he smiled a little, encoursngngly; he knew she was exhausted and worried about them, he wanted to make sure she stayed calm and focused on her well-being as much as she did on theirs. his fingers combed through her golden locks, blue eyes focused on their babies who seemed to breathe easier laying on top of her. he agreed to hold them, too, both because he wanted to as well as to let her rest a bit without worrying about trying to stay awake or dropping them.

while Liz was later allowed to sleep and their babies returned to the NICU, he let Claude watch over her every so often so he could check on them. when news of their little one improving where shared, it felt like a weight had been partially lifted, a weight he hadn’t realized was there before. of course, they remained in the NICU for much longer, with either him or Liz doing the suggested kangaroo care for them to keep improving. and the fact that he no longer had to lie to her about their health was making things much easier, too. the twins had already met them and thankfully it hadn’t gone that bad, there had not been much drama. he had told them their new siblings had brought them gifts, and they had given them time to accept them, decide when they wanted to meet them if they wanted to hold them. they missed Liz most, of course, but either Claude or Stella was bringing them regularly, even several times a day to see her.

⸻ Elizabeth was scared. She had twins before but that does not mean that the second pregnancy would be the same as the first one. Every pregnancy is different from another no matter if it is twins or singletons or triplets, whatsoever. Yes, she was under stress in the first one but not as much as this one, and she hardly had any symptoms in her first time. 27 weeks, and her sons really didn't want to wait for a little more. She was happy that her man was inside of the room with her otherwise, she wouldn't know how to handle everything. The hospital / clinic they pick, ( most Alex's than her, since she felt unable to do anything ) was great and the whole team, made everything easier for her. During the birth her mind went blank, and all she could remember is barely seeing a thing, due to her eyes watered from crying, and following the coordinates from both midwife and doctor and the lights hitting on her eyes, blinking her eyes and hold firmly Alex's hands, never break it.

She was crying of happiness and emotional exhaustion ( without counting with the physical ) , when she held her premature babies in her arms, first and then put a hat on each of them, to identify which one is Baby A and Baby B which is how they do whether if it is identical and fraternal twins. Liz named them, they were so small that neither Lou and Beau were this size, and she was worried with them, also 'skinny'. She looked at Alex when he held them, before finish up with the whole birthing and she slept. When she had Beau and Lou she was laughing, and this one she felt ridiculous crying.

When she was brought to the room, she was still sleeping, when Alex made the call for her father, in which by the way was on Stella's place, naturally he ommitted that he was with his wife ( since he fought like cat and mouse, maybe he needed his wife to make their daughter's bag, and stay with the twins when he goes there. He had been there once… Why not twice?! Truth be told, he hardly knows how to prepare the bags of his own grandkids ) , nonetheless he rushed to get the things, he didn't want to stress Alex nor Liz.

In the room, Liz was sleeping, but the nurses came with their babies, and she wouldn't rest, they woke her up, she opens her eyes a little startled by the way the woke her. Her pupils full dilated barely noticiable by far her grey-bluish iris, and the doctor gave her some warnings. The first warning is that they needed her milk, secondly they spoke about the complications both Leo and Theo had. Leo had respiratory issues, and Theo heart issues for coming that early, and they'd start ‘kangaroo care’ also known skin-skin contact with them for better improviment before they head back to NICU.

───for someone who is pretty transparent with her about everything that isn’t directly linked to his work as a hitman, it is quite hard to keep things from her, but it is in his better judgment that she doesn’t need the extra stress and mounting anxiety hearing of the doctor’s predictions would bring her. it would be inevitable, and she can do without it when things are still uncertain when it comes to how their twins’ conditions will develop. so, Alex was also grateful the doctor shared the same feeling and only shared part of what was going on with their boys with her —as he was also glad that the nurse bringing in the twins had a good time to distract her from his private talk with their pediatrician. they both had seemed immediately calmer when they were in her arms, and she, too, appeared less stressed even upon receiving the update on their health issues ( or, part of it at least ).

even though he is used to playing God; taking lives without so much as blinking, it really didn’t sit well with him to hear that one of his boys might not make it —frankly, it felt like his brain was dismissing this as soon as it was delivered. there was no evidence of the inner struggle in his demeanor, even when he asked the doctor what could be done to up the chances of survival. it was almost as the doctor was walking away that Claude appeared; and Alex wasn’t sure if he could share the news with him, or even if he should or if he would blurt it out to Liz as soon as he could see her. perhaps it was also because it was hard for him to digest, too, whilst saying it, sharing the information with someone else would make it real. meeting Claude’s gaze, he settled that he should share part of what their conditions were, much like the doctor had chosen to do with Liz, but first, he gave the nurse helping Liz the bag her father had brought so that she could help her change when she would finish nursing, whilst he talked to Claude outside, explaining the situation.

he let Claude go in first when the nurse opened the door a while later, only so he could talk to her and ask if she was aware of the situation, so they could leave the twins with her a little longer without making it suspicious. deep down he wanted to trust that being close to her, doing this kangaroo care, would help regulate them —that it would help keep their baby alive. it was truly with great guilt he couldn't share this with her, but it was for the best too; what good would come out of it? not knowing would keep her calm, which was overall best for both the mother and the babies, and she could rest and care for them without the added stress. if it came down to it, they would tell her, too.

⸻ Despite living together, Elizabeth and Alexander did not always have time together. Not when they have toddlers that want their attention or when she has parents like hers… Fortunately, she knows when she also needs to give her man the attention he needs. In moments like these, the Aussie takes the moment fullest, everything was too good to be true, until the pain she felt, and in a blur she realized where she was… In a hospital again. ⎯ 27 weeks… It still more weeks to keep her babies, if she could. Twins normally come early, but she hasn't expected this early. So the doctor came to find Alexander, to deliver the news. ❛ So, your wife is birthing now, it's still early but she will not be able to carry them, for the safety of the three, hers, and the babies we are going further with the procedures. Would you like to watch your babies? Or wait outside? I think, your presence could smooth her. ❜

Elizabeth had told them, that Alexander was her husband, so this way it was easier for them to allow Alex to be around her, and he technically is, except they had not married yet ( although they carry a life of a married couple ) . ⎯ Liz was more worried if anything happening to her sons than herself, which was why she was crying, they had also given her an epidural, and she was crying and trying her best to be strong so the twins could come with no complications. It was funny in some way, Elizabeth had predicted not everything would be ready for the second set of twins.

Either way, she had a lot of stress and her parents were the source of her migraines, and unable to relax, not to mention taking care of toddlers. The staff and the doctor were good, and it made her feel safe. Maybe she could call later to Stella or Claude to bring their things. ⎯ After moments of anxiety, came Baby A, in which she named Leo, he was very small and she burst in tears, followed by a minute later Baby B, who was a tad smaller than the first one, and the nurse gave them to her for held, after looking at her second baby. ❛ Theo. That's his name. ❜ He does look like Theo rather than Thor which was the name she wanted to put.

───it was quite soon for her to be going into labor, even though he was aware that a lot of twins are born prematurely, still…at 27 weeks seemed too early. though, deep down he had been concerned about her and their sons’ well-being, given all the stress she had been under for the past couple of months —to think she was able to carry them this far was a miracle, even. his concern laid with her, even if it would sound harsh to some; they hadn’t spoken about it, but he wouldn’t have changed his mind either way, for if it came down to it he would pick her over them. for now, the doctor did not seem all that worried about it being a possibility, so that was a little reassuring, at least.

he did go into the room, both to support and comfort her, knowing she had to be stressed and scared to be here so soon. holding her hand the whole time while offering support and soothing her, for she had been crying a lot and he could tell she was worried —thankfully she was given an epidural for the pain, and given the circumstances, he was sure the pain would have made her even more anxious than she was and she sure didn’t need anything stressing her out more. thankfully the staff were all being very encouraging and supportive, the midwife talked to her through it, to reassure her of the babies' well-being even being born so prematurely. and he was just absolutely in awe of her birthing their sons; there were no words to put into the feeling of the sheer effort it took, mentally and physically for her to bring them into the world.

god’s gift, the name she picked for the second baby seemed appropriate. they were tiny, compared to the photos he had seen of Lilou and Beau when they were born. their cries had quietened down when she held them both in her arms, and he smoothed her hair back as she cried, kissing the top of her head and her forehead. they seemed so fragile when he held them, so small and so real, at the same time. they were not their first children, but it sure felt different for him to be here this time. it put everything into a different perspective.

⸻ Before the babies, Elizabeth never truly care for Valentine's holidays. She participates in a few "Girlantine's Day" in some of her friends' places or, where she would be working. She did a lot of "odd jobs" before being a stripper ( waitress, helper of sewing, etc ). After her babies were born, she did one with them, and the three of them had fun. She always sought some activities to do with them, and it was also fun. Making decorations in pink and red, cooking, and watching some Disney movies. ⎯ The Aussie knew her boyfriend wasn't the most romantic person of this planet, so she had no idea what he was up to do. She suspected he would gift something to her, and she also gifted something for him, in one of her strolls shopping. The blonde felt partially bad because he spoiled her way too much, and she didn't know how to repay the same gesture.

She was surprised to see Lilou in a new dress that seemed like a princess, with pink and red hearts he provided her because she could not recall her daughter owning that piece. She spent her little date with Beau, doing everything he wanted, he was so bright and content a tad babbling way too much, while Lou was with her 'dada'. ⎯ It was now her turn to be on a date with Alex, as the kids stay at their grandparents, or rather …. Stella. Liz recommends never singing the song their grandfather taught them to her mother. And they promised and left.

───flowers, diamonds, designer clothing, and accessories were some of the gifts he would get for her regularly, as well as planning a surprise for her, needing no reason other than appreciating and celebrating her. the car had been a birthday present, the yacht was among those he had gotten her for Christmas, and now the chateau in France —he would need to find something to top these all as a push-gift for her ( or two, given she is carrying twins ). he had already ordered the matching diamond rings to add to her ring stack. even though in truth, Liz isn’t that materialistic, and she likes to make her own clothing, and for the twins too, Alex still likes spoiling her with the finest things, or anything that would help make her life even a little bit easier. he embodies a bit of all five love languages, and yet he isn’t the typical romantic type; perhaps because he isn’t keen on words and believes actions speak louder, or that he is still working on being more comfortable when it comes to physical touch ( he is better at giving than receiving, still struggles with initiating it though ).

he wants her to know that she is the one for him even when he doesn’t always have the words to tell her; never doubts it or questions whether she could come to him with anything or not. and he wants the same to apply to their children too, their daughter; for Lou to grow up and expect nothing less in the way she will be treated by others, even more when it comes to a romantic partner. and it was a nice opportunity to take her on a little date, too, even though she is two and doesn’t fully understand yet. the same applies to Beau, for how he should treat a woman, starting with his mom and sister —and he had even gotten a gift for Stella, because ‘she is a girl too’ as he told Alex.

 ⸻ This was her plan, get away from her toxic parents, to recover. In one way or the other, they always managed to get on her nerves. She isn't letting it affect her anymore. She felt relieved that Alex was back, and she missed him. She was caressing her bump, feeling her little ones moving inside, it was kind of weird, and she could tell her babies were awake, there were some specific times she knew they were sleeping or awake. It was possible to notice a bit of her bump "moving", and they are moving in different parts. She took her glass of water and drank, it feeling a tad exhausted, and melting. ❛ Babe, I know I promised them I would make a pizza with them, but I am very exhausted. Can you do it for me? All the materials for our pizza are on the kitchen. I separated them neatly. ❜ Despite tidying everything, she knew it would turn into chaos the moment her children would touch on those stuff. ❛ I also bought Nutella, so we can also have sweet pizza. Sweet pizza does not goes with Pomodoro's sauce, only melted chocolate or Nutella, and the dough of the pizza, and the toppings I bought M&Ms, and strawberries, bananas, just need to cut them. ❜ She explains to him, what she was up to with their babies or the surprise for them.

Lilou and Beau were playing with each other but arguing a bit with themselves, but Liz always let them solve their own problems. Fortunately, it was not the case that she had to interrupt them, and thankfully they hadn't heard and she planned for their pizza night. The sweet pizza was sort of a surprise. ⎯ Liz enjoys sewing, she learned it with one of her father's friends who was a sewer and needed someone to be her assistant that's how Elizabeth knew how to make everything from scratch, every single type of fabric. She made the 'uniform' for her twins, so they wouldn't 'waste' the nicer outfit in daycare, and their clothing had their names embroidered on them ( so people don't mistake them ). ❛ Really? Ohkay… ❜ She blushed a little thinking it might be cheese her sewing for her second set of twins.

If she made it for the first pair of twins, she wanted to do the same thing with the second, if she wasn't a lot of days in blue, she would already make them and be more prepared for their arrival, but still, there are some more weeks for that, for now, she is focused on getting the things done for her sons. ❛ This model, look… ❜ She reached for her phone on the table, opened it on Google Images, and showed it to him. ❛ I will need fabrics, and sewing threads too. Scissors, but I have one scissor here that works. ❜ No fabric, no sewing machine = no clothing.

it was rather fascinating to notice their babies moving. it somehow made this feel more real; even though they hadn't met them yet, they still reacted to outside impressions. he had noticed it before too, the way they would move when he caressed or kissed her cute little bump. how different it felt to love them without even knowing them —and he wished he would have gotten to experience this with Beau and Lou too, but this time he was really not wasting the opportunity to be present and help Liz out as much as she needed ( and more, for he is no stranger to how she doesn't like asking for help sometimes —like it would make her a burden ).

reaching a hand out he strokes over her bump, the other still massaging her feet. eyes drifting from where their babies moved to meet her gaze when she spoke. "yeah, sure," Alex nodded. he doesn't mind, he likes both taking care of them as well as doing things with them. nor does he mind the preparation or the cleaning up after. a small smile formed on his lips when she mentioned the sweet pizza, then went on to explain to him what she had in mind. his hands slid to her thighs, stroking over the outer side as she spoke. then gently took a hold of her legs, pulling her closer. he pressed a soft kiss against her lips as soon as she stopped talking. "stop stressing, babe, I don't mind," he reassured her, "and you can tell me how you like it and I will make it," which he also doesn't mind if she wants to ask to make it specifically. he understands this is somewhat new to her and she is still adjusting, but he loves spoiling her; she never gas to feel like she is bothering him or if she needs to explain herself to him for asking him to do something —she really doesn't need a reason, he will do it whether she is too tired to or simply doesn't feel like it.

his gaze drifted to their blabbering duo, watched them play together for a long moment, before turning his attention back to her —back to the task of giving her a massage and the newfound one of getting her the sewing machine she wanted to make clothing for their soon to come babies. he thought she was so lovely, wanting to add a personal touch to their clothing, even those she wouldn't be making herself. leaned closer to look at the model of the sewing machine when she showed him, a fond peal of laughter fell from his lips at the following words. "okay, babe, I don't want to mess this up for you," he said in a matter-of-fact tone. he could order the machine and scissors, the best set for her, but he knows shit about fabrics, or what was her vision for them. "you wanna order fabric online or you want to go to the store?" either could be arranged for he would make sure she'd have them delivered shortly, just like the scissors and sewing machine.

"fair point," he laughed. Beau especially could be too much and Alex knew that well; plus he is also obsessed with Liz and being told no doesn't always go smoothly. but she is a great mom, and Alex knows she adores them to bits even when they drive her crazy. just like he knows she will pick the new twins' names that fit them and be names she loves. and he wants her to name them. he smiled a little, nodding at her words. momentarily cupped her face in his hand, just looking at her.

⸻ Elizabeth was holding her laughs when he teased her back while she was eating her cake. If her hands were so busy flavoring the sweetness from heaven, she would nudge him. Her gaze occasionally flew at their two-year-old children, who exchanged their snacks and talked with themselves. Once she finished eating, leaving the empty contents on the table, and the twins inside her always get excited when she gets ice cream or cheesecake, feeling Alexander stroking her bump, she enjoyed it. Too bad when the boys are born; he won't do that anymore, so she is enjoying the tiny bits while she can. ⎯ She shut her eyes as she felt his hands pressing on her legs, and that was good. Her eyes opened when he commented he was proud of herself for prioritizing her at least once in her life. ❛ I hope so… But still, I don't want to see any of them yet. ❜ She informed Alex. ❛ I am so dumb, because I forgot about this yacht, and I adore staying here. I made groceries. I promised them if I felt better we would make pizza together. ❜ She spoke softly, and watching her children, and Lilou came at Liz. ❛ Mama, Lou will make pizza for dinner? ❜ Liz pulled her strands off her face, her little ( only ) doll. ❛ Yes, baby. Only if you give me a kiss. ❜ Liz says as Lilou crawls to get up on the sofa, and crawls again, kisses Liz's cheek, and gets down to play with Beau.

Then Beau stood up, and went to Liz and Alex. ❛ Mama I made ice cream! For you et Dada. ❜ He gave Liz and Alex 'imaginary' ice cream. ❛ Merci, mon amour. ❜ Liz pretended she took his imaginary ice cream and pretended she ate it. ❛ Hmmm… This is so good! ❜ She winks at Beau and he smiles and goes to eat again with his twin sister. ❛ Hey you two, not eating too much or your tummy will hurt. Dada will be on duty if it hurts. And you two will lose the desire to eat the pizza. ❜ Liz passed the responsibility to Alexander if they disobeyed her. However, the chaotic duo heard their mother and then went to pick up their toys. Not all the toys were there, only the ones they played more.

───it honestly felt like something she should have done a while ago, but either way, it was a step. he would never tell her what to do, or suggest, not unless he was asked. not that he could fully understand her way of thinking when it came to her parents or anyone who hurt her actually, and more specifically for their reaction was vastly different to this way of treatment —based on how she had been treated by them her whole life, in his point of view, he would have cut them off. but Liz is softer, kinder. simply put, Alex has a rather no-bullshit tolerance approach for similar situations; like, when it comes to his own mother for instance. there were no feelings when it came to her; no hate, no resentment, simply a disinterest to play any part in her dramatics from a certain point on. the same that had applied when it came to other people in his life; he cuts people off and doesn’t think about it afterward —he doesn’t care. simple as that; he doesn’t give a single fuck, and once his mind is set, his opinion cannot be swayed. there have been exceptions, there are, but only because he wants to ( or couldn’t walk away from ). we accept the love we think we deserve, and that usually applies to more than one kind of love in one’s life.

“you can take your time to unwind, babe…” now that he was back he could have a word with either of them if they tried to disturb her peace when she tried to prioritize her well-being for once. he was under the impression that it hadn’t been easy for her or that she was feeling a bit guilty for the decision; as if she always needed to be available to babysit her own parents so that they wouldn’t get tangled in a mess.

as if on cue, Lilou appeared as soon as she was done telling him of her plans. and then Beau appeared with his imaginary treat for them. he pressed a kiss in his golden hair, accepted the treat, and then watched the way they interacted with her, how they put the excess treats back in their place before going back to play with their toys when she told them not to eat too much. he may have never thought he wanted this, but now that he has it he wouldn’t change it for the world. and he may be a mess of bad habits, distorted thoughts, having a cynical view of life and death, but they make him a better person. he tries to be a better person for them. unlearning a lifetime of unhealthy coping mechanisms is not an easy task, but he has been making an effort —has been making improvements. hasn’t slipped back to old ways of wanting to let them down, put them through this, even when it seems like the easy way. and he wants to be the same for their second set of twins, too.

“no,” he smiled a little, shaking his head; gaze drifting from where their babies were playing back to her. “it’s adorable. more personal.” she wasn’t cheesy, she was cute; motherhood suited her, he thought, perhaps for wishing to give them the love she hadn’t gotten as a child, and she was doing a great job, she is a wonderful mom. “what sewing machine is it? you should have one for here, too.” he continued massaging her feet with one hand, pulling his phone out to get her another one for the yacht; she didn’t need to have one to take back and forth. “both are nice,” he commented on the names, looked at her at the question. “I don’t know baby…I haven’t thought about it…” perhaps he had just naturally assumed she would want to name the twins, so he hadn’t thought of names. “Leo is Latin, Leon is Greek so depends, we can find one to match. like Beau and Lilou..” which are both French.

“You know,” she started, her tone quieter now, thoughtful, “Liz is lucky to have you. Most people… they don’t step up like this.” She hesitated, her gaze flicking between him and the twins. “I know how hard it is, doing it all on your own. With Saira, there wasn’t anyone to share the weight. It’s… lonely, exhausting. But Liz? She has you—someone who actually sees what she needs, who gives her the chance to breathe.”

She finally picked up the file, sliding it into her bag with deliberate care. “I’ll take care of this. No rush, I get it.” Her tone softened again, and she nodded toward the twins, who were now giggling together over some private joke. “It's definitely working, especially when they're so adorable. Plus, not that you've asked, but you’re giving them something too, you know. Stability. Love. It’s more than most kids get these days.”

Her lips curved into a faint smile. “You’ve got a lot on your plate, Alex, but you’re doing right by them. That counts for something. I’ll let you know as soon as I have anything.”

───it was hard to accept a compliment when it did not come to his work, but even more so to take credit for having done the right thing. he had not been present from the start, he had missed a lot of them growing up, but he would never turn his back on them once he found out about them. even if they hadn’t ended up getting together, he’d still have been present in their lives; he’d still care about her, too. but he could see where Zara was coming from, what she meant. perhaps it was because he liked Zara, but he felt for her as she spoke of how lonely it was raising her daughter on her own, how tiring to do it all on her own —and, inevitably, thought of how it should have been like this for Liz too, but she did have Claude who had stepped up for once in his life to help her. “we are always up to babysit If you need a break,” he teased her.

no rush was an understatement really; he did not plan on going back to work well after the twins were born and settled. he had the chance to be present since the beginning of this time, and he had every intention to do that.

his gaze followed her movements momentarily as she put the file aside, then turned to look at the twins who were joking with one another. laughed a little at her response, looked at her as she carried on speaking. she wasn’t wrong, but how could he be a dad to them and give them anything but love? make them feel secure and have the ability to grow into their best selves? “you wouldn’t want someone in your lives for the wrong reasons, Zara. not even Saira’s father.” he settled on, giving her a meaningful look.

“between us, I may have never felt the need to be a father before them, but I wouldn’t change a thing now.” ever since he found out about them, he had loved them unconditionally,

“I mean it, no rush.” his clients were aware they’d have to wait a while.

Luke was swirling the brown liquid inside of his glass from the Macallan, sighing deeply as he heard his brother joining him. Blue-eyed followed the gaze of his older brother. Somehow he was expecting to Alex complete with another punch to his face, but instead, he seemed to want to hear his side of the story. He wasn't surprised to know Elizabeth seemed mad with him as well for this whole situation.

Maybe it is time to say his side of the story a little. ❛ I met Stella at a Halloween party, here in New York. We were all using masks literally, minus me, because I chose Superman as a costume. That night it was her first time around this town.❜ He took a sip from his drink. ❛ Then we hooked up, and then we talked a little until, the Thanksgiving fiasco your woman planned. I had no clue, Stella was her mother, just like she didn't know I was Liz's best friend or was. So things got a bit awkward. Don't get me wrong I liked Stella… But… ❜ There is always a but in life… ❛ I also know Elizabeth. She is pregnant, and Stella genuinely wants to make it up for Liz. ❜ He believes in Stella when she said she wanted to fix her relationship with her daughter.

───could Luke and Stella really be held accountable for seeing one another when they really had no way of knowing of each other’s connection to Liz until they met at Thanksgiving dinner? hearing Luke’s side of the story, he can’t hold them at fault. and even though he knows that Luke truly cares about Liz, and always has good intentions, the same does not apply to the Aussie woman. he does not trust Stella’s reasons for showing up out of the blue —perhaps Luke knows better when he says that he believes that she really wants to fix her relationship with Liz. but this isn't something to blame her for, it sounds like what happened between them wasn’t planned; they even told Liz about it when they could have hidden it from her. “give it a few days, Liz needs to calm down. she has been under a lot of stress lately,” which was an understatement. he means not to demise how Luke feels, though, hence he is there to listen if he wants to talk.

he glanced at Luke and sighed quietly. “what Claude did isn’t on you, Luke.” it’s not his problem if Claude wanted to further test the waters with Liz, even if he was blamed a little; collateral damage. Alex had learned early on that you cannot control other people’s actions; you can choose how you react to them, but that’s all there is —Claude and Stella are always going to be chaotic; if it wasn’t Luke, it would be another reason to fight like cat and dog; ever since Stella showed up, they have done nothing but. first it was Vivienne, now it is Luke.

⸻ Elizabeth never thought she would be a good mother, but she expected to be an 'okay' mom. She didn't have a good mother role model as a child, and a father? Pfft. She never realized she became early a parent for her own parents ( mostly her father, since her mother was having a good life when abandoned her ) instead of the other way around. ⎯ When she became a mother she vowed to herself to be exactly opposite of what her parents were to her for them. Then her first set of twins came in 'bad timing' on the other hand brought colors and meaning to her world, and she was satisfied with them, it was a lot of work, but it was worth it, she loves them unconditionally, it was beyond than any words could ever describe. It was an UNIQUE feeling, that only a person would understand if they passed through it.

From all the people she knew, she never thought she would end up with Alex. She always imagined he was too out of her league, and he wouldn't want to see her after their first time together, but his temper that isn't easy to deal with. ⎯ But here he is. Being the best partner ever that life brought her, and the man that feels more like a husband than the husband she was married to once. He is hers, just like her is his. And she loved the little family they made, it was a childhood dream, was to have a family on her own, and be happy.

Liz was grateful that Beau interrupted them; otherwise, she would have been unable to stop herself. They were too many days apart, and all she wanted was to have her man with her. This trip took longer than he had promised. She smiled upon the chaste kiss on her lips. She was eating happily the cheesecake, and the jams of red fruits were delicious. She put her legs on his lap, her feet were a tad swollen, but it was normal. ❛ I knew you would say that, but… They were vexing me, I couldn't find a way to calm them down so… ❜ She stuck a tongue to him after swallowing the slice of her cake. Beau was eating his snack, beside Lilou. She felt his hand on her bump, and the babies inside her seemed like they were doing acrobats inside, due to the cheesecake and of course the—presence of their father.

She finished her cake, put the empty pack on the table, and neatly folded the plastic silverware. ⎯ When Alexander reminds her that she is NOT their mother she looks at him, she knew he was right and she hates that he is. Neither of her parents helps much… ❛ I know… This is why I'm here. I can't handle it. I am not very upset with Luke, but I did warn him he's getting into something I don't even want to think about. He didn't believe me. Now it is not my problem. ❜ It is awkward for her having her best friend, dating her own mother when she knows how much her father is besotted to her mother even after everything. Her father doesn't deserve her sympathy neither her mother, but she saw how she destroyed him, Stella wasn't around to gather his fragments together when she was away so Stella has no idea how he was. It is beyond her control and it is a topic the trio needs to solve.

She is fed up they always ask her to help them, to fight with one or another, and scold them. In fact, this was making her go insane, hence she is hidden with the twins. She doesn't have peace in her own place and she needs a break from the Beaufort couple ( Stella x Claude ) . The doctor asked her to avoid stress, she has double stress than she ever had in the first pregnancy. ❛ I will babe. ❜ She refers to letting her parents solve between themselves. She felt him brushing over the strands of her hair, which was way longer too. Her hair grows so fast.

───it felt to him like this was the first time he was seeing her happy and relaxed in a while. ever since Thanksgiving dinner it had been nothing other but a constant stress for her. and depression. despite the short-lived moments that she would smile, it never reached her eyes, not really. not like before —maybe the Christmas tree had lifted her mood a little, but even that was temporary. it was one of the things he hated about this; that there was always going to be something out of his control that would upset her; that it seemed like she could never be truly happy.

he laughed a little when she stuck her tongue out. “all I hear is an excuse,” he teased. his hands caressed her bump for a long moment, feeling their babies moving. she was amazing for doing this, he thought, while taking care of their two-year-olds and having to deal with whatever mess her parents threw at her every other day, at best —he would never do this like she does, hence why he could cut people from his life so easily, did not have the time or patience of always forgiving people. but she is not like him; she is kind, she is good. damn, she is too good for this goddamn world and the likes of Claude and Stella. his blue eyes drifted from her bump to meet her mesmerizing grey-blue hues again; hands slipped from her bump, over her legs. he massaged her calf, slowly working his way to her ankle, her foot. it was nice that she wanted to talk about it though, get it off, and that for once she was putting herself first instead of trying to solve their problems for them. “I am proud of you for prioritizing yourself,” he told her, softly. if anything, it’s a start. “you can be upset and distance yourself from the situation, baby,” he switched to her other foot; his gaze still focused on her mesmerizing eyes. “it’s not the end of the world, they will work things out.” or he would knock some sense into Claude, first, and talk to Luke and Stella after, but they had to deal with their own issues and stay away from her if all they had to offer was more stress, more trauma.

his fingers toyed with the strand of her hair for a long moment, nodding lightly at her response. at the beginning it was often hard for him to tell her what he thought about a situation with Claude, and later Stella, because he did not want her to think that he was trying to tell her what to do, or cut her off from them, especially her dad, but he always felt like she needed the reminder that she is not here to solve their problems, that she is more important than whatever shit they throw at her and still she never, not once, thought of telling them to work it out on their own; now it felt like she was finally standing up for herself. putting herself first for once.

Luke hadn't noticed the presence of Alex in the bar, he was just looking at nothing and nursing from his drink in hand, and then surprised to notice Alex was sitting by his side he took a sip from his drink, his face reddish from being slightly tipsy. Maybe if he was in a better mood he would jokingly say that this is from Mike Tyson boxing. No, he does not do boxing to be a professional fighter, only as a workout.

───it was a bit surprising that Luke was honest with him about the whole thing, even if he already knew about this development from Liz. and still as he heard the response, his initial thought was to ask if he had at least hit Claude back —it was almost like a default response, deeply engraved into his mindset since a very young age. it had been his father’s teaching ever since he could remember; if you get hit, hit back harder. no eye for an eye, no, more like be worse than; tougher —scarier. people respect those who they are afraid of, he used to say, even if this did not apply to Luke now, and still was he really about to say the very same thing to Luke? for his girlfriend’s father, no less? he made a mental note to talk to Claude anyway, again; he better not touch his brother again or they will be having some problems.

Her gaze flickered to Beau and Lilou for a moment, her expression softening briefly before she shifted her focus back to him, "should we get you boys some milkshakes? They're really good here," she said with a cheerful tone of voice that she used with her own daughter before her gaze returned to Alex. “I don’t mind. Though, if this is how you sweeten me up before asking for something, I’ve gotta say—it’s a new tactic.”

Leaning back in her seat, Zara’s tone sharpened just enough to be playful. “So, what’s the emergency? I’m guessing this isn’t just a casual dinner, considering everything going on in your life currently.” She arched a brow, gesturing to the kids. “Unless you’ve decided to retire and take up babysitting full time?" It was meant to be a playful jab, nothing more.

───Alex gave her a look at the comment, glancing at the twins as they settled in their seats. “Liz needs a break.” he shrugged; he doesn’t mind looking after the babies, not at all, and they know Zara anyway given she is friends with Liz —as she is aware they would be meeting with her as well, he doesn’t keep things from her like that, only when it comes directly to his work; his targets, the tactics, the places and times, or anything that could class her as an accomplish, really, is the only factor for him keeping something from her. she can know about his relations with Zara or others like her, he has no need to hide it from her.

the twins looked at Zara with smiles adorning their faces; Beau cradling his stuffed toy and Lilou quietly sang a song in her gibberish. Alex’s gaze shifted from his babies to her when she spoke again, laughing a little. “is it working? because I might use them more often,” he teased. “maybe I should,” he shrugged, nonchalantly, though he smiled a little.

after ordering some fries and milkshakes for the twins, he waited for a moment until the waitress was far enough before passing Zara a file. “I am in no rush for this, but I would like some more info about them…” he elaborated as the file was pushed lightly towards her. “bank accounts, encrypted messages,” a beat, “anything you can get your hands on.”

⸻ In the first pregnancy Elizabeth didn't have many cravings, in fact, she hardly had any symptoms ( from what she heard about other pregnant women ) . There were other factors back that made her so worried, and none of them were related to her health. She worked until she labored, she remembers very well when it happened and how Claude had to come and rescue her, and bring her to an emergency and was present with her while it was an ongoing investigation about the criminal that murdered her husband. Thankfully, this part is a closed chapter. One of the struggles in the past was money. Now, she has money but is having other issues. Dealing with a pregnancy is different than others. And she wanted comfort food, not that she was eating too much but she was making an effort to eat because of her boys. She gets starved in sporadic times.

She hadn't noticed that every time she craved something, she would always request cheesecake. Her yacht had TV cables and internet working as if she was at home. In fact, she feels very homey in her yacht too. It is just a house on the water, and there are pools. She found a number of the guy to check the pool to see if everything was okay, made a call, and requested a visitation from him the next day. She wanted to be alone with her babies, for a day. Liz wore a top dancing music by Gwen Stefani, the old ones. She needed to make them get tired, later she promised she would help them to set the legos.

The Aussie was surprised that somehow Lilou and Beau were accepting the new brothers. Of course, they do have moments of jealousy, but it isn't as dramatic as when it was first announced. Either way, they're too small to grasp everything fully. Then she realized they had stopped dancing and rushing towards the door, and allowed them to greet their father first, calling him 'dada'. Then she smiled timidly. ❛ Hello, stranger. ❜ She felt him pulling her closer, and kissing her forehead and the top of her head, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. ❛ Thank you… ❜ She refers to the compliment, feeling him touching her baby bump that was bigger now. She stroked his hair when he kissed her bump, it filled her heart with joy, she loved it when he caressed her bump or kissed it.

Not thinking twice, and not bothering with Beau, she picked up the box of cheesecake and tiptoed to kiss her man on his lips, she missed his presence, shoving her tongue inside his mouth, and Beau noticed his parents kissing, and he was pulling Liz, away from Alex with a pout. ❛ Non Dada… ❜ Beau says, and Lilou also helps her brother pulling Alex to the other side as if they wanted to separate them. Liz finished the passionate kiss with a peck on his lips.

───being a father, a dad, it never really felt like something that was meant to happen to him. to be fair, it was not something he wanted or wished for either, didn’t feel like he would be any better than his own father raising kids, even though he had done it for his sister, but those circumstances where different —a choice he had made to protect her, not let her suffer as much in their mother’s hands. but when the twins came into his life, it felt right. it was unexpected, sure, but not unwelcomed. even after all this time, his concern is the same as it was the first day; to be good for them, better, a present parent and not just a provider. it almost came naturally to him to be a dad every time he was around them, it still does. there are things he needs to work on, like telling them no, but for the most part, he agrees with Liz when she doesn’t think they should have something or do something —she is such a great, loving, devoted mother after all, the two of them adore her; and so does he. never one to settle down or form any meaningful romantic relationships, only playing the part when it served a purpose, it had changed when he met her. and the more he got to know her, the more he did not want to lose her. he had never considered the possibility of being with one person; loving someone so much, not until she came into his life.

there need not be any labels put on what they have; people say different things, all that matters is that they are together, they have their beautiful little family that is growing, and that he tries his best to be a better person. for her and them. some days are harder than others, weeks, even, but the last thing he wants is to disappoint her, let her down. he hasn’t been perfect, he isn’t, but he tries. she can be his girl, his wife, it's the same to him; she is the only one and that is clear.

he smiled against her lips when she tiptoed to kiss him. an arm still wrapped around her, the other pressed affectionately against her bump. a low hum fell from his lips when she deepened the kiss, pulling her closer as he could with the bump separating them. “I know, I know…” he said in response to Beau’s complaining when she pulled back —pressed another chaste kiss against Liz’s lips before stepping back. and then sat down beside her while their twins were busy going through the snacks, gave her a look when she spoke. “here, baby,” he handed him the snack, caressing the top of his head before turning back to Liz. “you are not supposed to carry them, baby…” his tone was soft. then smiled when she moved his hand to where their twins were moving inside her. “I am sorry I have been away…this was the last time.” and he meant it, he had no intention of traveling or doing any business that required a lot of his time and attention. she needed help with the twins, with basic tasks, and he wanted her to be able to take care of herself —and let him take care of her, too.

caressing her bump still, he listened to her explain what was going on while their twins were busy with one another. and there was really no surprise there, that her parents had something to do with her being stressed and upset —he had figured out this much— but Luke? this was a new development. “you know you are not their mother, right?” it was a matter of fact tone; it seemed pretty self-explanatory, really, but was it when it came down to Claude and Stella? “they should be taking care of you, for once. helping you. it can’t always be the other way around.” he knows she doesn’t want to hear it, it’s hard to be told what you already know to be true, but can’t fully accept. and he by no means wants to tell her what to do with them, but he does think they should understand what the roles are —he doesn’t mind taking care of her, he likes it; he loves taking care of her, but he can’t always find ways to help her when her parents always have a way to fuck things up for her; mentally. even know that she is pregnant.

⸻ In the night prior Elizabeth was a bit fed up with the shenanigans of her parents, and Luke as well for being part of this ruckus. When Luke spoke personally that he hooked up with her mother, after Stella told her what happened she was angry they kept too long about it from her. On the other hand, she knew her father would act unhinged with her mother's presence. She has no idea what the fuck both of her parents were up to, but one thing she knew is that she would be so stressed with them. Both of them still manage to stress her with unimaginable things. She had to remind Claude he was still on a thin line with her, and he listening to her like a child would listen to a mother when does something wrong and is being scolded. ( Liz is more her father's mother than he is a father to her. )

Of course, both her parents manage to make her stressed when Alexander is away. Hence her abrupt leaving. Not leaving any message for both of them, taking her babies that the stress is nothing compared to what her parents could cause her, and staying in her yacht. When her phone rang, this time Beau didn't decline the call, because he was playing with his toy, but Liz woke up fast to the noise due to her lighter nap. She hadn't checked who called her and went straight to answer the phone recognizing the voice on the other side:

"Hi babe. I moved to live here in my yacht. I will temporarily live here don't tell my parents or your brother."

Beau listening to the call, realizes she is chatting with his father he steals the phone from Liz's hand to say 'hi dada, Beau misses you", and Lilou steals the phone from Beau "Dada, mamma is tired, don't want to play with Lou." Lilou says to Alex, and Liz steals the phone from her daughter cackling at her boldness. But she ended the call requesting a typical New York Cheesecake.

───he had not expected her to pick up so fast, or even for that to be the reason she was not home. he had thought she was out with the twins somewhere or even her mother, but her words quickly discarded that from being a possibility. and there had to be good reason enough for her to not only move out to her yacht but also wish to keep it a secret from those close to her; even Luke. he wasn’t even sure he’d want to ask whatever stress they had caused her this time —so much for hoping they would have at least helped her a little during the time he was away. meanwhile, they still found ways to cause her a headache —he shouldn’t even be surprised at this point, not after what he knew Claude or Stella had pulled on her throughout the years.

the twins each getting the phone to speak to him made him smile; he had spoken to them while he was away, but ever since he became a dad, officially by being in their lives, he found it was easy to miss them even if he was gone for a few hours. how weird it seemed that he had never wanted a family of his own, and here he was being a partner and loving being a dad, learning in the process, and for their little family to be expanding now with soon two more boys in the lot? frankly, it would have never been possible for him with anyone other than her, even if it just happened to begin with; he is embracing his role in their lives. wants to do better for them. “mama needs to rest a bit, baby, we will play when I get there,” he told Lou after having told Beau he also missed him, but he would see them soon, just as he was leaving the apartment —couldn’t help but laugh a little at Liz’s request; he found she craved cheesecake a lot during the pregnancy, it was endearing.

he got to the yacht a while later, after grabbing his girl’s requested dessert and the suitcase full of various Aussie snacks she had requested that he bring back from his trip. it wasn’t hard to find them, following the sound of the music playing, immediately greeted by the twins as they ran to him. after hugging the both of them and kissing them both on their golden heads and their chubby cheeks, he stood up to greet Liz. “hey,” he greeted her, gently wrapping an arm around her, pulling her a little closer as he pressed a kiss on the top of her head. another on her forehead; which hopefully wouldn’t send Beau into a frenzy. “you look beautiful,” he said softly, a hand stroking her bump lovingly —it had grown noticeably since he had last seen her. and he handed her the box with the cheesecake, before leaning in to press a couple of kisses on her baby bump. and the twins demanded attention again and he turned with a “you wanna check out what’s in here?” and helped them open the suitcase with the snacks ( he had brought them gifts, of course, but those were in another bag ).