Your boobs.

And not just for nursing, which Bucky had tolerated in a grumbly, jealous way that made you laugh. But now? Now your baby boy refused to sleep anywhere except cradled against your chest. The moment you set him in the bassinet or even tried to roll him to his father’s side, he wailed like his tiny world was ending.

It was two in the morning when Bucky voiced the complaint that had been simmering for days.

“This ain’t fair,” he muttered, lying flat on his back beside you, glaring at the ceiling as if it were in on the conspiracy. His voice was rough from lack of sleep, but the bitterness in it made you stifle a giggle. “First he steals my spot at the table—”

“Bucky,” you whispered, careful not to jostle the baby snoozing on your chest. “He’s breastfeeding. He needs me to eat.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Bucky grumbled. “And now he steals my spot in bed too? Doll, I used to fall asleep with my face right there.” His metal finger pointed accusingly at the exact slope of your breast where your son was snuggled, cheek squished, mouth slack.

You bit your lip, suppressing laughter. “You used to fall asleep sucking on me too, but I don’t see you crying about it.”

“Don’t tempt me.” Bucky turned on his side to glare at you, though it lacked heat. Mostly it was heartbreak. “Do you know what it’s like, sittin’ here every night, watchin’ him live my dream?”

You snorted, brushing your hand through his mussed hair. “You’re ridiculous.”

“I’m serious!” Bucky kept his voice low, though his indignation bubbled. “Look at him. All cuddled up on you, hoggin’ the goods. I been waitin’ all day to hold you, doll, and then—boom. Outta luck ‘cause the little punk starts cryin’ the second I touch you.”

The baby made a soft cooing noise in his sleep, nestling closer. Bucky’s bottom lip trembled. “See? He knows I’m talking about him. He knows he’s winning.”

You shook your head, trying not to laugh too loud. “He’s not your competition, Buck. He’s your son.”

Bucky groaned, flopping onto his stomach dramatically. His vibranium arm stretched across the bed like a sulking teenager. “Yeah, but he’s ruthless. Ruthless, doll. Won’t even let me cop a feel without screamin’ bloody murder. If this keeps up, he’s gonna forget I’m his dad and think I’m just some guy who walks the floorboards at night.”

Your free hand reached out, brushing his scruffy jaw. “He’ll grow out of it. He just finds comfort in my heartbeat right now.”

“That’s supposed to be my job.” His blue eyes were pitiful, huge in the dim light. “I’m supposed to be your comfort. Your pillow. Your teddy bear. Instead, I’m sittin’ here like a third wheel in my own marriage.”

“You’re being dramatic.”

“Am not.”

You smirked. “Fine. You’re being adorable.”

That earned you a grudging snort, but his expression didn’t soften. You could see how much it gnawed at him. Not the baby’s needs—Bucky adored his son, worshipped him almost as much as he worshipped you. But Bucky had been starved of touch for so many years that now, in this domestic life you’d built together, he craved closeness constantly. You knew his love language wasn’t just physical—it was skin to skin, pressed tight, like reassurance that you were still here, still his.

And right now, that spot was occupied.

You brushed your thumb over his temple. “Come here.”

He blinked. “What?”

“Come cuddle. There’s room.”

Bucky gave the baby a skeptical glance. “Pretty sure the boss won’t approve.”

“Just try.”

Hesitant, like he was approaching a wild animal, Bucky scooted closer. His arm wrapped gently around your waist, and his nose brushed your hairline. The baby stirred but didn’t wake. Bucky froze, wide-eyed.

“See?” you whispered. “Not so bad.”

He let out a breath, tension melting. His chest pressed against your side, and slowly, the lines of jealousy eased from his face. “Okay,” he admitted softly. “This… ain’t so bad.”

You smiled, nestling into his embrace. “You’ll get your boobs back eventually.”

He grunted. “They better come with back pay.”

You snickered into his shoulder.

Of course, Bucky’s distress didn’t end there.

Every afternoon, when you napped with the baby on your chest, Bucky hovered like a watchdog. He tried to sneak his hand across, to rest on your waist or thigh, but the baby would fuss the second he felt competition.

One night, desperate, Bucky attempted negotiations.

“Listen, pal,” he whispered at your slumbering son, crouched by the bassinet like a conspirator. “I get it. She’s warm, she smells good, she’s got the best pillows in the world. But you gotta share. That’s rule number one in this family. Share.”

The baby kicked in his sleep, unimpressed.

Bucky sighed. “Yeah, I figured. You’re just like your mama. Stubborn as hell.”

You caught him later, slumping into bed with a tragic expression. “He said no,” Bucky muttered.

“He’s three weeks old,” you reminded him, laughing.

“Still said no.”

It wasn’t until a particularly rough night—teething pains already starting—that Bucky got what he wanted. You’d been pacing the bedroom with the wailing baby pressed to your chest, exhaustion etched into your face.

“Doll, let me try,” Bucky said gently.

“He won’t settle with anyone else,” you murmured.

“Just let me.”

Carefully, you passed the baby over. Bucky cradled his son against his bare chest, vibranium hand supporting his tiny back. He began humming softly—an old Brooklyn lullaby you’d heard him sing under his breath.

The baby fussed, whimpered… and then, miraculously, calmed. His tiny head turned, cheek pressing against the expanse of Bucky’s pec. His fist curled into the dusting of hair there. And slowly, he drifted off.

Your mouth fell open. “What?”

Bucky’s eyes lit up with victorious glee. “Ha! See? I got the magic touch too!” He puffed his chest out proudly, careful not to jostle the baby. “Guess these boobs aren’t half bad either.”

You laughed until tears pricked your eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Ridiculously relieved,” he corrected, gazing down at his son with awe. “Look at that, doll. He’s mine too. Not just yours.”

Your heart swelled at the sight of them, father and son breathing in tandem, both finally at peace.

Later, when you all collapsed into bed, the baby nestled against Bucky’s chest instead of yours. And for the first time in weeks, you rolled into Bucky’s arms, your cheek pillowed on the other side of his chest.

“See?” you whispered sleepily. “Plenty of room.”

Bucky’s grin was soft, triumphant. “Told you. Daddy’s still got it.”

And that night, with his family curled against him, Bucky finally slept without a hint of jealousy.

Though in the morning, when you reached for your son, Bucky tightened his hold possessively.

“Nope,” he said, eyes still closed, voice smug. “My turn. You hogged him long enough.”

“Bucky—”

“Sorry, doll. Boobs closed for business. He’s all about the chest hair now.”

You rolled your eyes, laughing into the pillow. “God help us.”

Said father had unfortunately far too many duties to ignore. While he did his best to be with you as often as he could for the first week, the second week of Lucina’s life couldn’t hold off the demands of work any longer.

But it wouldn’t stop him from hurrying back to the chambers eary, though.

Which is precisely what happened that evening. 

The doors to your shared bedroom quietly pushed open, and a very dashing young Exalt peered inside.

“Robin? Are you awake?” His voice was so gentle, which always warmed your heart. 

You caught his eye from across the room, motioning for him to join you and the swaddled baby blue bird in your arms.

“I haven’t slept since you checked on us this afternoon.” You patted the spot on the bed beside you, “And don’t worry about staying quiet; Lucina’s awake, too.”

“Neither of you should be, but Lucina being awake is the most surprising.” Chrom remarked as he unclasped his cape and pulled off his boots before coming to the bed. The mattress creaked under his knee, while he leaned down to kiss your forehead.

“How do you feel?” 

“I am well.” You assured him, “Lissa and Maribelle gave us a clean bill of health for her 14-day check. Lucina’s gaining weight as she should, and all this bed rest has my healing on schedule.”

He smiled, “I’m glad to hear you’re both doing so well. I only wish I could’ve attended, too.” 

“It was only a routine appointment; I doubt it would’ve been all that interesting for you.”

“Are you kidding? I think about what you two are doing all day!”

“You miss us that much, huh?” You joked, but it was quite true. Chrom bowed his head with a sigh, all but sinking down beside you.

“You have no idea…Frederick’s done his best to take care of what he could, but there’s still a mountain of work I have to handle. Even if I wanted to stay here with you two, I'd likely be dragged away.”

“I’m sorry you have to work so hard. I wish you could take some time off with us…or that I could at least pick up some slack. Surely there are some approvals that the queen’s seal is good enough for.”

Chrom smiled some, leaning his head against yours. “It’s the thought that counts. If I could have my way I wouldn’t leave this room for a month!”

“I think you might get a bit stir crazy.” You joked, but Chrom wouldn’t have it.

“Hmm...maybe if we were stuck in here, specifically. So instead, I'll just whisk the two of you away up into the mountains, somewhere. Royal duties be damned.” Gentle fingers brushed along Lucina’s pink cheek, making the newborn squeak and squirm. “Although I fear Frederick would track us down in less than a day.”

“Best not to test our luck.” You chuckled. Chrom wrapped his arm around you, drawing his girls close.

“I’ll just have to make do with the time I’ve got now…and maybe see if I can’t guilt the other nobles into letting me sneak away earlier.  I hate to leave you alone for so long.”

“It’s not so bad. Lucina is a very peaceful baby. But if you're offering to change her nappies, I won’t fight you.”

“If that is what you need me to do, of course I will!” 

You watched her little face twist in displeasure, threatening you with a cry that would surely take a long time to soothe. She hadn't been the center of attention for nearly 10 minutes, by now!

But Chrom was quick- he slipped his arm from your shoulders to take up the little bundle, rising back to his feet so he might soothe her with a gentle bounce and walk about the room.

“Really? The Exalt of Ylisse would change a baby’s blowout?

“Er…well, I…may need a little bit of educating, but if you insist…”

The blush on his face was simply adorable. You fell back into the pillows with a giggle. “To think I married such a chivalrous and capable man. There are few who would be willing to take on such a dangerous task, let alone the ruler of the kingdom!”

“To be fair, I don’t think there’s a single Shepherd that wouldn’t change their baby; Frederick and Phila both wouldn’t have allowed passive fathers into the army to begin with.” Chrom mused, cuddling the still-squirming newborn close. “Isn’t that right, Luci? He would string me up by my toes if I made Mama do everything…er, if we didn’t have nursemaids to help.”

“Honestly I think he would be more mortified that the royal parents are even considering doing anything like that. It feels a little unfair…” 

Chrom quieted the little girl without effort; in moments she was snoozing happily against her father’s strong heartbeat, snuggled safe and sound. 

Carefully he returned to your side, settling into his side of the bed. Your head fell to his shoulder, the two of you gazing at the sweet princess.

“You know…if you really wanted to raise her in a more hands-on way, we could discuss it. Emmeryn practically raised Lissa and I, between how our parents were and the state of the kingdom during that war...well, you know."

“I won’t lie, it would be wonderful to raise her like a semi-normal family. But we don’t have to worry about that right now.”

“No?”

“Maribelle won’t let me lift a finger until Lucina’s at least a month old. Do you really want to take her on?” 

A shiver ran down his spine. “Ah…no, I don’t believe so. Best to stay put than face her fury.” 

Another chuckle. “Good answer.”

The two of you settled in for the evening, fawning over your beautiful girl, wondering what kind of person she might grow up to be.

And Maribelle would be quite pleased to find you continuing to rest…but lamented Chrom having come in to harass the queen and princess (honestly, couldn’t he see he was keeping you up?! How inconsiderate!)-- ah, well. At least you all looked happy cuddled into bed, together.

“What do you mean?” He launched forward, grasping Marianne’s shoulders when she opened and shut the door, the delivery room having been sealed off to him for hours on end, already.

He had taken you there nearly a full day ago, let them whisk you inside, lock the doors, and get to work delivering your child.

His child.

A baby you’d made together and you had been suffering hours on end to bring into the world. He couldn’t help the pangs of guilt he felt between rushes of excitement and general worry, and this was one of those moments.

“I-it’s not necessarily bad.” Marianne continued with a nervous glance towards the room, “It’s just… there’s a bit more than we anticipated.”

“Marianne, you’ve gotta tell me what’s going on. Talking to me like this isn’t making the situation any less terrifying.”

“I know, I-I’m sorry, we just… we weren’t expecting to deal with so much! Granted, Byleth and the babies are fine, but it’s still going to be difficult considering-”

“Wait.”

Claude’s eyes narrowed, expression darkening. 

“Did you say ‘babies’?”

“I… they’re… twins, Claude. Byleth gave birth to twins.”

His expression morphed into one of shock and disbelief. He released her, hands limp at his sides. “Twins?”

She nodded. “Twins.”

“Twins…” Numbly, he sank onto the nearby bench (if it hadn’t been there he likely would have collapsed), running a hand through his hair “Wha… twins?”

“They’re both healthy, as far as we can tell… they’re just very quiet, and small, and… well, they’re like Byleth. Their hearts don’t exactly beat.”

“…Are they dead?”

“Claude, please- I just told you they’re like Byleth!” Marianne chided him, “Don’t think like that!”

“I-I’m sorry, you just… they’re missing heartbeats, but they’re… they’re okay right?”

“Right… As far as we can tell. Byleth seems to be happy with both of them, and they are breathing normally, so… w-we just need to monitor them for a while. That’s what I meant to tell you.”

“I see.” He exhaled shakily, leaning forward with his elbows digging into his thighs. His hands locked together in front of his face, staring into space. “…Twins…”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m- I think so. Are you fine?”

“I’m not the father of two new heirs to the throne.”

“Oh gods.” He chuckled nervously, leaning back as his hands went through his hair again. “Wow. Two babies. Two- what are they? Boys? Girls?”

“One of each.” She smiled at him, “It’s too early to tell which one looks the most like which parent, but… I think the girl looks more like you.” 

He laughed weakly; it was more out of shock than humor. “Oh my gods. How are we going to handle two kids at once?”

“You’re royalty, Claude- you don’t have to worry about any of that stuff.” Marianne reminded him, “Besides, if anything you’re the only one worried about this in the first place. Byleth’s perfectly calm.”

“She’s always calm.” He said with a shrug and a wobbly smile, “And… I’d like to see her.”

“I hoped so.” She replied as she rose, “Let me see if she’s awake.”

He watched as she quietly returned into the room, mumbling something to the other nursemaids. He tried to peek past her, spotting the top of your head in the bed at the back of the space, though he couldn’t see much more.

What he heard, however, were the squeaks and curious noises of some very small newborns. He nearly burst past Marianne at the sound.

“She’s ready for you.” She told him before he had a chance, “Just remember to be quiet, and gentle. You don’t want to overwhelm them.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” He brushed past them, waiting impatiently for all the nursemaids to exit and give the royal family some much-needed alone time.

The second it was shut he turned on his heel, slipped off his boots that clicked a little too loudly on the floor, and slipped the gloves from his hands, wanting to have as few barriers between him and his new family as possible.

“You’re… fidgeting.” 

He perked at your voice, his head snapping up to find you watching him with amusement in your eyes. He just shrugged and slid his cape off, tossing it onto a chair nearby before he made his way to your bed.

“I’m just trying to make this as easy as possible. I just want to really hold you, y’know?” Claude responded, searching the sea of blankets for the bundles he’d been waiting to meet for nine months. “I, uh… I heard a rumor we had a little surprise during the delivery.”

“Two surprises, technically.” You told him with a tired smile, shifting against the pillows and lifting your arms just enough to reveal a pair of swaddled up blankets. “But one that was most unexpected. She’s… full of surprises, just like you.”

“I heard she’s got my hair.” He breathed, trying his hardest to find a joke, or some sort of levity.

But the gravity had never felt stronger. This was real. You, his wonderful, beautiful wife, had just given him two brand new little lives. This was all real and happening, after months and months that made it seem like a dream.

“Would you like to hold one?”

“I want to hold both of them,” He said honestly, “But I guess sharing is caring, huh?”

“You should meet your firstborn. Only by a few minutes, but… he’s a handsome little prince.” You mused, shifting closer as he settled onto the bed beside you, cautiously holding his hands out to receive the precious cargo.

The second that bundle of blue landed in his arms, Claude melted.

He could only stare in awe at the teeny tiny, soft and pink little person that was barely visible in his wrap. He definitely had your nose, and without a doubt the fair color of your hair was sticking out from the fabric. He tucked the little one to his chest, his face splitting into a warm grin.

“Hi there, little man… look at you… you’re definitely gonna be a mama’s boy, aren’t you? I can see it already.” He whispered, “Gods, he’s beautiful, Byleth. He’s so, so beautiful.”

You sank back into your pillows, sneaking a look of your son who was happily snoozing away in his father’s arms.

“He’s quite cute, isn’t he?”

“He’s gorgeous.” Claude exhaled softly, “Wow, he’s… I just… I love him so much I feel like I could burst, y’know? He’s so small… to think he’s gonna grow up to be the Archbishop’s heir. Maybe it’ll be a family thing.”

“I don’t know. It’s an awful lot of responsibility to put on a newborn. Besides, he seems to have more of your curious personality. I think it’ll suit her, better.”

“Her?” He looked over as you gently pulled back the blankets around the baby’s face. His eyes widened as he found himself looking at a tiny little girl with a shock of dark hair and a crinkled nose, annoyed that she was being revealed to the world.

“Ohh, ho ho. Look at that little girl.” He gave a teary laugh, drawing you into his chest and wrapping his free arm around you, peering down at his daughter. “Hi, sweetheart… look at her- she’s not a thing like her brother.”

“Marianne said they were… fraternal.” You explained with a yawn and a smile, shifting your daughter closer so Claude might look at her closer. “They’re still twins, they just won’t look alike as they grow up, and… you’re crying.”

Claude paused at your observation, blinking. “O-oh. Am I? I hadn’t noticed.”

“You silly man.” You beamed at him, reaching up to brush away the tracks down his cheeks, “To think I was worried about you being a father. I think you’ll take the role on, well.”

“You kidding? There’s nothing I want more than to just stay in bed all day and be with you three. Haha, can you believe it? Two babies! I think we killed it on our first try.”

“Are you implying there are going to be more in the future?” You asked him with just a hint of worry that made him chuckle. He kissed your forehead, squeezing your shoulder.

“I’m not in any hurry, sweetheart. We’re gonna have our hands full as is, but… I’m not opposed to more tiny bishops and nobles running around if you’re not.”

“Let’s wait and see how we do with our first pair of gremlins.” You giggled, brushing your finger across your daughter’s nose. She squeaked in surprise to the delight of her parents, snuggling closer. 

Claude settled down beside you, the two of you lying there with newborns settled on your chests, reveling in the beauty that was your precious family. It had been a long, trying delivery, but now… you had never been happier. You had your new family, now, altogether.

Dimitri didn’t know what the hells he was supposed to do with this information.

He’d been stationed outside the delivery room, tending to his two young sons while waiting anxiously for news about his wife and third child.

He never anticipated Mercedes telling him that you gave birth to a healthy baby girl.

And when he was allowed into the room to see you and the baby?

He was just utterly flummozxed.

“B-Byleth…” he stuttered despite himself, nearly stumbling on his way to see you.

You cradled a bundle to your chest; a familiar sight he’d seen twice before.

But this time, there was an even warmer and softer smile on your lips. This time, you were cooing over a little girl.

The Princess of Fodlan.

The fact that those words had even crossed through his mind had made his heart erupt into thundering palpitations.

“Come, Dima…come meet your daughter.”

“I-I…” He trailed off when he finally made it to your side, drawing up a chair to the bedside so that he could sit beside you. “I cvan’t believe it. IMercedes…she said it was a girl. Is it truly…..do we have a daughter?”

‘See for yourself,’ You smiled at him, dawing the blankets back from the newborn’s round little face. “This is indeed your daughter. And she’s the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen.”

Dimitri was at a loss for words. She was so very tiny- were her brothers that size when they were born? He recalled them being pudgier, and still wailing even after their mother held them. 

This one…she was snoozing happily, nuzzled into your chest, and she was the cutest, tiniest creature he’d ever laid his eyes on.

“Oh…oh, Beloved…she is so very beautiful…” He gasped, on instinct his hand extended to brush the baby’ scheek.

But quickly he remembered himself and withdrew, a great fear coming over his face.

“Is she too beautiful to touch, my love?” You joked, but he shook his head, expression quite grave.

“I fear…she is far too small, Byleth. What if I harm her by accident?”

“You sound like you did when our firstborn was introduced to you.” 

He nodded, the wariness growing. “T-that is because she is so small! Look at her, Byleth! She’s….she’s so much more petite than her brothers were. I-is she not premature/”

“Mercedes told me she’s just a little bit smaller. But both the boys were closed to this size when they were born. Maybe they were a little bit bigger, but-”

“There! You see? She’s far more delicate than them- we must set up her room and update the nursery to be more safe than we ever prepared it previously. We cannot risk her falling to harm with such a tiny frame!”

“Dima, darling, she’s a newborn. She’s going to be fragile no matter what. There’s no reason to treat her any different than the boys; well, aside from her personality. Hopefully she’ll be an easy baby since the delivery was…difficult.”

“Yes…yes, of course.” He nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. He brought his arm around your shoulders, drawing you to his chest and pressing a kiss to your temple. “I-I was so stunned by the revelation that we have a daughter, I forgot to extend my deepest congratulations to you. You’ve done well, once again. And I am eternally grateful that you came through another delivery.”

“Heh, thank you.” You giggled softly, always amused by his sincerity. He spoke as if you’d completed a mission you could’ve trained for, rather than suffering through a long and hard birth.

“I am so proud of you. Thank you for giving us another beautiful child…and a daughter, no less.” He beamed at you, stroking your hair tenderly. “You never fail to surprise me, even after all these years.”

“Maybe next time I’ll switch it up with twins.”

“Beloved, please,” He laughed nervously, “I do not believe that’s something either of us have control over…nor is it something we should be worrying about when we have a newborn to take care of.”

“Fair enough.” You settled back into the pillows, offering the girl for him to hold. “Do you want to greet your daughter properly?”

“If…if you think it’s all right.” He replied carefully, going rigid when the little bundle was passed into his hands.

She was so tiny, she didn’t even fit in space from the crook of his arm to his wrist.

And his heart was filled with love, overwhelmed with the thought that this delicate, beautiful little girl was his daughter. Her tiny breaths were so sweet,cradled close to her father’s chest.

Dimitri was fighting the desire to cry right there- now was no time to cry. Certainly not while he had two young princes waiting to see their mother.

“Should I fetch the boys? I know they were waiting to see their mother. But if you’d rather enjoy the peace and quiet a little while longer, we don’t have to.”

“No, I think that’s a great idea. I’m sure they’ll be just as surprised to meet their new sister.”

Dimitri nodded, carefully returning the newborn to your arms.

He wasted no tie getting to the doors, informing the nursemaids that the young princes could join them. They needed to meet their new little sibling, after all.

The pair scampered in, eyes sparkling with excitement. Dimitri watched after them when they hurried past, all but racing to their mother’s bedside.

“Mama! You did it!” 

“Can we see him? Can I hold him?”

“Certainly, “You chuckled, shifting so that the boys could see the bundle in your ahnds. “MikhaelMikhail, Eisner…meet your new baby sister.”

The boys gasped, eyes wide in shock when they realized that pudgy, pink little thing you were holding wasn’t a new brother at all- but it was their sister.

“Mama…Mama!!!”

“Yes, Eisner?”

Your youngest son gulped, jabbing a finger at his sister’s round face. “She’s a girl!!!”

Dimitri and you both laughed. 

“Yes, she is, my love.” You tousled his hair, “Isn’t she cute?”

“She’s real pink,” Mikhail observed, “Is she supposed to be that pink?”

“You and your little brother looked the very same when you were born, you know. Perhaps even rosier.” Dimitri replied, beaming at his adorable sons who were currently obsessing over their sister.

“Were we that tiny, too?” Eisner piped up again, putting a testing hand on the blankets she snoozed in. 

“She’s actually a little bit smaller than you two were. She’s the littlest of the three of you, from what I recall.”

“Which means you’ll need to take special care of your sister to make sure she grows up big and strong, like you two.”

“How do we do that, Papa?” Mikhail asked, wriggling his way onto the bed so he could also put a curious hand on the little girl.

“Well, for starters, you can help your mother by holding the baby when she needs to rest. You can play with her, and read to her…and when she’s ready for a bottle, you can also make sure she gets fed.”

“Ooh- if we can play with her, does that mean we get to fight with her too? If we start training her now, she’ll be super strong when she’s our age, right?”

“I’m afraid she won’t be able to pick up a blade for a while, son, let alone a toy dagger. The most she’ll be able to hold is your finger, perhaps.” Dimitri mused, motioning for Mikhail to give it a try.

Carefully, your eldest reached forward, finding the teeny tiny hand that wasn’t bundled away, and pressed his fingers into her palm. Almost instantly hers wrapped around them, eliciting an excited gasp from her big brother.

“Oh!! She did! She’s holding my hand, Papa!!”

“Good job.” You said with a smile that suggested all the happiness in the world was filling your heart right then and there.

After a little more time passed, the visit had to come to an end. The queen and princess did need their rest, and you were in need of a change of dress while the bedsheets and blankets were cleaned and refreshed.

Dimitri took his sons out for a delightful dinner and their favorite desserts, as a treat for being such sweet big brothers.

Of course, in the brief time they were apart from you, they formed a pact, vowing to protect the little princess from any and all harm. 

And said pact was extremely effective, until her Crest of Blaiddyd activated and her strength rivaled that of her adult father…at the age of five.

You would recover nicely so long as you took it easy and got a lot of rest. That was the tricky part; getting you to stay down longer than half an hour.

“What are you doing?”

Lon’qu’s gruff voice startled you from the doorway, your feet halfway shoved into some slippers and the robe lopsided around your shoulders.

You looked a mess. Or, really, a woman who just gave birth to a very small baby that had given you hells in the process.

“I-I just wanted to do some work.”

“Absolutely not.”

“But I’ve got nothing to do while Morgan’s asleep, and-”

“You’re resting.”

“I haven’t finished the letter to Chrom about the tax relief for rural villages-”

“Robin-”

“I promised him a-and Donnel that-”

“Enough.” He strode across the room, set aside the package he had in his hands for all of three minutes, and grabbed your shoulders to push you down onto the pillows.

“Hey!”

“Robin, you just gave birth to our son two days ago. Do you really think you’re in any condition to be doing things?” 

“Not just things, they’re little things!”

“Anything is a thing, and things are things you are not allowed to do?”

“Not even a teeny, tiny thing?”

“Nothing.”

“Boo.” You glared at him half-heartedly, but Lon’qu wasn’t buying it. He pulled the thick blankets over you once more, which you tried to fight off. “C’mon, Lon’qu- it’s May! Springtime!”

“In Ferox.” He countered, tucking you in properly. Of course he wasn’t completely heartless to your pleas, stroking your cheek sweetly before he pulled away.

“Hmm…you know how to keep me quiet.” You mused, relishing the gentle touches of your calloused swordsman.

Lon’qu blushed, sucking his teeth. “S-stop talking nonsense!”

“Sorry, my strong, silent warrior who is incapable of feeling anything but vengeance and seriousness and-”

“If you don’t stop teasing, I’m not going to let you have your gifts.”

“Gifts?”  You immediately perked up. Lon’qu shook his head. “You bought something for me? But I haven’t done anything impressive, and it’s not a holiday.”

“I thought you could use something to keep you busy while you’re on bed rest.” He explained as he retrieved the parchment-wrapped package.

He walked back to the bed and sat down beside you, placing it in your lap. Your eyebrows rose, shifting it around on the blankets.

“This is heavy, Lon’qu. You didn’t spend a lot of money on it, did you? I know how hard you work to make what we have.”

“Price doesn’t matter.  You did something amazing. You made our family real.” Lon’qu replied in a warm earnest, which made your heart beat much faster. “It doesn’t matter what I paid. Just open it.”

“Lon’qu…” You breathed, “I swear, if this is expensive, I’m going to kill you.”

“Don’t. Otherwise I can’t train Morgan.” 

“That’s what you’re worried about?”

“I’m worried about you hurting yourself while you’re supposed to be resting. Now hurry and open it or I’m taking it back.”

Your eyes narrowed at him as though unconvinced, but went about removing the paper. You tore it off quickly, finding the heavy object to be a stack of books. But not just any books.

“Oh, Lon’qu!!” You held up the top one, “It’s the rest of the book series!”

“I remembered trying to buy you the novels you like when you were still pregnant, but I bought the wrong ones. So I thought I would make it up to you by buying the rest of the set.”

“But there are five that I haven’t read yet, and they’re all- these are really expensive! That’s why I was only buying them once every few months.”

“Well now you have all of them.” He smiled softly, pleased with how thrilled you were. You just shook your head, setting the books (carefully) aside, and wrapped your arms around his neck to kiss him senseless.

Even after being wed for two years, having been reunited after Grima for three more, and being the father of your child…he still froze up when you kissed him.

Of course he melted into it quickly, strong arms wrapped firm around your body with a fragile, fragile touch. 

“Thank you, honey.” You whispered when you pulled back, cupping his face. “You’re perfect.”

“No.” Lon’qu huffed from his nose, smiling bashfully down at his wife. “That title belongs to-”

A sharp cry pierced the air, just across the room. Lon’qu bowed his head. 

“…Our son.”

“It seems he won’t sleep for long, after all.” You fell back onto your pillows, “Can you bring him here? He might just be hungry, again.”

Lon’qu was quick to reach his son’s cradle, gingerly lifting him from the little mattress and pulling the swaddling blankets away to assess the situation.

No dirty diaper, no fever, and he had been fed a little over an hour ago. He glanced outside; there was still a good forty minutes before he needed to eat again, if he recalled Maribelle’s advice correctly.

“He’s not hungry.” Lon’qu decided, “And he’s clean. I think…he might just be lonely.”

“Oh…maybe he got jealous.” You responded as Lon’qu returned to your side, wrapping his son right back up in his blankets before handing him to you. 

You settled Morgan against your chest and gestured for Lon’qu to join you. He set the books on your table and sank down beside you. He was a little more tired than he first thought.

“What do you mean?” “He probably heard you getting all that attention after giving me such lovely gifts, and he got jealous. He just wanted to remind Mama who her favorite boy was.”

“He’s less than a day old, Robin.”

“But he knows.” You assured him, resting your head on Lon’qu’s shoulder and tickling Morgan’s little pink cheek. “Baby’s have that sort of sense about them, you know?”

“As if it’s even something up for debate.” Lon’qu muttered, “It’s clear who your favorite is.”

“Is it, now?”

“Clearly, me.” Lon’qu responded with a huff, casting a half-hearted glare at his son. “Since I’m the one who buys all the things you like.”

“So you’re bribing me to get my affection?”

“And it better work. No matter how cute this kid is, he can’t buy anything.”

“He doesn’t have to buy me anything- he’s won me over just being as handsome as he is!”

“Now wait a second-”

“He might be even more handsome than his Papa.”

“…I’m returning the books.”

“W-wait, wait!! I was joking!!”

“You’ve made your opinion clear-”

“Lon’qu I’m sorry, I swear I love you more! Wait, I can’t say that- you can’t make me choose between my husband and my son!”

“You already made your choice, it seems.”

“Oh my gods, Lon’qu come back!” You laughed, struggling to grab your husband’s wrist and pin him in place while trying very hard to keep your baby happy and not upset with all the jostling going on around him.

Lon’qu eventually gave in, returning to your side and grumbling about being second place. Of course it was easily placated when you let him hold Morgan while you took a nap on his chest  as a compromise.

He literally couldn’t have been happier holding his newborn baby in one arm, and his lovely, perfect (annoying) wife with the other.

Flora and Felicia both assured him that you were doing well, and that there wasn’t a thing to worry about. They said that, and yet he could hear full well that you were most certainly not doing well.

What was he supposed to make of that contradiction?!

“Jakob!!”

Elise’s high-pitched voice broke through the heart pounding in his ears, and he looked up to find a gaggle of Nohrian and Hoshidan royals hurrying up to the end of the corridor. They all looked like a mixture of worried and excited, some of them with their own children trailing behind them with curious eyes.

“Jakob, how is she?” Xander asked first, “Is the little princess faring well?”

“Flora informed me she was almost ready to push, about an hour ago. The room itself is sound-proofed, so I can’t hear much unless one of them comes out. Since she told me that much, I haven’t heard anything else.”

“I see. Very well, then.” Xander looked to Ryoma, who seemed at least slightly less worried than his Nohrian counterpart. He put a hand on Jakob’s shoulder, “Don’t worry. I’m sure she’ll be all right.”

“Ugh, Brother, how can you be so blase about this? Your sister is in the fight of her life in there!”

“I don’t mean to minimize,” He replied quickly to Camilla’s borderline growling at him. “But she’s a lot stronger than we give her credit for. If anyone can handle this smoothly, it’s her.”

“Spoken like a man who’ll never feel the pains of childbirth.” Hinoka pinched the bridge of her nose, “Delivering a baby brings even the strongest of women to their knees! It’s not a matter of if she’ll be able to handle it smoothly, it’s a matter of if she’ll survive it, and if she does, if there’ll be any lifelong consequences!”

Xander flinched at the fiery princess’ tone, glancing to the princes beside him. Takumi and Leo both held their hands up, staying out of the fight. He shook his head, hands up in surrender.

“Forgive me, it wasn’t my intention to demean what Corrin is going through. I meant only to comfort our brother.”

Jakob gave him a small nod of thanks, and they settled uncomfortably in front of the doors. Jakob, impatient and anxious, resumed his urgent movements back and forth.

“I almost…I almost wish I were not married to her in this moment.”

“Come again?” Leo snapped at him, and Jakob shook his head, running a hand through his hair.

“If I were not her husband I would be permitted into the room- I could help with the delivery. At the very least I would be able to go in to reassure her!”

“I do not think you would be so willing to deliver a baby that your wife has with another man, Jakob.” Takumi said, but it fell on deaf ears. Jakob was clearly desperate.

It was hard for anyone to see their wife suffering through such pain, but for someone who had been saved by you, someone who stood by your side even when everyone else had abandoned you… To not be able to do the same for you in such a time of need was destroying him.

“I would do whatever I must to help Corrin. I just…need to be with her.”

“Of course you do.” Camilla sighed, standing from her seat to put her arm around his shoulders. She took him back to the seating, gently encouraging him to join the rest of them. Being able to really look at him, it was obvious that he was struggling much worse than he’d initially let on.

Between the pale face, light stubble and the combination of a messy cravat and flyaway strands of hair, it was clear the man was in a poor state.

“I wish we could be in there with her, too. But we should trust the clerics that they’re taking care of both Corrin and your future child. If something bad were to happen, I’m sure they’d ask for both you and our younger sisters, seeing as you’re all healers. Consider it a good sign that it hasn’t happened.”

“Yes…” He nodded, though he seemed the furthest thing from convinced.

They all banded together in t heir anxiety, trying to keep one another calm as the anxiety and excitement boiled their blood. Thankfully, the gods would smile upon them and give them some grace.

It would be another three agonizing hours before their fortune changed. But eventually, at last, the doors were pushed open.

“The delivery was successful! Mother and child are both-”

“Corrin!!”

“-Fine…?”

They all stared in shock as Jakob immediately pushed past the head cleric, making a break for the bed. The royals opted not to follow suit; it was clear he needed to be with you more than anyone else, in that moment.

“They’re both fine?” Xander repeated, the lot of them standing to address the cleric. She nodded, giving a kind smile.

“The princess has given birth to a beautiful baby boy. They are both resting, now.”

“A boy!” Leo grinned, poking Takumi’s shoulder, “Looks like you lost the bet!”

“Who cares? We’ve got a nephew!”

Hinoka glanced over at the smug Camilla, rolling her eyes and muttering something about paying her later.

Elise and Sakura were bouncing excitedly, cheering for the arrival of the newborn boy. The spirits were high outside the delivery room, and it was no different inside.

Jakob was instantly beside you, kneeling next to the bed. One hand was on your shoulder, the other cupping your cheek as he worriedly looked you over.

“Milady…my love, are you well? How do you feel?” He blurted the questions out in quick succession, doing his own medical inspection to ensure the nurses hadn’t missed anything. He had half a mind to cast a Mend spell over you just in case, but you appeared to be just fine.

“I am well.” You promised him, though you sounded alarmingly breathless. You leaned into his hand, “Have you seen the little prince, yet?”

Jakob’s heart suddenly lodged into his throat. That’s right; there was a new life in the world. One he brought with his wife. And the baby was right there.

“N-no, I haven’t…where is he?” Jakob rose to his feet, though his hand lingered on your arm. “Is he all right?”

“They were cleaning him up, but…it seems they’re done.” You tilted your chin towards the side of the room, where a huddle of clerics were fawning over something atop the medical table.

Judging by the swathe of blankets Jakob could see between them, his baby was over there. He looked back at you, finding a hopeful smile on your lips.

“Could you…could you bring him over to me?”

“O-oh. Of course, just…just a moment.” He stumbled over himself, the worry of your labor finally giving way to the realization that he was about to meet his son for the very first time.

Jakob stepped over to the clerics, leaving your side.

“Pardon me, but…the princess would like to see her son.” He said softly, drawing the joyful attention of the midwife.

“As you wish, milord. Let us fetch your son. Ladies,” She parted the group of women, who had just finished clearing away the cleaning mess so that the baby was happily swaddled in his temporary bassinet.

She lifted up the bundle from the bedding, and turned back to him to reveal the sweet baby to his father.

“Congratulations, my lord. He is a very handsome young man.”

“Hah,” It knocked the wind out of him.

There he was; a tuft of silver hair, pin-pricked ears, and a little button nose. That was definitely his and your baby- no doubt about it.

“A handsome young man, indeed.”

Jakob opened his arms to receive him, delicately taking the babe into his arms. Immediately the boy squeaked, as if registering there was a brand new warmth that had him, now.

He gently touched the baby’s forehead, holding him as close as possible.

“Hello, son.”

Bright red eyes suddenly flickered open. He knew that voice.

Jakob couldn’t contain the tears that slipped down, realizing his baby knew who he was. It seemed your insistence on speaking to the baby before he was even born wasn’t such a bad idea.

“Good morning, little one…we’re so happy you’re here.” He couldn’t contain his smile, utterly unaware of the others in the room besides himself and his child…and, of course, the mother excitedly waiting to see her baby boy for the first time, too.

“Shall we go see Mother?”

He carefully walked back to the bed, smiling at his dear wife who couldn’t tear her eyes away from the bundle in his arms.

“Is he okay?”

“He’s wonderful.” He replied in earnest, “The picture of health, and beauty, and everything we could have possibly hoped for.”

It was not much longer before he was placed in your arms, at last. If Jakob hadn’t been crying before, he certainly was now; you weren’t faring any better.

You were brimming with them the second that baby boy came into your arms. He was pressed to your chest, lying on top of you and snoozing away without a care in the world.

“My baby…this is…t-this is my- our- little baby boy…!” You hiccuped, hugging him close. You cradled his head with your whole hand, the little fellow so delicate and small he could have been easily missed.

But you weren’t letting such a darling creature out of your sight.

“Do you think…the name we picked before will suit him?” You sniffled softly, and Jakob brought a hand to your face, gently wiping the tears away. He knelt beside you again, resting his head against your arm and gently petting the baby’s feather-soft heair.

“Yes…I think it will suit him perfectly. Prince Dwyer.”

“Dwyer…it’s so cute.” You giggled, “You hear that, Dwyer? You’re the newest member of our family.”

“A growing family, at that.” Jakob added as he looked to the doors, spotting the doors cracked open and the faces of nearly a dozen siblings all waiting to come and see their newest nephew. “Shall we let them visit him?”

“Not yet.” You shook your head, “We’ve only had him for a little while, can’t we admire him between us for a bit longer?”

“As you wish.” He kissed your forehead as he rose, “I’ll let them know that all is well.”

“Hurry back.” You called to him as he walked away. The sweet man couldn’t stop the surge of joy that was filling him up; he really had it, after the life he’d lived. The life he struggled through, and the suffering you’d experienced with him.

It was all worth it, to have finally become a family together.

Surely he’d have heard something by now, right?

“Peace, Kaze.” Ryoma, who was sat outside the delivery room along with everyone else. “She will be fine.”

“Thank you, milord. I…I know that, I just…wish that I could be in there with her. I can’t imagine what she’s going through right now.” Kaze said softly, eyes glued to the door before his pacing resumed.

The Hoshidan siblings were all waiting anxiously for news, with your Nohrian siblings soon to join them all once matters outside the Outrealm were handled.

Kaze was glad they were here, but at the same time, a part of him wished it was just the two of them. He knew you wouldn’t want them to see you exhausted and ragged after delivery, seeing as they all tended to worry about you almost as much as he did.

“If it makes you feel any better, none of us are allowed into the delivery room. Even when Shiro was born, I was kept out; and I’m the High Prince of Hoshido.” Ryoma added under his breath, clearly displeased.

“You can rewrite the laws if you wanted to, y’know. You’re literally the only one with that power.”

“No way!” Hinoka jumped in, “Do you have any idea how insanely stressful birth is?! And it’s gross, and hard, and emotions are everywhere- it’s like a whirlwind of pain and panic! If my husband was in there while I was trying to have a baby, I’d probably rip his head off! If you make that a law that husbands can be in the room, I’m gonna start a war”

“We’re already at war,” Sakura said softly, “A-and I don’t think that it’s s-such a bad idea.”

“That’s because you’re a soft, sweet little angel.” Hinoka sighed, patting her head. “Once you have a baby, you’ll understand.”

“Please don’t talk about our little sister having a baby..she’s still so young…” Takumi covered his face with his hands, “You don’t need to taint her with the reality of the world.”

“She’s not a toddler, Takumi. Stop being such a wuss!”

Kaze was thankful for the distraction, considering the worry was eating him alive. Just before it got too far, though, the doors suddenly opened.

The whole crew of them looked up at the Outrealm midwife, who looked quite pleased.

“The princess has given birth to a healthy baby girl, Your Highnesses.”

Kaze’s heart skipped a beat, and all of them gasped.

“A girl!!” Sakura exclaimed.

“Another little princess,” Ryoma grinned, “Prince Xander will be pleased.”

“We’re all pleased!” Hinoka laughed before grabbing Kaze’s shoulders, “Go on! Go see your little family! The sooner you get to say hi, the sooner we all get to, too!”

“Y-yes…yes, of course!” Kaze managed, breathless, before he hurried in behind the midwife. Sure enough, the ninja was striding to your side. You were lying down in bed, resting quietly until you felt Kaze’s hand touch your hair.

“Corrin? …Corrin, are you alright?” He called to you gently, drawing your eyes up to his. You smiled at him brightly, offering a tired laugh.

“I’m great. I-I’m wonderful,” You looked up at him, letting him take your hands into his. “We have a little girl.”

“We do,” He nodded, tears already impossible to fight away. He laughed, the sound broken in a good way. “Have you held her?”

“Not yet,” You tilted your head towards the foot of the bed, “They’re cleaning her up now.”

Kaze eased onto the bed beside you, following the direction and finding a group of clerics huddled around a table nearby. He squeezed your shoulders, swallowing hard. His baby was over there.

His and Corrin’s firstborn daughter.

“Want to hold her?” You asked, but quickly he shook his head, looking almost bewildered.

“No, not until you hold her! You...you worked so hard. I couldn’t possibly hold her before you do!”

It was only a few more minutes before the swaddled bundle was gently placed in your arms, finding the sweet little girl grumbling and whining without the touch of her mother. It’d been so warm and dark, and then all of a sudden everything was bright and she was freezing- without a clue to what happened, she was rightfully pissed.

“Oh…you’re cute when you’re angry, aren’t you?” You say softly, your voice a quiet murmur. The same voice you used to speak with her when she was still growing, kicking about and keeping you up late at night.

Kaze could hardly breathe, seeing the sweet little face nestled in the blankets. A tuft of green hair had already grown on her head; no doubt that was his baby.

“She’s beautiful.” He whispered, cradling her head from where she laid on your chest. “She’s so, so beautiful, Corrin.”

“She already looks so much like you; I think we’ll have another green ninja on our hands.”

“We mustn’t decide that for her; she’s a princess, isn’t she? If she wishes to live a life as a pampered young royal, I would never make her live otherwise. The way of the ninja is difficult…and seeing how she is now, I…I don’t want her to lift a finger for the rest of her life.”

“She’s not even an hour old yet, dear.” You giggled, seeing the fire already blazing in his eyes. “Not even I was ‘pampered’ when I was a princess. You’d want to spoil her?”

“Can you blame me?” He huffed, a calloused finger brushing along his daughter’s cheek.

“No,” You leaned into Kaze’s chest, snuggling into him. “I certainly don’t blame you at all.”

“Hmm,” He beamed, kissing your forehead. “What shall we name her?”

“You know, I had hundreds of names planned out since we found out you were pregnant, but now…now I can’t think of a single one that suits her”

“Midori.”

Kaze paused, staring at you. It had come out so easily, he was bewildered. But you had yet to tear your gaze from your little one, who cooed and wriggled in her blankets, trying to get closer to her mother’s voice.

“Midori…?”

“Do you like it?”

Kaze nodded, the lump in his throat nearly escaping at a sob. “I love it.”

He curled into the bed with a smile, drawing his two girls into his embrace. You held the baby between you, freeing one hand just long enough to brush away the tears running down Kaze’s face.

“Midori.”

—--—--—--—--—--

Saizo: He had managed to break in about three times, until Ryoma ordered him to sit the hells down outside and wait for word. Kaze had been the one to haul him out each time.

Somehow.

The flaming ninja was falling apart at the seams; every time he’d gone in, you had begged them to let him stay. You were scared, feeling unimaginable pain, and you were in worse shape than he ever could have imagined.

Saizo was desperate to get to you. He couldn’t just sit and wait.

But, according to every single person around him…that was all he could do (aside from breaking in and getting tossed out again).

“She’s not okay.” He huffed, pacing back and forth as aggressively as humanly possible. “She needs me in there, milord!”

“I know.” Ryoma looked tense, taking hold of his retainer, forcing him to pause. “I’m sorry, but you have to wait a little longer.”

“But I can’t-”

“You have to!” Hinoka snapped at him, her arms crossed tight over her chest. Camilla, who was sitting and tapping her foot anxiously to the floor, nodded in agreement.

“We all want to break in, dear…but you must wait. It would only upset her and distract the healers again.”

He hated how right they were.

A little longer turned into an hour, and then two hours. Three hours.

He nearly blew up the doors when the clerics informed him nothing had changed yet. It was a hard labor, and you’d already been in it for the last 17 hours.

Fortunately…rather, finally…there was a change.

Saizo’s manic pacing screeched to a halt. He froze and stared at the doors, capturing the royal siblings’ attention.

“Saizo?”

“The baby’s crying.”

“What?!” Hinoka shot up, eyes wide, “Y-you can hear it?!”

They all tried to hear it, but between the walls and the heavy oak doors, there was nothing to be heard without the trained skills of a ninja. Saizo strode to the doors to rip them open, but the clerics beat him to it.

Namely Elise, who flung them open with a sparkling smile.

“It’s a boy!!”

“A boy!” Sakura echoed behind her, the two young princesses flushed and covered in blood and sweat. It was alarming, but more importantly, the princess was okay.

Saizo confirmed it for himself.

He had rushed past both the women and hurried to the bed. The chair was flung to the bedside and Saizo was settled in beside you, quickly checking all your vitals.

You were clearly drained, weak and tired, but you were stable. Still breathing, heartbeat steady…you were okay.

“Darling?”

Saizo perked up when you called him, finding your eyes had slid open just a crack. He quickly cupped your cheek, holding your face tenderly.

“I’m here. You’re alright?”

“I’m okay.”

“Good. …Good.” He managed to breathe out for the first time in months…particularly the last few moments.

“Have you seen him?”

“Him? Who- oh. Our…”

“Your son, dear.”

You laughed when the blush rose to his face, and he shook his head, quickly looking about the room.

“I was far more worried about your health.” He said, “Forgive me, I didn’t mean to minimize the importance of our son’s…”

You watched as he trailed off, seeing how he seemed to realize that he was coming to terms with the fact that the words “our son” had just come out of his mouth.

That he was actually a father, now.

“Saizo the Sixth is healthy; a good weight, good length… strong pair of lungs, too.”

“I heard him through the doors.” Saizo nodded, finally spotting the edge of a blanket in the arms of the midwife. He sat up much straighter, watching silently as she brought the baby over with a bright smile.

“Milady, your son.” She presented the baby to you, holding out the little one for you to take. Saizo could only watch when the scrunched, round face of his little son was pressed to your chest.

You inhaled sharply, emotions overwhelming you as you felt his warmth for the first time.

“Hello, little one…my little Saizo.”

He mumbled and squeaked, squirming just so in your arms. You laughed softly, stroking his back comfortingly.

“You’re not sure what to think of being out here all of a sudden, hm?”

“Seems so.” Saizo remarked, all but straining himself to get a proper look at his baby. You grinned, motioning for him to join him on the bedside. “No, Corrin- you need your rest. I shouldn’t intrude.”

“Your his father; you’re more than welcome to join me.”

“You’re…sure?”

“Come hold him.”

Saizo nodded silently, awkwardly coming rising from the chair to sit beside you. He steadied himself and put his arm around you so as not to jostle his family.

The little one squeaked when he felt a shift, making both his parents smile.

“He senses changes quite adeptly.”

“He’s a newborn.”

“A prodigy.” A smile softened Saizo’s face, your crimson guardian all but fawning over his little one. “He has his father’s abilities- I can feel it.”

“I suppose his training will start early?”

“He will start when he is ready.” Saizo said, pausing when you gently shifted the baby so that Saizo could hold him. The moment the baby fell into his arms, his heart all but exploded. He squeezed the little one close, his vision suddenly misty when the baby turned towards him. “Which…seems like it will not be soon. He is…so small.”

“Not for long. We should enjoy it while we can.” You tell him, resting your head against his arm, watching the little Saizo coo and babble in his father’s arms.

“Welcome back. He missed you.”

“Don’t be silly. You’re right here; and you’re much better at putting him to sleep than I am.” You mused, kissing his cheek sweetly.

Louis leaned into you, and pushed his index finger into the blankets to find a tiny hand. “I’m sure that’s not true; I’ve got experience taking care of my brothers, so perhaps it comes a little more naturally to me.”

“Exactly; therefore, you’re better.” You joked, beaming at your baby boy who was finding it increasingly more difficult to keep his eyes closed.

“No, no, not better. Just a different set of skills. For example, you’re quite adept at feeding him. I could never dream of doing that for him.”

“You just need to be a more positive thinker.”

“I…I do not think that will help.” He stuttered, making you laugh. The two of you fawned over the baby, bantering softly back and forth until at last, the newborn drifted off to sleep.

Louis really liked to watch over his son when he fell asleep. That was when he was the sweetest. Just lying there, unbothered, undisturbed…so rosy and chubby, and not a single care in the world.

Eventually, he is able to tear himself away from the bassinet, but he continues to steal glances over there, even as you snuggle into his arms and rest your head just under his chin.

“You know he’s going to be awake again in a couple hours, right?”

“Yes…”

“So you should focus on rest, not staring at a sleeping baby.”

“But he is a fascinating little specimen, isn’t he?”

“I wouldn’t call my son a ‘specimen’, personally, but…”

“And he is a very sweet newborn. None of my brothers behaved as well as he does.”

“That’s probably because he has such a doting father.”

“Perhaps…although being the son of the Divine Dragon surely plays a role in that, as well.” He whispered thoughtfully, and you could hear the smile in his voice.

“Don’t try to flatter me. Just get some sleep. Are you gonna take first watch, or should-”

“I’ll wake up first. If he needs to eat, I’ll rouse you.” He practically jumped on the opportunity, and you bit back another laugh. You did need to sleep, after all.

“Thank you, dear.”

“Of course…anything for you, and for him.”

“For you and for him.” You repeated with a yawn, sighing contentedly as his arms wrapped around you, giving you a soft squeeze.

It was true that your son would indeed wake up in tears hardly two hours from now, but you had never been happier than you were in that moment.

Louis was an excellent father (at least, until he woke you up to feed the baby. Then you liked him a little less).

-------------------------

Mauvier: Every single second that he spends with his daughter is considered a precious gift.

He can barely tear his eyes off of her, and when he lets someone other than you hold her, he’s roughly six inches away and his hands are practically hovering nearby, ready to catch her (or snatch  her back, which is what always happens).

And when there aren’t any prying eyes who want to fawn over the little girl, she is in her father’s arms, being cooed over and told again and again how beautiful and perfect and adorable she is.

It is a sight to see; the stoic Mauvier, reduced to fluffy warm feelings as he becomes ap uddle of love for his three month old.

“What are you going to do once she starts wandering around, Mauvier?” You ask him one morning, getting dressed while he cuddles the girl snoozing lazily on his chest. “You won’t be able to keep track of her all the time.”

“There are some very fashionable child leashes I saw in the city, recently. I will simply fashion one for her, so that she does not go where I cannot see her.”

“That’s not a bad idea, but…what about when she doesn’t need that anymore?” You asked, amused at his suggestion. “When she gets big enough to want to explore on her own, how will you handle it?”

“I do not know,” He grimaced, gazing at his daughter, “But it isn’t something we need to think about now. We should focus on enjoying her while she is still a baby.”

“That’s a good point…Vander said that children have a tendency to grow up in the blink of an eye. I doubt our daughter will be any different.”

“I am afraid he’s right.” Mauvier agreed with a great solemnity, “So then I must hold onto her and enjoy every single second I have to spare before she gets too big.”

“Speaking of, I’m afraid you’ll have to let her go, for a moment.”

“What? W-why?”

“You need to get dressed.” You reminded him, carefully lifting your baby girl up. “You’ve got an exercise class to lead. Otherwise Alfred will, and everyone will be miserable.”

“He does push hard, doesn’t he?” Mauvier attempted to continue the conversation, but was clearly lost without the little girl in his arms. You shook your head, entertained by how strong his bond was with her.

It was clear he wasn’t going to let anything happen to that girl, ever…especially when he immediately asked (gently) for her back before he had to go to the class.

Then talked you into letting him bring her…and hold her the entire time while you supervised.