Family
Four Years Later
"Honey, we agree we're ready for a baby, right?" Eliot knew that discussing important matters in bed could never be in the morning. They always debated for hours and going to work would interrupt some argument in the middle. However, it was a Saturday and none of them was going to work. It could be a good time. He was face to face with his husband, looking into his eyes to notice any discomfort the subject might bring.
A lot has happened in the last four years. Julia had a baby five months ago, and they already knew she would have special powers. She was still very little but they knew that her powers would develop as she grew. What they could see was that she only cried because of hunger, and was more attentive to everything around her than any other baby of the same age.
"Yeah, we already agreed." Q smiled. He knew every strategy Eliot could have up his sleeves to deal with him. This time, even though it was something important, he didn't feel pressured or uncomfortable. It was what he wanted most. A family.
"Q, having two babies at once might be too much for one of us. For both of us to get pregnant at the same time would be a disaster." That last sentence was a statement they both agreed with.
"I can imagine. Both of us with our swollen feet, unable to stand up at the end of the pregnancy. Who would take care of us?" He laughed, imagining Margo yelling at them. The High King, as much as she loved them, would not have patience after dealing with Fen, who was about to bring a child into the world. Margo would be great at miseducating the kids when they were older. Julia already had a baby and wouldn't be much help. Kady and Penny wouldn't be able to help often, and they wouldn't be able to overburden Maryl and Ted.
"I think it would be better to have some space between the babies." The oldest magician concluded.
"I know it can be a little scary having two babies at the same time, but I would carry our children, but El...oh fuck!" He had a guilty expression on his face. "I, I didn't think about it before, by offering to have both of them I would be, you know, taking away your chance to also carry our child. Sorry." The look in Q's eyes showed how sorry he was as he took his husband's hand in his.
"Oh Q! Don't worry that pretty head of yours. I'd be happy even if you carried both babies; You're my priority, you know that." He placed a kiss on his forehead. "I sometimes have doubts about what my life would be like carrying one of our children. I'm afraid I won't be able to handle it."
"I trust you completely." Q assured him.
"Admit it, I can be a pain in the ass when I get sick. Getting pregnant can be worse. I can turn into a monster." His speech made his husband burst into laughter. "This is a serious warning darling. I will not accept any further complaints." Quentin saw the expression of annoyance and decided that there was nothing better to remedy it than a kiss. He approached and kissed him several times, changing the expression on his beloved's face with each kiss.
"Okay El. We will have two children. Each one will have one and, pay attention, it doesn't matter which belly Teddy will come from." He saw in his husband's eyes that this was true for him too.
"You know, I'm curious about what he'll be, like, physically. Teddy was a lot more like you than Ari." The boy's eyes were lost in the memory of his son.
"Yes, he looked more like me, but he was almost a copy of you in so many ways. Sometimes it seemed like he had come from you too." They both laughed.
"Who will be the first and who will be the first godmother?" Eliot had a mischievous look in his eyes.
"I don't know. I just don't want us to have a war between the godmothers. I think Margo will be busier with Fen's baby. We could have Julia as the godmother for the first and Margo for the second."
"My love, Bambi is unpredictable, but we will talk to her tomorrow. For our safety, we talk to her and Julia at the same time. I think only a demigoddess can hold a High King." He gave his husband another kiss.
"It might be a good plan." He look at his husband. "El, I was thinking, due to the nature of our jobs, I think it's better for you to choose when you want to get pregnant. In my case, everything is easier. I can even work from home at the end of the pregnancy." Eliot could see in his eyes that it really wouldn't make a difference. His wonderful boy, always so attentive.
"Okay Q. If we were to do this now, the baby would be born in the fall. You know how I have a lot more work in the summer and the holidays. How about if I'm the first?" He saw a beautiful smile on his husband's face.
"We could conceive tomorrow night. A baby conceived at Christmas." The dreamy air was contagious.
"We have to spend tomorrow and Christmas Day with our family. There will be little time left Q." It was a valid concern.
"Nope. Julia suggested that with Hope still so little, we have lunch tomorrow and then start with brunch for Christmas." The news made Eliot pull his husband closer, kissing his neck.
"So tomorrow night we will conceive our first baby." He kissed his way up Q's neck to mouth. "You'll have to make love to me, pay attention to every inch of my body. I'll be in your hands, my love..." Q silenced him with the deepest of kisses.
Margo arrived the next morning with Josh and Fen in tow. The trio settled into the guest room, which was remodeled with a bed larger than a king size to make them comfortable.
After leaving their luggage in the room, everyone went to the penthouse through the portal in the living room. When they arrived, Ted and Maryl were already there. Vivian will spend the day with her father but would be with them as they exchanged gifts the next day.
Lunch was delicious. Kady had hired a cook to prepare everything, since everyone would bring a dish for Christmas. Only Julia was free. Dealing with little Hope was exhausting her.
When Penny got back years ago, he and 23 decided it would be easier to tell other people they were twins. Explaining that they were the same person in two different versions had left some people lost. Everyone started calling 23 Liam after a while.
The food was delicious and the conversation was light and fun.
"Guys, Q and I have decided that we're going to expand our family soon." Eliot declared, causing a commotion.
"Why now?" Maryl asked.
"I think it's the baby boom." Penny deduced.
"These Coldwaters couldn't handle themselves after picking up a baby." Liam said. "It's a good thing they're having their baby or they'd want ours." He teased, pretending to talk to Julia.
"You are so full of shit." Pointed Q.
Josh laughed. "Let them talk."
"Thank you. I'm already telling you because we need witnesses to stop the godmother war." The defiant air was directed at their two best friends.
"I don't care at all. I'll be the godmother of the first baby." Margo responded, standing up.
"Over my dead body." Julia reacted immediately, only raising her voice.
"Girls, you're making their lives hell. How about a deal?"
"Kady, do you really want to come between them?" Maryl laughed.
"I agree with Maryl, there can be plenty for you baby." Penny laughed but was ready to protect his woman.
"We are accepting suggestions." Added Quentin who decided to pour some more wine for himself and El, passing the bottle along.
"You can choose other godmother, like me." Fen joked, causing Margo to, playfully, slap her.
"Don't even start. You're almost due and soon you will have a baby to take care of." Josh laughed, but pulled the High King to sit on the other side of him, separating the two girls.
"I'll defend my girl. She must be first." Liam couldn't help but chime in on the conversation, adding more fuel to the fire.
The discussion would have continued if it hadn't been for Ted's intervention, who had a suggestion.
"Let's listen to Ted. He's always been the most sensible one, plus he's the future grandfather." Kady had a point.
"I do have a suggestion. Julia is Q's best friend and Margo is El's best friend." He saw everyone looking at him and continued, feeling Maryl's hand on his thigh. "The guys haven't said who will be the first to get pregnant yet, but I'm sure they've already decided. So if Q is first, Julia would be first, if it's Eliot, Margo would be the one."
There was silence during which Julia and Margo looked at each other. Q took Eliot's hand, squeezing his fingers.
"Have you guys decided yet?" The demigoddess asked without looking away from the High King.
"Yeah." Q responded shyly, earning a handshake from his husband.
"Write down the name of whoever will have the baby first. Put it in an envelope and leave it with Ted. You can't change it." She smiled at the other brunette who smiled back.
"I'm going to place a spell that won't be able to change what was written. Not even a goddess could." Margo had to control it somehow.
Eliot stood up, pulling Q to the kitchen counter, where together they wrote and closed the paper, placing a spell so that it couldn't be opened until their friends decided.
They came back and placed it on the coffee table. Julia and Margo put spells so that nothing would change and gave it to Ted.
"When are they going to tell us?" Hope's mother wanted to know.
"I don't know." replied Q.
"What?" Both friends reacted together.
"We'll tell you after you reach an agreement." Eliot went to calm them all down.
"Yeah, what El said. We will wait for you." Q went to support his husband to calm down the girls.
"Ted will take care of this by tomorrow. You..." Eliot was interrupted by little Hope's cries, coming from the electronic drool.
Julia looked at her partner who bleeped and a little later returned with the girl on his lap.
"She's growing up fast dude!" Josh said.
Fen patted her belly before asking; "I wonder if I could hold her for a while later? After all, I'm also going to have a girl."
"Girl?" Eliot questioned. "I thought you guys wanted a surprise."
"When I had the last ultrasound, after I couldn't decide how to decorate the room, I asked the doctor. Josh and Margo already wanted to know so...a girl!" She was radiant.
Everyone congratulated her.
"Have you chosen the name yet?" Maryl asked.
"Not yet. I thought of a name mixing mine with Fray's." She looked at Margo and Josh. "How about Fran?"
"Isn't that a very simple name for a princess?" Asks the brunette.
"I like it. It's a short name." The baby's father gives his opinion.
"I've already seen that I'm a defeated vote." She playfully slapped Josh's arm. "I thought of a more pompous name, but ok. I understood the reason for the choice." Margo was happy for Fen. She remembered how she had suffered when she lost the baby.
"A toast to our princess Fran!" Kady proposed.
Everyone stayed together for a few more hours, having fun.
In recent years some things have changed, but the twins, Kady and Julia have agreed to continue living together in the penthouse. Kady counted a lot on Julia's help. They magically altered the apartment and now they had like two apartments in one. The ground floor was the common part, but when going up the stairs, two wings gave the privacy they wanted, still having a suite for occasional visitors on the lower floor.
Before nightfall, Ted and Maryl went home, using a portal that Kady and Maryl made in the entrance hall, as did Q and El, taking Margo, Josh and Fen with them.
At home, they made a snack for Fen, who was hungry all the time. Eliot and Margo went to pack the bags with the gifts they would give away the next day. Josh went to season the turkey for roasting. Eliot and Quentin would bring Christmas ham and wine. Maryl and Ted would bring an apple and pecan pie, as well as chocolate fudge. The penthouse owners would make the side dishes for lunch and provide breakfast.
Eliot and Margo left everyone gifts separately in the room so that nothing would be forgotten. Josh finished seasoning and left the sauce semi ready.
Quentin also placed the wines they would bring into the room, also adding a few bottles of grape and apple juice for Fen. When everything was ready Q placed a spell to keep the wines and juices at the proper temperature.
Fen was tired and ended up getting everyone to bed before 11PM since they were leaving early.
When they locked themselves in the room, Eliot grabbed his husband. "Will you keep your promise to bear me a child?"
Q laughed before responding. "Promises are meant to be kept. But if I remember correctly it would be tomorrow."
Eliot began kissing his husband's neck. "I don't know if I want to wait."
"Baby, did holding Hope increase your desire for us to have a child?" Q asked as he felt Eliot's long, dexterous fingers run down his back until he squeezed his ass.
"What do you think Q?" He stopped his advances to look deep into his husband's eyes. "When Fen got pregnant I didn't want to, in fact I abhorred the idea of having a baby. When we had Teddy I was overcome by the love I felt for him. After experiencing this, there's no way I wouldn't want to have a child with you, once again."
Quentin kissed him deeply. He wanted to express all the love he had for that man, with and without words. When he finally pulled away a little, it was to make a proposal. "How about if we take a delicious bath and at midnight you ingest the pearl and we make our baby?" His look was shy but with a touch of seduction. Eliot didn't respond. He gave him a quick kiss and went to fill the bathtub. Quentin smiled and lit some scented candles, his lover's favorite, to create a more romantic atmosphere. He prepared the bed and when he finished he felt El's arms wrapping around him, and a kiss on the back of his neck made him shiver. "Eliot."
Q turned around in the arms that made him feel safe and happy. He gave the most important man in his life one more kiss before walking away and, holding his hand, leading him to the bathroom. It was a romantic bath where they exchanged soft kisses, sponge massages all over their bodies and the aroma of salts chosen by El that had left the water with a soft pink tone. The aroma was of flowers and a citrus touch of orange.
When they realized that they were both getting excited, they got out of the bathtub, using the fluffy towels to dry each other's bodies. They went back to the room, and Quentin saw that they still had 10 minutes until midnight. He took from the drawer the little silver box with pink velvet lining, where they had kept the pearls. He approached his man again, extending his hand with the box. "Choose one my love. You will be the first and you can choose."
Eliot smiled. "Does it make any difference?" He gave his love a kiss as he picked up the box. "I believe that it doesn't matter if it's Teddy or another baby that grows in my womb. We're going to love this baby a lot, we're going to spoil it too." He saw Q's face as if he wanted to deny the last words. "Calm down, sweetheart. We didn't spoil Teddy in the sense of spoiling him, but we gave him a lot of love and everything we could provide. Now it won't be any different." He gave a soft smile.
"This time I think you're wrong El." When he saw the raised eyebrow he continued. "Our babies will have grandparents and uncles. We'll have to keep an eye out." The tone was serious but the smile was a little amused.
"I hadn't thought about it, not like that." Eliot agreed imagining some scenarios.
"I just thought about that today, seeing how everyone treated Hope, and took care of Fen...at the mosaic, I always thought it would have been wonderful to share Teddy's life with them, and when we saw that this would be possible, I just thought that it would be nice to have them all with us. I just now thought about it." He laughed softly and got a kiss on the forehead.
"We'll worry about that when the time comes. Ted is adopting all the babies as grandchildren, I think that will help." There was a lot of affection in Eliot's words. How he admired and learned to love that man who welcomed everyone like a real father should. "We'll count on Maryl to hold him back a little."
Quentin smiled and hugged him to speak in his ear. "Let's make our baby El.
Together they opened the box and saw the two small pearls that had a slight shine. They were absolutely identical. They looked at each other and Q nodded, encouraging El to take one of them. After Eliot took one, Q went to put the box away again for the near future.
Following Aphrodite's words, Eliot took some water and swallowed the pearl. In his mind he thanked the Goddess for the opportunity. He never thought he would want to do this, but with Q he want all he can have. He looked again into the eyes of the only man he could share a child with. He saw his love reflected in their chocolate eyes, in their sweet smile, in the way they shared everything in the last four years. Even when they argued, there was love and respect between them. Quentin was his husband and he could only be grateful for having him in his life.
They slowly undressed, exchanging kisses and caresses. When there were no more clothes between them, Quentin directed Eliot to the bed. They made love, because only love can give them a baby. Only the love of two people who knew each other so deeply could be so strong and true. When Q finished preparing El for the penetration, he kissed him once more. "Thank you El for carrying our baby. I'll take care of you both. I love you, you know." His eyes were shining.
"I love you more baby. Come and put our child in me." They both laughed and slowly Q penetrated his partner. They stayed at a slow pace, savoring every moment and Q made his man cum at the same moment he did. Once again, the light of their love filled the room bringing the certainty that everything was as it should be. They slept cuddling, with Q hugging El around the waist, stroking his belly even though it was still flat.
They woke up to the alarm clock called Margo. "Let's get up, you morons. Fen is hungry and Julia already sent a message." Without hearing a response, the brunette threatened. "If you don't get up I'm going to kick your ass!"
Eliot put on a red robe to open the door while Q went to the bathroom. "Merry Christmas Bambi. We're up and going down."
"I hope so. You know how I get when I'm hungry." Was the laconic response.
"I thought it was Fen who was hungry." He replied amused.
"Yes, but I'm much more threatening than she is." The friend winked and went back to her room.
In less than 20 minutes, everyone was passing through the portal. The penthouse had the delicious aroma of gingerbread and chocolate cookies. They hugged their friends and Eliot helped them finish the eggnogs, making them with and without alcohol, for Julia and Fen. A few minutes later, Ted and Maryl arrived with Vivian. They were bringing freshly baked banana bread.
As agreed, everyone wore pajamas and bathrobes, taking clothes to change later. Q and El were wearing red pajamas with a gingerbread man on their shirts. Kady and Penny wore black pajamas with moose pictures drawn all over them. Ted, Maryl and Vivian had plaid pajamas in shades of red and navy blue and a Santa Claus figure on the red blouse. Julia, Penny and Hope wore red and white striped pajamas and green blouses with candy cane designs. The trio led by Margo wore white pajamas, with red and green Mickey Mouse prints in Christmas clothes. Margo soon announced that the choice had been Fen's, as they had recently been to Disney.
Quentin, Fen and Vivian went to place the presents under the Christmas tree, which was the tallest in recent years. The colorful decorations had different themes from everyone's contributions. Fen was always the most excited at Christmas. She loves the idea of exchanging gifts, even when she returned to Filory, she always gave gifts to her family and Fray. When they finished there was a riot of colors from the gift packaging. Quentin quickly headed to the kitchen when he smelled hot chocolate.
"Um, do I have a mug?" He arrived asking the trio who were finishing their drinks.
"Do you think Eliot would forget about you?" Kady laughed at him.
"I know he will never forget about me." He laughed back. "Is it ready?"
"Darling I'm just doing some with alcohol and some without." Eliot took the spoon and gave it to Q to taste. "Was it good?"
"Do you have any doubts? It's wonderful." He walked around the kitchen island to give his husband a kiss.
"You guys are nauseating." Said Margo, who had put all the bottles of wine in the cellar and the juices in the fridge.
Finally, everyone sat down. Eliot discreetly got a non-alcoholic drink, as they were sure the baby was already in his belly. It was a delicious morning and after everyone ate, they exchanged gifts. Before lunch, they were all in the living room and the subject of the godmother came up again.
"Ted, did you bring the paper with the name of the first person to get pregnant?" Margo asked.
"Certainly." He patted his pajama pocket, showing where he had stored it.
"So Julia, how are we?" Question made by the High King.
"I don't know." She looks at her friend and makes an offer. "You can choose. Do you want to be the godmother of Eliot's child or Quentin's? Of course the child will be both of them, so that's fine with me." She was being sincere.
"Very kind of you bitch." They both smiled.
Quentin and Eliot exchanged glances. They had already talked and the tactic was to act cool. They didn't want to interfere.
"I think the first one who will get pregnant will be baby Q. So I will be the godmother of our nerd's baby." She said giving Quentin a wink.
"So can we solve this mystery?" Penny's curiosity piqued everyone, and several people spoke at the same time.
"Okay guys. Let's see." Julia handed her daughter to Fen, who was at her side. "Let's open it together Margo. Let's see who will be first."
The two gathered on the coffee table, where Ted left the paper. Quentin and Eliot undid the spell so their friends could open it.
They opened together and Margo's face was priceless. "What the fuck!"
At that moment, everyone leaned over to read the name, even Vivian. Eliot.
"What the fuck?" Margo didn't seem to believe it. She looked at her best friend accusingly. "How do you decide to be first?"
"We didn't want to wait any longer and this way the baby will be born at a time when I will have less work." He spoke gently. "You had little faith in me, Bambi." He winked at her.
"Change that Eliot. Go put a child in Q and forget the nonsense of being the first." She seemed determined.
"Um, it's a little late for that." Q said shyly as he placed one hand on Eliot's back and the other on his stomach.
"You two are a disaster! When did you have time?" She was standing to hear the answer.
"At midnight. We wanted to conceive at Christmas." Eliot responded carefully. Fen's sigh can be heard.
Julia wanted to laugh but held back. She wasn't going to arouse Margo's fury for nothing.
Margo sighed deeply. She knew there was nothing more she could do. "You're lucky I love you." She pointed her index finger between one and the other. "I love you both, idiots." The boys went and gave her a hug.
To break the tension, when Ted saw that the boys released Margo, he stood up and hugged them. "I am really happy!" He looked at Julia with a smile. "I love Hope as my granddaughter, as does Fran, but having a grandson directly from my children is special."
After that, everyone hugged the boys and Margo smiled again when she realized that she would be the godmother of Fen's daughter, before Julia was Eliot's.
It was a great Christmas. Kady recommended a doctor for Eliot, the same one who took care of Julia. They laughed wondering what her reaction would be when she saw that he was a man.
When they returned home, Margo sat with them on the couch. "You guys could have given me a tip."
"No way. We couldn't get involved." The youngest defended himself.
"Okay, I'll be magnanima!"
Wanting to shift the focus, Eliot asked Margo an important question.
"Will you ever want to have a baby or will you continue to be the mother of my ex-wife's children?"
"It took you a while to ask." She looked at them both with an air of impatience. "I could say any shit right now, but the truth is I don't know. I'm going to wait for Fran to be born to form my decision."
"It won't be long. She's almost there." Quentin commented.
"Josh seems to be taking good care of her." El observed.
"Hoberman is the kind of people that calms anyone, even without drugs." She laughed amusedly. "I know you thought I'd be with someone with a stronger personality, but he's the one who can make me relax."
"Good to see you guys happy. I think our proposal was a great idea."
"Yes, it was Q. You were always worried about the world. Good thing for you that the Goddess of Love didn't forget to give you children." She looked at the former High King and teased him. "Aren't you afraid of ruining your figure?"
"Nope. I want to experience everything possible in this relationship with Q." Turning to his husband, he threatened. "Don't even think about exchanging me for someone else."
"El, I've seen you with white hair and I guarantee that there is no more beautiful man. I won't leave you."
"No, honey, you were beautiful, even with that beard..."
"Stop. Too much sugar for me." Patting El’s leg, she stood up. "I go to bed with my partners. I can get along." She left leaving the two behind.
Quentin took the opportunity to stand up and extend his hand. "I think I want to go to bed too."
"I am all yours." Eliot gave him his best smile.
Nine months later
"Q, right now I love you and hate you at the same time. Don't ever ask me to have your child again." Eliot was in pain. Quentin was helping him out of bed. It was time for the baby to be born and they already had a doctor waiting for them. It would be a magical C-section, but that didn't ease the pain. Quentin stifled his laughter and was glad they had made the portal to the clinic in the room next to theirs.
"El, remember to breathe?" He wanted to encourage his husband. "This will help you, my love."
"Fuck you!...Did you warn Ted, Bambi and the others? If I'm going to die giving birth at least I want to see everyone." El wanted it all to end soon. The pregnancy was not difficult. A little nausea, cravings that drove Quentin crazy, making him go to London to buy sweets for afternoon tea. One day Margo came from Filory to bring peaches from the mosaic. Even the travelers helped with exotic cuisine that Q couldn't even describe.
The last two months have been very tiring. Eliot had a big belly and got tired all the time. Q got used to the constant complaints and a few sleepless nights to massage his beloved's sore body. Q ended up becoming an expert in aromas, bringing new oils for these massages. Yeah, he spoiled Eliot, but who can blame him?
"Yes, my love. I already sent the rabbit and sent the message in the group. Everyone was already on alert since you felt a greater discomfort yesterday." They had set up a warning group since Hope's birth. For Fran's birth, the rabbit arrived at their house and they informed everyone. The portal to Filory was used frequently. Fen was loved by everyone, and seeing her joy at having her daughter in her arms was priceless. Even little Hope went to Whitespire.
They were about to go through the portal when they heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Ted and Maryl arrived to help. Vivian was in class since it was around 9 AM on a Tuesday.
"My sons! How are you Eliot?" Ted was panting from running upstairs. "Do you need anything?"
"I'll never have a child again, I'll die from so much pain. I need drugs!" Eliot didn't need a big audience to be dramatic.
"Oh, my son, everything will be fine." The baby's grandfather tried to cheer him up.
"Quentin, where's the bag?" Maryl asked.
"Oh fuck! I was about to forget. Can you grab it from the armchair in our room?" Q asked his stepmother.
Maryl quickly grabbed the bag that contained clothes for the baby, as well as change for Q and El. The four of them walked through the portal together and Dr. Barnes was already waiting for them with a wheelchair. The couple quickly went to the surgical center while Ted and Maryl stayed at the reception. It didn't take long for everyone else to arrive, and soon their family was directed to a more private room where they could be more comfortable.
Meanwhile, Quentin put on a medical gown, cap and mask. He washed his hands to stand next to Eliot. He approached the love of his life and gently took his hand.
"Hey. How are you holding up?" He knew the pain could be more intense.
"Unexpectedly, a little better, and they only gave me a small pill." He looked deep into his man's worried but sweet eyes. "Sorry for my behavior earlier darling. I never thought about the pain."
"Don't worry. Everything will be fine. We'll have our baby with us soon." He smiled at Eliot who, with the arrival of Dr Barnes and Lipson, received more drugs. The Brakebills doctor insisted on participating in such an unusual birth.
After the anesthesia, everything went quickly. In a matter of seconds, Eliot had their son in his arms. The couple cried a lot, and Q kissed his son and husband, without being able to say a word.
There was so much love in the air that they didn't need words. It took a few minutes before you could hear anything other than small moans coming from the newborn that was snuggled against Eliot's chest.
"Q, is that our Teddy?" The question in Eliot's eyes was reflected in his partner's uncertain smile.
"I guess so, but what if, what if we have two boys and Teddy is the second?" It was the only thing he could say.
"We wanted to call him Teddy again. What will we do?" He stroked the baby's dark blond hair.
"I hope Julia can help us." He replied after thinking for a moment.
"How?" Eliot stared at Q's hands that were stroking the baby's back.
"Think with me, Aphrodite called her a demigod, right?" He looked back to see if he could find support.
"Yes, continue." Eliot was curious.
"She could try to contact the Goddess and ask. I'm only afraid of one thing." There was a doubt in his eyes.
"Afraid of what baby?"
"Let her think we're not grateful." He finished looking back at his son.
"Q, pay attention." He placed his free hand on his husband's chin, gently lifting his face so they could look at each other. "Asking doesn't make us ungrateful. I suspect she knows what's in our hearts."
"Yeah?" There was still doubt, but a hint of hope that everything could work out appeared on his features.
"Yeah." Eliot's soft voice was all he needed.
They were interrupted. A nurse wanted to measure and examine the baby and so she had to hold him for a few seconds. They watched as their son was examined, measured and weighed.
They were holding hands. The nurse prepared Eliot to return to the room and Q didn't leave his side. Their hearts were beating in the same rhythm when they heard a voice. They looked around and everyone else was frozen. When they looked at their son, they saw Aphrodite touch his forehead and a soft light illuminate the baby. She turned to them and smiled.
"I heard your doubts. Don't worry, you will still have your second child." Her smile lit up the room. "This is Teddy. The next baby will be a surprise. Enjoy this gift." She disappeared and everyone around moved again. Teddy was brought back to his parents, and the three of them were taken to their room.
After putting a nightgown on Eliot, a nurse came to give Teddy a bath and Q took the clothes they had chosen. A white jumpsuit, with a little jacket and red shoes. The collar of the coat was white with small fruits, peaches and plums, embroidered on it, closed with white buttons. A white knitted blanket, made by Fen, was used to wrap the boy, keeping him warm.
The family came to see the new member. Ted was the first to enter, hand in hand with Maryl and Vivian close behind them. Few minutes later, everyone else entered with Liam being the last, carrying a sleeping Hope in his arms.
"She wanted to wait, but she was tired." He stroked the girl's dark hair. "I'll wake her up soon or she won't forgive me."
Everyone was around the bed looking at the baby. Even Fran was quiet, just stretching her chubby fingers towards the new family member.
Eliot decided to speak after looking at Quentin. "We present to you Theodore Brian Coldwater. Our Teddy."
"OMG!" Margo exclaimed.
"Are you guys sure it's him?" Kady questioned.
"Yes, we do. Aphrodite paid us a visit." Q responded with a smile that showed his dimples.
"We'll be able to meet him." Fen muttered.
"I thought about him so much. Being able to watch him grow up..." Ted's voice was choked. Quentin looked and saw tears running down his father's face. Eliot, who was closest to Ted, reached for the older man's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
There was a lot of love involved in that room that only increased when Hope woke up and said. "Teddy, is that you?" The baby smiled and a discussion began about whether it was just gas or he, somehow, already knew his cousin.
Teddy grew up to be a calm and happy baby, just as he had been in the mosaic. Ted went to see his grandson almost every day, except when he traveled with Maryl. Julia also came to visit or demanded a visit, as Hope asked for him all the time. Fran also interacted whenever possible. They created a video communication channel between Whitespere and Earth. Julia created a good spell that had the support of Maryl, Penny and Liam. However, Fen had to bring Fran at least once a month to see her cousins. The age difference between them only made everything more fun.
Quentin was exhausted after finally putting Teddy to sleep next to Fran and Hope. Hope stayed but Julia and Liam returned home, after making Q promise to call them if they need help.
The one-year party had left everyone devastated. The kids had so much fun, Hope and Fran carrying Teddy everywhere. In the end, the kids fell into the pool. Eliot caught everyone with his telekinesis, and Kady cast a spell to dry the group of kids. Hope swore it was accidental, but they knew better.
Eliot helped Margo and Fen settle into the guest room, handing out towels and a new bath soap for them to try. Then he cast a spell to clean the house, using his power to remove the dishes. He saved the remaining food, with Josh's help. Everyone would be back the next day and he didn't want to wake up early. Josh, in a good mood, told him about Margo's conversation, who was still unsure about having a baby, but with Fen already wanting one more, she was feeling left behind.
When he went to his room, taking water for him and Q, he was feeling destroyed. It had been a warmer day, warmer than normal for a September day. He needed a shower, preferably with his man.
"Hey sweetheart." He saw Q slumped on the armchair in their room. "How about a shower?" The suggestion had no malicious tone. He knew they were both tired.
"Only if you get me out of here." The boy replied. He was almost without strength. Eliot laughed and with a gesture lifted him into the air. He approached and picked him up, giving him a light kiss on the lips, receiving a sound of approval. After another kiss, Eliot placed him on the floor in the bathroom, so they could take off their clothes.
The strong, warm water helped them relax and the couple practically leaned on each other's bodies. After a few minutes of just letting the water run down their bodies, they used Eliot's favorite soap, taking care of their partner.
Finally, in bed, Q was on his back and Eliot had his head on his shoulder, gently running his fingers down his lover's chest.
"El, do we really need to have a party every year?" He asked weakly.
"I don't even need to answer, right?" He answered softly.
"I know, but you can't blame a man for trying." His tone of voice wasn't sad, just resigned. He knew his husband and how much he loves to celebrate.
Eliot kissed his shoulder. "I promise to take it easy on some celebrations."
"Children are at an age where they really require more work. Hope getting into the pool with the two youngest was actually funny. It was really a hot today." He gave credit to his niece.
"Good thing we're already getting Teddy used to the pool. He will learn to swim sooner than later, just to be safe." He snuggled closer to Q's body.
"Baby, do we need to wake up early? I mean, before the kids?"
"No. Josh helped me and everything is ready. We just need to worry about coffee tomorrow." He changed his tone to tell the news about Margo. Gossip about his bestie. "He told me about Bambi's doubts about whether or not to have a baby. Fen already wants to have another one and they don't want to have two at the same time. I didn't want to be in his place." Eliot laughed.
"Me neither!" Q laughed along and turned a little to look at El. "What about our second baby? Shall we agree when we will do it?" There was a sparkle in his eyes. The amber eyes saw the expectation that was in the glow of the chocolate ones.
"My love, you are the one who will carry our next baby, so you choose when, just not today." They could not agree more. Both too tired to think about moving, no matter how good they can be together.
"We have to leave Teddy with his grandparents. We can't have any interruptions and he loves going there...or staying with Hope. Either option is good." He gave his partner a soft kiss. "I want to have your undivided attention when we make our next baby. If we do in the next few days, the baby will be born around my birthday."
"Next weekend?" Eliot raised his eyebrows, waiting for the answer.
"We have a deal." They kissed lovingly before falling asleep together.
A week later, they were leaving Teddy with Hope. Ted was going with Maryl to Paris the next morning. Teddy was happy and didn't even look back after Hope took him to the playroom. Fen was about to arrive with Fran and the cousins were going to have fun. The boys returned home knowing they would only call them as a last resort.
They passed through the portal around 6PM. The empty house brought a strange feeling to the couple. They looked at each other and smiled as they approached.
"I'm all yours Mr. Coldwater. I'm at your service." Malice was in the older magician's eyes.
"Um, I'm glad to hear that Mr. Coldwater. I want to enjoy every moment." He stood on tiptoes to kiss the man of his dreams with a goofy smile.
"Do you have plans for us my love?" He started kissing his husband's neck.
"To tell the truth…I do." He gave a low moan when El nibbled on his earlobe.
"All it takes is one command and I'll do whatever you wish, no matter what." Eliot kissed him on the mouth, and lightly bit his lower lip.
Quentin took him to the bathroom. Before they left, Q had left candles scattered around the bathroom, sparkling wine and glasses and a board with fruit, chocolate and cheese. With a gentle tut, the candles lit and with another, the bathtub began to fill.
"Do you want to choose the aroma of our salts, my love?" Q left that choice to his husband, while placing a kiss on his palm. Eliot smiled and raised his hand to caress his beloved's face. He used his special power to levitate and spread the essence throughout the bathtub. They spent a long time just teasing each other, touching each other, giving pleasure, until they realized it was time to go to the bedroom and ingest the pearl.
They woke up the next day around 10AM. One of them's phone buzzed with an incoming message.
Still drowsy, Quentin nudged Eliot. "Hey baby…yours or mine?"
"Hey...morning honey." He stretched and reached for the table next to him, where both devices were. "Yours. Julia."
Q took the device and unlocked it. "Voice message." He put it on speaker so they could both hear.
'Good morning sleepyheads. Your child has woken up and is already fed. How about, we all have lunch together, here? If you still need some more time, no problem. The kids are having fun with a cabin that the boys have set up for them. Let me know what you decide. Bye!'
"What are we going to do, my love?" Eliot said rubbing his partner's belly. "Do you want to stay in bed or would you rather go get our son?"
"Um, lunch won't be out until 1PM. We can stay in bed a little longer and then we'll have lunch with them." He shivered when Eliot's hands ran down his body. They made love once more before getting ready to meet their family.
Nine months later
"El! El! It is time!" Quentin's voice showed the pain he was feeling.
"Calm down, my love. I've already picked up the baby's bag and Teddy is still sleeping. I sent a message to the group. Can you wait just a few minutes? Ted and Maryl are on their way to take care of our son." He walked over to kiss his husband front. They had decided that everything would be like the previous pregnancy. Even Lipson would be present.
Eliot made Q lie on his side so he could massage his back, trying to give him a little more comfort. In two minutes, Ted and Maryl were there. "Curly Q, how are you? A lot of pain?" Ted knows very well that he shouldn't worry, but at the same time he couldn't help it. Quentin only groaned in response.
"Go Eliot, and take Ted with you. I'll wait for Teddy to wake up and I'll take him to you." Offered the woman who had been more his mother in recent years than his biological one. She had a smile on her face that showed her affection for everyone in that house.
"Are you sure love?" Ted asked.
"Yes, go with our sons. I'll be there as quickly as I can." She kissed her husband on the cheek, smiled at Q and El and watched them go through the portal. Soon after arriving and being greeted by the doctors, the rest of the group was there too. Everyone was waiting in the penthouse and the twins bliped all of them there, including Fen, Margo, Josh and the kids.
Like Eliot, Quentin felt a lot of pain but after medication, he managed to deal with all of it. He was a little more resistant to pain than his partner was. They were prepared for surgery. When he finished getting ready, Eliot approached his husband and held his hand.
"How are you darling?" Eliot would be by his side in that beautiful, but painful moment.
"Better now with the medicine. I love you El, but I also don't know if I would have another child. I am glad it was our last pearl." He gave a soft moan and Eliot stroked his hair gently.
"It'll be quick, just like it was for me." He assured the pregnant man.
"I hope so...will it be a boy or a girl? Not that it makes any difference...you know." Q's puppy eyes can melt any heart.
"I know baby. We'll manage. Don't worry." Only Q to worry about it at that moment. They already had that conversation before. Q even spent the day taking care of the Hope and Fran thinking about what could be different. "You've already taken care of the girls and done great. Stop worrying that pretty head of yours. You're a wonderful father." Eliot's eyes showed all the certainty he had in each word.
"Yeah?" Eliot knew him well. He was brave; he just needed a little support.
"I have no doubt. We will be fine, more than fine." He kissed his lips to give him some more confidence.
"It's time." Lipson warned.
Eliot squeezed his husband's hand a little tighter and kissed his forehead to reaffirm that they would always be together.
Just like the previous pregnancy, the baby was brought into the world quickly, with the magical cesarean section. It was a girl this time. There was a balance in this, since Fen was pregnant with a boy. The family was growing and the children rules their world.
Eliot had a smile wet with tears when they finally placed their daughter in Q's arms. She was beautiful, with darker hair, a fuller, pinker mouth. She threatened to cry, but when Q patted her after placing the newborn on his chest, she made a cute little noise and dozed off until they came to pick her up for the usual checkups.
"She's beautiful. Why was I afraid it was a girl?" Q asked, only taking his eyes off his daughter to look at his husband.
"Because you worry too much sometimes." Eliot gave him one more kiss on the forehead before finishing. "I love you, you know?"
"Yeah, I know. I love you too El." The smile that followed this statement left no room for any doubt.
When they finally got back to the room with the baby in their arms, they found Ted, Maryl and Teddy waiting for them. It was the little one's voice, that they heard first.
"Daddy, Daddy, our baby is here!"
Eliot picked him up as Quentin was placed on the bed. "Hey buddy, yes, our baby is here. You have a little sister!"
"A girl?" Ted's voice was cracking.
Eliot nodded as Q placed his daughter in his arms.
"Come closer and meet your granddaughter." Q said to Ted and Maryl with a goofy smile on his face.
"No, she's my sister." Teddy exclaimed after Eliot sat him down on the bed, right next to the baby. This was the most important thing for the child.
"Yes, she is son. I'm sure you will love her very much." Q said with a heart full of hope that the children would be each other's support in the future.
"No, Daddy. I already love her." His son's innocence and honesty heart is magical. Eliot saw his son gently place his fingers on his sister's arm. "When will she play with me? Does it take long for her to run?" That got some laughs.
"A little bit, but in the meantime you have your cousins." Q reminded him.
Soon after, the other members of the family entered. Teddy jumped out of bed to pull Hope and Fran to meet his sister, while Margo began to demand her rights as godmother to be the first to pick up the girl. She just conceded that Ted was first. Eliot had only picked up his daughter quickly while Q was taken to the room but did not complain.
Kady asked the question the parents had debated for months. "What's her name? I'm not going to call her baby all the time." She said teasing the two. Everyone knew they had chosen a name in case it was a boy, but were between two names in case it was a girl.
"Yeah, we decided to honor someone that were, are, special to us." Q looked at Eliot and waited for him to sit on the edge of the bed before continuing. "Arielle Marie Coldwater."
"We thought we would honor the woman who gave us our first family in the mosaic." Eliot held his partner's hand. Ari was on Margo's lap, who had sat on the small sofa in the room. Teddy and the girls were around her and excitedly commented that she would soon play with them. Fen caressed her own belly. There were still 40 days left, before she would bring a boy into the world. She was waiting to get to know the new girl more closely. Julia went to try to calm down the children who were starting to use their high-pitched voices, causing Arielle to make some noises.
The next day they were already home with their daughter. Margo and Fen decided to stay for a few days and the house was just a mess. The days were still warm and Teddy and her cousins were enjoying the pool, and the adults were all there. Q was just thankful that the sound-muffling spell allowed Ari to sleep well.
Josh and Ted were taking care of the food and Kady and Julia were taking care of the kids. Fen was helping them but got tired and took a seat to put her legs up. Her second pregnancy was making her more tired than the previous one. Maryl was happy to see Vivian with the kids too. Her daughter had become close to everyone since the beginning, but now she had become part of it. Her visits to Filory were making her mature, seeing the world in a different way.
One year later
Eliot was putting the final additions on the cake. Josh usually made the cakes for the festivities, but he really wanted to make the cake for his daughter's first birthday. It was a cake with flowers. The little girl loved all flowers. He joked that if she were an animal she would be a hummingbird. After giving the last touch, placing a beautiful yellow flower, he felt his husband's arms surrounding him from behind.
"Do you know how long I've been standing here, just waiting for you to finish so I can hug you?" He heard his husband say behind his back. Smiling he turned around.
"You could have stopped me, my love." He placed a kiss on the softest lips in the world.
"If you had seen yourself, how serious and focused you were you would have done the same. You looked beautiful, El, and you did a beautiful job. I think you deserve a special reward." The mischievous smile left no doubt as to what the prize would be.
"Don't promise if, at the end of the day, there's a good chance you'll be finished and you'll fall asleep as soon as you hit the pillow." In fact, he knew they would both be exhausted. The hope was to wake up before the kids the next day and have quality time in the arms of the love of his life.
"Yeah, you have a point, but we'll always have the next day, and the next, and the next...and the rest of our lives." He sealed the promise with a kiss full of love.
"You, disgusting bastards…I don't want your seed in my goddaughter's birthday cake! You can back off." The friend's powerful voice startled them.
"Bambi, weren't you putting the kids down for their afternoon nap?" He said without even letting go of his husband.
"Everyone sleeps like angels, except for Finn. Fen has started breastfeeding now. If I know him well, he'll soon be in dreamland too." She stopped to look at the cake. "Bitch, you did a good job. Shall we go downstairs with it? We have to finish setting everything up for when the kids wake up."
Eliot knew that Josh, Ted, and Maryl were taking up all the counter space in the kitchen. They would only make children's things, like popcorn, sandwiches, cookies and fruits. At the end of the day, they would have pizza, responding to Teddy's request, who was supported by Hope and Fran.
After baking and filling the cake early in the morning, El took it to the attic, where he had cleaned the table where his painting materials usually are, and thus had plenty of space to create his masterpiece.
The three of them went downstairs, and Eliot used his powers to get the cake safely downstairs, took it through the kitchen, and placed it on the patio table. They saw that Kady, Penny and Liam were creating a spell to make the courtyard look like an enchanted garden. Julia and Vivian were placing specials balloons in some spots throughout the garden. Everyone had waited for the children to go to sleep, to put together the surprise. Everything was perfect.
The party went as planned. The kids were having fun, and even Finn seemed enchanted by the decorations. Ari pointed to all the flowers. She learned to walk at 11 months, but still only spoke a few words, but that didn't stop her from showing her joy.
Q had gone to get a coat for the children when the temperature began to drop and when he returned he stopped for a moment. He observed that unlikely family they had today.
Kady had Penny back. Julia and Liam were thinking about their second child. Margo, Josh, and Fen had a happy family and a kingdom that reflected that happiness. Ted and Maryl, free from cancer, with Vivian and full of grandchildren.
Eliot, Teddy and Ari. A family he didn't think would be possible a few years ago. He felt tears in his eyes and lowered his head looking at the hands holding the children's coats. He laughed, muffled by tears he didn't want to shed. He and Eliot had adapted well to life as parents of two children. They didn't have much time to be alone anymore, but they were aware that the time would come when they would be alone again, and everything would be fine too. He was happy.
"My love? Is everything okay?" He felt Eliot's large, warm hands gently touch his face to make him look at him.
"Yeah. I just realized that life smiled at us. All of us. We, we are happy like I didn't dare to dream." He was looking deep into the eyes of the man he will ever love. There he could see the same love reflected and how his expression softened when he realized that he was emotional, yes, but with happiness.
Eliot approached him, removing the coats and with a gesture he made them float to Penny's hands, who had also approached. Their friend rolled his eyes but smiled, and went to dress the children.
"Baby, I understand you. Yesterday I found myself awake at dawn, looking at our sleeping children, thinking how happy I am and... That you and I built something magical and beautiful together." He moved his hands so they were both on either side of the most beloved face.
"Didn't magic come from pain? I think we both have done magic, yes, but it came from love." He teased while looking completely passionately at his husband.
"Maybe I was wrong about some things, but I think I can live with that." Eliot kissed him softly on the lips.
"I want to spend the rest of our long lives like this, in your arms, surrounded by the people we love." He started kissing his soulmate until they were interrupted.
"Daddy, Pappa, come play with us! Uncle Liam is doing magic." Excitement was clear in his son's voice.
"Even if we don't have the energy for sex today, I want your kisses." Eliot warned.
"You will always have my kisses. Always."
They went hand in hand to meet their family.