#lev cameron | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

fragmentedink-archived · 1 year

Text

Liminal: Chapter Two: Unexected Item in Bagging Area

cowritten by @lux-scriptum

Sending Eden to pre-school was just as upsetting for Lev as it was for Eden. He hated he couldn’t be the one to take her, to walk her to her classroom on her first day, and promise they’d be back for her in just a few hours. It was only a half day, she was only just turned four and wouldn’t be able to go to kindergarten until next year.

And yet Eden was grey faced in her anger over being forced to go, when Cruz didn’t have to, and Lev was morose in how much he’d miss his bitty girl in the several hours she wouldn’t be home. He held Cruz in his arms, and watched Cameron and Nik drive off, Eden’s angry shrieks only slightly muffled until they were at the treeline that hid the rest of the long driveway.

“She’ll be home soon,” Lev told Cruz, who lifted silver eyes to Lev and sucked on his thumb contentedly.

As he walked back to the playroom, Darius wove in between his legs, his purring filling the silence. The little spotted cat pulled away, tail hooked upright as he led the way. Lev found it hard to bring himself to put Cruz down to play.

The baby seemed content to play, especially with the newfound quiet of not having Eden around to take his toys and bully him in general. That was how Nik and Cameron found him a while later.

“How’d she take it?” Lev asked sadly, looking to Cameron for his answer.

Nik wormed his way around Cameron and beelined for Cruz. “Hello, conejito,” Nik said, fondly, coming in and immediately scooping up Cruz to plant a kiss on his brown cheek.

Cameron seemed less than pleased with his experience of taking Eden to school for the first time. “As well as to be expected,” he replied, neutrally.

“So not well,” Lev said, deflating some. He switched his gaze to Nik holding Cruz, though when Darius climbed in his lap and pushed his golden head against Lev’s chin, whiskers tickling, Lev sighed, running a hand down his back. “She’ll get used to school,” Lev added, more to convince himself than anyone else.

“Not like she has much of a choice,” Cameron said, fixing his cufflink. “From what I understand, you must be schooled until adulthood, whether you like it or not.”

Lev hummed, standing up with Darius and holding him as if he were a baby. “Yeah,” he said, letting Darius reach out with a slender paw and slowly tap his cheek. “Hopefully she learns to like it,” Lev muttered. “It’s not fun to hate school the whole time. And you learn less then.”

“I learned plenty,” Nik said, nibbling on Cruz’s tiny fingers. “I’m sure she’ll figure it out.”

Lev shot Nik a glare, but just shifted so that Darius could sit on his shoulder. “What’s the plan for today?” He asked, trying to force his mood to lift. “I can't imagine your schedule includes standing around all day, and I don’t want to keep you too long.”

Cameron lifted a brow at Lev’s attempt to improve his own spirits. “I have paperwork to do and unless there is something you require of me, I will leave you to babysit Nik and the baby.”

Lev bit his lip to hide a smile at Nik’s offended expression. “It’s not babysitting if it’s my own kid,” Lev said, but he nodded anyway. “Am I in charge of lunch today or is that on your schedule too?’

Cameron seemed to heavily weigh the pros and cons of meal prep or not. “You can make lunch if you wish,” he said, finally. “Perhaps it will lift your… mood with Eden not here.”

Lev grimaced, but all he did was promise, “I’ll clean up after myself. And bring you some, when it’s ready.” Cameron was clearly trying to be delicate about how Lev was feeling, and he appreciated the effort, a lot, as clumsy as Lev considered it.

“Hm.” Cameron gave a curt nod. “Very well, then. I’ll be in my office.” He flicked his cool blue eyes at Nik. “Behave.”

“He’s two,” Nik said, frowning.

“I was talking about you,” he replied, turning on his heel and disappearing from the doorway.

---

A week in and they had a new schedule. It took an hour and a half to wind down for bed, mostly to trick Eden into thinking she’d won not going to bed until she fell asleep herself. And within an hour of the adults piling into their own bed, Eden woke up with nightmares.

Most of the time Lev got up to comfort her. He missed her during the day, so it wasn’t a problem to snuggle to help her sleep the rest of the night through. He hummed little songs half remembered from his own childhood and tried to ignore that he didn't really fit that well on a toddler bed unless he scrunched up.

And then, again, each morning. He’d wake up, never quite fully rested, arms full of toddler and with Cameron giving him that look. It was one of Cameron’s unreadable ones, of which there were many, but Lev was starting to suspect this one was more calculating than anything else. Cameron was doing math in his head. What kind, Lev couldn’t figure out.

“Time to get up,” was all Cameron said, though, before he left.

Right on schedule.

Lev dropped his head back on the pillow, sighing. He gave himself a few seconds, and then sat up, pulling Eden with him. She grumbled at him, tucking her face against him. Still, half the battle was getting her sitting upright, so no matter how she tried to slither out of his lap and under the covers. “Good morning, bitty girl,” Lev said, trying for cheerful.

“Nooooooo.”

Lev chuckled, and scooted to the edge of the bed so he could plant her on her feet. Same tactic he used with Nik. “It’s time to get up, baby.”

Eden, unsurprisingly, melted to the floor, or at least tried to. She whined at him when Lev refused to let her just flounder and held her up. “I’m tired,” she declared. “So I’m going to bed.”

“You have to get ready for school, bitty girl.” He pressed a stubborn kiss to her forehead. “But you can pick out your outfit today.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t want to. They’re boring and mean.”

“Unfortunately you do have to go,” Lev informed her. “It’ll get less boring. Who’s being mean to you, though?”

“Everyone,” she said, firmly and wiggled free. “They blame me for everything.”

“What, baby?” Lev let her go. “What do you mean?”

She splayed her arms and stalked over to her closet, haughtily. “Someone broke the toys but it wasn’t me.” She folded her arms over her chest, eyes glued to her closet with the most pensive look a four year old could muster.

“That’s...” Lev followed her, reaching out and resting his hand on her shoulder. “I’ll have you dad talk to them. If you didn’t do anything, you shouldn’t be getting blamed.” He tucked a lock of silvery white hair behind her ear. “That’s not fair. We’ll take care of it,” he promised. “Now pick something out to wear,” he prompted after, kissing her cheek.

Eden once again scrunched up her face, but started to riffle through her clothes, looking at each piece of clothing before ripping it off the hanger and letting it fall on the floor. Nearly half of her closet ended up in a messy pile before Eden decided on what to wear.

Making a mental note to clean that up later, Lev helped her get dressed, and then offered her his back for a piggyback ride to breakfast. Once she had scrambled up, he hitched her high and jogged down the halls with an exaggerated motion until she giggled. Her mood seemed much improved by the time Lev settled her in her booster seat (she’d eschewed a high chair well over a year ago with many instances she was a big girl.)

Breakfast was as quiet an affair as was normal for Eden, especially since Nik seemed barely awake enough to feed a docile and equally sleepy Cruz. Lev kept up his bouncy attitude until Cameron packed up Eden and Nik and Cruz to take Eden to school. Only then did he shuffle back to his own bed and flop down.

Within a few minutes Darius settled next to him, curling around him in a comforting hug. Lev rested his head on Darius’ shoulder and sighed. “I almost wish we could homeschool her,” Lev mumbled.

Darius played with a few locks of Lev’s hair. “She needs more socialization than we can provide her,” Darius said. “And more time around kids her own age- friends.”

“She doesn’t seem to be making any.” Lev touched Darius’ wrist lightly. “She says they’re blaming her for things happening. I’m going to have to talk to Cameron about it.”

Darius’ brown face smoothed out, thoughtfully, consideringly. “What kinds of things?”

“Toys getting broken was the only example I was given.”

“Children her age have a harder time controlling their strength,” Darius offered. “Perhaps she isn’t the only one struggling to adjust to being around other children, especially at this particular school.”

“I guess,” Lev said. He sighed. “I hope it is a good idea, them opening a school for children from both kingdoms. I want there to be less tension, but if even the little ones are struggling?”

“Even the smallest of us are sensitive to each other's energies,” Darius replied. “Especially when they share homes with those who have been submerged in grief from the war. Pain echoes.”

“True,” Lev admitted. He could see it in every demon he interacted with, even if that number was limited. “I hope she can adjust.”

They stayed like that, foreheads pressed together, until Cameron got home with Nik and Cruz in tow. Again, Cameron had that look on his face. Lev decided to let him do his thinking and calculating and whatever else, and tucked his face against Darius. He couldn’t wait until Eden got home.

---

After Cameron had taken Eden to school, he had them all congregate in the kitchen. Darius waited patiently, in his chair, drinking tea and watching Nik mindlessly play with Cruz’s hair while he slept on Nik’s shoulder. There wasn’t a day Darius could think of since Nik came home with the little one where Nik allowed for him to nap anywhere besides with him.

Lev sat pleasantly on the counter, swinging his legs and drinking the herbal tea Darius supplied him. He’d offered some to Nik, who refused it for the black instant coffee contraband he kept squirreled away somewhere. Though knowing Cameron, Darius was certain Cameron knew of its existence. He supposed Cameron only allowed it since no one thought to bring it to his attention. Then he’d be forced to remove it from the premises. On principle.

Cameron had gone through the trouble of supplying each of them with a three page packet of diagnostics and a very carefully laid out, thorough, three to five year plan for the four of them. Nik was the first to skim through them, his brows raising bit by bit as he skimmed through the paperwork. “Did you make an infographic of something you could have just spent five minutes telling us?”

Cameron seemed to ignore Nik’s question and popped Lev upside the head, telling him to get off his countertop. Lev hopped down and came to take a place next to Darius, thumbing through the papers thoughtfully. He looked up at Cameron. “What is this?”

“That,” Cameron said, “is a three to five year plan I have put together to give you a child of your own. It takes in account fertility issues and complications you may face, especially due to the lands still healing. But I am also tired of seeing your face always looking like that everytime I take Eden to school, so I elected to fix it.”

Lev gave each page a very careful look over, eyebrows raised. “It’s color coded,” Lev said, clearly impressed. After a few seconds, his face fell. “I was that obvious?”

“Never play poker, Levant,” Nik said, still looking through his pack in puzzled amusement.

“It’s very thoughtful,” Darius said to Cameron.

Cameron looked irritably at him. “It really is not.”

“Hmm.”

“I think it is,” Lev said, smiling a little. He carefully set the pages down, smoothing them out before he looked at Cameron. His eyes were big with poorly disguised hope. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”

“It will get you to stop looking like someone kicked your dog,” Cameron replied.

Darius did note his nonanswer, but elected to not comment on it. He did not think Cameron would appreciate the pushback against something he had spent time building a plan to fit into his life and routine while still managing to take care of and provide for those who lived in his house.

“Not allowed to have a dog,” Lev said, not really seeming to notice he was even talking. He flipped through the pages again. “I- there’s even a good gap already with the little ones...” If his eyes could form hearts, they would have, as he looked back up at Cameron.

“I am aware,” Cameron said. “I wrote it.”

Nik snorted and muttered into his coffee cup.

Lev dragged his attention to Nik. “Are you okay with this?” He looked anxiously at Darius. “Are you? Just- just cus I want- doesn’t mean I need one.”

Nik plopped a hand on Lev’s shoulder, careful to not jossle Cruz. “Levant. Shut up.”

Lev blinked. “Okay.” He smiled, bit his lip. “Okay.”

Cameron merely rolled his eyes. As pragmatic as this was, and as uncaring as Cameron seemed to many people, Darius did not think there was any true selfish desire from Cameron, though Cameron understanding holding space for himself, did seem to be a bit lost on himself still. But again, Darius did not comment on it.

“Any questions or concerns,” Cameron asked.

After starting to shake his head, Lev paused. “When... When could we start trying?” he asked, sounding shy this time.

“If you read the paperwork,” Cameron said, “your next heat should be an optimal time to start trying to procreate.”

“Only you could make clinical terminology sound sexy, Cameron,” Nik crooned.

“I’m on suppressants,” Lev said blankly. It took a few blank stares - tired stares - before he went, “Oh. Ohhh. No suppressants anymore. Right.”

Cameron’s mouth tugged down at Lev’s momentary pause of common sense. “Right,” he deadpanned.

Despite knowing better, Lev bounced to his feet and threw his arms around Cameron. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he said, stiffly.

---

Lev fiddled with the pillows in his nest. It’d taken a couple of weeks for the suppressants to work their way out of his system, but he was well on his way to his heat. Cameron had set up care for the little ones, and Lev had all the time and space to build his nest while his temperature rose.

Eventually he circled the bed a few times. Satisfied, he found Nik watching from the doorway. He squinted, and then grabbed Nik by the hand. It took little effort to propel Nik onto the bed, and even less to crawl up beside him, burrowing close. “Didn’t smell enough like you,” Lev mumbled.

Nik laughed, though it didn’t feel like it was at him. After receiving a proper kiss from Nik, Lev bit down on Nik’s shoulder. “‘S Cameron coming?” Lev asked, trying to wiggle inside Nik’s shirt.

“He’ll be here,” Nik assured him.

“...Darius?” Lev asked, giving up on getting inside Nik’s shirt and instead pushing it up in hopes of taking it off.

“He’ll be here when he needs to be.” Nik let Lev wiggle them both out of their clothes, kissed him when Lev tilted his head just so, before Lev even had time to pull out the plead-y eyes.

Somehow Lev found himself hovering over Nik, straddling one of Nik’s thighs as he got kiss after kiss, just barely clinging to the ability to think straight. “I-” Lev dropped the train of thought in favor of pressing close, squeezing his eyes shut. It took him a solid minute to find it again, or at least something close enough to it. “I don’t remember it being so strong before.” Nik practically felt cool under his fingers where he splayed them on Nik’s chest.

“That’s what you get for not having a heat in over two years,” Nik said, flicking him on the nose.

“Gone longer,” Lev mumbled. “Never had to-” He paused, stole a kiss. Stole two. “Never had to fight to think before.” Maybe thinking was overrated. He wanted another kiss.

Nik laughed. “You sure about that?”

It took Lev a few seconds. “Hey.” He leaned forward, and nipped Nik’s nose. “Mean.”

“I am mean,” Nik said, solemnly. “Very mean.”

Lev barely gave that commentary the time of day, and instead kissed Nik again, insistent. “Touch me?”

Nik pulled Lev down on top of him, brown fingers trailing along Lev’s body, leaving traces of cool relief in every place he touched. That was enough to tide him over for a bit, enough that Lev tucked his face in Nik’s neck, purring so hard his vision vibrated.

Lev almost didn’t notice Cameron coming. He twisted, trying to keep his skin plastered to Nik as much as he could, locking his eyes on Cameron. The pale alpha was undressing in his usual meticulous way. Nik snagged Lev’s chin, pulling Lev into another kiss. Lev went willingly, pressing close again until Cameron’s hands slid up Lev’s spine.

A kiss pressed against the back of Lev’s neck, and Lev moaned, pressing up against him, even as he whined at the loss of Nik at his front. Wanted his mate close, wanted his alpha close too. His fingers scrabbled for a shirt that wasn’t there to pull Nik against him, but Nik indulged him, and Cameron’s fingers were sliding inside.

“More?” Lev pleaded. Felt himself being opened up proper, pleaded again anyway, “More?”

Despite the firm “Hush,” he got, a hand wrapped around his neck, pulled him up enough Cameron had room to stretch him for his cock. He almost choked on the purrs that combated with the moan that bubbled up. He shoved back, dragging his mate with him.

“Don’t get greedy,” Nik said, a teasing tone.

“My heat,” Lev retorted, stole a kiss to keep his mate from teasing again. “Kiss me.”

Nik’s brows rose. “Make me.”

This time Lev’s tugging didn’t do much, and there was a little smile on Nik’s face. It didn’t help that Cameron had set a steady pace, practically making Lev go cross eyed. After a few seconds Lev bit down on Nik’s shoulder instead, groaning. He hadn’t thought that would do anything, but his mate grabbed him by the hair, jerking him up for a kiss that was almost a mashing of teeth than a proper kiss.

Lev nuzzled down Nik’s neck, leaving little nips and kisses as he went, not even bothering to question what his next move was until he headbutted Nik’s chest lightly. “My heat,” Lev muttered, almost purred when Nik’s hand rested on his hair. “Want you, too.” He nosed down Nik’s abdomen as best he could with Cameron’s thrusts jostling his face against Nik’s stomach.

Right as he managed to get his mouth around Nik, Cameron gave a particularly powerful thrust, shoving Lev down Nik’s cock much sooner than he expected. Lev gagged, got pulled off wheezing, and mashed his face against Nik’s stomach with the next thrust in a matter of seconds. He heard Nik snort, felt a tug on his hair, but all he cared about was trying again.

This attempt was more successful, filled him just right. He dug his fingers into Nik’s thighs, but other than that he let Nik and Cameron set the pace, knew they’d make sure a cock was inside him at all times. And they did.

Each time Cameron pressed deeper, Lev found himself pushed further into his heat. Someone’s hand ran down his side, another squeezed his throat, emphasized the dick in there, and another yanked on his hair. Only after Nik groaned and yanked Lev against him all the way did Lev realize Nik was coming.

Nik pulled out of Lev’s mouth before he was fully done. Despite gasping for breath, Lev leaned after it. He could hear Nik chuckle, but Cameron pulled him back. The distraction was enough Lev arched against him, grinding down. Finally Nik deigned to kiss him, though it was soon proven to be a trap, as Nik immediately followed it with a solid lick to the face. Lev scrunched up his face. When he opened his mouth, he found himself kissing Nik instead of complaining. Cam’s hand squeezed again, making Lev’s breath stutter against the pressure, just as Nik’s found Lev’s cock.

Cameron’s knot was starting to stretch Lev further; soft, gasping moans were interspersed between the desperate kisses Lev demanded from his mate. As Lev’s omega crooned in satisfaction, Cameron bit down on his shoulder, right over the bite he’d left a few years ago after Rem-

A rush of hormones swept those unwanted thoughts away, overwhelmed him, and Nik’s hand brought him over the edge right with Cameron. His cry was muffled by the next harsh kiss Nik gave him. Nik even followed Lev as he slowly melted back against Cameron’s steady strength. If Lev’d been in any state to remember, he knew they’d planned on Cameron giving Lev the mating bite (it was in the packet) but right now all Lev knew was his alpha and his mate and the knot, and the purrs building in his throat.

After a few test swipes of Nik’s thumb over the head of his cock that sent aftershocks shuddering through Lev, both his mate and his alpha ran their hands along his skin until he relaxed. The heat inside eased enough he closed his eyes, relished Nik’s cooling kisses wherever they landed.

By the time Cameron pulled out and started cleaning them up, Lev was more than lulled halfway to sleep. He broke into purrs, nuzzling close to Nik. After a few moments of peace, another cool body pressed against Lev. The familiar scent of Darius further soothed him, but he didn’t have the energy to roll over, so he let himself drift off, his mate on one side, Darius on the other, and a strange but distinct awareness letting him know Cameron was getting the rest of his heat’s necessities set up in the meantime.

---

Even though Lev was beyond excited, sending Eden to school still pulled at Lev’s heart, especially when she didn’t want to go. He did his best to hide it, not wanting to seem ungrateful. He wasn’t. Especially since his heat had worked. Lev was lucky that he had Sazra living in Cameron’s house. She had been able to tell early.

Every time missing Eden caught him unawares, as silly as it was to miss her when she was only gone for a few hours, he found himself seeking out Cruz, as often as Nik let him (not too often), or running his fingers across his still soft tummy.

Still, this was one of the few times Nik had let Lev abscond with Cruz. Even if absconding meant holding while Nik hovered right at his shoulder. Cruz, to his credit, was content to sit on Lev’s hip, kicking his feet and chewing on his little fist, silver eyes crinkled in silent laughter as Nik made faces at him. Lev pressed kisses to Cruz’s cheek, smiled at his silent giggles.

It took ten minutes before Lev realized they’d been standing for much longer than that, Lev swaying back and forth gently. Grabbing Nik’s hand, he pulled them into Cruz's ursery. Lev settled with Cruz on his lap, while Nik grabbed a few toys for Cruz to play with. Always content, Cruz grabbed at whichever toy caught his interest, and Lev wrapped his arms around the baby lightly while he stared contentedly at Nik.

“I want to start planning the nursery,” Lev said, tilting his head a bit.

Nik’s brows lifted in surprise. “I- sure,” he said. “We can do that. But isn’t it a bit… early? For that?”

“I don’t see why,” Lev replied, tucking an errant lock behind Cruz’s ear. “Cameron has his five year plan. I’m perfectly healthy right now. I’m not saying putting it together right now, we can give it a little while, but- plans? Wallpaper and crib styles, that’s all.”

Nik didn’t look completely sold on Lev’s logic, but he still shrugged. “If you want,” he said. “Besides I’m sure Cameron is already ten steps ahead of either of us.”

Lev hummed. “He is,” Lev agreed. “Which is why I'm sure he won’t be surprised by my request.” He looked around the room. “I like the dark woods he got for Cruz’s nursery, but I don’t think I want an ocean theme. That’s yours and Cruz’s.”

“Uh, yeah,” Nik said. “That would be copying.”

“And we wouldn’t want to do that,” Lev agreed, hiding his smile. “Still, I’m- hm. I’m feeling lots of blues and purples maybe? Lots of soft things.”

“That tracks. You are a soft person.”

Lev stuck out his tongue. “And babies need soft in the beginning. Their skulls aren’t even fully formed yet.”

“Wouldn’t want the baby to break their face on Cameron’s cheekbones,” Nik said, in a very serious tone. “That would be bad for everyone.”

“Well we can’t exactly do anything for that,” Lev said thoughtfully. “But we can keep the floor safe for them.” He heaved a sigh. “It’s too early to wonder about gender, for sure.”

“Gender isn’t everything,” Nik said, “But you can always just pile away a bunch of pink and blue shit if you want.”

“I know,” Lev promised. “I don’t really care; whoever they are, they’re mine. Besides, pink doesn’t seem right. Doesn’t fit.”

Nik rolled his eyes, but affectionately. “I’ll make sure to keep a mental note, I guess.”

“Thank you,” Lev said, smiling. “I appreciate it. Now- I’m going to wait a little, definitely, but I think we should explain to the little ones.”

That unsure look flashed across Nik’s face once more, but still, he said, “If you want, sure.”

Lev sighed, looking down. “Not like I have anyone else to tell,” he admitted. “And I don’t want them to be blind sided.”

“Well, you still have the chance to break it to Ash,” Nik said cheerfully.

Lev froze, blinking hard. “No one told Ash?” he squeaked.

“Well it is your business,” Nik said.

“I- I should do that,” Lev mumbled. “The longer we wait, the madder he’ll be we didn’t tell him.”

“Good luck with that,” Nik said with laughter in his voice. “He’s always mad about something or another.”

---

Ash had gotten used to finding his footing within the last several months of being completely blind. However he still wasn’t pleased with requiring assistance with any aspect of his day, especially in regard to his work or his son. But he was still both pleased and surprised that Lev invited him over, but also suspicious, as Lev didn’t seem like the type to strike Ash of all people up for a conversation.

He knocked on the massive front doors of Cameron’s home, resting his weight on his cane, waiting impatiently to be let in. He could tell it was Lev, by the slow, anxious way the door sounded being opened. “This isn’t ominous at all,” Ash remarked. “You going to let me in or stand there a shaking mess?”

“I’m not shaking,” Lev grumped at him, but he backed up to let him in. “Cameron made snacks.”

Ash made his way inside and let Lev lead him towards the kitchen. He planted himself at the table and picked at some fruit while he waited for Lev to spit out whatever it was he was afraid of telling him.

“I’m pregnant,” Lev finally said, sitting down heavily next to him.

Ash stopped. Frowned. And sat the fruit down. “You know,” he said. “I’m trying to decide if I’m more offended that you clearly are so afraid of telling me for whatever warped reason your tiny little brain can come up with, or if I’m offended that you didn’t even think to talk to me about possible pregnancies in the future after you were dead for months and the impact that could have you and your body. But I guess since I don’t have my magic anymore, my opinions don’t really matter to you.”

“It’s not like that,” Lev protested. “I just- once Cameron offered, I didn’t even think it through. And I didn’t think to tell you because I can’t talk to my family at all, so- not that you’re my family, but- you know.”

“No I don’t Lev,” he said, irritably. “I am your doctor. Between you and Amara constantly doing this shit to me I’m quite frankly irritated with the both of you. Did you even stop to think about the risks of being forced to give birth in a land that you poisoned less than five years ago, or?”

Lev hesitated audibly. “No, I didn’t.” He sighed. “There was a packet, a fancy five year plan, and- I’m perfectly healthy. Even if I wasn’t worried about it, Cameron would still shuttle me down stairs every week to Sazra. I’m lucky to have a live in healer, and-”

“Ah, yes, because the agoraphobic demon in your basement and the serial killer you call your boyfriend know everything about curses and magic that’s killed millions of healthy infants,” Ash said. “Did Cameron include all of that in his fancy packet?”

Lev shuffled with something, the packet most likely judging by the sound. “Page two, on the back side,” Lev mumbled. “In the case of miscarriages and complications...”

“That’s rich.”

“I don’t know what else to say,” Lev admitted.

“I’m sure you don’t,” Ash said, sighing sharply. “But if Cameron and his fancy packet of papers can save your ass, then don’t let me stop you. But next time, either tell me about your idiodic plans before you go through with them or don’t tell me at all. I don't need to be an afterthought. Thanks.”

“I’m sorry, I really am,” Lev said softly. “As soon as I realized no one told you, I reached out.”

Ash gave him a thin smile. “Well good on you, then. Did you forget to tell anyone else, or am I just the last person on the stop.” Aside from Lev’s family, that was.

There was an uncomfortable pause, and then a pained gasp. “I forgot to tell Zareth.”

“My condolences,” he deadpanned.

“This is going to hurt him so much,” Lev whispered.

“....what’s going to hurt me?” came a deep male voice from the doorway.

If Ash was a betting man, he’d say that was Zareth.

“Cameron said you had to talk to me about something?”

Ash did not miss the tired, reserved sound in the demon’s voice. Ash did not utter a word and bit into the apple still in his hand, letting Lev dig himself his grave. Again.

Lev’s chair scraped against the floor. “I- he did?” His swallow was audible. “I- oh I didn’t- I didn’t prepare for-” Another small breath. “He didn’t warn me you’d- I’m pregnant.”

The silence in the room was suddenly very heavy. Zareth eventually cleared his throat, and Ash could imagine him shoving his hands in his pants, with how awkward he sounded. “Well. Congratulations,” he said. “I wish you and yours much happiness.”

“Zareth, wait- I’m- I’m sorry. Really, I am.” Unsurprisingly, his voice broke a little.

“No, it’s fine,” Zareth said. “This was something you had been wanting. I’m happy you’re finally able to get something you've been waiting for for a while.”

“Right,” Lev said in a small voice. “I- that’s all the news I have,” he finally said. “It’s really early still.”

“I hope things go well for you and yours,” he said. “If you don’t mind, I think I'm gonna head out, then,”

“Okay,” Lev replied. “Okay. Um. Yeah.”

When Ash was certain Zareth was gone, he cleared his throat. “So, that was kinda painful,” he remarked. “Did you shoot his dog or something?”

“He was trying for a child,” Lev admitted heavily, settling next to Ash. “Long before- before I came back. He and his wife weren’t having any luck before then, and now-”

“And now you shot their chance to hell?” Ash deadpanned.

“A little.” Lev thunked what Ash assumed was his head on the table. “A lot.” He gave a sigh. “I’ll keep you updated, I guess?” He paused again. “Am I allowed to ask how Amara is?”

“Are you?”

“I don’t know, Ash, that’s why I’m asking before I ask,” Lev snipped, an uncharacteristic bit of fire to his muffled voice.

“Why don’t you ask someone else, then” Ash said, irritation inflaming by Lev’s tone. “You don’t get to use me as an afterthought and then ask me about people you’re not even supposed to be talking to. I suggest asking someone else more inclined to hold your hand.”

Ash got up from the table and started his way for the kitchen door.

“Ash, wait-” Lev tried. “Ash- I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”

“You know,” Ash said, stopping, “your family seems to have an uncanny ability to ask me shit then ignore me and then be assholes to me when I get pissed when I get ignored in the first place. You and Amara are more alike than either of you think. You should work on that.”

“I’m sorry,” Lev repeated, somehow sounding both hurt and very tired. “I will keep you updated, I promise. Unless you don’t want to be.”

“Alright,” Ash sighed. “You do that. Or don’t. Whatever. I don’t care anymore.”

“Okay,” Lev replied.

Ash gave Lev another heartbeat to speak, but when he offered nothing else, Ash found his way back to the car where the driver was waiting for him to take him home, where Ash was decidedly going to take a very long shower.

----

Lev knew it was still early; he was barely showing, could easily hide it with how plump he already was, but he still (after hashing it out with Nik and Cameron) decided to sit Eden and Cruz down to try to explain. He tucked Eden close, pressing a kiss to her head.

“We have some big news for you, bitty girl,” Lev said, trying to fill his voice with nothing but enthusiasm.

Eden seemed enamored with the doll in her hands, but she still seemed to be paying some attention to him, when she said, “Hm?”

“We’re having another baby,” Lev said, anxiously smoothing her hair.

Eden’s head snapped up. “Why?”

Of all the questions, Lev hadn’t expected that one. “Why? Because... because I wanted one?”

“No.” Eden said, firmly, dropping her doll on the ground. “No more.”

“It’s a little late for that, bitty girl,” Lev said gently. He touched his stomach, almost absently. “We’re having a baby.”

“Well I don’t want one,” she said, crossing her arms. “I don’t like Cruz, either.”

“Baby...” He gave her a hug. “Having another baby doesn’t mean you’re any less loved. I have plenty for all of you. Besides, what if it’s a little girl? Wouldn’t you like a little sister?”

Eden wiggled her way out from beneath him. “No!”

“Eden,” Lev tried, letting her go without protest. “Unfortunately no isn’t an option.”

“I don’t like you,” she said, crossly. “I don’t want a baby. You have two!”

Much to Lev's annoyance, Eden’s words triggered his hormonal tears. He fought them as best he could, and said, “And soon I’m going to have a third. It’s okay if you need a bit to think about it, get used to it.”

“And if I don’t?”

“The baby will be here eventually either way, baby.” And he really hoped the time would help.

“Will you make me go away again if I don’t like the baby?”

And oh, that hurt, so much. “No, no, of course not baby.” Hurt worse when she wouldn’t let him hold her again. He didn’t push, though. “You’re not going away again. You don’t have to like the baby. You’ll have to get used to them, but you don’t have to like them. I promise.”

“You’re lying,” she said, sounding accusatory.

“I’m not. I would never lie to you.” He offered her doll to her. Maybe that would comfort her since he wasn’t able to. “I can get your dad to prove it, if you want. He knows when we lie, doesn’t he?”

Eden pursed her lips. “Dad lies too.”

Lev sighed. “Well, I’m not lying. I love you very much, and a new baby isn’t going to change that.”

“Well I don’t believe you,” she said, primly. “And I don’t want a baby.”

“The baby is already on the way,” Lev told her sadly, touching his belly again. “But if I need to I’ll tell you any way you need.”

“Why, you don’t listen,” Eden said. “I’m going to go play with my toys.”

Lev watched her go, pulling one knee close to his chest, or as close as he could anyway. He hadn’t really expected anything else, and yet- it did hurt, a little. Hopefully he could win her over before the baby got here.

---

It had been a bit after taking Eden to school that Nik got Cruz settled on his hip, letting him nap while he had wandered around the manor. It hadn’t taken him long, really, to find Lev, not that he actually needed to go searching for him. Wasn’t like he had many places he could wander off to.

He found Lev cleaning up the zoo that was Eden’s room, though he seemed to be spacing a bit since he was currently folding and refolding the same shirt without even realizing it. He wasn’t sure how to help without sounding like too much of a dickhead. Pregnancies were already precarious with angels and demons, both, and that didn’t even include the weird shit that happened to the demonic territories. Both he and Cameron tried to warn him, in their own way, but Lev seemed inclined to listen to neither of them.

It took Lev a moment to realize he was there. “Oh. Hi,” he said, clearly trying to force his usual wide eyed smile.

Nik tried to not look so pained. “You okay there, bud?”

“Hm?” Lev looked down at the shirt. “Oh. I- yeah.” Even Lev seemed to realize how bad of a lie that was, but all he did was unfold the shirt and start folding it again, smoothing the creases fastidiously.

“Sure about that?”

Lev winced. “I’m fine. I’m- I’m fine.” He finally put the shirt away, and bent to pick up another. “Complications are expected. I’m not an exception.”

“I dunno, you kinda seemed to… be expecting to think you were,” Nik winced. “But that doesn't mean it still doesn’t suck.”

“Right. It... sucks.” Lev swallowed hard. He reached up as if to wipe his eyes, and seemed startled to see he wasn’t crying. “I am- I’ll be okay. I won't just stop functioning because I mis- because I miscarried.”

“Mhmm.”

Nik wasn’t too sure he believed that, considering Lev was… Lev. But he was sure it’d end up fine in the end when he did have a pregnancy that stuck.

---

Lev hadn’t enjoyed telling Eden, or Cruz, but it was a little obvious when his belly never actually grew. Turns out they’d not really understood what all having a baby, making a baby, involved but Cameron had taken over explaining that. Lev didn’t think he liked the way Eden looked at him afterwards. Cruz was Cruz, and Nik seemed more willing to let Lev hold him when he wanted, but that usually meant when Cruz took naps all three of them did, curled up in Cameron’s bed with Cruz tucked between them.

Somehow Lev didn’t think Cameron minded having Nik, Lev, and Cruz out of his hair.

The conversation with Ash about... everything had been strange. As usual, somehow Ash had been quite blunt and more than a little pissy, but overall, helpful. It led to Lev getting a therapist, though Lev was not sure how much he was allowed to tell her. He really needed to message Biela, get confirmation, but- it kept slipping his mind, and so he kept the details to himself.

Nik was still worried about him; that was fair. Lev was not good at lying, and they all knew he was when he said he was okay. He was trying to be okay, though, so that had to count for something.

They weren’t trying, at the moment. Lev didn’t think he could handle it, and for a while he hadn’t wanted them to have sex at all. Hadn’t realized how much of a comfort it brought, at first. Because it did bring comfort.

It was on a night where that comfort was needed that Lev found himself settled on the bed by Cameron. Nik was putting Cruz down; Cruz was extra fussy tonight, and Nik planned to join them later. Lev didn’t mind, and it was rare that he got time with just Cameron like this.

Cameron was always efficient, even when Lev could tell he was putting effort into making it seem less mechanical for Lev’s sake. Lev was quickly stripped, and he wouldn’t have been surprised if the clothes landed folded in a chair. The level of perfection Cameron expected, even of himself, was intimidating most of the time, but when it was turned towards his partners’ pleasure, the results were unparalleled.

It was unclear if Cameron was trying to stall for Nik, or trying to be attentive, but his mouth and hands roamed for longer than was necessary to get Lev going. Lev ate it up, head tilted back, fingers knotting shyly in Cameron’s hair when he nipped a bit too hard. By the time Cameron even got to stretching him out, Lev was fighting the urge to squirm. Experience told him if he wiggled too much he’d find himself pinned down, and he was enjoying this too much to earn that just yet.

When Cameron finally pushed inside, he covered Lev completely, arms braced on either side. The weight of his alpha pressing down and in was exactly what Lev needed, and Cameron’s lips working their way up his neck as Lev groaned in delight was very welcome. He was careful not to pull too hard on Cameron’s hair, to not buck too impatiently against Cameron's methodical strokes; clearly Cameron planned on taking his time.

Broken little purrs escaped Lev as he let Cameron do as he wished. His alpha had years of practice to fine tune his work, but Cameron had known from the beginning how to play Lev like a fiddle. He teased Lev up to the edge and backed off like the ebb and flow of the tide, stringing Lev along until Lev was panting out pleading whimpers. Each desperate grind up against Cameron only earned him a firm push back into the bed. Lev’s soft frame didn’t stand a chance against Cameron’s carefully toned muscle, and he was at Cameron’s mercy.

Just the way Lev liked it.

There was little warning that Cameron was about to come. He didn’t knot Lev this time, instead just picking up his pace as his breaths quickened against Lev’s neck. Lev gave him a few seconds, but when Cameron was clearly just giving his last few thrusts, Lev squirmed, looking for more friction.

Cameron wrapped a hand around him, just tight enough Lev stilled. “Be patient,” Cameron told him, the alpha in his tone sending a shiver through him. “Nikolas is almost here.”

If that wasn’t enough, Cameron then caught Lev off guard by kissing him. Lev’s brain short circuited. In the several years they’d been together by now, Cameron had never kissed Lev. It was an invisible line they never discussed. Even Nik barely got kisses; they could count on one hand how many Nik had received from Cameron.

It took Lev a few seconds to kiss back, and when he did, he held absolutely still, afraid if he moved it’d break the moment. When Cameron pulled back, Lev blinked up at him. Per usual, Lev couldn’t quite interpret Cameron’s expression. The minutia escaped him on a good day, and right now Lev was dazed and turned on and overwhelmed in the best way. Rather than say anything Lev simply slid his hand down from Cameron’s hair to touch his cheek lightly.

For a moment Lev thought Cameron was pulling away, but he just sat them up. Lev only had a moment to mourn the loss of Cameron inside him before he realized Nik had joined them. He was given enough time to rub his cheek against Cameron before he was carefully handed off to Nik, who cheerfully informed him that the party had arrived, or something to that effect.

Nik had clearly been watching for at least a little bit; his erection demanded to be known as Lev settled on his lap. With that in mind, Lev pressed close, delighted to find Nik had already removed his clothes and there was nothing between them.

Someone’s hands lifted him up on his knees long enough they could ease Nik inside him. Once Lev was settled on Nik’s lap again, he wiggled until Cameron forced him down on Nik’s cock again. Nik swallowed his moan before it could escape. Lev deemed that acceptable, and pressed closer.

Between Cameron guiding Lev’s hips and Nik moving up against him, Lev was content to mouth his way up Nik’s neck, only pulling on Nik’s hair when Nik licked him in return. He could hear Nik chuckle at his whine. Someone’s hand wrapped around Lev. Cameron wouldn’t let him buck in encouragement. He had to endure the not-quite-enough strokes until Nik had had his fill, and when he tried to protest that, he found Cameron quite willing to bite down on his mating bite, making him go all weak limbed and all the more turned on.

By the time Nik lost his battle of wills with his own orgasm, Lev was letting out a constant stream of pleading whimpers, cock leaking steadily to emphasize his pleas. Once Nik’s thrusts became more erratic, and his moans metched Lev’s in intensity, the hand that had (up until this point) only been teasing him finally picked up until he came as well.

For a few moments Lev panted against Nik’s shoulder. Cameron slowly let go of the mating bite, but didn’t pull back until Nik and Lev finally stirred. Lev kissed Nik softly once, twice, and then braced his forehead against Nik’s. “Thank you,” he whispered. “Both of you.”

---

Lev still went downstairs to see Sazra, once a week. She was surprisingly patient with him, and he appreciated it. He didn’t need these check ups, not anymore, but she still let him come anyway, and they never took more than fifteen minutes anyway.

This was supposed to be one of those. A simple check in, yep, still healthy, yep, no further complications, and then he’d head upstairs and find something to do until Eden came home. It helped him feel better, having that little routine. Cameron must be rubbing off on him, he thought ruefully as he descended the stairs.

He gave a soft knock on the door to let her know he was there. “Hello?” He added unnecessarily.

“Come in,” she said, sounding as prudent as usual. “Shut the door behind you and sit down.”

Lev eased inside, and sat down obediently, knowing the door clicked shut softly behind him. “Thank you,” he said automatically.

She looked him up and down with those unnerving eyes, and squinted, but offered nothing more than a “Hm.”

Lev fought the urge to squirm, tucking his hands under his thighs. “Um. How was your day?”

“It was fine,” She said, folding her long brown fingers on the table, over her needle-work. “And how was yours?”

Lev gave a pleased hum, surprised she was tolerating his awkward small talk. “Mondays are always hard,” he admitted ruefully. “I miss Eden, but the quiet is nice. And since it’s only preschool, she’ll be home soon anyways.”

“Yes, she is… loud,” Sazra said. “The other one is preferable.”

“Cruz?” Lev blinked. “He is a lot sweeter,” he said, feeling guilty for even saying that. “But I like how much energy she has. It makes me feel younger.”

Sazra arched a brow. “You’re a child,” she said.

“I don’t always feel it,” he replied as a compromise.

“So you require the company of toddlers to feel your age?”

Sometimes she made it very obvious she was the one who raised Cameron. He bit back a sigh. “Not my age, but something closer.” After a short silence, Lev squirmed again. “I’m gonna stop talking. I don’t think I’m making my case very well.”

“Going,” she corrected. “You’re going to stop talking. But yes, I agree. You’d make a very poor lawyer. Best stick to childrearing.”

Lev decided to take that as a compliment of his childcare skills and just dipped his head in a nod. “Yes ma’am.”

After a few heartbeats of silence, Sazra pushed out of her chair and smoothed down her plain grey dress before moving to tie back her long black hair. “Let's get this over with,” she said, gesturing to the worktable for her clients. “Get up. Come.”

Lev trotted after her, getting settled as was their tradition at this point. With the small talk out of the way it was all the same routine that he was used to. Heartbeat, blood pressure, Sazra’s deft fingers checking him over with the same light pressure as always. This he knew what to expect from. All normal, and then he could head upstairs and see if he managed to get to cleaning Eden’s room before Cameron (unlikely).

Except-

Sazra paused, eyeing him with yet another look that reminded him so much of Cameron. “You seem to have a rather uncanny ability to be with child in such short amounts of time. Even for an angel. I assume you know what you should and should not be doing going forward?”

Lev blinked at her. And then blinked again. “I- already?” he blurted. “I haven’t- I haven’t even had another heat.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Are you suggesting you do not know how biology and pregnancy work?” she asked, rather bluntly.

“No, no of course not,” Lev assured her hastily. “I just- it was unexpected.” Even worse, he didn’t know how to feel. This time excitement tangled with dread, which twisted it’s way around hope, damn near strangling it.

“Were you not having unprotected intercourse with at least two different men?”

“Yes,” Lev said sheepishly.

“Well, you stupid boy, I don’t know what else you expected,” Sazra said. “I suggest you go deliver the news and leave me be, unless you have questions that only I can provide answers to.”

“No ma’am,” Lev said, sliding off the table. He headed for the door, pausing only to add, genuinely, “Thank you. I’ll see you next week.” Now he needed to go upstairs and tell the others. And then call Ash.

---

“And, so, yeah,” Lev finished into the phone in an awkward rush. “I thought I’d update you. Since I promised.”

The pause Ash gave made Lev feel even more awkward. “Yeah, no. Cameron called me half an hour ago,” he said, irritably, though it was tinged with amusement.

“I- oh.” Lev almost left it at that, but- “Hey. I was still having my usual check up with Sazra thirty minutes ago.”

“Clearly Cameron can see the future,” Ash deadpanned.

“Cameron always knows more than he should,” Lev grumbled, flopping in a chair. “How involved do you want to be? I didn’t want to assume you’d want to be here the whole time like you were for Nik; that’s a lot.”

“Well how much do you want me involved?”

“I trust you,” Lev said. “But I don’t want Sazra thinking I’d prefer your help over hers. I’d like you involved, but only if you’re able to work with her.”

“I can work with anyone,” Ash said. “Not everyone can work with me.”

“Ash,” Lev said tiredly. “Please?”

“I said what I said,” Ash said. “I can work with her if she can work with me.”

“Then I’ll ask her if she’s okay with it the next time I see you.” Somehow even phone calls seemed draining sometimes when it came to Ash.

“You do that,” Ash said. “Let me know what she says.”

“I’ll, uh. Text you.”

The definitive click told Lev Ash had hung up.

It hadn’t taken much at all before Nik popped his head in. “So… how did Mother Ash take the news?”

“I can’t tell,” Lev confessed. “He always seems cranky. Kinda like Cameron, honestly, but I’m not used to it so it’s a little more... unsettling.”

“Cameron is cranky, Ash is bitchy,” Nik corrected. “There is a difference, no matter how minute.”

“Either way, it wasn’t pleasant.” Lev tucked his phone away and stood up, moving to lean into Nik tiredly. “I think I got too hopeful last time. So- I’m trying to not be just yet.”

“Probably for the best,” Nik said.

Lev sighed, wrapping his arms around Nik. “Yeah.”

---

Despite Lev’s trepidation this pregnancy progressed normally. He couldn’t help how his hope grew with each day. He worked more slowly on picking out things for the nursery and he was quite sure Cameron was keeping notes. Rather than speak and put it into the world, Lev let him, tucking away his hopes and dreams between the sheets of paper.

His weekly checkups with Sazra now included Ash more often than not. That was certainly an interesting combination. He had practically mandatory snuggles after with either Nik or Darius, though. Stress wasn’t good for him, and he insisted they helped.

He was now sitting at one of those appointments, hands braced on the edge of the examination table. It was mostly routine still, and so he stared at the ground, lost in his own thoughts as he kicked his legs a little. “Are you staying for lunch, Ash?” he asked absently.

Ash’s fingers stopped moving across the papers he was reading. “If you want,” he said.

“Well I don’t want you to if you don't want to,” Lev said. “Cameron is making salmon.” And likely something completely different for dinner, too.

“Yeah, I can stay,” Ash said, starting his fingers across the page once more. “As long as he doesn’t, you know, poison me.”

“Well he hasn’t yet,” Sazra said. “If he were going to he’d have done so by now and save the rest of us the headache.”

“You live by yourself in a hole in the basement,” Ash replied, “I doubt you have much exposure to pleasant personalities in the first place.”

“Ash,” Lev scolded without thinking. “Be nice.”

“I’ll get right on that,” Ash said, “right after I get my eyesight back.”

Lev huffed in his direction, before turning to Sazra. “Today’s just a regular check up, right?”

“Yes,” she said. “Shouldn’t take much of either of our times.”

“Alright,” Lev said agreeably, shrugging out of his jacket so she could do as she needed. He scrunched up his nose at the cold of her stethoscope, but held still, letting her get everything checked that she needed to. They’d already checked his weight, and now his blood pressure, though she hadn’t said anything about either just yet.

“Hm.” Ash pursed his lips. “You do seem to have higher hCG levels than would be typical for how far along you are. I’ve seen it in a few other patients, and it’s not necessarily something you should be concerned with.”

Lev stared at him blankly, before looking at Sazra. “What does that mean?” he asked her.

“Possibility of duplicates,” she said, plainly.

“Twins?” Lev asked, just to be sure.

She blinked at him. “Is that not what I just said?”

“I just- just wanted to be sure I heard right,” Lev said faintly. “I- twins? Cameron only agreed to one.”

“Ah yes,” Ash said, “Because Cameron gets to dictate how biology and gestation and fetal development interact, I’ll be sure to make a point of that for reference.”

“Well he’ll damn well try,” Lev mumbled, before addressing Sazra again. “Is- is there anything I need to change to accommodate twins over just one?”

“Just keep doing what you’re doing,” she said. “However there is a bigger likelihood of delivering before your intended due date.”

“Oh. Right.” Lev nodded a little. “Okay.” He couldn’t help but think about Nik, but- Lev wasn’t even sure if he was allowed to leave for the birth. He hadn’t thought to ask. “I should- I should probably tell Cameron.” He paused. “Wait. Is- is it for sure twins or just a possibility?”

“Eh, about an 80/20 possibility,” Ash said.

“Oh. Then I should probably tell Cameron, for sure.” He started to get up, and then paused. “Or- is there anything else we need to check?”

“I think that’s all we’ll need for today,” Sazra said. “Just keep doing what you’re doing and I will see you in one week and not a moment before.”

“Translation: don’t bug her with stupid questions,” Ash said. “That’s clearly what I’m for.”

Lev resisted the urge to stick his tongue out, even if Ash couldn’t see it. “I’ll make sure to direct any other questions at you then,” Lev said instead, keeping his tone perfectly reasonable. “Especially since you’re staying for lunch.” He put on his hoodie, offered Sazra his traditional thanks, and then offered his arm to Ash.

Ash took his arm, and led them both carefully through the halls back upstairs. Cameron was finishing up preparing lunch and had their plates already set at the counter space. Nik was seated, chewing absently on a carrot while scrolling through his phone.

Lev led Ash to the table, waited until he was settled before waffling between sitting next to Nik or stealing a moment against Cameron. In the end he shuffled over to Cameron, leaning into him.

Nik’s head popped up and he reached for another stick of carrot. “So? What’s the verdict? Does it have two heads?”

Lev almost choked on air. He pulled back, flicking Cameron a glance, and then Nik a halfhearted glare. “I- no? I mean, technically- Ash and Sazra said there’s a- a solid chance it might be twins?”

Ash snorted, but offered no input. Nik merely rose a brow. “Oh?”

Lev stuffed his hands in his jacket pockets. “I didn’t expect twins,” he admitted. “I- I know you only agreed to one, but-” He blinked twice. “Other than that I’m still healthy, and Sazra said I could keep doing what I am now.”

“Well you better pick one early then,” Nik said, with severity. “Don’t want to get too attached too soon.”

Lev stared at him blankly. “What- Cameron wouldn’t-” Here he looked up at Cameron, not wanting to pull away any further. “You wouldn’t make me choose.”

Cameron seemed faintly amused at the idea, but just said, “Shut up and eat your food. I’ll make the proper arrangements.”

That was enough. Cameron didn’t lie to him, so he sat down next to Nik and ate as he’d been told. Even if he did kick Nik’s ankle lightly for stressing him out.

Nik hummed and put a cut up blueberry on Cruz’s tray. “He didn’t say no, Levant.”

Lev paused, fork halfway to his mouth. “What?”

The faint amusement on Cameron’s face had turned to irritation, but it was Ash that smacked Nik upside the head. “Will you shut up?”

Nik frowned at him. “Don’t use that kind of language in front of my baby.”

“Shut up isn’t bad language,” Lev muttered.

Nik pointed at him with his fork. “Watch your fucking mouth.”

Cameron rubbed his temples. “Shut up and eat your food, Nikolas.”

Lev smiled into his next bite, and just looked at Cameron. He thought about thanking him, but knowing Cameron that would only annoy him, and Lev rather preferred his annoyance aimed at Nik.

---

Sazra had been right, to say he’d likely go into labor early. Luckily Cameron had a room set up plenty of time in advance for this, as Lev was still on house arrest. And Lev was smart enough to not say he preferred it that way. He was at home in a room that smelled like his mate, his alpha, and himself.

The first baby had come easily, despite the fact that she’d been surprisingly large for a twin. He’d thought, because of that, the other might as well. He thought wrong, and that was how he found himself pacing on wobbly legs, too antsy to sit down even though he was starting to get exhausted.

Nik was watching Lev pace, holding the newborn who had calmed down after the trauma of being birthed, and did not seem to like how much Lev was pacing. Lev finished his circuit at his side, as he had all night. He ran his fingers over her hair, traced a single naked wing folded carefully along her spine.

“She’s so beautiful,” Lev mumbled, eyes watering despite himself. Despite how tired he was, despite how much birth hurt, he was so happy.

“She gets it from me,” Nik said.

Well. Lev had to admit neither he nor Cameron were particularly tan, and even at birth, this little girl had more color than he did. “I hope her sibling hurries along,” he said, dropping his forehead on Nik’s shoulder briefly.

“Well clearly hes busy,” Nik said. “I’ve read that it could take well over a day for a second twin to be born.”

“It’s not good for them if they do, though, is it?” Lev asked, looking to Sazra for confirmation.

“It is not.”

Lev nodded once, brushed a kiss to Nik’s temple, and started his pacing back to Cameron, pausing against furniture whenever a contraction hit him. Darius followed along diligently, a comforting and quiet strength at his side the entire time. He’d go back and forth like that until he needed to rest; he’d already taken several tonight, and that was enough for now.

---

The first had been born in the late afternoon, but it wasn’t until almost five in the morning that Lev had the second, a little boy that was quick to settle in his arms, his cries quieting quickly. Unlike the girl, he had a thick shock of dark hair, and pale skin that was much closer to Lev’s tone. His lack of wings betrayed who his father was quite easily.

Lev had simply been relieved to finally be done, and hold them both. He smiled tiredly at them. “Hi, little ones,” he whispered, not for the first time that night. Without looking up, he asked, “I hadn’t picked names yet. And none of them seem right anymore.”

Nik said, “Did you have any ideas?”

“My mother’s name was Silva,” Lev replied. He let Nik take her, mostly because it was an armful to hold both. “That doesn’t seem quite right.”

“That sounds like the name of a white middle school vice principal.”

Lev gave a wounded sound. “My mom was a good woman. Kind and-” He sighed. “It is kind of dated though.”

“By about two hundred years, at least,” Nik replied.

“More than that,” Lev admitted. “I’m- I’m too tired to think.” Even he could hear the whine in his tone. The little boy in his arms stirred in response, and Lev shushed him gently. Even as Lev soothed the baby, Darius tucked a curl of hair behind Lev’s ear, offering his own quiet comfort.

“I like Maritza,” Nik said. “Mari for short?”

“That’s a pretty name,” Lev said, leaning against Darius’ shoulder where he sat in the bed next to him opposite Nik. “I like it.”

Nik leaned over and looked at Cameron. “Come on, I named three-fourths of them, do your due diligence.”

Cameron’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, but his attention slid to the babe. “Lonan.”

“Lonan,” Lev said, smiling again. He sniffled a little bit, and then sighed happily. “I like that one too.”

“I have good taste,” was all Cameron said, in a dry tone. Darius chuckled in Lev’s ear. Rather than say anything at all, Lev tugged at Nik until he leaned closer against him, wanting as many of his family close as he could manage. This, he decided, was worth all the heartache he’d been through. All of it.

---

Twins was a lot more work than singletons, Lev was coming to realize. Which isn’t to say he didn’t already know that, but there was a difference from knowing and knowing. Unlike with Cruz (who Nik had insisted on getting up for himself) or Eden (Lev did his best to keep from waking the others) Lev needed help when both of them woke up at the same time. This happened often, unfortunately.

Luckily there were four of them, and at the very least Cameron woke even easier than Lev, so he wasn’t in this alone. Nik sometimes rolled out of bed, but Lev felt bad, especially knowing how late Nik stayed up.

It was one of those nights. Mari had quickly been lulled to sleep by Cameron, but Lonan was content to stare in Cameron’s direction. Lev didn’t think babies could see that far at only a week old, but he didn’t mind. Lev adored staring down at his son’s eyes. They were striking, one the same white-blue of Cameron’s and the other a dark charcoal grey that Lev wasn’t sure where he got from. He could watch Lonan for hours, and Lonan seemed content to lay in his arms, wide awake but quiet, despite the early hour of the morning.

Lev eased into the rocking chair, shifting Lonan up to his shoulder. The baby didn’t seem upset, as he didn’t make a sound, instead snuffling against Lev’s neck and settling again. Lev switched his attention to Cameron, who was still swaying as he held Lonan’s twin. She was sleeping soundly, little wings twitching as she dreamed.

Likely those wings were why she woke herself and Lonan up. They’d started to grow their little down feathers, and that itched. It sent a pang though Lev sometimes, seeing them, but at least the feathers weren’t like his own. Instead, Mari took after Nik in that way as well, with a brilliant red color that immediately drew the eye. Somehow Lev doubted that was going to be the only thing she inherited from her Papi.

Cameron moving to put Mari in her crib dragged Lev from his musings. Lev checked on Lonan, and was surprised to see he was asleep. After a small sigh, Lev heaved himself to his feet, and settled Lonan in his own crib. He lingered long enough to stroke Lonan’s cheek, before turning to Cameron. He leaned into Cameron, not bothering to put his arms around him, just taking comfort from his closeness. After giving Cameron a soft kiss on the cheek, Lev whispered, “Thank you.”

He didn’t expect a response, and he didn’t get one, but Cameron let him take his hand and lead him back to the bedroom. They still had to get up early the next morning and do this day all over again, and any sleep was good at this point.

#writeblr #writers on tumblr #wip boost #angels and demons #ch: cameron #ch: nik #ch: eden #ch: cruz #liminal

11 notes · View notes