Dreams and Night Terrors

[Persephone]

She was so content in that moment, telling Alek she loved him with everything she had. She then joked that maybe this time they create a baby on purpose. He smiled down at her which made her own smile broaden.

Alek: "If we did, it happened at the most perfect moment."

She gently nodded, her fingers sliding back through his long hair. His smile then turned into a grin, one she knew all to well which made her eyes glimmer with amusement.

Alek: "But part of me hopes we didn't, so we can keep doing this over and over..."

"We don't need to be making a baby for that to happen.

She softly chuckled, their lips meeting once again for a tender kiss. Alek touched his nose to Persephone's and she shut her eyes, wishing she could stay in that moment forever. It was so filled with love and contentment, his body warm and so perfectly fitted against hers. He looked into her eyes and Persephone couldn't help but feel her heart flutter even now.

Alek: "Making love to you...it's like nothing I've ever experienced. It makes me feel like a god."

She grinned that that, wanting to make a joke about it until she saw his face become more serious. Her eyes softened as did her expression, looking up at him curiously.

"What is it, baby?"

Her voice gentle and soft.

Alek: "And I love being with you...this way."

Persephone stared up at him, knowing exactly what he meant. Their love making always turned rough, no matter what they did. They couldn't control themselves, their need for one another outshining everything else. But tonight? It was beautiful and sensual and absolutely perfect. There was no rush, no need to finish, no reason to go hard. She wanted to savior every second with him and truly make love to him. To pour herself and her soul into every movement they shared. It was intimate beyond the physical.

"I do too..."

She murmured as his face went into her hair, snuggling against her neck. She held him there, shutting her eyes at how tender and gentle he was being, loving every moment of it.

Alek: "Tell me you'll never leave me."

That caused her pause, pulling herself back into the bed and dipping her face down so she could look at him. Her eyes were dark filled with such perplexity.

"What? No--NEVER. Why would you even say that...."

Her voice strained at the thought.

"I would have to be dragged away kicking and screaming to ever leave you, do you hear me? You are my everything, Alek....nothing will ever change that."

She looked into his eyes, her hands holding either side of his face wanting him to listen and understand what she was saying.

"I swear on my life, baby..."

She brought her lips to his, kissing him deeply to solidify her words and her stance on what he just asked her, wanting there to be no room for questions or doubts.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

He wasn't sure whether he wanted Seph to be pregnant or not. He knew the chances were slim, because she was still breastfeeding Lucas. But it could happen, and if it did, they'd know the new baby was conceived in a moment of absolute unwavering love. But if they went on trying for a little bit...he was okay with that too. He told Seph as much.

"We don't need to be making a baby for that to happen."

She chuckled and they kissed again. He loved this time, when they just lay there together, talking, laughing, kissing. And there were so many things he wanted to tell her. He wanted her to know how he felt, and saying I love you just felt inadequate somehow. Like it didn't express what he truly meant by it, the breadth of his feeling for her. He tried to express to her how it felt to make love to her, what it felt like when they did it slow and tenderly and it felt like he could feel their souls join.

He held her, putting his face in her hair, not wanting to let her go for anything. He asked her to tell him she'd never leave him. And it made her move her face so he was looking at her.

"What? No--NEVER. Why would you even say that...."

"I just need to hear it...sometimes...the thought of not being with you, it's too much to bear."

"I would have to be dragged away kicking and screaming to ever leave you, do you hear me? You are my everything, Alek....nothing will ever change that. I swear on my life, baby..."

She held his face in her hands, and then pressed her lips against his. When they finally parted, he looked into her face, searching.

"Sometimes it just feels like I'm going to lose it all, that it can't last - that I'm not a good enough man to have this. I mean, look at me, I got angry because you brought home a puppy. And I never want to make you sad like that again. But what if I do, and you leave?"

He shook his head slightly.

"I don't deserve you, I know that."

 

[Persephone]

Persephone didn't know what to say when Alek had asked her to never leave him. To even entertain the thought was foreign to her...so she tried to tell him she would die before she ever left him. Persephone kissed him, wanting him to feel her love. To know she would never leave. But when he pulled back, he still had a look in his eyes that seemed uncertain as he searched for answers within hers. She looked up at him, brows creased with confusion. What was bringing all this on?

Alek: "Sometimes it just feels like I'm going to lose it all, that it can't last - that I'm not a good enough man to have this. I mean, look at me, I got angry because you brought home a puppy.

Persephone signed out while simultaneously shutting her eyes. The puppy. He was scared of losing her because of the fight they had earlier? Honestly, if she had known what problems this wolf would have caused by bringing him home, she would have defied the laws of nature and commanded the Alpha to accept Olympus into the pack.

"Alek..."

She started, looking back up at him with sympathy at how much he was beating himself up over this.

Alek: "And I never want to make you sad like that again. But what if I do, and you leave? I don't deserve you, I know that."

Her eyes immediately changed, looking at him with an uncompromising expression now.

"Don't say that."

Sitting up a little now so she was resting her weight on her elbow, she wanted to make herself perfectly clear to him in that moment.

"Couples fight, Alek. It would be unhealthy if we didn't. You and I both come from completely different upbringings....we're bound to clash over things...to disagree and get angry. That DOESN'T mean that I don't love you or that I would ever leave you. And to say you don't deserve me?"

Persephone shook her head, completely at a loss for words on how to even address that.

"I'm a murderous, treacherous, selfish, evil woman, Alek. I have done so many horrific things in my past people question whether or not I have a soul. I'm NOT a saint....I never have been. So to say you don't deserve me? *I* don't deserve YOU. You, Lily, Lucas...none of this. And every day when I wake up next to you, and I hear our daughter laugh, and see our son smile, I question whether or not this is even real because I don't know how I warrant any of it after the life i've lived."

Taking Alek's hand, she pressed his palm against her chest, right over her heart.

"You left your life for me. You gave me two beautiful children. And you gave me your heart. I will never, EVER, love you any less than I do today. And always more than I will tomorrow. I promise you."

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

Sometimes, like in that moment, he felt so undeserving of her, so terrified that she would leave him all alone again - he needed her too badly to ever be without her. It was strange, for a man who had felt for most of his life that he deserved everything, that anything denied to him was an egregious affront to the natural order of things. That those who kept him from the life he was meant for were to be discarded, trampled, or assassinated.

"Don't say that. Couples fight, Alek. It would be unhealthy if we didn't. You and I both come from completely different upbringings....we're bound to clash over things...to disagree and get angry. That DOESN'T mean that I don't love you or that I would ever leave you."

He buried his face in her neck.

"I love you so much, Seph. The thought of being without you - I couldn't bear it. I hate myself when I make you unhappy."

"And to say you don't deserve me? I'm a murderous, treacherous, selfish, evil woman, Alek. I have done so many horrific things in my past people question whether or not I have a soul. I'm NOT a saint....I never have been. So to say you don't deserve me? *I* don't deserve YOU. You, Lily, Lucas...none of this. And every day when I wake up next to you, and I hear our daughter laugh, and see our son smile, I question whether or not this is even real because I don't know how I warrant any of it after the life i've lived."

He looked into her face.

"I don't care what you've done. All I care about it what I see in front of me. The most amazing woman I've ever known. The greatest mother three children could ever ask for."

She took his hand then, pressing it to her heart.

"You left your life for me. You gave me two beautiful children. And you gave me your heart. I will never, EVER, love you any less than I do today. And always more than I will tomorrow. I promise you."

His fingers gently rubbed that spot on her chest, where her heart lay.

"I'd leave it all again. I'd leave all of this-"

He gestured at the house around them.

"If it meant I could be with you. There is nothing I care about more than our family. Nothing is worth more to me."

He pressed his lips against hers, then returned to her eyes as he pulled back again.

"I'm not used to feeling this way. I don't- I don't know how to show you how much I need you."

 

[Persephone]

Persephone couldn't understand how he would think he was better than her in any way. She lived a horrible life for centuries, and only within the past ten years had turned it around. She knew she was lucky...she knew she should count whatever blessings she had because there was no way in hell she deserved the life she was living now.

Alek:"I don't care what you've done. All I care about it what I see in front of me. The most amazing woman I've ever known. The greatest mother three children could ever ask for."

Three. He was already counting on a third child which made Persephone softly smile despite the seriousness of the conversation. She looked down at his hand, taking it within hers and pressing it against her chest. He had left everything for her and gave her the world. She loved him so beyond words, it was hard to make him understand he had nothing to worry about. She would always love him, more and more as each day passed.

Alek: "I'd leave it all again. I'd leave all of this- If it meant I could be with you. There is nothing I care about more than our family. Nothing is worth more to me."

"Me either. You are my world. This family is my life."

She whispered as he touched his lips to hers, gently kissing her. Persephone shut her eyes and let herself get lost in the moment before finally Alek pulled back to look into her eyes.

Alek: "I'm not used to feeling this way. I don't- I don't know how to show you how much I need you."

Lifting her hand to his cheek, Persephone gently scratched his beard with her finger tips.

"You show me every time I catch you watching me when you think i'm not looking. Every time you rub your nose against mine after we kiss. Every time we make love...."

Pressing her forehead against his, Persephone lifted her other hand to his cheek, cupping his face within her palms.

"Because I need you just as badly....always."

Her words soft between them before she pressed her lips against his in a tender and sensual kiss. The tip of her tongue slipped into his mouth before Persephone deepened the kiss even more, finally tasting him fully, her arms wrapping around his neck and pulling herself into him.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

Alek woke up the next morning, Seph curled against his chest, his arms wrapped around her. He gently kissed the top of her head, softly stroking her hair. He put his hand on top of hers that rested on his chest, giving it a soft squeeze. He was awake, but it seemed like it was still dark out. He looked at the clock. Sure enough, they could expect either the patter of six year old feet or hungry crying at any moment. His eyes blinked, and he lifted his head to look out the window. Normally in the morning, the sun streamed in, making it hard to sleep late even if they were able to. But this morning, a sort of grey light was coming in. And then he heard it: it was raining.

It hardly ever rained on the island. In fact, he couldn't remember the last rainy day that Seph hadn't caused. He looked down at her beside him.

"I hope this one isn't you, baby," he whispered. Because that would mean she was angry, and he was probably in trouble, but he was pretty sure he couldn't have done anything in the span between when they fell asleep last night and when he'd woken this morning. He carefully slipped out of bed and went over to the doors to the balcony, looking out. Rain pelted the windows, dark clouds loomed on the horizon. He could see the wind in the trees.

He pulled on a pair of shorts and a tee shirt, watching the precipitation like it was some seminal event rather than just rain. He heard Seph stir in the bed behind him and come over to stand behind him. He put his hands on top of hers as they wrapped around his middle.

"I never thought rain would be an odd occurrence."

He chuckled, turning to face her, and taking her face in his hands.

"Good morning."

He leaned down to kiss her, pressing his lips onto hers. When he pulled back, he smiled, and took her hand in his. And then Lucas started crying over the baby monitor. And they heard Lily's door open.

Lily: "Daddy! Mama! It's raining!"

 

[Persephone]

Everything was so peaceful and perfect that Persephone didn't even stir when Alek quietly spoke to her and slipped out of bed. Curling up under the covers, she pulled the quilt up to her chest, trying to keep warm from the cool air that hit her now exposed body. It was then and only then she began to fade from the dream world and into reality. Persephone's midnight eyes slowly opened, the room cast in a dim grey light. She saw Alek standing by the open balcony doors, the soothing sound of rain falling against the terra cotta tiles making her smile. She loved the rain: the smell, the feel, the look of it. And even though she could manipulate the weather at her will, having it rain naturally was always so much more satisfying than creating it herself.

Slipping out of bed, Persephone grabbed one of Alek's t-shirts that was forgotten on top of the dresser and slipped it over her head, the hem falling to her mid thigh. Walking up behind him, she slipped her hands around his waist, pressing her chest against his back and laying her head on his shoulder. Shutting her eyes, Persephone softly sighed out as she felt his hands go on top of hers.

Alek: "I never thought rain would be an odd occurrence."

"It's beautiful. I love waking up to the rain."

Her voice soft and still raspy from being asleep. Persephone felt Alek shift and turn to her, taking her face within his hands. He gently kissed her while she smiled up at him, her arms still firmly wrapped around his body.

Alek: "Good morning."

"Morning."

She whispered, wanting nothing more than to stay in that moment all day long. Alek took her hand and just as she was about to lean into him and watch the rain, she heard Lucas begin to cry and Lily come running out of her room yelling that it was raining as if it were the first time she had ever seen such an occurrence. Maybe Persephone should make it rain a little more on the island.

Softly groaning with a warm smile, she wasn't ready for the day to begin. Not yet. Lily came bursting into their room, Olympus running in after her. She jumped up onto the high king size bed, scrambling into the middle of it while bouncing up and down. Poor Olympus was too small to make it up yet, so he stood with his front paws on the edge looking up at Lily while whining.

Lily: "Can I go jump in puddles?! Please please please??!"

Persephone gently laughed, walking over to the bed and taking Lily's face within her hands.

"How is it you have so much energy in the morning."

She then kissed her nose making Lily giggle. Lucas was still crying so Persephone rounded the bed and headed for the door.

"Breakfast first, puddles later."

Making her way into Lucas' room, he looked positively pitiful as he stood holding onto the rails of his crib with a tear stained face and snotty nose. Persephone smiled as he finally stopped crying, his hands reaching out desperately.

"Good morning my sad little man. Why so upset?"

Her voice sweet and soothing as she lifted him out of the crib and held him to her chest. Bouncing him gently in her arms, she walked over to the changing table and laid him down, cleaning up his face and then changing his diaper. Picking him back up, he looked much better but he still had a sour face, knowing that meant he was hungry. Carrying him downstairs where he heard Lily and Alek talking, Persephone walked over to kitchen table, putting him into his high chair. He was old enough now to not only breast feed but eat soft and solid foods, so Persephone was in the process of introducing more foods and weaning him slowly off the breast.

Lily: "Mama, are you making it rain?"

Lily asked with a mouth full of Cheerios. Persephone shook her head and smiled at Lily as she grabbed some pureed apples and oatmeal out of the fridge.

"Not this time."

Lily: "You think it will last all day?! I wanna play with Olympus out in the puddles."

Persephone gave Alek a look as if to say, which one will be cleaning them up after the puddles before grinning and taking a seat between him and Lucas.

"We'll see, baby. It is the rainy season so it might."

She began to feed Lucas the apple and oatmeal mixture, Olympus happily eating the bits that Lucas happen to toss his way.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

Seph's arms wrapped around him, and he put his hands on top of hers. Despite the storm outside, the weather had a calming effect on him, and having her pressed against him doubled that. He breathed out contentedly, happy to stay like that all day, watching the rain. He finally turned towards her and kissed her, saying good morning to her. He was still feeling as amorous as he had last night, and would have welcomed another go a baby-making, but of course, the baby they had started to cry and tornado Lily rushed into their room with a wolf on her heels. She climbed up on their bed and started jumping up and down with excitement.

Lily: "Can I go jump in puddles?! Please please please??!"

Alek smiled over at her - he was thinking the exact same thing. But Mama said there had to be breakfast first, so while Seph went to get Lucas, he went over to the bed and picked Lily up, depositing her onto the floor.

"Come on, we'll start breakfast. And you need to feed Olympus after he goes outside. I'll help you."

She put her hand into his as they walked down to the kitchen. He got the cheerios out of one of the higher cabinets, as well as three bowls, then got some fruit and yogurt out of the fridge for Seph.

"Go open the door for Olympus then come and sit down."

She did, racing the pup to the door and opening it, then looking dejected as she trudged back to the table.

Lily: "He's going to be lonely outside without me."

"He'll get over it. Besides, he needs some privacy."

It was the best he could think of. He set her bowl of Cheerios down in front of her and sat down next to her with his own. He leaned in conspiratorially.

"So, do you think Mama caused the rain?"

Lily covered her mouth and giggled.

Lily: "I hope so. I LOVE the rain! Being able to make it rain is the coolest!"

He nodded, wishing Seph could have heard that.

"Yes it is. We're lucky to have Mama."

Lily sighed out.

Lily: "Yeah, I really love her."

It sounded so cute, he had to laugh. He reached out and ruffed her hair.

"Yeah, me too, little flower."

Seph did come in to the kitchen with Lucas then, slipping him into his high chair.

"Look who's up! Hello little man."

He reached out and tickled Lucas' tummy. But Lucas looked annoyed, not unlike the look Seph got when she was. He must be hungry, which meant crankiness. Lily, of course, had no qualms about asking Seph straight out about the weather.

Lily: "Mama, are you making it rain?"

Seph said it wasn't her, and started to feed something mushy to Lucas. He brought the fruit and yogurt over to her seat, in case she wanted to pick at it. Not that she ate anything anyway. Olympus started to scratch at the door, and Lily jumped up to let him in.

"Hold it!"

She turned back towards him like she was in slo motion.

"Get one of the pool towels and dry him off before he comes back inside. Mama will flip out if he gets muddy pawprints all over the floors."

He looked at Seph and grinned.

Lily: "Yes Daddy!"

She ran off with her boundless energy, and Alek wondered if they could figure out a way to bottle her. When she came back with a dry pup in her arms, he motioned for her to come with him, and opened the pantry. He got out a bag of dry dog food and opened the top.

"Okay, put a scoop of that in his bowl."

He watched that she did it, then he got a tupperware container of raw ground meat out of the fridge and took the lid off.

"And this too."

She dutifully did as he asked, then handed him back the container, which he put in the sink.

"Now, wash hands."

He brought the little stool they had for Lily over to the sink so she could wash her hands good with soap. He turned the water off for her and handed her a paper towel.

"Okay, now finish your cereal, because there is rainy day fun to be had!"

 

[Persephone]

Lucas' mood was vastly improving as she fed him the pureed apples and oatmeal mixture. She made some happy faces at him as she slipped the spoon into his mouth, Lucas grinning so big the majority of his food went onto his lips and cheeks.

"Is that good, sweetheart?"

He hit the plastic tray happily with both hands, bouncing in his seat. Persephone smiled big, zooming another spoonful into his mouth. Lifting her eyes to the backdoor, she saw Olympus standing there scratching at the window wanting to come in. Lily quickly jumped out of her seat and began to run over.

Alek: "Hold it! Get one of the pool towels and dry him off before he comes back inside. Mama will flip out if he gets muddy pawprints all over the floors."

Lily looked from Alek to Persephone, to which Persephone lifted her eyebrows giving her a look that said daddy was right. But a smile crept along her lips as Lily listened to what Alek said and ran to get a towel. Looking over at Alek, he had a big grin on his face making her softly laugh.

"The white furniture thanks you."

She quipped playfully before going back to feeding Lucas. Once Olympus was dried and inside, Alek helped Lily feed him, teaching her exactly what to do. Persephone watched with a smile, seeing Lily become so serious as she watched and did what Alek said, absorbing all of the instructions for when she would have to do it. It was absolutely adorable. Olympus happily ate as Alek helped Lily to the sink to wash her hands.

Alek: "Okay, now finish your cereal, because there is rainy day fun to be had!"

Lily: "YEAH!"

Lily exclaimed with such excitement as she climbed back into her seat and began to eat her cereal again.

Lily: "I was going to wear my rain boots....but it's still hot out....so I think i'll just jump in puddles barefoot."

Lily said very matter of factly, deducing her way into getting to play out in the rain barefoot. Persephone laughed as she picked up a strawberry that Alek had given her with her yogurt and took a bite.

"Is that so?"

Persephone held out he half eaten strawberry to Lily for her to finish as her daughter nodded, taking the strawberry happily into her mouth.

Lily: "Uh huh! Less to clean up too."

Lily added while munching on the strawberry.

"Well then, bare feet it is."

Lily grinned happily which made Persephone smile. She would make sure it would at least stay warm outside so Lily wouldn't get sick while playing in the rain.

"So, daddy...will you be joining Lily in the puddle jumping extravaganza?"

Persephone stood, popping a couple raspberries into her mouth as she headed into the kitchen to grab a damp paper towel to wipe off Lucas' oatmeal stained cheeks.

Lily: "Yeah, daddy? Will you?! I think Lucas wants to join too!"

Lily leaned into Lucas with a smile, making Lucas shriek in delight.

Lily: "Right Lucas?"

Lucas outstretched his hands to Lily happily, a huge smile spread across his cheeks.

Lucas: "Leeleeleelee!"

Persephone turned around from the sink, the look of shock on her face as she looked from Alek to Lily and finally to Lucas. Lily's eyes were wide with excitment.

"Did he just..."

Persephone's lips upturned into a huge smile as she made her way over to Lucas, sitting back down in front of him. She pointed to Lily.

"Who's that baby?"

Lucas bounced up and down.

Lucas: "Leeleelee!"

Persephone laughed looking up at Alek with such happiness and joy in her eyes before her eyes went back to Lucas' bright and exuberant face. Lily gasped in, her mouth hanging open in shock.

"That's right, baby boy! That's you're sister Lily!"

Lily: "He said my name! He said my name! He talked!"

Lucas had hit a milestone that definitely indicated that his growing wasn't slowing down anytime soon. He finally said his first word, and Persephone was beyond thrilled that it was 'Lily'. Any fear left within her that Lily was jealous of Lucas went out the door as she watched Lily happily keep repeating Lily to Lucas and Lucas say 'Leelee' back to her, making her giggle. Leaning into Alek, she smirked before kissing him softly.

"At least we didn't bet on what his first word would be this time."

She joked happily.

 

[Berserker]

The Kitchen

He made faces at Lucas while Seph was feeding him. It was impossible not to. It was like the opposite of the guards outside Buckingham Palace: you couldn't help but make stupid wide-eyed faces at babies who were trying to eat.

"Is that good, sweetheart?"

Alek suspected that it was the true test of parenting to be able to act like baby food actually tasted good. Because if it looks like you believe it? Well then maybe they'll believe it too. As much as Lucas was waving his arms and getting food pretty much everywhere but his mouth, he was surprised that Seph didn't appear to be covered with it. Especially since she was wearing his shirt.

Lily dried Olympus off from being outside in the rain, and the two of them fed him. Then he sent Lily back to her seat to finish her breakfast. She was happily chattering about playing outside, devising all the details.

Lily: "I was going to wear my rain boots....but it's still hot out....so I think i'll just jump in puddles barefoot. Less to clean up too."

"Maybe you should wear your bathing suit, sweetheart. And then we can just spray off your muddy paws."

Alek leaned down towards her with her last sentence and she giggled.

"So, daddy...will you be joining Lily in the puddle jumping extravaganza?"

Lily:

"Yeah, daddy? Will you?! I think Lucas wants to join too!"

He made a show of scoffing at her question and nodding that he would.

Lily: "Right Lucas?"

Lucas: "Leeleeleelee!"

Alek stopped eating, putting his spoon down. He stared at his little boy, laughing and reaching for his sister. And, apparently, speaking. He looked at Seph, who was looking back at him with shock. Seph came back over to the table and started quizzing Lucas, asking him who Lily was. And again he said her name.

"That's right, baby boy! That's you're sister Lily!"

Lily: "He said my name! He said my name! He talked!"

"Well there goes my track record."

But he grinned at Lily, reaching over and squeezing her hand.

"See how much he loves you? It's very special to be someone's first word."

He stood up and went to Seph, watching Lily and Lucas giggle together. She leaned in and kissed him, and he smiled at her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"At least we didn't bet on what his first word would be this time."

"We'd've had to both pay up."

He laughed and smiled at her, sliding his arms around her and pulling her into a hug.

"Our boy is growing up, Mama."

But he smiled at her when he pulled back, then said loudly so Lily could hear.

"Okay! Everyone who is going outside to jump in puddles needs to get their bathing suit on!"

 

[Persephone]

Lucas had finally said his first word and everyone around the table was elated by it. Lily exclaimed happily at how he said her name making Persephone smile.

Alek: "Well there goes my track record."

Alek joked before giving Lily's hand an encouraging squeeze.

"I'm still 0 for 2."

Persephone deadpanned with a laugh.

Alek: "See how much he loves you? It's very special to be someone's first word."

Persephone smiled as Lily's eyes lit up even more after Alek had said that. She gave Lily a nod, leaning in to whisper to her.

"Daddy was your first word."

Lily's smile widened as she looked over at Alek proudly and with so much love. She then began to go back and forth with Lucas asking him to say Lily and Lucas saying it as best as he could. That gave Persephone the opportunity to give Alek a little kiss and joke about how they were lucky they didn't bet on what his first word would be this time.

Alek: "We'd've had to both pay up."

"Oh yeah."

Persephone laughed with Alek as he slid his arms around her waist and pulled her into a hug. She let her head rest under his chin, looking over at Lily and Lucas talking to each other.

Alek: "Our boy is growing up, Mama."

Persephone pouted at that, not ready to have Lucas grow up just yet. But at the same time she was so proud of him and happy that he was hitting his milestones and developing just as quickly as Lily had.

"I know..."

She responded with a sigh. Then Alek pulled back with a big smile.

Alek: "Okay! Everyone who is going outside to jump in puddles needs to get their bathing suit on!"

Lily: "OH!"

Lily jumped off her chair and began to race upstairs, Olympus following behind her. Persephone lightly laughed before turning and picking Lucas up from his high chair.

"Do you want to jump in puddles too my sweet boy?"

Lucas giggled.

"I take that as a yes. [turning to Alek] I'll meet you two outside."

Chuckling, Persephone headed upstairs to Lucas' nursery and began to clean him up properly from the oatmeal bath he took downstairs. Changing him into some swim trunks with little blue anchors all over them, Persephone carried him into her room and put him down on the bear skin rug in front of the fireplace with a teething ring. She grabbed her more 'modest' bathing suit and went into the bathroom to quickly change before coming back out and seeing Lucas had happily stayed put, chewing on his little ring. Scooping him up, Persephone lifted him high into the air above her head making him crack up and laugh before she smiled and brought him back down into her arms.

"Ready to go play, baby."

Padding down the stairs, she could already see Lucas and Lily out on the patio; Lily spinning around as the rain poured heavily down on them. Opening the french doors, she was met with warm air and humidity rivaling that of the tropics. As soon as Lily saw Persephone come out, she immediately ran into the yard, jumping into the puddles that were forming within the damp grass while laughing. Persephone smiled, bouncing Lucas on her hip as she stood out in the rain with him.

"What's that? Is that rain?"

His blue eyes fluttered as he tried to look up into the sky, the droplets coating his dark eyelashes as he curiously reached up with his hands. He looked so much like Alek in that moment, his eyes as blue as the sea.

"You look like daddy. Yes you do! So handsome."

Persephone grinned as she gave his cheeks a few little kisses while her eyes met with Alek's. The rain had dampened her hair enough to where it stuck to her cheeks and shoulders. And Alek? He looked like he belonged in a rainforest soaking wet. The grey skies picking up the cool tones of his eyes, the water coating his body...it was enough to wish it was nap time so she could continue in their baby making efforts.

"I should make it rain more often..."

Her smile carried to her eyes, looking slightly salacious, although a baby in her arms definitely deterred her from going too far.

 

[Berserker]

The Kitchen

Alek wanted to celebrate with Lily that she was Lucas' first word. He wanted her to feel special, and see how much her brother thought of her. He told her how special it was to be someone's first word. He saw Seph lean over and whisper to her.

"Daddy was your first word."

Lily was smiling so big that her mouth threatened to take over her face. Alek nodded and opened his arms, giving her a hug, before leaving her to talk to Lucas, getting him to say her name over and over. Then he got up and hugged Seph, saying how their baby was growing up. But this was no time to be sad - it was a rainy day! So he announced for Lily's benefit that everyone should get their suits on. Lily ran upstairs like she had a wolf on her heels - which she did - and Seph took Lucas upstairs with her to change and clean up.

As quick as she had gone up, Lily bounded back down. Alek peeled off his tee shirt, and went to open the door to let wolf and child outside. It was surprising how warm it was despite the rain, and he spun circles with Lily in the downpour. She couldn't keep still, jumping and spinning and laughing the whole time. Seph brought Lucas outside, and even with a baby on her hip, that bathing suit was a knockout. He let out a low whistle, appreciating how she talked to Lucas, how she looked holding him.

"I should make it rain more often..."

Her smile had a naughty tint to it, and Alek absolutely loved it. He crossed the patio to where they stood, putting his lips to her ear.

"Maybe a localized shower in the backyard next time the kids are at Olympus."

The pup of course, had heard his name, and barked, wagging his tail at Alek. Alek kissed Seph's cheek, laughing, then turned to Lucas and held his hands out.

"Want to come see Daddy? Can you say, Daddy? Daddy."

He took Lucas out of Seph's arms.

"There's my big boy. Do you want to play with Lily?"

Lucas: "Leelee!"

He carried Lucas over to where Lily was splashing, and crouched down. He held Lucas by his waist and held him out, slowly dipping his feet into one of the puddles in the grass. Lucas squealed with delight, making Lily and Alek laugh too.

Lily: "He likes it!"

Alek smiled at her.

"He wants to do everything his big sister does."

 

[Persephone]

Persephone had come out to join Alek and Lily, who were already spinning and playing on the patio. Lucas was on her hip, a little confused by the rain at first, but not frightened or nervous about it. She kept gently bouncing him when she heard Alek let out a low whistle making her look over and smirk and shake her head; the smirk turning into a wide smile. She may have worn her more modest bathing suit for the kids benefit, but Alek made her feel like she was walking out in the sexiest bathing suit she'd ever put on.

He crossed over to where she held Lucas and leaned into her ear; soft billows of steam radiated from his body as the cold rain hit his warm skin. It was intoxicating and she took a moment to just appreciate it and him.

Alek: "Maybe a localized shower in the backyard next time the kids are at Olympus."

"It's a date."

She whispered back. But the moment was interrupted by Olympus who had barked after hearing his name. They both laughed before Alek gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Alek: "Want to come see Daddy? Can you say, Daddy? Daddy."

"Say Mama...mama."

Persephone tried to coax out playfully battling Alek in trying to get Lucas to say mama before daddy. Lucas outstretched his arms and upper body to Alek, grunting impatiently as Alek kept trying to get him to say daddy instead of picking him up right away. Finally Alek scooped him into his arms and Persephone smiled, taking Lucas' hand and giving it a little kiss.

Alek: "There's my big boy. Do you want to play with Lily?"

Lucas happily started saying Leelee making Persephone laugh. Well she and Alek definitely knew where they landed on the Lucas' favorite people list. To say it was adorable was an understatement. Alek took Lucas over to the puddle that Lily was happily splashing in while Persephone took a seat on the patio step next to Olympus, giving him a pet.

"So, you like it here handsome?"

Olympus wagged his tail and nuzzled Persephone's hand in an effort to make her keep petting him.

"We like you here too, Olympus. [leaning down to look eye level with him] You keep my baby's safe, you got it?"

Olympus barked and Persephone smiled as he licked her face.

"Good boy. Lets go play."

Olympus jumped off the patio, ignoring the two other steps that lead to the grass, and skidded neck first into the slick grass before scrambling to his feet and running to Lily. Persephone stood, watching as Lucas laughed and both Lily and Alek looked ecstatic that he was enjoying the puddle so much. Walking over to them, the clouds above rumbled softly showing the rain wasn't going to let up anytime soon.

Lily: "Mama! Lucas likes the puddle!"

"I see that! Just like you!"

Persephone said with a big smile as Lily happily nodded her head in agreement. The rain began to pour harder now and Persephone took Lily's hand.

"But you know who else likes puddles?"

Lily looked up at her inquisitively.

"Meee! I'm the queen of puddle jumping! Why do you think I like controlling the weather so much?!"

Lily giggled at that as Persephone took her other hand and began to jump in the puddle with her, going around in circles making Lily absolutely crack up uncontrollably and making Persephone laugh as well.

Lily: "I'm the princess of puddles!"

She proclaimed through her laughs.

Lily: "And Lucas is the prince! And daddy is the king!"

She kept laughing as she and Persephone kept jumping in circles, splashing water onto Olympus, Alek, and Lucas. Lucas was waving his arms while laughing, his feet stomping in the puddles as Alek helped hold him upright. Soon they were both out of breath from laughing and jumping that they finally stopped, Lily sitting in the grass next to Lucas.

Lily: "Mama, can you make it rain all the time?

Gently smiling at her daughter, she would make the whole world rain for her. But she also knew ecologically it wasn't the best idea.

"Not all the time, sweetheart. It wouldn't be as fun if it rained every day. But i'll do it a little more just for you."

Lily nodded at that with a big smile. Alek put Lucas down next to Lily letting them both splash in the puddle with Olympus there watching and wagging like a little guard dog. Wrapping her arms around Alek, even with the hot and humid temperature, his body was nice and warm against the cool rain.

"Another hour of this and nap time will be a breeze."

She whispered with a grin before pressing her lips against his. Kissing him in the rain as their children played? It was everything Persephone could have dreamed of and more.

 

[Berserker]

Outside

It was amazing to see Seph acting like such a kid. She always got stuck being the mom, the task master, and he grinned at her, loving the way she looked splashing about with their daughter. Lucas was laughing as Lily and Seph splashed him, the wolf was going nuts at all the excitement. When the girls got tired of jumping, Alek set Lucas down next to Lily, who was happily helping him splash in a puddle.

He stood up, stretching his legs, and Seph wrapped her arms around him. He reciprocated, holding her warm body against his.

"Another hour of this and nap time will be a breeze."

"I'm thinking the two of us...a fire...nice warm blanket..."

He smiled at her as she kissed him.

"Which kid do you want to clean up?"

He chuckled, looking at the two of them, trying to decide which would be easier.

"Hey, little flower, how about a swim in the pool?"

Lily looked at him like he was crazy, and put her hands on her hips.

Lily: "In the rain?"

"You're already wet, aren't you? Come on, show Mama how you can jump in."

He went over and picked Lucas up, then sat on the edge of the pool with his feet in the water, holding Lucas on his lap.

"Watch, Lucas. Watch Lily."

Lily: "Mama! Watch me!"

Lily came and stood by the side of the pool, took a giant breath, and jumped into the pool.

Lily: "Did you see me?!"

Alek grinned and gave her a thumbs up.

Lily: "Ooh, the water's warm!"

She swam around a little bit in the shallow end.

Lily: "This is fun!"

 

[Persephone]

To be able to just play with her daughter was so much fun, and to see Lily loving every second of it--her eyes bright and filled with such joy--it was the absolute best. Lily plopped down next to Lucas as Alek set him near the puddle so they could both splash in it. Wrapping her arms around him, she smiled telling him that the kids would be exhausted by the time they were done.

Alek: "I'm thinking the two of us...a fire...nice warm blanket..."

"Mmm...."

She happily accepted his kiss with a smile.

"Sounds like the perfect afternoon."

The thought of laying in front of the fire, wrapped up in Alek's arms under a warm blanket, made Persephone eager for adult time after playtime. Alek looked over at the kids playing in the puddle giving Persephone the opportunity to give him a kiss on the cheek before turning to look as well.

Alek: "Which kid do you want to clean up?"

Persephone laughed with Alek, both kids looking an absolute mess.

"Ehhh, I'll take the baby. He'll probably be hungry before his nap."

She offered with a smile. Alek then asked Lily if she wanted to go swimming in the pool. Lily got a little sassy with him which made Persephone laugh and raise her eyebrows with surprise. She was certainly becoming a little handful which she couldn't help but love. Alek brought Lucas over to the edge of the pool and sat down, dangling his feet into the water.

Alek: "Watch, Lucas. Watch Lily."

Lily: "Mama! Watch me!"

Lily jumped into the shallow end and made Lucas cry out with a happy scream. Lily surfaced and swam to the side of the pool.

Lily: "Did you see me?!"

Alek gave her a thumbs up and Persephone smiled widely with approval.

"You're getting SO good at swimming, sweetheart."

Lily was becoming a little mermaid, swimming under the water, doggy paddling, even jumping into the deep end when either she or Alek were in the water with her. Lily was enjoying herself, swimming around in the shallow end entertaining Lucas. Persephone made her way around to the deep end of the pool as Lily reached the side where Alek and Lucas were sitting.

"Did you hear that?"

Lily looked up into the sky thinking Persephone was talking about thunder.

Lily: "Hear what, mama?"

Persephone's brows furrowed as if she were listening to something.

"Dun dun....dun dun...."

Lily's eyes went wide at the familiar two note Jaws theme. Persephone grinned playfully as she dove head first into the water making Lily scream out and laugh. Swimming the length of the pool underwater, Persephone could see Lily's little legs frantically doggy paddling to the steps; even her playful screams could be heard under the water. Persephone got right under Lily and grabbed her in a bear hug, surfacing from under the water to hear her screaming out with laughter.

Lily: "MAMA!"

"GOT YOU!"

Persephone laughed as she held Lily in her arms, Lily hugging her neck as Persephone swished her back and forth in the water. Walking over to the edge of the pool with Lily still in her arms, Persephone smiled at Alek as she lifted Lily to sit next to him on the pools edge. Lucas was bouncing in Alek's lap, making 'gimme' hands at Persephone.

"Does my little man want to swim too!? Come here, sweet boy!"

Taking Lucas from Alek's lap, Persephone held him on her hip and gently dipped him up and down in the water making him laugh and splash. The majority of the mud had come off both kids, so as much fun as they were having in the pool, it was a bonus that she and Alek wouldn't have as much to scrub off them. They continued to play in the pool for a little while longer until Lucas started to yawn and get fussy. Persephone headed upstairs to bathe and feed Lucas, knowing that Alek would be up soon enough with Lily, despite her fighting through her own yawns.

The rain continued to pour outside, and the skies were dark and gray, lulling Lucas to sleep in Persephone's arms. He had just finished eating so she knew he would be out for a few hours. Putting him into his crib, she grabbed the baby monitor and put on his bear nightlight before leaving his room. Olympus was already sleeping in his bed out in the hallway which meant that Alek had managed to drag Lily out of the pool to give her a bath and put her down for her nap. Smiling at Olympus as she headed into her bedroom, she could have sworn she heard him snoring.

Persephone took a quick shower and slipped into her robe, her damp hair slightly curled as she made her way over to the fireplace. Turning it on, she grabbed the large black mink throw blanket from the chair and put it onto the bed. The room was dark from the stormy skies outside, looking dusk as opposed to it being noon. The firelight was the only illumination in the room which made for a the perfect 'mood' setting. Taking off her robe, she tossed it onto the chair and climbed into bed, slipping under the soft throw and laying against the plush pillows. Softly sighing out, the sound of the rain hitting the windows was hypnotizing, making her daydream until finally she heard Alek enter the room. Turning her head to him, she immediately smiled.

"Hey."

The blanket was tangled warmly around her body. He was the only piece missing.

"Go ahead and take a shower. I'll be right here waiting."

 

[Berserker]

The Pool

As they watched the kids play together in a puddle, Alek through out there the question of who was going to have to bathe each child.

"Ehhh, I'll take the baby. He'll probably be hungry before his nap."

Alek made a silent Yes. Alek didn't want anywhere near what that diaper had to be like right now. He'd take the more self sufficient kid any day of the week. He suggested Lily take a swim, which would do double duty of tiring her out more for her nap and cleaning a lot of the muck off. Lily showed off for Seph, which made him smile, and he brought Lucas over to the side of the pool to watch her swim.

"You're getting SO good at swimming, sweetheart."

"Uh, oh. Soon we'll have a pet dolphin swimming with you in the pool, I know it."

But he winked at Lily good-naturedly. Seph was really outdoing herself, playing shark with Lily and just generally having a great time, which delighted him. It was easy to get bogged down in adulting, and he liked to see her let her hair down and have fun. Lily came to sit next to him and Seph took Lucas for a little swim. Alek nudged Lily's arm.

"Having a good time?"

Lily: "Yep! This has been so cool! I love when Mama swims with us!"

"So do I."

After a bit more swimming, Lucas was getting fussy so Seph took him inside to feed and put down for his nap. Alek let Lily swim a couple minutes longer, but he could tell she was getting tired also.

"Let's get dried off - and Olympus needs dried of again too."

Alek held open a towel for her and wrapped her up, then helped her dry the wolf off before they went inside. He helped her run a hot bath and then slip into bed for her nap. Olympus laid down in his own little bed in the hallway, and Alek headed back downstairs. He grabbed some fruit and cheese, and made Seph a cup of tea, before heading back up to the bedroom. He almost dropped the mug. She had already showered, and was lying under the blanket on their bed, light from the fire dancing over her skin. He was pretty sure she was naked.

"Hey. Go ahead and take a shower. I'll be right here waiting."

He set the tea down on her side of the bed with the snack, and hesitated as if he was unsure about whether he really needed a shower. But he finally followed her direction, stopping on the way to the bathroom to lock the bedroom door. Then he took the quickest shower known to man. He came out of the bathroom drying his hair with a towel, not bothering to cover his body. He dropped the towel on the chair.

"Is there room under that blanket for me?"

He walked over to the bed, unable to keep the salacious smirk off his face. He lifted the blanket and slid underneath the covers, fitting his body to Seph's, his hand sliding around her waist. He started kissing her neck gently, just trying to be as close as possible to her.

"We have to talk about that bathing suit. It's too hot for a mother of three."

He chuckled, teasing her, continuing to plant kisses in the crook of her neck.

 

[Persephone]

Persephone was lost in thought by the time Alek opened the bedroom door and entered their master suite. Turning to see him standing with a mug of hot tea and a cheese and fruit plate, she smiled at him; the soft blanket pulled up to her chest and outlining her body. She told him to go take a shower, that she would be waiting for him, and the look in his eyes was questionable at best as to what to do. It made Persephone smile wider as he finally conceded and headed into the bathroom. Reaching over for a grape, she could have sworn Alek must have taken a five minute shower because he was out before she was even table to take a sip of the tea he brought her. Persephone's eyes roamed down his body as he dried his hair with a towel and left the rest of him exposed for her to see.

Damn.

She would never get sick of that sight. Toned everywhere, sculpted like he was made out of clay, huge in all the right places. And the lustful look in his eyes? It made her heart beat even faster. She bite her lip as he approached the bed, her midnight eyes finally lifting to meet with his.

Alek: "Is there room under that blanket for me?"

"I think I can make room.."

She coyly responded as he slipped under the covers next to Persephone and fit perfectly next to her like a puzzle piece connecting with it's mate. His arm slipped around her waist and lips immediately went to her neck making Persephone sigh out a little laugh, tilting her head to the side to allow him more access.

Alek: "We have to talk about that bathing suit. It's too hot for a mother of three."

Three. Again he was already anticipating another baby which made her smile. Running her hand up his back as he continued to kiss her neck, Persephone was already so incredibly turned on at this point.

"A) That's my most modest bathing suit....and about as 'motherly' as i'll get."

She teased with a grin; Alek's lips still tasting the skin along her neck.

"And B) You keep saying mother of three. Do you know something I don't?"

Ava's words were playful as she rolled Alek over so she was on top of him, her legs straddling him and her body stayed pressed against his.

"Not that i'm complaining. I love it."

She whispered between them, her eyes locked lovingly to his, drinking in the blue like a cold glass of water. Her finger tips brushed down his beard while her lips connected with his, slowly tasting him with her tongue. Persephone rocked gently against Alek's growing hardness, feeling it pressed between them and struggling to get free. Deepening the kiss, Persephone lifted her hips enough to gently guide the tip inside her and slowly push her way down the length of him, taking him fully within her with a low moan. God it felt like heaven, the fullness of him completing her. She didn't move at first as she kissed him, her hips staying firmly pressed against his. She just wanted to feel him within her--there was no urgency...at least not yet. Breaking the kiss, Persephone lips stayed close to his, their noses touching, her eyes locked with his.

"Just you, me, the fire, and a warm blanket...."

She murmured to him, mimicking his words to her earlier. It was then she began to roll her hips, slowly taking him in and out of her and causing Persephone to expel a moan of utter pleasure.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

And after playing outside with the kids, they were finally alone again, next to a warm fire. Seph was curled up under a blanket on their bed, and he slipped in next to her, his mouth starting to kiss her neck right away. He playfully chastised her that her bathing suit was too hot for the mother that she was.

"A) That's my most modest bathing suit....and about as 'motherly' as i'll get. And B) You keep saying mother of three. Do you know something I don't?"

He grinned against her neck, and his hand slid from her waist downward to between her legs, gently stroking her.

"Not that i'm complaining. I love it."

She rolled him onto his back and straddled him, her chest pressed against his.

"You could be. You will be. But I think we'd better make sure..."

Their lips met, and he could feel her rubbing against him, making him harden. His hands started at her back and slid down to massage her ass. Feeling her move on top of him make him burn with desire, and finally she took him inside her. They continued to kiss, his tongue exploring her mouth, and he tried to restrain his need for her.

"Just you, me, the fire, and a warm blanket...."

"Sounds like the perfect afternoon."

He echoed what she'd said earlier, but there was a distinct gravelly quality to his voice, the playfulness gone. He cried out as she finally began to move her hips.

"Fuck you feel good."

His hands stayed firmly on her ass, pulling her against him. Her warm body and soft skin was intoxicating, and then feel of being connected to her was like no high he'd ever experienced. He swiveled his hips, pressing up into her, mouth finding hers again. One hand moved to her hair, pulling her head into his kiss.

"You make me feel alive..."

 

[Persephone]

"Just you, me, the fire, and a warm blanket...."

Alek: "Sounds like the perfect afternoon."

His voice was gruff and sexy as he mimicked the words she said to him earlier making Persephone's need for him grow even stronger. She began to move against him, rolling her hips and taking him slowly in and out of her. Alek cried out and she throbbed for the way he reacted to her, his hands gripping her ass and pulling her down to meet his hips. Persephone began to lowly groan at the feel of him pushing up inside her, their bodies connecting again and again slowly and passionately. She felt Alek's hips rotate as he pulled her ass down to meet his thrust making her cry out. His mouth covered hers and his hand moved to the back of her head to grip her hair, pulling her deeper into his kiss; their tongues furiously meeting with one another.

Alek: "You make me feel alive..."

Persephone's eyes fell shut from the feeling he was causing her, a low and long moan escaping her lips as her forehead pressed against his. It was pure ecstasy in that moment and hard for her to coherently think.

"You make me feel everything..."

She managed to groan out between the noises he was causing her to make. Persephone began to move faster, unable to hold back from the pleasure he was causing her. It was like a fire burning within her and he was the fuel that would send her to the inferno she was in desperate need for. Firmly planting her hands on his chest, she sat up and began to grind down against him, relentlessly sliding him in and out of her. Her thighs were slick with the wetness he was causing her, making him plunge into her effortlessly and smoothly.

"Fuck...i'm going to come..."

She panted out breathlessly, her body tensing and her sex contracting around his cock pulling him even deeper. Persephone threw her head back and shut her eyes, crying out as she continued to fuck him with just as much vigor as the tidal wave of pleasure overcame her entire being.

 

[Berserker]

In moments like this, with Seph's forehead and body pressed against him, he couldn't imagine anything feeling better. He could get lost in this, if there was a way to make it never end, he would never part from her.

"You make me feel everything..."

His mouth searched for her again, but then she rose up, putting her hands on his chest. And the way she moved, no high could have been better. He threw his head back, moaning her name. But then he lifted his head so he could watch her, his goddess, his wife. He couldn’t dream of ever wanting someone else.

"Fuck...i'm going to come..."

She continued to ride him as she came, the expressions that washed over her face fueling his desire even more. That moment when she lost control - he could see it in her face. He could feel it in her body as it shook above him, as it squeezed his cock. He wanted to come so fucking badly, but not yet. He rolled them, so he was still inside her but raised on one elbow next to her so he could look down at her with adoring eyes. He slowed their movements , the withholding of gratification heightening everything he was feeling.

He traced his fingers over her breast, his head dipping to her neck to kiss the soft flesh there. Then ne ran his hand out the length of her arm, gripping her fingers when he came to them. He shifted his weight then, so he was directly over her, and pressed his mouth against hers in a long, slow, deep kiss. And then he began to move faster, adoration turning to pure predatory lust in his eyes as he looked down into hers while his hips thrust harder into her. His grunts sounded like growls as he workd to bring her again, waiting to feel her grip him before he allowed his own release.