Dreams and Night Terrors

[Persephone]

Alek was really worried and it made Persephone smile warmly at him, grateful that she had someone who cared so much even if it was a little overbearing.

Alek: "I just know how you are...I don't want you putting my enjoyment above your health."

"I promise, if I start feeling sick i'll tell you. But look..."

Persephone got up and did a little spin nearly making Alek have a heart attack. But she wanted to prove to him that she was feeling perfectly fine in that moment and not lying to him. She then suggested that they compromise and lay out by the water to sunbathe before partaking in swimming....and other activities. She even promised to make the weather slightly less hot so she wouldn't get overheated to ease his worries.

Alek: "As long as using your power won't tire you out. I mean, if you're going to get tired out, I'd rather it happen in other ways."

Alek pulled Persephone closer as she grinned, her arms tightening around his body.

"Mmm...yes, please."

A deep giggle came from Persephone's throat as Alek pressed his lips against hers. Melting into his kiss, she smiled as he pulled back enough to look at her; his hands reaching behind him to pull hers forward. He kissed each one of her palms, her heart skipping a beat at the act. For someone who was worried about her dizzy spell, he certainly wasn't helping the situation by doing things like that.

Alek: "It's just that I care about you, baby. "I'll talk to Mr. El Mahdy about the staff."

"I know, Alek....and I love that you do."

Persephone nodded as he headed off to talk to El Mahdy about the staff staying on the other side of the camp so they could sunbathe nude. And soon enough, he returned with a basket full of essentials that would put any mother taking their child to the beach to shame. Walking hand in hand with Alek to the waters edge, Persephone stepped into the water to feel the temperature, a smile forming on her lips.

"The water is perfect."

Alek unfolded a huge towel for them both to lay as Persephone tied up her hair into a high messy bun. Putting on her sunglasses, she unwrapped her robe that had been adorning her body since early morning to reveal her nude form. Tossing the silk material into the basket, the sun kissing her exposed skin felt amazing. Taking a seat on the towel, she picked up the sun oil and smiled at Alek innocently as she opened the cap.

"Can you do me from behind?"

Persephone angling herself so her back was to him, a playful smile tugging on the corners of her lips.

 

[Berserker]

The Oasis

They walked together to the water's edge, and despite his concern for Seph, the prospect of her sunbathing without a suit was already perking him up. He was a man, after all. And she was Seph. He pulled a towel out of the basket that looked more like a blanket, and laid it out near the water. He unbuttoned his shirt and slipped it off , then sat down, looking out at the water and squinting in the sun. He watched Seph put her hair up, exposing her neck the way he liked it, her sunglasses making her look like a movie star. She slipped out of her robe, the sun kissing her olive skin, exactly as you would imagine a goddess come to earth. He needed to shield his eyes from her, but it had nothing to do with the sun. And despite the need, he could not look away.

She sat down next to him, and he was somewhat glad he hadn't taken his shorts off yet. Her hand grazed his chest as she reached reach the sun oil. He was watching all of her movements with interest

"Can you do me from behind?"

She turned her body, so her bare back was to him. If he had any hope of hiding his arousal, it disappeared with that comment.

"Fuck, Seph - you'll get no rest making racy comments like that."

Of course, he knew that she knew exactly what she was doing . His hand slid over her waist as he reached for the oil, needing to touch her. He squirted some oil into his hands and set the bottle down, then rubbed his hands together. He slowly pressed his hands onto her back, then began to massage the oil into her skin. Up to her shoulders, down her back, then over her cheeks.

"How does that feel?"

His voice was low as he continued to rub her back. He re-supplied, and then his lips pressed against her neck while his well-oiled hands moved around to her front, sliding up over her breasts. He had pulled her back against his chest, and she'd easily be able to feel his need pressed between them.

"Should I keep going?"

 

[Persephone]

Persephone purposely asked Alek to do her from behind, smirking as she looked over her shoulder and saw his reaction.

Alek: "Fuck, Seph - you'll get no rest making racy comments like that."

She shrugged innocently.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Alek reached around her, his hand sliding along her waist making her smile. He grabbed the oil and Persephone looked outward toward the water as his hands soon slid up her back, massaging her skin.

Alek: “How does that feel?”

She let her head hang forward, his hands sliding along her neck.

“Amazing...”

Her voice soft, so long in how good his hands felt on her body. She felt then move around to her chest, softly kneading them causing her to arch into his touch and back into his body. He pulled her the rest of the way against him and she could immediately feel his arousal press against her ass. Persephone’s hands moved up her body to Alek’s which were still on her breasts. She held them there as her head dipped back to rest on his shoulder.

Alek: “Shohld I keep going?”

Her one hand moved up his forearm as she turned her body more toward him. Her head shook no as her lips connected with his deeply. Persephone’s tongue slipped into his mouth while she maneuvered herself to face him more, wrapping her one arm around his neck while her other slipped between them and gently began to massage his hard cock.

“You’re so hard for me...”

She whispered between their kiss with a smile, her mouth covering his once again. She could feel herself already hot for him, her body flushed and her sex wet. She slowly began to lay down, bringing Alek down on top of her.

 

[Berserker]

The Oasis

As innocently as it started, rubbing oil on Seph's naked body got them exactly where she had planned for it to get them. Their bodies pressed together, his hands on her, and his need apparent.

She turned her body towards him so she could kiss him, and he could feel her arm slip around his neck and pull him closer, while their tongues tasted each other. He moaned at her kiss, touching her making him want her so badly he couldn't think of anything else. Her hand slipped into his shorts and his moan got louder, his cock stiffening with her touch.

"Seph..."

His need was in his voice, her hand stroking him making him delirious with the feeling of it.

“You’re so hard for me...”

"You make me want you so fucking much."

Her mouth was pressed against his, and he returned her kiss passionately. She laid down on the towel, pulling him on top of her, and he eagerly shimmied out of his shorts. His knee parted her legs, and his hand touched her there, feeling her readiness. His lips smiled and kissed her again, while he guided himself into her. He made a sharp intake of breath as he sheathed himself inside her.

"Fuck...you're tight..."

Her body grasped him as tightly as her hand had, and his head went to the crook of her neck as he moved with long, deep strokes between her legs. She felt so good it was like they had never been together before, like they'd never been with anyone before, and he moaned loudly with each thrust she accepted. He picked his head up, and his hand moved to stroke her hair as he looked down into her face. She'd never looked more beautiful, there in the sunlight, looking up at him.

"Baby...fuck baby...I love you..."

He kissed her mouth, her lips soft as silk, their bodies moving as one. He cried out, overcome with a feeling like his cock was going to fly off.

"You feel so good...I need you so much..."

 

[Persephone]

Persephone moaned as Alek parted her legs and used his fingers to feel her sex and how ready she was for him. He smiled against her lips making Persephone want to come right there. God it was so sexy at how he loved to feel her wettness and how much he turned her on. Persephone groaned as Alek entered her, her sex contracting around his hardness and drawing him home to her. He began to move against her, Persephone softly moaning with each connection of their hips, her hands sliding up Alek’s slick back that glistened with sweat.

Alek broke their kiss, Persephone’s sun glasses long gone and her dark eyes looking up at him hovering over her. His body blocked the blinding sunlight, creating an eclipse of pure muscle and strength. He looked so sexy, the elements suiting him so perfectly no one would ever guess he was from a country of snow and ice.

Alek: "Baby...fuck baby...I love you..."

Persephone moaned as Alek’s thrusts became long and hard, her body rocking against the blanket covered grass.

“Fuck, I love you...[moaning] don’t stop, baby..”

Persephone welcomed his lips as their bodies connected as one unit, Persephone raising her hips to meet with Alek’s thrusts again and again. She opened herself wider for him, crying out as he did by the feeling.

Alek: “You feel so good...I need you so much...”

Persephone could feel her body pulling him in deeper as her pleasure began to build more and more. Gripping his back with one hand, she brushed back Alek’s hair that fell forward, holding it against the side of his head and gripping it within her fingers.

“I’m going to come...baby...baby..come with me..”

Panting out, her breathing became more rapid until finally she ceased and shut her eyes, her body quaking as she came. Her moans were loud and consistent riding the high and aftershocks. Persephone felt the warmth fill her as Alek cried out, her eyes opening to see him in absolute pleasure above her. In that moment Alek’s face began to blur as everything started to spin again like before.

“Alek...”

Her voice was soft as she blinked, trying to clear her vision.

“Alek...Alek stop...”

Persephone sat her torso up and rested her weight against her elbow, that movement alone causing an even more intense wave of dizziness. She shut her eyes and hunched over to the side, holding her head with her free hand.

“Im sorry....”

Her words were soft as she continued to hold her head, riding out the spell.

“I think it’s the heat...”

 

[Berserker]

The Oasis

They made love there, on a blanket in the grass, next to the blue water in a country strange to them but where their love made a home. He knew the way she felt about him from every touch, every movement, every kiss.

“Fuck, I love you...[moaning] don’t stop, baby..”

"Never."

He felt her legs widen, and he pressed harder into her, hands stroking her thighs. She brushed his hair out of his face, and he smiled down at her, the gesture filling his heart with love for her. He could feel her body tense under him, and he knew she was close. And so was he.

“I’m going to come...baby...baby..come with me..”

He moaned as he sped up his movements, until he felt her come, her body shaking and jerking every time he moved against her. And will another long stroke he felt his release come, and he cried out as he felt it go, his face contorted into ecstasy. He was breathing hard, sweat glistened on his body, and he looked down at his beloved, ready to kiss and cuddle her. But he could see in her face that something was wrong.

“Alek...Alek stop...”

She sat up and he was forced off of her, moving onto his side. She was doubled over, holding her head. He sat up quickly, putting his arm around her to steady her.

"Seph? Seph, what's wrong?"

“Im sorry....I think it’s the heat...”

He immediately stood, wrapping her in the blanket and lifting her into his arms. His own nakedness was forgotten as he carried her up the path to the camp. When they neared it, he called for Mr. El Mahdy, who hurried towards them looking as worried as Alek did.

"Could you please bring some cool water right away? And call a doctor."

Alek backed into their tent, laying Seph on the bed in the shaded coolness of their room. Mr. El Mahdy had returned as quick as a rabbit with a pitcher of ice water and a glass. Alek poured some of the water into it and held it out for Seph to drink. He reached up and stroked her hair.

"Drink this, baby."

 

[Persephone]

This wave of dizziness was stronger, not as quick to leave her as the last time. She felt Alek’s arm steady her, asking her what was wrong. Persephone told him it must have been the heat - they were both so hot with pleasure and making love under the unforgiving desert sun. Alek didn’t take any chances and she felt him wrap her up in their blanket and pick her up into his arms, cradling her. Persephone didn’t protest, her mind still in a haze but the dizziness slowly subsiding.

Alek soon returned to the tent, frantically calling for Mr. El Mahdy.

Alek: “Could you please bring some cool water? And call a doctor.”

“No..no doctor.”

Persephone lifted her head from Alek’s chest, the dizziness finally gone. She could see Alek wasn’t having it.

“Alek, please. I’m just overheated....Let me lay down...and if I still feel bad you can call the doctor.”

He unwillingly relented and backed into their tent, the temperature within it at least 15 degrees cooler. Alek laid Persephone down as El Mahdy came in with some cold water.

Alek: “Drink this, baby.”

Persephone sat up and drink some of the cool water. She nodded with a small smile, her eyes meeting with Alek's. She could see the fear in them making her reach for his hand and squeeze it reassuringly.

“Thank you.”

Persephone gently pulled him to her, indicating she wanted him to come into bed.

“Lay with me?”

Alek climbed into their bed behind her and Persephone leaned her back against his chest, closing her eyes.

“See, I’m already feeling better. No doctor necessary.”

She kept ahold of Alek's hand, wrapping it around her stomach and holding it close to her. She felt horrible that they had literally just finished making love and her dizzy spell ruined the moment. But at least they both got to finish which was a small consolation. Persephone's eyes were burning with exhaustion even while shut, her body relaxing into Alek.

"I probably didn't get enough sleep last night."

She softly spoke, her eyes remaining closed.

"I'll just....take a little nap....okay?"

She slowly began drifting off to sleep.

 

[Berserker]

The Oasis

As soon as she told him to stop, and he looked into her face, he knew something was wrong. When she said she was too hot he picked her up and carried her into the shade of the tent, calling for cold water and a doctor.

“No..no doctor.”

She still seemed disoriented.

"Seph, something's wrong."

“Alek, please. I’m just overheated....Let me lay down...and if I still feel bad you can call the doctor.”

Against his better judgment, he relented, laying her down in the tent and getting her to drink cold water. She was able to sit up, which he took as a good sign, but his chest still felt constricted by fear. She squeezed his hand, and his eyes closed briefly. If something was really wrong...

“Thank you. Lay with me?”

She pulled him towards her, and he nodded, crawling into bed and laying behind her so she could lean against him.

“See, I’m already feeling better. No doctor necessary.”

She wrapped his arm around her stomach and held it.

"I'm sorry. That was stupid. I shouldn't have-"

What was he thinking? He knew she didn't feel well, and he still let his need rule his actions. He knew she needed to rest.

"I probably didn't get enough sleep last night. I'll just....take a little nap....okay?"

He hugged her against him, reaching up to gently stroke her hair.

"You sleep as long as you like. I'll be right here."

He couldn't lose her. Memories flooded back, Alek in the hallway while Seph was dying in a hospital room. He couldn't bear that again. Not ever. He took some comfort in knowing he would die first. He wasn't prepared to be the one left behind. He couldn't survive that. He just couldn't.

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "I'm sorry. That was stupid. I shouldn't have-"

Persephone gently shook her head and squeezed his arm.

"It's not your fault. We both got carried away."

She didn't want Alek blaming himself for something he had no control over. But she knew as she laid there he was. Persephone's eyes were heavy and burned from exhaustion, telling Alek she just wanted to take a little nap. Alek pulled her closer to him, stroking her head gently and soothingly. It slowly lulled her to sleep and for the good part of the afternoon and into the early evening, that's exactly what Persephone did.

Her eyes slowly opened as she woke, slowly blinking to clear her vision. She was positioned differently now, facing Alek whom had fallen asleep at some point as well. He still had his arms wrapped around her protectively making her smile. Slowly sitting up, much like that morning, she didn't want to disturb or wake Alek as she eased her way out of his arms and off the bed. But this time, it was for more selfish reasons. Quickly slipping out of the tent, Mr. El Mahdy was right there, his eyes going wide seeing her walking on her own.

Mr. El Mahdy: "Mrs. Hallbjorn! I don't think it's a good idea--"

"Did you do as I requested?"

He still looked panic stricken but nodded. Persephone glanced to the door of the tent that lead outside, the flap pulled back to reveal the sun low in the sky.

"Thank you. I'm going to go wash up....could you please do me one last favor?"

After asking El Mahdy for one more request, Persephone disappeared into the bathroom tent to freshen up. She still felt a little weak and tired even though she had slept most of the day away, but she kept her pace easy as she dressed. Soon Persephone made her way to the outdoor dining area to see El Mahdy had everything perfectly set up. Smiling with tears in her eyes, the entire area was covered with white candles creating a soft glow of light. The table was set with champagne and a small box with a bow as requested. El Mahdy was remarkable, no task too big.

"This is perfect..."

Mr. El Mahdy: "Are you..?"

Persephone smiled, nodding.

"I"m fine."

Handing him one last detail, El Mahdy smiled widely and nodded. He soon disappeared from the dining area leaving Persephone alone to take it all in. Dressed in a white modern harem dress that perfectly matched the beautifully decorated decor and soft lighting, she turned toward the entrance and exhaled, hearing Alek wake up with a fright. She called out for him.

"Baby, i'm here."

 

[Berserker]

The Oasis

"It's not your fault. We both got carried away."

She squeezed his arm reassuringly, when it should have been him comforting her. He should have known better, controlled himself. He hated that he lost control around her, now, when it counted. But right now, he had to help her rest, sleep. He held her, stroking her hair, until she fell into slumber. He didn't move then, but stayed with her, next to her, watching her sleep until he too finally dozed off.

He could tell by the amount of light in the tent that it was hours later when he woke. It was so peaceful sleeping next to Seph that he always awoke as if he'd slept for days. He reached out to pull her closer to his chest. He'd ask El Mahdy to bring their dinner in here tonight...

But as he reached out, no one was there. He turned over, expecting that they'd shifted as they slept, but she wasn't on that side either. His heart began to race, panic setting in. He sat up quickly, eyes darting around the tent.

"Seph!"

Maybe she was in the bathroom, and he dashed from the bed, his mind imagining all the things that could have gone wrong on her way there or back. What if she'd collapsed and hit her head?

"SEPH!"

She wasn't in there.

"BABY?!"

Finally, her voice came filtering through the fabric.

"Baby, I'm here."

His hand went to his chest, sure he'd just had a heart attack. He rushed out through the tent flap, only to see...her. She was wearing a flowing white dress, which perfectly contrasted with her olive skin. But augmenting the light of the quickly fading sun, there were candled, dozens and dozens, hundreds even, all giving off a soft glow around the dining table.

"Am I dead?"

He looked at Seph, and blinked, then crossed to where she stood, taking her hands.

"Are you okay?"

He looked around him again, this time able to take in more of the detail in what he was seeing.

"What is all of this?"

 

[Persephone]

Persephone was hoping to wake Alek up and lead him to the candle lit dining area and surprise him, but plans had changed. As she turned toward the door of the tent she heard him screaming her name frantically, probably in fear that she was somewhere hurt or passed out.

"Baby, i'm here."

She called out to him and he pushed his way through the flap almost immediately. Persephone stood there in the middle of the room, surrounded by candle light, dressed in a white flowy outfit that made her look more ethereal than she was known to look. Alek looked shocked, processing everything he was seeing.

Alek: "Am I dead?"

Persephone smiled, letting out a little laugh.

"If you are, then so am I."

He quickly crossed the room and took her hands, looking over her with concern.

Alek: "Are you okay?"

Persephone nodded her head, her eyes glassy as they met with his.

"Yes, I'm fine..."

Alek began to look around the room, now able to really take everything in. As he was doing this Persephone's heart was nearly pounding out of her chest. She was trying to control her breathing the best she could, her hands squeezing his more as a way to ground herself than anything else.

Alek: "What is all of this?"

Looking at their hands clasped together, Persephone took a moment to compose her thoughts.

"When I got dizzy earlier...I thought it was strange.."

Persephone's eyes lifted to meet with Alek's.

"And when we sat for breakfast? I wasn't hungry like I said I was. But I did have an overwhelming craving for pineapple juice which was unusual....because I only craved that when I was pregnant with Lucas...."

Persephone voice cracked softly as her eyes filled with tears.

"So I sent Mr. El Mahdy into town...."

Persephone stepped away from Alek for a moment, reaching for the little box with a bow she had requested. Handing Alek the box, she watched as he opened it to reveal a pregnancy test inside. A positive pregnancy test inside.

"I'm pregnant, Alek."

At that point Persephone couldn't hold her composure any longer. She let out a tear filled laugh as she smiled at Alek, tears of absolute joy falling down her cheeks. She couldn't keep her distance from him any longer, her arms wrapping around Alek tightly as she cried the happiest of tears.

"I'm not sick...i'm pregnant. We're going to have another baby!"

Persephone had an inkling during the first dizzy spell, very rarely if ever getting dizzy unless her body was under extreme stress. But because of the false symptoms she experienced before paired with false tests, she brushed it off. But the craving for pineapple juice? That was enough to ask El Mahdy for help. She didn't want to tell Alek, especially after her last breakdown at the negative test. She wanted to enjoy the rest of the trip and not taint it, so she went into taking the test with zero expectations. However before she could, she nearly passed out after making love to him. But upon waking from her nap, she knew she needed to slip out while he was sleeping and take the test....and sure enough, it came back positive. After months of trying, they were finally going to be a family of five.

 

[Berserker]

The Oasis

Alek's heart rate was returning somewhat to normal. She looked fine. More than fine, actually. But still, he had to ask if she was okay. She said she was...which was when he started looking around them, seeing all the candles, the formal dining. Had she tried to surprise him, a thank you for the trip? He didn't know how to get through to her that she didn't need to thank him for things like this, that he did them because he wanted to, just to make her happy. He knew she appreciated it - she didn't need to go out of her way to show it.

She was squeezing his hands really tightly, and he looked at her curiously, asking what all of this was.

"When I got dizzy earlier...I thought it was strange...And when we sat for breakfast? I wasn't hungry like I said I was. But I did have an overwhelming craving for pineapple juice which was unusual....because I only craved that when I was pregnant with Lucas...."

Alek swallowed hard, seeing Seph's eyes welling up with tears. Another false alarm. It had to be.

"Baby..."

It didn't matter. He loved their two kids, and he loved their family. If they didn't have another child - sure it was disappointing, but it was okay. He hated how personally she was taking this, how much it hurt her every time she wasn't pregnant.

"So I sent Mr. El Mahdy into town...."

"Seph, it's okay..."

She let go of his hands, and went to the table to pick up a little present that sat there. She handed it to him, and he arched an eyebrow at her. He untied the bow, then lifted off the box. There was a pregnancy test inside. At first, he thought she'd gone insane. And then he noticed the plus sign.

His eyes raised to look at her, wide with shock.

"I'm pregnant, Alek."

"Pregnant? What? Baby!"

Crying, she wrapped her arms around his waist, and he spun her around in excitement, then hugged her close.

"I'm not sick...I'm pregnant. We're going to have another baby!"

He pulled back enough to see her face, and reach up to wipe her tears away. His smile was too big for his face.

"We're going to have a baby, Baby."

He leaned forward, and kissed her softly.

"The most beautiful mother in the world."

He slid to his knees, and kissed her stomach through the gauzy fabric.

"I love you, Mama."

He raised his head to look up at her, his arms wrapped around her with his chin on her belly.

"And I love our baby."

He stood up abruptly, ushering her over to a chair.

"Come, you should sit down."

He held her hand in both of his. He couldn't stop smiling, or looking into her eye. Mischief creeped into his smile, and he arched an eyebrow.

"Pineapple juice, eh? Does that mean you think number three might be another boy?"

 

[Persephone]

Persephone realized she was setting up the surprise all wrong by the way Alek was looking at her. His eyes were filled with sadness and worry as he tried to interject as she spoke, thinking she was upset over not being pregnant again. Persephone was so flustered by everything that was happening, words were just tumbling out of her mouth and not making much sense which lead him to the wrong conclusions. That's when Persephone picked up the box and handed it to him. If she couldn't say it right, she would show him. Alek undid the bow, Persephone's eyes already filled to the brim with tears as he opened it. There it was: her positive pregnancy test.

"I'm pregnant, Alek."

She finally said it out loud and she couldn't help but choke out a happy sob as she did so, tears spilling onto her cheeks. Alek's eyes were wide with shock.

Alek: "Pregnant? What? Baby!"

He exclaimed with excitement, a massive smile overtaking his face which made Persephone laugh out through her tears. She wrapped her arms around him as he picked up her up spun her around, Persephone letting out a little squeal of joy while laughing. He finally settled her down on the floor, pulling back from the hug to look down at her. He looked so happy, his eyes sparkling with excitement and joy while his smile beamed. Persephone smiled too, though she was certain she didn't look half as good as he did. She was a crying, snotting, mess.

Alek: "We're going to have a baby, Baby. The most beautiful mother in the world."

Persephone chuckled shaking her head as she wiped her tears.

"The last part is questionable right now."

Alek then sunk to his knees and kissed her stomach, Persephone's face contorting as she tried to keep herself from bawling. Hormones. But really, hormones weren't all to blame this time. She was truthfully and honestly so overjoyed and happy because for the longest time, Persephone really didn't think they would get to baby number three.

Alek: "I love you, Mama. And I love our baby."

Persephone's hand brushed back Alek's hair as he rested his chin on her belly and looked up at her.

"I love you, baby....So much."

Her voice cracked, the desert drought most likely ending from all the happy tears Persephone was crying the past five minutes. Alek stood then and ushered her over to the dining table, helping her take a seat. There was papa bear, all ready to take care of her like he always did.

"I'm fine, Alek...more overwhelmed with emotions than dizzy right now."

She smiled as she looked down at him still on his knees in front of her. He looked so happy, yet there was a glint of something behind his eyes that made Persephone's brows furrow questionably.

Alek: "Pineapple juice, eh? Does that mean you think number three might be another boy?"

Persephone laughed, her hand instinctively going to her stomach.

"You would like that, huh? The boys taking over the household."

She teased with a warm smile.

"Whatever it is....i'm so incredibly thankful. I was so scared when I got pregnant with Lily and Lucas....the unknown with Lily and the terror with birthing Lucas....I just want to enjoy every moment of this one. Which is why I wanted to surprise you....I'm sorry if I scared you, baby."

Persephone smiled bashfully as she caressed Alek's cheek knowing how scared he was when he woke up without her in bed. Persephone shook her head with a little laugh.

"With Lily all I wanted to do was eat. With Lucas I couldn't keep anything down. Apparently this one likes to play head games with me. He or she is already keeping me on my toes."

In reference to her dizzy spells which she never had with Lily or Lucas' pregnancy. At least they both knew to play it safe in case they lasted throughout the first trimester. Persephone hands cupped Alek's face as she leaned down and softly kissed him.

"But I wouldn't trade it for the world."

 

[Berserker]

The Oasis

They were going to have a baby! He didn't think something they'd already done twice could make him so happy, but he couldn't imagine being able to be any happier. He told her she was the most beautiful mother in the world, but she shook her head.

"The last part is questionable right now."

He reached out and touched her cheek.

"You are always the most beautiful woman in the world, Seph. There's nothing you could do to yourself to change that."

And then he was overcome, and sank to his knees so he was level with her stomach, kissing the flat belly through her dress, telling Seph he loved her, that he loved their new baby already. He smiled up at her as she brushed back his hair, his arms around her. She was crying, which broke his heart, but he knew she was happy.

"I love you, baby....So much."

He got up suddenly, making her sit down.

"I'm fine, Alek...more overwhelmed with emotions than dizzy right now."

He held her hand in his, not able to stop smiling at her or looking into her beautiful face.

"Well, I'm going to be right here, so you just emotion at me all you want."

He thought of something, and looked curiously at her, then asked if she thought craving the same pineapple juice she had with Lucas meant that they were having another boy. She laughed at that, making him smile wider, and put her hand on her stomach.

"You would like that, huh? The boys taking over the household."

He laughed too, placing his hand over her's on her stomach.

"You know, I don't care what we have. I'm just happy we're doing this together again. I already can't wait to meet him."

He winked at her and laughed again.

"Whatever it is....I'm so incredibly thankful. I was so scared when I got pregnant with Lily and Lucas....the unknown with Lily and the terror with birthing Lucas....I just want to enjoy every moment of this one. Which is why I wanted to surprise you....I'm sorry if I scared you, baby."

"It was worth it."

He looked at her out of the side of his eye.

"But you did give me a heart attack."

She touched his cheek, and he smiled, putting his hand over it and holding it there.

"It was a wonderful surprise, baby. All of this - it's wonderful."

"With Lily all I wanted to do was eat. With Lucas I couldn't keep anything down. Apparently this one likes to play head games with me. He or she is already keeping me on my toes. But I wouldn't trade it for the world."

He leaned down and kissed her stomach again, already envisioning her with a round belly.

"Hi baby, it's your daddy."

He picked his head up, and kissed her lips this time.

"We're having a baby."

He grinned at her. He got up and went to entrance to the dining room, and shouted out into the darkening sky.

"We're having a baby!"

 

[Persephone]

Persephone was so overcome with emotions she was a crying mess at that point. Alek ushered her to one of the seats by the table to sit her down, but she told him she wasn't feeling dizzy just emotional.

Alek: "Well, I'm going to be right here, so you just emotion at me all you want."

She let out a little laugh before nodding.

"So you're ready for the hormones, huh?"

The running joke with all her pregnancies. But that didn't matter. She would take hormones and dizzy spells any day if it meant that she was pregnant. They had been trying so hard for what felt like an eternity. So many disappointments leading up to this moment...it was absolutely perfect. Alek was thrilled, joking about the baby being a boy. It was like their entire universe just got so much lighter in that one moment. But she did feel a little bad that she had scared him trying to set up the surprise.

Alek: "It was worth it. But you did give me a heart attack."

A guilty yet cute smile appeared as she mouthed sorry.

Alek: "It was a wonderful surprise, baby. All of this - it's wonderful."

Persephone smiled warmly, the tears finally subsiding and her cheeks finally dry. Only a smile of pure joy remained.

"I love you, baby."

Persephone lightly kissed Alek on the lips, her smile becoming wider. She had unusual pregnancy symptoms with each pregnancy. Lily she was always hungry, Lucas she was never hungry and had terrible morning sickness, and apparently this little one enjoyed making her dizzy. But it was so worth it, every bit of it. Alek leaned into her stomach once again kissing it and making her smile. She knew how much he loved her being pregnant, and how much he loved her rounded belly. She could see it in his face he was so excited at the thought of their little boy or girl growing big and strong within her. Alek excitedly said they were having a baby before jumping up and running to the door to shout it again to the dark desert.

"Alek!"

Persephone laughed, her eyes light and happy. She stood from her seat and walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head against his chest. Persephone sighed with contentment, feeling whole again.

"We need to think of names..."

She softly spoke as she looked out into the night, the stars bright and sparkling in the sky.

"And turn one of the guest bedrooms into a nursery..."

She lifted her head and tilted it back to look up at him.

"Tell the kids..."

That was going to be a task. Persephone knew Lily would be excited, but what about Lucas? Would he understand? Would he be jealous? Sad? Happy? He had never gone through this before. As much as she wanted to stay in Egypt with Alek, Persephone knew that because she was a high risk pregnancy, they needed to head back to Santorini so she could go to the doctor and make sure everything was okay. And honestly, she was grateful for the fact that the kids were still gone for a few more days because it gave Persephone the chance to let everything marinate before telling them. The thought of having two angry kids under the age of 7 was a little overwhelming.

"As much as I want to stay here, we should probably head back to Santorini tomorrow morning.... I'll call up my OB and set up an appointment for first thing to make sure everything is okay. And...hopefully to find out the sex."

She smiled at that last part before lifting to her toes to gently kiss Alek.

"I can't believe this is finally happening...That dream you had of us in the cabin, eating sandwiches with Lily and Lucas...me pregnant...it's all coming true."

Persephone kissed Alek again, this time keeping their mouths connected. Her arms tightened around him, deepening the kiss and getting lost in the perfect moment. When she did break it, their lips were still brushing together, faces close, and Persephone's forehead rested against Alek's.

"So...in that dream you had....did it mention what we were having?"

She grinned before laughing, extremely excited at the thought of finding out the sex so she could plan the nursery, go shopping, and do all the fun things that came along with it.

 

[Berserker]

The Oasis

He knelt in front of Seph, completely happy, not worrying about her being a mess of emotions. He would gladly deal with her fits of crying or yelling if it meant another baby. He had wanted a third child so badly, but even worse was that Seph wanted it so incredibly much. And she had been so hurt when time and time again the tests were negative. He knew that even though he told her it didn't matter, it did to her. So to see her happy now was like a double blessing.

And he was so happy, he wanted to tell the world - so he did, yelling out into the night and embarassing Seph, but he didn't care. He loved her, he loved having children with her, and he loved how sexy she was with a baby bump. Hell, with a giant humongous stomach. She came to where he was standing and slipped her arms around him, and he did the same, careful not to squeeze her too hard. He rubbed her back gently.

"We need to think of names..."

"I think we have some time, Seph."

"And turn one of the guest bedrooms into a nursery..."

Alek groaned.

"I'll call the contractor about adding another room to the cabin."

He chuckled. He didn't really mind, and at least Seph would do all the proverbial "heavy lifting" on the new baby's room at the Santorini house. Of course, he wouldn't let her do any actual heavy lifting, if he could help it. She tilted her head up to look at him, and he smiled down at her.

"Tell the kids..."

"Yikes."

He kept smiling, though. They wouldn't be able to predict how the kids would react - they'd seen that with Lily, who'd been fine until Lucas was actually born. But he tended to come down on the side of their kids being terrific, and they would take this in stride just like everything else.

"As much as I want to stay here, we should probably head back to Santorini tomorrow morning.... I'll call up my OB and set up an appointment for first thing to make sure everything is okay. And...hopefully to find out the sex."

"You don't want to be surprised this time?"

Seph stretched up to kiss him on the lips, which he gratefully accepted. He would be a little sorry to go, now, though. He'd grown to like it here, despite Seph's spells making him worry. But he knew his wife, and she would not be able to sit still until the baby was born, so they might as well get on with it.

"We can always come back again, baby. So whatever you feel comfortable with, is good for me."

"I can't believe this is finally happening...That dream you had of us in the cabin, eating sandwiches with Lily and Lucas...me pregnant...it's all coming true."

He remembered that dream well, the feeling of peace and happiness all around the five of them. And he felt it now, here with her. And he felt it when he was with the kids. Like everything was right. And even moreso now.

They kissed slowly, softly, like they had all the time in the world.

"So...in that dream you had....did it mention what we were having?"

He smiled against her lips.

"What do you want it to mention?"

He chuckled, a low rumble in his chest.

"It didn't say. So I guess it will have to be a surprise. Ha ha."

He teased her, knowing that Seph hated to wait.

"Maybe we should do something special when we tell the kids? Not that I know what that could be..."

He shook his head, pulling her back close against him.

"But there's plenty of time to talk about that. The more pressing question is, how do you want to spend your last night in Egypt?"

He glanced at the table.

"Not drinking that champagne..."

 

[Persephone]

Persephone stayed in Alek's arms, looking out into the dark night sky, completely content. She could have stay like that all night happily. It truly was one of the best nights of her life. She began to mention different things they needed to do, not panic stricken or anxiously, but more excitedly. She was so ready to start preparing for the baby. She mentioned baby names and Alek said that they had some time.

"You know how impatient I am..."

She countered with a smile.

Then she mentioned changing one of the guest bedrooms into a nursery to which Alek groaned, realizing they would have to add yet another addition to the cabin as well. They really should have just bought a multi million dollar mansion in the woods at this point. Then she mentioned telling the kids, tilting her head back to look up at him.

Alek: "Yikes."

Persephone mirrored his expression but with a hint of a smile.

"Yeah...Lets hope mommy doesn't become the most hated person in the household."

She said lightheartedly with a chuckle, not actually worried about that happening. Maybe disliked for a little, but eventually the kids would get over it, that is if they were even upset about it. Persephone then said that it was probably best that they head back to Santorini in the morning so she could go to the doctor and make sure everything is going smoothly thus far in her pregnancy. And selfishly to find out the sex.

Alek: "You don't want to be surprised this time?"

She gave him an are you kidding me look before smiling and rising up to her toes to kiss him.

"Nope."

She said against his lips before giggling and kissing him once again. Persephone brought up Alek's dream he had told her about a long time ago, where she was pregnant and he was eating sandwiches with Lily and Lucas. It seemed to be coming true, and she not so subtly asked if he happened to know the sex of the baby in the dream.

Alek: "What do you want it to mention?"

"Nothing in particular...i'm just curious..."

She grinned cutely.

Alek: "It didn't say. So I guess it will have to be a surprise. Ha ha."

Persephone groaned with a laugh, knowing Alek was taking way too much joy in her lack of patience.

"So mean. Lets see if you get pregnancy sex now."

She teased with a laugh, hugging herself into Alek once again and shutting her eyes with a sigh.

Alek: "Maybe we should do something special when we tell the kids? Not that I know what that could be..."

"We'll figure something out. We have a few days."

Her voice was soft as she spoke, not too worried about the details of that just yet. She knew she would be more anxious about telling them closer to when they came home, but right now, she just wanted to enjoy the blissful moment with her husband.

Alek: "But there's plenty of time to talk about that. The more pressing question is, how do you want to spend your last night in Egypt? Not drinking that champagne..."

Persephone lifted her head and looked over at the champagne with a smirk.

"That was for you. I have Mr. El Mehdy chilling some pineapple juice for me. [looking up at him] Very nice vintage."

Grinning playfully, Persephone lifted her hands up to Alek's face, brushing back his hair as her eyes were locked with his.

"Well....I didn't get to do a lot of things I wanted to do here because of this little nugget's dizzy spells....but there is one thing that is still salvageable..."

She looked out into the dark desert night, the sky filled with so many stars. It was beautiful and picturesque. It was everything she wanted their last night to be like. Her eyes, so filled with love, lifted back to his as a glow radiated from her, almost as beautiful as the moonlight.

"Make love to you under the stars."

 

[Berserker]

The Oasis

Seth's arms were around him, and he sighed with contentment. But Seph's mind was clearly already reeling, thinking of baby names, when they had only today found out they were pregnant. He told her he thought they had some time for that...

"You know how impatient I am..."

"That. I. do."

He looked down into her face with a loving smile, it clear on his face that he didn't mind at all.

"Yeah...Lets hope mommy doesn't become the most hated person in the household."

He gave her a sympathetic look, meeting her eyes.

"You know that would never really happen, right? Lily and Lucas adore you."

He always felt that Seph was a little more sensitive to the children's feelings about her because of her rocky relationship with her own mother when she was younger. (Of course, he would never use the word 'younger' to her face.) It was especially true of her and Lily. HE knew she had nothing to worry about, but sometime he felt like he needed to convince her.

Seph wanted to go back to Santorini tomorrow, and though he would be sad to leave this place, right now he would have given Seph anything she wanted. She kissed him, and they talked about the sex of the baby, and she asked about the dream he had once had of he and a pregnant Seph, with their son and daughter. He told her he hadn't known the sex in the dream, and laughed that she would have to wait to find out.

"So mean. Lets see if you get pregnancy sex now."

One of the hands on her back slid down to cup her ass cheek, while his eyes lost their laughter and instead smoldered as they met hers.

"I may have a large sexual apetite-"

He squeezed her cheek.

"But I'm pretty sure pregnancy sex isn't driven by me."

He smiled then, and they hugged each other tighter. The topic changed to their last night in Egypt, and what they were going to do with it.

"Well....I didn't get to do a lot of things I wanted to do here because of this little nugget's dizzy spells....but there is one thing that is still salvageable..."

"Oh yeah? What's that? I am your slave."

He grinned, recalling the night before in their tent.

"Make love to you under the stars."

He leaned in so their lips were almost touching.

"Well, I wouldn't want you to leave Egypt without getting to do something on your list..."

His lips pressed against hers, and his hand found hers, interlocking their fingers. When they parted, he smiled at her, and pulled her by the hand towards their tent, through where they slept and into another area with a large tub, almost like a small pool, the water already hot with fragrant flowers floating on top of it. With the pull of a cord, the tent opened up so that only the sides of the tent remained - the roof was open to the sky. He remembered something.

"Wait here, one second."

Alex quickly returned to the dining area, picking up the bucket of champagne and the similar carafe of chilled pineapple juice and two glasses and returned to Seph, setting the drinks down next to the tub. He looked up at the night sky, inky black but bright with stars. His eyes fell on her then, and he smiled.

"Does this meet your expectations milady?"

 

[Persephone]

The moment was everything she'd hope it would be and more. Being in Alek's arms, talking about whether the baby was going to be a boy or a girl, having to think of names - it was perfect. The only small bit of anxiety Persephone had was the thought of telling the kids, more so because of their reaction. She was nervous they would be angry with her in the beginning. Alek looked down at her with a sympathetic look.

Alek: "You know that would never really happen, right? Lily and Lucas adore you."

She nodded with a little smile.

"I know..."

Children were unique to navigate. They either love something or hate something, and if they really hated something, they would throw a fit, get angry, and feel like their entire world was ending until they realized it wasn't. Similar to what happened with Lily on Olympus after Lucas was born. But Persephone knew it would be a fleeting emotion and the kids would get over it eventually, that is if they were even upset about it. Hell, they could be excited. She really hoped for the latter.

Hugging herself to Alek, she really didn't want to think of the worst case scenario's when it came to telling the kids, at least not at that moment. She wanted to enjoy the blissful reality that she was finally pregnant and they were going to have another baby soon. She playfully asked Alek if his dream revealed the gender and he told no and that she'd have to wait, knowing how impatient she was. Persephone wrinkled her nose and threatened to withdraw pregnancy sex if he kept being 'mean'. Alek's hands slipped down to her ass causing Persephone's smile to grow.

Alek: "I may have a large sexual apetite--But I'm pretty sure pregnancy sex isn't driven by me."

He squeezed her cheeks as her smile turned into a guilty grin.

"We're not complaining are we, Mr. Hallbjorn?"

She knew well enough that Alek loved how her sex drive got when she was pregnant. Not that her sex drive wasn't on overdrive as it was in general, but when she was pregnant she literally wanted to fuck nonstop like her life depended on it. Speaking of fucking, Alek asked her what she wanted to do on their last night in Egypt. Persephone knew she only wanted one thing, and that was to make love to him under the stars. He smiled down at her before gently pressing his lips to hers. He slipped his hands into hers, interlocking their fingers while their tongues interlocked in tandem. Finally, they parted, Alek pulling her toward the bedroom tent and into another tent that had a large pool like tub that was filled with steaming hot water and flower peddles. Persephone smiled at the sight, the aroma of the flowers already filling the space. But Alek had one more surprise up his sleeve, pulling a cord on the tent to completely draw back the roof and open it up to the nights sky. Persephone exhaled at how beautiful it was, her eyes lifted to look at the scattered bright specks in the dark sky.

"It's beautiful, Alek...."

She whispered with a smile.

Alek: "Wait here, one second."

He disappeared from the tent for a few moments as Persephone still stared up into the sky, her fingers absentmindedly tracing along the straps of her dress. When she heard the flap of the tent push open, she looked over to see Alek carrying the bottle of champagne and pineapple juice making her smile. He put them down then took a turn to look up at the sky before his eyes returned to her.

Alek: "Does this meet your expectations milady?"

"It's beyond them, baby."

She murmured sincerely with a smile. Persephone stepped up to the ledge of the pool, her fingers gently pulling the straps of her dress off her shoulders. Letting her arms drop to her sides, the thin, flowy fabric fell effortlessly from her body, pooling to her feet in one motion as her eyes never left Alek's. Fully nude, she may have been pregnant, but she didn't look it yet.

"Does this meet yours?"

She asked, mimicking his question. Stepping down into the hot water, Persephone sunk into the deep peddle filled tub, her body disappearing under the water. She moved across the tub to where Alek was standing, looking up at him with an obvious need and the unspoken question to join her.

 

[Berserker]

The Oasis

Seph threatened to withold pregnancy sex from him, and he pointed out that he wasn't the one whose sex drive got turned up to 11 when she was pregnant.

"We're not complaining are we, Mr. Hallbjorn?"

He smiled playfully.

"No, Mrs. Hallbjorn. Death by sex is how I always wanted to go."

Which led her into her final request for the trip, causing him to lead her to the large pool that was open to the sky. He ran back for their drinks, as he was sure they were going to be very thirsty, very soon. He looked into her face with more than a little glee, hoping she liked the surprise of it, and asking if it met her expectations.

"It's beyond them, baby."

"Just like every day I spend with you."

He knew it was cheesy, but it was true. Every day was always better than he'd imagined it could be. Case in point, when she pushed the straps of her dress off her shoulders and it fell to the floor. Alex was pretty sure his mouth dropped too, but he was too engrossed in what he was seeing to care. She positively glowed. He didn't know if it was the pregnancy or just her, but there was a light that radiated from her skin.

"Does this meet yours?"

He nodded slowly, his tongue touching the corner of his bottom lip.

"You blow my fucking expectations to Jupiter."

He already sounded a bit breathless, the anticipation between them building - a slow burn that in short time would burst into a full fledged inferno. His body responded to the sight of her nakedness, even moreso as she stepped into the water and came across it towards him, the water glinting off her skin. The look on her face as she silently invited him made his body tighten, and his fingers went to the buttons of his shorts, undoing them swiftly and pushing them down off his hips.

She couldn't have been more seductive if she was a siren, and he slipped into the water, moving in a circle around her so that his body just barely touched hers. When he was behind her he reached up, pushing her hair off her neck and pressing his lips to her wet skin. Hands slid through the water to her waist, pulling her back against his body, his desire apparent and rising, as his mouth continued to plant soft kissing on her bare skin.