Dreams and Night Terrors

[Persephone]

Persephone didn't know who was enjoying this more, herself or Alek. He always seemed to feed off her pleasure and wanted to keep giving her more until she couldn't take it any longer. But she could understand why because she loved giving him oral - tasting him, hearing him cry out and his body tense as she brought him to the brink of pleasure. She lived for it. So in that moment she surrendered herself and her body to Alek, telling him to touch her. His fingers slipped easily inside her causing her to moan between their heated kiss, her hips pushing down into his hand as he began to rub her pearl with his thumb. She told him to taste her and their kiss intensified, his tongue claiming hers as he continued to work her sex with his hand. His fingers were hooked in just the right place, stroking her ledge and making her groan out and break their kiss.

"I love it when you kiss me like this..."

Her voice was soft yet husk and filled with pleasure, loving how he was making a meal out of her body. His mouth and tongue tasted her skin along her neck until reaching her breasts, paying particular attention to them before moving down her stomach and finally her sex. His mouth went to her pearl now and Persephone expelled a low moan.

"Oh shit, baby...."

Her back bowed into his touch, her hand going to his head as she panted out breathlessly at the feel of him. His tongue relentless against her nub, his fingers fucking her so easily from how wet he was making her. Then his hand was on her breast and she rolled her eyes shut, her body unable to stay still. She felt his fingers withdraw and his tongue take their place, pushing deep inside her and making Persephone cry out. He licked up the length of her before his fingers found their way back inside her, his mouth and tongue never stopping.

"Fuck....fuck Alek, right there...don't stop..don't--"

Gasping in, her body tensed and sex contracting around his fingers as she felt the build of pressure low within her stomach. Then she began to come, her moans filling the room as she pulsed against Alek's mouth, her body trembling beneath his touch. Her hand gripped his hair while her neck extended back at the euphoric feeling overtaking her body, her hips pushing down into him as the wave continued to crash over her.

"Oh God--FUCK I love you're mouth on me..."

She cried out between pants of shallow breaths, the orgasm slowly subsiding. The warmth still flooded her body, her eyes slowly opening and looking down at Alek tiredly. Her hand guided his face up her body as he moved toward her until finally she captured his mouth with hers, tasting herself as her tongue met with his. Her arms wrapped around his back pulling him down to her, the softest of moans coming from between their kiss. Then Persephone broke it, her face snuggling into the crook of his neck, her breathing still escalated yet slowing down as she held herself against him. It was still early, a couple hours before the kids were to wake up. Closing her eyes, there was no better way to fall back to sleep than like this.

"I love you, baby."

She murmured against his skin, the contentment of being in his arms enough to lull Persephone back to sleep.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

Seph fell asleep in his arms, her steady breathing soon lulling him to sleep as well. He felt complete, holding her, like she was his other half. Lying there with her was so peaceful, it was as if anything outside of their bedroom didn't exist. At least until morning.

It sounded like a herd of elephants running down the hallway. Alek groaned, waking groggily from sleep, Seph's head still nestled in the crook of his neck. He knew it wasn't elephants, though, just a little girl and her wolf. And like clockwork, a few seconds later the call came over the baby monitor.

Lucas: "Mama! Daddy!"

Alek blinked, his lips kissing Seph's forehead.

"I suppose we're going to have to get him a big boy bed soon. I'll get him."

He rolled out of bed, throwing on a pair of shorts he found on a chair. He padded down the hallways to Lucas' room, which Lily heard, and thus shouted up the stairs.

Lily: "Daddy can I let Olympus out?"

He turned in the direction of the stairs.

"Yes! And don't shout!"

He walked into Lucas' room to see him standing in his crib, bright-eyed and jumping around impatiently.

Lucas: "Let meeee out Daddy!"

"Okay, okay...here we go."

He picked Lucas up.

"Good morning, little cub."

Lucas pointed while Alek carried him over to the changing table.

Lucas: "Leelee..."

"Yes, your sister was being very loud this morning."

Lucas: "My new brother coming today?"

Alek smiled.

"No, not for a long while yet."

Lucas let out a sigh that was fit for a forty year old man.

Lucas: "I wanted to see him."

All done, Alek picked Lucas up and kissed his cheek.

"He'll be here before you know it."

He set Lucas down and pulled out a tee shirt and pair of shorts from his drawer, and with only a little bit of a struggle got him dressed.

"Hungry?"

Lucas nodded dramatically, and Alek held out his hand, and the two of them walked together down the hall and down the stairs.

 

[Persephone]

Everything was so warm as she laid wrapped in Alek's arms, peacefully sleeping with her face still nuzzled in the crook of his neck. Her eyes were shielded from the streaming sun so she was blissfully unaware that it was 8am and the kids were ready for the day. That was until she heard stomping feet running down the hallway and stairs. She felt Alek move and groan sleepily just as Lucas began to call for both her and Alek.

Alek: "I suppose we're going to have to get him a big boy bed soon. I'll get him."

It was Persephone's turn to groan as Alek climbed out of bed, her mind too foggy to register exactly what he was saying. She was so tired and the bed was so warm. But not as warm as with him in it. Persephone pulled the covers over her body, snuggling them with her eyes still shut from the world refusing to wake up just yet. She heard Lily yelling up to Alek about letting Olympus out, and Alek yelling back down 'yes' but to stop yelling. Wincing at all the yelling, Persephone sighed out as she slowly began to get pulled from her sleep.

But finally there was a few moments of peace allowing her to relax once again, until she heard Lucas begging Alek to let him out of the crib over the monitor. He asked about seeing his baby brother, and despite her exhaustion, Persephone softly smile at that, loving how excited he was about Liam. Alek told him soon before she heard them walking down the hall and downstairs. At that point, Persephone melted into the bed, the silence so welcomed. It didn't take long for her to fall back to sleep, her hand protectively on her stomach while the covers stayed warmly tucked under her chin. About forty five minutes passed before she finally began to stir awake, slowly blinking to allow her eyes to adjust to the brightness of the morning sun. Rolling onto her back, her hand gently rubbed her stomach as she smiled.

"You're making mommy very sleepy today, my little bear."

A thought occurred to her then.

"Or maybe it was the incredible early morning sex...."

She softly chuckled, her voice still having that early morning gravel to it. Finally getting out of bed, she put on a pair of comfortable black shorts and a matching black t-shirt before slowly padding down the hall and stairs.

Lily: "Mommy!"

Lily called out as she looked up from the picture she was drawing at the kitchen table prompting Lucas to look over too.

Lucas: "Mama!"

Lily: "Can we go to the beach?!"

Lucas: "Yeah!"

Lily: "And build sand castles?!"

Lucas: "I wanna build a snowman--uh uh sandman!"

Lily: "And look at room decorations for Liam!"

Lucas: "Yeah! When is Iam coming, mama?!"

They were shouting almost in unison, all at once, so incredibly excited as any six and two year old should be. They were bright eyed, with big smiles, happily ready to start the day. Olympus started barking too, feeding off their excitement as Persephone held the banister and came to the second to last step before the landing. She wasn't sure if it was all the excitement and the fact she was exhausted, or just a normal dizzy spell, but it hit Persephone all at once.

"Alek.."

Swaying on the stairs, she gripped the banister and grabbed her head as the room started to spin around her. Slowly lowering herself onto the step, she took a seat and groaned, holding her forehead within her hands. She felt Alek by her side immediately, both kids instantly getting quiet.

"This one's strong.."

She whispered, not wanting to frighten Lily or Lucas.

Lily: "Mommy...?"

Lily sounded scared and it broke Persephone's heart, immediately making her go into mommy mode, acting as if everything was perfectly fine.

"It's okay, baby."

She lifted her head despite the dizziness and gave Lily a smile.

"I'm just a little dizzy...remember what daddy said yesterday?"

Lily nodded, still looking nervous about the situation.

"I'm fine sweetheart...I promise."

Rubbing her forehead gently, the spell finally began to subside, her hand taking Alek's and squeezing it gently knowing he was probably reeling inside despite his cool exterior.

"Help me to the couch?"

She whispered again to him, wanting to relax a bit, drink some water, and eat something before diving into the day. She stood with Alek's help and luckily she didn't get a head rush. Holding his hand she walked over to the couch and took a seat, Lily and Lucas already near by watching.

"What did you two have for breakfast?"

She kept the conversation casual as she gave Alek a small kiss on the lips and a reassuring smile.

Lucas: "French toast sticks."

"French toast sticks?! That sounds delicious! You wanna help daddy make mommy some French toast sticks?"

Lucas beamed happily and nodded with enthusiasm, running to Alek's leg and hugging it.

Lily: "Can I sit with you instead, mama?"

Lily was still a little unsure about what happened. Persephone smiled warmly at Lily and opened her arms up, Lily immediately climbing onto the couch and snuggling into Persephone.

"You know I can't resist snuggle time with my girl."

Lily finally giggled making Persephone smile as she held her girl close. Looking up at Alek, she smiled at him, a silent thank you for being so calm and helpful despite her first dizzy spell in front of the kids.

 

[Berserker]

The Kitchen

Alek patiently helped Lucas climb down the stairs. Once the little boy made it to the bottom, though, he was off and running after his sister. Lily was opening the door to the back patio to let Olympus back in, and he let out a bark of excitement at seeing Lucas there.

Lucas put his hands on his knees and bent over, emitting a cute but completely not scary growl. Then he reach out and patted Olympus’ head.

Lucas: “Nice doggy...”

Olympus responded by licking Lucas’ hand, tail wagging furiously, which made him giggle, and Lily did too. Alek opened the fridge and got out the eggs and cream, and brought them over to the counter where the bread was.

“Lily, will you keep an eye on your brother while I make breakfast?”

Lily: “Sure, Daddy!”

The kids kept playing with the dog wolf, while he got out the frying pan, and whisked the eggs together with the cream while it heated up. He cut the bread into long strips and then dunked it in egg batter before putting it into the pan to cook. Finally he got the syrup out of the cupboard, then slid the toast sticks onto a platter. He called the kids to come to the table, thinking it was a little odd that Seph hadn’t come down yet. But he hoped she’d been able to go back to sleep.

Lily: “Ooh daddy, what did you make?”

She jumped up to see what he was carrying.

“French toast sticks. Don’t tell mommy we didn’t have anything healthy like fruit.”

Lucas: “Yummmmm!”

Lily: “But I like fruit.”

“Well, er, put some strawberries on it then. There’s some in the fridge.”

Just like her mother. Lily scampered off to get the fruit while Alex lifted Lucas into his high chair and served two portions onto kid sized plates and one big portion onto his own. Lily returned and climbed up onto her chair, and they all dug into their breakfast.

Lily: "Iiraryguddaddy!"

Which loosely translated to "This is really good, daddy!" when Lily didn't have a mouthful of French toast. Lucas was too busy chewing to say anything. Alek smiled at the two of them, the best kids ever.

Lily: "Daddy?"

He looked up from his breakfast to see Lily looking at him with a quizzical expression on her face.

"Yes, baby?"

Lily: "Where will Liam sit for breakfast once he's here?"

The kitchen table had four places, one for each of them.

"Well, I think we'll pull a highchair up to the table."

Lily: "What if he doesn't fit?"

"Well, then have to squeeze together and make room."

He made a face at her, and she giggled, seeming content with that.

They finished eating and Alek cleared away the plates. He suggested to Lily and Lucas that they make some pictures to show mama when she wakes up, which they dove into enthusiastically. After a little bit, Seph came down the stairs. He smiled brightly (and a little lecherously) at her.

"Good thing you're up, mommy, we've got some masterpieces over here."

Lily and Lucas were both excited for mom, and were instantly on her about going to the beach, shouting questions to her. But he could tell by her face that something was wrong. He got up from the table and crossed the distance to the stairs.

"Alek.."

He took her arm and helped her sit, putting his arm around her so she couldn't fall.

"It's okay, I'm right here."

"This one's strong.."

"Just lean against me, baby, you'll be alright."

He hated seeing her like this, hurting, when he couldn't do anything to help.

"I should have brought you up something to drink..."

Lily was scared by what she was seeing, and Seph tried to reassure her, reminding her what he'd told them the day before.

"I'm fine sweetheart...I promise."

"Mommy just needs to sit for a minute or two until she stops feeling dizzy. But she's perfectly okay."

He looked a Lily and gave her a wink, trying to convince her it wasn't a big deal, even though inside, he felt like it was a very big deal.

"Help me to the couch?"

She whispered to him, and he stood up, taking her elbow and helping her stand as well. Then they walked carefully together over to the couch, where he helped her sit. He was studying Seph's face as she chatted with the kids about their breakfast (masters of deception they were not) and then suggested they help him make her some. He was a little surprised she didn't ask for some fruit and granola but he was happy to oblige. And when Lucas' little arms hugged his leg with excitement, there was no way he could refuse. Lily asked if she could sit with Seph, and he smiled proudly at her, and gave her a nod. He scooped up Lucas into his arms and carried him to the kitchen. Alek mixed up some more batter and let Lucas dunk the strips of toasts into it before Alek cooked it. He handed Lucas the bottle of syrup to carry into the living room while he carried a tray with the french toast sticks (and yes, fruit), and large glasses of water and juice.

"Breakfast is served, Madame. Chef Lucas has made you a very special maple syrup as well."

Lucas beamed, holding up the bottle. Alek kissed the top of his head as he handed the bottle over, then kissed Seph and Lily's heads as well. He sat down at the end of the couch next to Lily, and pulled Lucas up into his lap.

 

[Persephone]

It came out of nowhere and all at once. The kids were shouting questions excitedly, Olympus barking along with them. Persephone gripped the bannister, that all too familiar feeling washing over her. The room began to spin and it must have shown on her face because just as she said Alek's name he was by her side within seconds. He helped her sit down, her eyes shutting as she held her head.

Alek: "It's okay, I'm right here."

"The kids..."

She whispered, not wanting to scare them. She lifted her head to try and play it off but groaned softly, the spell a little too strong to pretend like it was nothing. She told Alek it was a strong one and she knew she needed to just sit down and ride it out like the doctor said.

Alek: "Just lean against me, baby, you'll be alright."

She gently nodded her head, leaning into Alek whom had his arm around her shoulders. Lily called out for her, and the tone in her voice was obvious: she was scared. Persephone kept her voice light and positive, telling her she was alright and not to worry.

Alek: "Mommy just needs to sit for a minute or two until she stops feeling dizzy. But she's perfectly okay."

"Daddy's right, baby. I'm already starting to feel better."

She wasn't, but Lily didn't need to know that. She asked Alek to help her to the couch so she could relax, the spell soon subsiding but still feeling a little off by the attack. Alek helped her stand, Persephone holding onto his hand as she walked over to the couch and took a seat. Shutting her eyes tightly, she pinched the bridge of her nose before finally looking over at the kids with a smile, asking what they had for breakfast. Lucas was very enthusiastic about the fact that they had French Toast, so Persephone immediately played off that asking him and Lily to help Alek make her some French Toast. Lucas ran to Alek happily, grasping his leg with excitement, but Lily wanted to stay behind with her.

Alek and Lucas headed into the kitchen to make Persephone her breakfast leaving her with Lily. Lily was hugging Persephone's stomach with her head laying on her chest. She gently rubbed Lily's back, resting her chin on top of Lily's head and closing her eyes. It was actually perfect and exactly what she needed in that moment.

Lily: "Mama?"

"Yeah baby?"

Lily: "Maybe....maybe we should wait for Liam for a little bit? You know...until you're not sick and then you can have him?"

Persephone's heart wanted to burst with such love, yet also break at the same time. Lily's innocents was something to be envied and cherished. She wanted a little brother, as made apparent from how excited she had been the past two days after finding out, but she was scared that it was hurting Persephone. She put her excitement second to her mother's health and it made Persephone so incredibly proud.

"Aww...Ellaria..."

Lily sat up, looking at Persephone. Gently she ran her hand down Lily's cheek, holding her face.

"That's not how it works, sweetheart..."

Lily's brows furrowed, confused and sadness in her eyes.

Lily: "But...but if you're sick...."

"Lily...this is only temporary. I'm not going to stay sick forever, or get worse. It just a little side effect of having Liam inside my tummy. When I was pregnant with you....all I wanted to do was eat really weird things."

Persephone let out a little laugh making Lily smile.

"And when I was pregnant with your brother? I didn't want to eat anything at all."

Lily giggled.

Lily: "I remember that."

Persephone smiled warmly at her daughter, omitting the horrific morning sickness she experiened as well.

"I just happen to get a little dizzy sometimes with Liam...and I know it's a little scarier than me not eating, but it's nothing to be worried about, okay? The doctor said i'm perfectly fine, and so is your little brother. I promise baby girl."

Lily nodded before wrapping her arms around Persephone's stomach again and hugging her tightly.

Lily: "I love you mommy."

Kissing the top of Lily's head, Persephone shut her eyes and held Lily close to her.

"I love you too my little flower."

Alek: "Breakfast is served, Madame. Chef Lucas has made you a very special maple syrup as well."

Opening her eyes, she looked up to see Alek carrying a tray of food and drinks with Lucas by his side holding some maple syrup. Persephone smiled brightly at Lucas.

"My own syrup??!"

Lucas: "Yep! Here mama!"

Persephone chuckled as Lucas handed her the syrup. Alek sat the tray down on Persephone's lap before giving her and Lily a kiss on the tops of their heads.

"Thank you baby."

Alek took a seat next to Lily on the couch and pulled Lucas into his lap.

"And thank you for helping daddy! This looks amazing!"

Lucas: "It's good! Not as good as yours, mama. But daddy tried."

Persephone laughed, the unfiltered nature of toddlers hilarious and endearing. She looked at Alek with a smile, his face pretty priceless.

"Maybe I can give you a lesson....we're a pretty good team with breakfast foods."

Her smile became a little salacious at the thought of the last time they were in the kitchen with syrup, but she remembred little eyes and ears were present. Picking up her fork and knife, she began to eat the French Toast and strawberries, making sure to put extra syrup on them for Lucas' sake.

"This is really good. Maybe I should have you two cook for me all the time."

Lucas: "Yeah! 'Cept brefast. I like your bresfast mama."

He said matter of factly with a nod making Persephone laugh once again. She raised her eyebrows at Alek, realizing how much of a open book Lucas was becoming.

"Deal."

Persephone finished most of her food, putting the tray on the coffee table before sitting back and getting comfortable again. Lily snuggled next to her, Olympus by her feet. Lucas bounced on Alek's leg as he played with an action figure.

"So, did you two still want to go to the beach?"

Lucas: "YEAH!"

Lily shrugged, her grip around Persephone tightening.

"Sweetie I feel fine. We can go to the beach if you want to?"

Kissing the top of Lily's head, Lily looked over at Alek with uncertainty before tilting her head back and looking up at Persephone.

Lily: "...The pool?"

Lucas: "Pool! Pool! Pool!"

Lucas bounced on Alek's lap excitedly.

"The pool sounds perfect."

Lily smiled brightly with a nod before slipping off the couch. Lucas was already scrambling off Alek's knee as Lily took his hand.

Lily: "Common Lucas, lets get our swimsuits on!"

They both ran to the stairs, Lily helping Lucas up each stair like a pro and making Persephone smile as she watched. She then turned to Alek, looking at him sympathetically as she reached for his hand.

"I'm sorry..."

She knew he had been nervous during the entire ordeal, pulling him to her and hugging herself into his body. Gently rubbing his side, Persephone sighed as she shut her eyes.

"I feel much better, baby...I promise."

 

[Berserker]

The Living Room

Even when he was cooking Seph's breakfast, he had his eye on her. He knew her well enough to know she was putting on a brave face for the kids. He knew she still didn't feel herself. The same way he knew that Lily was worried about her too. Lucas was still trusting and believed them when Mommy said she was okay. He just wanted to make her French toast sticks. When he brought Seph's breakfast into the living room, he sat down on the couch next to Lily and pulled Lucas up into his lap so they could all sit together, and so the kids would know Seph was okay and that she was still Mommy. Seph fawned over Lucas and the breakfast, which made the little boy beam with pride.

Lucas: "It's good! Not as good as yours, mama. But daddy tried."

"Yes, I know, I am not as good as mama in most things."

He looked down at Lucas and tickled his waist, causing him to squeal and giggle. Alek looked at Seph.

"I paid him to say that by the way, you're welcome."

Lucas: "No you didn't, daddy. No he didn't, mama. He didn't pay me nuthin'."

Alek laughed and hugged Lucas to him.

"Maybe I can give you a lesson....we're a pretty good team with breakfast foods."

"Yes, I recall the last time we cooked breakfast together distinctly."

If Seph hadn't been feeling poorly, he would have put on Sponge Bob and taken her back upstairs. But, alas... Watching Seph eat most of her breakfast was almost as good. Well, not really, but it was comforting.

"This is really good. Maybe I should have you two cook for me all the time."

Lucas: "Yeah! 'Cept brefast. I like your bresfast mama."

Alek's eyes went to the ceiling.

"Come on - doesn't daddy do anything better than mama?"

Lucas scrunched up his face in thought, taking way too much time to think of an answer. Alek could pretty much see the lightbulb when he finally came up with something.

Lucas: "Snore!"

Alek ruffled Lucas' hair.

"I see who he takes after."

They all sat together, Lily snuggling against Seph while Lucas played with an action figure as he sat in his lap. This one looked like Thor (he had thrown that ridiculous Captain America one away). Seph brought the discussion back to the beach.

"So, did you two still want to go to the beach?"

Lucas was excited, but he could see Lily tense, pretending she didn't want to now. Alek gave Seph a look that said maybe he didn't think it was such a good idea either. Seph tried to reassure Lily that they could still go to the beach, and Lily looked at him for a long moment. He gave her a smile. She was such a good kid, thinking about others more than about herself. He didn't want to deny her doing what she wanted, even if it meant Seph stayed on the couch and he took the kids down to the beach. But then, as usual, Lily surprised him with her insight and thoughtfulness.

Lily: "...The pool?"

Lucas: "Pool! Pool! Pool!"

"Excellent idea, little cub."

Seph agreed that it was perfect, which made Lily happy. She took Lucas by the hand, ever the big sister, and they went to get their swimsuits. Then Seph reached for his hand which he took, moving over to stretch out next to her.

"It still amazes me how good they are."

"I'm sorry..."

"Shh you have nothing to be sorry about."

She hugged him, and the warmth of her felt so comforting.

"I should have brought you up some water this morning. And not been so aggressive. Two days and I've already failed the doctor's orders."

"I feel much better, baby...I promise."

"Well you are going to have your own personal cooler of drinks next to you at the pool. And you will be sitting under the umbrella."

He studied her face with concern.

"Unless you'd rather stay in here? I can take the kids out to the pool..."

 

[Persephone]

Persephone ate her very sugary breakfast, and despite it not being what she would normally want to eat, it was pretty delicious. She told Alek and Lucas they had done an amazing job, and in true Lucas fashion he told his truth saying that Alek didn't make them as good as Persephone did making her laugh.

Alek: "I paid him to say that by the way, you're welcome."

"Oh really?"

Lucas: "No you didn't, daddy. No he didn't, mama. He didn't pay me nuthin'."

Both Persephone and Alek laughed, Lucas definitely growing into a little character. She told in a not so innocent way that she could teach him how to make breakfast since they were such a good team together in the kitchen; Alek's eyes becoming lecherous knowing exactly what she was talking about.

Alek: "Yes, I recall the last time we cooked breakfast together distinctly."

Giving him a little wink, maybe they should go to the beach and wear the kids out quickly so they could go down for a nap. Persephone really wanted another round of their amazing morning sex. But she kept her X-rated thoughts to herself and continued the PG conversation telling Lucas that they should cook for her all the time. He agreed, except for breakfast saying he enjoyed Persephone's more.

Alek: "Come on - doesn't daddy do anything better than mama?"

Lucas: "Snore!"

Laughing, Persephone shook her head.

"Lucas..."

Alek: "I see who he takes after."

"Oh please. I win ALL the Hallbjorn boys over with my cooking. [whispering to Lucas] That's how I got daddy to marry me."

Lucas giggled at that as Persephone smirked at Alek playfully. But throughout this entire breakfast talk, Lily had been very quiet, just hugging Persephone and keeping her little head against her chest. Rubbing Lily's back, she suggested they all go to the beach which Lucas was excited for but Lily was acting like didn't want to go. Persephone tried to reassure her that she was fine and they could go to the beach if she wanted to but she suggested the pool instead. Everyone agreed the pool would be the activity for the day, so Lily took ahold of Lucas' hand and helped him up the stairs so they could both change leaving Persephone and Alek alone.

Alek: "It still amazes me how good they are."

"I know..."

She said with a mixture of pride and wonderment before turning to Alek. She took his hand as he closed the distance between them and snuggled herself into his body, hugging him. She apologized for scaring him but he dismissed it.

Alek: "I should have brought you up some water this morning. And not been so aggressive. Two days and I've already failed the doctor's orders."

Tilting her head to look up at him.

"First of all, you are following doctors orders to the letter, Alek. She said I would have spells and that it's normal."

She made sure he was looking at her so he could see this wasn't his fault.

"And two....you can't fuck me like that and tell me you're not going to do it again. That's just cruel."

Her lips upturned into a smile, knowing that he knew how much he made her come earlier. Depriving her of that would be worse than torture at Hellfire.

"I feel much better, baby...I promise."

Alek: "Well you are going to have your own personal cooler of drinks next to you at the pool. And you will be sitting under the umbrella. Unless you'd rather stay in here? I can take the kids out to the pool..."

His face was still filled with so much concern making Persephone sit up a bit so she could take his face within her hands.

"Baby....."

She gently pressed her lips against his, holding the kiss for a few moments before pulling back to look into his eyes.

"I'm okay...I promise. The kids aren't here....it' just you and me. I wouldn't lie to you about this."

She may have went into mommy mode with the kids pretending to be okay when she clearly wasn't, but in that moment, sitting with Alek, she did feel perfectly normal. She had a big breakfast and had entire glass of water and juice. Any indication that she had a dizzy spell were long gone.

"So how about I'll lay out under the umbrella like you suggested? So I can watch you three play. And maybe you can wear them out really good so they can take an extra long nap today..."

Smirking, the look in Persephone's eyes was undeniable as she pressed her lips against Alek's once again; this time not as gentle. But alas, little voice could be heard calling for mama and daddy as they bounded down the stairs.

Lily: "Ready!"

Lucas was trailing behind Lily but finally caught up out of breath.

Lucas: "R-Ready!"

Persephone looked over to see Lily dressed in her one piece pink swimsuit with little rainbows all over, and Lucas....well, Lucas had his blue shark swim trunks on, but they were backwards making Persephone grin with amusement.

"You certainly are."

Chuckling, Persephone waved Lucas over.

"Come here, lets fix these for you."

Lucas: "I dresseded my self."

Lily: "Nu uhhh, I helped."

Lucas: "But *I* dresseded me. You-you only got my swimmies because i'm too short to get 'em."

Lily rolled her eyes and let out an annoyed sigh

"You both did a great job."

Persephone smiled, helping Lucas readjust his swim shorts and put them on the right way. Patting his little butt after finishing, Lucas giggled before running and grabbing his Thor action figure.

"Good to go. Lets wait until daddy gets dressed and we'll go outside."

 

[Berserker]

The Living Room

Lucas was brutally honest (and Alek would have it no other way) and Alek told Seph he took after her.

"Oh please. I win ALL the Hallbjorn boys over with my cooking. [whispering to Lucas] That's how I got daddy to marry me."

Alek playfully narrowed his eyes and shook his head.

"I think I got you to marry me with my fabulous peanut butter and jelly sandwiches."

Lucas was having a good time, and Seph and he were laughing and joking, but Lily wasn't joining in like she normally would. She finally perked up a little when they decided to go to the pool instead of the beach. Lily took Lucas upstairs so they could get their suits. As they waited, snuggling together on the couch, Seph tried to apologize for her dizzy spell, but Alek told her it was his fault, that he hadn't followed the doctor's orders like he should have.

"First of all, you are following doctors orders to the letter, Alek. She said I would have spells and that it's normal. And two....you can't fuck me like that and tell me you're not going to do it again. That's just cruel."

He pretended to be shocked but couldn't help but grin.

"You can't talk like that, you're somebody's mother."

She promised she felt better, and he gave the plan for keeping her hydrated and out of the sun.

"So how about I'll lay out under the umbrella like you suggested? So I can watch you three play. And maybe you can wear them out really good so they can take an extra long nap today..."

"You saucy minx..."

He grinned at her as she pressed her lips to his. But soon - too soon - the thunder of little feet making a lot of noise was heard as the kids came barreling back into the living room. Seph helped Lucas get his trunks on the right direction.

"Good to go. Lets wait until daddy gets dressed and we'll go outside."

"Okay, okay, I'm going..."

He jogged up the stairs and slipped off the shorts he was wearing, exchanging them for a pair of board shorts. He took the stairs two at a time down, and soon was back in the living room with everyone else.

"Ready!"

He mimicked. He found the sunscreen and he and Seph got the kids lotioned up and then they all trekked outside, wolf and all. True to his word, Alek filled one of the little coolers with ice and drinks for Seph, and another with water and juice boxes for the kids. He also made sure the umbrella shaded her chair. He handed Lucas his water wings.

"Here, Lucas, take these to mommy and have her help you put them on before we go in the pool."

Lucas: "Okay daddy!"

When Lucas was occupied, he pulled Lily aside, who was nervously watching Seph like a hawk.

"Come here, little flower."

He knelt down to talk to her.

"Mommy is okay. I know it's scary, and it's hard not to worry. But you really don't need to. She's not hurt, or sick. I promise."

Lily: "I know. It's just-"

She looked at him with sad eyes, and it broke his heart.

Lily: "I'm afraid something bad will happen to mommy."

"Come here, baby."

He held out his arms, and pulled her into a big hug.

"I will never let anything happen to mommy. It's my job to protect her. And you. And Lucas. And Liam. So you don't need to worry. Okay?"

Lily nodded, and he gave her another hug and a kiss on her cheek.

"Now let's do some swimming, okay? I want to see both my little dolphins having fun."

Lily gave him a little smile.

Lily: "We're not dolphins. We're bears. Grrrr!"

He laughed.

"Then let's get in the pool, little bear."

He reached out his hand, and she took it, and he walked her over near to the steps. Lucas was all water winged up, so he scooped him up and carried him into the water.

 

[Persephone]

Lucas was becoming ever the comic, though non intentional, yet still hilarious. Persephone joked that she won Alek over because of her cooking which made Lucas giggle.

Alek: "I think I got you to marry me with my fabulous peanut butter and jelly sandwiches."

Lucas: "I love your PB&J daddy!"

Lucas chimed in with a grin. Persephone nodded, shrugging her shoulders up as if conceding to that fact.

"You do make pretty amazing PB&J's."

She cracked a smile and laughed along with Alek and Lucas, but when she looked down she saw Lily wasn't having as good of a time as her brother. Persephone tried to reassure her that she was feeling fine and that they could go to the beach and have fun if she still wanted to, but Lily was still being a little cautious and asked to do the pool instead. Lily helped Lucas upstair to change allowing a moment of alone time for both her and Alek. He felt guilty about what had happened but Persephone dismissed it, telling him it was normal and to not withhold the amazing sex they had earlier.

Alek looked shocked at the way she spoke, but he couldn't hide his sly grin.

Alek: "You can't talk like that, you're somebody's mother."

Persephone smiled widely, her face close to his.

"You didn't seem to mind it earlier."

She countered before capturing his lips with hers. She suggested that Alek wear the kids out good and well so they could have a nice long nap for the afternoon allowing them to recreate their morning. He grinned, matching hers, before they began to kiss once again. Unfortunately the kids got dressed way quicker than Persephone anticipated and they were already down the stairs ready to go. Alek headed up to get change, and within minutes he was back downstairs announcing he was ready like the kids and making Persephone chuckle. They both lathered the kids up with sunscreen and were ready to go.

They all headed out to the pool, Persephone grabbing her iPad and making her way over to the lounge chair that was placed under the umbrella. Taking a seat, she laid back comfortably and smiled as Alek handed Lucas his water wings.

Alek: "Here, Lucas, take these to mommy and have her help you put them on before we go in the pool."

Lucas: "Okay daddy!"

Lucas ran over and Persephone sat up with a smile as he held out the wings for her.

"Why thank you!"

Lucas: "Welcome!"

Lucas said bounced excitedly where he stood. Persephone began to slip the water wings onto Lucas, lifting her eyes to see Lily and Alek talking. Lily looked so worried as she kept looking from Alek over to her, making Persephone sigh.

Lucas: "Mama where's your swimsuit?"

Securing the wings in place, Persephone smile as she looked back down at Lucas, taking his face within her hands.

"I'm not swimming right now, baby. Just you, daddy, and Leelee."

Persephone kissed his forehead as Lucas frowned.

Lucas: "But mamaaaa...."

Lucas whined, not satisfied with her answer. Smiling, Persephone wrinkled her nose and dipped her head to meet with his eyes.

"But Lucaaaaaas?"

She mimicked Lucas' whining which made him laugh and her grin.

"I'm just feeling a little too tired to swim today, sweetie. But i'll swim with you tomorrow, I promise."

Lucas nodded, satisfied with her answer just as Alek walked over and scooped him up into his arms making Lucas squeal and laugh out loud. Looking up at Alek, Persephone gestured with her eyes over to Lily.

"Is she..?"

Alek reassured her that Lily was okay after their little talk making Persephone feel better. She hated that Lily was so concerned and not having fun like a six year old should. She shouldn't have to worry about anything, so it broke Persephone's heart. But as Alek walked over to steps were Lily was and Lily splashed both him and Lucas with water and laughed, Persephone knew that the day was starting to turn around.

Sitting back in her seat, she took out her iPad and began to look for nautical and lighthouse themed nursery decor, finding quite a bit which was amazing. She began to order tons of things for Liam's nursery, but made sure she kept looking up and watching the kids as they played with Alek in the pool. Persephone set up for the contractor to come out to paint the nursery in a couple of days, and also to meet with Alek about building the addition to the cabin.

Lily: "Mommy!"

Looking up from her iPad, Persephone smiled widely at Lily who was standing on the diving board.

Lily: "Mommy look!"

With no water wings in place, Lily plugged her nose and jumped off the diving board into the deep end, resurfacing in the water moments later and doggy paddling over to Alek who was waiting for her while holding Lucas. Persephone clapped proudly as Lily looked over with a big smile.

"Great job Lil! Are you sure you're not part mermaid?"

Lily giggled at that as Lucas tried pulling away from Alek's grasp toward the diving board.

Lucas: "I wanna do that."

Lily: "That's for grown ups, Lucas. You're too little."

Lucas: "Nuh uh! I'm a big boy!"

Lily: "You still have floaties, Lucas. You gotta wait until your bigger like me."

Lucas: "No fairrrr."

Lucas looked at Alek with a frown.

Lucas: "Daddddyyyyyy."

Yep, Persephone was glad to be outside of the water for this one. Quietly laughing, though the large grin gave away how amused she was by Lily claiming she was a grown up and Lucas getting angry about it.

 

[Berserker]

The Pool

Alek tried to reassure Lily that Seph was alright, that she didn't need to worry. But he supposed she was more like him than he'd realized. He walked Lily to the pool then went over to where Seph was with Lucas, scooping him up and throwing him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, to Lucas' delight. Seph's eyes, however, were on Lily.

"Is she..?"

He gave her a reassuring smile.

"She'll be okay. She's worried about you. And I don't think she's going to stop. But for now, she's all right."

He turned and carries Lucas towards the pool, letting him slide back down so he was carrying him right side up.

"Ready to swim, buddy?"

Lucas: "Yup!"

As they neared the steps, Lily began splashing them both, a mischievous look on her face. He grinned at her, stepping into the pool with Lucas still in his arms.

"You shouldn't have done that!"

His grin made it clear she wasn't in trouble, while he moved steadily closer to her.

"You've unleashed the wrath of the...Lucas Monster!"

He held Lucas out towards Lily so he could "get" her, and he laughed and splashed at her, getting himself wetter than he did her. Lily squealed and tried to get away, and Lucas started to make monster noises at her. When they were tired of that game, Alek brought Lucas to the shallow end and let him float there on his water wings. Lily got out of the water and went to the diving board.

"Be careful, little cub."

He picked up Lucas again and moved closer to the deep end. Lily started calling for her mom to look, and then jumped off the board and into the water, coming up again without incident and swimming towards Alek. She laughed when Seph asked her if she was part mermaid, and Alek gave her a big smile. It was so good to hear her laughing and see her playing.

"That was an excellent dive, baby girl."

Lucas was fidgeting in his arms, trying to pull himself towards the diving board. Lily tried to explain to Lucas that he needed to be bigger to go off the diving board, but he was not to be dissuaded.

Lucas: "No fairrrr. Daddddyyyyyy."

"You are a big boy, and brave to want to dive, but Lily's right, Lucas, you need to be a little bigger before you can jump off the diving board. You have to practice your swimming and get really good first."

Lucas looked like he was going to cry. Alek carried him while he continued to struggle and protest towards the shallow end.

"But here is a place to jump for boys just your size."

That made Lucas stop struggling, at least. Alek set him down on the bottom step coming into the pool, and held both of his hands.

"Okay, on the count of three. One, two - mommy, are you watching? - three!"

Alek picked Lucas up by the hands and helped him jump into the shallow water, the water wings keeping his head above water level.

"How was that?"

 

[Persephone]

After getting Lucas' water wings on Alek came over and scooped him up, throwing him over his shoulder and making Lucas crack up and squeal. But Persephone's eyes were on her daughter, concerned that she was still worried.

Alek: "She'll be okay. She's worried about you. And I don't think she's going to stop. But for now, she's all right."

Persephone's brows were furrowed as she nodded gently, looking back over at Lily as she sighed. She hated that her little girl was scared and worried. For someone so young she shouldn't have to experience those feelings, especially for a parent. Sitting back in her chair, Lily began to giggle and splash Alek as he came toward her with Lucas, then Alek sent Lucas on the attack which caused Lily to start laughing and backing into the pool. Finally Persephone smiled, her kids both laughing and happy which made her happy.

Lily showed off by diving off the diving board into the deep end to which Persephone proudly clapped. Lily had been swimming without her water wings for a few months now and was so natural in the water. But of course that meant Lucas wanted to try whatever his sister did and was upset when he couldn't. Alek smoothed it over by having him jump off one of the steps in the pool, Persephone smiling as she watched.

Alek: "Okay, on the count of three. One, two - mommy, are you watching?"

"I am!"

Alek: "- three!"

Lucas jumped into Alek's arms and Persephone's smile widened as the water splashed into Lucas face and he quickly grabbed Alek's neck, getting his bearings from the jump with cute little huffs and puffs. Like with Lily, she began to clap proudly.

"Great job Lucas!"

Alek: "How was that?"

Lucas: "Again! Again!"

Lucas happily exclaimed, bouncing in Alek's arms. At that point Persephone shut off her iPad and stood from the lounge chair, slipping her sunglasses from on top of her head onto her face. She walked over to the edge of the pool and took a seat, putting her feet into the water.

Lily: "Mommy--"

"Lil, can you jump backwards off the diving board? I bet you can jump backwards."

Persephone heard the nervous tone in Lily's voice so she immediately changed the subject, keeping her tone as natural as possible. Lily stared at her inquisitively before a smile finally tugged on her lips and she nodded her head enthusiastically.

Lily: "I can do a spin off the board!"

"As spin? I don't know about that....that sounds tough."

Lily: "Yeah huh! Watch!"

Lily began to swim toward the steps as Lucas pulled out of Alek's arms and swam over to Persephone. Helping Lucas out of the pool and into her lap, needless to say her pajamas were soaked as he sat on her lap watching with Persephone as Lily climbed onto the diving board. Alek got into position and Lily looked down into the water, her expression a little hesitant but with that same determination she was known to have. She turned around on the board so her back was facing them.

"You can do it, baby!"

Lucas: "Goooo Leelee!"

With a big breath in, Lily jumped off backwards from the diving board and spun 180 degrees in the air so when she landed in the water she was facing them. As she surfaced Persephone and Lucas began clapping and yelling praises of excitement while she swam into Alek's arms.

Lucas: "Wooow, you dided do a spin and everything! Mama she dided a spin!"

"Yeah she did! Your sister is brave and talented, right little man?"

Lucas nodded with a smile and Lily beamed happily.

Lucas: "I jump now!"

Lucas began to scrambled out of Persephone lap making her laugh as she helped him to his feet. Lily began to swim to the side of the pool where Persephone was as Lucas jumped into Alek's arms again.

"Yeah Lucas! I think that was better than the first one!"

Lily: "Good job Lucas!"

Lily pulled herself up onto the pools edge to sit next to Persephone, the sun warm and beaming down on them both.

"You know....daddy hasn't done any jumps yet. I'm wondering if he's....scared."

Persephone egged Alek on playfully to make the kids laugh. She was successful as Lily's jaw dropped in shock before she tried stifling a laugh by covering her mouth. Lucas began to giggle.

"Hey....just an observation..."

She said innocently with a grin.

 

[Berserker]

The Pool

Lucas jumped successfully and with great gusto into the water from the steps, and of course wanted to do it again. He carried him over and set him down once again, seeing Seph from the corner of his eye get up and come over to the side of the pool. Lily seemed to get afraid again at that, but Seph redirected her, asking about jumping off the diving board backwards.

Lily: "I can do a spin off the board!"

"As spin? I don't know about that....that sounds tough."

Lily: "Yeah huh! Watch!"

"Be careful, Ellaria."

Lucas was so excited that Seph had come over to the pool that he tugged out of his arms and dog paddled his way to her. Alek moved over by the diving board, a little nervous himself that Lily was taking things too fast.

"You can do it, baby!"

Lucas: "Goooo Leelee!"

Lily umped backwards off the board, turning around in the air. When she came up he was grinning with pride, holding out his arms for her to swim to him. He gave her a big hug when she reached him.

"That was fantastic."

Of course Lucas wanted to dive himself, and Seph helped him to jump into Alek's arms.

"You know....daddy hasn't done any jumps yet. I'm wondering if he's....scared."

The kids thought this was hilarious.

"When did it become pick on daddy day?"

He scooped Lucas up and deposited him in Seph's lap again, before climbing the steps out of the pool.

"I'll have you know..."

He met each of the kids' eyes in turn, conspiratorially.

"That I am a very rare species of bear shark."

Lucas: "No you aren't, daddy. You a daddy."

"Oh yes."

He held up his finger in point.

"And I am going to execute the most phenomenal, difficult, stupendous dive you have ever seen."

He walked around the outside of the pool to the diving board and climbed up onto it. He strode to the end of it, then stopped, and backed up. Then he tiptoed carefully to the edge, and back again. Then finally, he ran and jumped onto the end of the board propelling himself up into the air...and then tucked into a cannonball and entered the water with a loud splash.

He swam under the water and came up near where Seph and the kids were sitting, water dripping from his hair and beard.

"See, what did I tell you? Wasn't that magnificent?"

 

[Persephone]

The kids were having a great time showing off their diving skills to both Persephone and Alek, but Alek had yet to do any dives into the pool. Deciding to poke a little fun at him to make the kids laugh, Persephone asked if he was scared.

Alek: "When did it become pick on daddy day?"

Persephone looked down at the watch that wasn't on her wrist.

"Hmmm, about....twenty minutes ago."

She grinned cheekily as Alek lifted Lucas out of the pool and deposited him, wet as can be, in her lap. She should have just changed into her swimsuit at this point because she was soaked.

Alek: "I'll have you know...That I am a very rare species of bear shark."

"Bear shark?"

Persephone couldn't help but let a little laugh escape at the theatrics Alek was doing for the kids.

Lucas: "No you aren't, daddy. You a daddy."

Alek: "Oh yes. And I am going to execute the most phenomenal, difficult, stupendous dive you have ever seen."

Lucas and Lily laughed as Alek climbed out of the pool and made his way over to the diving board.

Lily: "If you're a bear shark....does that make me a bear mermaid?!?"

She asked enthusiastically looking from Alek to Persephone with such hope in her eyes. Persephone smiled as Lily lifted herself out of the pool to sit next to her.

"I think so, baby! I've heard mermaids are just sweeter versions of sharks!"

Persephone grinned and gave Lily a kiss on the top of her head, who was beaming happily.

Lucas: "I don't wanna be a mermaid. I'm a big boy bear shark!"

Persephone hugged Lucas against her and laughed.

"SUCH a big boy bear shark. [pointing to Alek climbing onto the diving board] Look, watch daddy!"

Alek was making a show of tip toeing to the edge, then back peddling, then doing it again making the kids crack up hysterically. Then finally, he ran and made the plunge into the water, doing a huge cannonball right near them and splashing all three of them with a big explosion of water. Lily and Lucas screamed and laughed, Persephone joining them. Alek swam over to them and Persephone couldn't help but subconsciously bite her lip at how sexy Alek looked dripping wet with water. She smiled as the kids began clapping.

Alek: "See, what did I tell you? Wasn't that magnificent?"

Lily: "So cool, daddy!"

Lucas: "Yaaaaay! I wanna do that!"

Lily slipped back into the water and began to swim around as Persephone helped Lucas stand and position himself on the edge of the pool. Lucas jumped into the water and into Alek's arms, looking up at Alek with such hope in his eyes.

Lucas: "Did I do it?! Am I a big boy bear shark daddy??!"

Persephone smiled, pushing the curled damp locks of hair away from her face. Lily swam up behind Alek and wrapped her arms around the back of his neck, hanging onto him and growling like a bear, both kids playfully holding onto Alek and laughing. She loved witnessing moments like this; seeing her children so happy and playful with Alek. But she could also see the absolute adoration in their eyes, wanting to be exactly like him. Persephone smiled warmly, her hand going to her stomach and gently rubbing it knowing that one more would soon be in the picture.

"I think i'll let all your bear sharks - and bear mermaids - finish playing while I make everyone some lunch."

Lily: "Mama!"

Lily looked and sounded panicked as Persephone began to stand up from the pool's edge. She gave Lily a reassuring smile, not wanting her to worry and to continue having fun with Alek and Lucas.

"It's okay, sweetheart. I'll be right inside. I'll even bring Olympus with me."

Olympus trotted over from the shady area he was sleeping in to Persephone's side as she began to make her way into the house. Leaving the french doors open so she had a view of the pool from the kitchen [and they had a view of her], Olympus stayed close to Persephone as she began to prepare some lunch, tossing some scraps of food here and there to him which he happily accepted. She sauteed some vegetables and grilled up some tuna and pita so everyone could have a build your own gyro. She then mixed together a oil oil and herb sauce to put on the gyro's before putting all the food into some serving dishes and carrying them outside to the table.

"Foods ready!"

She continued to set up the outside table as Alek dried off the kids until all the plates, silverware, cups, and some iced tea were in place for all of them to enjoy lunch.

 

[Berserker]

The Pool

He hammed it up for the kids, who laughed and smiled as he pretended he was a world class diver, only to do a spectacular cannonball into the water. He swam over to where his family sat on the side of the pool, the kids clapping, and he noticed Seph bite her lip. Lucas, who had clearly embarked on a new phase, wanted to do a cannonball too, and Seph helped him jump to Alek in the pool.

Lucas: "Did I do it?! Am I a big boy bear shark daddy??!"

"You did it! You are definitely a big boy bear shark."

He smiled and spun Lucas through the water, and then felt little hands come around his neck from behind.

"Is that a bear mermaid behind me?"

Lily was growling (making him very impressed) and it wasn't long before Lucas was too.

"This bear shark is about to dive!"

And he did, dipping under the water with two kids attached to him, coming up again to hear them laughing.

"I think i'll let all your bear sharks - and bear mermaids - finish playing while I make everyone some lunch."

He felt Lily's body tense, and he reached up and patted her hand.

"It's okay, sweetheart. I'll be right inside. I'll even bring Olympus with me."

"Lunch sounds great, baby."

He made his voice upbeat and bright, hoping that Lily would feel better knowing he was okay with Seph going inside by herself. Of course, he still worried that she'd have another spell, but he knew she would call for him and that she knew enough to sit down if it happened again.

"Okay, let's play follow the leader. Lily you go first..."

Lucas and Lily took turns being the leader, doing silly things like swimming in circles, or having to keep one hand out of water while they swam. And in what seemed like no time at all, it was time for lunch.

"Foods ready!"

"Okay, all bears out of the pool!"

He helped Lucas climb the stairs, then handed Lily a beach towel and wrapped another around Lucas, drying him off while Seph got the food situated. He scooped up Lucas and carried him over the table, putting a hand on Lily's shoulder as she walked with them.

"Wow, mom, this looks wonderful. And I'm starving."

He gave her a peck on the lips before sitting down between Lily and Lucas.

Lily: "Ew gross!"

Lucas: "Gross!"

Lucas mimicked Lily, then turned to her quizzically.

Lucas: "What gross?"

Lily wrinkled up her little nose.

Lily: "Mommy & Daddy kissing!"

Alek grinned over at Seph, then turned his smile to Lily.

"Gross, eh? I'm gonna give you gross!"

He leaned over and gave her scratchy kisses on her cheek as she giggled, then he turned to Lucas.

"And you too!"

And he gave Lucas kisses too.

He laughed and dug into his gyro, thinking how he couldn't imagine his family being any more perfect.

 

[Persephone]

Persephone began to pour everyone a glass [and sippy cup] of iced tea when the kids ran over to the table to sit down. Alek came up behind her and she smiled, turning her head to meet his kiss half way.

Alek: "Wow, mom, this looks wonderful. And I'm starving."

Persephone smiled at him and about to say thank you when the kids interrupted.

Lily: "Ew gross!"

Lucas: "Gross!"

Lucas: "What gross?"

Lily: "Mommy & Daddy kissing!"

Alek grinned at her as he took a seat between Lily and Lucas, Persephone smiling widely as she shook her head. Alek turned the tables on them and began to kiss their cheeks, purposely scratching his beard on their skin and making them laugh. Laughing as well, Persephone sat down and began to put two pieces of grilled pita on plates for Lily and Lucas.

"Alright you three. Dig in."

They all began to eat lunch and continue to laugh and joke around as they did. The sun was still high in the sky but there was a beautiful cool ocean's breeze that kept the heat at bay, making it for the perfect afternoon. Picking up and olive and popping it into her mouth, her eyes went to Lucas who looked like he was about to fall asleep on his plate. She nudged Alek's leg under the table her her foot, then nodded her head for him to look at Lucas. Smiling, he had a handful of pita but his eyes were slowly shutting. Looking over at Lily, she wasn't as far gone as Lucas, but she was yawning.

"I think it's nap time..."

Persephone kept her voice low as she stood from the table. Alek scooped up Lucas and Persephone came behind Lily who didn't put up a fight as she bent down and picked her up. Lily wrapped her legs and arms around Persephone and rested her head on her shoulder as she followed Alek upstairs. Going into Lily's room, her bathing suit was already dried so she just put her into her bed and pulled the covers over her, deciding to give her a bath after she woke up.

Lily: "Mama?"

Her voice was soft and tired as she looked up at Persephone, not letting go of her hand.

Lily: "Nap time for you too, right?"

Persephone softly smiled at that, knowing even in her state of exhaustion Lily was still concerned for her. Leaning down, she gave Lily a kiss on the forehead.

"Nap time for me too, baby."

Lily nodded sleepily before her eyes shut and she fell asleep. Quietly leaving, Persephone made her way down the hall to her bedroom and took a seat on the bed, waiting for Alek. Sighing out, she hated that Lily was so concerned after her dizzy spell earlier, and she hoped that she could reassure her somehow that she was completely fine. But Lily took after Alek so much, especially when it came to worrying about the people she loved, that Persephone knew it would be a battle.

She heard Alek push the bedroom door open making her look up and smile.

"I'd say that was a pretty successful afternoon."

 

[Berserker]

The Pool

They talked and laughed while they ate, and Alek was on his second gyro wen Seph nudged him under the table. He looked up and she nodded towards Lucas, who was about to fall asleep in his plate. Alek grinned, trying not to laugh, and looked at Lily, who looked like she would fall asleep any second too.

"I think it's nap time..."

He got up slowly from the table, scooping Lucas up into his arms. Lucas made a little noise of protest but soon settled down, his head on Alek's shoulder. He carried Lucas upstairs, Seph taking Lily and coming up the stairs behind him. She went into Lily's room, and Alek went into Lucas', setting the boy down in his crib. He stood and watched him sleep for a moment, before exiting the room and shutting the door behind him. He padded down the hallway to the master bedroom, expecting to see Seph there. And he did - she was sitting on the bed, waiting.

"I'd say that was a pretty successful afternoon."

He smiled, sitting down on the bed next to her. He reached out and took her hand.

"I'm sorry you didn't get to swim."

He kissed her hand.

"But the kids loved showing off for you."

His grin turned salacious.

"And I saw you checking me out in the pool."

 

[Persephone]

Alek took a seat next to her as he brought her hand to his lips to kiss it. Smiling, she rotated her hand around so she could hold it, linking their fingers together.

Alek: "I'm sorry you didn't get to swim. But the kids loved showing off for you."

"I may not have swam, but I got wet enough to look like I did."

She joked with a little laugh as she shook her head.

"It's okay. I always have fun watching you three play."

She loved seeing Alek interacting with the kids and playing with them. To see that lighter side to him - the side not many people tended to see. But being a father brought out such a joy and playfulness in Alek that was undeniable and Persephone truly loved to witness it. Alek's smile however went from sweet to salacious almost instantly making Persephone's eyebrows raise.

"What?"

Alek: "And I saw you checking me out in the pool."

Guilty. She thought, her smile now mimicking his.

"You saw that, huh?"

Standing from the bed, she climbed on top of Alek straddling him, her arms circled around his neck. Taking a seat casually in his lap, her smile remained as her eyes studied his face.

"I couldn't help it. You look so sexy dripping wet....the water in your beard.....your wet muscles..."

Her words were soft between them as she spoke, each pause emphasized by a kiss along his neck. Finally she brought her lips to his, pressing them together long and slowly.

"What's a girl to do?"

She grinned against his lips before deepening the kiss once more, her tongue slipping into his mouth to gently massage his. Hugging herself closer to him, she was very glad their plan to wear out the kids worked so effectively.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

As they sat together on the bed once the kids had been put down for their naps, Alek told Seph he was sorry she didn't get to swim with the rest of them.

"I may not have swam, but I got wet enough to look like I did."

"Yeah, I like you wet."

He waggled his eyebrows at her, and they laughed.

"It's okay. I always have fun watching you three play."

That wasn't all she'd been watching, and he told her so. She climbed into his lap, and her proximity put all his cylinders on high alert.

"I couldn't help it. You look so sexy dripping wet....the water in your beard.....your wet muscles..."

Her lips on his neck sent gooseflesh over his body, and his arms wrapped around her back. When her lips finally touched his it was like coming home, and all the tension in his body left it.

"And I didn't even get to see you in a bikini..."

Their kiss deepened, and he just held her there for a good while, enjoying her closeness. But then nature made itself abundant obvious. His hands stroked her back and he pulled away so he could look into her face.

"Did you want a nap or...?"

He grinned and kissed her again, lifting her and turning them so they could lay down on the bed.

 

[Persephone]

Alek apologized for her not getting to swim with them, but it really wasn't a big deal. Plus, she got wet enough for it to look like she had swum anyway.

Alek: "Yeah, I like you wet."

He waggled his eyebrows while laughing, in turn making Persephone laugh as well. She told him she enjoyed wanting him and the kids play and admitted to definitely checking him out when he was in the pool. How could she not? The water glistening off his body, his hair slicked back...she was getting wet just thinking about it. Persephone climbed into his lap, settling down comfortably as she draped her arms a round Alek's neck. She began to kiss down his throat, telling him how sexy he had looked earlier before finally pressing her lips against his to taste him. She could feel his body melt into her touch, although one particular area was still very tense against her.

Alek: "And I didn't even get to see you in a bikini..."

She smiled against his lips, gently taking his bottle lip within her teeth and tugging it.

"Poor baby..."

She teased with a little laugh before deepening the kiss further, their tongues meeting heatedly and sensually. She felt his hands slid up her back and pressure of his growing arousal between her legs. He took her face within his hands, pulling back from the kiss.

Alek: "Did you want a nap or...?"

Her grin matched Alek's as she shook her head no. He lifted her up and rotated them around so she was now on her back and he was laying on top of her, a playful little yelp escaping Persephone's mouth in the process. Her mouth pressed against his as her hands moved up his bare toned back, pulling him closer to her. Breaking the kiss she moved her lips down his neck to his shoulder blade, gently biting his flesh before soothing it with her tongue. She let herself lay back down against the bed, pulling her t-shirt up over her head and discarding it onto the floor. She arched into Alek's touch, softly moaning while her eyes fell shut, just enjoying his mouth on her body.

"Alek...."

She opened her eyes to look at him, her hand going under his chin to lift it.

"Alek....I want to taste you..."

Her words were heated and breathless, but her eyes were filled with intent. She sat up, her mouth finding his with urgency as she guided him onto his back. Her fingers unbuttoned and zipped his board shorts, freeing him from the confines of the material. Breaking their kiss, she licked her lips as her eyes stayed locked with his. Grasping his hard cock within her hand, she gently began to stroke it until finally, she took him within her mouth, moving down the full length of him before returning to the tip an doing it all over again.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

Seph was kissing his neck as he lay on top of her. He could smell the perfume of her hair, and when she pulled her shirt off, Alek immediately went to her now naked flesh. Even now, two point five children later, it was still difficult for him to keep from touching her. So when they finally were alone, his need was palpable, and urgent. His fingers were on the waistband of her shorts when she stopped him, lifting his face.

"Alek....I want to taste you..."

He raised his eyebrows out that, but allowed her to roll him onto his back. Now, he enjoyed a woman's mouth on him like any red blooded male would, but there was something about it when it was Seph doing it that made him feel guilty. Like she was putting off her own pleasure, and if he couldn't hold back...

She was kissing him and unbuttoning his shorts which for some reason he found incredibly stimulating. But not as stimulating as when she took him in her hand, which was not as stimulating as when she took him into her mouth.

"Oh...fuuuuuck."

His head leaned back against the pillow and his eyes closed. Her mouth felt so good he was sent into a haze of feeling. His back arched into her, hips starting to move slightly, unconsciously.

"Yes, baby...yes..."

He lifted his head so he could watch her, his hands moving into her hair, pushing it out of her face. There was a vulnerability in her eyes, and it made him want her even more. His head fell back again, unable to hold it up in the midst of what she was doing.

"Baby...let me...you..."

He knew he wasn't making sense, but all he could think about was the throb in his cock and her mouth bringing him ever closer.

"Seph...if you don't stop...I'm gonna..."