Jewel
Healer
Loyalty comes in many forms. Some are more obvious than others. -Thorn
Posts: 2,195
Pack Status: New Dawn, Nighstar, Rogue, Other
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Post by Jewel on Jun 7, 2016 13:17:32 GMT -5
((Since I had Jewel be in her first trimester - and I say trimester loosely, since shifters are only pregnant a third as long as a human - while in "Cure", this is set after it, shortly before her due date. Yes, the babes would be premature, but how else would it be, since she is in her human form carrying four children?))
Jewel was going to have to have a C-section done.
How else was she going to be able to give birth to four children? Her grandmother Colette had four children as well, but she had them in her wolf form, because the body of a wolf was more capable of birthing more than one child. Though this wasn't an option for Jewel; she didn't know that her children could have handled their mother being in her wolf form when they were first conceived, not even strong enough to develop yet. Now, she was stuck in her human form. Had been since before she ... exorcised Azalea. Even though she had been put to bedrest since her second trimester, when the babes first started to kick, she knew that she was needed more as a human than a wolf anyway.
Azalea needed her. Her patients at the infirmary needed her. X and Penny needed her. She had called Maddox to come from France to help Timothy and Avery search, because he was one of the best she knew. Despite her being angry that Thea was bested by one of Nathaniel's children (his eldest, surprisingly. And she was indeed surprised when she found out about him) she had Thea looking for Penny and X - undercover, for obvious reasons.
Now, she was at the Nightstar pack house, in the medical wing, being treated by Orso (who never even helped a mother give birth) and Miss Penny, her most trusted assistant. She had been in labor for quite a while now. Just feeling her children settle down on her uterus, not knowing the pain that she was feeling. She constantly felt like needing to use the bathroom. Each wave of contractions was exactly the same, which was good because she couldn't have a vaginal delivery. Birthing four children was too much for her body, and so she made the professional decision that she needed a C-section. Harley was waiting out in the living area of the pack house, though Jewel wasn't sure who else was there.
Penny gave her the epidural - the anesthesia that was needed - and a routine IV. Her stomach had been sterilized, and a screen was there between her face and stomach. There was a mirror that was positioned so that she could see what was going on, though. That was she wouldn't have to worry if Orso or Penny was screwing up. Nathaniel had been given sterile garb to wear - a cap to place over his head, a mask to cover his face, and gloves and a sort of hospital gown to wear over his clothes. She clutched one of his hands tightly, and didn't intend to let go until it was all over.
((Ventia))
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Post by Ventia on Jun 7, 2016 14:20:51 GMT -5
Nathaniel squeezed Jewel's hand encouraging, his focus fully on Jewel and her wellbeing. The last few weeks had been hard on her, she had been forced to be on bedrest and Jewel didn't like it. She wanted to be out there and helping her pack and her in laws with finding her niece. She wanted to help her patients. Not confided in a bed. Add on the fact that Avery was calling constantly to know if Timothy was there at their house and Jewel couldn't do anything about it. Or finding out that she had another step child from Nathaniel.
It was a lot of stress combined the fact that she was pregnant with quadruplets and it wasn't surprising that the babies were going to be premature. But all Nathaniel cared about was Jewel and the kids. Their safety.
He squeezed Jewel's hand, staring at her face. "You're going to be fine. They're going to be fine. I love you Jewel. Everything's going to be fine." He encouraged her, smiling behind the mask he wore.
He knew Harley was fine. Avery and Timothy and Evanna were in the lobby with her. Earlier he had texted Thea that Jewel was going in labor but he didn't know if Thea had shown. He had even texted Anderson, Jewel's grandfather because he believed Jewel would be happy to see him. But besides from Harley, Evanna, Avery and Timothy, Nathaniel didn't know whom had showed up.
Timothy paced back and forth in the lobby, his fists clenching and unclenching, his blue gaze dark with hidden emotions and tiredness. There were dark circles under his eyes. He had lost a lot of weight which was evident in his hallow cheeks. His stubble had grown into a beard and it was obvious to anyone that he didn't want to be here.
His damn daughter was out there. Alone for all he knew. And he was here. Waiting for his step sister to give birth because his brother had threaten him that if he didn't show up and greet his nephews and nieces, then he didn't need to show his face again. Timothy had been planning on doing just that. But Avery. They had gotten into another verbal fight. She had asked him how could he not be there for his brother. That she wanted to find Penny too but one day-a few hours of welcoming new members of their family wouldn't hurt. That the happy occasion could lift up their spirits and give them newfound hope that they too will see their baby as well.
He glanced at Avery, with one arm around Harley before looking away again in anger. He should be out there. Looking for his daughter. Not here. Waiting. Missing out on a chance to find her. He wanted to snap at anyone whom spoke to him. Wanted to break free of this damn house and find his Penny.
"Why does Uncle look so mad." Harley mumbled at the sight of Timothy, storming back and forth in the lobby, her fingers clutching Evanna's.
Evanna paused at the sight of her father and touched Harley's hair, stroking it gently. "He's just worried for your Mommy and your siblings. Aren't you excited? Any minute now and you'll officially be a big sister. Woah."
That bought a smile to Harley's face and she beamed up at both Evanna and Avery. "Super excited!"
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Jewel
Healer
Loyalty comes in many forms. Some are more obvious than others. -Thorn
Posts: 2,195
Pack Status: New Dawn, Nighstar, Rogue, Other
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Post by Jewel on Jun 7, 2016 21:54:25 GMT -5
Call Anderson old-fashioned, but he didn't feel that it was right not only to be in a foreign pack's land, but to be at the heart of it as well. He was an alpha. If he was merely a pack member, it wouldn't have been that big a deal. Though he was the highest in the ranks, and is considered the most dangerous. A threat. Something Anderson didn't need because he wanted to be allies, not enemies, with the Nightstar. The pack that cheated Death.
So instead of being there for Jewel, which he really really hated, he planned on visiting the dwarves for welcoming gifts for the children.
Thea was there, most definitely. But she came in late. As in, she really can't stand driving stupid ATVs because they only go a certain speed and she had to take a "scenic route" from the New Dawn to the Nightstar. She stormed in with an irritated look to her face, torn between the desire to see blood for one of her goddaughters going missing and the want to hold her baby siblings and the anger still brewing because of Jackson. Iggy was out with Wim, buying baby blankets and toys (as if the little buggers didn't have enough already). But Thea knew that her best friend wouldn't miss this for the world. After all, Iggy felt that since she wasn't the one delivering the babies she'd make up for it by spoiling them.
At the sight of her former mentor, she rolled her eyes and shook her head. She caught sight of Avery squeezing Harley's shoulder when she asked why Timothy looked so mad, making a "hmm," noise when Avery's gaze didn't lock onto Timothy's. Wondering vaguely if they had a fight.
"You mean they're not here yet?" Thea asked, moving to plop down beside Evanna and toss a casual arm along the back of the couch.
"No," Avery mumbled, finding it difficult to be happy, even if she was the one to say that they should go. She just couldn't get her children's disappearance out of her head, and her gloomy thoughts of - since their bed was so cold at night - Timothy was practically missing as well. Since Brooklyn wasn't there, she was having her and her brother's look out for X and Penny. But still, she worried. It took a lot of effort for her to think happily that she was going to be an aunt to four more children. "But they should be soon. They're doing a C-section."
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Post by Ventia on Jun 14, 2016 0:34:14 GMT -5
Ruby and Killian were out looking for Penny as well-since they couldn't be there for their eldest brother, at least they could do something for Timothy. Plus, Ruby didnt like newborn babes because they were too delicate so she knew that she wouldn't be able to hold any of them-add on the fact that they didnt get clearance from the Nightstar to come visit since it was so short notice and Nathaniel wasn't able to meet with them at the border (technically Timothy could escort them to the Infirmary but if Timothy left, he wouldn't be coming back) so they did their part in looking for their niece.
But they would FaceTime the happy parents before the night ended and see the little munchkins. Until then? They made threats, bribed people, and did everything in between to get some information on Penny's and X's disappearance.
Nathaniel glanced up at Orso and narrowed his gaze at what the man was doing. Not enjoying the fact that sterile instruments were being taken out into their hands. He knew what a C-section was. Trust him, he saw enough videos on YouTube to prepare for this moment but still. He couldn't push down the protective instinct he had when he saw the scrapel.
"You better be careful." He warned, hazel eyes glinting with warning before warming up when he turned to stare at Jewel, lips easily finding a lazy smile as a warmth filled his eyes-expressing his love for her.
"Everything looks good so far. You're going to be great darling. Not that much longer now." He stroked her face, pushing back a fallen strand of hair from her cheek. He truly didnt want to see Jewel in pain but he knew that this path was the one that would ensure less pain.
Timothy turned to Thea when she turned in, this being one of the main reasons why he had come here to the Infirmary. Thea.
"Did you find anything." He barked out, walking over to her and ignoring everyone but her. He asked again, "Did the Guild get any information? Any news on religious groups that may have wanted a lioness shifter?" He waited a second and then hit her with more questions. All that asked the same thing. Did she find anything.
"Well?" He demanded, his hands fisted at his sides.
Evanna squeezed Harley's hand whom had shrunk back in her seat at her Uncle's loud angry voice. Harley didnt like the tone of his voice and wanted to make Uncle Timmy happy so with hopeful big eyes, she spoke.
"Penny has X, she'll be okay Uncle. So smile?"
Timothy snapped his gaze towards Harley and before he could say something harsh, Evanna stood up straight in front of him. Evanna was six feet tall, the exact height of her father and she squared back her shoulders and striaghted her spine, letting the full extent of her height be her advantage; her almost black eyes had yellow flecks shining-representative of the African Plains that showed the high rising emotions that filled her.
She had never gone against her father. Not directly and most importantly not like this. She loved her father-to death. But he had just been about to snap at Harley. A little girl-his first niece-when she was trying to lift his mood. Evanna had seen the look on his face. It was the same look that filled him whenever he told her that Penny being gone was all her fault. And it was-Evanna knew that and she dealt with that. But she wouldn't let him hurt Harley-wouldn't let him do that to her or to himself.
So her words were low, for his ears only but she knew everyone but Harley could hear as well. "Don't you dare think about raisng your voice to that child. She has no part in your anger and she's just trying to make you smile. You're screaming demands at people and ruining this moment."
Timothy actually glared at Evanna. "You took away my smile." His voice, was also low and a cold edge clung to it.
The words...hurt...but Evanna had harden herself throughout the years so she glared right back at him. "That still doesn't give you any right to scream at your own niece. So back the hell up Dad."
Something shifted in Timothy's eyes, a dark glint that had only existed in his time at the Arena's. "Or what." Low. A warning.
Evanna knew this and yet, she rose to it. The yellow in her gaze bloom until her eyes radiated African plains, she opened her mouth to say something but then a hand closed around her shoulder, fingers pressing just hard enough to make her pause. She turned, and stared at her cousin.
Thea had stopped her. Evanna wanted to bat her arm aside but she forced herself not to at the sight of Harley, cuddled tight to Avery. Evanna forced her jaw to unlock and then forced a smile to come to her face. Reassuring Harley that all was fine.
"Uncle Timmy knows that darling, he's just a bit tired." She held her arms out, "Wanna come with me and see what sweets we can find?"
Harley grinned, jumped off from the seat, and went into Evanna's arms. Evanna easily picked Harley up and soon, they were gone from lobby, somewhere deeper in the Infirmary. Leaving Timothy, Thea, and Avery alone.
Timothy glanced at Thea, that dangerous glint still in his blue gaze. "I'll be outside." He snapped, avoided Avery's gaze, and stroded out of the Infirmary where he would get some fresh air and regret his behavior with his daughter Evanna. He loved Evanna...but he was just in a unstable condition right now.
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Jewel
Healer
Loyalty comes in many forms. Some are more obvious than others. -Thorn
Posts: 2,195
Pack Status: New Dawn, Nighstar, Rogue, Other
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Post by Jewel on Jun 14, 2016 10:38:55 GMT -5
To say that Jewel was nervous was an understatement.
Sure, she's done plenty of C-sections before. But she wasn't the patient. Slicing open a pregnant woman wasn't ever an easy task. Yet with steady hands she did it. She trusted herself to do the job, because with her training and her faith in God she was confident she wouldn't screw up. With the experience that Orso had as a field medic, she knew that she would have wonderful, tiny stitches that would heal nicely. Miss Penny, she trusted with her life.
But there was a less logical part of her brain that screamed that she wanted to do it herself. She trusted herself to get her babes out. No one else.
Jewel took comfort, though, at Nathaniel's words. The same words she's said to countless other nervous mothers. It would be over soon. Not even the warning Orso received could shake her joy away from the fact that C-sections were usually quick. She didn't even feel the scalpel cut her flesh. "All right," she whispered, her voice a tad shaky.
***
After the second attempt of answering his questions, she gave up. It was clear to everyone that Thea was aggravated, with how her brow was raised and the lift of her chin in a mood that clearly asked who Timothy thought he was. Her arm reached across Evanna's back, making it to where her fingers were just over Harley's hair. Yes, she had been absentmindedly playing with the girl's hair, but she had stopped just as soon as Timothy faced Harley.
She didn't react right away to Timothy and Evanna, slightly amused that Evanna was actually squaring off with her father. She could definitely see where Evanna got her attitude. Her stance. Her challenging gaze. But her amusement quickly faded into one of pure anger.
She did, indeed, stop Evanna with a firm grip on her shoulder. Though it wasn't out of concern that Evanna was going to say something she might regret. But his words reminded her of her own relationship with her father. How she had told him of Jewel's sort-of relationship with Nathaniel and how Lupita had blamed her for it all. Of course, she didn't believe it was her fault, but it was still irritating. Though what just boiled her insides like a pot of crawfish was Timothy's legitimately blaming Penny's disappearance on Evanna.
One could practically see her vision of Timothy bleeding slowly out.
"I'll be right out," she snapped, watching him stalk out with an equally dangerous glint in her eyes. Actually, she would have followed him right on his heels had it not been for the fact that Avery was crying.
The eagle-woman had taken her glasses off to wipe away her tears freely. She was trying to be quiet about it, keeping it within herself until Harley and Eva left. (She had never been one to confront a problem, and instead was the type to clean up the mess afterward - which she had been doing a lot of whenever Timothy was involved.) But now that they were gone he rbody was wracked in silent sobs.
"Hey," Thea said sternly. Avery didn't look up, yet had her mass of curls covering her down-cast face. "Stop crying. Timothy's just being a dirtbag right now. That's all." Avery didn't reply, but Thea didn't need her to. Thea knew she was horrible with making people feel better. She was much more accustomed to bringing pain instead of easing it. That was what she was intending to do with Timothy.
Once outside, she stomped the few feet that he had traveled away from the door to stare at hom face-to-face. A low, dangerous growl erupted from her throat, and it took all she had not to grip his rather unprotected-at-the-current-moment neck in a vise. "It's not Evanna's fault!" she yelled in his face, a fire lighting up the brown she inherited from her mother. "If anyone should be to blame, it's you. It wasn't a two-man job to pick Evanna up that morning. You should have stayed home!"
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Post by Ventia on Jun 16, 2016 21:41:07 GMT -5
Nathaniel smiled widely down at Jewel, at her bravely, at her willingness to go through this for their children, for everything that she did. For the person she was. Jewel was strong, loyal, loving, understanding, protective over her loved ones, and she would always lend a helping hand. She tended to others with a passion unlike everything and she helped people. Both physically and emotionally.
She helped him. She saved him. She loved him.
That love was evident in everything that she did for him. For them. She took in his daughter without blinking, loving her-defending her even when they technically were together. She was there for him and Harley. There was no doubt in his mind, how wonderful of a mother Jewel was.
"Alright." He repeated, squeezing his wife's hand and kissing it as Orso sliced against her skin. He glanced at the cut, knowing that he hated seeing Jewel covered in blood-especially her own but also knowing that she was going to be fine and that soon their children would be born.
-
Timothy glanced at Thea, he'd been pacing around again and regretting his words to the only daughter he still had safe next to him when she came out. Obviously she didn't hear his "Don't bother," comment. Or maybe knowing Thea, she chose to completely ignore him. He didn't want to hear this from Thea right now but he turned to her-to his late student.
He waited until she was done, already knowing the truth behind her words. He was angry still. He still didn't want to be here. Still didn't want to listen to Thea bark at him. He still wanted to hurt something. Anything. Anyone.
"You think I don't know that?" He said slowly, softly, in a attempt to contain his rage. "It wasn't a two-man job. But Evanna was my daughter and she was doing drugs. She had drugs on her. If it weren't for the fact that her Aunt was in the Police, Evanna would be in a hell of a lot problems. Do you think I wanted Avery to see her daughter locked up in jail? Did you think I wanted Avery to see Evanna coked out or high off her ass? No."
He clenched his fist. "She should have stayed. But she wanted to come. And I didn't want to let her go alone. I told Penny to stay-because for the same reason I wanted Avery to stay. So that she didn't see her sister all drugged out. I thought she'd be safe here." He threw up his arms, his voice edging on anger. "At the fucking Nightstar Pack, where there has been no incidents. After all, who wants to fuck with the Pack that cheated Death? Who?"
He snapped. "No one. No one wants to fuck with this fucking pack but when someone does? Its my daughter." Timothy blinked back the weakness that wanted to come out of him and glared instead. "I should have made someone stay. So yes. Its my fault. I know that Thea. You don't have to tell me that."
"That's why I'm doing my darnest to find my little girl." He clenched his fists again, "I cant...just not do anything. I cant sleep. I cant eat. I cant...I cant fucking be here right now. Not when she's not here." Timothy ran his fingers through his hair which had grown longer than usual.
"I love Evanna. I know its not really her fault. She has Constantine blood in her, shes going to be reckless. I know its not her fault. Its none of their faults. But I cant pretend that I don't wish she would have just came home when she was supposed to. I cant pretend that I don't wish Avery would have stayed with them while I went to get Evanna. I cant pretend that I wish. I cant."
"The only thing I can do is look like hell for my daughter." Timothy shook his head. "You wont understand Thea. They're...they're everything. If I lose any of them. This is how I'm going to act. If Evanna ends up missing now or Avery, I'll only get worse. The only reason I'm even going is because I know that theyre safe at home. But Penelope? My little Penny?"
"What if shes right now in a Arena? What if she has a fucking collar on her neck, with the word, 'Princess' on it? What if shes forced to fight for her life? What if shes bleeding from wounds. Or if the person who kidnapped her is raping her, making others rape her? What if shes forced to kill someone she loves? X? Or a little kid?"
"I've been there. You've been there."
"You've been kidnapped and forced to become a 'Princess' Killer. You know what can happen. What if she doesn't find someone who wants to help her? What if shes already dead? Killed for the fun of it?"
Timothy shook his head again, feeling his eyes grow hot. "I cant." She continued to shake his head, "I cant imagine her living a life like what we've been through. I came to this Pack to protect all of them from that life...and now shes lost. Taken away from here. And I couldn't protect her. I couldn't protect my baby. I couldn't."
"I'm disgusted with myself and I cant. I cant stand to be next to Evanna or Avery knowing that ive failed them. That I let my baby be taken. I cant stand here and see Nathaniel become a father because it reminds me of my vow to protect my family-and ive failed."
He laughed coldly, "So go on. Bark all you want. It doesn't even compare to my own thoughts of myself."
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Jewel
Healer
Loyalty comes in many forms. Some are more obvious than others. -Thorn
Posts: 2,195
Pack Status: New Dawn, Nighstar, Rogue, Other
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Post by Jewel on Jun 17, 2016 2:11:43 GMT -5
Thea was still angry. No amount of Timothy explaining himself was going to change that. That was her fatal flaw, really. Being so consumed in anger that she couldn't possibly see reason until she cooked off a few hours – days – months – later. She never understood why she was so … angry all the time. So bloodthirsty. But she couldn't help it.
Timothy admitting that he knew it wasn't Eva's or Avery's fault just made her feel all the more frustrated.
Though, to be honest she felt a thrill of shock go through her body. Of course she thought about how to go about finding Penny and X. But she never stopped to wonder where she could be. With Penny's loving nature she didn't think anything could hurt her. X was a dang good guard dog, too. What Timothy said implanted a scene into her mind. Where Penelope was mistreated. Trained to be a killer. Forced to watch other people die at her hands. End up like her. She felt her hands become gusts, and if it weren't for the fact that she bit off all of her acrylic nails – yes, it hurt like crazy – she would have blood dripping from her palms. No. Penny couldn't become a monster.
A growl – coming more of her being upset at her uselessness – erupted from her throat again. Then she rubbed her hands roughly across her face. "Why?" She demanded, her response muffled due to the face that she was speaking against her palms. Then she dropped her hands before putting her hands on her hips. "Why, the X did you tell Evanna that it was her fault? Have you told Avery it was her fault too?" She snapped her mouth closed, teeth clicking together with a dangerous sound. If she were in her wolf form, they more than likely would have been deeply embedded in Timothy's arm. "Lashing out at your family because you are too weak to own up to your mistake until now?"
Her 'barking' wasn't as vehement this time, though. She was still thinking of Penny covered in blood – hers or otherwise. Penny left broken in an alleyway. Her lower region all but a mangled mess. Her eyes as yellow as a Constantine, yet as cold as a killer's. Bearing an affinity for weaponry of all types. This was a different scenery from Thea's usual desire to see someone bloody and dead at her feet. She didn't like her murderous thoughts, but she absolutely loathed Penny becoming exactly like her.
"You've already confirmed that her scent and X's was mixed with human tracks. And they walked a good distance before hauling them into a vehicle of some sort." She turned her back on him, obviously done with the conversation beforehand. She's already made up her mind that her mentor had been weak. There was no changing her mind until he proved he'd otherwise. Or if she got over the anger she felt. "It wasn't hunters. They have a unique scent of silver and wolfsbane and death that makes any sensible shifted steer clear. Besides, they usually don't take hostages.
"I have a few of the best team the Gulf has looking into this atop their other missions. Ma is helping me pay them extra under the table." She felt s buzz in her pocket. Just one buzz from her phone. She left it alone thinking it was an email that was junk. Or a game notification. "Although they aren't too fond, not even they could pass up a bit of extra money. No one has seen her in a twenty-mild range outside the New Dawn territory. But possibly I can get Vincent or Atsila to take an unexpected vacation." Of course, she knew that Timothy wouldn't know those two. It was just easier to give out names so that she wouldn't have to refer them as anything else. Then she glanced back at Timothy. Who didn't seem to be taking the lack of good news well. "Just think: she's out of the worse part of the dead lands. Along the borderline is a bloody place to be."
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Post by Ventia on Jun 17, 2016 2:52:27 GMT -5
Timothy didn't say anything. He already said what he thought of the matter. He had nothing else to say. Instead, he just waited until she was done.
Done and gone.
Once she was? He moved over to a bench and sat down, his elbows on his knees, his head down, his mind on his family.
He knew he was being a ass to Evanna and Avery. But he just couldn't..he couldn't smile or sit down with them or sleep next to Avery. He couldn't. Every time he saw them, he was reminder of Penny's absence. Of the fact that he was failing them by not finding her.
He was the man in the house. He was supposed to protect his family. He was the husband and the father. The protector. And he was weak. He couldn't find his baby girl and worse, he knew his behavior was destroying Avery and Evanna but there was nothing he could do. Because he couldn't..couldn't hold them and tell them that it was going to be alright.
Because Timothy didn't know if it was going to be alright. He didn't know if he'd be able to save his baby girl. He didn't know when Penny will come back into their lives.
Timothy covered his face with his hands, suddenly very weary. Days of no sleep and no food finally catching up to him. He missed Penny. He missed his family. He missed Avery.
But he couldn't go to her. She was expecting him to find their baby. He couldn't stand to watch her cry with the knowledge that he couldn't make it stop by just finding Penny. And Evanna? He regretted telling her that none of this would have happened if she hadn't gone out. But they were safe. Safe here. Safe at home. He made sure of that. Sleeping on the couch and making sure no one touched the house.
...he had snapped earlier with Evanna. At the Arena, he had snapped during each fight. In the beginning, that was the way of survival. The only way he could have survived if he tapped into that anger that had stored in him. He hated it. He'd been snapping at anyone these days. Mostly in the deadlands but sometimes it had been with Evanna and Avery. Never as bad as today though.
Timothy pulled on his hair. Hating himself. He wished he could just fix everything. But he couldn't. He couldn't because he was weak and-
"This the Infirmary?"
Timothy glanced up and saw a tall woman, long black hair, and hard grey eyes. He frowned at her and stood up. She smelled like Jewel. Same pack probably.
"Well?"
Timothy anger spiked but he forced it down. "Yes. Who are you?"
Ventia rolled her eyes. "A friend of Jewel's. She's giving birth isn't she?" A hint of a smile touched her lips. "I'm happy for her. You look like Nathaniel, her husband. Relative?"
"Brother." Timothy snapped out and then pointed at the doors to the infirmary. "She's in there. C-section I hear. Any minute now."
Ventia nodded and strode forward, easing into the room and glancing around, taking inventory. Her gaze caught on a familiar sight. "Oh Thea, you're here as well. Good. Any news on Jewel's condition?"
Ventia moved forward and sat down on one of the seats, crossing her legs and leaned into the chair, relaxing a bit. This wasn't necessarily the first time she's been in her neighboring pack, but it was the first time she was here on a personal visit. In her opinion? Jewel was a friend. Maybe not a really close one, but one nonetheless. The woman had tended to her children when they landed in the Infirmary (which happened to be almost weekly) and they had been in the same pack for such a long time. Ventia liked Jewel. Much so.
Plus. Babies were her weakness.
She wanted to congratulate the new parents and of course see the precious babes.
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Jewel
Healer
Loyalty comes in many forms. Some are more obvious than others. -Thorn
Posts: 2,195
Pack Status: New Dawn, Nighstar, Rogue, Other
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Post by Jewel on Jun 18, 2016 1:16:28 GMT -5
Thea had traveled back into the lobby, her glance around the room telling her that no one was in sight or hearing range of her. Avery must have gone to see where Evanna and Harley disappeared to. She didn't mind. Although she still didn't like to be alone, she wasn't all too comfortable with a crying Avery either. She would have the desire to comfort her, but Thea wouldn't be able to because she was not born with that gene of soothing aches, emotionally or otherwise.
So she sat - slouched, rather - with her Nike tennis shoes touching the wooden leg chairs opposite her. She plugged her headphones in, left one of them draping over her arm, and played her music. This time, the sound was the lowest it will go without actually going mute. After all, she did want to be sure to hear her siblings' first cries or the running of her nurse's feet before she burst through that door to tell of the good news. That the C-section was a success and Jewel gave birth to four healthy children.
She was scowling at her phone, still angry over Timothy, when Ventia came in. The door was what caught her attention actually, so she looked up and raised a brow at the visitor. Now, she's only met Ventia once or twice. Possibly a couple handfuls - after all, Jareth was her son, and Thea was a big fan of Dark Paradise, as well as Ventia and she do a lot of paperwork (since the deaths of rogues and such when it comes to being a Warrior) - but Thea wasn't sure of how Jewel and Ventia were with each other. Friends? But Ventia seemed so ... stand-offish.
Then again, Thea did too.
"She's fine, I think." Thea opened the app that she had that shows her all kinds of maps. She had already memorized the screenshots she took of her x's that she made when she and her team searched through a specific piece of land. And those were a lot of screenshots. "Honestly I haven't seen her since she was first wheeled through those doors." And she hadn't. And even if it didn't seem like she cared, she did. A lot. Having four babies on top of all that was going on was too much stress for her mother. Surprisingly, she still held on. That willpower was amazing.
Then she took another, closer look at the Beta before glancing back down at her phone, screenshotting it before moving it to her Snapchat app and editing it wth a broad blue circle around another, bigger town - only to send it to herself on a different account. (Hey, she only had that app for the drawing tools. Don't judge.) "You might want to relax a bit more. We're going to be here for another while longer."
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Post by Ventia on Jun 18, 2016 2:29:20 GMT -5
Stand-offish.
What a sweet way to describe Ventia Black. For the most part, it was a right statement. Ventia was stand-offish. She wasn't the type of person whom enjoyed small talk. She definitely wasn't the type of person who liked casual outings-which was ironic since she was the Owner of a club. She wasn't the type of someone who flashes their smiles and flipped their hair with laughter. She wasn't the type of person whom gossip between friends. She wasn't the type of person who enjoyed speaking about her feelings.
She was just not that kind of person.
Instead? Ventia was loyal. Ventia never forgot something that someone did for her and those that she was loyal to. Ventia was the type of person who would make sure that those she called her own were well taken care of. Ventia was the type of person that despite everything, she'd keep to her word. If she was tortured dawn to dusk, for days upon days, she'd never give out what she swore to keep secret. Ventia was someone who saw everything that everyone did. Ventia was someone who didn't allow personal opinions to come between the task at hand.
And while it didn't seem like it? Ventia was sweet. Ventia was kind. Ventia was caring. Ventia was loving and protective, and emotional. Ventia loved her Pack. She would die to defend her pack and everyone inside of it. No one truly knew Ventia Black but for her, that was fine. They knew that she could be trusted. That she was capable of handling a situation. That she had it in her to kill or protect. They knew that she was strong enough and smart enough. That she would do what was necessarily to make sure New Dawn was going to survive.
So, yes. Maybe it was sort of surprising to see Ventia come visit Jewel. Frankly, they never really hung out. But for Ventia, Jewel tended to her family, tended to the majority of their pack members, and she was a common pack mate. She was loyal to the New Dawn, and Ventia respect that in Jewel. Therefore? Ventia liked Jewel and henceforth, Jewel was one of Ventia's friends.
Ventia scoffed, glancing towards Thea and meeting her gaze. "I am relaxed." Which was the truth. This was as relaxed as Ventia got-now behind the bedroom that was a different story. Ventia got way more relaxed there but only her lover-a territorial succubus-had that pleasure of witnessing. Ventia narrowed her gaze at what Thea was doing with her phone but asked no questions. Ventia wasn't one to butt into someone else's doings-unless they asked for help.
"I don't doubt it though. I was in labor for more than eight hours." Her voice was soft-reminiscing. After a moment, she frowned at her memories and closed her eyes. "I can wait." She stayed silent then, unmoving, and barely breathing. It was almost like she wasn't there. It wasn't done on purpose, but Ventia had trained herself to blend into the background-to make herself almost invisible. It came naturally.
So she waited.
Harley and Evanna met Avery by the bathroom. Evanna saw her mother's red eyes and bit her lips, forcing herself not to say anything. Instead, she glanced into her mother's eyes and then slowly smiled, nodding slightly, as Harley grinned broadly at her.
"You good Mom?" Evanna said after a bit, her voice gentle and she eased forward a hand but paused before her fingers touched her mother's, unsure if her mother wanted Evanna to actually touch her.
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Jewel
Healer
Loyalty comes in many forms. Some are more obvious than others. -Thorn
Posts: 2,195
Pack Status: New Dawn, Nighstar, Rogue, Other
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Post by Jewel on Jun 18, 2016 22:21:26 GMT -5
Unlike Timothy, Avery didn't think it was Evanna's fault for Penny's disappearance. Sure, she had been angry. Upset that Evanna would lie to her and Timothy; she didn't pin blame on anyone though. Except the people that actually took her. In fact, most nights she would crawl into Evanna's bed with her. Mostly, it was for herself. Evanna took after her father. Always the one to do the reassuring and the protecting. But sometimes, she did hold Eva as she cried for her twin. In those moments of time she wished that she could just wish Penny back home. Her and X both (after all, X was her son).
So she took Evanna's hand. Interlocked their fingers. Squeezed. "Yeah, baby. I'm good." When in all actuality, she wasn't. She didn't just lose X and Penny that night. She lost her husband too. He would never hold her at night. He never came into the room, even when she was asleep. She hated that he blamed Evanna for what happened. God, she was so angry about that. But she didn't say anything. Avery wasn't the type to defend. She was the one to crawl into bed with the person she loved to comfort them. Whisper that what they said wasn't true. She did that for Jaye. She did it with Eva. For Jua, when they were younger and he and Leo got into a huge arguement.
Seeing Timothy so distant from her when she needed him the most ... broke her heart into so many little shards. And it seemed that, each time she tried to glue them back together, he shattered it again.
***
It was a bit later. A couple hours, perhaps. When the kids were born. And as Nathaniel and Miss Penny cleaned the babes and weighed them and did all that fun stuff, Orso was sewing Jewel back up with neat little stitches.
Her forehead glistened in the light with sweat. But she had this glowing smile on her face. One that showed how relieved she was that not only the C-section turned out a success, but the babies were alive and well. Even the 'runt' (which Jewel so hated to say that) - a beautiful baby girl that they named Hallie Esther.
It was hard to find baby names while dealing with the multiple things going on. But they managed. It was harder, though, to fit the suitable names to each baby - three boys and one girl. But they decided that the first one to join the world should be named Dimitri Dean. Then the second was Lucian Ryder. Followed by Jasper Quinn (for her friend, who was dead but a god at the same time). And of course, Hallie Esther for the girl.
Jasper was the biggest of the group. With chubby little cheeks that Penny "just wanted to pinch so much". Hallie was the runt, of course, but had the sharpest cry out of all of them. Little Dimitri was born with the most brilliant blue eyes (which would actually change color later on), and surprisingly Lucian was blessed with a full head of fine hair.
And soon, all were ready to meet the family waiting to see them.
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Post by Ventia on Jun 28, 2016 22:01:35 GMT -5
Evanna like always, forced the tears back-it was so easy to break down when it concerned her mother. Evanna hated weakness-and most importantly, tears. But when her mother was in the equation, Evanna found herself with the inability to hold back anything. So she could play the protector all day, but when her mother crawled into bed with her, Evanna let the pain out. Even now, Evanna felt the urge to curl up against her Mom and tell her how much she missed Penny.
But she didn't, Evanna clenched her jaw shut and forced the burn away from her eyes. It helped considering that Harley was here-Evanna would never cry in front of her cousins-and soon Evanna's jaw relaxed and she squeezed her mother's hand back. Evanna smiled, needing no words, and then they both went back.
-
How to explain what Nathaniel felt when he looked at the faces of his newborns? Nathaniel found himself rememerbing how it was when he saw little Harley on that bed, screaming at her biological mother who had been trying to suffocate her. In a way, he had imprinted on her-knew at that moment how much she would mean to him. How much he would love her. In a way, he felt it tenfold with the newborns.
He imprinted on them and watching them burned his chest-hurting him at how much love he felt for them. These were the babes that he felt countless times in Jewel's belly, punching or kicking, or rubbing against his hands. These were Jewel's and his babes. Their proof of love. He had cried. He'd never admit it to anyone but everyone in that room saw him cry at the sight of his precious children.
Did Nathaniel love them more than Harley? No fucking way. But with Harley? Nathaniel never knew her mother had been pregnant with her. Never felt her move in a mother's womb. He had just saved a child to whom he knew he loved. She had bought him out of the darkest moment of his life-the period after he lost Jewel. She had become his purpose. He loved Harley with all his heart. Just, with the newborns? He knew about them. He anticipated their arrival.
He never knew just what happened during a birth. It had shakened him to the core. That was all-but he loved all his children the same...Now he didn't know about Jackson-for Nathaniel didn't even remember anything about Jackson and that boy was out for his head. But did he regret not being there for him now that Nathaniel knew what it was like to be a father? Because he knew what it was like to live without a father? Defintely.
He deeply regreeted that he hadn't been there for Jackson. Regardless of anything.
But he loved Dimitri, Lucian, Jasper, Hallie, and Harley so much that it hurt and he cried because he had been given the chance to have this family. To start a family of his own-because of Jewel.
God, Jewel.
Jewel was wonderful. Nathaniel didn't think he could love Jewel any more than he did before the birth. But he had been wrong. His love had deepened so much that he wasn't sure how to explain it. She was...everything for him. Which was putting it lightly.
They were in their beds, all next to Jewel and Nathaniel. Nathaniel was holding Jewel's hand and watching the children. It was silent besides from their sounds, for Orso and Nurse Penny had given them a moment to themselves (and to tell the awaiting family).
Nathaniel turned his gaze away from Hallie, the only girl of the litter, and bought his watery gaze to Jewel.
"They're...precious." He finally said to her and bent his head, his face pressed against her chest. It wasn't long before he felt Jewel's fingers ease against his neck, softly touching him. He squeezed her hand and bent up again, finding her beautiful doe eyes.
"Have I told you I love you and you have made the beyond happy? That you have given me something no one has? A family to fight for? A life worth living? A home?" He bought her hand to his lips and kissed her. "I know you know, but Jewel..." He closed his eyes to the sounds of his children, every move they made were heard by him. "Jewel...thank you for choosing me. They're beautiful darling. Just...beautiful like their mother. God, I love you."
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Jewel
Healer
Loyalty comes in many forms. Some are more obvious than others. -Thorn
Posts: 2,195
Pack Status: New Dawn, Nighstar, Rogue, Other
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Post by Jewel on Jul 3, 2016 11:20:04 GMT -5
Jewel remembered Thea being this small.
How she cooed and kicked her legs. And she remembered that she missed it. Missed Thea being that small. It had been so long ago. Not only that, but she didn't have very long to hold her. To cradle her and protect her. She knew that it wasn't going to take very long for her children to outgrow their clothes, because Thea had the exact predicament. This time, though ... she was going to make sure they didn't disappear like Thea had. They were going to be safe. She was also going to teach them - or at least Nathaniel teach them - how to protect themselves. And whatever they wanted to do, they could do it.
Out of love, she did wrong to Thea. The realization of it tightened her chest so much she could barely breathe. Otherwise Thea wouldn't know fifty-dozen ways to kill a man and not think twice about it. She wouldn't hate her father so much. She wouldn't stare down the personification of war without batting an eyelash. But also out of love, she knew that she could learn from her mistakes and loosen the reins.
Her emotions had been running at a constant high since before she was given the epidural. Fear of losing the babes or dying in the process. Confidence that she could get through this. Sorrow at Thea's predicament and her hand in causing it. Even more sorrow that her babes would grow up quickly and she would miss a lot of it. But seeing Nathaniel cry just had her breaking down. Tears poured down her cheeks like a waterfall, but she had no strength to wash them away. Her fingers easily found the back of his neck, and just as easily rubbed a soothing pattern against his skin.
She said nothing to him as he spoke. Just continued to rub his neck. She felt the squeeze, and returned the action, smiling. And when he looked up she stared back at him, getting lost in his hazel gaze - felt the pull just as strongly as she had in the beginning. She sniffled a bit before laughing at his compliment. "I love you, too. And I have no comparison for the love I feel for you. And I'm so blessed to have a family with you." She bent her head and pressed her lips gently against his. Underneath the salt from both of their tears, she could practically taste the pride and love from him. Of course, she was reluctant to pull back. But she did, and looked over at her babies again.
She just couldn't stop looking at them.
Thea was the first to waltz into the room, a broad smile on her face. But Jewel didn't look away from her children. So Thea stood beside Nathaniel, gently pressing her knuckles against his arm. "Look at you two. All emotional and sh*t." But one look down at her baby siblings and she knew why. Her eyes widened before that broad smile turned into a little grin. Now, she couldn't stand babies most of the time. But these she could handle. After all. These were her siblings.
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Post by Ventia on Aug 8, 2016 17:13:20 GMT -5
Nathaniel felt everything in that kiss. He felt everything that he had ever wanted and more. He felt solace and love, and peace and friendship, and passion and genuinely. He felt complete. He saw everything in that moment. Saw them. Together. With their children, all four of them and Harley running around. He felt...happy. He felt happy. Jewel had made him feel happy unlike no other. She was his very own-and he had realized it once again through that kiss how much this woman had changed his life for the better.
He eased back as well, his dark hazel bronze eyes taking in the beautiful vision in front of him. Which was Jewel, her face covered in tears, sweat clinging to her hairline, her hair around her in a mess of wavy locks that were due to lying down too much, of the laughter lines around her beautiful brown eyes, or the soft pink lips that were still trembling with emotion, or the barely visible splash of freckles against her nose.
He leaned back more, taking in this goddess. She wasnt even looking at him currently. No, she was staring at their children. Their children. He stared at her lowered gaze, and saw the love burning inside of them. Saw the promises that she was making and how...amazing she looked in that moment.
Not even Thea's playful words could ruin this moment. Her touch combined with a small body colliding against his side was what made him glance away from Jewel's profile. He was staring straight into Harley's hazel gaze and when the angel beamed at him, Nathaniel knew he had just gone to Heaven. Because how could he be this happy in real life?
"Daddy! Mommy! Wheres my sisters and brothers?" Harley said in glee and Nathaniel felt himself cruel a protective arm around her middle, dragging her upwards and then burying his face in her neck. He breathed in her scent and hugged her tighter, listening to her cries of laughter.
"Daddy! Come on! I wanna see." Nathaniel grinned as he pulled back and kissed her nose.
"They're right here angel, you're such a good girl for patiently waiting. Look, these are your siblings."
Harley peered into the carrier and stared wide-eyed at the babes, before glancing back between Nathaniel and Jewel. "They look...squishy. and pretty. Can I hold?" She focused on Jewel and grinned. "Our family is now complete!"
Nathaniel grinned above from Harley and then glanced at Thea, enjoying the sight of her face. "Look who's getting emotional now eh?"
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