Dreams and Night Terrors

[Persephone]

Alek: "You blow my fucking expectations to Jupiter."

Persephone smiled, the act carrying to her eyes. He looked stunned as she dipped into the water and made her way across the pool to him. It always surprised her how he always looked at her as if it was the first time he had seen her naked. It made her feel especially beautiful when she was pregnant, and this was no exception. Alek unbuttoned and pushed his shorts down, Persephone's eyes lowering to his growing cock. Licking her lips as he climbed into the pool, she watched as he circled behind her, her eyes rolling shut as his hands brushed her hair across her shoulders. She let out a soft sigh feelings his lips kiss her neck, her head tilting to the side to allow him more access. Alek's hand then slid around her waist pulling Persephone's body against his. Biting her bottom lip, she felt Alek's cock hard against her, and all she wanted in that moment was to feel him inside her.

Persephone pulled away from Alek enough to turn in the water so she was facing him. The need in her eyes was so apparent that even a blind man would see it. Her hands slid up his chest, the water gliding them across his skin and around his neck. She pulled herself against his body, her legs straddling around him. Persephone's eyes, as dark as the sky above, never left his as she gently rolled her sex against Alek's, but not letting him enter her.

"Do you want me?"

Persephone's mouth took possession of Alek's, her tongue meeting with his in a heated kiss.

"Because I never stop wanting you..."

She breathlessly spoke between their kiss, her mouth never leaving his. Persephone was so wet that when she rolled her pelvis against Alek's hard cock, all she had to too was lift her hips just enough, that the tip slid immediately into her. Pushing down, Persephone let out a low groan at the feel of him filling her completely, their bodies connected as one. She didn't move against him, breaking the kiss while panting hot breaths softly between them.

"I love you, Alek."

She whispered, her lips brushing against his and noses touching. Persephone gripped the nape of his neck and began to moved against him, sliding him in and out of her slowly; the water within the pool waving as their bodies connected.

 

[Berserker]

The Oasis

Making love under the stars was what she’d asked for, and he was damn well going to give it to her. He'd have given her the world if she'd asked. He slipped into the pool, pressing gentle kisses against her skin, beads of water cooling there.

She turned to face him, and he had to force himself not to grab her, to take her rough and quick. But the look in her midnight eyes said she wanted him just as much. Her hands on his chest, the way the small action of her wrapping her legs around him turned him on, showed that her need was urgent. He could feel her, against him, nad he pulled her harder against him, signaling what he wanted with a movement of his hips.

"Do you want me?"

“Always.”

He pressed his mouth against hers with force.

“Forever.”

She met his mouth aggressively, their tongues mating in an overflow of passion.

"Because I never stop wanting you..."

“Well you can have me.”

He told her, through their kiss.

“I am yours, whenever you need to me.”

Their kiss intensified, and with a slight movement, he was sliding inside her. He had to pause their kiss, his arousal so much that it fell somewhere between pleasure and pain.

“Fuuuuuuck.”

He moaned, his lips still almost touching hers. She had pressed him deep inside herself, then stopped. They clasped together, joined but motionless, the need almost overpowering.

"I love you, Alek."

“I love you, Baby.”

She started to move, slowly, but move.

“I love you so much.”

His mouth found hers, while his hands at her waist helped her move. It became too much and his head fell backwards, and he started to move her more rapidly. He picked his head up, to see her glistening body moving above him, wet strands of hair stcking to her skin. His head went between her breasts, and he thought they were already fuller, rounder, but it might have been his imagination. He didn't care. All there was was their one body, moving in unison.

 

[Persephone]

Persephone needed him - wanted him. Her body so desperate to feel him fill her and complete her. She asked if he wanted her and he answered heatedly that he always would, forever. Their mouths connected, tongues danced a hot tango within their mouths. Persephone's sex was throbbing for him, feeling how hard he was pressed against it. Alek made it a point to show her how much he wanted her as she rubbed herself against him, the tease too much for Persephone to continue. She told him she always wanted Alek. She would never stop wanting him until the day she died.

Alek: “Well you can have me. I am yours, whenever you need to me.”

He spoke between their kiss, his words making her moan even before he entered her. Then with the smallest lift of her hips, she took Alek within her, a long and low groan coming from deep within her throat at the feel of him filling her so completely.

Alek: "Fuuuuuuuuck."

Their lips were barely touching, both on the edge of utter ecstasy. It took everything for Persephone not to fuck him senseless in that moment, her fingers gripping the nape of his neck to try and keep herself together. The moment was perfect. The night was perfect.

"I love you, Alek."

Alek: “I love you, Baby. I love you so much.”

With those last words she began to slowly move against him, taking him in and out of her with ease. She exhaled a moan, as if she had been waiting her whole life to feel what she was feeling in that moment. Persephone felt Alek's hands move to her waist, helping her move faster in the water against him and making it that much more easier for him to stroke her most sensitive areas.

"Oh fuck..."

She whispered, her breathing picking up at the build of pleasure coursing throughout her body. Alek's face dipped between her breasts and Persephone wrapped her arms around his head holding him there. Her head fell back, eyes looking up into the starry night sky as they continued to move as one in the hot water. He had given her everything she ever wanted in the world, even something as small as making love under the stars in Egypt. The smallest acts meant the most to Persephone because throughout her long life, people always expected everything from her. But with Alek? He expected nothing and only wanted to give. It was such a stark contrast to what she was used to, and because of that, all Persephone wanted to do was give him the world. Not because he asked, but because it made her happy.

Her eyes rolled shut as his movements became more rapid. She felt his tongue slid across her wet nipple, taking her breast within his mouth to taste it. Persephone could have sworn it was due to her pregnancy, but her breasts felt even more tender than usual and his act made her moan loudly and even more wet with pleasure.

"That feel so good..."

She panted breathlessly, her hands going to the edge of the pool for leverage. She began to grind down against him faster, meeting each one of his thrusts with her hips. Her legs circled tightly around his waist, the water lapping up around them as their movements became more frantic. Persephone felt her body response heighten, the warmth flooding her entire body as the build in pressure began to grow and grow. Her breathing hitched in her throat as she felt herself close to the edge, moaning for Alek not to stop. With each thrust he pushed her to the point of no return until finally her hand grasped his hair while the other gripped the edge of the pool, crying out loudly as she came and pulsed against him.

Persephone's body trembled against his, the aftershocks coursing throughout her body and pulling Alek deeper into her sex. She began to rotate them in the water, staying connected as she moved so now Alek was pinning her against the wall of the pool. Her arms wrapped around his neck as her mouth found his, their bodies mating as heatedly as their tongues.

 

[Berserker]

The Pool

Her arms were wrapped around him, holding him against her naked body, just as his hands held her against him. They moved like their bodies couldn’t bear to be alart, coming together over and over.

He took her breast in his mouth, his tongue teasing the nipple and making it hard. She moaned at his touch, which made him want to do it again.

"That feel so good..."

“I want my mouth on every part of you.”

And his hands. And his cock. He wanted to touch her with his entire body, his entire soul. She grabbed the edge of the pool. And he could see the flush in her body, could feel the urgency of her movement, and he knew she was close. He began to thrust harder as she pressed her hips downward, and finally she grabbed him by his hair and he felt her come, her body jerking and quivering in its aftermath.

Now Seph was turning them, so her back was to the side of the pool. He pressed her forward so his hips pinned her against it, while their mouths and tongues attacked each other, like they would never be able to get enough. He pressed his cock deep into her with hard thrusts, grunting with the force of them, knowing he was close, so close. He needed to come inside her, needed to feel that eruption as he filled her.

“Baby, almost there.”

His head went to the crook of her neck as he picked up speed, moaning as he slammed his hips against her. He needed her more - to be inside her as much as possible. There was no going slow. And then finally he felt the pressure reach that point where it couldn't possibly go any higher, and then the release, the sweet release into her, as if he was transferring his very life into her. He panted at her shoulder, his hips still moving against hers but slowly now, unable to stop at once.

Finally he pulled away from the wall, pulling her with him, cradling her against his chest, stroking her hair.

“I need you, Seph, I need you so badly.”

 

[Persephone]

Persephone rotated in the pool so her body was against the wall now - her muscles still trembling in the aftermath of her orgasm. Alek's hips pushed deep into her causing her to cry out between their kiss at the feeling of him filling her so completely. Their tongues danced with a heated passion, mouths never leaving one another even throughout the onslaught of Alek's thrusts. Each hard connection pressed her harder into the wall; water lapping around them from the force. Breaking the kiss, Persephone couldn't stay quiet, crying out broken moans as her face dipped into Alek's shoulder, eyes shutting at the intense and pleasurable feeling. Her fingers clawed his shoulders as she clutched onto him, her body taking every inch of him over and over again until she became dizzy with ecstasy. Shutting her eyes, her moans were constant; voice cracking.

"Alek...."

She panted out, almost as if she couldn't take the pleasure any longer. She felt drunk off it, mind spinning as her sexy contracted around his hard cock.

Alek: “Baby, almost there.”

Her body tensed and legs tightened around Alek's waist - his pace never slowing. He began to grunt hard, his face now burying into her neck, and she knew he was close. Persephone shakily inhaled rapid breaths, her body being pushed to the brink once again until finally she cried out feeling the dam break within her. Her head tilted back and eyes remained shut as she pulsed against Alek, coming hard in his arms. She felt him grip her tightly and a warmth fill her body, his moans matching her own as he came. Alek began to slow his hips, his cock still sliding slowly in and out of her as he pulled her away from the pool wall; Persephone's arms wrapped tightly around his neck and eyes remained closed. Her mind was still dizzy and body trembled gently in his arms while she swallowed hard between soft pants of air. Persephone let her cheek rest against Alek's shoulder, the feeling of everything from the start of the night to what they just did, completely overwhelming her.

Alek: “I need you, Seph, I need you so badly.”

She gripped his long wet hair with her fingers, her arms never leaving his neck.

"You have me. Always."

Her whisper was soft and barely audible as she kept herself clutched to him. His hand softly stroking her hair made her skin goosebump despite being in a hot bath. Anytime he touched her it made her body react in ways she never expected. They were still connected as one unit, their bodies once again doing what came naturally to them - what created the miracle that was growing inside her. And Persephone didn't want to part, not yet.

 

[Berserker]

The Oasis

Alek moved them to the edge of the pool, bracing his back against the side so he could just lay there in the water, with Seph against his chest. In the aftermath of what they’d just done, he was in an incredibly relaxed state. Everything was perfect.

When she was ready to get out, he helped her step out of the pool, then dried her with a fluffy white towel, happy to have his hands on every inch of her body. They fell into bed, and slept cradled against one another, Alek’s hand resting on Seph’s belly.

When they woke in the morning, arms still wrapped around each other, Alek’s face erupted in a grin as he remembered the baby on the way. And when he leaned down to kiss her soft lips, everything seemed write in the world.

And now, after a gourmet breakfast (where even Seph ate more than usual), it was time for them to leave this place of paradise and return to Greece. The things that had been pirchased for their stay would be packed and sent to their home, but Mr. El Mahdy would see to that. So they had dressed, and were taking one last look at the water before Seph transported them home. Alek was sad to leave, but excited too. He could hardly contain his glee, in fact, and kept looking at Seph like the baby was going to be there any minute.

Finally, he pulled out his cell phone, and slipped his arm around Seph’s waist, turning them so the lake was behind them. He smiled.

“Baby’s first picture.”

 

[Persephone]

The night had ended perfectly in Alek's arms, his hand resting on her flat stomach, soon to be round in the coming months. As much as she wanted to stay at the Oasis, Persephone wanted to go to her OBGYN as soon as possible to make sure that everything was okay with the pregnancy. She was still considered high risk, so she wasn't taking any chances. As soon as the morning sun rose, Persephone woke up and smiled with excitement to see Alek just as excited as she was. They were going to have another baby! She was finally pregnant again, after almost a year of trying. And the day had finally come where she could go to the doctors and hear their baby's heart beat and see him or her on an ultra sound.

After eating a hardy breakfast, Persephone called to make an appointment with her OB while Alek spoke with Mr. El Mehdy to make sure he packed up everything and shipped it to their home in Greece. Soon she and Alek were walking to the waters edge, taking in the sights one last time before heading home. He spun them away from the water and took out his phone, holding it up.

Alek: "Baby's first picture."

Persephone smiled widely as he took the picture, then turned to kiss him on the cheek as he took one more.

"Egypt will always hold a special place in my heart now..."

She whispered to him before her lips pressed against his. Persephone kept their lips together for a long moment, enjoying the kiss by the water, under the sun of the African desert. Finally, she parted them and looked into his eyes, her filled with such happiness and love.

"Ready?"

She asked, her grip around his waist tightening as she smiled. And within seconds they both disappeared in a tornado of winds and reappeared back in their home in Santorini, Greece. Looking around, there were blocks and books, little toy cars and dolls, scattered around the lived in living room from before Lily and Lucas left to go to Olympus. Her smile grew knowing that one more little one was going to be joining their family soon enough.

"My appointment is at three."

She said with a smile as she moved past Alek and headed into the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, she pulled out a pitcher of cold water and placed it on the counter.

"So we have the whole rest of the morning to whatever we want."

She grinned as she looked over her shoulder at Alek, the tone in her voice and lust in her eyes apparent to what she was thinking. Turning back around she grabbed a glass from the cabinet before walking over to the island with it and the pitcher of water. Pouring herself some of the cool water, she heard the softest whining sound and looked toward the back door seeing Olympus standing by it wanting to get inside to see them.

"Awwww...can you let him in, baby? He's missed us."

She said with a smile, Olympus' tail wagging as Alek made his way to the back door. It was in that moment Persephone's vision began to blur around her, everything happening within seconds. Blinking slowly, she saw 'stars' flashing around the room as everything seemed to brighten into a white fog around her.

"Al--"

She attempted to steady herself using the kitchen island, but her hand slipped and sent the pitcher of water and the glass she was holding sliding off the counter and crashing to the ground. Simultaneously, her eyes rolled shut as her body followed the path, Persephone fainting and collapsing to the ground.

 

[Berserker]

Santorini

They said goodbye to Egypt, but with a feeling deep in the gut that it would be a place they returned to, perhaps with three children who had never seen the desert. Returning home, thanks to Seph’s tornado (which always left him feeling a little like Dorothy), a sense of wellbeing came over him. This was a place of family.

"My appointment is at three."

He smiled, chuckling to himself. His wife. No putting things off for her. She would have appointments with decorators, contractors, maids - all set up before that three o’clock appointments. He could see how she had become such a successful businessman.

"So we have the whole rest of the morning to whatever we want."

He looked over at her and arched an eyebrow.

“And what is it that Mama wants?”

Not that he needed an answer. He was still concerned about her - he always was when she was pregnant - but somehow her will and his desire always overcame those fears, and unlike other couples, they seemed to have more sex when Seph was pregnant than they did at regular times.

"Awwww...can you let him in, baby? He's missed us."

He looked over to see Olympus scratching at the door. Damn dog. But in truth, Alek had warmed to the little guy in the time since Seph & Lily had brought him home, and his lips turned up into a smile of amusement. The Anastis’ had agreed to take care of him while they were away, and it was good to see him now. But Alek felt a pang that Lily wasn’t bounding into the house alongside him.

He went to the back door, and opened it for the wolf, who made a circle before coming in.

“In you go, then.”

He moved to close the door, when the pup let out a clipped bark of warning, and he heard a crash from the kitchen. Forgetting the door, he ran to see Seph on the floor, the glass and pitcher shattered next to her.

“Seph! Aw, Seph!”

He was instantly beside her, checking her for injury, not mindful of the shards of glass on the floor. She didn’t appear to be hurt, other than being unconscious. His mind ran through the possibilities. Ambulance. Too slow. Drive her to the hospital. Could he concentrate to do that quickly enough. Get Anastis. Would take too long. It had only taken him a split second to assess the options and decide. He scooped Seph up in his arms and carried her toeards the car.

 

[Persephone]

One minute she was fine, the next she was on the floor passed out: the perks of pregnancy number three. Persephone felt Alek's hands on her, and as quickly as she had fallen unconscious, she soon began to stir awake. She softly groaned as Alek picked her up into his arms, her head throbbing and spinning all at once. Her head rested against his chest, eyes still shut, as he carried her to the car. Wincing, she lifted her hand to her head in an effort to shield her eyes the best she could from the bright Grecian sun. Even with them closed she felt like she had vertigo.

"Everything's...spinning...."

Persephone's voice was weak and groggy as she spoke; her arm instinctively held across her stomach even then. Alek put her in the passenger's seat of the car, Persephone propped up on her side with her legs tucked up in the cradle position still. She heard the car door slam shut before seconds later the other door open and close and the car rev to a start. Persephone continued to hold her head, her eyes still shut as he drove. She didn't need to see to know he was speeding with a purpose. But she also didn't ned to see in order to start to feel sick from the motion of the car paired with the vertigo she was experiencing. Her voice softly croaked as she groaned, her free hand grabbing Alek's forehead while her other gripped her head.

"Alek, stop the car..."

She begged yet knew he wouldn't. Her face contoured as her shut eyes filled with tears. She felt like she was going to be sick from all the bumps and movement paired with her already spinning head.

"Please......I'm going to be sick...."

Her voice was soft and trailed off, the grip on Alek's arm tightening as she whimpered softly at the discomfort she was feeling. But soon enough she felt the car pull to a stop and Alek pull out of her grasp. They must have been at the hospital all ready because as soon as her door opened she was scooped up within Alek's arms again; her head buried against his chest as she groaned.

The same doctor that delivered both Lily and Lucas was already waiting by the doors.

Doctor: "Mrs. Hallbjorn, your appointment isn't until three! [gesturing tothe gurney] Put her down here, Mr. Hallbjorn."

The doctor lightly joked in an effort more to ease the stress she saw radiating from Alek. Once Alek put her on the gurney, Persephone finally opened her eyes and grabbed his hand. The bright fluorescents burned her eyes, making her squint.

"Don't leave me."

Doctor: "We need to take you in to examine you, Persephone."

"No...I want my husband..."

Doctor: "He'll be right here when we're done, I promise."

Persephone shook her spinning head, not letting go of Alek's hand even as they tried to wheel her into the examination room.

"I want my husband.....please."

The doctor looked at the nurses then at Alek and nodded her head, conceding to Persephone's request. They moved inside the room and immediately began to hook Persephone up to some different monitors to take her vitals and gather information. The doctor placed her hand on Alek's shoulder.

Doctor: "You can stay Mr. Hallbjorn, but we need room to work, alright? She'll be fine...i'm more concerned over the fall she took than her passing out. Dizzy spells are completely normal with some pregnancies. But we need to check her out and make sure the baby is okay."

The doctor gave him a warm and reassuring smile before turning her attention back to Persephone who was getting prepped for an internal ultra sound to make sure her passing out didn't harm the baby.

 

[Berserker]

Santorini

Seph had started to stir as he picked her up into his arms, but he didn't pause as he hurried to the car.

"Everything's...spinning...."

Even if he hadn’t been able to see her, he would have known something was wrong just by her voice. God, she sounded so weak, so unlike herself. He slipped her into the passenger’s seat as gently as he could.

“Hold on baby, just hold on.”

He flew into the driver’s seat and they were off. Santorini roads were not the best, but Alek sped along, as fast as he could. Seph reached out and grabbed his arms, and he felt a vise in his chest.

"Alek, stop the car...Please......I'm going to be sick...."

“We need to get you to the doctor, baby. We’re almost there.”

He reached out and put his hand on top of hers for a moment. He wanted to stop for her, he wanted to so badly, but he knew he couldn’t. She had to be okay, he had to make sure she was okay.

He pulled in front of the hospital, coming to an abrupt stop, barely turning off the engine before he was out of the car and around to Seph’s side. He threw open her door, and scooped her out, holding her against his chest. He whispered soft reassurances to her.

“You’re going to be fine, baby. I’m here. They’re going to help you.”

Doctor: "Mrs. Hallbjorn, your appointment isn't until three! [gesturing tothe gurney] Put her down here, Mr. Hallbjorn."

“Please! You have to help her! She just collapsed!”

He set her down gently onto the stretcher, and his hand closed tightly around hers as she grabbed his hand. He raised his other hand to shield her eyes from the glare of the lights.

"Don't leave me."

“I won’t. I’m right here with you, baby.”

He gave her hand a squeeze, and did his best to smile down at her.

Doctor: "We need to take you in to examine you, Persephone."

"No...I want my husband..."

Doctor: "He'll be right here when we're done, I promise."

“I’m not leaving her side.”

Alek gave the Doctor a look, one he hadn’t needed since he stopped being the Red Knight. But it was serious as a heart attack, and he would not be denied. He was forced to sit in a hallway, not knowing if Seph was alive or dead, once before. He would not do it again.

"I want my husband.....please."

“I’m not going anywhere.”

The Doctor finally assented - as if she had any say in the matter - and they took Seph into a room. He kept hold of her hand while they transferred her into a bed and started hooking her up to monitors. Alek stood near the head of the bed, all his attention focused on Seph. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.

“You’re going to be just fine. Everything’s going to be okay, baby, I promise.”

 

[Persephone]

Her hand held tightly onto Alek's, not wanting to let him go. The thought of him leaving terrified her. What if something was really wrong? What if her fall had somehow hurt the baby? She couldn't bare the thought of finding out alone.

Alek: “I won’t. I’m right here with you, baby.”

The doctor was resistant to let Alek back to the exam room at first, but even in her dizzy state she could hear it in his voice the tone he used to get as the Red Knight. He would kill the doctor before he was forced to leave her side. Luckily the doctor conceded and allowed Alek back into the room, Persephone never letting his hand go even as the lifted her onto the bed and began to hook her up to monitors. The doctors and nurses all worked around Alek who stayed close to her by the head of the bed. Persephone's head was still spinning and hurt like a bitch from the fall she took, but even so, the gravity of the situation was finally hitting her.

Her brows furrowed as her eyes filled with tears. The doctor pulled over the ultra sound machine and began to prep Persephone for the exam.

Alek: “You’re going to be just fine. Everything’s going to be okay, baby, I promise.”

"What if I hurt the baby...."

Her voice was so soft, so quiet, saying the words out loud was like a dagger through her heart. If she somehow hurt the baby....or miscarried because of the fall? She would completely lose it. Her hand squeezed Alek's as she let out small groan, rolling her head into his arm as if it would somehow ease the growing headache in the back of her head.

Doctor: "Persephone, is this the first time you fainted?"

The doctor asked as she squeezed some lubricant onto Persephone's stomach.

"Yes...I've had a few dizzy spells....but i've never fainted."

Doctor: "Did you drink any water today?"

Persephone felt the paddle go on her stomach as the doctor was asking her routine questions.

"Some...at breakfast.."

Doctor: "Your blood pressure is a little low, and that could be do to dehydration which could cause you to faint. But we're going to run some more tests to double check that everything is okay."

Persephone rolled her head to look down at the doctor who was moving the paddle around Persephone's stomach. The doctors eyes were focused on the monitor.

"My baby....?"

The doctor didn't immediately answer and all the air completely left Persephone's lungs, her knuckles white as she gripped Alek's hand. Then suddenly, a fluttering rhythmic sound of a heartbeat began to fill the room making Persephone cough out a cry of relief as tears fell down her cheeks.

Doctor: "He looks in perfect health. All ten fingers and toes. Strong heartbeat, perfect size and weight for how far along you are. Everything looks right on track and normal with your baby."

"He?"

She asked with a smile before looking up at Alek.

"We're having another son..."

As much as her head was hurting and how terrified she was just moments earlier, the second she heard her son's heartbeat her world became brighter. When making the appointment earlier she had already asked about finding out about the sex, so the doctor was well aware that she didn't ruin any surprise. In fact, she was smiling proudly, nodding to both of them indicating that they were in fact having a boy.

Doctor: "We're going to hook you up to some fluids and take you for a cat scan shortly just to make sure you don't have a concussion from the fall. We have a few more tests to run, but aside from that you should be able to head home in a couple of hours."

The doctor wiped off the lubricant and pulled up the blanket to cover Persephone with a smile.

Doctor: "Congratulations."

She said before exiting the exam room and leaving Persephone and Alek alone. Clutching onto Alek's arm, Persephone moved herself over on the small hospital bed and pulled him to her so he could lay down next to her. She fit perfectly against him, her arms wrapped tightly around his torso as her face buried into his neck away from the lights. He was her home and the only comfortable thing in the entire sterile room.

"I'm sorry..."

She whispered knowing she terrified Alek.

"I promise I didn't do this to find out the sex early."

She joked with a little laugh, followed by a small groan, the act of laughing causing her head to throb. Pulling back enough to look at him, her head still rested against his shoulder.

"We're having a little boy. You have another son, baby."

She was so incredibly happy despite the entire ordeal of passing out and landing in the hospital. Alek was going to be a father to another little boy. She knew how much he wanted a son, and now to have two? She knew he was so incredibly excited. Lily was going to have three protectors now which made Persephone's smile grow. It was everything she could have dreamed of and more.

 

[Berserker]

The Hospital

The thing happened that he positively could not stand: Seph began to cry. He touched his free hand to her cheeks, wiping the tears away.

"Aw, baby, don't cry. Everything will be okay, you'll see."

He moved his hand to stroke her hair, still looking nowhere but down at her face.

"What if I hurt the baby...."

"Sweetheart, you didn't. You couldn't. That baby's a Hallbjorn AND a Cassadine. We're made of tough stuff."

He leaned down and kissed her forehead. He knew Seph couldn't have done anything to hurt their baby. But that didn't mean there wasn't anything wrong. Steph groaned, her face burying in his arm, and he could tell she was not fine.

Doctor: "Persephone, is this the first time you fainted?"

"Yes...I've had a few dizzy spells....but I've never fainted."

'Two days. She's been dizzy for two days. That I know of."

The doctor asked more questions, and wanted to run more tests. But first, the ultrasound. For the first time, Alek's eyes left Seph, to stare at the small monitor. She squeezed his hand tightly, and he brought his other hand and placed it over hers. He held his breath, waiting for them to tell him something terrible. And then the swish swish of the baby's heartbeat came over the monitor.

Doctor: "He looks in perfect health. All ten fingers and toes. Strong heartbeat, perfect size and weight for how far along you are. Everything looks right on track and normal with your baby."

He exhaled loudly, it not even registering fully, other than that the baby was still there and okay. Seph looked up at him, and he smiled down at her, the smile reaching his eyes.

"We're having another son..."

He leaned down and kissed her forehead again.

"I love you, Persephone."

He chuckled softly.

"Poor Lily."

But his grin said that he didn't mind at all. Though they wanted to run some serious sounding tests on Seph, the doctor thought it was "just" dehydration, and that she'd be able to go home soon. Now that the crisis was receding, however, Alek was starting to blame himself.

Steph moved over so he could lay down with her, and he did, his arms looping around her to hold her as if he could shield her from all the bad things in the world.

"I'm sorry..."

"Shh."

He clutched her tighter.

"It's my fault Egypt. All that sun. And all that...activity. I should have known better. And then making you bring us home. We should have flown. Or taken a boat..."

He stroked the back of her head.

"I promise I didn't do this to find out the sex early."

He chuckled at her joke - though he wouldn't have put it past her. She laughed also, which obviously caused her pain.

"Just lie still. Crazy, impatient woman."

"We're having a little boy. You have another son, baby."

"Yeah. We do."

It almost came out like a sigh, some of the tension releasing from his body by virtue of her being next to him. But he was still apprehensive, that they might find something wrong. A concussion, or something broken.

"That scared the shit out of me, Seph."

 

[Persephone]

The gravity of the situation hit Persephone as soon as he was put on the hospital bed and was being prepped for an ultra sound. Her mind had been in a haze, spinning like a violent tornado since the moment she passed out at their home. But now, despite her throbbing head and dizziness, she knew her fall could have seriously harmed the baby. What if she miscarried their child all because she didn't take her pregnancy seriously enough? She had asked Alek to stay one more night....she should have gone home sooner. Had an appointment first thing in the morning. God, she was going to lose the thing she wanted the most before it even began. Tears of fear and guilt fell down her cheeks as Alek tried to comfort her. She told him she could have hurt the baby, the words bitter on her tongue.

Alek: "Sweetheart, you didn't. You couldn't. That baby's a Hallbjorn AND a Cassadine. We're made of tough stuff."

She wanted to believe him. She wanted to believe him so badly. But her fear trumped everything in that moment. Groaning as a pang of pain radiated throughout her head, the doctor began the ultra sound and began to ask Persephone different questions about her symptoms. She answered them the best she could, but in reality, she didn't care about herself, she only cared about their baby. She didn't hear the heartbeat...she didn't see anything on the monitor that looked remotely like a baby. Moments felt like centuries, then finally they heard their son's heartbeat. It felt like she could breathe again.

Finally Persephone looked up at Alek with a smile. They were having another little boy. She could see the excitement and love in Alek's eyes making Persephone's heart swell so big.

Alek: "I love you, Persephone."

"I love you too."

She whispered back. Then Alek grinned.

"Poor Lily."

Persephone let out a groan like laugh, smiling at the thought of Lily having to deal with two little brothers. But at the same time, Persephone absolutely loved the idea of Lily having three strong men being able to protect her throughout her life.

The doctor said she wanted to run a few more tests but that they should be able to head home in a couple hours. As long as the baby was okay, Persephone didn't care about herself. Concussion, dizziness, dehydration, whatever. She would stay in bed the rest of her vacation if need be as long as their son was safe. Persephone moved over on the bed to let Alek climb in next to her - his body fit perfectly against hers and arm wrapped a round her tightly. She buried her face into his neck, the adrenaline of everything starting to wear off and her headache becoming more apparent.

"I'm sorry..."

She knew Alek must have been terrified as she felt horrible.

Alek: "Shh. It's my fault Egypt. All that sun. And all that...activity. I should have known better. And then making you bring us home. We should have flown. Or taken a boat..."

Persephone gently shook her head, that act alone uncomfortable.

"I felt fine there. Neither of us could have known."

She tried to comfort him, knowing he always tended to take the weight of the blame on his shoulders when it came to her. But this wasn't his fault in the slightest. Persephone tried to lighten the mood by telling him she swear she didn't plan this in order to find out the sex of the baby sooner. She lightly laughed followed by a groan.

Alek: "Just lie still. Crazy, impatient woman."

She gently squeezed his side.

"You know you love it."

Smiling against his neck, she finally pulled back enough to look at him. They were having another little boy. It felt almost unreal. They were having a son - Alek was getting what he dreamt of. He looked so happy, smiling out with such contentment she could feel his body 'sigh' into relaxation against hers. But just as quickly as he seemed to relax, his body tense again as he looked at her. She could see the fear in his eyes causing Persephone to lift her hand to his cheek.

Alek: "That scared the shit out of me, Seph."

"I know..."

Her voice was soft and filled with guilt. Her brows furrowed and eyes saddened that she had caused him so much stress and fear.

"I'm sorry, baby..."

Leaning forward she pressed her lips against his, gently kissing him hoping it would help ease his tension and fear. But their kiss was interrupted by a nurse coming in and apologizing for the intrusion, telling them the MRI was ready. Persephone gave Alek one more kiss before whispering that she loved him. The nurse helped her into a wheelchair and soon she was off to get a cat scan and a few other tests to make sure everything was okay. It didn't take long before the results came back stating that Persephone didn't have a concussion or any other injuries due to her fall. In fact, her blood work came back perfectly normal as well and the doctor's suspicion of her being dehydrated was correct. So before being discharged the doctor strictly instructed Persephone to keep her water intake high and to drink plenty of fresh juices as well. She would most likely be sore from the fall and have a headache for the next day or so, but aside from that she was perfectly healthy.

Sitting in the wheelchair by the Emergency Room doors, the doctor smiled down at Persephone and handed her the ultra sound images of their son.

Doctor: "Like I said earlier, it's perfectly normal to get dizzy spells when you're pregnant. BUT if you happen to feel dizzy again, please just immediately sit down or call for your husband. We don't want any more tumbles, alright?"

Persephone gently nodded.

"Thank you, Doctor Rinaldi."

Doctor: "And Stay. Hydrated, Persephone. The combination of your hormones and being dehydrated is what we DON'T want. A little head rush here and there is okay - it just shows you how strong your little one is. [looking to Alek] I'm counting on your to keep an eye on her, Mr. Hallbjorn."

The doctor smiled warmly at Alek knowing he wasn't going to let Persephone out of his sight for a second.

Doctor: "And remember my line is always open if you have any concerns or problems. Otherwise, i'll see you next week for your follow up."

Persephone smiled and thanked the doctor again before she headed back into the hospital. Looking up at Alek, she reached over her shoulder and placed her hand on top of his.

"I'm so ready to lay down in my own bed. Lets go home, baby."

 

[Berserker]

The Hospital

He got into the bed so that Seph could snuggle up next to him, and any member of staff who wanted to challenge him on this would regret it. They waited while tests were run, and more were prepared. But Alek was okay with that, because he wanted to make sure there was absolutely nothing wrong with Seph before they left the hospital. Seph was blaming herself, as usual, and he tried to take the blame on himself - he felt it acutely enough.

"I felt fine there. Neither of us could have known."

“The important thing is that you’re okay, and the baby’s okay. And we’ll do whatever it takes to keep you both that way.”

And he meant it. He would do whatever was necessary to keep both mother and baby healthy and well. She joked about this not being a ruse to find out the baby’s sex early, but laughing clearly was painful for her, so he told her to lie still - crazy and impatient woman that she was.

"You know you love it."

“I know I love you.”

He told her again. And then he told how scared he’d been. She kissed him gently, and he smiled, rubbing his hand down her arm. He would never forgive bimself if something happened to her so that she could guve him another child. Never.

Soon a nurse came in to take Seph to her MRI, and with a cautious look to her, he let them take her, while he waited in the room. He hated being seperated from her, in a place like this, where something could go wrong. What if he wasn’t there and she needed him? Just when he was really getting concerned at what might be happening to her, Seph was finished, and she was allowed to go home, the doctor explaining what they needed to do.

Doctor: "And Stay. Hydrated, Persephone. The combination of your hormones and being dehydrated is what we DON'T want. A little head rush here and there is okay - it just shows you how strong your little one is. [looking to Alek] I'm counting on your to keep an eye on her, Mr. Hallbjorn."

“I never take my eyes off her, doctor.”

Though his statement made him wince, knowing that this morning, that hadn’t been true. And all it had taken was a moment.

“I’ll be waiting on her hand and foot.”

He smiled at Seph, knowing that keeping her in bed resting would be a challenge.

"I'm so ready to lay down in my own bed. Lets go home, baby."

“You got it, baby. And baby.”

He started to push her wheelchair out to the car. He was starting to think, a little ruefully, that they ought to just give him a parking space right out front for as often as he seemed to park there. He knew her head hurt, so he was afraid to make much conversation. But as he helped her into the car, he finally spoke.

“I’m going to take care of both of you. I promise.”

He kissed her forehead before shutting the door and going around to the driver’s side. He drove somewhat less recklessly on the way home, conscious that it might make Seph feel sick. But once they pulled up to the house, he was at her side again in a flash, carrying her into the house.

“Couch or bed?”

 

[Persephone]

The doctor gave strict orders that she were to rest the rest of the day and stay hydrated from there on out. Persephone was so grateful that it wasn't anything more serious, so she didn't fight the resting order. Plus her head still ached pretty badly.

Alek: “I’ll be waiting on her hand and foot.”

Persephone looked up at Alek and tried to stifle the smile that was threatening to take over her lips. She knew he enjoyed waiting on her on any given day, so this was going to be a treat for him. But also, to see how long resting would actually last. The car soon pulled around and Persephone was so ready to head home and get into her own bed. Alek wheeled her over to the passenger side and helped her get into the car.

Alek: “I’m going to take care of both of you. I promise.”

"You always do."

She reaffirmed as he kissed her forehead. Alek was so hard on himself when it came to her feeling sick when she was pregnant. He somehow thought it was his fault. So when Alek got into the driver seat and pulled out from the hospital, Persephone took his hand and interlinked their fingers, resting her head against his shoulder.

"Thank you for being you."

She softly spoke, her eyes shut as he drove much more carefully now. A smirk then formed on her lips.

"You went into Red Knight mode in there....[tilting her head to look up at him] It was hot."

She softly chuckled, her free hand gently rubbing his bicep before she let herself rest the remaining drive home. As soon as they pulled up Alek got out of the car and Persephone began to open her door. She had one foot out of the car before Alek was by her side, arms going under her legs to scoop her up.

"Baby, I can wal--"

But he already picked her up into his arms before she could finish her sentence. Honestly though, she wasn't upset. Any chance she could get to be carried in his arms was a win for Persephone. So she held onto his neck and rested her head against his shoulder watching as they both entered the house.

Alek: “Couch or bed?”

"Hmm..."

Contemplating for a moment, Persephone gave him a small peck on the cheek.

"Bed."

Alek whisked her upstairs to their bed and placed her on top of the comforters, pulling the throw up over her body since it was a pretty warm day. Propped up against the pillows, she placed her hand over her stomach and smiled as he climbed in next to her.

"So, daddy....I was thinking..."

She had a lot of time to think while laying inside the MRI that she began to go over baby names. Both of their children's names had a tie to their families in one way or another. Ellaria's middle name was Demtria after Persephone's mother Demeter. Lucas was named after Alek's grandfather and his middle name, Davidoff, was named after Haleigh. So she had a pretty good idea what to name their new little one.

"Your grandfather? His middle name was William? I was thinking we could name him [rubbing her stomach] William and call him Liam?"

She softly smiled at the thought.

"Lily, Lucas, and Liam..."

Persephone furrowed her eyebrows awaiting a response.

"Do you hate it?"

 

[Berserker]

The Car

On the drive home, Alek could tell Seph was feeling better. She interlinked her fingers with his, and rested her head on his shoulder. Any other day, he would have taken the long way home.

"Thank you for being you."

He smiled, glancing at her.

“Well, thank YOU for being you.”

"You went into Red Knight mode in there....[tilting her head to look up at him] It was hot."

“Oh, was it now? I’ll have to do it more often.”

He grinned, making a turn onto a back road.

“Nobody gets between me and my family. I’d tear that hospital to the ground to keep you safe, Seph.”

She rested the rest of the way home, and then he picked her up and carried her inside, ignoring her protests. He wasn’t taking any chances. He asked her if she wanted to be in the living room or bedroom, because like it or not, she was going to rest. She chose her bed, so he climbed the stairs to their bedroom, and laid her gently on the bed. He fluffed the pillows behind her head, then covered her with the throw, tucking it up under her chin.

And then he told her he’d be right back and slipped out of the room, and downstairs to the kitchen. He returned a minute later carrying a pitcher of ice water and a glass with a slice of lemon on the lip and a straw. He filled her glass, and held it out to her so she could take a drink. Then he slipped onto the bed next to her and rolled onto his side to face her. Her hand was on her belly, and it warmed his heart.

"So, daddy....I was thinking..."

He grinned at her.

“What were you thinking about Mama?”

"Your grandfather? His middle name was William? I was thinking we could name him [rubbing her stomach] William and call him Liam? Lily, Lucas, and Liam? Do you hate it?"

He took her hand and brought it to his lips.

“I think it sounds perfect, baby.”

He gave her a hard stare then.

“But his middle name cannot be Zeus.”

 

[Persephone]

After tucking her into bed, Alek headed downstairs for a few minutes before returning with an entire pitcher of water, a glass, lemon, and a straw. Persephone chuckled as she cocked up a brow.

"A whole pitcher, huh?"

He poured her some water and Persephone propped herself up and took a few big gulps full before putting the glass on the side table. Alek climbed into bed and Persephone situated herself to face him, her hand on her stomach. She had been thinking about the prospect of naming their little boy William and calling him Liam for short. She never planned on having her children with matching first letters, but it sort of happened that way, and she liked it. So Persephone suggested it, hoping Alek would approve. He smiled, taking her hand and kissing the back of it.

Alek: “I think it sounds perfect, baby.”

Persephone grinned happily, but her smile immediately faded seeing Alek's stern look.

Alek: “But his middle name cannot be Zeus.”

Wrinkling her nose with distain, she shook her head no.

"Not a snowballs chance in hell."

Persephone definitely had a different idea, Zeus never coming up for consideration, the bastard.

"One of Stavros' many familial names was Demarius. Maybe that?"

Stavros had six middle names, so choosing one wasn't difficult, but Persephone thought having all their children's middle names start with a D would be cute.

"If you hate it i'm open for suggestions. I mean, this is a team effort here."

Persephone laughed, team being the operative word. She may be carrying the baby but Alek help but him in there. Taking Alek's hand, she placed it on her stomach and held it there, her fingers gently caressing his fingers. She was feeling ten times better now that she was at home, in bed, next to her husband, talking about their little boy. It was perfect, and the morning's dramatics began to fall into the wayside.

 

[Berserker]

Home

She looked amused when he brought the water, which equal parts frustrated and aroused him.

"A whole pitcher, huh?"

“You are not going to get dehydrated on my watch. Wait until the cases of gatorade and juice I ordered arrive.”

He made sure she drank some of the water before he got into bed next to her. Planner that she was, Seph was already talking about names. He was pleasantly surprised she wanted to name the baby William, after his grandfather again, and he told her how much he liked the idea. The logical sequence of things would be to give the baby Seph’s father’s name as the middle one. But Alek was not having his child named Zeus. Even as a middle name, if that got out at school... Luckily, she was in agreement.

"Not a snowballs chance in hell."

Alek wracked his brain for infor from the books he read Lily and Lucas.

“Sorry, Cronus is out too.”

And so she didn’t think he was impugning her heritage, he added:

“Doesn't start with D.”

"One of Stavros' many familial names was Demarius. Maybe that?"

He was a bit surprised that she wanted to name the chikd for Ava’s father, but he didn’t have any problem with it, and it fit.

“Excellent idea, Mama. William Demarius. Has a regal sound to it, doesn’t it?”

He grinned at her, and reached out to move a strand of hair from her forehead.

"If you hate it i'm open for suggestions. I mean, this is a team effort here."

She took his hand, and placed it on her stomach, and it made him want to ravage her right then. He looked into her face, with love in his eyes, in his smile.

“I don’t hate it. I love it. And I love you.”

He leaned foreword to kiss her lips softly.

“We’ In this together.”

 

[Persephone]

Alek was definitely not taking the doctors orders lightly. He brought and entire pitcher of water up for Persephone making her smile with amusement. He looked a little annoyed, but it was cute.

Alek: “You are not going to get dehydrated on my watch. Wait until the cases of gatorade and juice I ordered arrive.”

"Alek..."

She sighed his name then laughed, conceding to his hovering.

"Fine...better be the light purple flavor."

She smirked playfully before drinking some of the water. He climbed into bed and they began to talk about baby names. It was set in stone that their little boy would be named William - Liam for short. However the middle name was a little more of a struggle. Alek didn't want him to be named after Zeus or Cronus to which Persephone just gave him an 'are you kidding me' look. Not a chance in hell would that ever happen. So she suggested one of Stavros' middle names, Demarius. Ava may not have been in control any longer but that didn't mean Persephone didn't have her memories or feelings for Stavros. She knew it was the best middle name for their third born.

Alek: “Excellent idea, Mama. William Demarius. Has a regal sound to it, doesn’t it?”

Persephone grinned at that.

"Fit for a prince."

Technically speaking of course, he would be. As was Lucas, and of course Lily being a princess. Hey, there were perks to being Queen of the Underworld. But Persephone wanted to make sure Alek wasn't just agreeing to appease her. She wanted to make sure he liked it as well.

Alek: “I don’t hate it. I love it. And I love you. We’re in this together.”

He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss, Persephone graciously accepting it with a smile.

"I love you too."

She whispered against his lips before kissing him once again. Snuggling herself right up against Alek, she rested her head between the crook of his neck, getting extremely comfortable in his arms. He was like a big teddy bear even if he didn't like to admit it.

"So...."

She started with a tone that Alek would immediately know, indicating she was up to something that probably didn't strictly follow doctors orders.

"I know i'm supposed to stay in bed the rest of the day....but..."

Persephone gently traced her fingers along his beard, her eyes looking out onto the patio.

"Maybe later we could have dinner out on the balcony? We can eat on the couch and i'll stay snuggled in your arms the whole time so you know i'm resting."

She tilted her head back with a smile, selfishly excited at the thought of that. Giving his cheek a kiss, she hoped he would accept her terms because the thought of watching the sunset with him after the morning they had just had seemed perfect. Like they could salvage the day that started out so incredibly scary and hopefully end it with a calm happiness.

"Just think about it, baby..."

Persephone's voice sounded tired as she softly spoke, hoping she won Alek over on the idea. Shutting her eyes, the simple act of resting them made her throbbing head that much better. It didn't take long before Persephone was passed out and asleep in Alek's arms, sleeping the afternoon away.

 

[Berserker]

The Bedroom

Before they did anything, he was going to see to her hydration. He had already ordered gatorade, which is not a substance Seph would drink that often, but he would insist.

"Fine...better be the light purple flavor."

He raised an eyebrow at her and scoffed.

"Do I look like an amateur?"

He'd known what flavor gatorade she liked when they were still back at the Hellfire Club. It wasn't even a challenge at this point.

They discussed baby names, because with a woman like Seph, it didn't matter that you had months to decide. But like with all their children, it didn't take them long to find one they liked. He put his arms around her, and she snuggled up against him, her head in the crook of his neck. He felt like he could stay like that forever.

"So...I know i'm supposed to stay in bed the rest of the day....but..."

"No, no! No 'but's!"

This time they were following doctor's orders. Explicitly. And none of her wiles would sway him. But then her fingers were in his beard....

"Maybe later we could have dinner out on the balcony? We can eat on the couch and I'll stay snuggled in your arms the whole time so you know I'm resting."

She was good. She kissed his cheek, and at that moment, he would have let her perform naked in the local circus.

"Just think about it, baby..."

He pulled her closer. She sounded so tired, it worried him.

"Okay, baby. I will."

Soon she was asleep, but he stayed awake, just holding her, stroking her hair. And praying.