The Key To Living Is Love

shadow traveling

It's just past noon, and the house is a symphony of soft coos and the gentle whir of a baby monitor. I sit on the living room floor surrounded by plush toys, trying to keep my mind focused on tidying up a bit, but every glance at the twin cradle steals my attention. Charlie and Sabrina are little bundles of absolute joy, but wow, they sure can wear me out. I rub my eyes, desperate to shake off the lingering fatigue from two weeks of constant feedings and midnight diaper changes.

"Hey, superstar mom!" Nico's voice breaks through my thoughts, warm and teasing. He appears in the doorway, his dark hair tousled, an ever-present smirk on his lips. He walks towards me with that casual swagger that makes my stomach flip even after all these years. "Need a hand, or are you just trying to create a mess for me to clean up?"

I laugh, tossing a plush elephant at him. "As if! I'm perfectly in control here." I give a dramatic sigh and lean back against the sofa, half-heartedly pulling the twins' blankets straight. "Okay, fine. Help would be nice. I swear the laundry multiplies overnight."

"Consider it done, Y/n." He crouches down beside me, his presence feeling like a shield against the chaos. "But first, how about a compliment fest? You have accomplished the impossible: creating and keeping alive two amazing babies on top of a two-year-old hurricane."

"Please," I roll my eyes, but my cheeks heat up. "I'm just trying not to drown in dirty diapers."

"Even when you're exhausted, you manage to look incredible," he says, leaning in closer and brushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "You're the most beautiful mom I know."

"Stop it, you're making me blush!" I giggle, smirking as I playfully push him away. "And besides, I'm wearing sweatpants and have baby spit-up on my shirt."

"Exactly. It's like a fashion statement," he shrugs, and I can't help but laugh again. Even a simple compliment from him can brighten my long days.

Just then, Bianca bursts into the room, her little face lit up with excitement. "Daddy! Can we play? Can we shadow travel? Please! I wanna go to the stars!"

Nico's eyes sparkle with mischief. "Okay, my little starry-eyed explorer. But you need to be careful with your brother and sister in the room. Moving too fast might make them dizzy."

"Charlie and Sabrina can come too!" she insists, bouncing on her toes. "I'll protective them!"

I watch, my heart swelling, as Nico scoops Bianca into his arms effortlessly. "They can't go just yet. They're too small for our adventures, but they'll be ready one day."

"Wanna try just one? Please, please, please!" Bianca's eyes are impossibly wide, a hopeful grin plastered on her face. Nico looks at me, seeking my permission.

"Okay, fine, but just one!" I raise a finger, feeling ready to compromise. "But no more than that! They're only two weeks old!"

Nico raises his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, just one little trip. Biance, get ready! I'll take you to the clouds—but we'll be back faster than you can count to ten!"

"Ready! One, two, three..." With a gentle pull, they disappear. I take a breath, feeling the familiar rush of anxiety and admiration course through me. They're gone for just a moment, a quick flash of shadows, but just as I'm about to worry, they reappear, Bianca giggling uncontrollably in Nico's arms.

"That was awesome!" Bianca squeals, kicking her feet in excitement. "Can we go again?"

"Wasn't that fun?" Nico grins at her. "But remember what we said about being careful." He turns to me, his smile softening, clearly checking for my approval, which I can only return with a nod. "Okay, just one more. But after this, we definitely need to settle down."

"I can do it!" she jumps out of Nico's arms, practically bouncing with enthusiasm. "You're the best daddy!"

Nico laughs, catching her before she can run off to retrieve something else. "Alright, let's go again! Just hold on tight."

After their second trip, I can see Bianca wearing herself out, her cheeks flushed, and her eyelids slowly drooping. "Daddy, I..." she begins to yawn mid-sentence.

I smile at the sight, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and joy wash over me. "Okay, sweet pea, I think that's enough excitement for today."

Nico gently sets Bianca down and walks over to me, wrapping his arms around my waist. "What do you say, superhero mom? Want to take a breather?"

"Oh, definitely," I lean against him, grateful for his warmth and steadying presence. "But promise me, no more ghost adventures for a while? At least until the twins are bigger?"

"Deal. I'm always in your corner, darling," he says, pressing a soft kiss to my temple. "And believe me, I think you're handling everything perfectly."

"I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water," I admit, resting my forehead against his shoulder. "The house is a disaster..."

"But it's our disaster," Nico interrupts gently, his eyes sparkling like it's the most beautiful sight in the world. "And there's no rush. We've got years to sort it all out. Right now, we're in the thick of it, but I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Bianca leans against my leg, her tiny eyes drooping with sleep. "Can we make a fort? With pillows?" she murmurs, barely awake but still filled with excitement.

"Absolutely," I whisper to her, brushing her hair back. "After a nap, maybe."

"You hear that, B? Nap time for the magnificent adventurer!" Nico teases lightly, causing Bianca to giggle against the pull of sleep.

I watch as Nico lifts her up one last time, cradling her against him. The sight sends warmth through my heart. Every day, I am reminded of how lucky I am to have him. Nico di Angelo may have a reputation as the son of Hades, but right now, he is everything to me—a loving husband, a wonderful father, and someone who reminds me every day that in this beautiful chaos, we are truly a family.

"Alright, you two," he says with mock firmness, "let's get our princess to her throne—err, bed."

As he carries Bianca away, I look down at the twins, Charlie and Sabrina, who seem to sense the joyful noise in the air. "Guess it's not always peaceful in the Y/n-Nico household, huh?" I murmur to them, my heart swelling with love.

Then, I drift into a moment of calm, the living room bathed in soft afternoon light, knowing that even on the tough days when I feel overwhelmed, I have them—and Nico by my side. And in this beautiful chaos, we flourish together.