YOU ARE WHAT I NEED [COMPLETED]

39

Three years had passed, but the chaos and joy in Claire and Selene's home never seemed to change. Their twins, a boy and a girl, brought endless energy and laughter, filling the house with warmth. The late afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting a soft, golden light over the room as Claire tried, and failed, to catch her rambunctious son.

The little boy, dressed only in a pamper, ran circles around the living room, giggling mischievously. His small feet padded against the hardwood floor as he dodged every attempt Claire made to scoop him up.

"Come on, you need a bath!" Claire called out, out of breath, but smiling despite her exhaustion.

Her son only laughed, refusing to slow down, his brown curls bouncing with each step. Just as Claire was about to give up the chase, the front door opened, and Selene stepped inside, balancing her phone between her ear and shoulder.

"Mom, I'm serious. They don't need any more toys," Selene said into the phone, pausing as she spotted her son zoom past her. With quick reflexes, she reached out and scooped him up, causing him to squeal with delight. "No, they'll be fine without a new playset. If you keep buying things, we're going to need a bigger house."

Claire finally caught her breath and walked over to Selene, kissing her cheek in greeting. "Welcome home," she said, smiling softly.

"Hey, love," Selene responded, putting their giggling son on her hip as she continued her conversation. "Alright, I've got to go. I'll talk to you later. Love you guys." She hung up and turned her attention to Claire. "Go take a break. I've got this little troublemaker."

Claire gratefully sighed and kissed Selene's cheek again. "Thank you. He's been running from me all day."

Selene grinned at their son, who gave her an innocent look as though he hadn't just spent the last hour avoiding bath time. "Come on, you," Selene said playfully, carrying him toward the bathroom.

In the kitchen, Claire could hear laughter and the sound of her daughter arguing with Cathy. The two were standing by the counter, having an intense debate about cookies.

"Grandma, chocolate chip is the best! Peanut butter is too sticky!" Claire's daughter exclaimed, her small arms crossed in defiance.

Cathy, equally as stubborn, shook her head. "Peanut butter cookies are the classic! You'll understand when you're older."

Claire stood in the doorway, watching them with a smile. It was moments like this that made her heart swell—the simple, everyday moments that felt like magic. Cathy turned to Claire, waving a spatula at her.

"Claire, come get your daughter before I bake her in the oven like an old witch!" Cathy teased, though there was a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.

Her daughter gasped, eyes wide with playful shock. "Grandma! You really are a witch!"

The room erupted in laughter, and Claire couldn't help but laugh along. She walked over and ruffled her daughter's hair. "Alright, time for bed, my little witch."

"But Mama, we were just about to bake cookies!" she whined, though her eyes sparkled with excitement.

"You can bake tomorrow, sweetheart," Claire said gently, lifting her daughter into her arms. "Say goodbye to Grandma."

Her daughter pouted for a second, then smiled and waved. "Bye, Grandma!"

Cathy kissed her granddaughter's cheek before giving Claire a knowing look. "I'll head out now that Selene's home. See you tomorrow, love."

"Goodnight, Mom," Claire said, watching as Cathy gathered her things. "Drive safe."

As Cathy left, Claire carried her daughter upstairs. When she opened the bedroom door, she was greeted by the sight of Selene and their son already fast asleep, tangled in blankets, his tiny body tucked into the crook of Selene's arm.

Her daughter wiggled free from her hold and scampered over to the bed, jumping up and nestling herself between Selene and her brother. Claire chuckled softly, the sight of her family filling her with contentment. She climbed into bed beside them, snuggling into the warmth of Selene's side.

The weight of the years—the battles, the pain, the prophecy—all of it seemed like a distant memory now. Here, in this moment, with her family surrounding her, everything felt right. Claire rested her head against Selene's shoulder, her heart light.

Selene stirred slightly, her arm tightening around Claire as her eyes fluttered open. She blinked a few times before looking down at her, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Hey... what's on your mind?"

Claire looked up, her gaze meeting Selene's. There was no more fear, no more uncertainty—just love, pure and unwavering. "Nothing. Just thinking."

Selene pressed a gentle kiss to Claire's forehead. "Do you need anything? Water? A snack?"

Claire shook her head, her smile soft. "You are what I need."

Selene's smile widened, and she pulled Claire closer, her breath warm against Claire's cheek. "Good," she whispered, her voice full of love. "Because I'm not going anywhere."

The End.