Suffering Part 6: No Longer

Chapter 58

In the bathroom, the cool tiles press against your bare feet as you set your spellphone on the counter, selecting a playlist of soft melodies to fill the space. The warm water of the shower cascades over you, steam rising as you let it wash away the lingering unease from the fanfiction update. Stepping out, you dry off and reach for your favorite brown corduroy pants and a cream sweater. The sweater slips on easily, but as you try to button the pants, they refuse to close over your 9-week pregnant belly. A pang of frustration hits you, and tears well up as you whisper, "Not yet... I thought I had more time."

Severus and Lucius, now awake, step into the bathroom just as you're on the verge of crying. They see the struggle in your eyes and move to your side. Severus kneels, his dark gaze softening as he places a gentle hand on your tiny curved belly. "You're perfect," he says quietly, his voice steady and warm. Lucius, standing behind you, rests his hands on your shoulders and murmurs, "You're beautiful, always." Their reassurance steadies you, and they linger, both wanting to touch the small swell of your belly, a silent promise in their gestures. With a sigh, you grab a hair tie from the counter, looping it through the buttonhole and tying it to the button to keep the pants closed.

Just then, Baron's cries echo from the nursery. "You two hurry," you call out, your voice firm despite the emotion. "I'm coming back with a baby." Severus, stepping into the shower, quips over the sound of the water and music, "He's not a baby just because you treat him like one." You roll your eyes, tossing back, "I can't hear you," as you head out.

A minute later, you return with Baron cradled in your arms, his sleepy face peering up at you. You settle him on the bed, laying out his clothes for the day, but a sudden wave of nausea crashes over you. Your stomach lurches, and you rush back to the bathroom, dropping to your knees by the toilet as you start heaving. Severus and Lucius, now shaving at the sink, turn in alarm.

Severus quickly rinses his face and kneels beside you, his hand rubbing soothing circles on your back. "Easy, love," he murmurs. Lucius grabs your purse from the counter, fishing out your nausea medicine and handing it to Severus, who presses a pill into your palm along with a glass of water.

You swallow it, leaning against the sink as the nausea begins to fade, the cool porcelain grounding you. Severus stands, brushing a hand through your hair, while Lucius watches with quiet concern. The music plays on, a gentle thread weaving through the morning's chaos.

You take a shaky breath, glancing at them both. "I'm alright now," you say, managing a small smile. They nod, returning to their tasks—Severus finishing with Baron's clothes, Lucius staying close, ready to step in if needed. Together, you gather yourselves, the day stretching out before you, a family bound by love and the quiet strength of the moment.

As the morning sun filtered through the curtains, Severus and Lucius bustled about, ensuring the girls were dressed and ready for the day. The sound of giggles and the occasional protest filled the air as the twins, Stevie and Charlie, wriggled into their clothes.

Meanwhile, you stood by the door, diaper bag slung over your shoulder and wallet in hand, with Baron clinging to your leg. His tiny fingers gripped your pants, his eyes wide with anticipation. Severus approached, his dark eyes scanning the scene.

"Are the girls ready?" you asked, glancing at the clock.

"Almost," Severus replied, his voice calm but firm. "Lucius is just finishing up with Charlie's hair."

You nodded, then turned to Severus and Lucius. "Baron and I are going to pick up provisions to take to our chambers."

Severus inclined his head. "Vegetables for Sam as well, please."

"I know," you said with a smile, "we can't forget your beloved."

Severus's lips quirked slightly. "And don't forget the grocery bags. Sprouts Grocer is charging 10 knuts per paper bag now."