The Spirit Guardians Oneshots

Celeste's Birth

Rating: K

Summary: Cassie gives birth to her first child.

Ships: Cassie/Marc

Timeline: Set 5 years after Chapter 47 of Liberated

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Cassie hummed quietly to herself in the hospital room, cradling her newborn daughter in her arms. Marc had left to grab a bite to eat after an exhausting night while she gazed out the window at the bright green trees lining the streets outside. It was a mildly warm summer day. She couldn't wait until her daughter was old enough to run around on the grass and enjoy picnics in the park.

Cassie gazed down at her sleeping daughter, feeling so much unconditional love that it was almost overwhelming. It had been different with Elijah. While she had taken on the role as his primary caretaker, she had not given birth to him or held him like this as a newborn. She suddenly began to realize what Irene had felt toward her son. There was no way Irene could have had any ill intentions toward him, Cassie realized now, as she stared down at her own daughter. The infant shifted slightly, letting out a tiny noise, but otherwise remained calm.

The birth had been a long and exhausting process, but it had been worth it when Cassie got to hold her squealing daughter in her arms. She was beautiful to behold. Her daughter's hair was dark, like her father's, and her skin was a beautiful golden. Cassie knew Celeste's eyes would probably change color, but she could make out the faintest bit of green in them.

They had chosen Celeste's middle name as Elena, named after Marc's own mother, whom Cassie still felt heartbroken over having never met her. Marc would often tell her stories about his mother, how wonderful a person she was, how empathetic she was. He assured Cassie that his mother would love her to pieces, which warmed her heart. She just wished she had been able to meet Elena Haddad at least once.

Cassie rocked her newborn child slightly, pressing a light kiss to her forehead. The door opened, and Cassie glanced up to see Marc walk in. He looked extremely exhausted but still hopelessly happy as he took a seat next to his wife.

"We should probably savor the little bit of free time we have left," Cassie joked. "My family will be over soon."

Marc grinned. "You know everyone will be over. Once I told Cherie the news, she was quickly assembling everyone together."

Cassie giggled. She was excited for the others to meet her child, but she also felt so comfortable in this peaceful environment right now.

"C-Can I hold her?" Marc asked.

Cassie laughed. "Of course," she said, gently handing her daughter over to Marc. He gently cradled her in his arms and sat back down, staring intently at the child.

Cassie remembered the days Elijah had been young and Marc had been terrified to hold him. He had grown better once Cassie had started caring for Elijah more, but he had never had the chance to hold an infant so young before. Cassie could tell he enjoyed being a father. He already was a great one to Elijah, and she knew he'd continue to be a great one to his own kin.

"Oh! She let out a little yawn!" he exclaimed quietly.

Cassie smiled at him and rested back against the pillow. She was exhausted and ached all over. The tiny bit of food she had eaten earlier was still not enough. Her stomach was beginning to growl again.

"Do you want to nap until they get here?" Marc asked.

Cassie shook her head. "I should get used to the sleep deprivation, shouldn't I?"