Delivering Babies Isn't All We're Here For

[Andrew Belo]

Andrew Belo didn't know how or when it had happened, but over the past few months he had actually come to eagerly anticipate the birth of his children even though the idea still scared the Merlin out of him. He knew that having four children at once was going to be no easy task, but somewhere between purchasing and putting together four bassinets, buying tons of baby clothes and spending an insane amount of time sterilizing bottles, the idea had become something not only frightening and unbelievable but also something he anticipated as eagerly as well...a first time father.

The true test would begin when the four babes entered the world, but Evette had certainly tested the young man over the past few months, sending him on nearly impossible missions that he knew were just as much meant to test his patience and temper as they were to indulge her cravings. In all of that, something else had begun to take place as well. He had moved into her house after that first appointment when he'd gotten the chance to see the four heartbeats and seen how much Evette's stomach had grown in that short span of time. Since they could no longer keep the pregnancy a secret from the press, he had abandoned his home to a teammate. Even though he'd insisted to himself that they were solely raising children together, Andrew had slowly but surely begun to spend more and more time at home with Evette and Leann and less and less time bar and club-hopping. He'd even taken to bringing Leann with him to games sometimes, where she would sit in the family seats and indulge in snacks just so Evette could have more time to rest.

With his hair still wet from his shower after the game, Andrew apparated to the front of Evette's home and began the walk up the lawn. The crack behind him let him know he'd been followed by some wizard paparazzi bent on getting pictures of the now very pregnant woman. They would only be able to get so far though because of the spells that had been placed around the place so he had no worries about them getting too close to the house. Waving in the direction of the cameras, he slipped inside and loudly said "I'm home Evette." His mouth twisted into a smirk, realizing that somewhere in the past few months, the place had gone from being 'Evette's place' to being something he considered 'home.' He didn't know where the girls were but he would as soon as he heard one or the other of them respond.

 

[Evette Belo]

Letting a small sigh escape her lips Evette stood at the door of the new nursery in her house. It was so nice to see one of these again. Four bassinets spread around the room evenly, a soft yellow colour on the walls to allow for it to suit whichever sex of children she brought into the world and endless amounts of clothes, toys, nappies and other baby supplies that she and Andrew had collected over the past few months. The time from the night that Evette had given the news to Andrew about him becoming a father to now had gone by so quickly that she still found it a little strange to see him every day and having him live in her house. LeAnn on the other hand had taken an almost immediate liking to him and he was so good with her, she couldn’t thank him enough for taking LeAnn with him to his Quidditch practices when she was having a particularly bad day and keeping her happy by making sure she got some things as well when they had went shopping for the babies so she didn’t feel left out. LeAnn had always been an only child so the aspect of sharing and not always coming first was a foreign concept for her and one that was going to be hard for her to grow accustomed too. Although in the following year she would be starting school so it was going to be good practice for her to not always getting what she wanted.

With her hand placed softly on her enlarged belly she rubbed it gently as she looked down at it. The bump had arrived after too long and the pregnancy had gone public as had the fact that Andrew was the father and that they were living together. She felt sorry for the younger man that she had put him through this but he had been great over the past few months. She had almost made herself believe that Andrew was the real father and all thoughts of Arnost had left her mind. Walking away from the nursery Evette made her way down the stairs to the kitchen. The babies weren’t due to arrive for another month and few days so she had completely stopped work now. Of course she couldn’t do so much of her old job for the past while since the bump began to show but they had done a special on maternity wear and Evette had been the face on the magazines for the maternity fashion wear and had been contemplating letting her children be the models for some baby wear, surely four was enough so she let her bosses know that she would think about it. Getting a glass of bottled water she took a seat, feeling quite exhausted today. Upon hearing the front door open she found herself smiling when she heard that it was Andrew back home. Getting up she made her way to where he was. She had found herself smiling at the thought of him more and more lately but she never thought anything of it, he had been a great help to her over the past months and she felt bad for putting him through hell. “Welcome home, Andrew.” she said with a soft voice. Closing her eyes for a moment as she felt a cool breeze come through the open door, even in her summer dress she was extremely warm. “How was your day?” she asked she subconsciously began to rub her belly, hoping to numb down the usual pregnancy pains.

 

[Andrew Belo]

Andrew waited, listening for a sound from either of the girls to indicate where they were. A smile crossed his face when he realized that Evette had come to greet him, her belly leading the way. He'd seen a few pregnant women before but Evette was huge from carrying the four children within. She had gone from being a thin model to being a beautifully pregnant women, and the fact that she was still able to get modeling jobs showed just how in demand she was. He was still in the dark as to the genders of the babies because, frankly now that he had warmed to the idea of having them, he didn't care what they were. They would be his and Evette's and that was all that mattered. He hoped at least one was a boy though. The quidditch player had heard that pregnancy made some women even more beautiful and although he had doubted it at first, he didn't any longer. Evette was glowing though today she appeared a bit more tired than normal. The healer had warned them of this, however, so he wasn't too concerned.

Dropping his duffel bag by the door, Andrew went over to her, a soft smile on his face. His hand moved to touch her belly as well, wondering if he would feel a kick from one of the babes. A shrug of his shoulders followed, "We lost. One of their chasers was playing dirty, so I ended up smacking a bludger at his leg. I don't think he'll be kicking anyone again" he chuckled. "How has yours been?" he asked as he felt a nudge under his palm. The first time he had felt a kick, Andrew had been startled, thinking that there was something wrong with the babies. Now, he knew better, but the sensation still managed to brighten his day. "Have they been kicking like this all day?" he asked, his voice concerned for Evette. Carrying four children was no picnic, and since he could do nothing to ease that particular burden, the least he could do was ask how she was and whether she needed anything.

 

[Evette Belo]

Evette always found it strange that people wanted to touch a pregnant ladies stomach but she loved Andrew’s touch and at times she could tell the babies didn’t mind it either because while he wasn’t even their father they would seem to calm down when they heard his voice or felt his touch, much like herself. Listening to Andrew talk about his day she continued to rub her belly as well, trying to breathe normally as the pain had yet to subside. Evette laughed softly at Andrew’s comment about one of the chasers on the other team not going to be kicking anyone again. Quidditch was such a rough game, one that Evette had never took a liking to her; she enjoyed to watch it but that was the height of if for her. “Oh same old, same old.” she said with a small shrug. Now that she had left her job for her maternity leave and the house had been all set up for the four new arrivals she had very little to do. She didn’t like going out anymore either, the paparazzi had been surrounding her house for some time now but she couldn’t even apparate from her house because she would be noticed so quickly wherever she went and being as heavily pregnant as she was she couldn’t move as quickly as she used too.

“LeAnn went to her friends house earlier so after getting her packed up it has been rather boring but at least I have some company now.” she said with a soft smile as her eyes looked up at Andrew, almost sparkling with happiness, her life was good now so what wasn’t to enjoy. She had sent LeAnn off to one of her friends house for the next while as she knew her due date was approaching fast and with her babies expected to come earlier she didn’t want to take any chances and didn’t want her daughter to be here for when she went into labour. At Andrew’s question Evette shrugged lightly, “I suppose. They’ve been getting a little more restless over the past few days; they must be looking out.” she said with the tiniest of smirks, knowing her children would be arriving any day now. “Hungry?” she asked as she moved back to the kitchen. She would have the house elf whip something up as she was quite peckish herself and she would have got it to do so already but she wasn’t quite sure what she was in the mood for. Picking up her glass of water she took a sip of it before letting out a small cry of pain as she held her stomach where the sharp pain had just shot through her. She had been getting these on and off all day so she didn’t take any notice of it; she didn’t even notice the water at her feet.

 

[Andrew Belo]

Andrew listened to Evette speak and nodded his head. Even though she was still several weeks before her true date, multiple births usually came early, so it was likely that the babies would be arriving any day now. Baby watch had begun for everyone- Evette, Andrew, LeAnn, the press. He was going to miss LeAnn, but knew it was best for her to be at her friends because then they wouldn't have to worry about waking her in the middle of the night or scaring her once the babies came and she saw her mother in pain. As Evette responded to his question, Andrew felt some of his own anxiety ease. If Evette wasn't worried, he knew he shouldn't be. She'd already had a child and so she knew what to expect and not. Andrew was still learning, but he thought he was getting loads better. "Soon then" he smiled.

Nodding, Andrew followed behind her as she went towards the kitchens. "You know I always am after games" he said easily. After games was his time to replenish and he was glad that Evette would be joining him. He hated eating alone. When Evette let out a cry of pain, Andrew quickly grew concerned and quickly asked, "Are you alright?" He drew closer and then stopped, noticing a puddle on the floor around. "I think you dropped your water" he began offhandedly because he was much more concerned with Evette. As the realization dawned on him that she was still holding it, his eyes slowly traveled towards Evette's, a panicked expression growing on his face. "Uh, Evette..." he trailed off, pointing towards the ground and hoping that the puddle wasn't what he thought it was.

 

[Evette Belo]

Evette nodded her head softly. Over the past few months she had gotten to know Andrew quite well, more as a person now and the man that would be the children to her father rather than just the hot Quidditch player that was good for a bit of fun. She was grateful for the second night that the two met up what felt like more months than it actually was and had ended up talking and making these arrangements. Andrew was a great person and while everything that they had came to know as truth over the past few months was built on a lie she never regretted anything that happened. She hadn’t called the house elf yet as she didn’t quite know what she wanted yet. Her cravings had gotten worse as the months progressed and thankfully they weren’t as weird but she still took ages to decide what she wanted to eat and on more than one occasion when she had finally made a decision she would change her mind; it got rather annoying at times.

As soon as the pain had come it resided. She had been getting these sharp pains more and more frequently and they were beginning to worry her but she knew that until her water broke she didn’t have to raise alarm to Andrew. Although when Andrew came over to her side and mentioned her dropping her water she gave him a confused look as her water was still on the counter, all of it still in the glass. Looking at his face she knew something was up. Following the direction that he was looking at, she saw water at her feet. “Oh dear.” she said in quite a nonchalant tone of voice considering what this meant. “Well time to say hello to the little ones. Be a dear and grab the hospital bag while I change, can’t risk being seen like this if the paparazzi catch drift of this.” she said in a relaxed tone of voice as she heading up to her room and put on a quick change of clothing. The contractions had started and for this she knew that the babies would be arriving soon. “I’m ready. Would you do the apparating? I honestly don’t think I could concentrate.” she said as she doubled over in pain as another contraction hit her full force.

 

[Andrew Belo]

Her calm tone as she took in what he was glancing at made Andrew begin to feel anxious. He had the feeling that it was being done for his benefit. Letting out a loud curse, Andrew cringed and nodded as she went upstairs to change. Andrew took a deep breath, trying to think about where they'd put the hospital bag. He couldn't think straight, all coherent thought having fled the moment her water had broken. Just as Evette returned, the hospital bag hovered into the room and Andrew looked down at his hand, confused because his wand was not in it even though the bag was coming towards him. When it reached him, Andrew realized that the house elf had been carrying it.

As she was seized with another contraction, Andrew felt his chest constrict. He grabbed her elbow, willing himself to get it together. She didn't need to be concerned about him right now, not when she was about to be dealing with four deliveries. Putting her hospital bag on his shoulder, Andrew steeled himself to perform a very important apparation. If he didn't concentrate, he could put Evette or his children at risk and that couldn't happen. "Hold on Evette..." he said as with a crack he disapparated from the foyer and into the waiting area at St. Mungos. There didn't seem to be any cameras around though he knew it wouldn't be long before word got out. "My girlfriend's in labor" he said as he knocked on the counter so that the nurse there would turn around. "She needs her doctor...now." Andrew knew he was being bossy and rude, but he didn't care.

 

[Evette Belo]

Evette tried to remember everything that she learned from her first pregnancy, panicking now would not be ideal for her or for her or her babies. As she got changed she wondered how Andrew was because it didn’t matter how much she mentally prepared him for being a father there was nothing she could do to prepare him for the actual birth of the babies, and from what she had been told having quads was not an easy process and she had made the decision that she would try to have the babies naturally for as long as she could until there was a sign of some difficulty then she would have the healers step in and get them out of her in the quickest and safest way possible, nothing was too good for her children. When she was ready and Andrew was too she held on to him tightly than she ever had, apparating at the best of times could always have some complications but if something went wrong, even the slightest thing...well she didn’t want to think what could happen.

For her waters having just broken she was surprised how quickly the contractions had begun to hit her. Breathing a sigh of relief as they landed in St Mungo’s safely she continued to hold on to Andrew for fear of her knees buckling under her as she doubled over in the pain of another contraction. She had a moment’s relief just in time to hear Andrew call her his girlfriend, sure it was the story they had been using but there was no press her yet he continued to us it, though she didn’t dwell on it as she figured that he had just got used to saying it by now. When a couple of Healers came to her side she let them direct her into a spare delivery room. After a few minutes of routine questions and inspections she got changed into a hospital gown and propped herself up on the bed. “You are coming along nicely Ms Adams but due to your situation I feel it would be best to induce the pregnancy and get the babies out as soon as possible. I’ll be back in a few moments.” Almost as soon as the Healer had come into the room, said his bit he was gone again but Evette knew that what he said was best. Taking a few deep breaths as she prepared herself for the process of child birth she looked over to Andrew, a soft smile on her lips. “Thank you, Andrew. For being her for all of this, I honestly don’t know what I would have done without you these past few months.” she said sincerely. “Are you ready to become a daddy?” she asked with a weak laugh as another contraction came over her.

 

[Andrew Belo]

As they whisked Evette into a room, Andrew glanced around the lobby area and then followed. He was looking out for a sign of a flash or something but there was still thankfully nothing, just them, the healers and other patients. He stayed out of the way as the healers attended to her, glad that no questions were directed his way. He wouldn't have been able to answer a one because a nervous energy was running through him. It was the same energy he felt before a big game. His heart was racing even faster now it seemed, his palms were sweaty and he felt a million questions racing through his head not to mention that he felt as if something was caught in his throat. Andrew didn't think he felt like fainting anymore though, which was a good thing, and as the healers left the room he made sure to give them a smile so they wouldn't guess that he was in the middle of the full blown panic that many first time fathers felt when they were right about to witness the birth of their child or children in Andrew's case.

He stepped closer to her once they'd left, forcing himself to take one step at a time, matching his breathing to his steps until he'd reached her and took her hand. "Yea, I think I am" he began shakily. "You and LeAnn have gotten me ready. I don't know if I'm ready for this part though" he chuckled nervously. Andrew leaned over towards her and took a deep breath, his blue eyes growing serious. In a moment, they would have little time to talk. She would be in the middle of giving birth and he would be helping her and trying not to pass out. It was important too because he wanted her to know how much his feelings had changed since that night when he'd found out about her their children. Her words to him just now had made him think that the time was right. "I hope we can really be a family when we go home. All of us. No more putting on a show for the press." There it was, the words were out. He glanced towards the door as it opened again. The healer was just outside ordering several nurses to ready some potions for the pain and with a glance at him she turned and ordered them to prepare another potion in case of fainting.

 

[Evette Belo]

Evette tried to make herself as comfortable as possible while she waited for the birthing process to begin, which was not an easy task when one was heavily pregnant and having constant contractions. She was thankful that the Healers had left for a moment so she and Andrew could talk a bit. She knew that this couldn’t be easy for him whereas she already had a child and was a mother so she was used to it, in a sense, whereas he was a first time father and to four children – that wasn’t an easy task. She couldn’t help but smile up at Andrew a small smile escape her lips through yet another contraction. He had always been able to make her smile when it was just downright near impossible to do so, even now. A deep feeling of gratitude went out to Andrew now as said that she and LeAnn already had him, he had been a rock in their lives the past few months the least they could have done was help him get ready, even just a little. “You’ll be fine.” she said reassuringly as she reached out for his hand just as another contraction came. “Sorry!” she said releasing her tight grip but not letting go of his hand once the contraction had passed and she had squeezed Andrews hand with a strength she didn’t know she had.

While Evette was normally very good at keeping herself composed, being in her current state made her vulnerable, so when she heard Andrew’s proposition she couldn’t hide the surprise from her face. She stayed silent for a moment as she tried to let his words register with her. Was he really asking what she thought he was asking? “Wow Andrew. I...I...” she stuttered as she was lost for words. Of course she would love to be a proper family, with Andrew but she couldn’t get the words out of her mouth, she was in so much shock. At the start Andrew seemed so against the idea of being a father and maybe not the best person to raise her children, she had only told him because the timeline worked and together the two of them made a great couple. Over the past months where they had put it on for the press just proved they looked good together and somewhere along the line Evette had fallen for the younger man but she never acted on her urges as she knew that what she had with him was strictly for the public and after the babies was born was still to be decided. As she went to open her mouth again and say something one of the strongest contractions came on and crying out in pain the Healers came in and crowded around her, “Alright time to get these babies out Ms Adams.” She heard the healers say before she automatically started to push until she couldn’t push anymore. She had heard the cry of her first two children before she passed out not waking up for sometime after once the Healers had successfully delivered her babies and got Evette all patched up and on the mend.

Still groggy she opened her eyes to look around the room; everything was so much calmer right now. Moving her arms she tried to push herself up so she could sit but with no luck she fell back down on to the bed. “Urgh.” she groaned in pain. “Andrew?” she called out, hoping he was still here. Moving her head she looked over to the side of her bed so see four cots with four babies in them. A smile graced her lips as she saw her babies, alive and healthy. The more she looked at them the more her eyes filled with tears, she had just given birth so of course she was going to be emotional but she knew she had something to do and she really didn’t want to do it.

 

[Andrew Belo]

When she squeezed his hand, Andrew's eyes opened in shock. He never would have guessed that she had that amount of strength in her, but it seemed that with her broken water she'd developed some sort of magical power that made her stronger than he was. Wincing as she released the tight grip and the feeling rushed back through his fingers, Andrew looked down at Evette. A smile crossed his face as she spoke and the pain in his hand lessened. The moment they shared was short-lived though because the healer rushed in as another contraction went through her body. This one was stronger and with it went their last opportunity for alone time. She hadn't gotten the chance to respond to him, but he managed to push his disappointment with that to the side as the healers stepped in to help Evette with the birthing.

Everything moved quickly after that with the healers telling her to push and Andrew doing his best to reassure Evette and offer the only thing he could- his hand. The birth of his first child was the single most disgustingly gross yet amazingly beautiful thing he'd ever experienced in life. He couldn't take his eyes off of the child until the next one was born. Taking a quick glance from the two children who'd been born, he turned to Evette and it took him a moment to realize that she had passed out. He'd shaken her hand to try and jog her awake and then called out to one of the healers in a panic.

Once the children had all been safely born into the world and the healers had reassured him that Evette was going to be fine but needed rest, Andrew had allowed himself to sink into a seat as the healers brought the babies back in, cleaned and resting. His eyes drank the four babes in, their little toes, their little everything. Then, he had sat back, his eyes slowly growing heavy with exhaustion. He felt as if he'd been through a season's worth of games in a short amount of time and and the game he'd played felt as if had occurred weeks ago and not hours ago. He'd jerked awake once when one of the babies had let out a sound but soon father and child were dozing again. It took a moment after Evette had called Andrew to realize that it wasn't a dream. He was tucked somewhere in between dreaming and wakefulness, but jolted awake suddenly. "I'm here" he called out in a loud whisper, rubbing his eyes and rubbing his hands through his hair before standing and making his way to her. By the time he'd reached her, he was more alert. "You're up" he said in obvious relief as he pulled his wand out of his back pocket to summon the chair he'd been sitting in closer to Evette. "I sent a message to LeAnn's friend's mother to let them and LeAnn know about the babies and that you were well" he said as he settled himself back into the chair.

 

[Evette Belo]

Evette smiled softly when she heard Andrew’s voice, he hadn’t run away yet so that had to mean something. Then she remembered what he had told her before she had gone into labour. She wondered if everything he had said still remained now that the children were born and that they weren’t just something that they talked about. Now the real fun was going to begin. It was hard enough handling one new born child but with four new born babies there was going to be many sleepless and restless nights, late night feedings and everything that came with parenthood. Evette was excited about experiencing it all over again as it had been so many years since LeAnn would wake up crying during the night; but if Andrew were to remain then it would make it all perfect. When he came over to her she forced herself to sit up, still liking to have some sort of image even though she was sure right now she did not look very appealing. With her back propped up against a few pillows she smiled down at Andrew, her blue eyes almost sparkling with happiness before they shot over to her children once again. “Thank you Andrew, I’m sure she’ll be excited.” she said fondly, adoring how Andrew had already thought of letting LeAnn know about her new siblings.

Looking over at the door she saw one of the healers come in and she wished they would just leave her alone with her children and Andrew. After asking a few routine questions and making sure Evette was alright they asked her if she would like to hold her children. “Yes please!” she beamed, a new found energy surging through her body as she saw her children being lifted out of their cots. Taking two she watched the healer pass two to Andrew. “Thank you!” she said to the healer as she left the room. She left a moment of silence envelope her as she looked down at her children, all healthy and their big eyes looking around the room, there was no crying, it was peaceful. Long may it last! She thought. Having been pregnant was four babies and not wanting to know the gender of them Evette and Andrew had come up with quite a number of names and looking at them she let her mothers instinct kick in and say which name suited which child better. “I think I’m holding Fantine Emiliya and Marius Mihail.” she said looking down at the little boy and girl in her arms. “And you have Bisera Evangeliya and Desislav Zahari.” she said looking over to Andrew, using the spare names as the children’s middle names. The only thing missing now was their surnames. They had left this for the whole pregnancy but Evette knew that they would be carrying the Zhefarovich name, the one thing that she had promised Arnost. She wished now that she hadn’t because if Andrew did want to stay and be a proper family she would have given anything to have them carry her name. She frowned softly as she looked at her children, hoping they would think of Andrew more of a father than Arnost, in fact she hoped they never knew him.

 

[Arnost Zhefarovich]

Out of Character:

If you guys were waiting on me, sorry! But if not...whoops?

Alas, Evette’s hopes of her quadruplets never knowing their father would cease, as Arnost planned a visit today. He checked with the tree to see that they were indeed, born, and he had asked Axelle Lefevre, his favorite of all the women that he had caused to be pregnant, to come with him. He was all too curious about just how Half Veela’s gave birth. Did the children hatch out in eggs, or were they just like normal humans? Asparuh did not want the children to have anything to do with the family, and all the supreme council agreed. They did not need to be raised by a Zhefarovich, but they did have to bare the marking as they aged to the number so that all would know that they still had the blood of a Zhefarovich in them. They did not even have to care his last name, but he still wanted them to have his last name anyway, just in case they were to ask why Evette’s last name – if she were to marry or no – would be different from their own. Scandalous perhaps, but Arnost had reasons for what he did. Not many understood him though, which was good enough. After he dressed in all black robes encasing his muscular, tall form of over seven feet tall, he apparated out with Axelle to Saint Mungo’s for a visit.

The healers politely directed Arnost to the right room after telling them that he was the father. Considering his age and his appearance, there was no telling just how old he was. But with the coldness and ageless wisdom in his eyes, he looked about someone half his age, but that was just deceiving anyhow. It was funny just how many young women he could have, but none would replace his love, Thorine. Arnost made his way down the hall, and he came to the room. The door was cracked open, and that was enough for Arnost to listen in to the names. Ah, she had left out the surname, which could mean that she had another love interest by now. This would be far too much fun for the malevolent man indeed. His hand opened the door, and his form stood at the doorway. A smirk decorated his lips, and there was a malicious glint in his eyes – though it was out of pure amusement. “Oh, Evette, I do hope you have not gone back on your promise on giving them their father’s surname,” Arnost’s voice was laced with his Bulgarian accent, and he was tempted to tease her now with just how they were born and all. This was fascinating, how could one resist? His onyx eyes landed on the other young male to be holding his children. He seemed like a suitable father to raise a child, but to raise four? One would need much experience, and that is what Arnost had below his belt.

Could this man still remain with such a woman after finding out who the father really is? Arnost was not a man to be taken lightly, but he was far less terrifying than his older counterpart. Arnost leaned against the doorway to examine just how everything is going to go. He was not expecting a warm greeting undeniably, however if she did greet him in a negative manner, it would just amuse Arnost even more. Either way, in his eyes, Arnost was winning in the situation. Arnost folded his arms across his chest, and knew the children’s futures. Veela blood, they would cause havoc and surely they had some evil within them because well, it came from their father. Was this other man really up to the task? Arnost did not mind if the man ended up adopting them in the end. He felt like his end would soon be met. Arnost however refused to come to terms with the way he was handling his future anyhow. After the death of Raisa Zhefarovich, a Death Eater struck down in New Zealand, their generation was dying, and Arnost knew it. But the Death Eater refused to let go, not without a fight. Was it common for someone to predict their death so much? Perhaps that was why he was so willing to have Evette raise their children outside of the family – which the family was all for, despite that it was against the laws but some circumstances change with race.

 

[Andrew Belo]

Andrew watched Evette push herself up into a sitting position just before the healers came in. He rolled his eyes at the interruption. He knew he should be used to it, but right now, he just wanted to be alone with his children and Evette. He still didn't know where exactly they stood but she was still smiling at him and had called out to him, so that had to be a good sign. At least he hoped so.

When the healers finally finished and asked Evette whether she'd like to hold the children, Andrew waited eagerly. He was already seated and watched as one of the healers carried two of the children to him. It took him a few moments of holding out his arms and rearranging them that caused the healer and himself to chuckle before he held a daughter and a son in his arms. His daughter and son. Andrew searched their faces, looking for any sign of resemblance. Nothing jumped out at him though he did see signs of Evette in both of the babies. It brought a smile to his face and the boy closed his eyes and nestled closer. "Any chance this quiet will last?" he chuckled, thinking of the warning Evette had given him about sleepless nights. He listened to Evette before looking down at the children in his arms, considering the choices and then nodding. "I think that sounds perfect. No one can ever say we gave our children boring names" he said jovially. Andrew was in a great mood, the elation of finally seeing his children enveloping him fully. He looked up towards Evette, his own darker blue eyes smiling. Nothing could bring him down right now, not even the press who he was pretty sure was gathering around now. It would only be a matter of time before they attempted to get a picture of the babies.

As the door was pushed open and a tall man stood in the doorway, Andrew assumed it was another healer coming to interrupt. He quickly realized it wasn't when he saw that the man was not dressed in healer robes and that he addressed Evette as if he knew her. Andrew didn't know of any family she had in the area and he knew that she couldn't have gotten a message out to anyone while she was unconscious, so he wondered who this man was and why he was concerned about the children carrying the last name Belo. He couldn't recall Evette promising him that, but as the father it was expected that the children would have his last name. Andrew tried placing the accent but couldn't as he looked over to Evette, a look of confusion on his face before turning his attention back to the man. He couldn't get a read on the man at all, but judging by his expression, he didn't seem to be particularly friendly. "I don't mean to be rude, but who are you?" he asked quietly, not wanting to wake the babies who were sleeping or startle the ones who were awake.

 

[Axelle Lefevre]

As shallow and snobby as it sounded, Axelle loved being the favorite over anyone else. When Arnost asked her to come with him to visit the Veela woman he had impregnated she actually didn't mind. She wanted to see what being around a Veela was like anyways. Of course she left the care of her own little one's in capable hands before she went with Arnost and they both Apparated off to St. Mungos together. The little blonde followed Arnost all throughout the hospital and occasionally let her eyes shift to Healers around the Hospital who stared at the two of them. People either thought that they were a real weird couple, they were related, or terrorists. Axelle didn't mind anyways, sometimes people thought she was too pretty of a girl to be with the crowd she was constantly hanging out with, but really she was a wild spirit. Her sister and her couldn't really be more opposite actually. Yet everyone knew about cold and boring ol Danielle and nothing about the fun loving Axelle. How freaking pitiful. Danielle had yet to actually know that Axelle and Arnost will still meeting up and everything. She knew her older sister would literally blow if she knew that her little baby sister was still going around with a man that she hated, Axelle thought he was so cute and funny though. Oh and not to mention a god in bed, that was probably his best quality other than he was able to make Axelle laugh until she could scarcely breath. As they entered the room the young blonde immediately set her eyes to look our for the babies, she loved little babies and if she wasn't so amused she would probably ask to hold one. As awkward as that sounded she didn't think it was a big deal, after all these still were technically related through Arnost. A soft and girly giggle left her lips as she turned her light blue eyes to the two adults in the room, one of them landed on a very pretty woman.

"Arnost..is that the bird woman right there?" Axelle pointed her think and perfectly polished finger at the woman before she smiled and looked up at the man she had arrived here with. Where were all the eggshells, and feathers that she had heard usually were involved when it came to Veela's. Well that was no fun at all. "I was expecting feathers..oh well." Axelle stuck out her lower lip for a moment as she pouted. This was nothing like she thought it would be. Maybe if she plucked a hair from the Veela she could use it for a wand core or something. Then again it would probably squak at her or something and damage her hearing. When a man asked who Arnost was Axelle rolled her eyes, did the woman not tell him who Arnost was or was he just playing games with the two of them?

 

[Evette Belo]

Evette smiled at Andrew’s words, not having much energy to let out a small laugh. She sincerely hoped that he didn’t hope for it to be as quiet as this much in the future for if he did – he was going to be highly disappointed. She nodded her head in agreement when Andrew said that the children’s names definitely weren’t boring which was what Evette was going for. The names were so unusual and it was always nice to have something different than the typical names one heard nowadays. Her heart sunk a little when she remembered about the surname, it too was unusual but one that Evette didn’t want her children to have, unfortunately there was no backing out of her promise now. That was unless Arnost didn’t show up anytime soon, then she could give her children whosever name she wished. Although he small glimmer of hope soon died when she heard a voice that sent shivers down her spine, it was a voice that she knew and had hoped she would never hear again. He soft features hardened and turned cold as her narrowed eyes turned to face the man that had entered the room, there was a woman there with him too but she didn’t take any notice of her for she was of no important to Evette. When Andrew questioned who the man was she turned to face Andrew, tears starting to form in her eyes. Having just given birth she was still quite emotional so it didn’t take long for the tears to come. “Andrew I...I’m so...” she started off but she couldn’t continue as the tears continued to flow and more so as the seconds ticked by.

When the woman that had arrived with Arnost had spoken Evette turned her attention to her, her tear filled eyes full of anger. “Excuse me?” She said with a shrill voice, how dare she come in here and speak to her like that? “I’m so sorry to disappoint you, maybe next time you could do to a zoo and see someone give birth there because there are no feathers or shells or any of that nonsense that people associate with Veelas.” she told the woman. People’s stupidity really annoyed her and it really did hurt her that people were so low as to says things like that to her just because she had vela blood in her, it just went to show how stupid people were. “And no, Arnost, I have not forgotten our deal.” she said, her voice somewhat calmer and low, oh how she wish she had of forgotten about it. “I’m so sorry, Andrew.” she said, turning her attention to the man at her side once more. “Arnost here is...is the father. Not you! I’m so sorry for lying to you about everything but I just wanted someone to help me raise the children and...and you were there and the time frame worked out and...I’m sorry.” was all she could say as the tears started to flow again. She brought her children in her arms up to her as she cried softly, what had she done?

 

[Arnost Zhefarovich]

A stare slowly turned into a glare as Arnost now focused his attention on the young man in the room. Arnost spoke, "I highly doubt we will speak in the near future so knowing whom I am won't be necessary." This was also better for him as well, because the less that people knew him, the better. Arnost smirked as Evette started on her tears, and he shook his head when she got a little upset when Axelle pointed out the obvious. If one was a half-breed, one must expect that from a few pure-bloods. Then again Arnost truly was not as prejudice as some would think. After all, he slept with her. But that was something else that Arnost did not wish to do anytime soon again. Arnost managed to gain control over what he had lost, and now gained, and he was going to remain around to care for all of the spawns he produced like his older brother had ordered of him. It would not matter what the mothers' thought really. But what interested Arnost so much was that Evette was crying now. Arnost was a good man - well, somewhat, but no one could say that with a straight face.

Arnost nudged Axelle with his hand softly at what they had just interrupted. Arnost smirked lightly, as he spoke, this time to the two of them, "Well, unless our family tree has lied to us and I associated myself unnecessarily with a woman of Veela blood, then I would say that I am the father and the children would have the last name 'Zhefarovich', however..." Arnost paused for a moment, and he glanced down at Axelle, as if to think that this was all just too amusing for him. "I would be willing to drop the deal if the mother can think of a good enough reason that the promise was not to be. I would want the truth, so I suggest that Evette think it out. It would be something to work on after lying to this young man for Merlin knows how long." Arnost doubted that anyone in the family wanted part-Veelas with the last name 'Zhefarovich' so he could be doing them a favor. However, they would still have to be marked as per ritual. Arnost was just wondering if the names would truly stick too.

 

[Andrew Belo]

Andrew looked at Evette, quite confused. Who were these people? The man looked tall and powerful, and the woman who accompanied him beautiful and arrogant looking. And he knew that he didn't know either of them. Andrew found his good mood fleeing quickly as they remained in the doorway, speaking down to the new parents. Turning to Evette, a large lump developed in his throat as she apologized. What did she have to apologize for? He shook his head, clearly indicating his confusion. "Sorry...about what?" he asked softly.

Turning quickly to the blond woman standing on the other side of the room as she spoke, Andrew hoped that she would shed some light on what was going on. What came out of her mouth though did nothing of the sort. It was an attack on Evette being a part-veela and completely uncalled for. These were not friendly people and as Evette retorted, he rocked the baby on his left who had been startled awake.

As the man spoke to him, Andrew's lips pursed. He felt that the man did need to introduce himself considering he was interrupting what was supposed to be a private family moment. Before he could state that, Evette was speaking to the man whose name was Arnost apparently. Feeling as if he was being left out in the dark, Andrew looked to Evette again, listening and feeling as if his stomach had dropped out from under him at she shed light on what the couple was doing in her room. Not the father...not his children...the man before him was the dad? "What?!" he breathed out, hoping that one of the three adults was about to tell him that it was all just a joke. Evette had not just lied, but knowingly kept him in the dark to fulfill her own selfish need. When the man confirmed the fact, Andrew dropped his eyes to the two babies in his arms, seeing, now that he knew, the similarities between the babies and Evette and Arnost. For the past six months, Evette had told him that the children were his, forced him to take responsibility for something that wasn't his problem and never planned on telling him. "Sorry...You weren't planning on telling me were you?" he asked accusingly after he'd listened to Arnost speak about possibly allowing the children to take the last name Belo, as if that would fix anything. He shook his head again as if that would cause everything to go away. "If he hadn't shown up, you would have just let me believe that these were my children..." he said quietly.

 

[Evette Belo]

This was Evette’s worst nightmare come true and this was supposed to be a happy moment, she had just given birth to four beautiful children and she had barely had time to enjoy them until everything was ruined by her past coming back to haunt her. Granted Arnost did have a right to be here, they were his children but Evette had thought that they had left it that he would have no part of their life as long as she gave them his last name, so why was he here right now? After shouting at the woman with Arnost she didn’t have the energy to argue back anymore and just let fate serve whatever it had planned for her. She was selfish and a liar so she got what was coming to her. She didn’t deserve to have Andrew in her life, she had led him on and put him through six months or she was sure was torture when he really had no need to, he wasn’t the father and Evette should have just let him be that night he had helped her for she had repaid him in the worst way possible.

Turning to look at Andrew while he talked Evette felt ashamed and that she just wanted to cry even more, not that it would fix anything but it would be better than confronting what she had done. Unable to find her voice she simply shook her head, she had thought about telling Andrew but as the months progressed and everything happened she didn’t want to lose him. When Arnost said that he would allow her to change the babies surname if she were to come up with a good reason, she tried to search her brain but she was coming up blank. Why bother changing the babies names anyway? Her name was nothing of importance and Andrew certainly wasn’t going to hang about after now. Not knowing what to say to Arnost she turned her attention back to Andrew. “I’m sorry Andrew. I was selfish and I apologise but when it all got too much and you began to like the idea and I liked having you around...I just didn’t want to lose you..” she said as tears rolled down her cheeks, what was she going to do now?

 

[Axelle Lefevre]

Axelle had to admit that she was having a fun time hearing the Veela get upset by her words, it just showed that she was able to get to people with her words. Danielle had always been able to do it like a pro and Axelle wanted to be just like her, and that meant having words as sharp as an Axe blade. "Oh stop your squawking. Perhaps they ought to put you in a cage. You'd make a lovely turkey dinner." Axelle muttered with her French accent. Although she wasn't being all that friendly her voice didn't have any hostility or rudeness in it. Really she was only having fun with the Veela. If she took it badly it was because that bird thing obviously could not take a joke. Axelle almost wondered what Arnost was thinking when he went around with something that wasn't even fully human, then she remembered that Veela's were easily able to charm people. The more Veela blood they had inside them the more dangerous they could be. Especially to men. The blonde blinked and let her sky blue eyes travel over to the male that seemed to be with this woman, did this guy know that she was a Veela? Axelle wasn't sure why she wasn't feeling all gooey around the Veela but then she remembered, she wasn't a fan of Veela's so many that disgust is what saved her. As she listened to the couple quarrel she began to sort of feel bad for the woman, it seemed like she was just stuck and made a desperate decision.

"Aw man." She said softly as she turned to look at Arnost. Axelle never really ever fell in love or wanted someone around that much so she wasn't exactly sure how the woman felt but she remembered what happened to Danielle after she got her heart broken. Dealing with a woman like that was not fun at all, there was a lot of misery and tears involved. Hopefully another woman wouldn't have to go through the same thing. She did lie and everything, but maybe things could be worked out?

 

[Arnost Zhefarovich]

This had turned into an interesting event. Arnost would have expected just to see how the babies were, come to see them on occasion, and that was it. But no, this was much too sweet for his liking. Seeing a woman caught in her own lie was just too good to pass up. He wondered if he would be able to kill a muggle or mudblood and that would just seal the deal to a perfect day. Arnost wondered if they would be sticking around so much to see the show between the young lovers or something. Though he thought it was unfair on the man, because he was sucked into a life where he did not belong right now. No one needed to raise children that were not their's really, not willingly of course. Arnost raised his head just a bit, wondering if they should leave or if Andrew would be doing the leaving instead. Arnost was betting on Andrew staying, but it would be even funnier for him if he left. Why carry on with a burden - well four of them - when he did not need it?

"I guess they will keep my last name. Glad we have that settled," Arnost spoke with a lower voice, before he turned to Axelle. He heard her go from tormenting Evette to just feeling sorry for the bird. Arnost did not care one way or another. He supposed that they could come back later, or just him, to check up on the four children. Otherwise, he did not see a reason to grace them with their presence anyway, no matter how conceited that was thought of. "Perhaps we should leave, and come back to check on the babies at another time, seeing that this is a matter that we don't want to intervene. Young love, or lust... Would not want to fool around with that." Arnsot wondered what Axelle would have to say about his proposal.

 

[Andrew Belo]

Andrew's mind was reeling from what he had just learned. He watched Evette shake her head, looking thoroughly upset at what was transpiring. A part of him, the part that had developed serious feelings for her, wanted to scream out loud. Did she even feel the same way about him? He knew that they had agreed to pretend to be a couple for the press, but for him at least, it had become real or so he thought. Now he was confused, not knowing if anything Evette had told him in all of those months was true. Had he just fallen prey to her veela charm over the past few months? There was really no way of knowing the answer to that because even if Evette denied it, he wasn't inclined to believe anything she said at the moment.

The fact that they had an audience to witness this mess was not lost on Andrew. He didn't look at either of them and not Evette either, choosing to fix his gaze on the wall clear across from him. Even as she spoke, he tried to keep his eyes away not wanting any of her beauty to keep him from being upset with her. "Keep it Evette...you used me, plain and simple" he said, his eyes moving to her face waiting to see if she would deny it. "I can't believe this is happening..." he mumbled. He'd gone from finally accepting that he was going to be a father of four and have Evette and LeAnn a part of his life to...what? None of it mattered. Yea, a part of him had fallen in love with Evette but if it was only because of the children it was a lie. He now had the out that all of his single friends had told him to look for but he didn't know what to do with it.

"No. I'll go...you should get to meet your children" he said as the man made a mention of leaving, not sure what he was going to do about all of this. "I can't be here right now..." he mumbled. He needed to get away from everyone and just think. Standing up slowly with the children, Andrew made his way towards the little cots. Desislav began to stir and make little noises, but he didn't stop. Walking past the woman, he placed the children inside and headed for the door. Stopping at the doorway, he turned to the much taller man and opened his mouth to speak and then simply shook his head and headed out of the door, feeling like a man who just had the rug pulled out from under him. He didn't even know where to go. His friend was over at his place, but right now he didn't want to explain anything to anyone and he knew he would be forced to if he returned home all of a sudden in a sullen and not joyous mood. His only option was to return to Evette's house, which was empty, but he didn't think he could go there either, not with the baby room all set up and waiting, or to some hotel somewhere. Not wanting to make any decision, he headed over to a chair in the corner of the waiting room and sat, his head falling into his hands.

 

[Evette Belo]

The woman that had arrived with Arnost was not helping the new mother as she tried to deal with the web of lies that she had gotten herself into. How she had gotten herself into this web was easy, getting out of it – not so much. Then again, getting into it in the first place was stupid of her to do in the first place. Evette wasn’t another dumb blonde, she was smart so how she had gotten this far into it was almost unbelievable to her, she should have known better and not let herself get this far into crap. Although there was nothing she could do now, the damage had been done and it couldn’t be reversed. At this point in time when Arnost said that the babies names were to stay the way they were originally planned she didn’t really care, she had promised Arnost at least that much and they were never going to have a father so they may as well have the name of their real father; not that it mattered to Evette. Looking down at the two little babies in her arms she saw a small ray of sunshine in all of this and if everyone walked out of her life at least she still had her children and as long as she had them she would be happy – eventually.

She only lifted her head when Arnost said that he and his...whatever, she leave but then Andrew got in before they could go. She raised her tear filled eyes at the man that she had gotten so close too for the past months and for the first time could safely say, had developed feelings for. Evette never let herself get so close to someone for she could never truly tell if they returned her feelings just for her veela charm but she couldn’t help herself with Andrew, he had just been so different she had fallen for that and everything about him. She had no more energy to fight back or cry so she watched him put her children into the cribs and walk out of the room, of her life forever. She felt her heart breaking and as it did she muttered, “Get out! Now! Please!” To the two people still standing at the door, right now she didn’t want to have anyone around her, she just wanted to get used to the rest of her life with just her and her children. Once the hospital room was empty one of the healers came in and took her children from her despite her requests to just curl up with them. Although after losing the battle she lay down on the bed and curling up under the blankets she closed her eyes as more tears came out before she cried herself to sleep.