the runaway sun

Alaric Kane | 26 | Neutral Married to Pandora Kane ”Tell me, father, which to ask forgiveness for: what I am, or what I’m not?"

[alarickane]

toomcnairtocare‌:

Pandora, right. That’s who Alaric married. Walden remembered her. All smiles and sunshine and good feelings all around. Yeah, he could imagine why the sad sap left his family and his legacy for that. The Avery’s always had been goddamn downers. He’d leave him them all for a bit of sunshine, too.

“Oh yeah, Daise mentioned that. Must’ve been nice, having someone to talk to during all the weirdass pregnancy things.” Walden knew that he’d probably only heard the half of it from his wife. Granted he’d certainly talked Zahi’s ear off in the past few months. His friend had just stopped responding but Walden hadn’t stopped sending the updates.

“I’ve worried about that, too. And then I thought maybe wood but that splinters, y’know? I think my mum’s making me up a list because pacing around the living room fretting over it.” He admitted. Abuela kept telling him to let Daisy take care of it, but Walden didn’t want to have to give his wife more things to stress over. Besides he liked baby shopping, to his great surprise. It was nice to feel involved in it all. “We were thinking of using cloth nappies, and just getting a good pattern of washing them, but everyone says we’re gonna be so tired. But Malcolm doesn’t seem too tired?”

"We didn't plan on a baby, but I'm still excited and even though there wasn't anything in my vows about children, she still deserves me to do my best to support her during this." After all, he was the reason she was in that sort of position anyway and Alaric thought it seemed like something that Walden could empathize with. Sure, he killed things for a living and Alaric was confident he was a terrorist, but that didn't mean he couldn't love.

"It depends on what you do with the wood? If you sand it down, it will be smooth, and I think there's something you put on it to make sure it doesn't splinter? I'm not very familiar with woodwork, but wood is used for so many types of furniture that I think that problem has been solved. There's always a plastic crib, but that seems cheap, you know? And I don't think I want a cradle, I'm worried the baby will start learning to pull up and pull itself out."

If asked who he would have his first in depth talk about baby care with, Alaric wouldn't have thought it would be with Walden Macnair, but he supposed they were in a similar boat as expectant fathers and it was actually very nice. "But what if they don't get cleaned properly and the baby gets a rash? It seems safer to go with disposable. And, not to be rude, but I imagine parents that have their children raised by house elves don't get as tired. It depends on how involved you are."

[alarickane]

☎

“Poor dear, it seems like she’s experiencing terrible morning sickness.”

“I could always offer her some tea. I know what helped Pandora, at least.”

“No, really, I don’t mind. Would she mind?”

“She seems to be handling it well if that’s the extent of her mood swings.”

“I have a book about it and I know a healer she could talk to, if she’s worried.”

[alarickane]

☎️ Zahi

“I mean, he’s probably a killer, but that doesn’t mean he’s bad to work with.”

“I tend to assume anyone that’s part of the sacred twenty-eight that isn’t called a blood traitor is a death eater, really.”

“I suppose that is stereotyping in a way. I’m sorry if it made you uncomfortable.”

“Hmm? Oh, no, I’m not particularly worried. He’s a little grumpy, but the plants have injured me more than he has.”

“His people skills aren’t nearly that bad. And even if they were, his kneazle seems to adore him, which counts for something in my book.”

“I know I should be careful, but really... I’ve felt too safe around murderers to be scared of him.”

[alarickane]

first thought: he needs more comfortable clothes

Why does everyone hate the way I dress?

[alarickane]

☎

“We’re doing well, yes, there’s only about a month left now!”

“Of course I’ll let you know. You can come visit, we’ll probably invite Gil, too.”

“Yes, that’s the one. He’s so close to Pandora and he’s been a dear friend to me as well.”

“He’s actually the one that comforted me when my parents were killed.”

“Yes, and there have been a few.. difficulties between us that he forgave.”

“I’d like to think it’s behind us. I’d hate for there to be bad blood between us.”

[alarickane]

remuslxpns‌:

Remus could understand what Alaric was saying. Sometimes there were silver linings in miserable acts but it was hard to hope for anything better now. The only reason he was still fighting was to see the end of this not because he was doing it for his own pride. Remus wanted everyone to be safe and be rid of the darkness spreading around the places he loved like a disease. It was hard to swallow that this was a reality but it was harder to know there were people behind those masks during this to others. Inflicting the misery on innocents for the purpose of power. Remus often wondered if there was anyone who would surprise him at being a death eater but he then thought he might be numb to that now. He only nodded and hummed in agreement, glancing at the destruction and construction of other shops in comparison. Everything was a little broken and not entirely ready to be fixed. 

He gave a half-smile at Alaric, thinking that he didn’t know what validated a relationship until he was with Zephyr. “I wouldn’t trust me with anything nearing the subject of relationship advice. Unfortunately, I haven’t had enough practice until about a year ago and before that I was just a mindless soul not knowing what a relationship was. I’m glad to have a cat who actually likes me and a daughter who loves me.” Both had been different at coming into his life. When they adopted the cat, they knew what they were after a conversation. Katie had been another conversation that Remus had to accept because his love for Zephyr outweighed everything else. He didn’t care about marriage or a ring on his finger but did wonder if that would happen to him. 

Remus did miss seeing Austen and Fabian around and anytime he remembered where he was and what he was doing at Hogwarts, he remembered the man. It was his position first. They said the position was cursed and no one stayed a full term and Remus wondered what would happen to him to leave. He loved what he was doing and could see the students actually learning from him but he didn’t know what else to do. “Oh, really? That’s perfectly ironic,” Remus chuckled at the thought. He already thought Pandora was the most eccentric professor and didn’t know he had left such an impression on her. “I’m happy that she’s happy to meet me. Well, Katie has only been in my life since last April and not her full life but it’s been good. I never thought it possible for me to be a dad but life has a funny way of proving you wrong. I don’t know about newborns but even if you do get stressed or tired, seeing her happy makes up for it all.”

It was charming to hear the way that Remus spoke of his life know and Alaric chose to focus on that rather that the comment about being a mindless soul. He knew perfectly well that you couldn't know what someone was going through or what was in their minds and hearts, so he wouldn't presume to know the difficulty that Remus had faced and once again took a moment to try finding a positive to the situation. Perhaps things had been grim, but didn't that make it all the more meaningful that he had a family that he was at peace with? If nothing else, it didn't seem as though Remus was the sort of person that would ever take them for granted. "When I first started dating Pandora, it was very important to be that I got along with Romulus, I worried that it might be the end of things if he didn't approve of me, does that sound silly? So I brought him treats and toys, I tried wooing the cat as well as Pandora, I suppose, and I don't know if it made a difference in the slightest, but I think he likes me and I hope that, be it girl or boy, I'm a good parent to my child."

While Alaric wasn't sure what level of success he could expect from such a thing, he was putting in work to prepare to be a good father and it was nice to know that he was on friendly terms with people that had already proven themselves to be good parents so that he could seek out advice and learn from their wisdom. Perhaps therapy would help him prepare emotionally for the task of having a family, but other people would be around more to help him with the practicality of it. "Even claiming a month with a child is more than I can do at the moment. Besides, that's still reassuring to know." Perhaps Remus didn't mean to, but Alaric found himself smiling at the obvious bond Remus had with his child. The idea of seeing a baby happy making up for all the stress and tiredness was somehow a relief, as if he'd needed to hear about a father's ability to bond with a child. 

"I can't help but think, it's amazing how much has changed since we first met. Both in relationships with pets and with kids, or at least there's one on the way, in my case. Both living in new places as well and you even have a new career. Do you think you'll stay with it?" Alaric asked, which was about the politest way he could find to ask if Remus believed in the curse that ensured that no one in years had managed to last more than one term in the position. Maybe since Fabian was already gone, that meant the curse would be satisfied, maybe Dolohov's presence would change things, Alaric really didn't know, but clearly either Remus was very devoted or very brave to pursue such a career.

[alarickane]

toomcnairtocare‌:

Alaric Kane was one of Rabastan’s favorite people, despite the fact he’d gotten disowned and had a Muggleborn wife with a baby on the way. Rabastan was one of Walden’s favorite people. They had a person in common so Walden could behave himself and play nicely. Besides, they were speaking about babies. He could talk about babies with Alaric Kane and not punch anyone.

“Surprisingly, I agree with you.” And he found that he did. He’d love his kid beyond reason no matter what. Even if he longed for a daughter, Walden would be happy to end up with a son. “Daisy and I don’t know yet, either. She’s due in June. But I’ve spent so much time getting the nursery ready and I can’t imagine not loving them.”

He glanced a peek in Alaric’s bags, curious. “What do you have left to get? We’re still working on clothes and toys. I’ve not got a flying fuck of an idea what kind of toys a baby needs.”

If anyone had bothered to ask Alaric if he thought he'd be having a civil conversation with Walden MacNair about babies, well... he would have believed you, but he wouldn't have expected that situation to be set up the way it was. Alaric was perfectly capable of being civil, after all, and everyone expected a pureblood male to procreate and prolong their bloodline at some point, of course, so that part made sense. But discussing the baby he was having with his muggleborn wife with a man that Alaric would be willing to be was a death eater? Well, that was the unexpected part.

"Ah, I've met her, she seems like a lovely woman." Or she'd certainly been kind when Alaric talked with her one afternoon in Hogsmeade about her classes and Alaric knew that she'd used to work at the Quibbler with Pandora, which meant she had to be quite a unique person since it wasn't just anyone that chose to be part of that staff. "She's due right after Pandora."

Obligingly, Alaric held out the bag and held it open to better let Walden see, not particularly seeing any reason to be shy about baby toys. "I think we have most of the essentials, more clothes will likely come after we find out the gender. I keep buying diapers in a panic, I think I've nearly filled a closet with them at this point." He admitted, usually buying them in different sizes since he wasn't sure how big the baby would actually be. "I don't know, either. Soft seems like a good idea, but what if they suffocate in it?"

[littlemusings]

[midsommars-deactivated20201109]

You (2018—) Created by Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble

[alarickane]

fortunexflower‌:

It eased her to see Alaric’s smile. “I dare say you’re spot on with that diagnosis…A ginger tea sounds lovely,” Lily took his arm with a small sheepish nod. Comforted by the fact that his wife had likely gone through a similar scenario mere months ago. “That’s exciting. Have you picked out names yet?” 

Following down the road a bit, Alaric pointing out a cafe with a small outdoor seating area. Sun was finally beginning to appear in england but it was still chilly, meaning only the brave and most hardheaded of brits - wizard and muggle alike- were scattered amongst the tables. Luckily, Lily was both of those. 

“Thank you, yeah.” Lily laughed lightly. “It’s a bit mad, innit? Becoming a parent, I mean.” Her hand lightly brushed over her stomach as she sank down into one of the metal outdoor chairs. “Would you like a drink as well? if you have time. I don’t want to keep you from anything. On me, of course, as a thanks.” 

"Not yet, but I know she wants something related to the stars. We met under the stars, actually, and she's the astronomy teacher, so I think it would be nice to name the baby something in that theme." And they certainly wouldn't be lacking for names since Alaric had taken a look at one of the astronomy books and found that there were several constellations and moons that had promising names for a baby regardless of gender.

Really, Alaric doubted there was any reason to tarry and she was likely to be fine now that she was sitting and on the verge of getting something to help soothe her stomach, but Alaric found himself taking a seat at the table anyway in order to carry on their conversation.

"Oh, no, thank you." He said politely to her question of a drink, waving his hand. "But I do hope the tea helps you. Since I'm only the stepfather to a cat right now, I'm not sure I properly understand the madness of being a parent, but I'm trying to get ready. You might understand it better than I do, you're the one that can feel a baby moving inside you."

[alarickane]

zahishafiq‌:

Zahi nodded as he took in the information about what Alaric liked to do, and while he wouldn’t have necessarily placed bets on piano or Quidditch, neither fact surprised him. He could see Alaric has an equally musical and athletic guy, although the combination of both wasn’t quite Zahi’s prediction. “Perhaps not, but it’s not a bad thing to have conventional hobbies. All I really have is potion making.” Granted a lot of Zahi’s potions exploits were more creative experiments than just following recipes to relax. “And yoga, I suppose.” 

"Quidditch was a hobby of my father's choosing, piano was one of my own." Although Alaric enjoyed flying perfectly well, he likely didn't have the competitive spirit necessary to dedicate himself to quidditch professionally and he didn't believe that was why his father pushed the subject, either. "I've heard that yoga is supposed to be calming and help you to center yourself. Does it?" He asked, curious just what sort of foul mood Zahi would usually be in if yoga actually did help improve his outlook on life. Best not to consider, most likely.

[alarickane]

pandorakane‌:

There was not a better time to be with family than around the holidays and Pandora loved every moment of it. Since her being a professor, Pandora had adjusted her personal schedule in order to reserve time for the ones she loved. With the break, Panodra took advantage of seeing her friends and spending time with Alaric. Kent was always a lovely place to be and though the place made her feel nostalgic, she loved it still. The house was donned in Christmas decorations that she was sure her parents had put up before they had arrived, but she was keen on helping finish it. It was always a tradition to do the trees and play music on the piano as well as bake. She hoped these were all tradition she would carry into her new family with Alaric. 

“There’s already the cookies that came out an hour ago. But I do think it’s worth waiting for these tarts,” Pandora chirped, her hands busy with the whisk and measuring out other ingredients. There was not a counter top that wasn’t being used and the kitchen itself was already rather spacious. “In the drawer to your right there should be. The other food that goes with the roast should be ready. Hopefully that means we can have dinner soon.” Pandora loved having a proper roast for the holidays and she smiled knowing that Alaric was here and helping out when he could. 

Visiting Pandora's childhood home was akin to visiting a storybook as far as Alaric was concerned, but it was one with a happy ending and not the sort were children were devoured inside pies or women were forced to dance to their death while wearing metal shoes upon a bed of hot coals. It was easy to picture Pandora belonging in a place like this, a place full of light and warmth that seemed almost untouched by the war, a final bastion of serenity. Being in such a place with Pandora felt like the sort of dream he'd always wanted to experience and Alaric couldn't help but smile at Pandora as she talked about tarts, incapable of imagining himself disagreeing with her about anything at that moment.

"In that case, I'll wait for the tarts," He promised, smiling. Turning to search in the drawer that Pandora indicated, he found the sharp spike looking thing that he needed and set about checking the internal temperature, watching as the needle on the gauge steadily moved up. "This says... sixty celsius, I'm not sure if that means it's ready or not." Alaric admitted, finding that he had a growing appreciation for house elves and anyone else that cooked just from watching how busy Pandora and her mother had been. "Do you want me to do some of the washing up before we eat?"

[alarickane]

remuslxpns‌:

“The muggles gave the place a certain charm, but I must admit it’s good to be around magic daily now. It almost feels like Hogwarts again.” There were a few close calls at the apartment he shared with Sirius where neighbors would be suspicious of the three boys on that floor. They certainly made some adjustment charms and had there been a fire they could douse it without fear. Remus couldn’t stop thinking about the neighbors and tenants that inhabited that apartment complex to be so scared and Remus was just confused with his heart pulsing with fear. “I have no doubts that the community will be able to rebuild. I can’t count how many times buildings have been destroyed but at least they can always come back without a scratch.”

Remus didn’t have a reason to return to Wales now. The place was not a good one in his memories and he never was able to acquaint himself with the neighbors around the house. To him, the town and the country fell underneath his subconscious and the only time he had returned had been for his father and taking care of the house. “That’s really good. I can’t say the same about in laws, but Zephyr’s family has been overly nice and welcoming. I’ve never been in a relationship to meet the parents but I suppose having a child and a cat crowns it as being a legitimate one.”

He didn’t know if he would ever have in-laws as they had never broached the subject except knowing they were going to be together until their days were out. Remus couldn’t see himself being with anyone else. Remus only nodded at Alaric’s words, thinking back to when the news was announced. He almost shuddered at the reminder and knowing there were people that Remus was losing around him and people’s lives were being touched by every surface of the war. “Ah. You are talking about Austen Prewett? She is a lovely woman and it is such a tragedy with everything that has happened to her and her husband.” Remus wasn’t going to admit to speak about Fabian in past tense, believing he was still out there and Austen had disappeared to be by his side. “That’s lovely, I’m happy for the both of you. I haven’t met Pandora other than a few conversations at breakfast but I’m sure that can be changed and rearranged. How much longer until the baby is born? Katie is almost a year and a half. Celebrated her first birthday in July.”

"I was recently introduced to a saying, 'sometimes good things fall apart so better things fall into place', and I like to think of that when I hear of ill fortune. It's not a sentiment I've ever expressed to anyone suffering because I don't want to sound glib, as if I'm undermining their pain, but I think it's good to hope that things will get better." Which was an improvement over his previous mindset where Alaric focused only on the loss and wondered just how many times things could fall apart before people grew too tired to continue to pick up the pieces. Sometimes learning to let go of those pieces and move on was a valuable thing in it's own right, but Alaric didn't think he was any sort of expert to decide just which path someone should choose.

But how strange it was to think of just how far they'd come since that first meeting on the night bus, both of them accompanied by someone that had been taken, either by death or azkaban. Now they both had new people in their lives and it sounded like Remus had more than one. "If having a cat and a child is what it takes to be in a legitimate relationship, you're more valid than I am," Alaric commented, not sure Romulus could work a double role even if Pandora did refer to him as their child. It soon wouldn't matter with the baby on the way, but Alaric felt a comfort and belong regardless, his days since marrying and moving to Hogsmeade filled with happiness.

"Yes, I am. It's a sad thing." Sad that they were on the run, sad they hadn't been caught, let Remus make his own conclusions, although personally Alaric thought Prewett was being framed and that the loneliness had grown too heavy for Austen to take. "She mentioned that to me, actually. Our cat, originally her cat, is named Romulus and she wrote to me when she found a Remus to complete the set, I swear I could feel her delight through the note. Pandora isn't due until the spring, so we're only halfway there, but it sounds like you've been enjoying parenthood for a while. Is it terrifying when you first get started? And as stressful and tiring as they say?"

[alarickane]

zahishafiq‌:

Zahi sighed and admitted, “I had to get to work right away, so I basically just introduced them together without fanfare. I stayed long enough to make sure they wouldn’t come to blows, and by the time I’d come home, they seemed to have figured out a kind of hierarchy for themselves.” He couldn’t tell most days if Madonna or Kamal had the top spot; both seemed to think they did, but the two got along well enough that it didn’t seem to matter.

Alaric with hobbies was an interesting thought. Zahi had enough other people in common with Alaric to know the things he’d been roped into for adventures (he could only imagine what Bas had gotten him up to), but outside his work and his witch, Zahi didn’t know much. “What in particular?” he asked. It wasn’t an outright admission he didn’t know, but Alaric probably wouldn’t take it personally if he inferred it as such.

That wasn't necessarily the best thing since issues didn't always come about immediately, but with as much time had passed, Alaric could assume they'd worked out something that was useful for all the cats involved. And besides, it wasn't as if Zahi had asked for his input in the form of advice or opinion, so Alaric kept his mouth shut since none of Zahi's cats were really part of his life anymore. It wasn't his business.

Not that his hobbies were any of Zahi's business, either, and while Alaric wasn't offended, he certainly was surprised. It almost felt like Zahi was trying to bond with him, which was concerning and for a brief moment, Alaric wondered if it was the discussion about the cats that triggered it, the thought of former owners. "Various things. I play piano, I enjoy quidditch, I used to handbuild plant holders... nothing too exotic in my interests, I'm afraid."

[fawley-en-face]

An Opportune Defenestration

[alarickane]

fawley-en-face‌:

Henry listened to what Alaric said, struck, as that hadn’t at all been the response he’d anticipated. “Oh. Ok.” Of course he knew his Charm acted like that- he’d used on people at their request before for such reasions- but it hadn’t occurred to him before that rather than feeling controlled, Alaric had been given a few moments of freedom from the general anxiety of his everyday life. Henry supposed he could understand that; there was a reason he did drugs, after all, and drank so much. Certainly less now than other periods of his life, but still more than he should have. 

“This might sound a bit strange, considering everything I just said…” he ran a hand through his hair, a habitual twitch of his. “And I’ll never mention any of this again, this offer or anything you’ve told me, but… I’ve known people before who asked to be Charmed. So that for a little while, they didn’t have to worry about things, like you just said. And I’ve used it to stop people from having panic attacks before, too. If that’s something you ever wanted or needed, you just have to ask. I’ll never tell another soul.” It was a strange offer, and Henry was sure Alaric would politely ignore it, but he’d rather at least have the man know that it existed, and Henry was at his disposal. “And now I’ll stop talking about it forever. Just- if you ever have need of it, for yourself or something else or to deal with trouble- you just have to ask.”

Henry’s brows furrowed at the mention of a pinky promise; it was foreign to him, and felt a little ridiculous, but there was something comforting about it to. He reached out and hooked his little finger around Alaric’s, and glanced up at him, and then down again at their hands, unsure of if anything else was supposed to happen. After a hesitant moment, Henry withdrew his hand, and wrapped his fingers around the warmth of his mug. 

“Thank you, Alaric,” he murmured. “You’re a good friend.”

Henry was right, the offer did sound strange after everything he'd said about charming people and Alaric was a tad surprised that he seemed willing to do it for any reason, but perhaps that was only because he felt he needed to repay Alaric for his silence or his understanding, and he thought the charm might be a good offer. If Henry had used it to stop panic attacks, that was certainly a good use for it that proved it wasn't always a bad skill, but that it depended on how it was used.

He didn't think he would ever take Henry up on the offer because while that feeling was nice, it was also dangerous because he didn't know what he would do if he was in such a carefree, unconcerned state for too long. It wasn't that he didn't trust Henry, but he didn't trust himself, and while he might one day again fall into a near constant state of fear and worry, currently Alaric planned on forgetting this exchange ever happened. "That's very kind of you, Henry." And it was, even if he didn't plan to make use of it. "I'll keep that in mind."

Smiling faintly as Henry locked their pinkies together, Alaric nodded his head and let his hand fall, hoping that Henry took some solace in the gesture or at least to their words. "You're welcome, Henry." Alaric said, although he didn't think he was a good friend at all - Henry just wasn't as much of a monster as he believed himself to be. 

Sipping at his drink, Alaric found himself at a lack of anything to say because while Henry wasn't the first killer he'd known, Henry was perhaps the first he knew that felt bad or expressed guilt over it, which made a lot of difference. Perhaps the best thing to do was simply to leave Henry on his own for a while and let him sort out how he felt about things and know that at least Alaric wasn't something he needed to worry about. 

"Maybe I should go now," He suggested lightly, taking another sip of his tea. "We can go shopping again another time."

[alarickane]

“No, I’m not trying to make any guesses on the gender, so I’m buying a lot of neutral things.” Alaric said with a happy smile as he held up the bag, a mint green baby hat sticking partway out of it. While Alaric knew that muggles had invented something called an ultrasound that could determine the gender of the baby you were having, it didn’t sound very common and while Alaric didn’t like to think of himself as one of those purebloods that was terrified of anything to do with muggles, he did worry if something like that was safe for the baby. Of course, he might have been giving into his worry a little more than he should have, which was a fault that Alaric was still combating. “I don’t mind not knowing. I’ll love the baby no matter what it is, after all.”

And he was working very hard on making sure that he was someone the baby could love in return, someone the baby could count on, which was why he’d been in therapy before going shopping. It was therapy followed by retail therapy, in short, but at least the purchases would be useful at some point. “I’m just hoping we have everything we need before the baby gets here. She’s due in May and it’s getting steadily closer.”

[alarickane]

delilahxcarrow‌:

Delilah had to smile when he corrected her. “You know, that’s why I love you, right?” She asked him. Well, it was one of the many reasons that she loved him, but the fact that he didn’t let her talk like that about herself, that he just understood. It meant more than she could ever express. “I let her sit in his chair all the time,” she giggled with a smile on her lips. “I know that wherever he is, he must not be very happy.” That was if there was a place where he could watch over and see what was going on. It was a strange thought. She wasn’t sure she liked the idea of him still watching. But in his death, Delilah no longer feared him. She knew he wasn’t there to hurt her, or to hurt anyone that she cared for. 

She had to smile at him and nod her head. “I’m proud of us too. Especially of you. Look at you, Alaric. You’re married. And you’re about to have a baby. That’s incredible.” Even though they had grown up with the wealth and their family names, things weren’t what they seemed. Her parents always put so much pressure on her, had expected her to be their perfect daughter, and Delilah had done everything right. But it wasn’t enough for them. They had lost Gisela and Delilah barely even knew her sister. It was all her parents fault. Delilah frequently looked at the carnage that surrounded her, of all the loss that had surrounded her. All in the name of keeping their blood pure. She had never thought much of it, had never really had a reason to. Until Gisela died. Until her entire world went upside down and she fell in love with Edgar. Now things were more complicated. “Sometimes it feels like the last year has been about five, doesn’t it?”

She eagerly followed him towards the room that they were going to convert into the nursery. It was all so exciting. Alaric was going to be a father. He was going to have a baby that she could spoil and love. In another universe, this baby would have been her blood. But Delilah much preferred this universe. She was going to love that baby just as much as she would have loved a blood relation. Perhaps even more because Alaric was truly family. She had no idea what life would have been like if Gisela lived, if Alaric had been forced to marry her sister. “I think that you will be brilliant,” she said. At his words, she offered him a reassuring smile. Therapy…it wasn’t something that they did. At least Rosier’s didn’t do therapy, that would mean admitting that they had problems. And she doubted that Carrow’s did it either. “Good for you,” she said sincerely. “I’m so proud of you, Alaric. Truly. I think that we could all use a bit of therapy. With everything going on. I think that that’s a really brave decision. I think it just shows how great you are going to be when Pandora has the baby,” she admitted. It was already clear that he was going to do everything he needed to for this baby. 

Love was not a sentiment that many people expressed in Alaric direction. Maybe he didn't come from a particularly demonstrative family, but he thought the way he didn't match up with their worldview had something to do with it, and yet he found that he didn't care, the idea didn't sting as much as it once did because he was no longer craving their approval and a show of affection the way he used to. "I'm right and I love you." Alaric said in return, feeling a rush of fondness at the feeling of united family he felt with Delilah. This is why she was the one that he picked to stand at his side at his wedding, why he told her where he moved, why she was the first person he wanted to tell. How strange it was to think that two years ago, he never expected to be closer than pleasantries exchanged across a dinner table, and yet now she was undeniably one of the most important people in his life. She had good qualities beyond those her parents acknowledged even if she couldn't see it yet and Alaric laughed as she talked about Zoe. "Oh, I bet that would drive him up the wall, to know his place has been filled by a dog. I hope she's very comfortable there." She was doubtlessly a better companion than Amycus had ever been.

"Thank you so much Delilah. I don't want to diminish what you've gone through, but... I hope that you can know this life one day as well. You deserve it, too." Alaric said carefully, not wanting to upset her. He didn't know how much she still grieved for Edgar, but from what he knew of Delilah, he thought the loss had likely wounded her greatly and he could only hope that she found love again, a love that she didn't need to hide and that she could have a family she felt safe in loving and didn't need to worry about their allegiances. "You and I have both suffered a lot recently, but we've discovered good things as well. I think time is making sure we grow into our own people instead of who society wants us to be." Alaric's wife and future baby were proof that his life didn't go the way his parents wanted it. When he looked in the nursery, or future nursery, he saw potential, nights spent reading to the baby and rocking it to sleep, doing his best to make sure it knew a kind, caring world. 

Admitting he was looking into getting help was something that Alaric was still working on because there was stigma attached to that idea and it was difficult to let go of that at times, seeking help occasionally feeling like a dirty thing, or like proof that he was too weak to solve his own problems. It could be hard to work with, but it felt safe to admit it to Delilah. "I want to be the best parent I can be. I'm not going to be anything like what my parents were." Alaric said, the words absolutely certain. "I'll let you know when we're finished with the nursery so you can see it again, and I'll keep you updated on how her pregnancy goes, I promise."