Chapter Text
Two or so years later
The sweet scent of spring fills the air as Clarke opens the passenger door, eases herself gently from the car.
She’s always enjoyed this time of year, when the days grow longer and the flowers begin to bloom, summer break just around the corner. Even more so the past couple of years, when the time between school years has meant a family trip, one or two weeks to get out of the city, or explore another. Last year was New York, where Bellamy played tour guide of the place he’d grown up, and the year before that, Yosemite, to make up for the previous year’s cancelled trip.
Wells had joined them for some of that one, and as they stood together, two tiny people beneath a landscape far larger and older than them, they’d toasted to finally making it up in Jake’s honour.
This year, it’s unlikely they’ll manage to travel quite so far, but that’s okay; there’ll be more than enough to keep them occupied at home.
The sound of a car door opening breaks Clarke from her thoughts, and she smiles as she watches Gemma leap from the car and hit the ground running, a small blur of movement as she races up the pathway towards the house. Five years old, she’s grown faster than Clarke can often keep up with, especially in recent weeks. Or, five years and four months, as Gem likes to remind everyone who dares omit the very important detail.
Normally, Clarke would call out for her to come back and close the car door herself, but given the chaos of the morning, she gives her daughter a pass. Shutting her own door, she moves to the back seat, rolling her eyes when she sees the soft, red octopus left on her booster seat.
For how much Gem loves Occi, she consistently manages to forget them in the car.
Grabbing the toy, Clarke shuts the back car door, turning to find Bellamy already by her side. Two bags haphazardly thrown over his shoulder, a protective look of concern on his face, his hand innately settling at her hip, he looks exactly as she imagined he would, going through this for the first time.
“Bell, I’m fine,” she says, her smile teasing but endlessly fond, and it’s an assurance that at least seems to calm him; his shoulders relaxing, his expression growing bashful.
“I know you are, princess,” he says, sliding his free arm around her back and bearing some of her weight as, far slower, they follow Gemma up to the familiar house before them. “This is purely for my selfish benefit.”
Clarke laughs, and though she wouldn’t consider this particular trait selfish, he’s not exactly wrong. In the years that they’ve been together, she’s learnt this about Bellamy time and time again. He likes to feel needed, and channels his love through acts of service. Of course he wants to help in any way he can — any day, but especially today.
A teasing quip is on the tip of her tongue when a spasm at the base of her belly interrupts her, and she stops in her stride. Without a word, Bellamy stops, too, his grasp on her growing more secure, his mouth brushing a soft kiss to the crown of her head as she breathes through the pressure.
It was just past midnight when she woke to the first, light contractions. A month early, but they’d been expecting that; twins rarely made it to term. In the hours since, they’ve grown longer, coming quicker, but thankfully, it’s all been in small increments, allowing her to rest through most of the night, familiarise herself with the unique sensations again.
When this one eases, Clarke relaxes gratefully into Bellamy’s hold. She is fine, but it’s very welcome, having him here to support her, both physically and emotionally.
“You good, baby?”
“Yeah. How long?”
His phone is in hand, open to the pregnancy app he downloaded after their first ultrasound, when they were still reeling from the surprise of two little blurs on the monitor. She’d teased him about the app at the time, but she can’t deny it’s been handy, keeping track of everything over the past several months. “Forty seconds, just over ten minutes since the last one,” he says, and she nods, relieved that so far, everything is progressing as it should. “Come on, let’s get Gem settled, then we can get you home.”
“For a back rub?”
Bellamy chuckles, and she gets another kiss, this one to her temple. “Anything you want, princess.”
Gem learnt she could reach the doorbell of this place a few weeks ago, and unsurprisingly, she’s already alerted today’s babysitters of their arrival. Raven’s standing in the door jamb with a teasing smile on her face, and down the hall, Clarke can see that Gemma has run directly into Wells’ waiting arms.
They’ve been living together for a few months now, after a couple of years dating, and while it had taken a little while for Clarke to grow used to the new development in her two best friends’ relationship — which she takes partial credit for, given it started right after her gentle encouragement of Wells — now, she can’t imagine them apart.
Raven clucks her tongue when they finally make it to her. “Come on, babe, get it together. It’s just sad that a five year old is this much faster than you.”
Clarke laughs, flipping her friend off. “Dick.”
“Yeah, yeah. You love me. Now, seriously, why wouldn’t you let us come get her?”
“I’d like to know, too,” Wells adds from further in the house, his tone one she remembers from when they were kids. Not quite a rebuke, but a bemused why?
“I wanted to get out of the house,” she assures them both, following Raven inside, Bellamy still close by her side. “And make sure Gem’s okay. Thanks for taking her. Mum and Marcus are hopping on a plane soon, but they’ll probably be a few hours.”
It was just yesterday afternoon that Clarke had insisted Abby go to the medical conference she was to be attending upstate. She’d found it a little funny, that barely twelve hours after Abby and Marcus flew out, she’d had to message them and admit that she’d gone into labour. Abby was not quite as amused.
Luckily, these babies knew the value of a weekend, and without having to rearrange work, Raven and Wells were quick to volunteer babysitting services as long as was needed. Gemma had been thrilled with the arrangement, and it’s that existing comfort with the pair that has her settling with relative ease now, despite the big changes that are coming today. When it’s time to say goodbye, there’s no trace of anxiety on her face, only a curious smile as her hands find their usual place on Clarke’s giant belly.
Extra gentle, because Bell mentioned they needed to be particularly careful with the babies today.
“I’ll get to hold them, right, Mummy?” She asks, and Clarke’s heart melts for her baby. How kind and considerate she’s growing up to be. It’s hard to believe that she’s about to become a big sister. It feels like just yesterday that Clarke had been on her way to the hospital to welcome her into the world.
“Yeah, button, of course you will,” she says, offering her a reassuring smile. She places her hands on top of Gemma’s. “Wells and Raven will bring you in to meet them as soon as you’re allowed. I think that’s why they wanted to come early.”
Her sweet, little face lights up. “To meet me?”
“Exactly.”
“They’re going to love you, monkey,” Bellamy adds, his voice filled with warmth and adoration. They’ve developed such a deep bond over the past years, it’s hard to recall a time when he wasn’t in Gem’s life. “Just as much as Mummy and I do.”
It’s a sentiment that draws a very pleased grin, and one that Clarke hopes Gemma will hold onto for the day, while they can’t be there for her.
Thankfully, the rest of the goodbye goes just as smoothly, and they’re home with only three more contractions having passed. They’re growing in intensity and frequency, but not so much that she’s unable to distract herself. Through the rest of the morning, she manages to finalise the handover notes for the incoming teacher taking over her classes, and between checking in on her and ensuring for the third time that the nursery is ready for the new arrivals, Bellamy works right alongside her, editing an assignment for one of his classes.
Much to her delight, he’d announced he was enrolling in part-time classes soon after they moved in together, intent on completing his undergrad. Now, he’s only a few units from graduating, and while the timing didn’t quite work to have him finish for the twins’ arrival, he should be done by year end. She’s stupidly proud, and despite Bellamy insisting it’s premature, she’s already looking forward to the graduation ceremony to come, celebrating the achievement over ten years in the making.
It’s nearing midday when her contractions are close and strong enough to head to hospital, and there, Bellamy makes good on his promise for massages, attentive to her each and every need, coaching her through the growing intensity.
And while Clarke looks back on her labour with Gemma with nothing but gratitude — that her baby came into the world happy and healthy, that she had her mum and Raven by her side, supporting her through it all — she can’t deny how incredible it is, having Bellamy — her partner, her husband, the man she loves with her entire being — here this time round. Here to guide her breathing and here to lean against for support, here when she finds new depths of strength to start pushing and here when her efforts have a tiny, sweet cry piercing the room.
First from a girl that gets bundled up into his arms, and next a boy that goes to Clarke.
“You are incredible, princess,” Bellamy whispers to her then, his forehead pressed to hers, his reverent words only for her ears. “I love you. So fucking much.”
Euphoria washes over her, and she breathes an exhausted smile, soaks in his steadying familiarity. “I love you, too, Bell.”
The babies are taken for observations after a few minutes, but it’s not long before the two tiny, squirming humans are returned to them. She’s moved to the hospital bed, and it’s just large enough for Bellamy to lay next to her as each baby is settled on her chest.
They’ve quietened now, growing pink and warm and perfect, each with ten little fingers and ten little toes, and she and Bellamy just watch them together, as enamoured by the pair as she’d been with Gemma.
“Hard to believe only an hour ago, they were still in my belly,” Clarke murmurs, resting her head on his shoulder, everything within her aching with love. “And now they’re here in the world. Part of our family.”
Bellamy hums, his hand gentle where it lays over one of the baby’s backs. A rather amusing sight, given how large it is comparatively. “You gave them a good, little home to grow in, princess.”
It’s such a ridiculous compliment, but she still preens. “I did, didn’t I?”
He laughs softly, and she tips her face up to look at him, to drink him in: the smattering of freckles on his golden brown skin, the warmth of his deep and adoring gaze, the smile lines that crease his face with happiness. This man is ageing like fine wine.
Now, he leans forward, catches her mouth in a brief, tender kiss. When he draws back, he looks at her with such steadying sureness. “You did.”
The following hours are quieter, moved to a room in the postnatal ward, and though there are still a number of staff checking in for the required monitoring, she and Bellamy still manage some privacy. It’s there that they have their first breastfeed, that Bellamy slips off his top for skin-to-skin, that they lay together with the babies between them, basking in the first few precious hours, as these two small beings that they made together adjust to the big, wide world.
It’s not until the evening that further company arrives, expanding their little bubble.
Gemma’s head pokes into the room curiously, though the moment she sees Clarke and Bellamy curled up together on the couch, her face lights up. Wells is right behind her, his smile thrilled, but he gestures back to the corridor without word, and Clarke nods in gratitude. Thank you, she mouths, and from the way his eyes crinkle, he understands. Thank you for looking after Gemma when we couldn’t, thank you for giving us some time now.
Bellamy’s up with Gem in his arms in barely two seconds flat, and Clarke’s heart melts at the tender sight of them together, Gemma instantly softening in his hold.
“Daddy, Daddy,” she whispers insistently, in that exaggerated way kids do. “I drew a picture for the babies, but I forgot it at Raven and Wells’ house.”
His smile is all adoration. “Did you? That’s very thoughtful of you, monkey. I’m sure we can pick it up this week.”
“I used every colour, because I didn’t know what their favourite is yet.”
Bellamy meets Clarke’s gaze as he walks Gem back over, and they share a fond look, another moment of look what we made. “I’m sure they’ll love it. Are you ready to meet them?”
Gemma nods, her gaze shifting over to Clarke, and then to the crib that’s sitting beside the couch. Her excitement is palpable as Bellamy eases her down next to Clarke, though from the way she snuggles into her side, she’s a little nervous, too. “Mummy, are they awake for me?”
Clarke smothers a laugh, wrapping her arm around her daughter and breathing her in. She no longer has that sweet, baby smell, but she’s got her own Gemma smell, which is just as good. “They’re not awake just at the moment, button,” she explains, running her hand through Gem’s curls. “But you can still meet them.”
“Yeah?”
“Of course. See, they’re just sleeping.” Clarke points the pair out, each swaddled snug in the shared crib. “Would you like to hold them?”
“Yes, please.”
“Okay, just hold your arms out, baby, and Daddy will bring them over.”
With so much care that she has to blink back some tears — hormones — Bellamy collects the first baby, wrapped up in a pale green muslin blanket. He crouches down beside the couch, and after Clarke helps Gem rearrange her hold, gently passes them over.
“This is baby Hazel,” he says, his voice soft and achingly tender, lingering until he’s sure Gemma’s comfortable, before standing to collect Hazel’s twin, in a matching swaddle. He keeps him in the cradle of his arms as he sits on Gemma’s other side, his thumb smoothing over the small curve of his face. “And this is baby Oliver.”
Clarke’s heart brims with love as she watches Gemma look over her two new siblings, her eyes bright and inquisitive. They had a few names shortlisted, but it didn’t take long to decide once they’d had chance to meet them. Hazel, slightly larger, cheeks round and lashes long; Oliver, slightly smaller, with a patch of dark hair on his head. Each wrinkled in the way newborns are, delicate with their button noses and soft lips. So small, it’s hard to believe that one day they’ll be Gem’s size, with their own personalities and mannerisms; grown into themselves, with traits that others will cite as inherited from either one of their parents.
“They’re so little,” Gemma says after the appropriate appraisal. “Like my dolls at home.”
Clarke smiles, feeling a surge of affection for her daughter; it won’t always be this easy, but she’s really adjusted to the news of becoming a big sister so well. She leans over to kiss the crown of Gem’s head. “You were this little when you were born, button.”
“I remember because I had to fit in your belly.”
“Do you remember when you were growing in Mummy’s belly?”
“Uh-huh,” Gem says to Bellamy, with the ease of a five year old not yet bound by the un-fun logic of adults. “Daddy, can I hold Oliver now? I don’t want him to feel left out.”
Bellamy chuckles, eyes warm as they shift briefly to Clarke, and it’s another shared glance of fondness. “Of course, monkey. Let Mummy take Hazel and I can pass Oliver over.”
Clarke does, filling with content at the soft weight of her daughter in her arms, and Bellamy carefully settles Oliver into Gem’s eager arms.
He takes the opportunity to capture their first photos with Gemma, and after, he comes to sit on Clarke’s free side. Lets her rest her head on his shoulder as they ask about Gem’s day, and listen to her explain the superhero game she and her friends are inventing. The exhaustion of the day is beginning to settle again, but his presence is warm and steadying beside her, as it always is, and the elation that’s spread to every part of her, at the safe arrival of Oliver and Hazel, and the sight of Gemma meeting them both, keeps her going.
Soon, she’ll message Wells and Raven, ask them to join. She’ll feel the rush of happiness watching her closest friends hold the twins with the same fierce love that they had upon meeting Gem. Tomorrow, it’ll be her mum and Marcus, likely Octavia and Lincoln, too.
They’ll bundle everyone up in the car and drive home, get the twins settled in their nursery. There’ll be wonderful days and sleepless nights, new routines and adjusting schedules. Bellamy will finish his degree, and Gemma will start school, and Oliver and Hazel will learn to laugh and walk and talk. There’ll be good times and bad, holidays celebrated with her mum and Marcus and parties with the group of delinquents she cherishes so much.
It all awaits her, this life filled with people she adores, but for now, she’s happy to bask in this moment here, the love and contentment that surrounds her, with Bellamy — the man who started as a weeklong fling — and the three small humans they’ve created together.
Now, he presses his lips to the crown of her head, and when she lifts it to look up at him, that same weariness, that same happiness, that same hope, is reflected there in the familiar warmth of his gaze.
“I love you,” he says, and there’s something so incredible in knowing that those are words they’ll say to each other long into the future, over and over again.
Clarke smiles, leaning in to brush a soft kiss over his wonderful mouth, and, feeling them with every ounce of her being, she repeats the sentiment back to him.
“I love you, too.”