[FweepFwopFwoop]

I'Karis was still looking through the records. Mugs of hot cocoa sat on a tray by the edge of the couch, next to Astien, who was now reading a book.

[Eskal]

Cormac sat by the fire place as he sipped his cocoa.
Marius pecked Astien's cheek with a kiss as he took a mug of cocoa.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

I'Karis had a mug in his hand, and Delas chugged his. Ikaris collected the mugs after forfeiting in his attempt to find the next record in the play. Delas lay on the couch, his head on Astien's lap. Or rather, against his belly. He felt Aiden moving inside. "Your belly's getting really big. Is it hard to carry him around?"

"A bit. Some days it feels like I'm luging around a whole toddler."

[Eskal]

"He's sure taking his time coming out," Marius chuckled.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"I'll end up giving birth to a grown man." Astien chuckled.

[Eskal]

"Darn, then I guess we put the nursery together for no reason," Marius teased.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"Can I choose his middle name?" Delas begged. "Please please please please
Puh-leeeeeze?"

"We'll see." Astien said. He took a hand off his belly and tousled Delas' hair.

[Eskal]

Marius chuckled.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

Delas quickly jerked his head away. "Ah! He kicked me!"
"I know, I felt it." Astien laughed.
"Come on, don't be rude to your uncle Delas, little guy."

[Eskal]

"Don't you think you'd be closer to a brother?" Marius asked.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"Maybe. I dunno. Whatever the kid ends up calling me, I guess." Delas went back to testing his head on Astien's belly. "He's gonna be a cute baby, I just know it. Little chubby face, and little sausage arms..."

Astien chuckled. "I know. I dream about it all the time."

[Eskal]

Marius nodded and sipped his cocoa. Cormac stared into the fire place, making the flames raise and lower with each breath.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"You practicing your fire, Cormac?" Delas asked.

"Come, sit with us. Don't be all alone over there." Astien said.

[Eskal]

Cormac blinked as he snapped out of his trance. "Huh?"
"Don't be a stranger, Cormac," Marius chuckled. "Come closer."
Cormac got up and sat beside Marius on the other couch.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

Astien winced and rubbed his belly. "Oomph. He's really kicking right now."

Delas put his hand where Aiden as kicking. "It kind of feels like he's trying to bust out of you."

[Eskal]

Marius chuckled. "Maybe he's just reminding us that he's hear."
"Not that it's hard to forget," Cormac said.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"Are you calling me fat?" Astien asked.

"Oooooh, you're in trouble..."

[Eskal]

"You're not fat, Astien," Cormac said. "You're pregnant."

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"Then what were you saying?"

[Eskal]

"I don't know." Cormac huffed. "I'm going for a flight." He quickly made his way outside and flew off.
Marius sighed. The stress of the hearing was probably getting to Cormac, he figured. He had to admit, he was uneasy himself about the outcome. There wasn't much he could do but just enjoy Astien's company and keep everybody calm and relaxed between the meetings.