Neither Percy nor Tessa can wait to hold their babes in their arms. It is a toss-up whether Tessa wants to hold her babies or watch Percy hold them more.

She guarantees Percy will melt at the sight of their babies. Percy pulls his attention away from Tessa to look around the room. An overwhelmed looking Thalia is attempting to hide in the corner of the small, nondescript room.

Jackie and Gwyn notice and move over to the corner, attempting to use their calming presence to settle the Liutenant down a bit. Near the bed, Phoebe sways gently back and forthin the provided rocking chair. Sitting in the dog bed on the floor, Nema keeps a careful watch of the room.

Nema's attention is split between Tessa and the door. A stranger trying to enter the room won't get far with her keeping guard. Percy is oddly comforted by Nema’s presence; she would give her life without hesitation to protect Tessa. Nema’s tail swishes a little as she meets Percy’s eyes before turning back to her guardian duties.

“It’s a good thing you are here, Percy,” Thalia announces, wrinkling her nose a bit in disgust, “last time Dr. Solace came to check Tessa, he said she was almost fully, uh, ready.”

No way is Thalia saying that word. Thalia is both relieved and sad she hasn’t found her soulmate; being a Hunter suits her just fine. She doesn’t think she’s cut out for pregnancy.

Caring for a pregnant friend? Yes. Being pregnant herself? Not if she can help it. She’d much rather be a protector than a bearer.

Phoebe smirks at her sister, “The birthing process apparently grosses Thalia out. I thought she was going to projectile vomit everywhere when the Doc was talking about dilation.”

“How does it not gross you out? She was talking about Tessa, our sister, and dilation of body parts.” Thalia shudders as that word passes over her lips. Tessa’s lip curve in amusement but she offers no comment.

“It’s natural and beautiful.” Phoebe grins, “You are going to be one of those parents that passes out in the delivery room, aren’t you?”
Thalia glares at her sister. “I will not.” She won’t; Thalia’s certain it will be different if she has a child, at least she hopes so.

“Enough. Thalia won’t be having children for a very long time.” Percy stares at Thalia intensely. “Will you?”

Thalia smirks, “Course not, Perce. Although if I follow your example, I’ll be ready for pups in less than two years.”

Before anything more, Dr. Solace comes in. She greets Percy quickly and then checks Tessa’s status, declaring her ready. Everyone else says a quick goodbye and usher back into the waiting room.

*To Le Operating Room*

Percy's eyes widen as Tessa’s hands brace themselves on his legs, and Dr. Solace gets into position. Things are about to get real. The calm Tessa had seems to disappear. She hears Percy coaching her breathing but she’s hearing it as if her ears are filled with cotton.

Tessa’s mind snaps back when a familiar hand grips her wrist. She looks over into Percy’s sweet eyes. “Are you with me, Tess?”

Tessa scolds herself. *Get your shit together, Tessa. You are about to push two babies out you!*

She stares into Percy’s eyes and promises, “I’m with you.”
Neither of them needs to know that she chants that in her head over and over until she starts believing it.