Magical Bonds

@ BearGirl

Esther hummed happily as he peppered a few kisses along her collarbone before laying back on the couch with her, relaxing happily in the afterglow of their bliss. She giggled a little as he ran his fingers along her sides, pressing closer as she looked up at him as he spoke. "I know, Blaise. Right to the doctor." She promised, pressing a loving kiss to his lips before settling back down, resting her head against his chest as her fingers gently brushed over his stomach.

After a while she yawned soflty and shifted to look up at him, brushing her fingers along his jaw. "Will you take a bath with me? I don't think I can walk after that." She blushed brightly at her admittance, smiling shyly as she poked the tip of his nose.

@ katahdin

Once Esther started to shift, Blaise opened his eyes and looked down to her. He was still in bliss, but it seemed that Esther was ready to move onto something else. Not exactly what they were currently doing but it did sound like another good way to relax. A light smile came over his face before he slowly started to nod to her, a bit of a smirk coming over Blaise's face now. "Certainly, I will." Blaise murmured before letting out a small chuckle.

With that decided, Blaise picked Esther up and laid her back down onto the couch once he was on his feet. He headed to the bathroom and came out a few minutes later, with the bath running. Picking her up again, he carried her carefully into the large bathroom and the huge jetwhirl tub. When Esther approved of the temperature, he slid her in before climbing in himself.

@ BearGirl

Esther only blushed brighter as she noticed his little smirk and heard him chuckle, hiding her face in her hands out of embarrassment. Despite them having had a lot of sex the past few weeks, she still got a bit shy about it after, especially after it had been particularly rough. She still doubted herself sometimes, about whether or not she deserved Blaise, or whether or not he felt pressured into saying that he loved her just because that was what she wanted. She knew she was being ridiculous, but somehow the thoughts always came back to her eventually.

Wrapping her arms around his neck she held onto him securely as he carried her to the tub, playing with his hair quietly as they waited for the water to heat up before letting out a pleasant sigh as he lowered her into the water. Once he was comfortably seated she curled into his arms, resting her head against his chest once more as she relaxed in the warm water. "Thank you, Blaise."

@ katahdin

'Your welcome." Blaise whispered before he pressed a little kiss against her forehead. One hand was lightly wrapped around her waist as he leaned back into the tub, letting the warm water run over them. Admittedly, this was more comfortable than the couch in some way, especially due to the pure warmness. His free hand moved up and slowly ran through her hair as he looked at it with great interest. The thought of bathing Esther came to his mind and he started to, first by starting through running water over her hair.

"Should I bath you?" Blaise whispered to her before leaning down and pressing a light kiss against her cheek. "Would you enjoy that or do you just want to relax with me for a while?" As he asked, his fingers slowly ran along her gentle skin, pressing in ever so slightly as she did so.

@ BearGirl

Esther hummed happily as he ran his fingers through her hair, her own fingers gently brushed over his chest and arms, just loving to touch him and be close to him in moments like this. She looked up at him as he began to run water through her hair, nodding a little as he offered to bathe her. "That sounds nice and relaxing.. I do like sitting here with you though.." she murmured, reaching up to caress his cheek before gently running her fingers through his hair.

Sitting up she pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, snuggling closer. "You can if you want to, Blaise. I'd be happy either way." She smiled, pressing another kiss to his lips before settling back in his arms comfortably.

@ katahdin

Blaise let out a low hum before gently sliding Esther off of his lap and having her sit down against the bottom of the tub. He turned slightly to look at her with a smirk before turning around and looking at all of their bath supplies. It took the man a moment to figure out what he wanted to do first, but soon he grabbed onto the shampoo and turned back to her. "Well, I am going to give you a nice, relaxing bath."

He floated over to Esther and gently dunk her hair into the water. Once it was nice and wet, Blaise started to pour some shampoo in his hands before massaging it into Esther's head. This wasn't something he would do very often, but it was nice to spend time to care for Esther. She deserved it.

@ BearGirl

Esther smiled up at him as he slid her off his lap and helped to wet her hair, closing her eyes happily as he began to massaged the shampoo into her hair. "You're too kind, Blaise.." she hummed, leaning her head into his hands as he helped her to relax. It was nice to have this time with him, especially after somewhat stressful days, and she hoped that things would continue like this even after they got home.

"I suppose that when we go home and start my lessons again, you won't be as nice." She teased as she opened her eyes to look back at him, nudging him gently. He was a strict teacher, and she appreciated his help, but sometimes she thought he could be a little harder on her than necessary.

@ katahdin

-Skips to them at home-

Blaise glanced at himself in the mirror before nervously smoothing out his shirt. He felt a little silly, getting himself all prepped up and looking nice for his family. But he wanted things to be perfect when him and Esther told them the news. Part of him was worried about how they would react. Though, Blaise knew deep in his heart that they would be happy to have a new member of the family. He wouldn't be surprised if his mother literally jumped for joy.

After fiddling with his shirt and not managing to fix it, he glanced back at Esther nervously. He hoped that she at least could remain calm. "Are you ready?" He asked her, unable to hide the nerves from his voice before he glanced back at the mirror. Even though he knew they would react well, Blaise was still freaking out.

@ BearGirl

Esther was understandably nervous. Not only would they be telling Blaise's parents that she was pregnant, but she'd also be telling her mother, who they'd invited over to lunch so that they could tell everyone together. She thought it'd be best for everyone to be told at the same time, especially given their families pasts. She wanted everyone to be on good terms, and even though neither family has had much interaction with the other since the day her father died, she hoped that maybe her and Blaise's baby would help to bring them together.

Esther looked up from where she was finishing slipping on her shirt, smiling over at him before moving over to him, pressing a kiss to his cheek as she smoothed her hands over his shirt, hoping to reassure him and help him calm down, even though she was just as nervous. "I'm ready. Everything will be ok, Blaise, I know it. Is there anything I can do to help you calm down?" She asked, squeezing his hands as he looked up at him. She'd chosen to wear a simple long sleeved shirt and black jeans, wanting to choose something comfortable to wear that also wouldn't give away that she was pregnant.

@ katahdin

A long sigh left Blaise as he reached down and laid his hands against her arms gently. He appreciated Esther's assistance and it did make Blaise feel a little more sure in their decision. But, he couldn't stop the sinking feeling in his stomach. It was nerve-racking to tell his own family, even with the knowledge of how they would probably react. Though the addition of Esther's mother and all of their pasts together... it seemed like this could easily turn into a nightmare.

"You just being there with me will make everything better." Blaise whispered before he leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead. Esther was right, everything would be okay. There was no fight to be had anymore, and there was no reason that anyone would be upset or mad about the arrival of a new child. "I just am worried, that is all. Though there is nothing to be worried about, right?"

@ BearGirl

Esther smiled up at him as he rested his hands on her arms, closing her eyes happily when he felt him press a kiss to her forehead. She was pretty sure that everything was going to be fine, but she still worried, just like he was. "I'll be right there with you, Blaise." She murmured reassuringly, looking up at him as she reached up to brush her fingers over his cheeks.

She sighed when he asked if there was anything to be worried about, shaking her head a little as she looked up at him. "No.. There isn't anything to worry about, even though I have to admit, I'm worried too.. But everything will be fine. I'm sure." She looked up at him, pressing a quick kiss to his lips.

@ katahdin

Blaise gave her a small nod as Esther's lips left his own. Even with her words, he was still nervous. And knowing that Esther was worried as well did not help quench his fears. But it was nice to know that he was not alone in this. The man took in a deep breath before wrapping his arm around Esther's waist and pulling her in close to his side. "Then we should go get this rolling then. Either it will soothe our worries or we could get this disaster over with faster."

He offered Esther the best smile he could manage, which was more of an unsure half smile. Though, he then started to lead Esther downstairs towards the dining room. If Esther's mother was not already here, she would be soon. And his family was surely ready for the lunch. Though, Blaise was rather positive that none of them were going to expect the announcement the two of them would be sure to make soon.

@ BearGirl

Esther nodded when he suggested that they get going, happy to have his arm wrapped around her, as it was comforting, and reminded her that he was going into this with her, as a team. Luckily, Esther's mother arrived just as they were getting downstairs, so after pressing a kiss to Blaise's cheek she went to greet her mother while Blaise continued on to the dining room ahead, to let his family know that Esther's mother was here and that they could start lunch.

After answering a few of her mother's questions about how she was and how she liked living at the Reonas' and how she'd enjoyed her trip, Esther insisted they head into the dining room to eat, pointing little things out here and there as she nervously tried to make small talk. Once her mother was seated she took her seat next to Blaise, giving his hand a squeeze underneath the table before smiling over at Blaise's family. "I'm sure you've met before, but this is my mother, Miriam." She introduced her mother, who simply nodded in greeting. Esther definitely got her shyness from her mother, although it could easily be said that she'd learned to keep her mouth shut while living with her tyrant of a husband.

@ katahdin

"Yes, but it is a pleasure to properly meet you," Blaise told her as he offered Miriam a gentle smile. He knew that there had to be hard feelings from her to him and his family. Though Blaise truly hoped that there was some way for them all to get through it... But he wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't. After all, this war had caused the death of both her husband and her son. That was not something one could easily get past. In the least, she was here, and maybe Miriam could find it in herself to be there for her grandchild. Even if Blaise and his family needed to give her a wide birth to do so.

His mother, grandmother and father all politely nodded back to Miriam. They seemed sure in their actions, but in truth did not want to force a relationship. Lunch was set down in the middle of the table, and with that, Blaise's grandmother spoke. "Let us enjoy this meal then," She said before glancing at Blaise, wondering why the two of them had called this meal. Blaise met her glaze for a moment before turning to the food and beginning to serve himself before passing it down, as others did as well.

@ BearGirl

Miriam nodded again when Blaise said it was nice to properly meet her, helping herself to the food on the table once it was served. "Yes.. Although, I would have assumed that we would have been introduced sooner than this, given your relationship to my daughter." She said simply. In truth, she was a bit hurt that Esther hadn't come home after the war had ended, as it was clear that without Marlon around to terrorize them it was possible for them to finally relax. But she'd stayed with the Reonas, and had barely spoken to her outside of the basic talks that took place immediately after the war had ended a few months ago.

A blush heated up Esther's cheeks at her mother's statement. She felt guilty for having not introduced Blaise to her mother sooner, and for having avoided going home this whole time, but she'd been scared of what would happen if she did, and how she would feel now that her father and brother, the two people that had made her life miserable, were gone. "That's my fault.. And I apologise. But there was a lot happening after.. after father's death, and I thought it would be better to try to give everyone space.. I didn't mean to upset you, mother." She murmured apologetically, taking a little bit of food for herself, not wanting to take anything that would upset her stomach and make her morning sickness worse. Although, the macaroni salad did look delicious, and she was tempted to just take the entire bowl for herself.

@ katahdin

At Miriam's words, Blaise glanced over at Esther a bit nervously. In the least, the woman was not attacking his family or him in any way. Which was the first concern that came to his mind. Though, it wasn't much better to hear her poke at Esther... Not that he could really blame the woman considering how long it did take him to be able to meet her. However, Blaise assumed that they could just chalk that up to the war and wanting everyone to calm down before they did something like this. Hopefully, no one would be set off by the news of the pregnancy.

"Well, I am glad that I am meeting you now," Blaise said softly, offering Miriam a warm smile. He did want to get along with Esther's mother. He then turned to the food in front of them and started to fill up his plate. Blaise's mother glanced over at Miriam with a warm, welcoming smile. "We hope to see more of you as well. Your daughter is simply a pleasure to be around."

"Yes, please tell us more about yourself. Do you work at all?" His father started to ask.

@ BearGirl

Miriam nodded a little at Esther's apology, and looked at Blaise and his family when they spoke, nodding at Blaises' words before looking to his parents when they spoke about how they wanted to see more of her, and how much they loved having Esther around. "Well, I'm glad that she's not a bother. As for work, I haven't worked in years, at my husband's insistence, but now that he's gone, I've had to start looking for a job again. I have plenty in savings, enough to get Esther's sister through high school, but it won't last forever." Miriam explained as she helped herself to some of the food, noticing how little Esther was putting on her plate.

Esther squeezed Blaise's hand under the table, noticing how worried he looked. She was used to her mother being hard on her like this, so she didn't take it personally, but she knew that Blaise didn't know that, and that he'd be worrying about her for no reason.

@ katahdin

"No, not at all," Arielle gently said, reassuring Miriam that Esther had not been a bother. She offered the woman another smile before looking to the grandmother, Juniper. Unlike the rest, Juniper seemed a little more displeased with how everything was going already. The older woman cleared her throat a bit before speaking,

Juniper looked at Miriam, watching her reaction closely before speaking. "Esther is a very sweet girl. And, of course, this family always welcomes the opportunity to train new earth magic users."

A deep frown came over Blaise's face at his grandmother's words. He knew her goal was not to be rude but instead was testing her, in a way. Though Blaise would prefer if they did not push Miriam's buttons today. Blaise cleared his throat, hoping to move on before this conversation turned south. "How is Esther's sister doing?"

@ BearGirl

Miriam gave Juniper a hard look when she clearly took a jab at how her family had handled Esther being an earth magic user, taking a long sip of her water before speaking, choosing to ignore Blaise's grandmother. "She's fine. She misses her sister, though. She keeps asking when you will come home. I'm not sure she understands how much has changed because of the war."

Esther frowned a bit as her mother spoke, feeling guilty for having not gone home sooner. Not just because she hadn't seen her mother, but also because she'd been ignoring her sister. "I'll have to come see her sometime soon. It's been ages since I've seen her.." she murmured, picking at her meal. She was starving, but a lot of what was being served didn't seem that appealing to her at the moment, and she worried she'd end up getting sick if she attempted to force herself to eat.

Her mother picked up on her lack of appetite, raising an eyebrow as she watched her daughter. "Are you feeling unwell? Normally you'd have already finished your meal by now and would be going back for seconds." She pointed out.

@ katahdin

"Esther came down with something when we were in Greece and I fear she is still recovering from that," Blaise said rather quickly in response to Miriam's question. He supposed it wasn't really a lie if you considered pregnancy as 'coming down with something'. Blaise glanced over at Esther, a bit of a frown on his face before turning his head and looking back at his parents. Arielle now had an eyebrow raise, easily being able to detect that her son was full of shit.

Chris, Blaise's father, also narrowed his eyes a bit before leaning forward on the table. "What did Esther come down with exactly?" He asked, also not buying the story.

Blaise started to rub the back of his neck before he glanced over at Esther for help. He had no idea what to say but at the same time, Blaise didn't want to reveal the truth until Esther was ready to tell everyone.