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"Hello sunshine~ And dear little dew drop of sunlight~!"
Solaire jauntily greeted his tired, and rather pregnant lover Lautrec, who wore an oversized shirt that barely did any good in hiding his pregnancy.
Lautrec sighs as Solaire gently walks up to him and places a kiss on his cheek, before getting on his knees and kissing the baby bump as if he were kissing the slumbering babe inside.
Lautrec uncrosses his arms and rolls his eyes as a small smile makes it's way onto his lips. One hand goes over Solaire's, which splayed over the bump. His hand radiated a loving warmth against Lautrec's clothed, stretched skin.
Solaire's smile widened as he felt Lautrec's hands, one over his, the other resting on the side of his head, where his blond hair is pulled back and up into a ponytail.
"Good morning, my love."
He absolutely beams as Lautrec says this. Solaire's ocean blue eyes dilate before he speaks.
"You look sleepy dear, did you rest okay?"
Lautrec sighs again, but this time it's much softer, more tired.
"No matter how much i sleep, I'm still tired.. Our little sunflower also doesn't help that much.."
Solaire makes a sad pouty face and rubs the baby bump with both hands.
"Ooh darling.. Honey bun, sweetest piece of pie! Im so sorry our precious sun beam is a little buggar- Im sure she'll be an angel when she arrives!"
Lautrec laughs and scritches behind Solaire's ear.
"Oh yes, she will won't she?.."
God, he loved how Solaire just radiated this contagious happiness. This was it, who and what he will do for the rest of Lordran's existence. Love and raise this little family he's found himself in.
He wouldn't give anything to change what he has now.
"I can just see her now! She has your gorgeous features, and your sharp intuition.."
"She'll probably end up looking like you.."
Lautrec says sweetly, knowing they both want a baby thats like Solaire. His lover laughs, a sound that brings nothing but joy to Lautrec.
"Ahaha~ I hope she looks like the perfect balance of both of us.."
Solaire hums, coming back to stand, both of his hands are on Lautrec's baby bump, thumbs softly caressing back and fourth along the taut skin lovingly.
He leans in to smooch Lautrec gently, his lips warm and soft on his lovers cold and firm ones. Immidietly Lautrec melts into Solaire, his arms wrap around Solaire's neck, pulling him close.
"Mmh.."
His hands knead into Solaire's back, and the Astora knight hums happily. Against one of his hands, a small kick bumps against his palm, and he can't help but to smile furthermore into the kiss.
When they part, Solaire rests his forehead against Lautrec's, eyes closed and a pure beaming smile.
"I love you so-so much.. I can't imagine my world without you, my dear."
Solaire says with a sweet, loving hum.
"I never knew i needed someone like you to come into my life.. I didn't think i would end up like this, but im not complaining.."
Solaire laughs softly, one hand coming up and cupping Lautrec's cheek, thumb caressing across his lovers cheek. Lautrec can't help the smile that came onto his lips, as Solaire lights up like the sun at dawn.
"Im happy that your happy.. At least i do that much for you."
Lautrec snorts at him and rolls his eyes.
"You dare undermine yourself? Hogwash.. You've done so much for me, give yourself more credit than that my love.. Without you, I'd still be locked away, probably rotting in some other dungeon.."
Solaire sighs with a smile.
"I suppose your right-.. I should give myself more credit than i do."
Lautrec kisses Solaire and means it. His thumb caresses Solaire's cheek, mimicking his lover's action earlier. His other arm was still wrapped around Solaire's neck, holding him as his lover would hold him.
Solaire happily melds back together with Lautrec, his own arms wrapping around Lautrec's rounded waist, hands meeting on his lower back. Despite being so pregnant already, Lautrec was still thin.
Solaire's warm hands cause Lautrec to arch- something discovered when they explored eachother's bodies at the beginning of this silly little relationship. It's blossomed into more than just that.
Solaire felt Lautrec's baby bump press closer, and he can't help but hum in joy. His hands travel up and down Lautrec's back, soothing the aches he knows Lautrec has now. Thanks to the sweet little thing slumbering within Lautrec.
How did it ever come to this point? Well, love works in mysterious ways. Things never stay the same anymore, if they ever did. Sure, everything can feel the same, but it will never be exact.
Solaire shows anyone he meets kindness, for the world has gone dark. He's a mere shred of light deep within the abyss, but he doesn't think of it like that. Everyone deserves kindness. He doesn't need to judge anyone, it's not his place.
He loves to love, and lives to love. Lautrec never met anyone like that. Carim was a cold place, it's people barely smiled. Lautrec, barely smiles. But around Solaire, he's put into a sense of ease, not having to be so distant.
It was awkward between them at first, despite Lautrec clearly wanting to be on good terms with someone for once, he hadn't known a greater kindness. Solaire paced himself, not pushing any sort of boundaries and letting Lautrec adjust to him as he pleased, as fast or slow as he wanted.
Solaire was the best thing to ever happen to Lautrec. Other than Fina, of course. But still.. This romance distracted him and set him on a whole new adventure he never thought he would get.
When he finally got around to telling Solaire that he was pregnant, the Astorian didn't react how he thought he would.
He went silent, completely stopped. Lautrec couldn't have read him wrong- He was shocked. And then, Solaire hugged him, weeping. Lautrec, certainly confused, got his answer as Solaire spoke.
'Oh heaven's- it's all my fault! Im so sorry i forced this upon you! I should've been more careful-'
Lautrec reassured Solaire that this was on the both of them really, as he didn't know it could happen either.
'You forced nothing, you fool..'
While yes, he was upset that this happened, he didn't plan on having children- ever. It just sorta happened beyond either of their control. Was this some sort of fucked up blessing Fina bestowed upon Lautrec? He'll never know the true answer.
As he seen it- the only option was to move forward. What other option was there?
Lautrec didn't like having to deal with the 'joys' of pregnancy every day now for Gwyn knows how long, but with Solaire by his side every step of the way, it didn't feel that daunting.
Though.. It wasn't always smooth sailing like it was now.
As Lautrec's body began to show changes, he discovered how unnerved about this whole pregnancy thing he really was. Something was growing inside him, protected by the muscle of his abdomen, just under the skin.
It.. Freaked him out. He began having nightmares, losing sleep, finding himself unable to eat. Lautrec didn't have such a fear before, but that's because he never went through it or has been around anyone pregnant to begin with.
Solaire felt terrible during this time, and tried his best to comfort Lautrec. Lautrec became avoidant, and anxious. A complete 180 of who he was.
'I can't fully understand what your going through- but my love, my sweetest darling dear, im here for you and whatever i can do, i will do it..'
They talked for hours about it. Lautrec revealed his bottled up insecurities and worries, and Solaire listened to him. Lautrec didn't have the happiest upbringing, it made him who he is now.
He wasn't as vile and selfish as he was, but he still wasn't that great of a person. Solaire regardless thought of him to the highest degree, even when the rest of the world deemed him scum, the lowest of the low. Hunter of firekeepers, snuffer of flame.
Solaire didn't see him for that. He seen him as a person, an equal. That he was worth more than just a Knight of Carim. He didn't get genuine human connection when he needed it most- when he craved it.
When he didn't need it, didn't crave it, he was shown it and wanted nothing more. His bloodlust simmered down for instead, the attention of another. Solaire doesn't know his past- and he never will. Lautrec will take that information to the grave with him.
He can't imagine how Solaire would react to him- a murderer- being his lover, mother to the child he carries within himself. But even then, despite that, Solaire might just love him all the same.
But not in this life. Not in this dream.
How did Solaire help him be so comfortable? Well, he revealed to Lautrec that he was apart of a *very* big family before the world fell to shambles. He seen many of his cousins and baby siblings be born, he helped with the birth of his neices and nephews. He was used to a big, supportive family.
It all changed, since then. Solaire journeyed far and wide, jolly co-operating along the way. The sun became his family.. It was all he had left of them. He was meant for family, but he wasn't going to push that ideal onto Lautrec.
He reveals while yes, he wanted to talk about the possibility of children, he figured Lautrec just wasn't the type to want that. Solaire respected his assumption and never figured to ask. He didn't want to make Lautrec think that was all he wanted.
Lautrec was.. Surprised at how considerate Solaire really was. He was going as far as blaming himself for Lautrec's accidental pregnancy! No one has ever tried to blame themselves instead of him.
How was Lautrec to overcome his fear? Learn. Solaire seemed knowledgeable, and as surprising as it was to Lautrec he had such a vast knowledge of pregnancy-so on so fourth, Solaire never talked about it. How was he to know that the gallant Knight of the sun knew so much?
Solaire answered all of Lautrec's questions, hoping to bring some sort of ease to him, or giving him a more positive outlook. And then came the question.
'What do you think the baby will be?..'
'What do i think?.. Well, the wives tales say that certain tells determine what a babe may be- Not nay saying or what not, but i believe that the baby can be the opposite of those tells-'
'Answer the question...'
'Ahah-.. Yes.. Well;' Solaire began, rubbing the back of his head while the other hand held Lautrec's. 'I'd love nothing more than a baby girl-.. A daughter to raise and love. Not that i would be opposed to a son or love him any less! But a daughter.. I've always dreamed of being a father to a darling little girl.'
Lautrec was.. Touched by what Solaire has said. He took Solaire's hands and held them, and held them lovingly, albeit a little shakey.
'Then i too hope for a girl..'
Again, Lautrec has never thought about having children- even being near them made him gag and want to punt one of them. Viewed them as little bastards, crotch goblins the lot of 'em. But.. He can come to terms with his own.
The look on Solaire's face was priceless.
'R-.. Really?'
After Lautrec revealed his thoughts on children and their ilk, Solaire figured Lautrec may not want to think about any of that, referring to the baby as a 'it' and nothing more than a parasite. Probably being uninvolved.
Lautrec isn't smiling, but he has an honest look in his eyes. He nods his head.
'Never have i thought about a family. Being in one again, raising one.. It just wasn't what i wanted. But times are different anymore.. You've opened my eyes to a whole new world- it's brighter with you in it.. If i came to accept you and your love, i can accept our child and.. Her existance.'
Solaire embraced Lautrec and admittedly cried a little.
From then on, it's been nothing but love, support, and understanding. Lautrec has his bad days, and if he needs distance, Solaire will give it to him. If he needs a shoulder to cry on, he won't be judged. He will be loved and cared about no matter what..
Lautrec felt loved, because he is. He tries to reciprocate the love as good as he can, but sometimes he doesn't want to be touched, or can't stand to say such things. And Solaire understands him.
The only person in this damnable world that will completely get him, and respect he has boundaries he can't go past.
Solaire is there for whatever he needed, like no one else ever has. If Lautrec wanted to stay in bed cuddled up, Solaire would gladly lay there with him, keep him company, or get up occasionally to get whatever it is Lautrec wanted.
He makes Lautrec feel wanted, and cherished. Every moment he spent with Solaire was more memorable than any other in his life.
And with a baby on the way, nearing ever closer to arrival, he needs Solaire to reassure and comfort him. Solaire knows how to deliver, that's no problem. But Lautrec is.. Scared of giving birth.
He's grown to love the more often than not movement from within, though he's still a little weirded out. But, the love is still there.
When he thinks Solaire isn't looking, or isn't in the room, he plays with the baby and speaks to his expanded stomach. Talking about how its so strange he ended up like this, him, of all people.
A blessing, this must be.
In this moment, there is nowhere else Lautrec wants to be. Solaire's arms around him, his own on Solaire's back and neck, kneading into where his spine becomes his neck.
When they pull back again, they go back to resting foreheads against eachother.
"I love you like I've loved no other, Solaire of Astora.. Im very lucky."
Solaire is smiling so much, by now Lautrec thinks his face is just stuck like that.
"Im lucky too, you know. Without you, there wouldn't be us. There wouldn't be her, either.."
One of Solaire's arms unravels from around Lautrec, to poke his belly. The occupant inside seems to be a little upset that she's squished between them all the sudden.
"Mmh.. Yes, our dear little trouble maker who hasn't been born yet.. I can't wait to be asleep, and wake up to the both of you screaming over something.."
Solaire laughs, just as jolly as ever.
"Hahaha~! Oh my, i can't predict the future but, don't hold my word to it.."
Lautrec laughs, too. Solaire's hand spreads out over Lautrec's baby bump, and Lautrec's hand goes over his. A shiny golden ring on either of their hands, glimmering in the sweet morning light.
Solaire paid a good amount for these custom rings. Solaire wore a silver band with a golden sun, while Lautrec wore a golden band with a silver moon. A testament to eachother.
Solaire was warm and bright, always sunny and merry. Lautrec was cold and dim, usually bathed in moonlight, it's chilly embrace wrapped around him like Fina's arms.
They couldn't be any more different, and yet they fit perfectly together, as if meant for each other. This doesn't mean they don't argue, (moreso Lautrec yelling, Solaire trying not to be upset) but it is rare. Solaire only yells out of the joy of victory and Jolly cooperation.
Lautrec yells for very few reasons, but if it happens to be the wrong mix of emotions and a bad day, he will have an outburst. He's not prone to waking up and immidietly exploding, it takes time to build up to that point for him.
There are days though, where the previous frustrations from yesterday have not left him. Those are the days where Solaire makes him some hot soup and tea, offers his ear or a massage, anything he can to make Lautrec feel better.
Solaire was a mystery to him oh so long ago, but over the years, his views grew on Lautrec. He doesn't worship the sun or anything, but he will praise it with Solaire.
The world isn't as dark as he was raised to think. It's much more colorful than ever before, he looks forward to a new day with Solaire. Waking up beside him was a blessing in of itself, and there is nowhere else he would rather be.
Spending sleepy mornings with Solaire, wide awake, telling stories of his life in Astora, or of his travel before Lordran. Lautrec need not tell his own stories, but he was always more than welcome to.
Lautrec hums back at Solaire and boops his lover.
"If she's anything like me, she will manipulate you by being so cute.. She'll eat all the cookies in the jar and be the sweetest little thing she can be."
Solaire chuckles and nuzzles Lautrec's hand with his nose.
"She'll have me wrapped around her tiny little hands just as you have me wrapped around yours.."
Lautrec hugs Solaire again, and nuzzles his face into the crook of his lover's neck.
"Damn right i do."
Solaire starts giggling when Lautrec starts leaving butterfly soft kisses along his neck, up to his jaw, and ear. Lautrec nips at his earlobe and playfully tugs.
"Ah! Haha~!"
"I could go for some of that Jolly co-operation your always talking about~.."
Solaire flushes pink and before he can say anything, Lautrec's stomach growls.
"Oh-"
Lautrec is embarrassed that his attempt at being flirty was thwarted by his own stomach. Solaire laughs that joyous laugh of his and rubs Lautrec's baby bump affectionately.
"How about we get you some breakfast, and *then* we do some Jolly co-operation?"
Solaire suggests with his handsome smile and that twinkle in his eye. Lautrec caresses his cheek and smiles back.
"Sounds like a plan.."