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Chapter Text

Farah answered her phone distractedly as she entered her office. “Headmistress Dowling,” She all but barked into the receiver and heard a snort on the other end of the line. She furrowed her brows, ready to chew out whoever had called her just to interrupt, when the caller finally spoke.  

“Didn’t check the caller ID, huh, mama?” Her son’s voice teased over the line. Farah sighed and sank into her office chair. 

“Sorry, darling, it’s been a long day,” She told the boy... young man now she supposed as he was freshly 21 and had been away at university for a few years now. 

“I figured,” Nicolas told her, “I tried Dad because I figured you’d be busy, but he didn’t answer?” 

“He’s got his hands full with the first-years this term,” She explained, “A few of them decided to hold their own ‘jousting’ competition a few days ago and he’s still punishing them for it,” She told him. “Why? What’s wrong?” 

“Nothing’s wrong,” Nicolas assured her quickly, knowing how she could worry. “I have a long weekend coming up and thought I’d come home for a few days if that’s cool?” He asked her. 

“I’d love that, darling,” Farah said warmly, it had been months since she’d laid eyes on her son in person. “This weekend?” She asked him. 

“Next weekend,” Nicolas clarified. “I’ll come in Thursday afternoon and leave late Monday. Will that work?” 

“Of course, Nicky,” She heard him groan and smirked as she rolled her eyes. He swore he was too old for that nickname now, “Sorry, old habits die hard,” She apologized. 

“It’s fine,” He grumbled and Farah laughed in response. She looked up when a small knock came at her office door and a tiny head of red hair poked in. The headmistress smiled at the fire fairy and beckoned her in, signaling that she’d be done in a moment. “I gotta get ready for class. I’ll talk to you later!” Nicolas said before hanging up abruptly. Farah stared at the phone in her hand for a moment, he hadn’t changed a bit. 

“Hey, sweet girl,” She greeted Bloom as she stood and moved toward the small table where Bloom had already taken a seat and gotten out her materials from the day. Bright blue eyes met hers and she was blessed with an adorable little smile. 

“Hi, Ms. Dowling,” She beamed up at the woman. Farah had taken the young changeling under her wing when she’d arrived. She knew that Bloom would likely struggle with the coursework, having not been raised here in the Other World with her peers. They met in her office several times a week in an effort to “play catch up” with the girl’s education gaps. So far, Bloom was keeping up as well as the rest of the first-year students were. 

“Alright, let’s see what we have today,” She murmured as she took a seat across from Bloom and pulled the girl’s work toward her, “Hmm fairy history, okay.” 

0~0~0 

Bloom’s legs swung freely back and forth as she sat at the table in Ms. Dowling’s office during their next study session. The woman had been sitting next to her, explaining a pivotal point in history, when her phone rang. She’d apologized, smoothing a hand over Bloom’s hair briefly, as she stood and made her way to her desk. 

Bloom instead pulled out her potion calculations work, she liked them best as it was very similar to First World math, which she excelled at. She shifted up onto her knees so she could lean on her elbows and better see the work as her headmistress answered her call. 

“Hello, darling,” The woman greeted warmly. 

“Change of plans,” Nicolas said in lieu of a greeting. “My classes for Thursday were canceled. Would it be cool if I came on Wednesday instead?” 

“Of course that would be fine, Nicky,” She told him. 

“Mamaaaa,” He whined playfully through the phone and she huffed her annoyance at him. 

“Nicolas, you’re going to have to get over it,” She teased him and heard his chuckle. “Wednesday afternoon then? Not Thursday?” 

“Yeah, mama. Just wanted to make sure. Gotta go! Love you, bye!” He hung up and Farah shook her head, pocketing her phone and joining Bloom once more. 

“I see you moved onto more interesting topics,” The woman commented, teasing tone to her voice. Bloom grinned at her. 

“I like math,” She shrugged. The girl pursed her lips to the side and Farah raised her eyebrows in question. “Ms. Dowling?” She asked softly. 

“Yes, sweet girl?” She answered. She couldn’t help it; the tiny fire fairy had quickly become her favorite. She couldn’t explain it, but she couldn’t deny it either. 

“Do you have a son?” She asked simply. 

Farah blinked and then let out a soft laugh. “I do,” She nodded, “Smart girl,” She tapped Bloom on the end of her nose. “He’s grown now, but he didn’t want anyone to know he was the headmistress’s son when he was a student here, so not many people know still.”  

Farah contemplated it for a moment before opening her phone and showing the girl a photo of Nicolas. Bloom bit her lip. “He looks like Mr. Silva,” She observed quietly. 

Farah let out a shocked laugh and then shot the girl a playful glare, “Okay, you’re much too smart for your own good,” She whispered, “Our secret, okay?”  

“Okay,” Bloom nodded dutifully, “But why?” She asked curiously, her little eyebrows furrowed in confusion. 

“Because the people who must know, already know. The people who don’t have to know,” She paused, “Complicate things,” She said simply. 

“Oh,” Bloom shrugged after a moment, “Okay.” 

And that was that. 

Chapter Text

Nicolas pushed the door to his mother’s office open and stepped inside, “Mama, I-,” He stopped when he looked up to see that his mother wasn’t there, but that a tiny redhead was and was looking back at him with wide blue eyes. “Oh, sorry,” He apologized immediately. 

She shrugged and shifted on her knees. He took note of just how tiny the girl was, having to sit up on her knees and lean over the work table to easily see her work. “It’s okay. She got called away,” She told him quietly, “A third year flooded the girl’s bathroom in the specialists building because her boyfriend broke up with her.” 

Nicolas stared for a moment before letting out a laugh, “Sounds about right,” He stepped closer to her and glanced down, “You in trouble, Squirt?” He asked and Bloom scrunched her nose up. 

“No,” She shook her head, “Ms. Dowling helps me with the coursework a few times a week,” She informed him. He raised his eyebrows and she sighed, “I was raised in the First World. I’m a changeling,” She shrugged, “There’s a lot of stuff I don’t know that everyone else does just because they were raised here.” 

“Oh,” He sighed, “What are you working on?” He asked her curiously. 

“Herbology,” She told him after a beat. 

“Well,” He took a seat a few spaces from her, not wanting to crowd her, “I am an earth fairy if you want the help?” He offered. 

He watched the girl’s eyes, eyes that felt so familiar to him, study his face for a moment before she gave a shy smile and nodded, pushing her textbook toward him as she shifted too. “I’m Bloom,” She told him. 

“Nicolas,” He replied. 

“I know,” Bloom said matter-of-factly, “Ms. Dowling told me. She said I couldn’t tell anyone though... I haven’t,” She added on quickly. 

Nicolas laughed and shook his head, “Thanks for keeping my secret then, Squirt. Let’s see this work.” 

0~0~0 

When Farah reentered her office, she stopped in her tracks at the sound of Bloom’s giggle paired with her son’s full laugh. They were both leaning over her books at the table and it was clear that they were both comfortable as well.  

“What’s so funny?” She asked playfully as she stepped into the room and closed the door behind her. Bloom’s wide eyes found hers as Nicolas just shook his head. 

“Nothing,” He covered easily, shooting Bloom a secretive smirk that had the girl stifling another giggle. “I was just helping Squirt with her Herbology assignment,” He said as he stood and approached his mother, kissing her on the cheek as he did. 

Farah furrowed her eyebrows just a bit, glancing between the two of them before shaking her head just a bit, “And was he any help, Bloom?” She asked the girl. 

“Loads,” Bloom nodded, “I’m finished, actually,” She told the woman as she started closing her books and packing them away. 

“I’m gonna go find Dad. I’ll catch you later,” He told his mother before turning back to Bloom, “Bye, Squirt,” He said. 

“It’s Bloom,” She mumbled, shooting him a glare, but Nicolas just laughed as he left the office. Farah made her way to Bloom’s side as she finished packing her books and pens away. 

“Did you get everything you needed, sweet girl?” She asked, smoothing a hand over wavy red hair as Bloom looked up at her. 

The girl nodded, a smile spreading over her lips, “I did. Thanks, Ms. Dowling,” She said as she hugged the woman tightly on impulse. Farah paused for a moment before a smile spread over her own lips and she hugged the girl back just as tightly. When Bloom pulled back, a faint blush painted her cheeks, as if she hadn’t really thought that through. 

“Same time tomorrow, Bloom?” She asked her gently. 

“No, Ms. Dowling, you should spend some time with your son,” She told her as she shook her head. 

Farah let out a soft laugh, “Trust me, Nicolas will be holed up in that greenhouse for hours tomorrow with Mr. Harvey as he hasn’t seen him in months. You have an exam on Friday, right? Don’t you want to go over everything tomorrow then?” 

Bloom thought about it for a moment before nodding, “Yes, please,” She whispered. 

Farah tapped her on the end of the nose. “I’ll see you tomorrow then,” She said gently, “Have a good evening.” 

“You too!” 

0~0~0 

Bloom’s study session with Farah paid off and she aced her exam. That evening found her comfortably curled up in the corner of a library couch with a book open on her legs. She failed to notice that anyone else had gotten near until a voice startled her. 

“Hey, Squirt,” Bloom jumped slightly and looked up to see Nicolas standing a few feet from her, book in hand. 

“Hi,” She smiled up at him. She cocked her head to the side, “Shouldn’t you be spending time with your parents or something?” She asked hesitantly. 

“Probably,” Nicolas shrugged, “But it’s date night. I made them dinner and insisted they eat without me,” He paused, “Can you keep a secret?” He asked her. Bloom nodded eagerly. “I just wanted some quiet time in the library. The library at the university is fine, but there are always so many people.” Bloom giggled, “Mind if I join you?” 

“No,” She shook her head and Nicolas took a seat on the other end of the couch, “But if you wanted alone time in the library, don’t you wanna sit somewhere else?” 

“Nah, Squirt, I’m good here.” 

Chapter Text

Nicolas ended up staying an extra day as his Monday class had been canceled. On Tuesday morning, he found his mother in her office before she’d left for her classes for the day. “Hey, darling,” She greeted him as he entered her office. 

He hesitated and she narrowed in on him. He shifted his weight between his feet and let out a sigh, “Mama,” He paused and Farah’s face hardened. 

“Nicolas, don’t start this nonsense again,” She said, sensing what he was about to say as he was thinking so hard about it.  

“It’s not nonsense! I know what I remember,” He fired back at her. They’d had this same argument so many times. 

“Nicolas Bennett, for the love of all the Gods, I would know if I’d had a second child,” She told him, her tone harsh. 

“Would you?” He bit back, “Then run the damn gold test and shut me up, mama,” He challenged. 

“I won’t,” She told him, shaking her head, “You need to let this delusion go. Because that’s all it is; a delusion.” 

“Are you sure?” He asked her, so seriously that Farah took a pause, “Because I know it’s a fact now.” 

“What are you talking about?” 

“I ran the test,” He told her. 

Farah’s blood ran cold. “You did what?” She whispered shakily. 

“I ran the gold test. She left her scrunchie in here yesterday so I ran it,” He produced a vial from behind his back. Farah’s eyes landed on the brightly glowing potion in his hand and her head swam. 

“Nicky,” She whispered as she leaned back against her desk, “You didn’t.” 

“And then I was so confused,” He shook his head, “So I ran a second one, her hair against yours.” 

“Where did you get my hair?” She asked in confusion, her eyes never leaving the vial in his hand. 

“Your hairbrush,” He said simply and then produced a second vial, glowing even more brightly. Farah felt like she might be sick. “I hate to say ‘I told you so’,” He started. 

“Not now, Nicky. I might be sick,” She mumbled through the blood roaring in her ears. “How?” She finally asked. 

“She has my eyes, mama,” He told her as he moved closer, sitting the two vials in front of her, “She has dad’s nose and your smile,” He pointed out, “She has Gramma’s hair,” He shook his head, “And I felt the same pull to her that I feel to you and dad,” He finished. “I knew the moment I walked in here on Wednesday.” 

“You knew the whole time?” Farah whispered brokenly after a moment of silence, her tears finally streaming down her face. “How the hell is this even possible?” 

“That I don’t know,” Nicolas shrugged, “Though, I’d wager to bet that we both know someone who could be behind this,” He pointed out. Farah’s eyes found his then and she let out a shaky breath as she nodded. He stood and started toward the door. 

“Where are you going?” She asked him. 

“To hug my sister,” He said as he spun and faced her once more. 

“Nicolas, don’t-,” He cut her off. 

“I won’t tell her, mama,” He said and shook his head, “I’ll let you and Dad tell her, but I’m not leaving without seeing her again after dreaming about the baby that didn’t exist for the last eight years.” 

0~0~0 

Farah had simply texted Saul an SOS text and the man had been in her office in moments. She’d told him everything that Nicolas had just told her. He held her through it all as she sobbed against him and her voice broke around each and every sentence. His own tears had started streaming down his cheeks at one point and he couldn’t control them by the end of her story. 

“Farah, love,” He shook his head, “How?” 

“I don’t know,” She whispered, shaking her head and swallowing hard, “But I’m going to find out.” She looked up into his eyes and felt more tears fall down her cheeks, “Saul, we had a baby girl,” She whispered brokenly. 

Chapter Text

Farah had found Ben, she’d explained everything she knew, she’d presented him with the two vials, and he’d helped her mix a potion. She and Saul had both downed it and their worst fears had been confirmed. Bloom was their daughter. She’d been taken from them and hidden in the First World by Rosalind.  

Their memories had been wiped, but she hadn’t bothered with Nicolas, figuring no one would believe him anyway. Gods, Farah hated that she’d been right. She’d made her son feel like he was crazy for eight years now. That realization had her crying again. 

About half an hour after that, Farah sent her son a text. 

Farah: Where are you? 

Nicky: We’re in the library. 

She swallowed hard, told Saul where the two of them were, and held her hand out to him. He clasped it easily in his larger hand and they set out in the direction of their children. 

Saul’s breath was nearly stolen as they rounded the corner of the young reader’s section of the library and found Nicolas sitting on the floor with his back to the couch and Bloom sitting right next to him, leaning comfortably into his side. She had a book open in her lap, but she was more engrossed in telling the young man about it than reading it. 

Farah cleared her throat and both, identical, sets of blue eyes met hers. “Do you mind if we interrupt?” She asked softly and Bloom looked over at Nicolas with wide eyes before shrugging in confusion. 

“Sure,” Nicolas answered then. He watched as both his mother and his father took a seat across from them on the floor, nearly mirroring the two of them. He met his mother’s eyes and fixed her with a steely look. 

“I’m sorry, Nicolas,” She whispered, her tone heartfelt. 

Bloom furrowed her eyebrows and glanced between the two of them, thoroughly confused by now. “I know,” He said simply, “And after how hard I assume this conversation is about to be, I guess I’ll forgive you.” 

Farah sighed and shifted closer to Saul. It was silent for several moments and Bloom shifted uncomfortably, “Should I go?” She asked hesitantly.  

Saul let out a soft laugh and shook his head, “No,” He said gently, “We’d like you to stay,” He assured her. Bloom nodded unsurely after a moment but settled once more. 

“Bloom,” Farah finally said after several more moments, “Do you know what a gold test is?” She asked. The girl paused for a moment before nodding, “Good, we’ll circle back around to that, okay?” She asked gently and the girl gave another nod. “Nicolas used to have this recurring dream and memory,” She started, “He, umm,” She paused and swallowed hard, having a difficult time keeping it together. 

“He swore that we had another child,” Saul finished for her. Bloom’s eyes widened and she nodded after a beat, “We, of course, assumed it to all be make-believe... just some dream that felt too real to him,” He continued. “We were proven wrong today.” 

The silence hung between the four of them and Bloom finally spoke, “So you have another kid?” She asked after several minutes. 

“We do,” Farah whispered, she took a breath, “Nicolas recognized that child for who they were the moment they met. And we should have believed him before today,” She said, “He ran a gold test,” She sat a small vial between them, “And then another,” She continued and produced another vial to join the first. Bloom watched on with rapt attention. “Bloom,” She said and then paused. 

But Nicolas knew Bloom understood then as she stiffened beside him and shook her head. “Woah, Squirt, hold on,” He said gently, trying to calm her. 

“No,” The girl said through the tears that were threatening to fall, “Don’t say it,” She whispered. 

“Bloom,” Saul said then, his voice gruff as if he was holding back his own tears. 

Bloom turned, looking up into her brother’s eyes in question, “Nicky?” She asked and Nicolas didn’t even mind the nickname then, for the first time in years. He just nodded. 

“Yeah, Squirt,” He nodded, “You’re ours.” 

0~0~0 

Bloom hadn’t said another word except to excuse herself and run from the library. They’d stared after her, Farah’s tears falling rapidly down her cheeks as Saul and Nicolas didn’t fare much better. “Gods, what have we done?” She whispered as she buried her face in her hands. Saul simply wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. “I’m so sorry, darling,” She said once more to her son. 

“I know, mama, I know,” Nicolas whispered, reaching out and letting her grab his hand in her own. 

“You don’t think she’ll go far, do you?” Saul asked after a moment. 

“She doesn’t know anything other than Alfea and I linked her magic to mine several months ago when she proved she was strong enough to open a portal on her own. We’ll know if she tries to leave,” Farah explained. She shook her head, “What do we do now, Saul?” 

“We give her time, we give her space, we let her settle, and we love her through it, Farah. She’s not going anywhere again, my love. I promise you we won’t lose her again,” He vowed. 

“What if she doesn’t want us?” She whispered brokenly and it was Nicolas’s laugh that cut through. Both of his parents’ eyes landed on him in question. 

“Mama, she adores you,” He told her, squeezing her hand gently, “And, dad, you’re like the coolest person she’s ever met... next to me, of course,” He teased and Saul swallowed hard, “She’ll come around. But this is a lot. She’s eight. She’s not an adult. She doesn’t know how to process this.” 

“I guess you studying psychology along with Herbology helped, huh?” Saul joked lightly. Nicolas just nodded. 

“I need to go,” He whispered after several moments. “I have an evening class and I need to leave soon to make it. When she does speak to you, let her know I’m around for her, okay?” 

“We will,” Farah nodded, the two of them following their son’s lead and standing as well. He left the library but pulled his phone out and pulled up his new contact anyway, having given the girl his number in case she ever needed anything. He hadn’t been expecting this conversation to happen so quickly. 

Nicolas: I’m sorry, Squirt. I didn’t know that was going to happen. But I’m glad you’re my sister, Bloom. And I hope you’ll still talk to me. 

He was nearly all the way back to university, all four hours of the drive, when he got a text back. 

Bloom: I’m glad you’re my brother Nicky 

Chapter Text

Farah didn’t see Bloom outside of class again that entire week. The girl slipped into her seat, took diligent notes, and listened closely, then slipped out of the room the moment class was dismissed. 

Saul experienced about the same. Bloom came to lessons, did as she was instructed, kept her head down, and left as soon as they were dismissed from the session. 

She didn’t show up for their normal study sessions during the week after classes and Farah’s heart ached. She should have known. Nicolas had said he’d felt the same familial pull toward the girl. Farah couldn’t lie and say she hadn’t felt it. But she’d assumed that being a mind fairy just made her fondness and love for her favorite student feel stronger than normal. Gods, how wrong she’d been. 

Bloom had been struggling though. Both with her emotions about everything, but also with some of her lessons. The study sessions with Farah... with her mother ... every week truly did help to fill in the gaps in her knowledge. And knowing now that she wasn’t a changeling because her family had given her away because they didn’t want her really changed things for her. Knowing that the woman who she’d come to adore and the man who she truly looked up to in all ways were her parents made things so real to her. 

Nicolas being her brother? That was the easiest for her to accept. She had parents at home. Sure, they didn’t always see eye-to-eye on everything, but she loved them and they loved her. But she’d never had a sibling before. She’d always wished she’d had a brother or sister, and Nicolas was the perfect older brother that she’d always wanted. 

She’d texted him a question earlier and he’d finally answered her now that his class was over. 

Nicky: Sorry, Squirt, history was never my strongest subject. Mama will help you, Bloom. Just ask her. 

Bloom bit her lip and stared at her phone as she sighed. 

Bloom: But I ignored her all week. I feel bad 

Nicky: She’s not gonna care. I bet you she’d just be excited that you talked to her, no matter what it was. 

Bloom: Are you sure? 

Nicky: Positive, Squirt. You can blame me if she doesn’t. That’s how sure I am. 

Bloom sighed and bit her bottom lip. 

Bloom: Okay. 

She stood, packed her things back into her bag where she’d been working at a table in the library, and made her way across campus to the headmistress’s office. She knocked lightly and heard the woman call out an “Enter!”. Bloom took a breath and pushed the door open, stepping into the office. 

Farah’s heart stilled in her chest as she laid eyes on her daughter. The girl’s gaze was focused solely on her feet and she fidgeted in place. “What is it, sweet girl?” She asked after a beat. She watched as Bloom took a breath before looking up and meeting her eyes for the first time since the four of them had sat together in that library and turned her world upside down. 

“Will you help me with today’s assignment?” She asked softly. 

Farah smiled softly. It was a start. She’d take any time with the redhead that she could get. “Of course,” She nodded and gestured to their normal work table. Bloom took her usual seat and shifted uncomfortably before she retrieved her notebook and textbook from her bag. 

Farah took her seat next to Bloom and could feel the nerves radiating from her. She hesitated before nodding to herself. “Bloom?” She asked gently. The girl looked at her after a beat and she softened, “This doesn’t have to be strange, darling. No one is going to push you. Nothing has to change. Whatever you want, at whatever pace you want, is how this is going to go. You don’t have to be nervous, sweet girl.” 

Bloom’s eyes found the table before she sighed, “Promise?” She asked unsurely. 

“I promise you, Bloom,” Farah nodded. 

The girl thought for a moment before a small smile started on her lips. “Okay.” 

Together, they worked through everything she had questions about until she fully understood everything she needed to understand. She was much more comfortable by the end of the study session and things felt more like they had before she’d known who they were to her. 

When it was time for her to leave, she packed her things away and smiled up at Farah, “Thank you.” 

“You’re very welcome, sweet girl. Thank you for coming,” She tapped her on the end of the nose. 

Bloom giggled, “You can thank Nicky,” She told her as she left. 

Farah furrowed her eyebrows but a smile spread over her lips as she lifted her phone and called her son. 

“Mama?” He answered, confused as she normally didn’t call him in the middle of the day. 

“Thank you, darling.” 

Chapter Text

About a week later, Bloom found herself in a training session led by specialist trainers. She had basic strength training and self-defense twice a week, along with all of the other first-year fairies. Mr. Silva was always present, even if he didn’t lead the class. 

She had been attending her regular study sessions with Farah again and found that things were just as easy as they’d always been. Farah was still the same warm, kind woman she’d come to love and Bloom did love her. She could tell that there were times the woman wanted to hug her, but Bloom just wasn’t sure she was ready for a second set of parents yet. 

Today was the first day that they were training with real weapons. So far, they’d had plastic or even wooden swords and daggers. Today, they’d been trusted with small knives after demonstrating that they knew the basic safety maneuvers.  

They’d been paired up randomly and were at stop-and-start intervals for certain moves. So far, Bloom was having a great time and everything had gone well. That changed quickly. 

“Stop!” Came the call. Bloom stopped, as she was supposed to. Her partner did not. 

The girl hissed as she brought a hand up to her face and she spun to put her back to the rest of the class and Mr. Silva. “Clear it!” Came the loud command and Bloom knew that the rest of the students had been moved to the edges of the mats so that the instructors could come inspect her. 

She opened one eye as someone knelt in front of her and saw that Saul was now eye-level with her, reaching up and gently grasping her hand, “Let me see, baby,” He whispered gently. Bloom’s chin wobbled but she removed her hand.  

Saul cursed softly at the sight of the relatively deep gash just above her eyebrow that was now pouring blood down her face. He pressed the gauze he had on hand to the cut, instructed her to hold it tight, and stood to speak with his other instructor. After a few moments, he knelt back down in front of Bloom who was trying valiantly not to cry, “Can I lift you, sweetheart?”  

Bloom swallowed but nodded. It wasn’t that uncommon for instructors to carry first-years if they were sick or injured, and she knew that her father was probably about to come unglued seeing her bleeding and upset. She knew enough about Other World familial bonds to understand that. 

Saul lifted her into his arms and she laid her head down on his shoulder as she accepted the comfort she wanted so desperately. Once they’d left the training arena, Saul impulsively pressed a kiss to the side of her head, “I’m sorry, Bloom. I’m so sorry,” He whispered, carrying her quickly toward the infirmary. 

0~0~0 

He’d brought her into the infirmary and had been directed to a semi-private area quickly. He tried to set her down on the small bed, but she clung to him desperately and he’d instead turned and taken a seat on the bed, settling her in his lap and rubbing his hand over her back as he rocked her gently. “You’re okay, firefly. I’ve got you,” He whispered in her ear.  

When the nurse appeared a few moments later, Bloom burrowed further into Saul and he couldn’t help the smile that pulled at his lips. “Bloom?” The woman said gently, “I need to see the cut so I know what we’re dealing with here,” She told her, her tone perfectly calm and sweet. Saul knew she had a lot of practice dealing with young patients like this. Especially young patients who were away from home and nervous. 

Bloom seemed to hesitate before she finally pulled back. The woman smiled warmly at her and reached up to take hold of the gauze that Bloom had been holding to her forehead. Bloom let her hand fall to her lap and then immediately sought out Saul’s hand instead. He squeezed her tiny, blood-covered now, hand in his. 

Saul even winced when the woman removed the gauze and revealed the wound. Her partner had truly done a number on her. The gash was deep and it was about three inches long. He figured it would need stitches to fully close and he didn’t know how his little girl was going to react to that. 

“Okay, Miss Bloom,” The woman said gently, replacing that gauze with a fresh one and taping it in place for the moment. “I’m going to get you all numbed up and then we’re going to need about 15 stitches,” She said. Saul felt the girl stiffen in his arms and shifted her. “So, what do you say we let Mr. Silva get back to his class and we can-,” Bloom’s eyes had widened and filled with fresh tears. Saul’s heart broke at the sight.  

“It’s okay, Amelia, I’ll stay,” He told the woman softly. 

“It’s not really protocol, Saul,” She hesitated, “I’m really supposed to escort anyone out who isn’t an immediate relative. 

Saul watched several tears slip over Bloom’s cheeks as she turned and buried her face against his shoulder. The woman looked at them in slight alarm. This was new. “Please don’t go,” She whispered and Saul tightened his arms around her.  

“Amelia,” He sighed, “This is Nicky’s sister,” He said simply. Amelia had been the nurse that Nicolas had always preferred. She’d been one of the few people at Alfea who was privy to their familial relationship. Her eyes widened as she glanced at the girl who was now clinging to him as if her life depended on it. 

“Oh,” She said in surprise. “Right,” She paused, “Should I call...” She gestured and Saul grimaced. 

“I should probably do that,” He said and shook his head. 

“Okay, then I will be back in just a few minutes,” She left the ‘room’, pulling the curtain around them, giving them some semblance of privacy.  

“I’m here, baby girl. You’re okay,” He whispered, kissing the side of her head, but Bloom had started shaking in his arms and he gently pulled her back. Her face was tear-streaked and her eyes were red as she continued crying. He figured every tear he saw took a year off of his life the way they were hurting him now. He wiped them away gently, “What is it, firefly?” He cooed to her.  

Her bottom lip quivered and several more tears slipped over her cheeks, “I don’t like needles,” She confessed quietly. 

“Oh, baby,” He whispered, thumbing her tears away once more, “It’s okay, sweetheart. You know who else absolutely hates needles?” 

“No,” She shook her head as she sniffed and wiped at her face. 

“Farah,” He told her secretively. 

“Really?” Bloom asked after a beat, “How does she get over it?” She asked him softly. 

“What about I call her, and she can tell you herself?” He asked. Bloom hesitated only a moment before nodding. 

“Yes, please,” She mumbled and tucked her face back into his shoulder, trying to steel her nerves as her father spoke quietly to her mother on the phone. 

She vaguely realized he’d hung up and then felt him drop a kiss to her hair, “She’s on her way,” He told her softly. 

A few minutes later, she heard a flurry of movement behind her and shifted to look up into the brown eyes of her headmistress. Farah’s worried look had her face crumbling once again and she lifted the girl into her arms, Bloom wound her arms and legs around her as she held her tightly, shushing her comfortingly and whispering soothing words. 

“Oh, sweet girl,” She cooed after several moments, “I’ve got you, my brave baby,” She murmured as Bloom clung to her. “Needles, huh?” She asked as she took a seat on the bed. Bloom nodded against her shoulder and registered that Saul had gotten up and left the area.  

“Yeah, needles,” Bloom mumbled, pulling back just a bit. She was pale and bloody and Farah swiped her hair out of her face gently. Her chin wobbled and she sucked in a deep breath, trying not to cry anymore. 

“I can help, okay?” She whispered. Farah then spent several moments explaining to Bloom how she got through her fear of needles, that she still had a fear of them at times, but that a little fear was healthy. She told her how to get through the shot and stitches and assured the girl that both of them would be right there with her throughout the process. 

Bloom bit her lip but nodded and then looked up when Saul reappeared. He took a seat next to them and lifted the wet paper towels he’d retrieved, gently wiping the blood off of her face, neck, and out of her hairline. He then picked up her hands and cleaned them as well, being sure to rid her of every stain that had been left behind. 

“Thank you,” Bloom murmured once he was finished and Saul just nodded, shooting her a smile, as he tossed the used napkins away. 

“You’re welcome, firefly,” He replied. All three looked up then when Amelia entered once more, syringe in her gloved hand and antiseptic wipe in the other. She smiled warmly at them as she approached. 

“Are we ready?” She asked. Bloom took a deep breath, felt her mother push a wave of calm over her, and sank back into the woman as she nodded. 

Bloom knew she probably crushed Saul’s hand throughout the shot and then the stitching process, but the man never wavered and never left her side. She was so grateful for the calming presence of the woman holding her in her lap as well. The soft hand rubbing over her back gave her the reassurance she needed. 

“And there we are,” Amelia finally said after what felt like an eternity. Bloom took the first deep breath in a while and nodded. 

“Thank you,” She whispered and earned a bright smile in return. 

“Okay, the shot will most likely make her drowsy for the rest of the day and she’ll probably experience a headache as well as some dizziness. It would be great for someone to keep an eye on her.” She explained.  

Bloom blinked sleepily, already feeling the after-effects of the shot. “We’ll take care of her,” Saul assured the woman, standing and easily lifting Bloom into his arms again. He situated her on his hip and she laid her head down on his shoulder, one of her hands fisting tightly in his shirt. 

The two of them, Bloom in tow in Saul’s arms, left the infirmary and started across campus. “Bloom? Sweet girl, can you listen to me for just a minute?” She heard Farah ask as they came to a stop.  

She blinked her eyes open sleepily and looked at the woman, “Hmm?” She hummed. 

“Would it be okay if you stayed with us tonight so we can keep an eye on you?” She asked her gently. Bloom contemplated the weight of that question as she took a breath and nodded. “Okay, sweet girl, we’re going to take you upstairs.” 

Chapter Text

Saul had carried Bloom into their spare room. Farah pulled the blankets back on the bed and the man sat her down in the middle of it. The woman looked at her daughter and took a seat on the bed next to her, “Can I get you something more comfortable to sleep in, baby?” She asked her gently, referencing her jeans, sneakers, and top. Bloom nodded. 

Saul disappeared and Farah reached out and cupped Bloom’s cheek gently, “Thank you,” She whispered, “For being here for me.” 

“Oh, firefly,” Farah murmured, “We wouldn’t be anywhere else.” 

Saul reappeared, one of his large sweatshirts in hand, “We don’t have anything small enough to fit her,” He told his wife and Farah nodded. He left the room to give the girl some privacy. 

“Can you stand for me, Bloom?” She asked her and Bloom sluggishly crawled out of the bed. She let Farah pull her shirt over her head and replace it with the sweatshirt Saul had brought. Bloom then shimmied out of her pants and kicked them to the side after toeing her shoes off, too tired to be embarrassed. 

Farah took her in, her husband’s sweatshirt swallowing her daughter. It hung down past her knees and dwarfed her small frame. She reached out and carefully rolled the sleeves up to Bloom’s wrists. “Okay, baby,” She ushered Bloom back into the bed and pulled the blankets up around her once she’d crawled back into it. Bloom laid down a moment later and sighed. 

Saul entered once more and bent to kiss her temple, “We’re here, firefly. Sleep, Bloom,” He whispered. 

0~0~0 

When Bloom woke, she scrunched her face up at the discomfort in her forehead and groaned as she rolled over. She opened her eyes to see Farah sitting in an armchair next to the bed, her attention now on Bloom though it was clear she’d been reading. The girl blinked in surprise and swallowed hard, struggling to do so. 

Farah sat forward quickly, grabbing the glass of water off of the bedside table, “Another side effect, sweet girl,” She whispered as she helped Bloom sit up, “Dry mouth,” She explained as Bloom took several drinks of the water before allowing Farah to take it once more. “How do you feel?” 

“My head hurts,” She said softly, “And it’s kinda swimmy,” She made a motion with her hand as she spoke and Farah nodded. The girl shrugged, “Not awful, I guess.” 

“Okay, good,” Farah nodded and sat the glass to the side. She watched as Bloom blinked a few times, trying to wake up some, “Baby, you can sleep a little longer if you want. There’s no need for you to be awake,” She assured her. 

Bloom’s eyes met her own and then dropped to her lap. She contemplated her question before sighing, “Will you lie down with me?” She asked quietly. 

Farah thought her heart might be visibly glowing at those words as she nodded immediately and stood. Bloom shifted over and Farah gently slipped into the bed. The girl snuggled into her arms almost immediately and sighed contently when she’d done so. “I’ve got you, firefly,” Farah told her, dropping a kiss to her hair. “I’m right here. You’re okay,” She whispered as she held the girl tightly and felt her relaxing already. “Sleep, baby. I’ll be right here when you wake up.” 

And Bloom did. 

0~0~0 

The next time Bloom woke, it was to the soothing feeling of Farah carding her fingers through her hair gently. She sighed and snuggled forward into the woman’s chest. The woman’s arms came around her then, holding her close as Bloom breathed in deeply and slowly opened her eyes. “What time is it?” She asked, her voice raspy as her mouth and throat were dry. 

“Around 6:00,” Farah told her, “Would you like some more water, sweet girl?” She asked and Bloom nodded, sitting up with the woman as she did so. Farah helped her hold the glass up as Bloom drank from it and sat it back to the side once the girl was finished. “Are you hungry, darling? Dinner is ready.” 

Bloom thought about it for a minute before shrugging, “I dunno,” She mumbled, leaning her head on Farah’s shoulder. The woman dropped a kiss into her hair. 

“Do you want to go try and see if you can eat something for me, firefly?” She suggested gently and Bloom eventually nodded her agreement. Farah stood and then simply lifted Bloom into her arms. The girl wound her legs around her mother’s waist and her arms around her neck, allowing the woman to carry her while she didn’t feel well and reveled in the comfort. 

Saul looked up when Farah walked into the room carrying their daughter and tears filled his eyes. 

She’s absolutely breathtaking, Farah.  

I know, my love. I know. She let me hold her while she slept, Saul. Gods, she’s so fucking cute.  

I know. I may have taken a picture.  

Farah rolled her eyes playfully at him for that one as she came to a stop at his side. “Hi, baby,” He said gently as he pressed a kiss to the side of Bloom’s head, “I know it’s a lot to ask, Bloom,” He started and the girl looked at him in question, “But could I hold you for a minute?” He asked. 

Bloom grinned just a bit and nodded. She allowed Farah to transfer her into Saul’s arms and then wound herself around him as well, content to be held while both of them wanted to hold her so badly. 

“I’m so sorry, firefly. I should have been paying closer attention,” He apologized to her softly. 

“It’s not your fault,” Bloom mumbled against his shoulder, “Sarah Grace was too excited. She was barely listening by that point,” She shrugged. 

Saul shook his head, running a hand over her back, “I’m still sorry, baby girl,” He told again anyway, “Do you want to try to eat some dinner?” 

“I don’t know,” Bloom hedged, “My stomach doesn’t feel the best,” She confessed. 

“That’s perfectly normal,” Farah assured her as she stepped back over to the two of them, “Would you try just a few bites of soup anyway, Bloom?” 

“I guess,” The girl relented after a moment of hesitation. 

Saul easily transferred her into a dining room chair where a bowl of soup and a glass of water had already been placed before her. He and Farah also took their seats. Bloom eyed the soup as if it might offend her but eventually lifted her spoon and took a bite. 

It tasted great, she’d admit that much, but her stomach rolled. Still, she forced a few more bites down before sitting her spoon back on its napkin and sitting back. She rubbed sleepily at her eyes before sliding down from the chair and walking over to Saul’s side. The man turned to ask her what she needed, ready to give her the world, but she simply clambered into his lap and settled with a sigh against his chest. 

Saul easily accommodated her, winding his arms around her tiny frame and holding her against his chest. He met his wife’s shining eyes in shock.  

Just hold her, Saul. She thinks she’s going to be sick because she ate. She wants comfort.  

Oh, I’m definitely not giving up the opportunity to hold her. I just figured she would have gone to you instead.  

Are you kidding? You’re her new hero.  

Saul blinked rapidly then as he dropped several kisses into red hair. 

Chapter Text

Bloom had been nauseous since dinner and had barely left either of their arms, clinging to both of them as she hated being sick or upset. The pull she always felt to the both of them had quadrupled in force since this morning and they’d both been so perfect with her that she felt like her chest was glowing each time she thought of them as her... parents. 

Around 8:00, Farah shifted and Bloom groaned in protest. She was between them on the couch, her head laid on Farah’s chest while the woman carded her fingers through her hair gently and her cold feet were tucked up under Saul’s thigh and she had a grip on one of his hands. 

Farah smirked and smoothed her hand over Bloom’s hair, “Sorry, sweet girl,” She murmured as she brushed a kiss across her hairline. “It’s probably time for you to get to bed, Bloom,” She told the girl. 

Bloom turned her head and pouted up at her, “I don’t wanna,” She mumbled sleepily. Farah smiled softly and tapped her on the end of the nose. 

“It’s getting late, baby girl,” She tried to reason. 

“But I wanna stay here with you guys,” She replied, tucking her face into the woman’s shoulder. 

Farah met Saul’s eyes then and saw him melt. 

I will give that sweet girl whatever she wants, Fay. Don’t look at me.  

I know you will. Do you mind if I offer for her to sleep with us?  

If you don’t, I will.  

Farah smiled at him, shooting love down their bond. “Hey, firefly?” She asked softly. Bloom hummed her acknowledgement. “Would you like to sleep with us tonight?”  

Bloom was silent for a long moment, “Really? Are you sure?” She asked hesitantly. 

“Of course, sweet girl. Is that what you want?” She watched Bloom closely and felt the girl’s nerves. When she nodded, Farah brushed another kiss into her hair, “Okay, baby, do you want to get ready for bed then?” 

“I guess.” 

0~0~0 

Farah had taken care in gently brushing Bloom’s hair and loosely braiding it for her. Saul had found a new toothbrush for her and she’d brushed her teeth sleepily, her eyes blinking slower and slower each time. By the time she made her way toward their bed, she was stumbling as she walked. 

Saul had laughed and lifted her onto their bed. The girl collapsed in the middle of it, sighing heavily as her eyes fought to stay open. Once the two of them were on either side of her, and Farah had flipped the lamp off, they both curled protectively around her. 

“Good night, sweet girl,” Farah murmured, kissing the girl’s forehead gently, “We love you, Bloom.” 

“You love me?” Bloom asked quietly in surprise. 

“So much, firefly,” Saul answered her, “We love you so much.” 

Bloom sighed happily, “I love you too,” She mumbled as she drifted off to sleep. 

0~0~0 

Both of them had woken before Bloom and had gently extricated themselves from the bed without waking her. They’d stood in the kitchen for several minutes, discussing whether or not they needed to wake her before deciding that it was Friday, that her little face made them melt, and that she could have the day off. Then came the argument for who was going to stay with her. 

“I only have two classes today, Fay. I’ll cancel and stay with her,” Saul reasoned with his wife. 

“Yes, but one of those classes is your first-years which you are still punishing,” She reminded him, “I can cancel mine.”  

Saul shot her a look, “Just say you want to stay with her and quit making up ridiculous excuses, my love,” He teased. Farah sighed as her shoulders slumped. 

“I don’t think I can stomach leaving her today, Saul,” She whispered softly, “I don’t know, something doesn’t feel right and I don’t know if I can do it.” 

Saul reached out and pulled his wife into his arms, winding them around her and holding her close, “Okay,” He nodded, “You cancel, I’ll punish my first-years,” He joked, “And then I’ll be done for the day just after lunch.” He felt her relax against his chest, “Go get back in the bed with our baby before she wakes up alone,” He finished. 

Farah laughed softly, leaning up on her toes to kiss him chastely. “I love you,” She whispered against his lips. 

“I love you more,” He replied. 

0~0~0 

When Bloom finally stirred just after 9:00, Farah was already sitting up in bed reading. Bloom had shifted at one point in her sleep and her head was lying in the woman’s lap as she leeched her body heat from her. “Good morning, sweet girl,” She murmured, smoothing a hand over Bloom’s hair and sitting her book to the side. 

“Morning,” The girl replied sleepily, “What time is it?” She asked. 

“9:12,” Farah supplied simply. Bloom sat up in alarm so quickly that it caught Farah off guard. The girl then swayed as her eyes unfocused and she closed them tight, “Deep breath, baby girl. You’re okay. You just sat up too fast,” She coaxed gently. 

“I dunno,” Bloom mumbled and then her eyes flew open, “I’m going to be sick,” She gasped, her hand flying over her mouth as she scrambled out of the bed. Farah reacted on instinct, flying out of the bed in Bloom’s direction and lifting her as she ran toward the bathroom with the girl. She was just in time and Bloom emptied the meager contents of her stomach into the toilet. 

She cried once she was finished gagging and the sound broke Farah’s heart. She gathered the girl into her lap and shushed her, “You’re okay, sweet girl. You’re okay,” She cooed as she wiped her tears away and noted how pale and sweaty Bloom had become. “I’ve got you, firefly. I’m right here.” Bloom whimpered pitifully and then shifted. Farah let her go and the girl was sick once more. 

“It hurts,” She cried before gagging again. 

“What hurts, sweet girl?” Farah asked her gently, already pulling her phone out to call Amelia. 

“My face,” She gestured to the stitches, “And my head,” She added before being sick once more. 

Farah nodded, pressing call on the contact she’d saved so long ago. Bloom collapsed back against her chest and Farah wound her arm around her, nuzzling her nose into the girl’s hair and pressing several kisses to her head. “Amelia, hi,” She greeted. Bloom whined as she turned and wiggled her way into Farah’s arms. The woman held her tight, feeling the pain and upset that her baby was feeling. She explained everything that was going on, everything that Bloom said, and everything she’d observed. After several moments, she hung up and pressed her lips to Bloom’s forehead, “She’s going to bring you something for pain, baby girl. That will help with the nausea as well. I’m so sorry, Bloom.” 

Farah tried to shift away when she heard the knock on their suite door but Bloom whined and clung to her desperately. She instead stood, lifting Bloom into her arms and carried her through the suite as well. She opened the door to Amelia and saw the woman soften, “Oh, we’re not feeling well at all are we, Miss Bloom?” She asked gently. 

Farah stepped back and let the woman in. Amelia double checked the stitches while she was there. She explained that the stitched-up cut was causing a decent amount of pain and that Bloom’s little body just couldn’t figure out how to handle it which had, in turn, made her sick. She gave her something for pain and told her it would take effect within the next half hour. She also left enough doses for the next 48 hours with Farah before leaving. 

The mind fairy had taken a seat on the couch with her daughter in her arms and Bloom was now sprawled out over her. She ran her hand over her back, “Sweet girl?” She asked gently and Bloom hummed, “Can I get you anything, Bloom?” 

“No, mama,” Bloom mumbled, nuzzling into her chest and Farah’s heart skipped before it felt like it would fly out of her chest. Bloom didn’t seem to realize what she’d called her, but Farah would ride that high for a while, she didn’t care if it took Bloom another year to call her mama again. 

So, Farah simply held her daughter, comforting her the best way she knew how to. After about 30 minutes had passed, she felt Bloom relax into her and pushed just a bit with her magic to find that the girl was feeling much better. She felt her phone buzz and dug it out, moving gently so she didn’t disturb the girl lying on her. 

Nicky: Is Bloom okay? She hasn’t been answering my texts. 

Farah smiled softly and ran a hand over the girl’s hair. Bloom shifted and looked up at her, “Nicolas wants to know why you’re not answering him,” She teased and Bloom grinned, her eyes a little hazy as she fought against the drowsiness of the drugs Amelia had given her. 

“Can we Facetime him?” She asked softly and Farah nodded. 

“That sounds like a great idea,” She agreed and dropped a kiss to the top of the girl’s head. She pressed the Facetime button on her son’s contact and moments later he was on her screen. “Hi, darling,” She greeted him. 

“Hey, mama, so what’s up?” He asked, his eyebrows furrowed. 

“Hi, Nicky,” Bloom mumbled and Farah turned the phone so the two of them could see one another. 

Nicolas’s eyes widened, “Woah, Squirt,” He exclaimed, “That’s one heck of a cut you got there,” He commented, “Let me guess... first time with real blades?” 

“Bingo,” Bloom said with a sleepy laugh. “I don’t even know where my phone is right now,” She told her brother. 

“No worries, kid,” He assured her, “I just wanted to make sure you were okay. Apparently, I was a little on the nose with that one.” He teased her lightly, “Did you get my favorite nurse?” 

“She did,” Farah answered for the girl, “Amelia has been amazing and even visited earlier when we weren’t feeling so hot,” She told him. 

“I like her,” Bloom told him and he grinned at her. 

“I’m glad, Squirt. I have to go. I’m about to head into a lecture. Call me later, mama!” He said and promptly hung up. Farah laughed but placed her phone down. 

“How are we feeling, firefly?” She asked. 

“Way better.” 

Chapter Text

When Saul came in just after noon, he felt like his heart was melting as he took in the scene. Farah was laid on the couch, Bloom laying on top of her. Her arms were wound protectively around her daughter holding her close. They were both sound asleep while the TV played on, the movie they’d had on completely forgotten. 

He made his way to them, kneeling down next to the couch, and kissed Farah’s cheek. The woman stirred and blinked herself awake before grinning at him. “Hello, my love,” He whispered as he caught her lips chastely, “How has she been?” 

“This morning was rough,” Farah whispered, shifting subconsciously to hold Bloom tighter. “She was in so much pain, Saul,” She told him, “It made her sick and she threw up everything she’s eaten in the last 24 hours.” Saul grimaced, “I called Amelia and she brought her something for the pain. We got her settled and it knocked her out,” She continued, “Saul,” She murmured her eyes tearing up. 

“What is it? What happened?” He asked in alarm. 

“She called me mama,” She whispered through her sudden tears, “I don’t think she knows she did it, but I don’t care.” 

He kissed her once more, “That’s amazing, mama-bear,” He whispered, “I suppose you haven’t eaten lunch then?” He asked her and she shook her head. 

“I’ve been so content to just hold her,” Farah confessed, a soft smile on her face. “I’ll wake her in just a minute and make lunch,” She said. 

“No, beautiful,” He shook his head, pressing a kiss to Bloom’s head, “I’ll make lunch. Don’t wake up that baby girl,” He teased. “What do you want?” 

“Saul, I’m truly not hungry. It’s been a busy morning. Whatever you want would be fine,” She assured him, lifting a hand to cup his cheek. 

“You know,” He whispered, turning his head and pressing a kiss to her palm, “I didn’t think I’d ever get to see you be a mama to a little one again,” He continued and Farah felt tears brim in her eyes, “But this, Farah?” He shook his head, “This is like being given such a gift again. As much as we missed with her and as angry as I am that we missed it, I wouldn’t trade her for the world.” 

“Come here,” She whispered and kissed him soundly when he leaned down to her, “I love you, Saul Silva, and you know how much I love watching you be a daddy,” She told him, “I love this little girl more than I ever thought I could love someone again after Nicky and she makes my heart soar, Saul.” 

“I understand, love, I understand,” He sighed as he looked down at Bloom’s sleeping face, “I love her so much, Farah.” 

0~0~0 

When Bloom did finally wake, she was in a funk. Farah had suggested a shower and Bloom had hesitated, “I don’t have anything to wear after,” She pointed out and Farah had paused before realizing that Bloom was completely right. She’d offered to go to Bloom’s suite, the girls were in class anyway, and retrieve some of her things. “You’d do that?” Bloom had asked skeptically and Farah had simply nodded. 

She’d used the waterproof bandage that Amelia had given them over Bloom’s stitches and ensured that it was securely in place. She’d made sure that Bloom knew how to work their shower and listened until the water started running before leaving the suite and heading for Bloom’s. Saul was keeping an ear out for their daughter while she was gone. 

Farah was careful not to disturb any of Bloom’s things as she located the pajamas the girl had specifically asked for. She grabbed a few pairs of random underwear and fuzzy socks and also threw them into the bag with the girl’s clothes. As she was about to leave, she noticed the small cork board on the wall by Bloom’s bed and stepped closer to it. 

A smile spread over her lips as she took in the photos of Bloom and her First World family throughout her life. The girl was smiling and clearly happy in every photo. These two people had loved and raised her little girl to be the loving and caring little person that she was today. She’d never be able to thank them properly for that. 

When Farah made it back into her suite, she made her way toward the bathroom and could hear the water still running. She knocked and then cracked the door open a bit, “I’m going to sit your bag right here, sweet girl.” 

“Thanks, mama!” Bloom chirped from the shower and Farah nearly dropped the bag as she startled at the title that the girl had so easily given her for a second time now. 

She closed the door back after putting the bag on the counter and turned around to see Saul smirking at her. “What?” She asked, her voice breaking around her emotions. He simply held his arms out and she moved into them, hugging him tightly and breathing in deeply. “Saul,” She shook her head, “Did you hear her?” 

“Yes, my love, I heard her call you mama,” He whispered and caught her lips, “As if it was the most natural thing in the world. Because you are her mama, Farah. And she sees that too.” 

“Gods, I love her so damn much,” She mumbled. 

Chapter Text

Farah had left, promising only to be gone for about an hour, to sign some paperwork and attend a meeting that couldn’t be put off. Bloom had nodded, hugging the woman tightly after she’d lovingly brushed her hair for her. 

The girl entered the living room and furrowed her eyebrows, “Daddy?” She called unsurely into the suite and Saul appeared almost immediately, a wide smile threatening to split his face at the name she’d called him. 

“Hi, firefly,” He cooed as she moved into his arms and let him hold her for a few moments, “What do you need, baby girl?” 

Bloom hesitated only a moment before admitting, “I’m kinda hungry,” She whispered. 

Saul bent and kissed the top of her head, “Let’s fix that.” 

0~0~0 

Saul had boosted her up onto the counter and reheated the lunch he’d made earlier. He’d stood close by as she ate, ensuring she had everything she needed and that she wasn’t still hungry after she’d finished. She’d grinned up at him when he asked her several times if there was anything else she wanted, because he’d make it for her if she did. 

“Daddy, I’m fine,” She told him and continued when he didn’t look convinced, “I’m full,” She added. 

“I just want to be sure, baby girl,” He said softly and brushed her hair out of her face, “How are you feeling?” 

“Better,” She nodded, “My face hurts but it’s not as bad,” She told him. 

“Good, baby. I’m glad,” He grinned at her. Gods, how had he missed it before? She was the spitting image of a young Farah with Nicolas’s eyes. “Gods, you are beautiful, firefly.” 

Bloom blushed brightly, “Thank you,” She whispered softly, “Can I ask you a question?” 

“You can ask me anything you want, sweetheart,” He told her gently, “What is it, Bloom?” 

“Rosalind told me…” She paused and swallowed hard, “That if you two had known about me, you wouldn’t have wanted me,” She said, just barely above a whisper. 

“You can stop right there,” Saul interrupted her, “Baby, the moment your mama told me she was pregnant again, I was over the moon. I was so excited to have another child, Bloom. And the day we found out we were having a little girl?” He paused and shook his head as he smiled widely, “You couldn’t imagine how happy it made me to know that she was carrying my little princess,” He gently thumbed away the tear that had fallen down her cheek. “I loved you from the moment I knew you existed, firefly. If we’d known… Gods, Bloom, if we’d only known. We would have raised you. We wanted you. We want you.” 

Bloom’s tears fell silently and she swallowed hard, “You do?” She asked quietly. 

“I do,” He nodded and then lifted her into his arms, holding her tightly, “Gods, yes, I want you, sweet girl. I love you so much, Bloom.” 

Bloom clung to him, burying her face in his neck, “I love you too.” 

0~0~0 

Farah had come in to see Bloom standing on a chair as she helped Saul cook dinner. He was close at her side, guiding her and offering praises when she did what he asked. The love she could feel from the both of them had her swooning on the spot. She couldn’t resist snapping a photo when Saul wound his arm around her back and directed her spoon. Bloom’s determined and focused face was just too cute. 

I feel you melting back there.  

Farah held back a laugh at his thought he’d pushed through to her. 

How could I not? You two are going to have my heart beating out of my chest.  

Farah… she asked me if we even wanted her earlier.  

Farah’s pulse roared in her ears. 

What? Why?  

Apparently, Rosalind once told her that if we’d known about her, we wouldn’t have wanted her. She’s been carrying that around with her for who knows how long.  

Farah swallowed hard and blinked rapidly as she tried to will her tears and emotions away. 

What did you tell her?  

That we always wanted her. That we still want her. That we love her so much and that we weren’t going anywhere.  

How’d she take it?  

Saul pushed the memory through to her then and Farah pressed a hand to her chest as she watched it play out. 

You are the perfect daddy, Saul.  

I don’t know about that, but I try.  

Farah moved into the room then and stood next to Bloom’s other side. “Hi, sweet girl, how are you feeling?” She asked and Bloom turned a grin to her. 

“Better,” She answered her mother before turning her attention back to the task at hand, “Daddy said I could help,” She continued and Farah felt her throat close up. Hearing Bloom call her ‘mama’ was one thing but to hear her call Saul ‘daddy’ was an entirely new ballgame. Gods, the love she thought she had for this little girl only grew with every passing moment.  

You’re about to be a puddle, Fay.  

She shot him a squinty glare for the teasing remark but couldn’t find any real anger. Bloom leaned into her side when she stepped closer and Farah reveled in that moment, “Good job, baby girl,” She whispered and kissed the side of her head. 

Chapter Text

Bloom felt guilty. Farah could feel it, Bloom could feel it, and neither one of them mentioned it. It was getting close to sunset again, and Bloom wanted to stay, but she didn’t want to ask. She hated that she felt so at home here. She had amazing parents in the First World who loved her. She loved them too. How could she possibly love these two like parents as well? It didn’t make sense to her. 

When Saul got up to go shower, Farah tugged Bloom into her lap gently. The girl kept her eyes down, focused on her lap. After several moments, Farah broke the silence. “Sweet girl?” She asked softly and Bloom swallowed hard before meeting brown eyes, “What’s wrong?” 

Bloom rolled her lips in as she contemplated her answer. She shrugged and Farah raised her eyebrows. The girl sighed. “I feel guilty, mama,” She whispered. 

“For what, firefly?” She asked her as she trailed her fingers through red hair soothingly. 

“Because...” She trailed off and let out a breath, “Because I have two parents in the First World who love me and yet I feel so comfortable and safe here,” She whispered, her voice breaking with emotion. Farah pulled her close and kissed her forehead. “It’s not fair to any of you. How am I supposed to love four parents?” She asked. 

“Bloom,” Farah whispered and rocked them gently, “Darling, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.” 

“You don’t?” She asked her as she looked up and met her mother’s eyes once more, “Why not?” She asked. 

“Because if you’re questioning how to love four parents, then you already do, sweet girl,” She told her. Bloom furrowed her eyebrows as she looked at her before a smile started on her lips and she tried valiantly to fight it. 

“I guess you’re right,” She said with a smirk. 

“She’s always right,” Saul said as he entered the room, “About what this time?” He asked. Bloom simply held her arms up and Saul moved quickly, lifting her out of Farah’s lap and into his arms. He held her close as she wound her arms around his neck and laid her head down on his shoulder. 

“I love you, daddy,” She whispered and Farah watched him blink away sudden tears as she watched on with a bright smile. She pushed the conversation they’d had through to him and watched his hold on their daughter tighten marginally. 

“I love you, baby girl,” He whispered and dropped a kiss to her hair. He took a seat next to Farah and draped Bloom over both of their laps. 

“Can I stay here tonight?” She mumbled sleepily against his shirt. 

“Absolutely.” 

0~0~0 

Bloom had Facetimed with her parents the next day once she’d gone back to her own suite. They’d both been concerned when they saw the stitches on her forehead and she’d assured them over and over again that she was fine before also deciding to unload her news on them as well.  

They took it better than she thought they would. She’d cried as she told them she had found her birth parents, that she had an older brother too. She told them about how she was so worried about not being able to love them all as she should, but they’d pretty much told her the same thing Farah had. 

She felt better after their call. 

Nicolas called her several times a week and she loved talking to him. He told her all about his classes at university, about their parents, their other family, and anything that she asked him about. She loved him. She’d always wanted a sibling, and her new-found big brother was perfectly what she’d always dreamed of. 

“You wanna hang out with me next week, Squirt?” He asked her. Her stitches had come out the week before and she had just a faint scar left behind. 

Bloom blinked, “You’re coming to visit?” She asked, trying not to sound too excited. 

“Yeah, I have a four-day weekend. You didn’t answer me though,” He teased and Bloom giggled. 

“Yes, Nicky, what are we gonna do?” She asked him. The prospect of spending time with her brother made her giddy. 

“Well,” He started, “There’s an ice cream shop in the city and it’s next door to a bookstore.” 

“Bookstore?” Bloom asked excitedly and heard him laugh. 

“Saw that one coming,” He said playfully. He’d sent her a few packages since finding out who she was to him and several had included books he thought she’d like. She’d given him her full review of each of them and he loved how excited she got and how much she seemed to appreciate everything he sent her. “Yeah, Squirt. Maybe some dinner? There’s a cool burger place.” 

“Okay!” She said and tried to fight her smile. She failed. “I gotta go to dinner, Nicky. I’ll see you next week!” 

Chapter Text

Bloom met Nicolas at the entrance from the parking lot to the school. He’d called her as he was pulling in and she’d excitedly made her way from the library to the gate. He scooped her up into his arms and threw her just a bit, her backpack bouncing on her back and her giggle making his eyes light up. He had held out for all of those years that he did in fact have a little sibling and that that baby was out there somewhere. 

“Hi, Nicky!” She exclaimed as she wound her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. 

“Hey, Squirt,” He said and started walking toward his mother’s office. “How was sparring practice?” He asked. She always had her specialist inclusion class on Thursdays. 

“It was good. No new injuries,” She laughed and he rolled his eyes playfully at her. “But Daddy said I’m getting better with balance and fluidity,” She beamed. 

Hearing her call their parents mama and daddy the first time had floored him. But he’d gotten used to it and it was natural to hear by now after weeks of hearing it. “Yeah? Sounds like you’re getting the hang of it, kid. What about that Herbology test? How'd that go?” 

“97,” She shot him a grin, “I spelled a word wrong and she took off three whole points for it,” She rolled her eyes and scrunched her nose up, “So not fair.” 

“I agree, Squirt,” He nodded and turned the hall toward Farah’s office, “And that Astrology project?” 

“100,” She beamed and then he pushed the door to Farah’s office open, “Thanks for helping with it.” He’d Facetimed her to help her brainstorm the project and had pointed her in the right direction a few times. 

“Nicolas?” Farah asked and both sets of her children’s blue eyes landed on her. Seeing her son holding her daughter made her heart skip several beats in her chest. 

Bloom looked between her mother and her brother before she whacked him playfully on the shoulder, “You didn’t tell them you were coming?” She asked in a stage whisper. 

Nicolas smirked and shook his head as he stepped fully into the office and closed the door, sitting Bloom down on her feet and accepting Farah’s hug when she made her way to them. “Hi, darling,” Farah murmured and hugged him tightly, “What are you doing here?” She asked as she pulled back and beamed down at Bloom then. Farah pulled Bloom into her arms too and dropped a kiss to the top of her head. 

“Long weekend,” He shrugged, “Squirt said she’d hang out with me,” He smirked at her and Farah just shot him a knowing smile. “It’s cool right? You guys didn’t have plans?” He asked and Farah waved him off. 

“You’re always welcome, Nicolas,” She told him with a smile. “Bloom, did you bring your homework?” She asked and the girl pouted as she turned her face up to her. 

“Mama,” She whined, just a bit, and Farah fought a smirk off of her face. “Can’t I do it later?” She asked pleadingly. 

Saul chose that moment to walk in. His eyes lit up as they landed on his son and he pulled him into a hug, “And why is my little princess pouting?” He asked as he bent and lifted Bloom into his arms, earning her giggle as he tickled her. 

“She’s trying to get out of her homework,” Farah told him. 

“Not out of it, Daddy,” Bloom insisted, “Just delaying it until later,” She shot Saul a pout and Farah watched him melt. She rolled her eyes at him in amusement. No chance she was going to get her to do the work now. 

“I’m sure a few hours won’t hur-,” Farah shot him an unimpressed look and he stopped, “Uh,” He glanced between Farah and Bloom, “Your mama is giving me that look that means I did something wrong, firefly,” He whispered to Bloom and the girl scrunched her face up. 

“I’ll help you with it, Squirt. Let’s go ahead and get it over with,” Nicolas suggested and then Bloom was all smiles again as she nodded and wiggled until Saul put her down. 

Farah tucked herself into Saul’s side as they both watched their children settle side by side at the table in her office. She looked up into pale blue eyes and smiled widely. 

Look at our children, Saul.  

I see them, beautiful. I see them.  

I love you so much, handsome.  

I love you more.  

0~0~0 

Bloom woke to a text on Friday morning and grinned at her phone. 

Nicky: Play hooky with me, kid. I’ll take the fall with Mama. 

She hesitated, biting her bottom lip. 

Bloom: What if she gets mad at me? 

Nicky: You’re joking right? 

Bloom: No. I don’t want her to be mad at me 

Nicky: Bloom, I don’t think Mama has it in her to ever be mad at you. But I’ll run it by her first if that would make you feel better. 

Bloom: Please? 

Nicky: Gimme a few. 

She got dressed comfortably, putting on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. She’d be comfortable for either class or hanging out with her brother. Once she’d finished brushing her hair and teeth, her phone buzzed. 

Nicky: I’m the best. Dad helped. Meet me by the gate. 

Bloom: Thank you! 

She pocketed her phone, grabbed her day bag, and left her suite. Her suitemates had all headed to breakfast after she’d told them she wasn’t hungry. She ran to him once she spotted him waiting for her and he ruffled her hair, “Hey, Squirt. You ready?” 

“Uh huh,” She nodded up at him and followed him to his jeep. He helped her up into the passenger seat and she put her bag at her feet. Once he was in the driver’s seat and had pulled out of Alfea, he passed her the aux cord. She beamed at him and hooked her phone to his radio. “Nicky?” She asked him softly and he glanced over to her. 

“Yeah, kid, what’s up?” He lowered the volume of the radio for them to talk. She hesitated, “Bloom, what is it?” 

“What do you remember from before?” She asked quietly. It took him a minute before realization dawned on him. 

“Before Rosalind-,” She nodded and he sighed. “Little bit, they were so excited about you,” He told her gently. “Mama was always smiling and she was so excited to have another baby. Dad was planning out the most obnoxious princess-themed nursery and had started painting everything pink,” He told her and she grinned as she ducked her head, “Why?” 

Bloom let out a breath, “I asked Daddy already, but... I dunno, Nicky. I just wanted to be sure I wasn’t like some burden or something,” She admitted. 

“A burden? What are you talking about?” He asked her, his eyes widening as he looked over at her. 

“Rosalind told me... before. That if they’d known about me before she hid me, they wouldn’t have wanted me. That they couldn’t have loved me.” 

Nicolas saw red. “She said what?” He asked in outrage. “Oh, that fucking bitch,” He said under his breath but saw Bloom whip her head in his direction and knew he hadn’t said it as quietly as he thought. “Sorry,” He apologized and she shrugged. 

“It’s okay,” She said with a soft laugh. 

“Bloom, we all wanted you,” He told her seriously, “You never would have been a burden on any of us. I was so excited to have a little sibling and when mama told me you were a girl, I knew I’d do anything to protect you.” 

“Really?” She asked him, turning to look at him. 

“Always, Squirt.” 

Chapter Text

He showed her the astrology museum and her face lit up at every turn they took. She stayed by his side and he was grateful for it. There were several groups of children making field trips present and he didn’t want to lose her in the crowd. Any time there was something she wanted to see, she simply grabbed his hand in her tiny one and tugged him in the direction of it. He followed her willingly. He vowed then that he always would. He’d been right this whole time and he’d lost so much time with his baby sister. 

He bought her a cute little bracelet from the gift shop with a star on it. Supposedly, you made a wish when you tied it on and it would come true when it fell off. She’d thanked him with a grin and asked him to tie it on her wrist before they set off in the direction of the ice cream shop he’d mentioned. 

She held her phone out once they were seated and requested a selfie. He laughed but nodded his agreement, grinning next to her beaming face and looking into the camera. “Send me that, Squirt,” He requested and a moment later his phone buzzed. He smiled at the photo and saved it to his phone before shooting it off in a text to Farah. He knew she’d love it. 

He was right. A moment later his phone lit up once more and buzzed in his hand. 

Mama: Gods, Nicolas, don’t do that to me. I’m trying to teach. I can’t be in here crying over the first photo of my babies to ever exist. 

Mama: That said, I expect at least 10 more as payment for letting her have the day off of classes. 

Nicolas smirked and looked over at his sister as she took everything in around her. Her eyes were still wide with wonder every time she spotted something new and foreign to her. 

Nicolas: Challenge accepted. 

0~0~0 

By the time they left the city, Farah had her ten more photos. 

The first had been when he’d squatted down to Bloom’s level in the bookstore. She’d beamed happily at the camera, several books in her hands, and he’d snapped the photo of the two of them. She looked at him curiously then and he’d simply said, “Mama said she needed pictures of the two of us together,” He shrugged and she nodded, smiling widely. 

The second had been of the two of them shooting her big grins while they stood outside of the bakery that Nicolas knew she loved. He mentioned that it was her favorite to Bloom and the girl had asked if they should get her something. He’d nodded, smiling at her thoughtfulness and they’d gotten her the triple fudge cupcake she always got. He also had gotten Saul the lemon cake he preferred. 

The third and fourth had both been inside the art installment that was set up in the middle of the town square. Bloom had spotted it and he’d nodded his agreement that they’d walk through the odd-looking structure. The smile on her face made it worth it. 

The fifth was when he’d lifted her onto his back to carry her piggyback style. She’d snapped it and he just laughed when she did so. 

The sixth was of her laughing happily while he scowled at something in the distance. She’d been shocked to find out that he was scared of clowns. He’d insisted he wasn’t scared of clowns; he simply didn’t like them. That didn’t change the fact that they’d turned and gone the opposite direction of the clown though. 

The last three photos had been at the restaurant they’d chosen for lunch. Each one had both smiles and bright blue eyes full of mirth in them. Farah had studied each and every photo she’d received throughout the day and had let several tears escape as she did once she was in her office. She never could have imagined that Nicolas had been right and that she had truly had a baby girl. But now that she knew she had not one, but two children, she couldn’t imagine it any other way. 

She’d shown Saul the photos when he joined her for lunch in her office and she’d watched his eyes fill with tears that he tried valiantly to blink away. “Fuck, they’re beautiful, aren’t they?” He whispered reverently and she nodded her agreement. “We make such beautiful children, Farah.” 

“I agree,” She told him and pressed her lips to his cheek softly, “Gods, I can’t remember the last time I saw a smile quite that big on his face,” She murmured as she looked down at the photo of the two of them that Saul was looking at. “He truly does love her so very much.” 

“He does,” Saul nodded, “I guess we should have known he would. He always wanted a little sister.” 

Farah was silent for a beat before she laid her head down on his shoulder, “I wish I could have given you both mor-,” He cut her off abruptly. 

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence,” He told her seriously, “Farah, beautiful, these two are all I need. I’ve got my mini me and I’ve got my baby Fay,” He whispered as he pressed his lips to her hair, “That little princess has got me so tightly wrapped around her little finger already. I love them so much, Farah. I couldn’t need more than you three in my life.” 

She sniffed after a moment and whispered, “I love you so much, Saul.” 

“I love you a skyful of stars more, Farah.” 

0~0~0 

Bloom was sound asleep when Nicolas pulled into the Alfea parking lot just before dinner. He lifted her from the passenger seat and held her close as he made his way toward his father’s office, knowing that Saul took much longer to finish his Friday paperwork than his mother did and that they would both likely be there. 

He was right and both parents looked up when he pushed the door open. Farah’s hand flew to her chest as she felt her heart swell with love and Saul stood, making his way to them. “You guys have a good time?” He asked his son as he carefully transferred his sleeping daughter into his own arms instead. Nicolas let her go easily and nodded. 

“Yeah, she loved it,” He told him and took a seat next to his mother while Saul made his way back to his seat and sat with Bloom cradled against his chest. “I loved spending time with her. She’s kind of amazing.” 

“Isn’t she?” Farah whispered as she slid her eyes to her daughter. “I learn something new about her every day.” 

“Like how she’ll order a soft pretzel with salt only to pick all of the salt off because she wants ‘the essence of salt but not the salt itself’?” He laughed as he rolled his eyes. Farah breathed out a laugh at that and looked over to the girl sleeping on her husband’s chest. 

“How she’ll use anything near her as a bookmark to keep from bending pages, even if what she grabs isn’t paper or flat enough to fit between pages,” Farah shook her head fondly. 

Saul breathed out a sigh, “How her eyelashes flutter and her nose scrunches up in her sleep,” He whispered dreamily as he stared down at Bloom’s sleeping face. 

“Such a stereotype,” Nicolas laughed out as he looked over at his dad who was currently melting over his baby girl. Saul shot him a playful glare before dropping his gaze back to the slumbering girl in his lap. 

“Gods, you should see him when Bloom eats dinner with us. He’s all, ‘Do you need anything else, princess?’ and ‘Whatever you want, princess, I’ll get for you. Name it,’ She teased. 

“Farah,” Saul said warningly, though they both knew he didn’t care. “We missed eight years. Eight entire years,” He shook his head, “Everything I can do for her, I will.” He glanced up at her then, “As if you don’t fawn over her when she’s in your office studying,” He smirked. 

“Fine,” She rolled her eyes, “I’m just as bad.” 

Chapter Text

On Saturday morning, Farah woke to the sounds of knocking coming from the front door of her suite. She furrowed her eyebrows but swung her legs off the side of the bed and made her way out of the bedroom. She was thankful the knocking hadn’t woken Saul or Nicolas. Her heart ached that Bloom wasn’t also right down the hallway, but the girl had insisted that it was suitemate movie night and she’d had no choice but to let her go for the night. 

Farah flung the front door open and her eyes flew open in surprise, “Mom?” She asked bluntly and the woman smiled widely. 

“Hi, darling,” Her mother greeted her as she pulled her into her arms in a warm embrace. “Why aren’t you dressed?” 

“What do you mean?” Farah asked as she stepped back and looked at the woman in confusion. “Why are you here?” 

“I invited her,” Nicolas spoke from behind her and Farah spun to see him rubbing at his eyes sleepily, “Hi, Gramma,” He greeted and let the woman pull him into a hug once he’d neared them. 

“Good morning, buddy,” His grandmother replied as she hugged him tightly. 

“Not that I’m not thrilled that you’re here, Mom,” Farah directed at her mother before turning to her son, “But why?” She asked him, eyes wide. 

“Because when she called me the other day, she didn’t bombard me with questions,” He smirked at Farah’s deer-in-the-headlights look. “So, I figured she didn’t know,” He tossed out over his shoulder as he turned toward the kitchen. 

“Know what?” Her mother asked and Farah took a deep breath to steel herself. 

“Know... about Nicolas’s little sister, Mom.” 

0~0~0 

“You’re kidding me,” The older woman finally said after Farah had told her everything. The three of them were sitting around the kitchen table, Farah nursing a cup of tea while her mother did the same. Nicolas was working on his third bowl of cereal. They’d both offered to make him breakfast, but he’d denied their offers. 

He picked up his phone and opened his photo app, “Start scrolling,” He told her and handed over the phone with a photo of the two of them on it. 

The woman’s face brightened so ridiculously with every photo that she came across until she looked up into her daughter’s eyes, “So where the hell is she?” She asked bluntly. 

Farah laughed, “In her suite, mom. She doesn’t live here,” Farah gestured around them. Even if the words hurt to acknowledge, they were true. 

“Unacceptable,” The woman replied playfully, and then they both turned their attention to Nicolas as his phone started playing a ringer through speakerphone.  

“Nicky, this better be good,” Bloom’s sleepy voice came through the speaker, “We watched half of the Harry Potter series last night,” She punctuated her statement with a yawn. 

“Fine, I’ll eat all of the pancakes by myself then,” He teased and Farah shot him a look. Now he wanted breakfast? 

“What kinda pancakes?” The girl asked him cutely and Nicolas laughed. 

“What kind do you think?” He asked and she giggled. 

“Banana pancakes with peanut butter?” She asked, her tone overly sweet, and Farah looked at him incredulously. Her eyes filled with tears. Banana pancakes with peanut butter were her favorite. Nicolas and Saul both teased her relentlessly about what they both deemed her disgusting breakfast. 

“A+, Squirt. You coming?” Bloom agreed quickly and Nicolas hung up, “You’re welcome,” He teased and then glanced at his mother, “I think you have some pancakes to make.” 

Farah rolled her eyes at him as her smile spread wide over her lips and she stood. She dropped a kiss to the top of his head, “How did you know she liked those?” 

“We talk a lot,” He shrugged, “That particular favorite of hers made me laugh.” 

0~0~0 

Saul had only just walked out of the bedroom when he heard a small knock at the door. He opened it to find Bloom and smiled widely as he bent and scooped her into his arms, “Good morning, princess,” He greeted and kissed her forehead softly. 

“Morning, Daddy,” Bloom hugged him tightly, her eyes still sleepy and her face still soft from being woken earlier than expected. He carried her in the direction of the noises he could hear coming from the kitchen while Bloom tucked her face into his neck and let him hold her. 

He paused only briefly at the sight of his mother-in-law, “Morning, Maggie,” He greeted her and Farah turned from the stove and smiled widely at the sight of him carrying their baby. 

“Saul, come do this for a minute,” Farah requested softly and held the spatula out to him. He agreed easily, accepting the utensil and carefully transferring Bloom into her arms. The girl latched onto her easily, settling against her with a happy sigh. “Good morning, baby girl,” Farah whispered and pressed several kisses to her hair. “There’s someone here I’d like you to meet.” 

“Yeah?” Bloom asked sleepily and Farah smiled at her mother then as the woman pressed a hand to her chest while she watched the scene play out. “Who, mama?”  

“My mom,” Farah whispered against her hair. 

Bloom stilled suddenly in her arms and pulled back to look at her with wide eyes, “What?” She asked. 

Farah gestured over Bloom’s shoulder with her chin and the girl turned to see the woman who looked just like her mother in the face but had the same shade of red hair as she did.  

“Uh, hi,” Bloom said softly and the woman’s smile nearly split her face in two. 

“Oh, Gods,” The woman whispered, before cooing, “Hi, beautiful.” 

0~0~0 

Farah had placed Bloom down in a seat at the table. She’d then placed a glass of water and a plate of pancakes in front of her. “Thank you,” She murmured up at her mother and Farah smiled widely and kissed her forehead. 

Nicolas took a seat next to her and Bloom looked over at him nervously. “Don’t worry, Squirt,” He whispered as he picked her fork up and handed it to her with a pointed look toward her plate and their grandmother. “She’s quiet,” He told his grandmother then, “Until she knows you and then she doesn’t shut up,” He said playfully and Bloom shot him a glare. 

“This is your fault, you know,” She pointed out. 

“I take full responsibility for having to listen to you talk constantly,” He vowed and Bloom giggled before turning to look at her grandmother. 

“What should I call you?” She asked, her voice just a bit timid. 

The woman’s smile slid onto her face and didn’t leave again. 

0~0~0 

By lunchtime, Bloom was completely comfortable with her grandmother. She’d curled up next to her on the couch and listened with rapt attention as the woman told her stories and answered her questions. Saul had goaded Nicolas into sparring with him and the two of them had left only about fifteen minutes ago. 

Farah entered the room and took a seat on Bloom’s other side. The girl looked at her mother and smiled widely at her. The woman simply tapped her on the nose and Bloom’s attention turned back to her grandmother. 

The five of them had lunch together and Farah couldn’t help but notice how easily Bloom had wiggled into their dynamic. Nicolas was absolutely smitten with his little sister, Saul hung on the girl’s every word and movement, her mother adored Bloom, and Farah felt like the hole she’d felt and couldn’t explain for the last decade was finally filled. 

When the woman left that afternoon, she hugged Nicolas and slipped cash into his back pocket just like she always did. Farah chastised her for it while the boy tried to give it back and she just laughed and ignored them both. She gathered Bloom in her arms then and the girl hugged her tightly, melting against her grandmother as the woman whispered softly to her. 

She warmly hugged Saul and watched on as he lifted Bloom onto his hip afterward while she moved to Farah. She pulled her daughter into her arms and held her tight. “She’s beautiful, darling,” She whispered and Farah nodded against her. 

“I know,” She whispered. 

“She also promised she’d talk to you about coming to visit,” She teased and Farah let out a wet laugh as she pulled back and wiped at her eyes while shaking her head playfully. 

“I’ll bring her, Mom,” She whispered, “But keep in mind she has another family,” She pointed out softly. 

“I’ll take what I can get.” 

Chapter Text

About a week later, Bloom called a suite meeting. All five girls piled into their living room in their pajamas. Bloom took a deep breath and then froze. 

“What is it, B?” Musa asked her, sensing her nerves. 

Bloom hesitated, not sure how to start this conversation. 

“Bloom? Is something wrong?” Terra asked her. 

“No,” She shook her head, “Umm, I have to tell you all something.” 

“Okay, what is it?” Aisha asked her curiously. 

Bloom bit her lip and took a deep breath through her nose. “I know who my birth parents are,” She said. She’d asked Farah for permission to tell her suitemates and Farah had assured her that she could tell whoever she wanted. Her family was her business. 

“Seriously? Who?” Stella asked and Bloom took another breath. 

She swallowed hard, “Ms. Dowling and Mr. Silva,” She whispered. 

All four of her suitemates sat frozen around her. 

“What?” Stella finally broke the silence. 

Bloom let out a laugh, “Yeah,” She nodded, “That was my reaction too. But Nicky ran the gold test and-,” Aisha cut her off. 

“Who’s Nicky?” 

“Their son,” Terra answered quietly, “Holy Gods,” She whispered and then looked at Bloom, “You do look like him.” 

“They have a son?” Musa blinked in confusion. 

“Yeah,” Bloom laughed and opened her phone, pulling up a selfie of the two of them and holding it out to the girl who took it from her and then passed the device to Aisha. Each girl took a turn looking at the picture before Bloom received her phone back. “I don’t know if I wanna tell anyone else right now... But I wanted you guys to know,” She shrugged. 

All four of them piled onto the couch with her then, sandwiching her between them, “We’re happy for you, B.” 

0~0~0 

Bloom fidgeted as she stood next to her brother while waiting for her mother to open the portal. Nicolas looked down and smirked before bending and lifting her onto his hip. “What’s wrong, Squirt?” He asked quietly. 

She shrugged, “Nothing really. I know it’ll be fine,” She told him, “But I want them all to like each other. I can’t lose any of them, Nicky.” 

Nicolas felt his heart break for his baby sister and leaned his forehead against hers for a moment, “You won’t lose anyone, Half-Pint,” He promised and jostled her gently to earn a smile. 

“How can you know?” She asked. 

“Because everyone loves you too much to leave you,” He told her. “I’m sure your First World parents are just as excited to see you as you are to see them,” He tickled her side and reveled at the small giggle she let out, “And I’m sure they’re hoping to make this work just as much as we are.” 

“I love you, Nicky,” She whispered as she laid her head on his shoulder. He swallowed hard around his tears and tightened his arms around her as he hugged her.  

“I love you too, Bloom,” He told her. 

Farah finally finished the task at hand and opened the portal. “Ready?” She asked and got three nods in return. “Let’s do this.” 

0~0~0 

Bloom’s face had lit up as she spotted Vanessa and Mike. She’d wiggled and Nicolas had put her down and the three of them had watched her run for the two who’d crouched down to catch her. 

Bloom had tugged her First World parents toward her Other World family and had cutely introduced everyone to each other. 

The redhead glanced between both sets of parents for a few moments before she grabbed onto Nicolas’s hand. “Come see my room, Nicky,” She said happily and tugged him toward the house, leaving the adults behind. 

Nicolas laughed and followed after her. “You know you just left them all to the most awkward interaction of their lives, right?” He asked. 

“Uh huh,” She bobbed her head, “They’ll figure it out.” 

0~0~0 

Nicolas had listened patiently as Bloom told him about everything in her room. He’d smiled the entire time, taking in her cute little informational voice. Mike called them down for lunch a while later and the six of them had a very cohesive meal together, laughing and swapping stories. 

Farah could feel so much love pouring out of her daughter. Small children often projected so brightly when they were overjoyed as Bloom was right now. The waves of happiness continued to roll out of Bloom and hit her over and over again. She couldn’t help but smile in response every time she felt it. 

They stayed for several more hours and left with extra copies of every picture that existed of Bloom up until her current age. Farah had burst into tears when Vanessa had presented her with the envelope full of pictures she’d had printed for them. The two women had shared a private moment while Mike and Saul had spent time with Nicolas and Bloom in the backyard. 

Bloom told her First World parents goodbye and then followed her Other World family through the portal. She was sleepy and starting to fade. Saul couldn’t stop himself from bending and lifting her into his arms when her tiny hand found his as they walked back to their suite. She sighed happily and settled on his hip. “Hi, Daddy,” She murmured as she laid her head down on his shoulder. 

“Hi, princess,” He all but cooed at her as he turned and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. He shot Farah a look. 

I want her to stay with us tonight.  

Farah smirked at the thought he pushed through to her. She shrugged. That’s completely up to her, handsome. I’d love for her to stay with us. I can’t tell you how much I want to tuck her little self into bed and watch her drift off to sleep.  

She was hit with Saul’s answering wave of longing to be able to do just that with the child they’d had ripped from their arms. She looked up at him in alarm and he shook his head subtly. Sorry, Fay. I just didn’t expect that response. Just about tore my heart in two imagining it.  

She softened and smiled up at him. You’d better ask her before she falls asleep in your arms then. She’s on her way.  

“Bloom?” Saul asked softly as he ran a hand over her back. She hummed her answer and he smiled widely. “Do you want to stay with us tonight, sweet girl?” He asked her. She thought about it for a moment before nodding against him. He couldn’t help the way that his smile grew. 

“I need my toothbrush,” She mumbled sleepily and Farah couldn’t stop her little laugh.  

“We’ll make sure you have a toothbrush, baby girl. Is there anything you absolutely need from your suite?” She asked. Bloom hesitated and she raised her eyebrows. “What is it, Bloom?” She asked gently. 

“My bunny,” She whispered softly and they both nearly melted at the quiet admission that she wanted her stuffed animal. 

“Can you tell me exactly where it is, sweetheart?” Farah asked as they entered their suite, “I can probably pull it here without you having to go get it.” 

Bloom rubbed at her eye with a fist and she put a hand to her chest at the sight. “He’s tucked into my bed under my blanket,” She whispered as she blinked slowly. 

Farah concentrated for several moments before a pastel blue, soft, floppy stuffed bunny appeared in her hands. Bloom grinned and reached for it, tucking it under her arm once Farah had handed it over. 

“Thank you, mama,” She whispered. 

“I’m headed to the greenhouse for a while,” Nicolas said then. He’d disappeared down the hallway when they’d gotten into the suite. He kissed Farah on the cheek as he passed and grinned at Bloom. “Night, Squirt,” He said to her. 

“Night, Nicky,” She murmured and watched him leave. 

“Can we get you some pajamas for the night, princess?” Saul asked as he turned them toward his and Farah’s room. Bloom nodded against his shoulder and he sat her down on their bed. She settled cross-legged, with her bunny in her lap. “Mama’s going to find you something to wear and I’ll go find you a new toothbrush, okay?” 

“Okay, Daddy,” She mumbled. He smiled widely and disappeared into the bathroom. Farah produced one of his sweatshirts and helped Bloom change. The girl grinned as she watched Farah roll up the sleeves to her wrists and leaned forward into the woman’s arms when she was finished. 

Farah stood with Bloom in her arms and carried her toward the bathroom. She sat her on the counter and Saul presented her with the toothbrush he’d just taken out of the packaging. Bloom set about brushing her teeth and then let out another yawn. 

“You ready for bed, sweet girl?” Farah asked her and Bloom nodded. Saul lifted her into his arms once more and followed Farah back into their bedroom. The woman picked Bloom’s bunny up and held it out to her. Bloom opened her mouth and then closed it again quickly, but Farah caught the action. “What is it, baby?” She asked her gently. 

Bloom blinked slowly before finally asking. “Can I sleep in here with you?” She asked, the question directed at both of them. 

She absolutely fucking can.  

Farah almost laughed at Saul’s exuberant reply through the bond. “Of course, you can,” She nodded and reached up to tap Bloom on the nose. The girl smiled sleepily at her and then settled in their bed the moment Saul laid her down in the middle of it. 

They both laid down on either side of her, each of them telling the other through the bond that they’d get up and get ready for bed and do whatever else needed doing once she was asleep. 

“Good night, Bloom. I love you, baby girl,” Farah murmured as she kissed her forehead. 

“Night, mama. Love you,” Bloom whispered. 

“I love you, princess. Good night,” Saul murmured as he watched her eyelids start to give up the fight to stay awake. 

“Love you, Daddy.” 

Chapter Text

When Bloom woke the next morning, she stretched and glanced to both sides of her. Farah and Saul were still asleep and both had an arm thrown over her. She scrunched her nose up and carefully slid out of their grasps and then out of the bed, dragging her bunny with her down the hallway. 

She found Nicolas on the couch with a bowl of cereal in his hands and some video playing on his laptop next to him. As she stepped into his line of sight, he looked up and grinned at her. “Morning, Squirt,” He greeted her. 

“Hi, Nicky,” She whispered as she crawled up next to him. He paused his video and sat his now empty bowl to the side. “Why are you up so early?” 

“Habit,” He answered her. “I have early classes most days, so I don’t get to sleep in very often,” He explained. “You hungry, Little Bit?” He asked and she shrugged, “You don’t know?” He asked teasingly and Bloom grinned at him. 

“Kinda,” She answered him then and he nodded decisively. He stood, grabbed his dishes, and gestured for her to follow him. She did so, her bunny still dragging behind her, and watched him move to the fridge. 

“What do you want for breakfast?” He asked her. 

“Cereal is fine,” She answered him and he smirked at her. 

“I knew I liked you,” He teased her, and she giggled. He lifted her up onto the counter and pulled a bowl down for her from the cabinets. He then located a spoon for her from one of the drawers. He presented her with their cereal options and grabbed the one she wanted along with the milk. 

And that’s how Farah found them about 10 minutes later. She entered the kitchen to find Bloom sitting cross-legged on the counter with her bunny in her lap. She had her cereal in her hands and was hanging on Nicolas’s every word as he spoke to her while she ate. Her son was leaning back against the counter next to Bloom and speaking softly to her. 

Nicolas glanced her way and she couldn’t help but smile at him. “Good morning,” She greeted them both softly as she approached. Gods, seeing the two of them together, as they always should have been, made her heart soar. She kissed Nicolas’s cheek as she made her way to them, “You get enough to eat?” She asked him. She always worried that he wasn’t eating enough. She had no reason to, the boy ate like he was starving always, always had. 

“Yeah, mama,” He shrugged, “Like four bowls or something,” He smirked and she rolled her eyes. Bloom sat her now empty bowl to the side and Farah smiled at her daughter, kissing her forehead. 

“What about you, sweet girl? Do you want anything else?” She asked softly. 

“No, thank you,” Bloom murmured and Farah could see how sleep was still clinging to her baby. The sight of her sitting on the counter in Saul’s sweatshirt with her bunny in her lap and hanging on her brother’s every word made her mama-heart skip. 

“You wanna hang out with me later, Squirt? Uncle Ben promised to help me with an assignment this morning, but I want to show you something later,” He told her. Bloom grinned at him and nodded happily. He laughed and ruffled her hair before kissing Farah’s cheek as he left the room. 

Farah moved to the stove and put the kettle on for her morning tea. “Did you sleep okay, firefly?” She asked gently and Bloom hummed as she nodded. “Do you want some tea?” 

“No, thank you,” Bloom shook her head and then opened her mouth before closing it again. 

“What do you need, sweetheart?” Farah asked her, softly as she could tell that Bloom was hesitant to ask for what she wanted. 

Bloom screwed her lips to the side as she looked at her mother for a beat before whispering, “Do you have juice?”  

Farah nodded and opened the fridge. “Apple and orange. We can get something else and keep it if you’d prefer something else,” Farah told her as she glanced at her daughter. Bloom blinked in shock at Farah simply offering to keep something in their suite for her before grinning. 

“Apple’s my favorite,” She told Farah, and the mind fairy couldn’t help her matching smile she threw Bloom’s way. 

“Your brother’s too,” She murmured as she located a smaller glass and poured the juice for her daughter. She made her way to Bloom and the girl thanked her quietly as she accepted the glass with both hands.  

Farah stood in front of Bloom for several moments, running her fingers through red hair gently as she asked her a few questions about what she’d like to do for the day. Bloom was happy to answer her questions and Farah couldn’t help but fall more and more in love with her daughter each and every moment. 

“Bloom?” She asked quietly and Bloom nodded as she met her eyes, “Could I hold you for a few moments, sweet girl? You can say no,” She assured her. 

Bloom nodded with a grin on her little face and sat her juice to the side. Farah lifted her into her arms a moment later and felt the girl sigh against her shoulder as she settled. “Love you, mama,” Bloom whispered and Farah felt tears flood her eyes at the little, unprompted, admission. 

“I love you so much, my sweet girl,” Farah murmured as she kissed the side of her head. 

0~0~0 

Saul felt his knees go weak when he walked into the kitchen. Farah was humming gently as she swayed and soothingly danced Bloom around the room. The girl was in her arms, Farah’s hands supporting her under her thighs, and the girl had her bunny in her arms. Her head was laid down sideways on her mother’s chest and her eyes were closed. He didn’t think she was asleep, but she was so relaxed in Farah’s arms. 

His wife’s joy-filled face caught his eye as she turned then and she grinned as she spotted him for the first time. Her humming never stopped and she didn’t stop her rocking of their baby either. He simply leaned against the door frame, content to watch them as long as he could. ‘I love you’, he mouthed to her and she pushed love down the bond to him in response. 

Bloom let out a yawn then and nuzzled her face against Farah and Saul watched her get emotional as she did so. He couldn’t help the wide smile that spread over his lips as he watched them. 

Gods, you two are fucking beautiful, Farah.  

She smirked at him for the thought he’d pushed down the bond. 

Thank you, handsome.  

Where’s Nicky?  

Greenhouse.  

He rolled his eyes good-naturedly. He should have guessed.  

“Mama?” Bloom’s little voice cut through his thoughts. Her eyes were still closed and she was still snuggled into Farah’s arms. 

“Yes, baby girl?” Farah answered her, dropping a kiss to the top of her head. 

“Can we watch a movie?” She asked sleepily. 

“We sure can,” Farah murmured, nosing along Bloom’s hairline, “What do you want to watch?” Bloom shrugged. “Okay, well, sweet girl. Do you think your daddy can hold you for a minute while I grab my tea and we’ll go pick the perfect movie?” 

Saul’s smile spread wider over his face as he registered that question and he padded into the room.  

“Mhmm,” Bloom agreed and allowed herself to be transferred into her father’s arms. “Morning, Daddy,” She mumbled against his shoulder as he settled her and he rubbed a large hand over her back gently. 

“Good morning, princess,” He cooed to her, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “What kind of movie do you want to watch?” He asked as he turned and headed to the living room to settle them on the couch. 

“Disney,” Was her complete answer and he just grinned as he turned the TV on and opened the app. He pursed his lips. 

Fay, do we have a Disney account?  

No, but don’t you dare tell her that. Give me a minute. If that’s what that sweet girl wants, then that’s what she’ll get.  

Couldn’t agree more.  

He spent several minutes simply reveling in the knowledge that he was getting to hold his daughter while she relaxed comfortably against him. 

Account’s made. I’m coming.  

She settled next to them on the couch and he passed the remote to her, never taking his eyes off of Bloom. She logged into the account she’d just activated and set up a profile quickly before looking at the two of them. 

“Hey, sweet girl, you want to choose a movie?” She asked gently. Bloom shifted and Saul helped her to turn in his lap so she was facing the screen with her back to his chest. Her bunny was still tucked under one arm, never straying far from her. She accepted the remote and scrolled through several titles before clicking play on one. 

Neither of them paid much attention to it other than the rating, before settling in to watch with their baby. 

Chapter Text

Farah saw it coming a mile away and worried that it would upset her daughter. But Bloom didn’t seem to sense the coming plot and Saul was barely paying attention, instead watching his daughter as she watched the movie. The girl was still settled comfortably in his lap with his arms around her, holding her safely against him. One of her hands was tangled with one of Farah’s and the woman had reveled at Bloom’s little giggle and her comments throughout the movie. 

They were most of the way through Bridge to Terabithia now, and suddenly, Farah sensed some major sadness. She looked over at the same time that Bloom sniffled and watched tears start to stream down her little face. 

“Oh, my sweet, sweet girl,” She cooed as she shifted toward them and cupped Bloom’s cheek in her palm. “It’s okay, Bloom,” She murmured as the girl just kept crying while the characters on screen also experienced heartbreak. 

What the fuck is happening?  

The little blonde girl in the movie didn’t make it.  

Fuck.   

She couldn’t agree more. And now Bloom was good and truly crying and Farah could feel deep sadness in her little girl. Oh, Bloom felt things deep. Shit, she should have seen that coming. 

“Baby, please, it’s okay,” She whispered as she swiped her tears away. “Do you want me to turn it off?” She asked and the girl nodded pathetically. Farah reached for the remote and simply turned the whole TV off before turning back to her daughter. 

Nicolas walked in then, not paying them any attention. “Okay, I finished my assignment so-,” He looked up and his eyes widened. “Woah, why is she crying?” He asked in alarm as his eyes blew wide and he looked absolutely panicked at seeing his sister upset. He crossed the room and bent before lifting her into his arms. “What did you do to her?” He asked as he looked over his little sister’s tear-streaked face as she continued to cry. 

Both parents met one another’s eyes as Farah smirked and Saul held in his laugh.  “The movie we were watching upset her,” Farah told him gently. 

“Make it stop,” He insisted, meeting Farah’s eyes before looking back down at Bloom who had tucked her little face into his neck. Farah rolled her lips in to hold in her own laugh this time.  

“Mama, fix it,” He tried again. 

“Buddy, she’s just feeling some big feelings. Let her feel them. She’s okay,” She assured him as she stood and scratched her fingers through his short hair. 

“She is not okay,” He said, gesturing at her as she continued to cry against him. “Dad, look at her,” He tried then. 

“I don’t really want to. I get it, bud,” He assured him, “But I promise she’s okay,” He whispered. 

Nicolas huffed before a determined look settled on his face and he turned and left the room with his sister in his arms. 

Farah and Saul watched him go before Saul stood and wound his arms around his wife from behind, settling his chin on her shoulder as he bent slightly.  

“Good Gods,” He whispered and Farah nodded, a smile spreading over her lips. “I thought her tears tore me up,” He laughed softly. 

Farah nodded and relaxed back against him, “Gods, imagine the first time she cries for something that’s not a movie,” She murmured. 

“Don’t fucking say that,” He whispered, “My little princess should never be crying,” He swore. 

“Saul,” She laughed a bit and turned in his arms, “She’s a little girl. Little girls cry.” 

He rubbed at his chest, where the ache of her tears had started. “I don’t like it.” 

0~0~0 

Nicolas called out that they were leaving a few minutes later and heard Farah yell a “be careful!” after them. Bloom was still in his arms, but she’d stopped crying at least. 

“Hey, Little Bit, you wanna tell me which suite is yours so we can get you some clothes while everyone is still at breakfast?” He asked her gently. 

“Winx,” She mumbled against his collar and he nodded as he headed for the correct building. Luckily, no one was around to see them. Not that he cared, but seeing a strange man carrying a first-year around might raise some concerns for the fairies. 

He made his way to her suite and grimaced when he found the door unlocked. He couldn’t really blame them, he didn’t ever really lock his suite door when he was a student either, but she was his baby sister and he didn’t like it. 

Nicolas sat her to her feet in the common room and she shot a grin up at him. He couldn’t help but smile back down at her, her small frame completely lost in Saul’s sweatshirt. “Go get dressed, Squirt. I’ll wait for you,” He told her. 

She nodded and bounded off into her room, closing the door behind her. He took a look around and smiled softly at the sight of the suite that was clearly inhabited by several young girls. It was neat, considering, but there were stuffed animals on every seat, books all over the place, glittery pens and pencils littered the coffee table, and pastel colors brought the place to life. 

Bloom reappeared in a pair of black leggings, a soft pink shirt, and a pair of little white Converse. “Is this okay?” She asked him as she gestured at herself and he nodded. 

“Perfect, Squirt. Let’s go.” 

0~0~0 

She’d held onto his hand, following along beside him as he led her out into the forest. “Nicky, where are we going?” She asked after several minutes. 

“You’ll see, Squirt,” He promised and squeezed her hand. She shrugged and continued on beside him. “Here we are,” He said after a few more moments.  

Bloom looked around and then furrowed her eyebrows. “Uh, Nicky? There’s nothing here,” She pointed out. He laughed and waved his hand. She then saw what looked like a shimmer in the air. “What’s that?” She asked in wonder. 

“It’s a shield,” He explained and squatted down next to her. “Mama made it when I was little. It only opens for members of my family,” He told her and then gestured at it. “Go ahead, Bloom,” He whispered. 

She looked at him for a moment before a wide smile settled on her lips. She hesitantly waved her hand toward the just barely visible shimmering and watched the shield open around her hand. Her eyes went wide as she gasped. “What’s inside?” She asked excitedly. 

“Let’s go see,” He couldn’t help but smile back, her excitement contagious. Together they passed through the shield and her face was full of awe as she glanced around making him glad that he’d never allowed Farah to tear it down. He and Saul had built a clubhouse of sorts out here when he’d been younger. Farah had shielded it so that only Nicolas could access it and no one else could get in unless he wanted them to. Anyone with blood relation to him could pass the border, but everyone else had to enter with him.  

The little building still stood proud and sturdy. “Can we go inside?” Bloom asked, bouncing on her toes. He nodded and followed as she bounded across the grassy area and in through the door. It was exactly as he’d left it, magazines and comic books spread over the table in the room. Several little chairs were around it. Some of his old cars and action figures were still there as well. “This is so cool,” She whispered as she looked around, spinning in a full circle. 

“I’m glad you think so,” Nicolas told her, “I’m trusting it to you,” He explained. Her eyes widened. 

“Really?” She asked as she looked up at him. 

“Really,” He nodded and she grinned so widely before running toward him and crashing into him as she hugged him tightly. 

“Thank you, Nicky!”  

Chapter Text

Nicolas left the next morning to head back to school, having only gotten to come home for the weekend. Bloom had hugged him tightly before pouting up at him. Nicolas had looked up at Saul with wide eyes, unsure what to do, and the man had nodded in understanding before lifting his daughter into his arms and settling her against him. He’d soothed her while Farah told Nicolas goodbye as well.  

They settled into a dynamic. Bloom spent as much time with Farah and Saul as she could, having dinner with them as often as they asked her to, spending time in Farah’s office studying with her, and occasionally joining Saul in his office as well, just to be near him.  

The first time she’d knocked on his door, he’d been alarmed, thinking something was wrong. But she’d simply asked to sit with him while he worked and he’d been powerless to stop the smile on his face or deny her. He’d gotten almost nothing done that afternoon, holding his daughter in his lap as he worked, slowly, through his paperwork while she read quietly, content to be held by him. Farah had found them like that, a smile spreading over her lips as she pushed his office door open and spotted Saul leaning back in his desk chair staring down at his sleeping daughter several hours later. 

Several weeks later, Farah sensed Bloom approaching their suite and smiled widely. “What’s that smile for?” Saul asked as he noticed it and Farah shot him a look as she got up and started for the front door. “Is my princess coming?” He asked and playfully ran past her to get to the door before her as the little knock came. Farah laughed after him and he shot a grin over his shoulder at her before opening the door. 

“Daddy, look!” She exclaimed as soon as the door was open. She held her hand up, palm open, to him. He blinked in confusion before realization dawned on him and he squatted down level with her, taking the baby tooth out of her hand. 

“Smile for me, princess,” He requested happily and she beamed at him, one of her top front teeth now missing and creating the cutest little gap in her smile. “Oh, baby, look how cute you are!” He fawned over her and playfully snatched her into his arms as he stood and moved into the suite, shutting the door behind them. He held his hand out to Farah and the woman accepted the tooth he dropped into her hand before her own smile made its way across her face as she hadn’t been able to see everything that had happened at the door. 

“Oh, congratulations, sweet girl,” Farah murmured as she moved to Saul’s side. Bloom grinned happily at her and Farah felt her heart skip at the little gap-toothed smile. 

0~0~0 

Farah had slipped away during the movie and called Vanessa. She’d been mostly clueless when Bloom had mumbled something about a tooth fairy. While she knew there were pieces of fairy culture throughout the First World, but this one was a little foreign as their version of a tooth fairy was a relatively scary creature. 

“Aww, a front one?!” Vanessa had exclaimed and Farah had laughed and agreed to send her a photo when they were finished. “Basically, she puts the tooth under her pillow, we wait until she’s asleep, and we sneak in, grab it, and replace it with five dollars,” She explained. 

Farah furrowed her eyebrows but laughed, “Why?” But she couldn’t help but be excited at the prospect of it all. 

“No idea,” Vanessa admitted, “It’s just a thing. Is it really not a real thing?” 

“Well,” Farah hesitated and made sure Bloom couldn’t be listening before continuing, “We have creatures that we call tooth fairies... but they’re known for stealing teeth out of mouths and killing their victims after.” 

Vanessa was silent before letting out a laugh, “That’s terrible! How did we get it so twisted?” They talked for a while longer before Farah remembered the actual tooth in her pocket. 

“Umm, do you want it?” She asked softly, remembering that she’d kept several of Nicolas’s. She’d, of course, love to have this one as well, but she’d let it go if Vanessa wanted it. 

“You keep it,” Vanessa murmured, “I’ve got the two bottom front ones,” She laughed, “No idea what I’m going to do with them, but they’re special.” 

“They are,” Farah agreed with a smile. 

0~0~0 

“Hey, sweet girl, I got you some pajamas to keep here. Do you want to change before you fall asleep?” Farah asked gently as she trailed her fingertips through Bloom’s hair. Saul was showering down the hallway and they’d already asked Bloom to stay with them for the night. 

The girl shifted but didn’t answer. However, Farah felt her hesitate. She looked down at Bloom and gave her a moment before interrupting her thoughts. 

“Baby?” She asked softly. 

“I always get to wear one of Daddy’s shirts when I sleep here,” Bloom mumbled quietly, not lifting her gaze to her mother’s. 

Farah bit her lip to keep from smiling too widely as she felt her heart skip. It was really the little things. “Is that what you want, Bloom? I can get you one of Daddy’s shirts instead,” She told her. 

Bloom looked up at her after a moment and grinned when she saw nothing but love in Farah’s eyes. “Yes, please,” She answered. 

“Give me just a minute, okay?” Farah asked and Bloom nodded. The woman shifted out from under her daughter and made her way toward her bedroom. 

Saul, your little daddy’s girl is out here being all kinds of cute and you’re not even there to witness it.  

What? What are you talking about?  

She heard the shower turn off then and smirked before replaying the moment she’d just shared with Bloom. She felt his utter happiness down the bond. 

She can have whatever she wants, Fay. Gods, that little girl.  

I’m getting it for her. I love her so damn much.  

0~0~0 

They’d tucked her into the guestroom bed. She’d insisted that the tooth fairy wouldn’t come if there were too many people, and especially not if there were adults there. The two of them nodded along with her logic. Saul had lifted her high, tickling her and earning her little giggle, before placing her down in the bed where Farah had just pulled the blankets back for her. 

They spent time making sure she was comfortable and warm. Bloom carefully placed her tooth under her pillow. Saul was nearly reduced to tears several times as he knelt next to her and held her little hand until she fell asleep at her request.  

Farah carefully crawled out of the bed once Bloom was fully asleep and made her way around to Saul’s side. “Saul,” She whispered as she scratched lightly at his scalp. 

“Farah,” He whispered back, his tears on the verge of falling. 

“Get the tooth, handsome. We don’t want to mess this up for her,” Farah murmured. 

They gently extracted the tooth from under her pillow and replaced it with the money. After several more moments, Saul finally stood and linked his fingers with Farah’s to allow her to pull him out of the room. He left the door cracked open and followed her into their bedroom. 

“I want to remodel the guest room,” He told her as he wound his arms around her and buried his face into her hair. 

“Yeah?” She asked, with a smile, “What kind of remodel?” She asked teasingly, knowing exactly where he was going with this. 

“Whatever we think that little princess would like,” He whispered and tightened his arms around her. “She should have a space here. She can’t ever feel at home without a space to call her own,” He mumbled. 

Farah swallowed hard, “We’ll start tomorrow.” 

Chapter Text

They spent the next several days online shopping, picking out whatever they thought she’d like at little shops in the city, and overhauling the room. It was perfect once they’d finished and Saul stood in the middle of it, looking around with a smile on his face. 

“Well?” Farah asked teasingly as she made her way to his side. He wound his arm around her, tucking her against him as she hugged him. 

“It’s perfect, Fay,” He murmured, “You think she’ll like it?” He asked worriedly. 

“Only one way to find out,” She raised her eyebrows and he grinned and nodded. 

She grabbed her phone and clicked on Bloom’s contact, putting the call on speaker. The cutest little picture of their daughter grinning widely for the camera greeted them as they waited for her to answer. “Hi, Mama,” Bloom answered after a few rings. 

“Hi, sweet girl. What are you doing?” She asked her gently. 

“Reading in the library,” Bloom answered her. Farah smiled. She’d figured. That was Bloom’s normal Friday afternoon ritual as she didn’t have any classes after lunch on Fridays. 

“You don’t suppose you could pause that for a while, do you?” Farah asked her. 

“I could,” Bloom said back in the same playful tone.  

“We have a surprise for you, sweetheart,” Farah informed her and heard a little gasp. 

“A surprise?” Bloom’s giddy tone came over the line. Saul smiled widely at the sound of it. 

“Mmhmm, you coming, baby girl?” She asked her. 

“I’ll be there in a few,” Bloom told her before hanging up. 

0~0~0 

Saul opened the door as soon as Bloom knocked. She laughed as he lifted her, bouncing her backpack and all on his hip for a moment. “Hi, princess,” He said and kissed her cheek. 

“Hi, Daddy,” She said sweetly, throwing her arms around his neck to hug him tightly. Saul blinked rapidly as he squeezed her right back. 

“Here, let me take this for a minute,” He said as he helped her remove her backpack. He placed it near the door and then carried her through their suite. “How was class today, baby?” 

“It was good,” Bloom bobbed her head, “I got to work out a potions problem on the board,” She told him proudly. 

“You did?” He asked and she nodded, “That’s amazing, beautiful,” He told her. 

She grinned and then her eyes widened and her jaw dropped as she took in the room he’d just carried her into. Farah was standing there as well and made her way to them. Bloom swallowed hard as she glanced around at the room and Saul put her down to her feet when she wiggled. 

It was beautiful. The walls had been painted the softest shade of yellow. There was a twin-sized white bed in the middle of the far wall. A bright purple bed-set accompanied it and there was a sheer white canopy hanging over it. There was a bookshelf on one wall with several new books on one of the shelves. A little matching desk was on the other wall. They’d picked out a pastel blue lamp to sit on the desk. The closet doors were open and she could see several new outfits hanging in it. A dresser was next to the bookshelf and Farah had taken care in filling it with everything she could need. On the wall above the desk, Bloom was delicately vinyled on in a dark purple. 

The girl spun slowly as she took everything in before finally stopping as she faced them once again. “For me?” She asked, her voice small as she fought down her happy tears. 

“For you, sweet girl,” Farah told her softly. “Any time you’d like to stay with us, Bloom. Now you have a space to call yours,” She explained. 

Bloom swallowed hard and several tears fell over her cheeks. “Really?” 

“Really, baby,” Saul nodded, “Do you like it, firefly?” He asked her then, squatting down to her height. 

She smiled widely then and ran for him. He opened his arms and caught her, accepting her fierce hug as she clung to him. “I love it,” She whispered as he stood with her in his arms, “Thank you,” She mumbled against his shirt. 

Bloom shifted after a few moments and reached for Farah. The woman easily transferred her daughter into her own arms, “We’re glad you like it, Bloom,” She murmured as she kissed the girl’s forehead. 

“Thank you, mama,” She whispered as she thanked Farah as well. 

“You’re so very welcome.” 

Chapter Text

Bloom was in Farah’s office a couple of weeks later simply happy to read in the presence of her mother. They’d worked through some of her coursework earlier, but she hadn’t wanted to leave and Farah would never make her. 

“Hey, sweet girl, will you come sit with me for a few minutes?” Farah asked, interrupting her reading. Bloom grinned, tucking a scrap piece of paper into her book, before standing and making her way to her mother. She let Farah lift her into her lap and snuggled into her. 

“I love you, mama,” Bloom murmured as she cutely nuzzled her nose against Farah’s. The mind fairy crushed her daughter to her chest then and kissed the top of her head. 

“I love you more, baby girl,” Farah told her. She heard Bloom sigh before the girl settled against her. “I was going to ask you something.” 

“Yeah?” Bloom asked, “What, mama?” 

“So daddy has to be out of town this weekend,” Farah told her and Bloom nodded against her shoulder. “I was wondering if there was anything you wanted to do, just you and me?” 

“Can we have a girl’s night?” Bloom asked and Farah felt her heart soar. Gods, she’d never had a little girl to have those experiences with before, and now she was so excited for them. 

“I’d love that, Bloom. We can go shopping if you want first too?” She suggested. Bloom grinned up at her and nodded happily. 

“I can’t wait!” 

0~0~0 

“Okay, I’m going to admit it,” Saul murmured against Farah’s shoulder early the next morning as he tugged her into his arms. He needed to leave within the hour, but he was having a hard time leaving her and their bed behind. 

“Admit what, handsome?” She asked as she rolled and snuggled into his chest. 

“I’m jealous that you’re getting a girl’s night,” He said and she could feel his smile against her skin. 

She hitched her leg up over his hip and pulled him closer. “I cannot tell you how excited I am,” She whispered, “Gods, that precious girl has got me so tightly wrapped around her little finger. I love her so much more than I could have possibly imagined.” 

“I know you do,” Saul whispered and kissed the top of her head. “I love her too,” He whispered. “You gonna spoil the hell out of her today?” 

Farah grinned, “I absolutely am.” 

“Good.” 

0~0~0 

Farah couldn’t fight the smile off her face if she’d tried. She and Bloom had spent a great day together. They’d walked around the city, Bloom holding onto her hand and following along beside her happily. They’d explored several cute little bookstores, and a few boutiques, and had lunch together. Bloom’s little face had lit up at one point and Farah felt her heart skip before following her line of sight. She smiled and tugged her daughter toward the display of pajamas where they’d picked out matching pairs. Spending the day hearing her daughter giggle and listening to her talk made her happier than she could have imagined. 

They’d made it home about an hour ago. Farah had run the girl a bath and Bloom had nodded excitedly when she’d asked if she wanted to use one of the bath bombs they’d bought earlier. The woman didn’t know how she’d ever get all of the glitter out of the tub, but the smile on Bloom’s face made it all worthwhile 

They both got dressed in their new pajamas and Farah braided Bloom’s hair for her. The girl’s little ‘thank you, mama!’ had her melting and she swore they’d make this a regular thing. She’d painstakingly painted Bloom’s wiggling little toenails and the girl’s bright smile made it all worth it. Hell, she’d do it constantly if it meant she got to see that cute little grin and hear those adorable little giggles. 

Together they’d stood side by side in the kitchen with Bloom on a chair next to her and made cookie dough. She’d helped Bloom cut them into different shapes and they’d put them in the oven to bake while they made frosting also. Bloom asked, excitedly, if the frosting could be pink and Farah had agreed immediately, locating their food dye and pulling it out. 

Once the cookies were cooled, frosted, and decorated, the two of them settled snuggled up next to one another on the couch. Bloom insisted on watching Tinkerbell and Farah couldn’t find it in her to deny the girl.  

By the end of the movie, Farah had her back to the armrest, Bloom was sitting sideways across her lap her head laid down on Farah’s chest. Her little fingers had found a lock of Farah’s hair and were twisting it around and around them subconsciously. 

“Are you ready for bed, sweet girl?” Farah murmured and dropped a kiss to the top of Bloom’s head. 

“Can I sleep with you?” The girl asked her sleepily. 

“You sure can,” Farah answered her, a smile on her lips. 

“Can we call daddy first?” She asked. And Farah knew she’d be a melted puddle before this night was over. 

“Of course, baby girl,” Farah murmured and reached for her phone. She clicked the Facetime button on Saul’s contact and his smiling face answered them only moments later. 

“Hi, gorgeous,” He greeted her and Farah shifted the phone so that Bloom’s sleepy face, still resting against her, was in the frame. “Hi, princess,” He cooed then. 

“Hi, daddy,” Bloom grinned at him and he asked her about their day. Farah trailed her fingers over Bloom’s back gently while she listened to her baby tell her husband about their day. Hearing how much the girl had truly enjoyed it warmed her heart. 

“Are those matching PJs?” He asked after several minutes and Bloom grinned and nodded. “Uh, Fay, I need pictures of you two. Obviously,” He teased and Farah rolled her eyes but nodded her agreement. Bloom yawned then and Saul smiled softly. “Are you sleepy, firefly?” He asked and she nodded. “I’ll let you go then. Goodnight, princess. I love you.” 

“Night, Daddy. Love you,” Bloom mumbled.  

“Fay?” He asked and Farah turned the phone, “Goodnight, gorgeous,” He said, the love in his eyes palpable, “I love you, Farah.” 

“I love you too,” She murmured, “Goodnight,” She whispered before ending the call. 

Farah stood a few moments later and settled Bloom on her hip. She made her way into her bathroom and stood in front of the full-length mirror and lifted her phone. “Smile for me, baby girl,” She asked softly and Bloom furrowed her eyebrows in confusion before seeing the mirror and realizing her mother was taking a selfie of them in the reflection for Saul. She smiled widely for the photo, Farah couldn’t help her own smile in return, and she snapped the picture. She kissed the side of the girl’s head and sat her on the counter. “Brush your teeth, sweet girl,” She murmured. 

Farah shot the photo off to her husband and then grabbed her own toothbrush to do the same. Bloom finished and spat before rinsing her toothbrush off. She jumped down then and ran out of the room. Farah laughed and called after her, “Where are you going?” 

“Bunny!” Bloom called back and Farah couldn’t help but smile at the sound of little feet running down the hallway. Her phone buzzed and she picked it up as she finished her teeth. 

Saul: Fuck, gorgeous. You two are everything. 

She bit her bottom lip as she tried to hold her smile back. 

Farah: Thank you, Saul. I get to snuggle with her all night 

The bubble indicating that he was typing popped up almost immediately. 

Saul: No fair! 

Farah: Not sorry, handsome. 

Saul: I wouldn’t be either. 

Saul: Sweet dreams, my darling. 

Chapter Text

Farah woke the next morning as Bloom snuggled close into her side. She smiled widely, hugging the girl to her tightly, and dropping a kiss to her head. “Good morning, sweet girl,” She murmured and Bloom hummed her response. “Oh, is my Sleeping Beauty still half asleep?” She teased and Bloom just nodded her answer. 

The mind fairy dug her fingers into Bloom’s sides then and the girl’s startled laugh lit her heart on fire. “Mama!” She shrieked and squirmed away from the attack. Farah paused. 

“What?” She asked teasingly and Bloom giggled in anticipation and drew her legs up into a ball. Farah laughed and then tickled her sides again. She reveled in the girl’s raucous laughter and wished she’d been hearing it for the last eight years. “What, firefly? What is it?” She asked through her own laughter. 

“Stooo-oooppppp,” Bloom laughed around her response as she kicked around under her mother. “Maaaammaaaa,” She giggled. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t quite understand you. What was that?” Farah asked as she paused just long enough for Bloom to take a breath before starting in again. The girl’s laughter truly was becoming her favorite sound, tied only with the sound of Nicolas’s laughter. 

Bloom just laughed and her shining eyes and happiness-filled face made something deep settle into Farah’s heart. She stopped suddenly and Bloom gasped too. “What is that?” She asked in awe. Farah smiled as soon as she realized what Bloom was talking about and the girl’s answering smile sent her soaring. “Mama, it’s too much happy,” Bloom told her in slight alarm, not understanding what was happening. 

“I’ve got you, sweet baby,” Farah murmured as she sat back and lifted her daughter into her arms. Bloom’s eyes had filled with tears, happy tears, but tears nonetheless. “You’re okay, Bloom. I promise,” She cooed. 

“Why do I feel all of this?” Bloom asked around her tears, her smile still beaming brightly on her face as her hand landed over her heart. 

“Because your secondary element is mind and our bond just formed,” Farah whispered. She then took the time to explain that most fairies typically would have a secondary element emerge as they came into their own. How it normally took longer, but occasionally they could develop much younger. However, the mother-daughter bond forming between them had jump-started it. 

“So, I feel this extra amount of happy because you’re happy too?” Bloom asked her softly with the innocence that only a child can have. Farah was cross-legged on the bed now, holding Bloom like a baby and rocking them subconsciously. 

Farah nodded, “Mmhmm,” She nuzzled her nose along Bloom’s hairline, “I’m so incredibly happy, Bloom,” She told her, “So happy to get to share these experiences with you. So happy to get to snuggle with you. So happy to get to spend time with you. So happy to be your mother, baby girl.” 

“Really?” Bloom asked, looking up into brown eyes. Farah nodded and swiped a few of Bloom’s remaining tears away. 

“Yes, beautiful girl. I love you more than life itself, Bloom. Having you as a daughter has been my every wish and dream come true,” She murmured. 

“What’s a bond?” Bloom asked then and Farah smiled softly. 

“You know about the bond between specialist and fairy?” She asked and Bloom nodded. 

“But it doesn’t form for every pair, right?” Bloom replied. 

“Right, not every pair forms a bond. Your father and I share a bond,” She told her and Bloom grinned. 

“Really?”  

“Really. It’s a strong bond because we were paired together perfectly and it’s been made ridiculously stronger by the love of one another and the love we share for our two beautiful children,” She grinned and kissed the end of Bloom’s little nose. “At times, familial bonds can form as well. They’re not as common as they once were, but they do form still. Between us,” She gestured to herself and Bloom, “We’ve formed a, now, very physical bond.” 

“What does that mean?” Bloom asked. 

“It means,” Farah paused, “That we can feel some of what the other is feeling. That we can share thoughts when needed. That I love you an extraordinary amount.” 

“And that I love you that much too,” Bloom murmured and Farah smiled widely as she nodded. Farah could feel the pure love pouring out of her daughter for her and could understand how that would be overwhelming to her little girl. 

“I can feel it, baby,” She whispered and gently pushed her own love to Bloom, much more cautious than her overjoyed baby was. Bloom all but melted into her lap then as all of her muscles relaxed under that love and Farah smiled softly. “I can dull it for you, sweet girl. And we can also bind that secondary element for a couple of years until you’re more confident with the first one.” 

“Okay,” Bloom nodded, “It won’t hurt the bond though, right, mama?” She asked worriedly. 

“Not at all, sweetheart,” Farah shook her head, “It’s simply going to take all of those feelings that feel like they’re in the spotlight right now and make them background noise. I’ll still be able to purposefully send you anything I want and you’ll be able to do the same. Is that okay?” 

“Mmhmm,” Bloom watched her mother’s eyes glow bright white before suddenly all of those extra emotions settled inside of her. “Thank you, mama.” 

“You’re welcome, darling girl. Now, do you want to help me make breakfast?” 

“Can we have banana pancakes?” She asked sweetly and Farah laughed and nodded. 

0~0~0 

Farah had gone to shower after they’d both eaten breakfast and when she emerged, she heard her son’s voice. She paused, just out of sight, listening to her children talk to one another. 

“Did you finish the book I sent you, Squirt?” Nicolas asked. 

“Almost,” Bloom answered him, “I have two more chapters.” 

“So I need to send you the next one?” He asked teasingly and Bloom giggled. 

“Mayyybe,” She answered him cutely. 

“It’s already on the way, B. Dad said you had girl’s night with Mama. Did you have fun?” He asked her. Farah knew he couldn’t care less about what they’d done together, but he adored his little sister and he’d listen to her talk about anything. 

“I had so much fun, Nicky!” Bloom told him and then Farah listened as she told her brother about their day together. 

“Did you save me some cookies?” He asked and Bloom cocked her head to the side and then both of them heard the suite door open. Farah stepped into the room as Bloom registered that her brother was standing in the doorway. She dropped her phone and ran for him at full speed. He bent and caught her, lifting her into a tight hug. 

“Nicky!” The girl said excitedly, “I didn’t know you were coming!” 

“I didn’t either, Squirt. A storm ripped through campus and knocked out the powerlines. So I’m here ‘til at least Wednesday,” He told her. He looked up and met Farah’s eyes then. “Is that okay?” 

“Of course it is, buddy,” Farah nodded immediately, moving toward them. He put Bloom back down on her feet and let his mother pull him into a hug. “This is your home, Nicolas. Don’t forget that,” She whispered to him. 

Chapter Text

“How’s the training going?” Farah asked as she spoke to Saul later in the day. She’d curled up on the couch, tucking her feet up under her as she listened to Bloom and Nicolas giggle down the hallway. 

“It’s fine,” He answered her. “I miss you, my love,” He told her. 

“I miss you, Saul,” She told him quietly. 

“How are things there?” He asked her. 

“Good, handsome. We’re good,” She assured him. He hated leaving her, always had, and once Nicolas came along, he really hated these mandatory trainings that happened a couple of times a year. He’d actually cried when he finally left on Saturday morning, telling her that he felt terrible about leaving her there and leaving Bloom after everything. She’d assured him that they’d be fine, that she’d let him know if they weren’t, and that Bloom absolutely wouldn’t hate him for leaving. 

“Hey, Mama, I’m taking Bloom to the greenhouse with me,” Nicolas called into the living room as the two of them made their way toward the door. Bloom had insisted on showing her brother her new room as he hadn’t yet seen it, and they’d been down the hall for a while. 

“Is that Nicky?” Saul asked her in confusion. 

Farah blinked, “Nicolas?” She called and he appeared, Bloom at his side, in a moment, “Did you not tell your father that you were coming?” She asked from her spot on the couch. 

“Uh, no?” Nicolas smirked and watched Bloom cross the room and crawl up next to Farah. 

“Is that Daddy?” She asked softly and Farah couldn’t stop her smile as her heart swelled with love. 

“It is,” Farah whispered and held the phone out to her daughter. 

“Is that my princess?” Saul asked as soon as he heard the phone shift. 

“Hi, Daddy!” Bloom said excitedly and heard him let out a laugh, “I miss you,” She told him cutely and Farah knew that it would tear him up to hear, but that he’d love that she told him anyway. 

“I miss you too, firefly,” He told her, “What are you and Nicolas going to do?” 

“I dunno,” She shrugged, though he couldn’t see it, “Something in the greenhouse,” She told him. She didn’t care what they did together, she’d follow him anywhere. 

“Okay, princess. Have fun. I’ll talk to you later, baby girl,” He told her. 

“Bye, Daddy!” She chirped and handed Farah the phone. She leaned in and nuzzled her nose against the woman’s and Farah laughed softly as she copied the action. 

“Be careful,” She told them both, aiming the words mostly at her son. He nodded his understanding and held his hand out to Bloom who grinned and bounded over to him. 

“I got her, Mama,” Nicolas promised and then followed Bloom out of the suite. 

“There goes my heart,” She mumbled into the phone. 

“Because you’re the best mother, Farah,” Saul replied. “You’re okay, mama bear.” 

0~0~0 

Farah got some paperwork done while Nicolas and Bloom were in the greenhouse. When she returned to the suite just before dinner, a smile spread over her lips. It was clear that they’d made dinner as she could smell what she thought was spaghetti, but what had her really smiling, was that both of them were sound asleep on the couch. Some cute little cartoon was playing. Nicolas was asleep with his feet up on the coffee table, Bloom was snuggled tightly into his side, sound asleep as well. 

She couldn’t resist pulling out her phone and snapping a photo. She smiled down at the image before pocketing her phone and leaning down. She brushed Nicolas’s hair off of his forehead, noting that he needed a haircut. 

His bright blue eyes blinked open slowly and he shot her a grin so reminiscent of Saul that she felt her heart flip. The older he got, the more he looked like her husband and she loved that she’d been able to give him the mini-me he’d always wanted. Gods, if they’d only known how much he would melt for a baby girl. 

“Hey, darling. I’m sorry, Nicky. You didn’t have to make dinner,” She whispered. 

He shrugged and didn’t mention the name for the first time in ages. “Bloom suggested we make you dinner. She’s the one to thank,” He told her. 

Farah’s eyes slipped to her still-sleeping daughter and she smiled softly. “I love you, Nicolas Bennett,” She whispered and kissed his forehead softly. 

“Love you too, Mama,” He mumbled. He swore he hated affection like this, but his parents had raised him to be open with his emotions and he really didn’t mind it that much. “Hey, Squirt, you ready for dinner?” He said a little louder as he gently shook Bloom. 

The little redhead next to him furrowed her eyebrows before bringing a hand up to swipe at her face. She opened her eyes and blinked at the sight of Farah before grinning up at her. “Hey, Mama,” She murmured. “We made dinner.” 

“I heard. That was very sweet of you, baby girl,” She told her and Bloom just beamed. “Alright, well, let’s go see how you did.” 

Chapter Text

In the middle of the night, Bloom sleepily made her way toward the kitchen for a glass of water. She was rubbing at her eyes, her bunny dragging along with her, when she spotted someone and froze in alarm. 

It took her a minute in the near darkness before she whispered, “Daddy?” 

Saul spun and saw her tiny form standing in the doorway. “Hi, princess,” He cooed quietly as he made his way to her. She lifted her arms up to him and he took the offered cue and lifted her into his arms. “I missed you, Baby Fay,” He said and kissed the side of her head. “What are you doing awake though?” The concern in his voice was obvious. 

“Water,” Bloom mumbled as she sleepily laid her head down on his shoulder. 

 
Saul nodded, relaxing some, as he made his way to the cabinets and pulled down one of the cups Farah had bought for her. They were plastic and all of them had some cute little designs on them. They all had matching lids and straws as well. He filled the cup with water and secured the lid in place before handing it to her. “Here, baby,” He whispered. 

“Thank you,” She took the cup from him and took a sip. “When did you get here?”  

“About five minutes ago, firefly,” He told her, gently smoothing a hand over her hair. “Do you need anything else, sweetheart?” She shook her head. “Then, I know you were sleeping in your room, but do you think you could come snuggle with me and Mama tonight?” He asked her. She nodded against him and he felt the little smile on her face. “Here, let me take that for a minute,” He murmured and took the cup from her hand as she started to drift back off. Within moments, she was sound asleep in his arms again.  

He carried her down the hallway and into his bedroom. After putting her cup down on his bedside table, he laid her down in the middle of the bed and turned to find his pajamas. 

Farah rolled and pulled Bloom into her arms, “Everything okay, baby girl?” She asked quietly. When the girl didn’t answer, Farah’s voice came again, more awake this time, “Bloom?” 

“She’s asleep, my love,” Saul told her and Farah startled just a bit before calming. 

“Saul? What?” She asked in confusion. He simply replayed the last few minutes through their bond rather than explaining and possibly waking Bloom again. As he climbed into bed on the girl’s other side, he threw an arm over her and gripped one of Farah’s hands in his. “I love you,” She murmured. 

“I love you more.” 

“Not a chance in the world, handsome.” 

0~0~0 

Saul gently slipped out of bed the next morning. He paused, simply looking down at his wife and daughter snuggled together in their bed. The sight made his heart swell and he dropped a kiss to both of their heads before leaving the room quietly. 

He made his way to the kitchen and flipped on the coffee maker. As soon as he heard Farah, he’d start her tea as well. He leaned back against the counter to wait and looked up when his son shuffled into the room. 

“Morning, buddy,” He greeted him happily. 

“Hey, Dad,” Nicolas hugged Saul and then moved to get a bowl of cereal. “When did you get in?” He asked as he poured his milk. 

“Middle of the night,” Saul answered and turned to pour a cup of coffee. “I think I may have scared your sister. She was getting up to get water.” 

Nicolas paused. He’d never heard someone refer to ‘his sister’ so casually like that. Damn, that felt right. “How dare you,” He mumbled playfully around a bite of cereal. Saul rolled his eyes at that. 

“What do you have planned for today?” He asked and Nicolas grinned, “Ben’s gonna let you observe his classes, huh?”  

“Yes,” Nicolas said happily. He’d been trying to get back during the week all semester to observe a few herbology classes, but he hadn’t been able to make it happen yet. 

They heard movement from down the hall then and Saul flipped the kettle on so he could prepare Farah’s morning tea. Moments later, his wife appeared with his daughter on her hip. The little head of untamed red curls lay on her shoulder as she spoke softly. Her little face was somber and he could tell something was wrong as she pouted up at Farah. 

Saul was on the move the moment he saw that and made his way to Farah’s side. 

What’s wrong?  

She has a fever. She says her throat and her head hurt.  

Oh, my sweet girl.  

Saul gently pulled Bloom into his arms and she burrowed in tightly. “Hey, princess. What’s going on?” He asked her softly. 

“I don’t feel good, Daddy,” She mumbled against his shoulder. “My throat hurts,” She told him and her voice broke as she did so, letting him know that she’d started crying. 

His heart shattered and he held her closer. “Oh, princess, it’s okay,” He cooed. “I’ve got you, baby. We’ll make it better,” He swore to her. 

He looked at Farah and saw just a hint of a smirk on her lips as she poured her tea. 

I’m not working today, Fay.  

This you calling in?  

Absolutely is. Look at her little face. I can’t leave her like this, Fay. Gods, she’s breaking me.  

I understand, handsome. Do you need me to stay also?  

We’ll be okay, my love. I’ll let you know if we need anything extra.  

She smiled over at him and then moved to her son’s side. “You know we have actual food, right?” She asked as he poured his second bowl of cereal. 

“Cereal is real food,” He said around the bite he put in his mouth. She laughed and leaned up to kiss his cheek, noting how much more she had to stretch to reach him lately. “She okay?” He whispered to his mother so that Bloom couldn’t hear him. 

“She’ll be just fine, buddy,” She assured him gently. “She’s got a cold. Maybe strep throat. She’s just little and it settles in more and affects her more.” 

“But she’s sad,” He mumbled as he watched his sister cry against his father’s shoulder. Farah smiled softly and felt her heart swell at how much he loved his little sister. 

“She’s just a baby, Nicolas,” She told him, “Look at her little body. She’s still growing a true immune system and being sick is overwhelming. She’ll be okay, buddy. I promise you.” 

“Can I do anything?” He whispered. 

“Don’t get sick,” Farah murmured, knowing exactly how he was feeling and knowing that he wanted to comfort her as well. “But I'm sure she’d love to know that you’re here for her and wishing her better.” 

His eyes lit up then and he put his half-finished bowl of cereal on the counter before heading for the door. “I’ll be back!” He called out over his shoulder. 

“Do you think he realized he’s wearing his pajamas and no shoes?” Saul asked after a beat. 

Chapter Text

Farah made Bloom tea with honey for her throat and asked several times if she was sure she didn’t need her. Bloom had said over and over again that she was fine with ‘daddy’ being there for her. She’d made Saul promise her to let her know if anything changed, and then she’d finally left. 

Bloom was pitiful. Saul had rolled her up in a soft throw blanket and left her on the couch to go retrieve her bunny that she’d asked for. He walked back in just as his son was returning, still in his pajamas and socked feet. 

“I got you something, Squirt,” He told her as he stepped into the room. Bloom looked up at him in question and accepted her bunny when Saul passed it to her, snuggling it into her arms. “This will help numb your throat,” He held up the little vial. “Uncle Ben helped,” He assured Saul. “You just mix a teaspoon of it into a cup of tea or whatever,” He explained. 

Saul accepted it and Bloom shot him a little smile, “Thank you, Nicky,” She whispered and he grinned at her and ruffled her hair softly. 

“No problem, B,” He told her quietly. He watched Saul disappear into the kitchen, presumably to do just as he’d just explained and looked back down at his sister. “I’m sorry you don’t feel well,” He murmured and she shrugged. 

“It’s okay, Nicky,” She told him. 

“Anything I can get you, Squirt?” She shook her head in answer, “Okay, I’m going to go get some coursework done and observe a few herbology classes. I have my phone if you change your mind.” 

She nodded and he left, passing Saul as the man was returning with a cup of juice for Bloom. He’d already mixed the correct amount of the numbing potion into it for her. “Here, princess,” He cooed as he squatted down in front of her. She took it from him and took several swallows, grimacing as she did so. “I know, baby girl. I’m sorry, but it’ll make you feel better.” It took her several more moments to finish it but she did so and he beamed at her. “Good job,” He whispered and Bloom blushed a bit. 

“Will you snuggle with me, Daddy?” She asked quietly and Saul nodded, setting her cup to the side, and scooping her up immediately. He turned and sat down with her draped over his lap. She snuggled into his chest and sighed as she settled.  

“I love you, little princess. So much.” 

0~0~0 

Saul had taken to holding her against his chest, rocking her gently as she fought sleep. Once she finally succumbed, he settled a bit, but watched her face while she was asleep. Every little twitch and shift had him ready to get up and give her the world, but she continued to sleep in his arms. 

When she did start to stir after about an hour and a half, he dropped a kiss to her hair and rubbed his hand over her back. “Hi, Sleeping Beauty. I’m right here. I’ve got you, baby,” He murmured and she burrowed in, seeming to be trying to get impossibly closer to him. 

“Daddy, I feel yucky,” She whined into his shirt and he nodded. 

“I know, firefly. I’m so sorry, sweetheart,” He told her, “You can have more of the numbing medicine Nicky brought you. Do you want some of that?” She nodded after a minute and shifted to move her off of his lap so he could get up but she let out a whimper of protest and clung to him. He caved immediately and lifted her in his arms as he stood. “I’ve got you,” He whispered as he carried her through to the kitchen. 

He gently sat her on the counter and let her hold onto his hand while he retrieved a cup from the cabinet. He poured her juice into it and then the correct amount of numbing potion as well. He stirred it with a straw and held it out to her, moving back to her side and feeling his heart break at the sight of her little pale face and unfocused eyes. 

She dutifully drank the juice, wincing with every swallow. She sat it to the side after finishing and then lifted her arms and pouted at him. He had her back in his arms in a moment. He cradled her sideways like he would a baby and pressed his forehead to hers. “What can I do, princess?” 

Her little lip wobbled and he felt the breath woosh out of him at the sight of her tears forming in her eyes. “I dunno, Daddy,” She whimpered and he held her tightly. “I just don’t feel good. I’m sorry for crying.” 

“Oh, baby girl,” He shook his head and kissed her forehead. “Please don’t apologize. I get it. You don’t feel well and it sucks, beautiful girl,” He whispered. “I’m sorry that you feel bad, Bloom. I’m sorry you’re uncomfortable.” 

“I want my bunny,” She cried and his feet started moving immediately back toward the living room where they’d left the little stuffed animal. 

Why is Bloom upset?  

He blinked in shock at Farah’s thoughts through the bond. 

How do you know that?  

Oh, right. I didn’t get a chance to share.   

He then relived the memory of the morning they’d woken up and clicked their bond into place. He watched love play out over his daughter’s face in the memory and could feel the love filling and pouring out of his wife in the moment. 

Oh, my love. That’s beautiful.  

I adore that bond. Except right now. Why is she so upset, Saul?  

She’s uncomfortable and sick, Fay baby. She apologized for crying. My precious girl. We’re making it work. Maybe Ben can whip up something a little more substantial?  

I’ll ask him after my class ends. Does she need anything? I have about half an hour left. I think I’m going to cancel my late class. I can’t stand this anymore.  

He smirked, knowing exactly how she felt. 

I think she just needs comfort, my love. Her fever isn’t worse... it’s not better, but it’s not worse. Gods bless her, the only thing she’s asked for is that bunny. Nicky made her a numbing potion for her throat. She’s had a second dose of that.  

My sweet girl. I’ll be there as soon as I can handsome. I love you so much.  

I love you more, Farah.   

Chapter Text

Saul had Bloom in his arms when Farah returned to the suite. She was koala’d onto his torso and he had her wound up in a soft blanket still. He was rocking and bouncing her gently as he walked around the kitchen and living room area.  

Pale blue eyes met brown as she closed the door behind her and she felt her heart skip. 

As much as this moment hurts, Saul... you two are going to give me a heart attack with how cute this is.  

He smirked and rolled his eyes playfully. 

Come make my princess feel better, Fay. I can’t stand it.  

Her answering grin pulled out his own and she made her way to them. “Hi, sweet girl,” Farah murmured as she reached up and cupped the back of Bloom’s head. The girl turned her head, laying her cheek down on Saul’s chest, and met her mother’s eyes. 

“Mama,” She whimpered and reached for her. They easily transferred her between them and she clung to Farah desperately. The woman felt Bloom’s every upset emotion at that moment. Her baby was projecting so brightly in her current state and the bond between them was lit up. 

“I’ve got you, sweet girl,” She cooed as she nosed along Bloom’s hairline. “Mr. Harvey made you something to take that will hopefully start to counteract this virus or whatever it is. Do you think you can take it for me?” 

“Does it taste bad?” Bloom whispered and Farah grinned a little even as she could still feel how upset and concerned Bloom was about it. 

“You know, I’m not sure, baby,” She swayed back and forth while she held her, “But it’ll only last a moment or two and you’ll feel so much better later if you do go ahead and take it,” She reasoned. 

Bloom pulled back a bit and sent Farah a complete and total pout then. Brown eyes widened almost comically at the sight of it. 

Saul watched it play out, and felt his own heart break at the sight of the pout as well, but couldn’t let his wife cave on this. “Princess, quit pouting at your mama. It’s not going to work.” 

It’s totally working.  

Saul had to work hard to keep from smiling at the thought Farah pushed through to him. 

I know, my love. Don’t tell her that.  

“Why does medicine have to taste yucky?” Bloom asked softly and Farah nodded. 

“I know, sweet girl, I know,” She murmured, “If I can promise it won’t taste bad, will you take it for me?” She asked. 

Bloom nodded almost immediately and Farah smiled triumphantly. 

How the hell are you going to make that taste different?  

I’m not, I’m going to suggest that it does taste okay. I don’t like it, but she needs to take it. It won’t take any prying into her mind at all. She’s got the channel wide open right now without even realizing it.  

Whatever you have to do to make her feel better. Go for it.  

Farah sat her down on the arm of the couch and Saul caught Bloom’s wandering hand as she sought out one of them. Bloom didn’t even notice her mother’s eyes glowing as she swallowed the dosage that Farah poured out for her. She paused for a moment afterward and shrugged. “Thank you, mama,” She said softly and Farah grinned and kissed her little cheek. 

“You’re very welcome, sweet girl. Now, how about we get you into bed for a little while and let you rest?” She suggested. Bloom hesitated, opening her mouth and closing it once more, Saul caught the action. 

“What is it, baby girl?” He asked her gently, smoothing a hand over her hair. 

“Will someone come hold me?” She asked quietly and Farah swore her heart might beat right out of her chest. 

“How about you come lie down in our bed and we’ll both hold you?” She suggested gently, brushing Bloom’s hair out of her face. She’d felt Saul’s intense love for their daughter the moment she’d asked her question and knew that he wouldn’t mind her offer. 

“Really?” She asked quietly. 

“Really, baby.” 

0~0~0 

Farah woke with a start. She hadn’t meant to fall asleep, but watching Bloom’s cute little face while she slept between them, had lulled her right to sleep. She looked over to Saul to find him sleeping as well and then blinked suddenly as panic settled in. Bloom had been between them when they’d fallen asleep. 

She threw her legs over the side of the bed and left the room quickly. She could feel the bond between herself and her baby girl and followed it into the living room. She stopped suddenly at the sight before her. Nicolas was on the couch a book in his hand and he was reading. Bloom was tucked between him and the back of the couch. She was sprawled out over him and sound asleep. Some animated movie was playing quietly on the TV. 

“Nicolas?” She said softly. Bright blue eyes looked up and met hers then. 

“Hey, Mama,” He greeted her, dropping his attention back to his book. 

She rolled her eyes. He’d always been like this when a book caught his attention. She supposed he and Bloom were alike in that way. The thought made her heart ache. “She okay, buddy?” She asked quietly as she moved closer to the two of them. 

Bloom had her bunny tucked under one arm and a handful of her brother’s shirt in the other. He nodded, “She got up wanting something cold to drink,” He shrugged, “I got her some water and she pouted,” He rolled his eyes even as a smirk played on his lips, “And asked me to watch some First World fairy movie,” He gestured to the TV and Farah smiled knowingly. “And then promptly fell asleep before the opening credits were even over,” He explained. 

“Thank you, darling,” Farah murmured and scratched her fingers through his hair gently. “Have you noticed that you-,” Nicolas cut her off. 

“Need a haircut? Yes, Mama,” He said with a grin up at her, “I like it long.” 

She smiled and held her hands up in surrender, “Okay, buddy, it’s your hair,” She told him. “You want anything specific for dinner?” He shot her a look, raising his eyebrows and she just laughed, “You want breakfast?” 

“Yes, please,” He answered and she nodded. 

“I can do that, buddy. Let me know if either of you needs anything, okay?” He nodded and she looked over them both once more before leaving the room. 

Chapter Text

Bloom felt much better the next day and was back to her normal self by the time that Nicolas was leaving to head back to campus. He promised to come see her as often as he could and she’d held her little pinky up, looking at him with big shining eyes. He’d been powerless and looped his finger around hers, locking the promise in. 

Several weeks had passed now and he hadn’t missed a call with her yet. Bloom spent time with Farah daily, at least studying in her office, and often snuggling with her mother for a while after. Saul took her with him on Friday afternoons and they did daddy-daughter dates. Farah often had end-of-the-week meetings during that time so it worked out for him to be able to take her to lunch and spend time with his baby girl. 

She didn’t stay with them as often as either of them would like her to. There were still moments when she felt like she didn’t belong there, they always assured her that she was welcome with them at any time. That their suite was as much her home as it was theirs. But she still had doubts sometimes. 

Farah had happily opened a portal for her on several weekends so she could visit her family in the First World. She and Vanessa were in contact often and had formed a sort of friendship also. All of Bloom’s parents were loving and supportive of everything and the tiny redhead was so happy and felt so cherished by them all. 

“Mama?” Farah looked up at the little voice that called out to her. Her class had all left the room and she’d missed Bloom slipping into her classroom. She smiled widely and bent, holding her arms out to her daughter. 

Bloom ran into her open arms, hugging her tightly. “Hi, sweet girl,” Farah murmured and dropped a kiss to the top of her head. Bloom looked up at her with a little grin when she stood back up straight. “How were your classes today?” 

“Good,” Bloom nodded, “I wanted to ask you something,” She said then, a little timidly. Farah nodded for her to go ahead and trailed her fingers through Bloom’s hair gently. “Can I stay with you and Daddy tonight?” She asked quietly. 

Farah smiled and tapped her on her nose. “You sure can, baby girl,” She nodded, “You’re always welcome, Bloom,” She reminded her. She’d remind her as often as it took until her baby girl felt like she was at home in their space. “Is there anything specific you want to do? Something you want for dinner, sweet girl?” 

“I just wanna snuggle and watch a movie, Mama,” Bloom told her, burrowing back into her arms. Farah furrowed her brows. Something wasn’t quite right. She didn’t pry, she’d never pry like that, but something was wrong. 

“Well, I’m done for the day and all caught up on paperwork,” That was a lie, “So what do you say we head there now and get comfortable? I’ll call Daddy and tell him to pick up ice cream?” She suggested. Bloom seemed to think about it for a moment and nodded in agreement against her. 

Bloom trailed along beside her, silently, and lost in thought, as they made their way across campus. Farah kept an eye on her as she pulled out her phone. 

Farah: Your little princess has something going on. She’s staying with us tonight. Will you grab that ice cream she likes? 

His response came only moments later. 

Saul: I love it when she stays with us. Of course I’ll grab my sweet girl her ice cream. What’s going on? 

Farah: I don’t know. I don’t want to push her or pry. But there’s just something not quite right. She asked to snuggle and watch a movie. 

Saul: I don’t like it. 

Farah: I know. 

Chapter Text

Bloom had disappeared down the hallway as soon as they entered. Farah watched her go, concern growing in her gut as she did. When her baby returned, she was dressed in the set of pajamas they’d bought together, the matching ones. Farah clocked the absence of her little stuffed animal. The bunny was almost always in her arms, whether she was here or in her own suite. 

“What movie do you want to watch, baby?” Farah asked as she made her way to Bloom. The girl shrugged as she chewed on her bottom lip. “Why don’t you start looking while I go change?” She suggested and Bloom nodded and headed for the living room. She watched her go and then headed for her room. 

Farah reappeared in her own matching pajamas and Bloom shot her a slight smile when she slid onto the couch with her. The woman tugged Bloom into her lap and the little redhead settled with her back against her mother’s chest and Farah looped her arms around her, seat belting her in her arms. Bloom pressed play on The Little Mermaid and Farah felt her settle a bit in her arms. She kissed the side of her head and again thought it was odd that the little blue bunny that was basically part of her daughter wasn’t present.  

About halfway through the movie, Saul entered the suite and his face lit up at the sight of them, in their matching pajamas, snuggled together on the couch. He made his way to them and Bloom looked up. “Hi, princess,” He greeted her and couldn’t stop himself from reaching for her and lifting her into his arms. He settled her on his hip and kissed her cheek. “I brought you ice cream,” He told her and she thanked him quietly. 

I don’t like this, Fay. What the hell is the matter?  

I don’t know, handsome. She hasn’t said anything. I’ve just been trying to offer her as much comfort and love as I can.  

“Do you want to help me make dinner, firefly?” He asked her. She’d laid her head down on his shoulder and nodded against him. “How does chicken nuggets and mac and cheese sound?” 

Trying to win her smiles with food, Saul?  

Whatever it takes, my love. She’s sad. Look at her.  

I know, handsome. I get it.  

“Dinosaur nuggets?” Bloom asked him. 

“What other kind would there be?” Saul asked playfully. Bloom’s lips lifted just a bit on one side and he took the small win. 

It was a little bit of maneuvering, but he managed to make dinner without putting her down. He talked to her quietly while he moved around the kitchen and she answered him just as quietly. Farah had joined them after a few moments, joining in on the conversation and helping when he needed it. 

They sat down and ate dinner together. Bloom was still subdued, nowhere near the bubbly little girl she normally was when she spent time with them. They were both worried. But she was there. She’d come to them. And that was a start. 

After dinner, the three of them settled onto the couch once more. Farah grabbed the ice cream and three spoons on the way. When it was clear that Bloom wasn’t going to eat more than the couple of bites she’d taken, Saul got up and put it away. 

When the girl let out a yawn, Farah hugged her into her side, “You ready for bed, sweet girl?” She asked. Bloom tensed beside her and Saul looked down at her, having felt it too as she was between them. 

A few moments passed before Bloom breathed out a quiet, “Okay.” 

Saul stood and lifted her into his arms. Farah trailed down the hallway behind him and entered Bloom’s room, flipping her lamp on as Saul placed her down in the bed. They both knelt beside the bed as Bloom settled down. 

“Okay, sweet girl. Where’s Bunny?” Saul asked as he glanced around, looking for the stuffed animal, knowing the drill by now. 

Bloom’s eyes filled with tears and Farah leaned forward. “Baby? What’s wrong?” She asked. Saul’s attention snapped back to Bloom then and his eyes widened slightly. Bloom shook her head even as tears fell over her cheeks, “Oh, sweet girl,” Farah tugged her right back out of the bed and into her arms. Bloom settled straddling her lap and buried her face against Farah’s shoulder. “What is it, Bloom?” She asked her, nearly cooing the words out. 

“Nothing,” Bloom whimpered and Saul shifted toward them, soothing a hand over Bloom’s back. 

What the hell happened to my princess’s stuffed animal?  

You caught that too, huh?  

I’ll buy her a fucking store full of them, Farah. What happened?  

“Baby girl,” Farah said, “I need you to tell me what’s going on. We can’t possibly help if we don’t know, right?” 

Bloom swallowed hard. “I took Bunny to class in my backpack,” She whispered and Farah nodded. “I didn’t mean to, I thought I was shoving my jacket in, but I wasn’t paying attention,” She explained and let out a shaky breath, “And when I opened my bag, one of the older students saw him,” She continued. Farah felt her blood run cold and Saul’s anger flare next to her. “I didn’t know they took him out of my bag until I found the scraps after class.” 

A pathetic little sound left her mouth and Farah hugged her tighter against her chest as she rocked her back and forth. “Sweet girl, I’m so sorry,” She murmured against her hair, “I’m so sorry, Bloom.” 

“It’s not your fault,” Bloom cried and Farah felt her heart break. 

“Do you have the... pieces?” Saul asked her and Bloom shook her head. 

“They were too small. There was no chance,” She whispered. When she shifted and laid her head down sideways on Farah’s chest, Saul caught her red eyes and her puffy cheeks and thought his heart was falling to pieces. 

How do we fix this?  

I don’t know, handsome. I hate it.  

Farah, her little face is killing me. I don’t know how to replace her childhood comfort item.  

He watched Farah visibly swallow as she nodded in agreement with him. “What can we do, princess?” He asked his baby, cupping her cheek and thumbing a few tears away. She shrugged pitifully and he held his hands out. She shifted after a moment and allowed him to pull her out of Farah’s arms and into his. He cradled her close to him, “Baby, tell us how to help. What would make you feel better? Even a little bit?” 

“I don’t know,” Bloom whispered, “Can I sleep with you tonight?” She asked quietly and both of them nodded immediately. Saul stood easily with her in his arms and Farah followed close behind them. He carried her down the hallway into their room and took a seat on the bed with his back against the headboard. He settled her in his lap as Farah sat down cross-legged facing them. 

“Baby girl,” Farah said gently, “Can you tell me who the student was?” 

Bloom shook her head, not making eye contact.  

“Can’t or won’t, princess?” Saul asked her, the same gentle tone in place. She blinked a few times and several tears fell over her cheeks, “Oh, baby, it’s okay,” He cooed. 

“Please, I don’t want him to get in trouble,” She whispered brokenly. 

I’ll kill him, Farah.  

We’re talking about a child here, Saul.  

I don’t give a fuck. He hurt my little girl.  

She let out a long breath and nodded her agreement as her eyes settled on her daughter’s distraught face once more. The bond between the two of them was wide open and her baby’s sadness and upset were flowing freely down it. The loss of her little bunny had truly hurt her heart in such a large way. “Sweet baby, he destroyed something of yours. That’s not okay,” She suggested gently. Bloom’s little lips trembled as she looked at her mother, but she didn’t give in and give them a name. “I’ll drop it for now, Bloom,” She said, “But we’ll come back to it.” 

Bloom nodded after a moment and wiped at her face. Saul met brown eyes. I hate this, Fay baby. I don’t like not being able to fix everything for her.  

I know. Farah nodded, dropping her gaze to her baby for a moment before meeting Saul’s eyes again. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to take the answer from her mind, but whoever it was purposefully destroyed something of hers. Something precious of hers. Her little soul hurts, Saul. It’s hard to feel.  

Saul’s eyes found the ceiling as he swallowed hard. I’m sorry, gorgeous.  

Don’t be. I love having a bond with our baby. It just sucks that she’s so upset and we can’t really do anything. One of his hands found one of hers then and he squeezed her fingers tightly. 

“Can we snuggle now?” Bloom’s little timid voice broke their silent conversation. Farah smiled sadly and met Saul’s eyes again with just a hint of a smile. 

“We absolutely can, firefly,” She murmured and reached forward to cup Bloom’s cheek and thumb her tears away. “Do you want to come with me for a minute so we can wash your little face? Maybe get you some water?” She suggested gently. Bloom contemplated the offer for a moment before nodding her agreement. She slid out of Saul’s lap and took Farah’s hand, following her into the bathroom. 

I’ll get her a cup of water, Fay.  

Farah threw a smile over her shoulder at him. Thank you, handsome.  

She lifted Bloom up onto the counter once they’d entered the room and found a soft cloth, wetting it with warm water. Farah took care of gently wiping the tear tracks from her daughter’s face while Bloom subconsciously gripped her free hand with her own. 

“Mama?” Bloom asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as Farah put the cloth away. 

“Yes, sweet girl?” She answered and brushed Bloom’s hair behind her ears as she looked up at her. 

“Why do you think he did it?” She asked. Gods, Farah hated this. 

“You know, baby,” Farah paused, “I think some people do things just to be mean sometimes. He may not have even had a reason for it,” She told Bloom, trailing her fingers through her hair as she did so. 

“I’ve had Bunny forever,” Bloom whispered, her voice breaking around another wave of tears that she was trying valiantly to keep at bay. 

“I know, sweet girl,” She cooed, “I’m so sorry, Bloom. I know you loved him,” She said, understanding just how important comfort items could be, especially when as young as first years were and while away from home. “Maybe tomorrow you can go with me and Daddy and we can try to find you a new friend?” She suggested as gently as possible, not wanting to upset her again. 

Bloom shook her head, “I don’t want another one,” She whispered and Farah’s heart felt like it was breaking for the hundredth time that night. Her little girl should never be so upset that she doesn’t want another stuffed animal. She was only eight for crying out loud. 

Farah sighed and lifted Bloom into her arms before carrying her into the bedroom. Saul had returned with a cup of water and handed it to Bloom once she’d placed her back down on the bed. 

Once they all settled into the bed, Bloom sighed and Farah felt her little fingers tangle in her hair. Saul’s hand was smoothing over Bloom’s back comfortingly. “I love you, princess,” Saul murmured as Bloom finally started to relax. 

“Love you, Daddy,” Bloom breathed out. 

“Good night, sweet girl. I love you, Bloom,” Farah whispered and kissed her forehead. 

“I love you too.” 

Chapter Text

Farah rolled onto her side as she woke. She opened her eyes to see her husband doing the same. “Uh, where is Bloom?” She asked and Saul blinked, only now realizing that the girl wasn’t in the bed with them any longer. His eyes widened and he threw the blankets back, all but leaping out of the bed. She laughed and watched him go. The bond she shared with her daughter was pulling enough to let her know that Bloom was still in their suite, so she wasn’t panicking. 

Saul made his way through the suite and found her in the kitchen. She was sitting up on her knees to reach the table better. A book was open in her left hand as she read. Her right hand spooned cereal into her mouth between turning pages.  

“Good morning, princess,” He said softly, his heart rate starting to return to normal now that he knew where she was and that she was okay. He made his way across the room and dropped a kiss to the top of her head as he headed for the coffee maker.  

“Morning,” She mumbled around the bite she’d just put in her mouth, her eyes never leaving the words on the page in front of her. He smiled softly as he watched her. Nicolas had always been an intense reader as well. His wife had instilled a love of reading into him at a young age and his son had grown up reading whatever he could get his hands on. While Farah hadn’t gotten to raise Bloom in the same sense, the girl had clearly still picked up her love of reading anyway. 

The woman in question entered the room then and smirked at him as she took a seat in the chair next to Bloom. She gently combed her fingers through red hair and Bloom didn’t so much as lift her gaze from her book. “Hey, Mama,” She said as her eyes continued to scan across the pages. Farah smiled widely and leaned forward to kiss the girl’s cheek before getting up and heading for the tea kettle. 

“You want some real food, sweet girl?” She asked. 

“Cereal is real food,” Bloom replied and Farah felt her heart flip. That was always Nicolas’s response as well. A few more moments passed, Farah and Saul moving around quietly while Bloom read and ate her breakfast. “Mama?” Bloom called out sweetly and both adults looked up in time to see the girl finish her book and set it down. Blue eyes looked up then, bouncing between them. She grinned cutely and Farah laughed. 

“That part of a series?” She guessed and Bloom nodded eagerly. “And I suppose the library doesn’t have the next one?” She also guessed. Bloom shook her head then, scrunching up her nose in distaste, “I’d wager to bet that the bookstore in the city probably would.” 

Bloom pursed her lips to one side and nodded after a beat. “Probably,” She agreed with a little grin thrown in for good measure. 

“Well,” Farah paused as she stirred her tea, “Luckily for you,” She smirked, “I don’t have any pressing paperwork today and I also need the next book in the series I’m reading,” She finished. 

Bloom’s smile spread wide as she gasped excitedly. “Really?” She asked happily and Farah nodded. The girl slid from the chair, ran to the woman, threw her arms around her hips, and hugged her tightly. Farah blinked in shock but quickly returned to herself and hugged her daughter back. “I’m gonna go change!” She called out as she ran from the room. 

Farah watched her go, absolutely smitten with her little girl and then looked over to Saul who was still staring at the spot where Bloom had just disappeared. “Would you care to join us, handsome?” She offered as she moved to his side and tucked herself under his arm. 

He kissed her temple and smiled against her lips when she turned her head and caught his lips. “I’d love to come follow the two of you around and carry your books,” He teased. She laughed and rolled her eyes. That was what he did for her anniversary gift every year; took her to a bookstore, gave her a half-hour time limit, and followed her around, carrying every and any book she selected. Once she was finished, he paid for them and then they always had dinner together. 

“Have I mentioned how much I love you lately?” She asked softly and kissed him again. 

“Never hurts to hear,” He whispered and pressed his forehead to hers. 

“I love you, Saul Silva. I love how much you love me and how much you love our children. But watching you be a complete girl-dad? Gods, Saul. I can’t get enough of that and I swear I fall more and more in love with you every time you interact with her,” She told him quietly. 

He smiled down at her and kissed her soundly then. “I love you so fucking much, my love,” He told her, “And you and her together?” He paused and took a breath, “I swear my heart is malfunctioning half of the time.” 

“Daddy! I can’t reach my hoodie!” Bloom called from down the hall.  

Saul smiled widely and pecked Farah’s lips once more. “Duty calls.” 

Chapter Text

Saul had thought his heart was going to burst right out of his chest during the drive into the city. Bloom had sat in the middle of the backseat after insisting that she had to be able to see them both and sitting on either side didn’t allow that. Farah had produced a booster seat for her and her little legs had swung back and forth happily as she sang along quietly to the music that the woman played through the car sound system. The sound of her little voice made it hard to swallow around the lump that formed in his throat and when Farah held her hand out to him and met his eyes knowingly, he was powerless to stop the few tears that did escape. He was, however, quick to swipe them away. 

He’d grabbed a basket as he followed the two of them into the bookstore. Bloom was holding onto Farah’s hand and trailing along behind the two of them felt like the most natural thing in the world. His little girl bounced on her toes excitedly as she found the series of books that she was currently in the middle of and pointed to the one she needed. Farah handed it down to her and Bloom beamed up at her. 

Grab the next two at least, please. She said to him through their bond once Bloom had placed her book in the basket in his hands and grinned up at him. 

Why don’t we just go ahead and buy the rest of the series? He questioned as he did as she asked once his two girls had trailed off down the aisle. 

Half the fun of being a reader is getting to go to the bookstore, Saul. You know this. She teased and he rolled his eyes good-naturedly as she looked back at him over her shoulder. 

Right, how silly of me. He shot right back. He continued on behind them. How’s she feeling, Fay?  

Farah was speaking softly to Bloom as they walked and didn’t answer him right away, but tugged on the bond to let him know she’d heard him. The girl asked her a question and Saul heard her let out a soft laugh. She seems fine for the moment. It’s weird. She was completely destroyed by it last night.  

He sighed and nodded. They trailed along in the children’s section for a while longer, but Bloom’s attention never wavered from either him or Farah. Does she not want anything else?  

I was also wondering about that. She claims she only reads one series at a time.  

Meanwhile, you read three or four books at a time and I don’t understand how you keep them straight.  

Years of practice, darling.  

Saul shot her a smirk and followed behind them as they made their way into the adult fiction section. Farah grabbed the newest book in the series she was currently reading and passed it back to him. He readily accepted it and placed it in the basket with Bloom’s books. After selecting three more books and continuing her conversation with Bloom as she did so, never missing a beat, she declared that was enough for the moment. Saul raised his eyebrows. 

“Only four? You feeling okay?” He asked her teasingly. 

“Maybe I plan to come back next week,” She quipped right back at him in the same tone. 

Bloom’s little happy gasp next to her was enough to have Saul willing to agree to bring them every day if they wanted. I heard that, Saul Silva.  

Fuck it, if this is what makes you two the happiest, I’ll live here, Farah.  

She shot him a bright smile and lifted Bloom into her arms. The girl settled happily on her hip and her fingers tangled into Farah’s hair as the woman headed for the front of the store. Saul followed along but stopped occasionally to grab cute little bookmarks, pens, and whatever else he thought one or both of them might enjoy. 

He told her to head out, that he’d take care of checking out and she shot him a soft smile before carrying Bloom over to the door and outside. Saul made quick work of putting everything on the counter and paying for it all. He accepted his two bags, and his receipt, and thanked the cashier before leaving the store. The man nearly tripped as he exited the store to see Farah still holding Bloom and giggling like a much younger girl while Bloom rubbed the end of her nose against her mother’s. 

Fuck, Fay. Just beautiful.  

I simply can’t get enough of her, Saul. Ever. Her eyes were shining when she turned her head to look at him and he smiled widely as he made his way to them. 

“Baby girl,” He said to get Bloom’s attention. The girl looked up at him instantly, a smile on her face, “You see that coffee shop right there?” He asked, pointing over her shoulder. She nodded after glancing in the direction he’d pointed her in. “They have your mother’s favorite tea in the world. You know what else they have?” 

“What, Daddy?” Bloom asked him cutely. 

“The absolute best chocolate muffin ever,” He told her, completely seriously. Bloom grinned and glanced over her shoulder again.  

“Can we go?” She asked softly and Saul laughed. 

“Of course, firefly. Let’s go.” 

Chapter Text

The rest of the day spent together as a little family had been one of the best Saul could remember. He wished more than anything that Nicolas could be there with them also, but knew that Bloom needed this time whether she was willing to admit it or not. 

That night, he’d emerged from taking a shower to find his two girls snuggled together on the couch under a shared blanket and completely absorbed in their individual books. 

She has a bit of unease creeping back in, Saul. The man paused at the thought his wife had pushed through to him and looked more closely at his daughter’s face. Bloom’s eyebrows were pulled together slightly and her little mouth was pulled down in the smallest of frowns while she read. 

He thought for a few moments before realization dawned on him. Because she can’t sleep without it.   

Farah gave a nearly imperceptible nod, not wanting Bloom to realize they were communicating. She’s been trying to ignore it, she did a pretty good job of it all day, there were a few times when her mood dipped, but overall today was good for her. Now that she’s settled and getting sleepy, she’s scared.  

Saul swallowed hard and took a long, deep breath. And she won’t accept another one? I know we can’t simply replace her comfort item, but we could find her something to hold?  

She says she doesn’t want another one. The sadness that laced that thought of Farah’s had his heart feeling as if it was cracking. 

My love, we will figure this out. She’ll be okay, Fay. He insisted and Farah’s eyes looked up from her book then and found his. He fought hard not to move to her side and pull her into his arms when he saw tears brimming in her eyes. 

She’s just a baby, Saul. I just want to hold her and protect her and tell her everything is okay. I want to give her everything and make sure she never wants for anything. And I couldn’t do something as simple as protecting her little stuffed animal from getting destroyed. This happened on my campus, Saul.   

Saul narrowed his eyes. Don’t you dare take the blame for this, Farah. Some little shit decided to do something evil and that is not your fault. I swear the moment she gives us a name, I’ll make him pay for it. Farah shot him a look. I don’t care how old he is, Fay. Actions have consequences and he destroyed our baby’s ability to be completely comfortable at night right now. He felt the fight leave her and finally made his way to the two of them. Bloom looked up, only now noticing him. You are not at fault here, Fay. This little girl loves you so much and she would never even think of blaming you for this.  

He heard the woman let out a soft sigh. I know. She’s perfect.   

“How’s the story, princess?” He asked as he settled on Bloom’s side, effectively snuggling her between them on the couch. She beamed up a him and began to excitedly tell him about the book she was reading. He listened intently, he swore he would always listen to anything she had to tell him. He adored her. 

“... and right now they’re trying to save the lost prince from the den of dragons,” She finished. Saul smiled at her and tapped her on the end of her nose. 

“Sounds like a good book, firefly,” He said softly as he brought a hand up and ran it over her hair gently. 

“It is,” She agreed and turned her attention back to her book as she then snuggled into his side under his arm. He glanced over at Farah to see the woman smirking. 

What?  

Nothing.  

You’re doing that thing with your face. What?  

Saul, that baby girl adores you and if you could feel the love she feels for you, you’d be a literal puddle on the floor right now. She’s melting me as we speak. That little daddy’s girl.  

Saul swallowed hard and dropped a kiss into Bloom’s hair. He heard her let out a little sigh and felt her relax even more into his side. 

Stop it, now you’re doing it. I can’t actually melt... I don’t think. But you two are giving me a run for my money.  

0~0~0 

Her face had said it all when they’d tucked her in, but she hadn’t asked to sleep with them, and Farah had told him through the bond that she was embarrassed to ask again. They’d let her be the one to decide what she needed. 

Farah, herself though, had cried the moment she was lying in bed and Saul had wound his arms around her, pulling her against him as he’d comforted her. He’d told her that he would go get their baby the moment they heard her call for them. That he’d go get her right now and just tell her they couldn’t sleep without her if she wanted him to. She’d laughed just a bit and shook her head. 

It was now around 3:00 am and Farah had jerked awake. She furrowed her eyebrows until she felt her baby’s fear and sadness from down the hallway. She was up and out of their room in moments. 

As she softly pushed Bloom’s door open, watery blue eyes met hers in the dim light of the dragon-shaped nightlight plugged in near her bed. “Mama,” Bloom whispered brokenly and that was all it took to have Farah kneeling next to her bed on the floor and trailing her fingers through the girl’s hair. 

“I’m here, sweet baby. Why didn’t you come get us?” She asked softly. Bloom just shook her head as more tears fell from her eyes, “Tell me what’s wrong, baby girl. Please?” 

“I had a bad dream and I woke up scared. I usually have Bunny and he scares away the nightmares,” She told her mother and Farah nodded along. “But he’s not here,” She finished. 

“I’m so sorry, firefly. I’m so sorry,” Farah told her and gently wiped a few of her tears away. “What can I do, baby girl? How can I help?” 

“Will you lay with me?” Bloom asked her. Farah felt hope fly down the bond and nodded immediately. It took some work, but she managed to slide into the little bed with her daughter. Bloom rolled and snuggled into her front as soon as she was. “I’m sorry,” Blom whispered against her chest. 

Farah traced soothing circles over Bloom’s back. “What could you possibly have to be sorry for, Bloom?” She questioned. Bloom didn’t answer and Farah bent and nuzzled her nose along Bloom’s hairline, “Baby girl, why are you sorry?” 

“Because I shouldn’t need a stuffed animal to scare away my nightmares,” She cried quietly and Farah shook her head. 

“Oh, baby,” She cooed, “Your brother still has his,” She told her. Bloom stilled then. 

“Really?” She asked her in wonder. 

“Mhmm,” Farah nodded, smiling softly at the memory of Nicolas packing his weird little gremlin plush into his university things when he’d moved out. While she was 99% positive he didn’t still sleep with it, Bloom didn’t need to know that. “It’s a little gremlin named Puck,” She whispered. “Puck used to scare off all of Nicolas’s bad dreams and monsters too. Still does.” 

Bloom burrowed in even closer and Farah held her tightly, “So it’s not cause I’m just a big baby?” She asked. 

Farah was starting to understand Saul’s need to crush the kid who’d destroyed her bunny. “No, sweet girl. You’re my baby, and you always will be. But you’re not a big baby,” She assured her. “And I’m so sorry that your little protector isn’t with you anymore.” 

“My aunt gave me Bunny when I was two,” She told Farah and the woman nodded along, “She told me that he was the best at scaring away unwanted visitors. And that his eyes were always open even when I was asleep so he could always see what was coming.” 

“Sounds like your aunt knew what she was talking about,” Farah murmured. Bloom was starting to wane. The girl nodded against her, “Are you sure that Daddy and I can’t help you find a new friend to step in for Bunny? I think he’d still want you to have someone to help scare your unwanted visitors away when you need them.” 

“Are you sure?” Bloom asked, still a little skeptical. 

“You knew him better than I did,” Farah reasoned, “Would he want you to be upset and scared at night?” She asked, pulling on her child logic. 

Bloom was silent for a long moment before shaking her head, “No,” She whispered, “He wouldn’t.” She felt the girl shift and then let out a sigh, “Can we look tomorrow?” She asked timidly. 

“We absolutely can,” Farah nodded. 

“Will you stay with me tonight?” Bloom asked her as her eyes started to flutter shut. 

“I will, baby girl. I’ve got you. Sleep, sweetheart.” 

Chapter Text

Saul woke the next morning and smiled softly when he opened his eyes to find Farah’s side of the bed empty and cold to the touch. He’d figured that she’d end up with Bloom at some point. He got up and made quick work of brushing his teeth before heading into the kitchen to flip the tea kettle and the coffee pot on. Once that was done, he headed toward his daughter’s room. 

As he opened the door, he was met with the most precious sight. Farah was on her side in Bloom’s little bed. Her arm was wrapped over Bloom protectively. Their little girl was sleeping on her side as well, her back to Farah’s front as her mother spooned her from behind. Bloom had a grip on the arm around her in sleep. He couldn’t fight the urge to take a photo of them before making his way to Farah’s side. 

Saul set about waking her gently, careful not to also wake his slumbering daughter just yet. When Farah finally opened her eyes and looked up at him, she was met with his wide smile. Hi, handsome.  

Good morning, gorgeous.   

She grinned up a him and rubbed her hand over her face. What time is it?  

Just after 9. Was she upset? Farah could hear the concern in his tone through the bond and nodded. 

She had a nightmare and didn’t have her bunny here to scare it away for her. I woke up because she was projecting so hard. On the plus side, I do think I talked her into letting us buy her a new stuffed animal. Though I’m not sure how well that’s going to go. Replacing a comfort item like that is tough.  

Saul nodded, his eyes focused on his sleeping daughter for the moment. We’ll figure it out, Fay. She’ll be okay. She give you a name yet?  

No. Her tone was bitter at the fact and she was still adamant that she wouldn’t go into Bloom’s mind to take the answer from her. I wish she would.  

She will eventually, my love. I started your tea, so I’ll be down the hallway. What do you figure she’d want for breakfast?  

Something more substantial than cereal, hopefully.  

Saul just breathed out a laugh as he left the room. 

0~0~0 

By the time Saul heard Farah and Bloom approaching, he’d made a breakfast of French toast and bacon. He turned as they entered the kitchen and Bloom smiled up at him from Farah’s side where she was holding onto her mother’s hand. “Morning, Daddy,” She greeted him. 

“Good morning, princess,” He replied happily and held his hand out in invitation. Bloom smiled widely and ran over to his side, gripping his hand in hers and leaning up onto her toes to see what he was doing better. 

“I’ll be back in a few,” Farah murmured as she headed toward their bedroom to brush her teeth and tie her hair up. 

“You ready for breakfast, baby?” Saul asked as he started plating everything. Bloom nodded and carefully carried the plates over to the table after asking if she could help. He smiled softly watching her as she transferred each one, placing them carefully before running back to his side to help with the next one. “Apple juice?” He asked once that task was complete and she nodded happily. 

Once the three of them had settled around the table, Saul looked over at his wife to find her lovingly watching their daughter. I adore how much time she’s spent here recently. I never want to let her go back to her own suite.  

I know what you mean, handsome. He glanced in Bloom’s direction then to see her struggling and felt his heart tug. 

“Can I help, princess?” He asked and Bloom’s furrowed eyebrows relaxed as she looked up at him. 

“Yes, please,” She accepted as she handed him her fork and knife and let him cut up her French toast for her. He hadn’t been needed to cut a child’s food up in a long time and this moment, of all things, made his heart feel so full. 

It’s the little things, huh? Farah’s knowing tug on the bond followed her question and he shot her a smirk. 

It’s everything when it comes to her, love. Farah nodded after a beat and Saul handed Bloom her silverware back. “Thank you, Daddy,” She chirped. 

Melting. Farah teased through the bond and Saul shot her a playful glare. He opened his mouth but was cut off by a knock at the door. “I’ve got it,” He said as he stood. He dropped a kiss to Bloom’s head and pecked Farah’s offered lips as he left the room. 

“Mama?” Bloom asked sweetly and Farah felt a mischievous streak fly down the bond. 

“Yes, sweet girl?” She asked, looking over at her daughter. Bloom shot her a cute little grin and Farah knew she’d give her whatever she asked for next. Bloom blinked long lashes at her and Farah shook her head playfully, “What do you want, baby?” 

“Can I have more syrup?” She asked simply and Farah let out a laugh as she nodded and passed her daughter the requested topping. She watched fondly as Bloom poured more of the sticky substance onto her French toast. Both looked up as Saul came back carrying in large box. 

“Mail came,” He murmured with a smirk and Farah furrowed her eyebrows. We don’t have to worry about spoiling her. Nicolas is clearly going to take care of it for us.  

Farah bit her lip to keep from smiling too widely as Saul sat the package next to Bloom. The girl looked up wide-eyed having just put a bite of food into her mouth.  

“This came for you, princess,” He told her and Bloom’s eyes lit up as she chewed quickly and swallowed. 

“Can I open it?” She asked, eyeing the box. 

“Yes, baby girl,” Farah answered softly and watched Bloom happily sit up onto her knees and pull at the top of the box once Saul had cut through the tape holding it closed for her. 

Bloom froze suddenly and swallowed hard as she stared down into the box. Farah felt a wave of sadness surrounded by a larger feeling of love shoot through her. “Did you tell him?” She asked softly and the woman looked over at her husband. 

What’s she talking about?  

No idea.  

Both of them then watched as she lifted the cutest little pastel pink, floppy dragon out of the box. Oh, Nicolas was a genius and didn’t even know it yet. “No, darling, I haven’t told your brother,” Farah murmured as she watched a tear escape down her daughter’s cheek. Bloom’s little tear-filled eyes found Saul’s then and he shook his head and couldn’t fight the urge to reach out and pull her into his lap any longer. She burrowed her face into his chest as he hugged her to him tightly, and Farah noted that she didn’t let go of the stuffed animal to do so. 

“I haven’t told Nicolas, princess,” He assured her as he dropped a kiss to her hair. Farah stood and looked into the box. At the bottom was a folded note and she opened it and smiled widely over at her husband as she blinked rapidly to ward off her own tears. 

“The note he sent says he saw it at a local shop and couldn’t resist it. He says that maybe Bunny could take the night off every once in a while, and this little guy can watch over you,” Farah said softly. 

Bloom sat back from Saul and looked down at the new stuffed animal in her hands before bursting into tears. Saul’s eyes widened comically and he panicked but Farah could feel nothing but pure love coming from her daughter and made her way to them, placing a hand on her back and rubbing soothing circles. 

“You’re okay, Bloom,” Farah whispered gently, understanding that Bloom felt overwhelmed with her emotions. She gently pushed a calm feeling down the bond, “I know, sweet girl. He got you the perfect thing, didn’t he? And he doesn’t even realize it.” 

Bloom shook her head as she sniffled, “Can I go call him?” She asked quietly. 

“Yeah, baby,” Farah nodded, trailing her fingers through red hair, “Go call your brother.” 

Chapter Text

Bloom reappeared about fifteen minutes later with the little pink stuffed animal tucked under her arm and her phone held out toward Saul who happened to be the closest to her. “Nicky wants to talk to you. I’m going to go shower,” She announced. Once Saul had taken the phone from her, she spun and disappeared again leaving them both staring after her. 

“Uh, hello?” Saul asked after he’d put the call on speakerphone. 

“Who the fuck tore up her toy?” He asked in greeting. 

Farah blinked and met Saul’s eyes in bewilderment. He’d never spoken to anyone like that as far as they knew. “Dial it back, buddy,” Saul said, “I get it, neither of us are happy about this either, but that’s no reason to speak to us like that,” He chastised.  

“Sorry, Dad,” Came Nicolas’s sorry tone. 

“Your mother is also here,” Saul chided. 

“Yikes, sorry, Mama,” Nicolas’s tone was even more sorry now and Saul rolled his eyes. 

Gods, the first time he cursed around either of us would be over his baby sister. Farah smirked at him and nodded. 

“It’s okay, sweetheart. We’re working on getting a name out of her. She’s not budging right now,” Farah told him gently. 

“How upset was she?” Nicolas asked after a moment of silence. Farah met Saul’s eyes and scrunched her face up.  

He’s not going to like the answer. Saul nodded in agreement and she grimaced. 

“She was destroyed, buddy,” Saul answered him, taking pity on his wife. They heard him swear under his breath again and both chose to ignore it. “I think your gift helped a lot though.” 

“I’d have bought the giant one if I'd known,” He muttered and Farah grinned fondly as she tucked herself into Saul’s side. 

“The one you got is perfect, buddy,” She assured him, “The same size as her bunny and she’s already carrying it around with her.” 

They heard a sigh come through the phone, “Okay. Tell her she can call me whenever,” He told them. 

“She knows, darling, but we will,” Farah murmured. They hung up moments later and Saul sat Bloom’s phone to the side. He brought his other arm up around her now and she snuggled into his chest. “An hour of patrol says he shows up here before midweek,” She teased. 

“I’m not taking that bet. Of course he’ll show up.” 

0~0~0 

Nicolas was at their door Wednesday morning. They both saw it coming. He didn’t have classes on Wednesday and, according to him, his Thursday class was canceled. Saul just smirked over his shoulder at his wife knowingly as he headed out for his morning run. Farah embraced her son and asked if he wanted breakfast to which he responded that he’d eaten on the drive. 

“Where’s B?” He asked after a moment and Farah raised her eyebrows. 

“In her suite,” She said softly. Nicolas scrunched his nose up. “What?” 

He shrugged, “She should be here,” He murmured as he turned for the coffee pot. Farah couldn’t agree more. “I think I’m going to hang out in the greenhouse with Uncle Ben today. I called him on the way in and he said I could observe if I could manage to actually stay quiet this time,” He grinned and Farah rolled her eyes. Last time he’d observed, he’d struck up one too many conversations with the students during the independent work time. 

“Sounds like a plan, darling,” Farah leaned up and kissed his cheek, “I’ve got to get going. Let me know if you need anything today, okay?” 

“Thanks!” 

0~0~0 

Bloom took a deep breath as she made her way into the greenhouse for her herbology class. She kept her gaze on the ground as she made her way to her seat and sat down, dropping her bag at her feet and staring at the table in front of her. 

“No stuffie today, Ginger?” She heard behind her and shrank in on herself. Why wouldn’t he just leave her alone? He bumped into her roughly as he passed by to take his seat at the table behind her. 

Nicolas watched the entire encounter without commenting. His blood was boiling and he zeroed in on the little shit who’d just nearly knocked his little sister off of her stool. He watched the kid throw a paper ball at one of his little friends and then snicker with another one about something he didn’t catch. 

Ben started class a few moments later and Nicolas watched as everyone settled in. Bloom finally lifted her gaze to the front of the room after retrieving a notebook and pen from her bag. Nicolas watched her for several moments before his attention focused on the kid behind her again. The boy wasn’t paying attention at all, choosing instead to whisper and laugh not-so-quietly with the friend next to him. 

Once Ben was finished and the plants they were working with for the day had been placed in front of them, Nicolas smirked as he decided on how he’d repay Bloom’s little bully. He watched as Bloom and her partner started on the correct ingredients for the potion they’d been instructed on. 

Meanwhile, the kid that had become the bane of his existence clearly didn’t have a clue as to what he was meant to be doing as he and his partner were simply mixing everything together. His sister and her partner put the finishing touches on their potion and poured it over their plant, grinning widely when it worked perfectly and it bloomed into a beautiful flower. Ben noticed then and made his way to their station to praise them and look their plant over. 

The bully’s partner went to pour their potion on the plant and Nicolas watched on. He’d paid attention to what they mixed together. Nothing would happen as they’d done nothing correctly. But they didn’t know that. 

Once the vial was empty, the plant seemed to start growing out of nowhere. The bully’s eyes widened and he and his partner backed up, but it just kept growing, vines winding out of it then and snapping toward him.  

The bully and his partner let out twin shrieks, gaining the attention of the rest of the class as well as Ben. Nicolas noticed the look of panic on Ben’s face as the man ran in their direction, skirting the table Bloom was at to get to them. 

Nicolas smirked and watched on as the plant seemed to take over, winding around the little bully’s ankle. He looked to where his sister was watching with wide eyes and smiled seeing that she had a hand over her mouth to cover her glee. 

“Nicolas, for gods sake, help me here,” Ben asked and Bloom’s eyes snapped to him then, realizing for the first time that her brother was in the room. She cocked her head to the side in question and Nicolas smirked at her, giving a small nod in answer. “Nicky!” Ben snapped again. Nicolas let go of the power he was using and suddenly the plant stopped growing. “Great. Andrew, I swear, you’ve got to start listening. That’s another week of dish pit for every meal and distance running with Silva.” 

Nicolas’s smirk deepened and he saw Bloom shake her head adamantly in his direction. “Sorry, Squirt,” He mouthed, though he was anything but. Saul and Farah would both be getting his name. 

Chapter Text

Bloom stayed after everyone had gone, including Ben. She finally turned and looked at her brother who was still writing. “Nicky?” She asked softly and he looked up at her, putting his pen down and giving her his full attention. “Why did you do that?” 

“Because he’s a little shit and I saw him push you. I heard what he said to you. No one gets to mess with you and get away with it, B,” He shrugged. “You have any more classes today?” 

She blinked at the drastic change in questioning. “Uh, no,” She shook her head, “Nicky, you can’t just beat people up for me,” She pulled the topic back. 

He shrugged again, “I’ll do whatever I want to whoever decides they wanna hurt you, Squirt. No one gets to mess with you and think that it’s okay. I won’t ever let anyone hurt you, Bloom. Never. I asked for you for far too long to let any little asshole swoop in and hurt you.” 

Again, she just blinked in shock several times as she stared at him. “Thank you,” She whispered after a few moments. A little grin worked its way onto her lips. “You know, I always wanted a big brother,” She told him and he swallowed hard around the lump that formed in his throat suddenly. “And I’m really glad that I got the best one,” She finished softly. 

Nicolas rounded the table and held his arms out, “Get over here, Half-Pint,” He requested and she smiled widely at him and ran for him. He scooped her up, listening to her giggles as he tossed her and caught her before hugging her tightly. “I really love that I got the best little sister too,” He murmured. 

0~0~0 

They’d snuck into the kitchen and gotten lunch from the staff so that they wouldn’t have to deal with the crowd in the cafeteria. Together they had eaten their meals in Farah’s and Saul’s suite while Nicolas all but dragged the story of the little bully out of his sister. 

Turns out Andrew had been messing with her for months now. She’d just been dealing with it because she didn’t want to get anyone in trouble or be a ‘tattle-tale’ as she’d explained to him. He then took the time to explain that if someone was being mean to her for no reason, that she wasn’t getting them in trouble and she certainly wasn’t being a tattle-tale. She’d just shrugged at him and made some comment before changing the subject. 

By the time Saul showed up, he and Bloom had made dinner and set the table. He smiled widely, greeting them both. “Your mother had something come up that she’s dealing with right now. Why don’t you tell me about your day?” He requested as he bent and lifted Bloom onto his hip. The girl simply laid her head down on her father’s shoulder, the long day catching up with her as she relaxed against him. 

“Nicky and I had lunch together and he helped me with my homework. Then we watched a movie and made dinner,” She informed him cutely. Saul smiled softly as he listened to her with his full attention before turning his attention to his son who shrugged and nodded. 

“What she said,” He agreed. “What time was Mama thinking she’d be done?” 

“She wasn’t sure,” Saul answered, shaking his head, “But... I bet we have time for a game of Scrabble,” He told his son. 

Bloom gasped and her eyes went wide. “Really, Daddy?” She asked excitedly and he nodded, sitting her to her feet and watching her run off. 

“I got a name,” Nicolas told him quietly and Saul’s gaze snapped to him, “You should actually already have it on your desk. Andrew something?” He said and watched his father’s face harden as he nodded. “Give him hell.” 

0~0~0 

They’d ended up eating dinner without Farah as she’d texted saying that she didn’t know how much longer she would be and to go ahead. Bloom had adorably asked if she could stay in their suite for the night and Saul had laughed as he nodded, reminding her that she was welcome anytime she wanted. While she showered, Nicolas relayed everything that Bloom had told him earlier in the day. It had taken a while to get everything out of her, but he was confident he had. 

Saul had been irate by the end of it and Nicolas couldn’t blame him at all. He’d wanted to jack the kid up against the wall and break his nose for even thinking about hurting his sister. He’d refrained, especially considering he was lucky he’d gotten away with what he did do to the kid in the greenhouse. 

“Ben really didn’t know it was you?” Saul asked after a beat of silence. 

“If he did, he didn’t let on,” Nicolas shrugged. Both looked up then as the door opened and Farah walked in. She looked up after closing it behind her and both could tell she was exhausted. 

“What?” She asked as they both stared at her for a long moment.  

Nicky got a name. Saul pushed through to her. Andrew. Should have seen that coming, I guess. 

Farah blinked in surprise. She told him? Just like that?  

More like he witnessed it, tortured her little bully, and then she didn’t have much of a choice. Saul rolled his eyes. 

“You’d think I’d be used to the silent communication by now, but I’m not. Some of us aren’t in your heads, guys,” Nicolas spoke up. Saul laughed and reached over to where he was sitting next to him on the couch and ruffled his hair affectionately. Nicolas shoved him off playfully and at that moment they heard little feet approaching. 

“Mama!” Bloom greeted excitedly as she ran for her mother. Farah’s smile spread over her face, completely erasing the signs that had just shown how tired she was. She bent and opened her arms, scooping Bloom into them as she stood again. Bloom rubbed the end of Farah’s nose with her own and the woman laughed and repeated the action.  

She was already in her pajamas and her hair was wet and hanging in waves down her back as she giggled at whatever Farah was whispering to her. Bloom gasped all of a sudden, “Mama! You have to eat dinner,” She admonished, and Farah laughed and nodded. 

“Right, baby, thank you for reminding me,” Farah agreed and shot a smile over her shoulder to her husband and son as she carried her daughter into the kitchen with her, both of them speaking excitedly to one another. 

Nicolas spoke after several moments, “She’s such a girl mom,” He whispered. Saul turned and looked at his son and softened. 

“Buddy, I think she’s just such a mom,” He pointed out. Nicolas grinned at him. 

“I don’t mean anything by it, Dad. You don’t have to try to spare my feelings or anything. She’s the best mom,” He continued. “But it sucks that she didn’t get to have that,” He gestured in the direction they’d both disappeared in, “This whole time.” 

Saul sighed and turned to look where his son was looking. He nodded. “Yeah, it does.” 

0~0~0 

Saul slid into the bed and tugged Farah backward into his arms that night. She sighed as she snuggled into him just as she always did. “What did you mean, he tortured her bully?” 

Saul breathed out a laugh and recounted the story for her that Nicolas had told him earlier. She was silent for a long moment, “Fay?” 

“Gods, he’s you made over,” She whispered and Saul pressed a kiss to the back of her head, “I love our little protector and the man he’s become, Saul.” 

“Me too, gorgeous,” He murmured into her hair. “And that sweet little girl down the hallway who has your loving spirit and the light that you bring into everything you do,” He continued. 

She rolled onto her back then and turned her head to look at him. “I love you, Saul,” She whispered and kissed him gently. 

“I love you more,” He whispered and caught her lips for another kiss. “And I especially love how you’re not going to ask me what Andrew’s punishment is and let me dole it out in peace,” He said against her lips. 

She let out a sigh as she rolled her eyes, “Just don’t kill the kid, Saul. I have enough paperwork to worry about.” 

Chapter Text

Farah woke the next morning and reached for her husband, frowning when she found cool sheets. She opened her eyes and blinked against the sunlight just starting to come in through the window. A moment later, her bedroom door opened and a red head of wild curls peeked in. Curious blue eyes met hers and Farah felt her frustration fade immediately as those little blue eyes lit up. 

She grinned and lifted the blankets. Bloom beamed a smile back at her before running across the room and diving under the blankets with her. Farah took note of the little dragon in her hand as she did so and pulled Bloom close. “Good morning, sweet girl,” She murmured as she dropped a kiss to red hair. 

“Daddy left a note that he and Nicky went for a run,” She informed her mother and Farah nodded. Nicolas didn’t love to get up at dawn to run with his father, but he was usually more inclined to do it when he hadn’t seen them in a while. Bloom snuggled in close and let out a content sigh. “And, right, good morning,” She said happily. 

Farah just smiled and then a thought flew through her mind and she knew the answer before even asking, “Bloom, how do you feel about horses?” 

0~0~0 

Farah’s phone rang, predictably, and she grinned before handing it into the backseat to Bloom. The girl looked down at it, smiled widely at the sight of the photo of her father on the screen, and answered the call. “Hi, Daddy!” She greeted him. “How was your run?” She asked and Farah couldn’t help her smile. Saul couldn’t help but answer her, even though she knew exactly why he was calling. 

She glanced into the rearview mirror and saw her little girl’s face completely lit up. The book Bloom had been reading was face down in her lap to hold it open to the right page. 

“Mama said it’s pony season,” She was silent for a moment and Farah saw her nod, “Uh huh, Gramma said we could come,” She explained. Bloom giggled and held the phone back out, “Mama, Daddy wants to talk to you.” 

“Hello?” She asked as she flipped her blinker on and turned onto the road she’d grown up on. 

“Farah, tell me you’re not taking her to the ranch without me,” He said, his tone serious but laced with playful undertones.  

“Well, you’re not in the car,” She teased back. 

“Fay baby,” He groaned, “My little girl and ponies,” He said as if he was pained. 

Farah laughed, “Mom is expecting you to show up as well, handsome. I’ll hold her out of the stables as long as I can, but I make no promises,” She threatened. 

“We’re already on the way,” He replied and she shook her head. 

0~0~0 

Farah had lifted Bloom out of the backseat and into her arms once she’d parked in the driveway. She settled her little girl on her hip and shut the door after convincing Bloom that she didn’t need to bring her book with her. The door opened as she was approaching and Bloom looked up at the sound. She smiled widely. “Gramma!” She greeted and Farah laughed as she squirmed in her arms. She sat her to her feet and watched her run the rest of the way into her grandmother’s open arms. The woman had squatted down and wrapped her arms around her granddaughter tightly. 

“Hi, baby bear!” She exclaimed back just as excited. Farah swallowed hard as she heard that nickname. Her mother and father had called her ‘bear’ since she was a baby. Having Bloom be referred to as ‘baby bear’ made her emotional. “I swear you’ve grown a foot since I saw you last!” She teased and Bloom giggled up at her. Farah rolled her eyes. Bloom hadn’t grown a bit. She was actually wondering just how small she’d be as by this age, Nicolas was well above average height, while Bloom was below. “Have you had breakfast?” 

“Mhmm,” Bloom nodded, “I had cereal,” She informed the woman who looked up at Farah, unimpressed. Farah held her hands up. 

“That’s what she wanted, Mom,” Farah said defensively. 

“Well, I hope you’ve got some room in there,” She gently poked Bloom’s belly and the girl laughed. “Because your grandfather has been in there cooking since your mama called to say you were coming,” She told her. Bloom’s eyes lit up. 

“Really?” She asked with a grin. She’d spoken to her grandfather on the phone several times, but had yet to meet the man in person. 

“Really,” Her grandmother answered her with a nod as she stood up and offered Bloom her hand. The girl took it excitedly and grinned up at her as she followed her into the house. Farah trailed after them, her heart permanently in her throat as she felt her emotions continue to well inside of her. 

She looked up as they entered the kitchen. Bloom was completely focused on her grandmother and Farah caught the moment that her father laid eyes on her daughter. His eyes filled with tears as he stared at her and then slowly slid to Farah’s. He smiled widely at her. “She’s beautiful,” He mouthed and Farah nodded, fighting her own tears now. 

“Let’s see what we have here,” Farah heard her mother say and then Bloom’s attention finally landed on the man who’d just moved the pan off of the stove so nothing would burn. She smiled up at him and Farah swore her father seemed to melt at the sight of that smile. 

“Hi, Papa,” Bloom greeted and a bright smile grew over his face. 

“Get over here,” He teased and opened his arms. Bloom needed no other invitation, running for him and giggling when he scooped her up into his arms, “Gods, baby bear, you look just like your mama,” He murmured and Bloom glanced over at Farah with a grin. 

Farah finally made her feet move and made her way to her father’s side. She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek, “Hi, Dad,” She greeted him properly, “Breakfast smells great,” She complemented. 

Bloom nodded in agreement and that was all her father needed to start fawning over the little redhead once more and starting to plate everything she nodded at as he asked her if she’d like it. 

Farah felt an arm wind around her back and leaned into her mother’s side. The woman pressed a soft kiss to her temple, “He bought her a horse,” She whispered and Farah breathed out a soft laugh. 

“Of course he did.” He’d done the same thing the moment that Nicolas was old enough to walk. She wasn’t surprised at all that he’d bought Bloom one as well. “How many ponies do we have right now?” 

“Two,” Her mother answered and both watched on as the man sat Bloom in a chair at the table and took a seat next to her with his own breakfast. “How far out is Saul?” She asked teasingly. 

“Can’t be too far. He was on his way when he called. Nicolas is with him,” She added on. 

“He is?” She asked, her eyes sparkling and Farah nodded. She always got excited when her grandson visited. And Nicolas loved to visit. He’d spent countless summers on the ranch, had begged to visit or stay at every school break. And, unknown to his parents, he visited them most weekends while at university. Having both of her grandchildren in the house at the same time was a dream come true. 

“Yeah, he showed up Wednesday after...” She trailed off and bit her lip. 

“After what?” Her mother said, having clocked that motion. 

Farah met her eyes and then sighed before mentally relaying everything. Her mother’s eyes grew angrier and angrier as she explained and she could feel the emotions flying out of her. “Mom, calm down. It’s being handled,” She assured her. “Bloom is fine,” She gestured toward her daughter who was talking animatedly to her grandfather currently. 

“This conversation isn’t over,” The woman warned and Farah nodded after a moment. She smiled then, hearing the door open again. Nicolas entered the kitchen moments later and hugged his grandmother. 

“Ooh, something smells great,” He commented and Farah rolled her eyes happily. She watched the young man make his plate before taking a seat on Bloom’s other side, greeting his grandfather warmly in the process. Her mother finally left her side as well, and joined them at the table.  

Farah leaned back into a strong chest when her husband’s arms wound around her from behind as she watched the scene she’d never had the courage to even dream of play out in front of her. “She hasn’t seen them yet, right?” Saul asked playfully and Farah smirked. 

“No,” She told him and shook her head. Dad bought her a horse. Saul was still for a long moment before she felt him nod. 

Seems right.  

Chapter Text

Bloom had trailed next to her grandfather as he led her out to the stables. She’d warmed up to him completely, and Farah had adored watching her with him just as she adored watching her with her mother. It made her so incredibly happy to see Bloom with her parents.

The girl’s little hand was tucked into his larger one, and she giggled at something he was telling her. Nicolas had headed out ahead of them with Saul to groom and tack the horse she still had no idea about.

Farah and her mother followed after them and watched Bloom’s face light up once they’d stepped inside. She smiled widel,y and her grandfather laughed at her abrupt silence as she stared around in shock. He lifted her onto his hip and walked her over to the nearest horse, Farah’s. The girl happily listened as he instructed her on how to pet the animal along its neck and told her all about him.

“You ready to see your surprise, baby bear?” The man asked her.

Bloom looked at him in question. “Surprise?” She asked in confusion.

“Mhmm,” He hummed. Bloom glanced over to Farah. The woman shot her a smile and nodded encouragingly. Bloom looked back up to her grandfather and grinned widely at him as she nodded.

He headed toward the stall at the back of the barn, and Bloom looked up as the stall door opened. Nicolas walked out, leading the horse by the bridle. Bloom’s eyes widened as she took in the beautiful mare. Her coat was the shiniest black Bloom had ever seen.

“She’s so pretty,” She murmured as she reached up, petting the horse just like her grandfather had instructed her just moments before.

“You think so?” He asked, and Bloom nodded, her smile permanently on her face. “I’m glad you think so. She’s yours.”

0~0~0

Farah answered her phone distractedly as she put her things down after coming in from her last class. “Head Mistress Dowling,” She said as she looked around for the pen she swore she’d just had. They were going into a long weekend, Saul was away with the military for a few days, Nicolas was coming home to spend time with them, and Bloom was due to arrive at the suite any minute now as well.

Farah felt her chest go ice cold as she listened to the voice on the other end of the line. She dropped the folder she’d been holding still and felt her head swim. “Gone?” She repeated softly, “What do you mean gone?” She asked. She blinked several times, trying to wrap her head around the information she was getting. “What do you mean, a troop that was simply meant for training disappeared?” She asked, anger settling in now as she tried valiantly not to get too emotional. “When?” Her knees felt weak, and she rolled her shoulders. “And what are you doing to find them?” She asked.

She hung up moments later and flung her phone across the room before raking her hands through her hair, knocking it down in the process.

“Mama?” She heard softly. She froze. In her panic and overwhelm, she hadn’t sensed anyone else in the room. She spun to find Bloom standing in front of Nicolas. Her little girl’s eyes were filled with tears, and Nicolas’s jaw was set hard.

Farah took a deep breath and let it out, “I suppose there’s no use trying to hide it,” She said softly, and Nicolas shook his head. Farah dropped her gaze to Bloom, who was trying so hard not to cry, and she felt her heart break. “Come here, sweet girl,” She murmured. Bloom’s face crumpled as she made her way to Farah, who lifted her into her arms and hugged her tightly. Bloom’s arms wound so tightly around her that she knew if she stopped supporting her, Bloom wouldn’t budge a bit.

She looked up at Nicolas and could feel fear and anguish rolling off of him as well. “Your father led a troop outside of the bounds for the training group. They were tracking what they thought was a simulation. It turned out not to be, and they haven’t been seen since yesterday around lunch,” She laid it all out for them. Bloom tucked her face against Farah’s shoulder then, and she felt hot tears soak her shirt. She ran her hand over Bloom’s back.

Nicolas turned for the door, and she followed after him. “Nicky, don’t-,” She started but he turned, met her eyes, and shook his head. She stopped, nodded after a moment, and watched him leave the suite.

She shifted Bloom higher in her arms and pressed a kiss to her forehead, “Baby girl,” She murmured, “You’re okay,” She told her.

“They’ll find him, right, Mama?” She whimpered against Farah’s neck as she had turned her head now.

“Oh, firefly,” Farah whispered as she turned, heading for her bedroom. “They’re going to do everything they can to find your daddy,” She assured her as she crawled onto the bed and took a seat in the middle with her back to the headboard. Bloom was still clinging to her and ended up straddling her lap. “And, even better than that,” She whispered, “You know what else?”

“What?” Bloom asked quietly through her tears.

“Your daddy is already fighting to get back here to us. I just know it,” She murmured as she trailed her fingers through Bloom’s hair.

“You’re sure?” She asked brokenly.

“Oh, my sweet girl,” Farah nodded, “Yes, he’s fighting his hardest to get back. Trust me.”

Chapter Text

Bloom had sobbed in her arms. Farah had maneuvered them into a lying position, holding Bloom in her arms while she let her emotions flow freely. The woman had given in at one point and cried with her. While Bloom was all cried out, her emotions were still high, and she was still clinging to Farah. 

The woman looked up when she saw movement and saw her son step into the doorway. He stared at her for a moment and sighed, “He’ll be fine, right?” He asked and Farah swallowed hard. 

“He has to be,” Farah answered him, “He promised me, and he never breaks his promises,” She swore. 

Nicolas’s face fell, and she held an arm out to him, shifting onto her back and pulling Bloom with her. The young man was immediately in motion and made his way to her side, crawling onto the bed and settling against her. He cuddled against his mother’s side just like he did when he was much smaller, just like his baby sister was doing now. She dropped several kisses to his hair as his tears fell while she held him. 

Bloom met her brother’s eyes as they both lay against their mother. Her bottom lip quivered, and he held a hand out to her. She clasped it in her tiny one. “As crazy as she sounds, Squirt,” Nicolas started, and Farah thumped him softly on the back of his head. He smirked just a bit, “I think we have to believe her. They have some sort of disgusting fairytale love. He really doesn’t ever break the promises he makes to her,” He finished. 

Farah blinked rapidly then, swallowing hard around the wave of emotions that surfaced. She tightened her arm around him then, “I love you, sweet boy,” She whispered against his mop of unruly curls. 

0~0~0 

There was no update by the time it was time for Bloom to head to bed. Farah had insisted that she eat, though the girl had merely pushed her food around her plate, taking only a few bites. Even those had taken a lot of goading by Nicolas. 

Farah had talked her into showering with the promise of Saul’s favorite shirt to sleep in. When her little girl appeared in the living room, completely dwarfed in Saul’s shirt and with her dragon dangling from her hand, Farah felt her heart leap. “You ready for bed, sweetheart?” She asked softly. Nicolas was reading on the couch next to her, though she could tell that he was far from focused. 

“Yes, ma’am,” Bloom answered quietly. She hesitated, and Farah fought a smirk, knowing exactly what she wanted. 

“Anything else?” Farah asked, and Nicolas shot her a look that Bloom couldn’t see. She nudged him with her elbow softly. 

“Can I sleep with you, please?” Bloom asked her, and Farah nodded immediately. 

“Yes, beautiful,” Farah answered as she stood and made her way to Bloom. She lifted her from under her arms and settled her on her hip. “Did you brush your teeth?” She asked, and Bloom nodded. “You want to tell your brother good night, then?” She asked. 

“Mmhmm,” Bloom hummed. Farah walked them over to the couch and sat Bloom down next to Nicolas. The boy grinned at his sister and set his book to the side, hugging her tightly. 

“Good night, Squirt,” He said as he squeezed her. 

“Night, Nicky.” 

0~0~0 

Farah was still awake hours later. Bloom had been restless for a while, but had eventually calmed enough for her body to realize just how tired she was. She was currently asleep with her head pillowed on Farah’s chest. 

She looked up when she heard movement and smiled softly as Nicolas made his way into the room and crawled in on her other side. She simply opened her arm to him and sighed when he settled against her as well. 

“Mama?” He whispered and she nodded, trailing her fingers through his hair. “He’s fine, right? He’ll be fine?” 

Farah swallowed hard. She felt tears fill her eyes. Gods, this boy was his father made over. She loved him so much. “He’s going to be just fine, buddy,” She vowed quietly. “He’ll be perfect,” She told him. “Your father loves you much too much to ever leave you.” 

Nicolas sighed against her. “Mama,” He paused, “Without trying to reassure me,” He seemed to contemplate his words for a moment, “You actually believe that?” 

Farah stilled. He wasn’t a little boy anymore. He was entitled to questions like this now. No matter how much he reminded her of his younger self right now while curled up against her side. 

“I have to, Nicky baby. I have to.” 

Chapter Text

Farah woke late the next morning. She blinked slowly, confused by the sun shining in through the window. She never slept this late. Her children were no longer in the bed with her, and a glance at her bedside clock told her it was nearing 11:00 am. She practically leapt out of bed when she saw the time and made her way toward the living room, where the bond with Bloom was pulling her. 

Bloom was talking softly with Nicolas as she leaned into his side on the couch. The boy looked up when she walked into the room and met her eyes. “Morning, Mama,” He greeted her and she let out the breath she had realized she was holding. 

“You should have woken me,” She replied guiltily. 

“You needed the sleep,” Nicolas shrugged, “Squirt and I managed.” 

Farah felt her heart slow and shot him a grateful look. “Thank you, darling,” She murmured and made her way to them. Bloom looked up at her; her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, but she tried anyway. 

“We’re going to head out in a minute,” Nicolas said, and Farah’s eyes slid to him again in question. He shrugged, “Bloom, you wanna get dressed?” He asked, and she nodded and slid down from the couch. She hugged her mother tightly as she passed her on the way to her room, and Farah bent and hugged her back, holding on for a moment extra as she breathed her in before letting her go. 

Once the girl was down the hallway and in her room, Farah turned back to her son. “What’s going on?” She asked him. 

Nicolas shook his head and stood. “Nothing new, Mama. Promise. But I know you’re dying to get in contact with whoever you know. I know you won’t be able to be still as long as he’s not accounted for,” He explained, and Farah opened her mouth, but he plowed on. “I get it. I do. So, I’m going to distract Bloom for the day while you do all of that. I’ll make sure she’s safe and happy. I promise. We’ll stay close; I won’t take her off campus. I have my cell. We’ll be okay. Do what you need to do, okay?” 

Farah stared at him for a long moment before sighing. “When did you get so grown?” She asked with a soft smile as she took several steps and pulled him into a tight hug. 

“Don’t get used to it. I definitely fed Bloom several bowls of sugary cereal this morning and fought with her over the prize that came in the box, too,” He said. Farah laughed and shook her head fondly. 

0~0~0 

By evening, Farah was beyond frustrated. She just couldn’t understand how an entire training group could go missing without a trace. No one knew anything, and she was getting nowhere. She’d personally called in a favor with Luna, and while she and the queen didn’t always see eye to eye, the woman had done as asked. She’d gotten back to Farah with what she’d found out, and it had been very little.  

Nicolas kept her updated throughout the day, but she could feel Bloom’s lingering fear and anxiety still. The bond was wide open, even while her baby girl was away from her. She was far enough away from Saul that there was no trace of the bond and no lingering pull. She wouldn’t know where to even begin if she were to go look for him. And he would kill her if he knew she’d left on a crazy mission to find him and left their children behind. 

While doing everything that she could, she’d managed to make dinner and smiled softly at the sound of Nicolas and Bloom returning around 7:00. She called it done for the night, knowing that she wouldn’t be able to reach anyone else for the day anyway and that if anyone found anything, they’d reach out. 

She made her way to the living room to see Nicolas locking the door behind them. Bloom looked up, saw her mother, and made her way to her wordlessly. She wound her arms around Farah’s waist and buried her face against her stomach. Farah smiled sadly and hugged her daughter as well. She knew that Bloom could feel at least some of how distressed she was, even while she was masking it. The bond always told the truth. 

“You two ready for dinner?” She asked. Two nods were thrown her way, and she took the opportunity to slip into some sense of normalcy for a couple of hours. 

0~0~0 

Two more days passed much the same. Farah slept between her two worried children at night. Slept being a loose term for the tossing and turning she did while her mind raced and her heart longed for her husband. Nicolas did his best to distract Bloom, but she could tell that both he and the girl were wound tight with worry for their father. 

Farah ached for him. He’d never been away without contact for this long. Even when they were students and still denying their feelings for one another, he made sure she got notes and letters every other day at the least. Since marrying, he’d of course had to leave on several occasions, but they always spent hours on the phone together at night. After she’d had Nicolas, Saul made sure he was only gone a couple of times a year, taking a step back from training. Even then, he called every day and texted her with every free moment. 

This was agonizing. Her heart had beat for that man since the moment she’d laid eyes on him during her first year at Alfea. The moment they’d been paired together, it was over for her. She’d loved him with her entire being for most of her life. And, Gods be damned, she didn’t know how she’d ever be able to live without being able to love him. 

The only things keeping her in check were the two beautiful children she’d made with him that slept soundly against her each night. While Bloom hadn’t cried anymore since the first day, Farah knew that the girl was constantly on the verge. She, herself, had broken down in the shower earlier. Her gaze had landed on his stupid shampoo for a beat too long, and she’d hit her knees, sobbing under the sound of the running water. Bloom had curled up in her lap when she’d emerged in her pajamas for their movie, but she hadn’t said a word, simply snuggling in close and lacing her fingers with her mother’s as she lay her head down on Farah’s chest and breathed out a shaky breath. 

Chapter Text

Around 6:00 in the morning, she finally gave up and decided that she wasn’t going to get any sleep that night. She gently extricated herself from between her children. She tucked the blankets back around Bloom and dropped a kiss to both their foreheads before heading for the kitchen. 

She flipped on both the tea kettle and the coffee maker on autopilot. She’d done it every day since he left. She always did. She wasted so much of his coffee when he wasn’t there, and he always told her that he liked the idea that she still had breakfast with him every morning, even if he wasn’t there for it physically.  

She poured her tea once it was ready and stared hard at the coffee maker as well before pouring a cup of it too. She put it at his spot at the table and took her usual spot. Halfway through her cup of tea, tears fell down her cheeks. She hung her head as she sobbed, her shoulders shaking and her cries wracking her frame as she cried as quietly as possible. 

“Mind if I join you?” She jumped suddenly, not having heard anything. Bright blue eyes met hers as she looked up, and a sob escaped her mouth. “Oh, my love,” Saul murmured as he rounded the table. She stood, and he lifted her as she threw herself into his arms. She wound herself tightly around him as she cried into his neck, grasping at any part of him that she could reach with her hands. 

“Saul,” She breathed his name out, the sound coming out as more of a sob than anything else. His arms tightened around her, and she felt him nod.  

“I’m so sorry, Farah baby. I’m so sorry,” He murmured as he continued to hold her, pressing his lips to the parts of her face he could reach, her hair, her ear, her neck. “I’m here, gorgeous. I’m here. I’ve got you,” He whispered soothing words over and over as she continued to shake in his arms. 

“What happened?” She asked brokenly, still clinging to him desperately. He carried her into the living room and sat down on the couch with her straddling him. He coaxed her back gently and swiped her tears away from her cheeks, her bloodshot eyes breaking his heart, and the lasting feeling of anxiety and fear of the unknown lingering in her. 

“Come here,” He requested gently and captured her lips in a soft kiss. He pressed his forehead against hers after a moment, “Burned ones infiltrated the area. We got off track and separated. Lost all communication. I’m sorry, love. I never meant for this to happen. I never meant to hurt you like this.” He kissed her again. “Gods, I’m so sorry, Farah.” 

She nodded, her fingers tangling in his hair and kissing him harder. “Gods. I can breathe again,” She panted against his lips. “Handsome, you can’t leave my range for at least a month. I don’t think I can take it,” She whispered, her lips still touching his. 

“Done,” He murmured as he captured another kiss. “Fuck it, I’ll never leave you again. I don’t need to train anymore. Luna can replace me,” He shrugged, “I want to be here. With you. With my fucking amazing son. With my beautiful little princess. I never want the three of you to question if I’m coming back to you again like this. Gods, Farah. I am so sorry.” 

They both froze when they heard movement from down the hall, and Farah shifted to the side off of Saul’s lap just as Nicolas walked into the room. He was looking down at his phone and pushed his hair back off his forehead. “Morning, Mama. I was thinking-,” He froze as he looked up, and then he was running for his father, who had stood and opened his arms to him. 

The embrace was powerful, and Farah’s tears started falling once again. Her son sobbed against her husband’s shoulder as they clung to one another. “I’ve got you, buddy. I’ve got you,” Saul whispered over and over again. “I love you, Nicolas. I’m here.” 

Eventually, Nicolas let him go and pulled back, wiping under his eyes. “You’re in so much trouble,” He whispered, and Saul cocked his head to the side. “Bloom has barely spoken in three days,” He continued. “She’s just been... I dunno.. here?" Saul swallowed hard and looked down at Farah. She hesitated but nodded after a beat. 

“She’s wrecked, handsome,” She told him.  

Show me. 

Saul. You don’t want to see it. 

I need to see it. Show me what you mean, my love. Show me my princess. 

And so, Farah pushed the memory of the day she’d gotten the phone call through to him. She showed him the empty shell that had been their daughter for the last few days. She showed him how Bloom acted at night and how she clung to his things each night, and while they snuggled on the couch.  

He blinked and stared at her for a long, terrible, moment. “My girl,” He whispered and shook his head. “Gods, I broke her,” He whispered. He pulled Nicolas back against his chest and held his other arm out to Farah. She stood and wound her arms around them both. “I’m so sorry,” He murmured. He pulled back and sighed heavily. 

“Go,” Farah whispered and cocked her head in the direction of the bedroom. “Go get her,” She nodded. 

“She’s sleeping,” Saul murmured and shook his head. 

“She was stirring when I got up,” Nicolas told him, “I was heading to the greenhouse to help Uncle Ben with something. Go wake her up, Dad. She’ll be thrilled. I’ll be back in like an hour. That’ll give you some time for her to calm down,” He shrugged. 

They watched him leave. “He’s been sleeping in our bed, too?” He asked. 

“Every night,” She nodded. “Gods, as awful a reason it was,” She met his eyes and softened. “I got to sleep holding both of my children at the same time,” She smiled up at him, “Do you know when the last time he let me hold him was? I don’t,” She whispered. 

He tugged her back into his side and kissed her temple, “I love you, Farah. I love you so much, gorgeous.” 

“I love you more, Saul,” She whispered and caught his lips. “Go get your little princess. She’s been waiting for her daddy to come home,” She told him. 

Saul grabbed her hand and pulled her to trail down the hallway after him. She did so willingly and stopped in the doorway as he entered their bedroom. He paused at the side of the bed, looking down at his daughter. She was sprawled out on her stomach, her dragon tucked under one arm. His shirt was on her small frame, and he felt tears fill his eyes at the sight of her. 

“Oh, firefly,” He whispered before he took a seat on the edge of the bed and reached for her. He put his hand in the middle of her back and rubbed gently, waking her slowly. 

She buried her face against the pillow and rubbed at her eyes as she groaned. A few moments later, she opened her eyes. In a heartbeat, she was in his arms, sobbing loudly against his chest while he cradled her against him. “Daddy,” She cried as her little hands fisted tightly in his shirt and she clung to him desperately. “You’re okay,” She sobbed. 

“I’m okay, my princess. I’m here. I’m okay. I’m right here with you, sweet baby,” He murmured as he rocked her gently, one hand soothing over her back and one trailing through her hair. “I’m so sorry I scared you, Bloom,” He told her, dropping several kisses to the top of her head. “I never meant to upset you.” 

“Daddy,” Was her only response as she continued to cry against him. 

“I know, sweet girl,” He cooed, “I know.” He looked up and caught Farah’s shining eyes. He felt his heart skip at the sight of her tears once again and beckoned her over. She sat down next to him and hugged Bloom from behind, sandwiching the girl between them. He swiped her tears away and cupped her cheek. 

Gods, Farah. I’m sorry. I never would have guessed she’d react like this. 

Don’t apologize for how much our little girl loves you, Saul. She adores you, and that’s evident. Just let her get her emotions out. She’s overwhelmed. 

I’ll hold her for the next week if that’s what she wants, Fay. I’ll give her whatever she wants. I swear I’ll never upset her again like this. 

I know, handsome. I know. 

“Bloom, princess,” Saul started, “You wanna sit back and let me see you?” He asked softly. It took several minutes, but Bloom eventually sat back, leaning against Farah’s chest. The woman wound an arm around her middle as she did and pressed a kiss to the side of her head. “Oh, baby,” Saul brought his hands up and cupped her cheeks, thumbing her tears away, “I’m so sorry, firefly. I hate that I upset you like this.” 

“You didn’t do it on purpose, Daddy.” And with those words, Saul swore his heart broke in two. He swallowed hard and tugged her back to his chest, cradling her and whispering soothing words to her as he rocked her. 

“I love you, baby girl. I love you so much,” He whispered over and over again against her hair. When Bloom eventually calmed some, he pulled her back from his chest and gently wiped her tears away. “Hi, beautiful,” He cooed as he cupped her face in his hands, “I missed you so much.” 

“I missed you more,” Bloom said pitifully. Saul couldn’t help the smile that pulled up at the corners of his lips. 

“I bet you didn’t,” He whispered and leaned forward to kiss her forehead. “Are you hungry, princess? Can I make you breakfast?” 

“Saul-,” Farah started, and Saul cut her off immediately. 

“I’m making breakfast, Fay,” He murmured gently. She nodded after a moment and smiled softly at him. 

I love you, handsome. 

I love you more.