Flower Child Ch. 8

A couple days had passed since the birth of Xiuying, and things seemed to be pretty much back to normal around the Castle that Never Was. Aside from the addition of an extra member at the breakfast table, sleeping in her small floral carrier. This caused Larxene to look between the baby and Marluxia, a wry grin crossing her lips. She knew this opportunity was too good to pass up.1

“Now you see Marly… flowers are okay for little girls. I see you finally got that through your head.” Larxene smirked before turning back to her breakfast, although somewhere deep inside her non existent heart she was slightly happy that she wasn’t the only female in the Organization now. But she wondered if she’d end up like her mother. That wouldn’t be good, one Marluxia was enough.2

“Funny Larxene.” Marluxia spoke before he carefully picked Xiuying up from her carrier, reaching for a bottle he had made up a few minutes earlier as he saw her fidget slightly. This was still very weird to him, and he was surprised that he was able to sit up a couple days after her birth. But he was still a little weak, so he didn’t stay out of the room for too long.3

“I thought it was Marly. I have to admit that she is kind of cute… for a baby. Don’t let anyone else hear that I said that. Got it?” Larxene started before she got up from the table, carrying her plate to the sink. Somehow she did think that the infant was cute in a strange way. And she normally hated children, and anything that was deemed cute or adorable by anyone.4

Marluxia just shook his head after she left. That left him with Demyx, Xigbar and Lexaeus. He offered a light smile toward his three superiors before he got up and moved over to Demyx. He could see a look in the younger’s eyes, something he saw only once before. So either the young nocturne was hiding something, or he was deep in thought.5

“Larxene actually said cute. I think she’s jealous Marly.” Xigbar snickered, looking over at the pink haired assassin. He was actually shocked at the normally sadistic woman’s choice of words for the baby. Ever since Xiuying was born he thought Larxene would have wanted her dead.6

“Jealous over Xiuying? I find that hard to believe.” Marluxia started, turning his attention toward Xigbar. He too didn’t understand why the other would have been so jealous over a newborn baby.7

“More like jealous that there’s another female in the Organization that is actually being paid attention to. For now though Larxene is far more dangerous than a 2 day old infant and she knows it.” Xigbar spoke, but he too was curious as to why Larxene was actually being nice to a baby. But he shrugged that aside for now, wondering if Demyx was going to tell Marly what they were doing.8

“Perhaps. Demyx, you’ve been awfully quiet the last two days. I apologize that I kept you away from Xigbar, but you were a great help to me also.” Marluxia spoke before he carefully placed Xiuying over his shoulder and rubbed her back gently. He knew this was necessary to release any air bubbles that were inside her stomach after feeding.9

Demyx had to laugh a little as Xiuying spit up over Marluxia’s shoulder, missing the towel by a couple inches. But he knew if everything went well, he’d be doing the same thing to Xigbar who would end up with baby spit up over his own shoulder. But either way he thought the little girl was too cute for her own good.10

“Laugh while you can, Demmy. It could happen to you.” Marluxia smirked, although the look on his face was of he’d let Vexen feed her next time. It was the academic’s turn to get spit up over his shoulder after all. He sighed and shifted her position again.11

“It will? Xiggy, you’ll do the burping. And I’ll stand back and laugh at you.” Demyx smiled, watching Xiuying as she looked over toward him and Xigbar. But he knew that they couldn’t hold her yet, at least not until Marluxia said it was okay to.12

“Just tell him already. Or should I?” Xigbar asked, a smile crossing his lips as he looked at Marluxia then back at Demyx. He knew nothing was set in stone yet, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t be as happy as a clam. Well figuratively speaking since no one really knew how happy clams were.13

“Well… I know you were telling me about how I’d be the one to have the baby if we wanted one right? We talked it over with Vexen, and he said that we can do this. That it would be a good idea if we went through with the procedure. So Xiggy and I have been trying for the last week now. But I won’t know for awhile right?” Demyx asked while looking up at Marluxia as the older male stood up.14

“Right. Trust me… you’ll know. Just sad it took me three months to figure it out myself.” Marluxia chuckled softly while he moved to put Xiuying in her carrier. He could see the somewhat sad look in Demyx’s eyes, knowing he probably wanted to hold her. But he also knew that he had to take Xiuying for her check up that afternoon. “Demmie… how about you come along with me. I can’t stand that sad look in your eyes. I like happy Demyx.”15

“I’ll stay here and see what Vexen is up to. I hope he’s not trying to freeze the lab again. Long story, I’ll tell you about it later Marluxia.” Xigbar laughed before he coaxed Demyx into standing up to join the rose haired assassin. He knew that Demyx needed the break and some time away from everyone else would do him good.16

Demyx smiled and went off with Marluxia to get Xiuying checked up on, probably to see if she was healthy and all. He figured that his rose haired friend needed a check up also since he didn’t go to Twilight Town for the delivery of Xiuying.17

Once Marluxia and Demyx arrived at Twilight Town they were greeted by the same cold welcome that Marluxia received for his first ultrasound and check up when he was still pregnant with Xiuying. He just wished somehow that they’d ignore the fact they were present and just go about their daily duties and not worry about two Organization members and a baby who doesn’t even know her full potential.18

“Are they always like this? We’re not even on a mission and they run the other way. Or give us the get out of our town look. How did you manage to even come here to the hospital without getting killed?” Demyx asked innocently, but then he was almost distracted by a young kid with a goldfish. Now he was thinking of what he wanted for a pet if he didn’t get pregnant.19

“They are. It wasn’t pleasant when I came here the last time. But Dr. Katska is pretty nice, but I know she’s still leery over Organization members in her office. And she never saw you before…” Marluxia smiled as they headed to the hospital after getting off the train. He handed Xiuying over to Demyx carefully once they walked through the doors, the smile not leaving his face.20

Of course one woman had to ruin the good moment the two friends were having by walking up to Marluxia and looking him in the eyes, at least the best she could considering she was shorter than him by a few inches. But she did not look pleased and ushered her children out of the waiting room rather quickly.21

“What do you think you’re doing here? The last time I checked the Organization wasn’t allowed in the hospital. And unless you’re truly ill, I suggest you leave before we take action against you.” The woman spoke, her eyes narrowing. She didn’t know the true reason why they were here, but she knew it couldn’t have been for a good purpose.22

“Take action against me? I’d love to see that. And the last time I checked, we were. So I suggest that you check with the hospital directors before jumping to conclusions. Or are you afraid that I’ll take your children’s hearts?” Marluxia asked, motioning for Demyx to go inside with Xiuying while he dealt with the woman.23

Demyx nodded, taking Xiuying inside while he waited for the doctor to come out. He knew what Marluxia was going to do, and he figured the infant really didn’t want to see her mother kill someone. That and little Xiuying probably wouldn’t understand it until she was considerably older.24

“You don’t belong here; I don’t care what the directors say. And what kind of person are you for stealing a baby that is barely a week old? That poor child looked scared when she came in.” The woman spoke, but then her eyes went wide when she was face to face with the sharp end of Marluxia’s scythe.25

“That poor scared child is my daughter. I did not steal her. I’m an assassin, not a thief. Now take back your statement or I will be forced to take action against you.” Marluxia smirked, moving his scythe up as he spoke. He knew a few ways to take care of her; the biggest would be just to impale her with the pointed end so he wouldn’t damage her heart.26

“I can’t do that. I don’t care what the hell you are. All I know is that you’re part of the Organization and we can’t have the others come here and kill everyone. So leave.” The woman spoke, only to step back as she saw the scythe pointed closer toward her.27

“Ah… and who says I’m going to get the other 11 here? There are three of us here, and one is only a two day old baby. And she won’t pose any threat. I however am a much bigger threat. This is just a warning.” Marluxia spoke, deciding to let the woman go with a warning cut across her cheek. He was still too weak from the delivery only two days earlier to do anything else.28

The woman just walked off, putting her hand to her cheek while ushering her children out the door. She didn’t notice the other leaning against the wall, nor did she care about his pain. She knew he was one of the Organization members, and made a note to tell someone with authority the next time she saw him or the others around.29

Dr. Katska blinked as she looked at Marluxia once she came out of her office. She shook her head but soon ushered him and Demyx in with Xiuying, knowing she had to check both Marluxia and Xiuying out to see how they were doing. She wasn’t sure how well the delivery went, but obviously well enough for Marluxia to not require a visit to the hospital.30

“I’m not asking why you’re panting, Marluxia. Come in, please. I guess I should be asking how you’re doing. And if you’re following my directions.” Dr. Katska spoke as she motioned for Marluxia to sit down while she gently took Xiuying from Demyx’s arms.31

“You don’t want to know. But check Xiuying out first, make sure she’s healthy. Her father says that she is. I just want to make sure, since I couldn’t come here yesterday. I should have and I apologize.” Marluxia started; obviously he still had a heart if he felt bad for not arriving the day before. Normally he wouldn’t feel regret before he got his heart.32

Dr. Katska nodded before she carried Xiuying over to the examining table, chuckling softly as she squirmed around a little on the table. It was obvious she didn’t want to lie still to be checked over. But from what she could tell the infant was in very good health, and had good color as well.33

“If one of you could hold this little wiggle worm still, I’d appreciate it. So far she looks good. Nothing is infected, and the remnants of the umbilical cord should dry up and come off soon. And that will give her the belly button.” Dr. Katska smiled while she went to get a scale to see how much she weighs now in comparison to the notes that Zexion sent her.34

Demyx looked at Marluxia before he got up to carefully hold Xiuying still. He just held her shoulders gently to keep her from wriggling around too much. He had to laugh though as she yawned, making a cute soft whimpering noise. He could hardly wait to see if he would be having his own child or not.35

“She is too cute… she definitely has your eyes Marly. It’s like you’re looking up at me, but in a much smaller form.” Demyx smiled as he continued to hold Xiuying still before Dr. Katska came back and picked her up before placing Xiuying on the small scale.36

“I don’t know if I should be flattered, or disturbed by that. But I’m glad she’s cute. I don’t know whose eyes she’ll have yet though, she could end up with Vexen’s. Or keep the blue eyes. I wouldn’t mind that.” Marluxia smiled, watching Xiuying for a moment. He knew she couldn’t have gained that much weight in only a few days.37

“Color is good, weight is good. She gained a couple inches. She’s now 23 inches long and weighs 7 pounds 4 ounces, so from her birth weight she gained a few ounces. That’s normal. She’ll be growing fast.” Dr. Katska smiled before she handed the little girl over to Demyx before motioning for Marluxia to get up on the examining table, pulling the curtain around them.38

Marluxia nodded before he lay on the table, having a feeling he knew what Dr. Katska would be doing. He sighed as she removed his cloak, then felt her hands move over his stomach. He didn’t know why she was doing that, it didn’t hurt too badly and he knew nothing else was in there. It just felt weird, if that was even the right phrase for it.39

“Still a little tender, but nothing wrong. As far as I can tell, you can have children again. Everything shrunk down to what it was before pregnancy, just not exactly the same size.” Dr. Katska smiled before she made Marluxia lie back further.40

“OK, so I can have more kids… but the only thing that hasn’t shrunk down is my belly fat. I know it’s only been a couple days… so I shouldn’t worry right? I just can’t stand the fact that I look five months pregnant.” Marluxia sighed, wincing slightly while Dr. Katska continued her check up.41

“Slight tear… a little bit infected, but I’ll give you antibiotics and it should clear up in a few days. You look more like four months; you didn’t get that big during the pregnancy, Marluxia. OK, sit up slowly. You’re free to go, but remember to get the antibiotics and I’ll see you back here in a month.” Dr. Katska smiled before she left the room.42

Marluxia nodded before he looked at Demyx, a faint smile crossing his lips once he got redressed. Now they were free to head back, and maybe he could finally sleep. He was still a bit sore, more so now that Dr. Katska was poking and prodding around. He sighed, really wanting to sleep.43

“You’re back. Great timing, Mar. I have the perfect thing for Xiuying. Let me see her for a minute.” Vexen smiled, taking the baby carefully from Marluxia once he arrived back in their shared room. He had created an ice crib; with the only things non-ice were the blankets, mattress, and small bumpers along the edges along the bars.44

“Vexen… what are you doing with our baby?” Marluxia spoke, walking behind his lover with a wary look on his face. He saw the crib and frowned, knowing full well that their daughter would freeze her tiny little body if she was even in that crib for an hour let alone all night long. Unless of course she had her father’s powers, but that was still no excuse for creating a crib out of ice.45

“I’m putting her to bed, Marluxia. While you were gone I took the liberty of creating her a crib since I hardly trust your handy work. Besides, she won’t freeze.” Vexen spoke, looking down at the crib before he felt an arm go around his shoulder.46

“She’s a baby, Vexen. You can’t put her in there. Let me take her and put her in the crib I bought last month. Its wood and it would be a heck of a lot warmer than your ice crib. Maybe our next baby will be an ice elemental and not be affected.” Marluxia spoke, putting his chin on Vexen’s shoulder.47

Vexen raised an eyebrow, turning his head before looking at Marluxia for a moment. Next baby? The rose haired botanist was already planning for more children? He didn’t mind, but that meant that the older would have to create another potion or at least find a way to make the next pregnancy easier for Marluxia.48

“You just gave birth a couple days ago and you’re already thinking about another child? At least let your body heal, and we’ll talk about it. But if anything perhaps wait a couple years or so. And I know we have to wait six weeks before any kind of intercourse.” Vexen spoke before he carefully shifted Xiuying in his arms.49

“I didn’t say right now. I meant in the future, Vexen. Even Dr. Katska said I wasn’t healed yet. I guess it’s not a bad thing… but it has me worried still. At least the way she phrased it.” Marluxia started before he pulled back from Vexen, but still stood by his side while looking at their daughter who was just staring up at them and opening her tiny hands.50

“I know. But why don’t we just think about this later on? You’re probably still a little emotional and have a lot of thoughts running through your mind. But for you, I won’t put her in the crib just yet. Not until she’s older and we know her powers.” Vexen smiled before he finally turned and put her in the other crib. Carefully pulling the covers over her tiny shoulders.51

“I still say she’ll have yours. Almost everyone here has powers dominant over mine, and some actually work with mine. Ice is definitely dominant over plant, my dear. But we’ll see right?” Marluxia smiled as he went over to the bed. Pretty much tired, even though he really didn’t do anything except go for his check up and everything else.52

“Yes we’ll see. Just get some rest. We both need it, just in case she wakes up at 3 in the morning again.” Vexen chuckled softly as he moved to lie down next to Marluxia. He knew it was his turn this time, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. He smiled as the younger assassin fell asleep almost instantly, deciding to shake his head. “Sleep while you can Mar…”