Aerglo is too afraid to hold the baby, afraid of losing them like xe nearly lost xyr mate. But the baby is demanding, tiny hands outstretched and begging to be picked up as they cry softly.

A tired and pained groan from the bed immediately draws xyr attention.

Aerglo can't help but breathe in relief.

He's been gone for too long, comatose as his body healed the worst of the damage.

He's tired and disoriented, but alive.

And Aerglo can't help but hold him close, hug him tight.

"Aer?"

"They're here," Aerglo whispers.

Caelum knows. Aside from feeling so empty, he can hear the little sounds of indignation and anger coming from the white bassinet pressed by their bed on his side.

He wants to look, to hold them, but he doesn't want to let go of Aerglo just yet.

He doesn't want to stop when he knows Aerglo is so scared of letting him go.

"I'm okay," he whispers, "I'm sorry, Aer, sorry I scared you."

"'s okay, you're okay."

Aerglo closes xyr eyes, xe can still see Caelum, growing weak and pale, breathing slowing to a stop as he bled out. It was a sight xe never wants to remember.

Losing him...

Xe's lost too many people.

Aerglo shakes xyr head from those memories, and forces xemself to let go.

Immediately, Caelum misses xyr warmth, but he can't help but peer over the laced edge of the baby cot.

Inside, he finds the tiniest of newborns, kicking and whining, bottom lip trembling and close to tears.

Caelum looks up at Aerglo, "can I hold them?"

"Yes," Aerglo nods, "of course you can hold him, evol."

Aerglo is still scared of picking up the baby, still scared of hurting him, but the light weight feels good. Like it belongs there.

Caelum's own arms ache.

"He hasn't eaten," Aerglo informs, "hasn't wanted to eat, but Dr. Vega says he's fine. Small but healthy."

Caelum frowns. He's so light, so tiny. The sight makes his heart ache.

Aerglo helps Caelum maneuver the baby, carefully slipping off his shirt until his chest is exposed. They help their little one latch on and he eats hungrily, tiny fist curled on his chest as he nuzzle and drinks. Aerglo sits behind Caelum until xyrs arms help hold the baby when Caelum gets weak.

"Halo," Caelum whispers suddenly, "his name."

Caelum looks behind him, quietly searching for Aerglo's gaze, for xyr approval.

"Halo Novak-Halcyon," Aerglo smiles, pressing a kiss to his head before kissing Halo as well.

Royal Heir Halo Novak-Halcyon.