A Hunter's Curse (Closed o/o with Nyx)

(It’s turned a little vampirey, but I swear my demons actually go through this occasionally)

Nathaniel stared at his wife the best he could. She was blurry. He thought about the best way to go about this. The neck. He thought about the time he bit into her neck and drew blood. “If you insist dear.” He stroked her cheek. “My head is just— a hammer.” He murmured, lifting his head up. “Azazel will not be an issue to anyone else.” He kissed her neck, hesitating. He couldn’t do it. Demons weren’t known for this. It was an occasional occurrence anyway.. probably because Nathaniel haven’t been getting enough satisfactory nutrients. His breath escaped down her throat. He gently punctured her flesh with two sets of top fangs and one set of lower ones. He got what he needed quickly, only taking what would fill a vial or two. Nathaniel pulled his fangs out, placing a palm to her neck. He looked ill. “Never again.” He turned away. “I can’t again.”

Nathaniel felt at the places his hair had been grabbed. They hurt a little, sore at worse. Ember gripped his hand so tightly, he thought she was going to pass out. Almost for sure. He looked as if he might throw up. Nathaniel gave her a hug, moving into her arms tiredly. “I’m sorry.” He murmured. “I’m so sorry.” He took in her honey scent, tightly holding onto her. He worried about her, their child, and about certain demons. “I-I.” He nuzzled into her neck.

Nathaniel snuggled his head against Ember's, kissing her upon the head. He was sorry. He didn't want to hurt her. Not at all. But soon, he felt her limp body, now worried about her and the child. He lifted her into his arms, walking out of the dining room and into the hall. Lilith was in the hall, whipping her head around to look at him. He held his hand up, not wanting to talk. Nathaniel carried Ember up the stairs, carefully making each step. Carrying her into their room, he laid her down gently. He wanted her to rest. In the meanwhile, Nathaniel pulled out the baby stuff. He set up a crib and bassinet in their room and worked on the nursery. Little did he know, they were going to need more than one crib.

But that day was almost 4-5 months ago. Now, it was early morning. Ember was now nine months into her journey and Nathaniel was passed out. He slept precariously, his hair in his eyes. Everything seemed to be going okay. It had been a bit too quiet, but no sign of Azazel.

Nathaniel heard Ember yelling in a dream. He stirred, still half asleep at best. “Ember.. what’s wrong?” He murmured, still trying to wake his mind. He could hear the panic in her voice and sat there for a few minutes, trying to wake himself up. Nathaniel pushed his hair off out his face, the red light make contact with his eyes. Finally, Ember’s words of panic got through to him. This sent him into a panic. “Your water— YOUR WATER WHAT?!” And he started to panic. Nathaniel asked her questions about how she felt. He knew she had some contractions, but not "baby is coming" contractions. “Are you sure??” His breathing became erratic, not sure what to do. Instead, he called upon Lilith and some nurses. They came promptly, moving to take care of Ember. They let Nathaniel stay for the time being, but he would be kicked out once the whole process started. It would be good for him.

Nathaniel nuzzled her neck, entangling his fingers in her hair. “Nothing will happen. I swear to you nothing bad with happen. You’ll be okay.” Lilith carefully situated Ember. “You can’t stay for long, sire.” Nathaniel held his tongue, glaring at Lilith. He gave Ember a long, tight hug. “I won’t leave until I’m forced out.” Why couldn’t he stay? Sure, hell was somewhat archaic, but it couldn’t be that archaic.

Nathaniel held her tightly. He kissed her upon the head, caressing her cheek. “Everything will be fine, dear. Nothing will go wrong.” He repeated his words, wanting her to feel reassured. Lilith sighed. “He can’t stay because once he’s out, everything will go much faster. His panic, whining, and stress with make you more stressed. That’s not good and not what you need.” Nathaniel looked up at Lilith. She looked annoyed with him. Rolling his eyes, he gave Ember a kiss. “I love you.” Lilith pitched in. “Sire, please.” He put a finger up. “You’ll be fine.” He squeezed her hand. After much defiance, Nathaniel was tossed out of the room. He sat by the door in the hall, whining like a little puppy. His heart beat started to rush in his ears.

Lilith looked at Ember with sweet eyes. “I’m sorry dear, but it’ll go by much faster with him out of the way.” She grabbed onto Ember’s hand, squeezing it tight. “It’s going to be quite painful.. but it shouldn’t be too horrible.”

Nathaniel, in the meanwhile, waited outside. He whimpered, clawing at the door. He wanted in, but he wasn’t going to go far. He could hear the whines, the groans, and everything in between. His heart almost leaped out of his throat. He wanted in. His hair was a messy; sweat making it stick to his forehead.

Nathaniel waited by the door defeated. He’d scratched, banged, screamed, but now? He sat in panic. His heart leaped, his chest caved, his breathing became labored. He couldn’t stand it anymore. He stared at the room across from theirs. Ember’s old room. He just about had enough. It seemed like hours went by. He couldn’t tell time. Not out here. Nathaniel stood shakily on his feet. He could hear the cries of a baby. Just as he twisted the door knob, and nurse let him in. Nathaniel stumbled into the room, his eyes laying upon his wife.

Nathaniel stumbled into the room. It had a thick scent to it, almost heavy. He looked at Ember. She looked like hell. He felt horrible. She needed to sleep pronto. Nathaniel would have to change the sheets. He smiled at his little one, almost tearing up as he looked at his beautiful daughter. Just then, Nathaniel looked at Lilith with another little one in her arms. He looked faint, almost like a deer in headlights. He stumbled backwards, and a nurse helped to stabilized him. She led him to the edge of the bed. Nathaniel started to cry, and Lilith handed the baby boy to him. He cradled his child, holding the little one close. He was silent. “Two.” He whispered in disbelief. “We had fraternal twins. They need names and you need sleep.” Lilith smiled. “I’ll let you two be, and I’ll come back in a little. Everything you need is on the nightstand.” She disappeared.

Nathaniel closed his eyes, cradling his son in his arms. Opening them, he looked over at his daughter. Maybe they could trade off so he could also bond his daughter. Quickly wiping the tears from his face, Nathaniel stood up and went to Ember’s bedside. “You need sleep. You just gave birth to two children. That’s bound to make you sleepy.” He looked around the room. A bassinet and a crib would work just fine. Which kid would rest in which though? Hm. “Here, why don’t you hold our son while I cradle our daughter.” He handed their son to Ember, picking up their daughter carefully.

Nathaniel giggled at her defiance. “You need some rest. You just gave birth. The hard part may be over, but it took all your energy.” He held his daughter close to his chest, watching her move slowly. It was cute. He turned to look at Ember, noting how peaceful she looked. He placed their baby girl in the crib. He took their little boy from her arms and placed him in the bassinet. Nathaniel lifted Ember and tore off the sheets, replacing them with new. He dressed Ember in new clothes, placing her back on the bed. He crawled into bed next to her. “Our babies will alert us if they need something. You need sleep, Ember.”

Nathaniel rubbed her back. “Nothing will happen, I swear. Just get some rest, sweetie pie.” He crawled into bed next to her, keeping an eye on the babies. “Don’t huff at me, it’s for the good of your health.” He ran his fingers through her shiny hair. “You just gave birth after all.” Nathaniel kissed her upon the head, cuddling her. He closed his eyes, thinking about the future.

Nathaniel put his finger to his lips, the other side twisted from his burn scars. He wondered if their babies around cry when their eyes landed on his face. Children couldn't comprehend the twisted mess the left side of his face was. "Shhh, go to sleep, Ember. You'll feel rested, and then you can officially name the kids." They had agreed on a girl's name: Roselyn. But, on the other hand, they hadn't anticipated a boy as well. Nathaniel didn't think Ember had named their little boy yet. He brushed her cheek, his arms around her. Little kids that were— more than half demon— were going to be a handful. Let alone two.

Nathaniel, on the other hand, could not sleep. He was concerned about surprise visits or one of the babies being in distress. He was thinking about boy names, but none of them fit. Not for the little guy. Perseus, Samuel, Phoenix? They all sounded off. Maybe Phoenix was a better fit, but it was best to consult Ember first. Two children. He still couldn't believe it. He wasn't mad, but more… surprised. Nathaniel wanted two, but was not imagining having them at the same time. He looked over at the sleeping babies, twitching as if he anticipated one of them to cry at any moment.

Nathaniel blinked. He’d been staring into nothing. Turning his attention to Ember, he coddled her and ran his fingers through her hair. “They’re okay. Neither have cried yet. Do not fret, love.” He gave her a soft kiss on the cheek, carefully pulling her closer. “Though, they might need to eat soon.”