Wearing an extra sweater to stay warm, Apple made her way to the tavern. She had been thinking about what Queen had said to her earlier about wanting to help, and she was hoping to find the woman to continue their conversation.
Sitting on the rug by the fireplace, Queen played with Elyssa and Ivan, after having fed them and herself to contentment. She kept a very close eye on them, making sure that neither of the infants strayed too close to the fire. Smiling as they giggled and waddled about, she sighed in contentment and gazed at them with pride.
Walking into the tavern, Apple heard the giggles of Queen's twins by the fireplace. Without realizing it, her hands went to her pregnant belly -- soon she and Louis would have a baby of their own. "Hello Queen," Apple called out as she got closer to the fireplace.
Queen looked up immediately at the sound of a very familiar woman's voice and smiled up at her. "Hey there, Apple." Raising an eyebrow at her extended belly, she smirked before standing up to pull over a chair, not taking an eye off the twins in the meantime. "Please, have a seat. When are you due again?"
"In a month," Apple said as she sat down in the offered chair. "Thanks for the chair." She smiled at Queen before looking over at Ivan and Elyssa. "They've both grown so much."
"Oh my, you're just about ready then." The former mercenary raised both eyebrows before smiling softly again as she sat back on the rug beside the twins. "I'm sure the both of you can't wait. Especially you. I was certainly tired of being pregnant long before the eighth month." Turning to smile at Ivan and Elyssa as Apple noted their growth, she nodded. "Yes, they have, haven't they? After all, they'll be two in less than two months. Can you believe it?"
"Time goes by so fast," Apple remarked wistfully. She pushed a stray hair away from her glasses and watched the twins play for a few moments before speaking again. "I've been thinking about your offer ... to help me and Louis."
Queen nodded. "It certainly does." Glancing back up at Apple, she smirked. "And what can I do for the two of you? Just name it and I'll do my best to help you out. It's the least I can do."
"We appreciate that," Apple replied. It was true -- she and Louis both appreciated having so many people offer to help them out. "To be honest, I don't know the first thing about being a parent."
Smirking at first, Queen nodded in understanding before smiling at the other woman. "Neither did I. It's one of those things in life where you learn as you go along." Catching the twins up in her arms, she settled them on her lap, kissing each of them softly on the head. "I mean, I'm the last person on this earth who ever expected to be a mother. I know you'll do a good job. Both you and Louis are kind people and I know you'll love your child dearly. That's what a child needs the most."
Apple nodded. "I want to make sure my child knows he is loved and wanted." She smiled as Queen held her children. "Queen, would you ... would you be my baby's godmother?"
Queen's eyebrows rose in suprise for a moment before she smiled again. "I would be honored, Apple. Thank you." And as if to further emphasize what their mother just said, Ivan and Elyssa broke out into happy giggles. Queen laughed and bounced them in her lap. "See? They'd like it too~"
Returning the smile, Apple rested her hands on her belly. "I'm so glad that you said yes." And Apple was glad -- she could think of nobody else that she would rather have as godmother for her child. It occurred to her that maybe she should have waited to talk to Louis first, but it was too late for that now. And she thought that Louis would approve of her choice.
"Heh, I wouldn't dream of saying no." Queen smirked. "I'd enjoy looking after your little one as well. I'm sure our children will get along splendidly. The twins can definitely use more playmates. Nash is too old to play with them forever, after all~" Letting Elyssa and Ivan go, she watched them as they tumbled around on the rug.
"And I'm sure our little one will enjoy playing with Ivan and Elyssa," Apple joined Queen in watching the twins on the rug. "Enough about me - how have you been?"
Queen just smiled up at Apple, letting out a small sigh. "Not bad, I suppose. I'm really missing everyone in the unit. But otherwise, I guess I can't complain much. There's not much to say, really." Smirking as she grabbed a little foot to tickle, she laughed as she got the giggle in response that she wanted. "I could certainly use more company, but otherwise, I think I'm okay."
"If you ever need me to watch the twins for you ..." Apple let the offer hang in the air between them. "If you don't mind the company of an eight-month pregnant woman, we could spend some time together."
"I'll certainly let you know." She replied with an appreciative smile. "But for the time being, you ought to rest before you have your own child. Afterwards, you'll have plenty of time to look after the kids. And I'd love to spend some time with you before that time comes. But your rest and health comes first, remember."
Apple nodded. "Of course. Until the baby arrives, I find myself with quite a bit of time on my hands. Father has told me to take time away from the infirmary, so other than spend time in the library ... I'm fairly free."
"Heh, and that's a good thing." Queen smirked again. "It's a shame it's so cold and icy outside. I'd join you for a walk. It's best to stay off your feet to prevent swelling but an occasional walk is also nice."
"Yes, it is good to get out for a bit," Apple shifted in the chair, trying to get more comfortable. "As much as I enjoyed being in Zexay, it was almost too much being in one place for so long."
The former Harmonian mercenary snorted. "Especially there. It's almost as stifling as that hellhole Harmonia. Some people are too haughty for their own good."
"Louis' mother was very kind, but I felt like I was disturbing her by being there for so long," Apple admitted. It was true -- her arrival had disrupted things in the Keeferson house.
"Hm, Louis' family is quite large, isn't it? I would have thought they would be used to having quite a few people in the household." Queen mused, pulling the twins closer to her before they wandered off too far. "But I'm sure that they just need to get used to having another person in the home, that's all."
Apple looked down at her hands. "Or maybe they have to get used to their son being unmarried yet soon to be a father," she mumbled.
Taking Apple's hand in her own, Queen patted it gently. "No matter how many things society tries to dictate as the norm, it's not to be taken too damn seriously. Maybe my family would have disapproved of me getting pregnant before marrying Cray but I don't give a damn, really. You shouldn't either. You and Louis love each other, right? That's what should matter."
Apple smiled gratefully at Queen. "You are right. Thank you." With her free hand, Apple rubbed her pregnant belly lovingly. Almost as if it knew it was being talked about, the baby kicked.
Queen smiled back, glancing at Apple's very round baby bump. "It's really a wonder isn't it? Bringing another life into the world ..."
"It is. And I know that despite the morning sickness and everything, it will be more than worth it." Apple smiled brightly. "Would you, Ivan and Elyssa like to have dinner with me and Louis one night soon?"
"Yes, certainly. Although ..." Her lips curved into another smirk as she asked, "Would it be all right if Nash joins us as well?"
"Nash?" Apple raised an eyebrow for a moment until something clicked. She grinned back at Queen. "Of course -- the more the merrier!"
"I'll talk to Louis, and then we can decide what evening works for all of us." Slowly, Apple got up from her chair. "Speaking of Louis, I should probably head back to our room. I told him I was just going to take a short walk -- he's probably wondering where I am."
Queen nodded, smirking still, and picked up the twins so she could walk with Apple towards the door. "Sounds good. I'm usually free anytime and when I'm free, Nash is too." The twins in one arm, she helps Apple with the other. "I'll go with you. At least he'll see that you're not alone."
Accepting Queen's help, Apple made her way towards the tavern's exit. "Thank you, Queen."