Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Mark and Christina have been living together at the LA institute for over a year now. They have made time to go to the cottage and more importantly Kieran a few times. Each visit has been short but sweet with Christna educating her boys on the mundane world. Trivial things at first but as they started asking questions the topics changed to involve them. What it means to be in a polyamorous relationship, can they legally get married in either governments, what would that mean for Kieran’s position as Unseelie King? Of course, Christina was just as eager to know the answers. they all love each other so much and it was clear that their love only grew stronger.

The day before their next visit to the cottage, Christina needed to talk to Mark about some things. Once Tavvy was in bed and alien and Helen were keeping the others occupied, Christina and Mark retired to their room and she rune locked the door behind them. ‘Oh, it’s that kind of conversation?’ Mark winked as he fell backwards on the bed. ‘Mark! I know we are seeing Kieran tomorrow, but can you keep it in your pants for one minute.’ Christina playfully scoffed as she joined him on the bed. ‘What is it then? You locked the door; it must be serious. My darling Christina, has something happened?’ Mark sat up and took both of her hands in his. ‘I’m fine… actually I’m more then fine.’ Christina half smiles before pecking his cheek.

‘You look nervous, you know you can tell me anything.’ Mark is quick to say when Christina stares at their joined hands. ‘Yeah, the reason why I looked the door is because what I’m about to say is quite personal. I love you siblings, but they tend to be nosey.’ Christina chuckled. ‘Personal? Just tell me. Please, whatever it is, won’t make me love you less.’ Mark nodded. Christina took a deep breath before continuing. ‘I love you and Kieran with all my heart… I know we have been careful every time we… ya know… but I have been thinking about what it would be like to be forever bonded with you both. I have been tracking my cycle and I’m currently at my most fertile…’ Christina trailed off, looking up at Mark’s confused expression.

‘What does that mean? I haven’t been here for any of my sister’s maturing and there were only men in the hunt.’ Mark asked. ‘Well, it means if you and Kieran want to, when we are together, we could try for a baby.’ Christina finally said, in seemingly one breath. ‘Oh, my lady of roses, of course. I’m sure Kieran with be thrilled also. When we were in the hunt, I told him stories of my siblings. He always smiled at the idea of me caring for them as babies!’ Mark exclaimed as he leapt to hug her. ‘That does make for a very cure image, I agree. You are so caring, and I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side. Maybe Emma too but yes when I found out my cycle lined up with our next visit to the cottage it took it as a sign.’ Christina chuckled into mark’s shoulder.

They fell asleep without unlocking the door, cuddled together with Mark’s hands landing on Christina’s lower stomach in his sleep. That night they both dreamed of a future without the cold peace, Keiran being relieved of his king duties and the tree of them living together full time. The next morning, Mark stayed unnaturally close to Christina and the Blackthorns kept watching them suspiciously. Once they had eaten breakfast, Tavvy finally spoke up. ‘You know none of us are going to hurt Christina. We like her.’ Tavvy beamed before finishing his glass of milk. ‘I Know Tavvy, I like her a lot too.’ Mark winked before putting an arm around her waist.

‘Ew Mark! Our little brother doesn’t need to hear about your sexapades.’ Helen playfully punched Mark’s arm on her way around collecting the plates from the table. ‘For one thing, I don’t know what that means. Also, you act like you and Aline are innocent. The wall isn’t that thick.’ Mark scoffs, pulling Christina closer. ‘Oh, big brother-in-law, what are we going to do with you. I’m pretty sure this conversation isn’t for Tavvy’s ears, so Dru, would you mind?’ Aline chuckled, pointing towards the library. Dru rolled her eyes and helped Tavvy off his chair.

Once they are out of earshot, Aline and Helen sit opposite Christina and Mark with eager eyes. Mark’s smile could no longer be contained but words failed him. ‘So… you know we are seeing Keiran later?’ Christina said, looking between them. ‘Yeah, you three always look forward to your trips to the cottage. I assume you mostly enjoy the “hot fairy threesome”.’ Helen winked. ‘Emma told you! I need to have words with that girl when she’s back from New York. Anyway, yes there is a curtain amount of that. But we talk too.’ Christina said, looking between Ty, whose eyes were locked on his phone as he was obviously texting Kit by the goofy smile on his face and Mark who was still speechless.

‘Yeah, I get it. These Blackthorns know how to make you loved. Just tell us, I can tell something is on your mind. You are more excited than usual.’ Aline sighed, leaning her head on Helen’s shoulder so Helen could play with her hair. ‘That they do, the unseelie king isn’t too bad either.’ Christina chuckled, taking Mark’s hand. ‘Helen, stop looking at me like that. I like to think we have grown out of staring each other into submission…. Fine, last night Christina told me her cycle and our trip to the cottage have lined up, I still don’t fully understand what that means.’ Mark huffed, still grinning like a cat that got the cream as Helen gave her brother a pointed look.

‘Oh Mark, you adorable dumbass! You want to try for a baby tonight? That’s wonderful. Kinda annoyed you got there first but I suppose it's easier for you. Being co-heads doesn’t leave much time to discuss options.’ Helen chuckled, loud enough to shock Ty out of his lovesick trance. ‘What, where did Tavvy and Dru go? Helen, why are you so happy?’ Ty asks, moving his headphones to his neck and taking in the room like a puzzle that needs solving. ‘Mark and Christina are going to have a baby!’ Aline blurts out, causing a sea of shocked faces.

‘What? When did that happen? I need to tell Kit; he knows more than I do…’ Ty says as he reopened his text thread. ‘Wait, no Ty! I’m not pregnant yet. Hopefully soon though. I do have double the chances.' Christina chuckles. ‘Gross! You aren't my sister yet! I don’t want to hear about your sex life.’ Ty says, standing up to ring Kit instead. ‘By the Angel Aline! It’s not your job to spread gossip. Come on Christina, lets pack for the cottage.’ Mark huffs, pulling Christina up by their joined hands.

‘You have a terrible poker face.’ Christina collapses onto the bed laughing. ‘I can’t help it; I need to protect my lady of roses. If you are soon to be baring my child, then I need to keep you safe.’ Mark said, hiding his blush in the collar of his shirt. ‘I know, how come you never heard the phrase sexcapade? Surely that’s all you were doing in the hunt?’ Christina smiled up as Mark’s expression of innocence. ‘Well, yes, a lot of sexual encounters were had but the seelies tend to be less crude about it.’ Mark huffs as he walks towards the wardrobe to pick out a suitable outfit.

With the duffle bag packed and a fire message sent to Keiran, Mark and Christina head to the nearest seelie entrance. They walked through the forest hand in hand towards the cottage. ‘Why aren’t you nervous? If this works, we have no idea what this could mean for Keiran.’ Mark asked, hoisting the bad strap up his shoulder. ‘I know Keiran and how you both feel about me. You two are the only men I want to father my child.’ Christina said, smiling up at Mark. ‘I love you, my lady of roses. How did I ever get so lucky?’ Mark beamed, shaking his head in disbelief. ‘I love you too.’ Christina says softly before leaning up to peck his lips.

‘Come on, its rude to keep our king waiting.’ Mark chuckled, pulling Christina to the edge of the forest. As the surrounding trees thinned out, the level of excitement grew. ‘Together.’ Christina nodded, pulling Mark closer as they walked through the gate. ‘Always.’ Mark smiles as he lifted and kissed their joined hands. Christina knocked on the wooden door and rested her head on Mark’s arm. The adrenaline faded as they waited for the door to open. ‘Lady of roses, my mark. It has been too long.’ Keiran lit up at the sight of the and no one hesitated to launch into a group hug.

‘Oh, Ker how I have missed you.’ Mark said into his shoulder. ‘My boys together again. This is what true happiness is.’ Christina took a step back so the boys could share a kiss. ‘Now that we have finished out heartfelt greeting. I have an important matter to discuss.’ She adds after Keiran pulls away from giving her a passionate kiss of her own. ‘Well, then let us settle inside, may I make my loves some tea?’ Keiran nodded as the door closed behind them. ‘Yes, tea sounds lovely. I would hate for Keiran to freak out.’ Christina chuckles, watching Mark fumble in the bag to pull out next year’s bunny calendar. ‘And why would I “freak out”?’ Keiran asked, looking between his loves.

‘Ok, let's sit down and I will tell you.’ Christina said, indicating to the couch. Once they sat down, Mark took both of their hands as he filled with nerves. Christina took a moment to form her words. ‘You know how much we both love you and I have been thinking about how to make our relationship more official. We have talked about marriage but that seems far away. Especially with seelie and shadowhunter politics the way they are. I have been keeping track of my menstrual cycle. And I can’t get how you both are with Tavvy out of my head. When I found out this trip syncs up with when I’m most fertile I took that as a sign. Obviously, this is a conversation we need to have but, what would you say to having a baby with me? Before you ask, I don’t care which one of your is the biological father.’ Christina stops talking, Mark’s and Chrsitina’s eyes fall on Keiran waiting for a reply.

‘Firstly, I’d like to say I love you both. But as unseelie king this topic isn’t so simple. Said child may become the heir to the unseelie throne. That could cause further war and even my dethronement. Selfishly I wouldn’t mind giving up my throne for you, my Mark and you, My lady of roses. However, my replacement would surely destroy all the good I have done. Oh, how I wish this was an easy decision. There is also the fact that I would only see the baby when you visit the cottage. How could I live with that? Tell me that won’t matter, and we can play happy family. Tell me our love can conquer every hurdle. Because last time I checked, the cold peace rages on, taking me away from you.’ Keiran seemed to say in one breath, looking between them.

‘Woah, breathe Ker. Answer me this, does the idea of starting a family with us sounds appealing?’ Mark huffed, as he tucked a piece of Keiran’s blue/black hair behind his ear. ‘Yes, more than anything but my people…’
‘Will manage, we have worked this out so far. Our baby will be fine the cold piece won’t last forever. We are working on it, love concours all. Or something.’ Christina cuts him off with a shy smile. ‘The unseelie’s are known for their violence and I am yet to charm them as they mostly still believe my father was right to send me into the wild hunt. Although it coughed me pain, I am glad for it as it brought me my Mark.’ Keiran continued, resting his head on Mark’s shoulder.

‘Maybe an heir will work in your favour?’ Cristina finally said after a long pause. ‘Ok.’ Keiran hummed agenised Mark’s shoulder. ‘Really?’ Mark said, looking down at Kerian’s slowly lightening hair. ‘Yes, if I have to fight for the rights of my child, there is no open I’d rather have fighting by my side. Christina, I will not stop until your safety is guaranteed. I trust the Nephilim at the Los Angeles Institute to protect you in my absence.’ Keiran nodded, sitting up. ‘Yes Kerian, you have my word. Our Christina will have all she deserves.’ Mark added before kissing their joined hands.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Mark wakes his naked loves with kisses on their shoulders. ‘Good morning.’ Mark whispers into the quiet room as he continues to pepper alternate kisses down both their necks. ‘Mornin.’ Christina smiles, eyes still closed. ‘Hello, my Mark.’ Keiran chuckles. They all start sitting up a bit as Christina and Keiran lean on either side of Mark, being pulled closer. ‘What is the plan for today?’ Christina smiles into her morning kisses with both boys. ‘How long do we have to wait until we know you are with child?’ Keiran asks quietly before pulling the covers over his abs. ‘Give me a few days and I will take a test.’ Christina smiled.

‘But I would like to know now so we can try again if we need to. We were a bit sloppy and tired last night. A quick in and out then we fell asleep.’ Mark winked. ‘What do you mean it might not work? We did nothing to prevent a child.’ Keiran asks, looking between them. ‘I’m only human Ker, sometimes even with the best intentions trying for a baby isn’t easy.’ Christina explains, leaning her head on Mark’s shoulder for warmth. ‘I can assure you, my lady of roses, that I am quite fertile. Most seelie’s are so with the potential of two seelie fathers out chances are higher.’ Keiran said, finding Mark’s hand under the covers.

‘I wouldn’t say no to a second try.’ Mark winks, squeezing Keiran’s hand. ‘Mark! You dirty dog!’ Christina chuckled, pretending to be shocked. ‘I am no dog, darling Christina, neither am I unclean. I am merely suggesting another round of love making would double our chances.’ Mark says matter of factly. ‘I give up, who’s hungry?’ Christina chuckled, starting to get out of bed. The boys just stare at her naked form and melt into each other. ‘Like what you see?’ Christina chuckles as she puts on her discarded underwear and shirt. ‘Oh yes, Lady of roses.’ Keiran smiles, following her ever move as her runes come in and out of view.

‘Very beautiful Christina. We count ourselves lucy to share a bed with you.’ Mark added, absentmindedly feeling the grooves of Kerian’s abs under the covers. ‘So, breakfast? Ker, what have we got in the fridge?’ Christina asked, throwing the boys underwear at them. Both boys burst out laughing as they caught their respective underwear and brought them under the covers to put them on. ‘What is a fridge?’ Keiran asked, sitting up. ‘I assume you don’t have one then. What food do you have?’ Christina chuckled. ‘It would be my honour to feed you princess.’ Keiran nodded before leaning out of bed.

Before dashing to the kitchen, Kieran gave Christna a peck on the lips and blew a kiss to Mark from the bedroom door. ‘You know he is going to try and guess what a fridge is now.’ Mark chuckled, getting out of bed. ‘I think it’s cute, you were the same when you first came back to LA.’ Christina smiled. ‘I wasn’t that bad, and you were very interested in the hunt as the time, I recall.’ Mark smirked, wrapping his arms around her waist, under her shirt. ‘I still enjoy learning about all things seelie, even more so that I have you and Ker.’ Christina hummed, turning in his arms for a long kiss. ‘We should probably help Keiran.’ Mark said, eyes half open and mouths still inches away. ‘One more kiss?’ Christina asks softly. ‘As my lady requests.’ Mark chuckles into the kiss.

With oatmeal, strawberries and coffee served, silence fell upon the cottage. Mark watched his loves, every move as they ate. Keeping a close eye on Chrisina for any signs of pregnancy. ‘Why do you look so worried?’ Christina asked, picking up her mug. ‘Are you feeling ok? Feeling tired or sick?’ Mark frantically asks, leaning over to take her free hand. ‘I do not know what is happening, but I would also like to know how you are feeling?’ Keiran asks, following Mark’s lead.

‘Boys, I’m fine.’ Christina nodded, putting her coffee down and kissing Mark’s hand. ‘My lady, you have not touched your strawberries. Are you curtain you are in good heath?’ Keiran asks, looking between Mark and Christina. Christina yawns at that and Mark leaps off his chair, nearly knocking it over. ‘Mark, you and I both know that general shadowhunting is tiring, it doesn’t mean anything. As for the strawberries, I guess I’m full.’ Christina chuckled as make gave her a once over. ‘Ok… we have 2 more days together. How shall we spend it?’ Mark asked, guiding her too the couch and sitting her on his lap, which she was happy to do. Keiran brought Christina’s bowl of strawberries to the coffee table and sat down resting his head on Mark’s shoulder.

They sat in silence for a few moments, enjoying their time together, Christina and Keiran with their hands clasped. Their time together was limited and the often didn’t need to talk or do anything but soak up the feeling of being close, all three of them. Mark buried his face in the crook of Christina’s neck and smiled anytime Keiran squeezed her hand. ‘As you two clearly know more about pregnancy then I do, care to inform me?’ Keiran asked, before leaning forward to put a strawberry in his mouth.

‘What do you want to know?’ Mark hums, staring at the sliver of tanned skin that the rucked-up shirt reveals. ‘Considering I only have brothers; my knowledge of ladies is limited. Mark was my first of many things. Please, enlighten me, what happens when our beautiful Christina is with child?’ Kieran asks softly, smiling at his loves. ‘Well, first I need to take a test to tell us if I am pregnant. Then as said baby grows, my stomach will too. Mi Madre told me that she experienced symptoms like morning sickness and swollen feet. So, I will need you both to look after me what that happens. Oh, a brighter note, when the baby is big enough you will be able to feel their little kicks and Jem will give me scans so we can see them too. If all goes well, my pregnancy will last 9 months, and we will have to set up two nurseries. One here and one at the institute.’ Christina chuckles, looking between them.

The rest of the day was spent cuddling in various positions and daydreaming about what it will be like to be parents. Mark, having lots of siblings, wants a big family. Keiran and Christina agree that unless the situation changes, the cold peace ends, having more than one child would be difficult. They discussed which room in the cottage they would turn into a nursery. Keiran expressed his wish for a son so they could be the heir to the throne. They agreed that an heir may or may not prevent war but, in the end, they will love their child, whatever happens. Mark and Christina said they would try to visit the cottage as often as they can and involve Keiran in every decision.

The next day, Mark surprises Christian at the breakfast table. ‘What would you say to taking a test today?’ Mark asks, one hand on his teacup the other in Christina’s. ‘I would say yes if we had access to a test.’ Christna chuckles, before taking a sip of tea. ‘Well… since you first mentioned wanting to try for a baby, I texted Emma. She called in some favours and got Aline to sneak a box of tests in my bag before we left.’ Mark beamed proudly. ‘By the angel Mark, you were so confident Kerian would say yes. But ok, before I get dressed, I will take a test.’ Christina chuckled. ‘My lady of roses, may I ask you a question?’ Keiran asks shyly, hiding behind his cup.

‘Of course you may, Keir, ask away.’ Christina smiles. ‘May I be with you when you take the test? I know my knowledge is limited but I would like to be of comfort.’ Keiran asks, putting his cup down. ‘Just so you know, the test involves me peeing on a stick.’ Christina chuckles. Mark nods and they both wait for Keiran’s answer. ‘I am aware of the functions of the urinary tract. That fact does not put me off. I would like to offer my moral support.’ Keiran smiles. ‘Ok, I suppose you have seen it all before. Mark, you are welcome to join too.’ Christina hums. ‘I think I will join later when the pee is already on the stick so we can read the result together. If that’s ok with you?’ mark said before kissing their joined hands. ‘Fair enough, ready when you are.’ Christina nods, putting her empty cup down.

Mark heads to their bedroom to shower and get dressed. While Christina digs in the duffle bag for the box of tests and followed Keiran to the bathroom. ‘So, my lady of roses, how does that plastic stick tell us if you are with child?’ Keiran asks as Christina readies herself. ‘Like I said Keir, I have to pee on the blue bit. There is technology that detects the protein that’s only present when someone is pregnant. We must wait for a few minutes for it to work. That’s when mark will join us, to wait for the result.’ Christina chuckles as she unwraps the test.

‘Interesting, I do find the mundane world strange but it gave me you and Mark so I can’t complain.’ Keiran smiles shyly, leaning agenised the bath. Christina makes quick work of striping from the waist down and positioning herself over the toilet. She waits a few seconds for the flow to start and puts the test stick under it to catch the flow. ‘The stock has gone yellow.’ Keiran suddenly speaks up, watching fascinated. ‘Well spotted.’ Christina chuckled as she put the test on the sink and finished peeing. ‘That was fast, would you like me to retrieve Mark?’ Kieran asks, watching Christina set a timer and redress.

‘Yes, he won’t want to miss the reveal.’ Christna smiles, watching Keiran skip off to find Mark. When the boys returned, both bussing with excitement, the timer has one minute left. And Christina is staring at a water mark on the floor. ‘Chrisina, are you ok?’ Mark asks, sitting in the floor opposite her and leaning into her eyeline. ‘Oh, erm yeah, I just really want this for us.’ Christina smiles as them both. ‘Me too, until you mentioned it, I never seriously considered it. But now, its fully become a dream to be connected but not just love but by a child.’ Mark smiles, taking both Christina’s hands. Keiran stood behind Mark, both hands comfortingly placed on his shoulders as silence fell.

It was broken by the viscous beep of the alarm. ‘Deep breath Christina, it’s not end all and be all. We can try again. If its negative.’ Mark calmly explains as he turns off the alarm and the screen for good measure. ‘I can’t look, one of you do it.’ Christina huffs, leg bouncing. ‘As this is all new to me, Keir would you like to do the honours?’ Mark asked, kissing the hand on his left shoulder. ‘Ok, no pressure then.; Keiran half chuckled.

Her carefully picked up the test from the side of the basin. ‘How many lines, Keir? Don’t leave us in suspense.’ Christina chuckled when she looked up to see Kerian having a staring contest with the stick. ‘Two lines.’ Kieran finally said, almost a question as he turned it over to show them. ‘Positive! Yes, we are having a baby!’ Mark and Christina jumped up and squealed in unison. ‘Oh, that is splendid news.’ Keiran beamed as Mark and Christina did a strange happy dance. The rest of the trip was spend searching the cottage library for books on seelie infants.

Chapter Text

Once back in LA, Mark and Christina struggled to contain their excitement. ‘Welcome back you two, how was Keiran?’ Dru asked as they passed her on the stairs. ‘Stressed that he still has subjects that disagree with his kinghood but glad to see us.’ Christina smiled, hand tightly clasping Mark’s. ‘Awesome, I’m sure Kerian can charm the haters. That dude has skills.’ Dru chuckles before leaving them to unpack.

‘Do you think Dru suspected something?’ Mark asked as he tucked the remaining tests in in wardrobe under a pile of shirts. ‘I don’t know, she’s your sister. We really should tell them though. I don’t want my mom finding out through the grapevine.’ Christina chuckled. Staring at a shirt Keiran left in their bag. ‘Oh, like the song!’ Mark exclaimed, turning on his heels. ‘Yes Mark, I see Emma’s pop culture lessons are sticking.’ Christina chuckled as she tucked Kerian’s shirt under her pillow.

‘But yes, we should discuss who and when we will be sharing our news. I’m not sure how long I can contain my excitement. Why don’t we invite Mrs Rosales to dinner?’ Mark said as he put his dirty clothes in the laundry hamper and started helping Christina with her clothes. ‘That’s a lovely idea. I feel bad that Keran can’t be here though. It’s his news too, I suppose he could tell Nene.’ Christina sighed as she unpacked her dirty clothes.

When they went down for lunch, Helen was the first to bombard them. ‘By the angel Mark! You’re back! How was Keiran? What happened? Did he agree? Did you have fun?’ Mark and Christina looked at each other to gage what they should say. Just as Christina opened her mouth the door exploded open and small arms came around Christina’s middle. ‘Tina! Tell me everything. Did you use the little gift I gave you?’ Emma squealed. ‘Beathe Em, we will tell you everything once everyone is here.’ Christina chuckled, turning around to give Emma a proper hug.

Helen and Emma nodded at each other they in unison yelled, ‘Guys, mark and Christina are back with news! Come quick before they decide to not tell us.’ Christina shook her head and dragged Mark to a chair soi she could sit on his lap. All the Blackthorn siblings including Aline and Kit rushed in and gathered in a buzzing bundle. Aline wrapped her arm around Helen and gave Mark a thumbs up. Ty had his hand on Kit’s shoulder and Dru held Tavvy still by his little shoulders. Julian took Emma’s hand and gave Christina an encouraging smile.

‘Do you want to tell them or should I? I mean they are your siblings, but this is our news, you pick.’ Christina said, pulling Mark’s arms around her. His hands landed over her belly button and Mark caught all his sisters staring at them with wide eyes. ‘You say, I’m here if you need me.’ Mark softly said before kissing her cheek. ‘Well, as you all know Mark and I just came back from visiting Keiran in the cottage. Let’s just say, it was an eventful few days.’ Christna chuckled as Mark stroked her stomach. ‘I won’t give you the details, you are welcome Tavvy. But yes Em, we did use your gift, thank you by the way. I’m pregnant.’ Christina beamed.

Emma, Aline, Helen and Dru cheered, and the boys looked shocked. ‘So, who’s the dad?’ Kit asked, pulling Ty closer. ‘That’s the point, we won’t be finding out. I love Mark and Keiran equally; they are both the dad.’ Christina chuckled. ‘Oh cool, I’m happy for you guys.’ Kit finally smiled. ‘Yeah, congrats you two, and Keiran of course. Just don’t ask me to babysit.’ Julian chuckled. ‘But why Jules, you have proven yourself a wonderful father figure.’ Emma chuckled, nudging his side.

‘Ha ha, very funny. But you are all grown up, it’s your turn to look after the next generation of Blackthorns.’ Julian proudly smirked. ‘Wait, will your baby be a Blackthorn?’ Aline asks. ‘Well, we haven’t discussed it but if you will allow, my lady of roses, I would like our child to carry all of our names. Rosales-Blackthorn-Kingston.’ Mark said before Christina jumped up for congratulatory hugs. ‘Yeah, I like that, a bit long but when have we ever done things the simple way.’ Christina chuckled as Helen brought her in for a bear hug.

Mark watched proudly as his siblings embraced and welcomed Christina into the family. Ty, Kit and Tavvy quickly got bored of baby talk, so they disappeared into the library. Dru and Jules were next, they went to Dru’s room to continue to top up the paint on her tapestry wall. ‘Don’t be surprised if you are carrying more than one baby.’ Helen chuckled as she and Aline put together a tray of drinks. ‘That actually sounds quite fun. The more half seelie Blackthorns the batter. Tiny Seelie ears are so cute.’ Christina squealed as she settled on Mark’s lap.

‘Oh Tina, I’m so happy for you. Now you need to tell your mom.’ Emma said, sitting in the chair next to them. ‘Yeah, I feel bad that Keiran can’t be there for that.’ Christina sighed as Aline passes her a mug of tea. ‘Would you like me to be there?’ Emma is quick to ask, taking her cup from Helen. ‘Yeah, she loves you, would you really do that for me?’ Christina smiles. ‘Of course, what are parabatai for.’ Emma chuckles before taking a sip.

‘What’s the plan for Keiran and the birth since he can’t leave the seelie realm?’ Helen asks as she and Aline sit down. ‘Woah, a bit early to talk about the birth. We found out my dear Christina is with child yesterday.’ Mark chuckled. ‘Alright fine, but if Kieran is going to be an active parent in this, you need a plan.’ Helen says, looking at Mark with sisterly concern. ‘We don’t have a full plan yet, but we are making a nursery in the cottage as well as here. Actually, Aline do you think your mom could get Keiran visiting rights for scans and stuff? I know he can’t move here, he’s still the unseelie king.’ Christina said, resting her head on Mark’s shoulder. ‘I will see what I can do.’ Aline smiled. ‘Thank you, I can see why Helen married you.’ Mark winks.

A week later, Christina was starting to have symptoms, constant nausea and fatigue. It was also time to tell her mother, after a lot of putting it off. Mark helped her into a nice dress with daisies on while Emma picks out a nice top, with the help of Aline. They met by the front door, Christina fixing Mark’s shirt collar as they walked. ‘Wow Tina, very pretty.’ Emma cheered as they approached. ‘Really? I feel frumpy.’ Christina huffs as she checks her necklace is on correctly. ‘You are a beauty, my lady of roses.’ Mark hummed before kissing her cheek. ‘Agreed, if I wasn’t with Jules.’ Emma winks, causing Mark to put a protective arm around Christina.

‘Anyway, we don’t keep my mom waiting. And I need to tell her before I actually throw up.’ Christina said as she put her hand on the door to hold her weight. ‘Easy Tina, me and Mark are here, whatever you need.’ Emma softly said as Mark props her up. ‘Thanks guys. My mom isn’t the most supportive and a seelie parenting my child isn’t very traditional.’ Christina said into Mark’s shoulder as Emma opens the door.

‘Breathe, if your mom doesn’t like it, she will have to go through me.’ Emma beamed, letting Mark and Christina through the door. ‘Indeed, and being part seelie myself, I can account for our merits.’ Mark shyly smiled. They rode in the Institute’s car in mostly silence as waves of nausea hit Christina hard while in motion.

Once arrived, Emma knocks on the door and Mrs Rosales greets them with a smile. ‘Just on time, the chicken has just come out the oven. Always lovely to see you Emma, I hope New York is treating you well. Hello Mark.’ Emma goes in for a hug and follows the smell of food. ‘Lovely to see you Mrs Rosales, I wish we could have more family dinners. Christina speaks highly of your cooking.’ Mark says, shaking her hand. ‘Hola Mama.’ Christina says as her mom pulls her into a tight hug, leaving Mark standing behind her with his hands behind his back.

As they gather around the table, Christina starts to wobble. Mark is quick to take her hand and lead her to her chair. ‘Mark, my daughter is a fully trained shadowhunter. I’m sure she is capable of sitting down by herself.’ Mrs Rosales huffs as she puts serving spoons in the various dishes of vegetables. ‘Of course, Mrs Rosales, Christina is one of the best fighters I know.’ Mark beams as she sits down, a hand on her thigh for comfort. ‘This all looks delicious; may I ask what it is?’ Emma smiles, pointing to the chicken dish.

‘Thank you, Emma, I’m glad Christina has your manners as influence. This dish is called pollo a la granadina. It’s a family recipe.’ Mrs Rosales says, looking pointedly at mark as she sits down. With red wine and glasses of water poured, Mrs Rosales passes around the dishes so everyone can serve themselves. Mark makes quick work of his wine and while Mrs Rosales gets dessert, he pours Christina’s wine in his glass. ‘Here we have Flao, enjoy at your leisure.’ Mrs Rosales announces as she walks in with a pile of bowls, spoon and comes back with the cheesecake.

‘Thank you, Mrs Rosales, this meal has been some of the best homecooked food I have ever had.’ Mark beams, before taking a sip of wine. ‘Well, I can’t imagine the wild hunt ate much in the way of substantial meals.’ Mrs Rosales says as she hands Emma her bowl and spoon. ‘Mother! That is no way to talk to one of the men I love. You know the wild hunt was punishment for Mark. The Clave blamed him for the attacks on Alicante, just because a group of seelie orchestrated them.’ Christina snaps, shooting out of her seat too quickly.

The white tablecloth slipped slightly as Christina grabbed it for support. ‘Tina!’ Emma yelled as she ran to find her parabatai half on the floor. Emma and Mark took either side to lift her back into her chair while Mrs Rosales topped up her water glass. ‘I’m sorry, what can I do?’ Mrs Rosales frantically says as Emma glares at her. ‘Give her a minute, she will explain. It’s not for me to say.’ Emma explains as Mark feeds Christina a few sips of water.

‘What? What happened?’ Christina softly asked. ‘I think your anger got the best of you, my love. Thank you for defending me though. Sadly, I’m used to not being treated as a shadowhunter although I carry runes.’ Mark half whispered before kissing her cheek.

‘Mom, before we have dessert, I have some news.’ Christina huffs, reaching for Mark’s hand. ‘Well, out with it, child. I think the Californians are making you dramatic.’ Mrs Rosales huffs, siting back down with a thump and crossing her arms. ‘I know you don’t exactly understand or support my relationship with Mark and Keiran. But I love them with all my heart and all the LA institute is behind me if you disown me. But the fact remains, I am pregnant with their child. I wanted to tell you before it became common gossip.’ Christina calmly said with Emma’s hand on her shoulder.

‘You are correct, this threesome you have is highly inappropriate. I cannot approve of having a seelie grandchild. We are a proud shadowhunter family. This would stain our reputation. I love you Christina but if you decide to have this child, they shall not be allowed in this house.’ Mrs Rosales says coolly as she angrily cuts the cheesecake. ‘May I say something. I have watched Christina, Mark and Keiran fall in love and all became happier for it. As her parabatai and the Blackthorns being Mark’s sibling, we will support you daughter. I know it's not a “traditional” relationship, but the shadow world has survived weirder. This pregnancy was Christina’s idea, if you don’t like it, deal with it.’ Emma said proudly, looking between Mark and Christina as they focus on her bump, barely visible through the loose fabric.

With that. Mrs Rosales is rendered speechless as Emma wraps a few slices of cheesecake in white paper napkins. Mark helped Christina up and they leave without another word. Once in the car, Christina bursts into tears, stroking her bump. ‘Oh Tina, she may still come around. This is her grandkid we are talking about. They still have angelic blood and I’m sure they will have your warrior spirit.’ Emma softly says, before kissing her cheek.

‘Indeed, this baby will be very loved by their two fathers, mother and many aunts and uncles.’ Mark beams as he slides in beside her and joins hands on her bump. ‘But she is my mom, she is supposed to love my unconditionally. Without her, this baby has no grandparents.’ Christina softly says, staring at her bump. Mark pulls her close as Emma drives away from the house as they are all lost for words.

Chapter Text

A couple of weeks later, after some negotiation and the promise to read and memorise the accords, Aline made a deal with her mother. Letting Kieran into the mortal realm for the scans and birth. An hour before the first scan, Christina is puking up her breakfast and crying. ‘What wrong Christina? Does something hurt?’ Mark frantically asked, running into the en suite with a glass of water. ‘Mark, I feel gross! Should my bump be this big already? I’m an only child, what do I know about kids? Now I’m hungry but io don’t know what for.’ Christina says between sobs.

‘I don’t know much either, however our first scan is today. We can ask Jem. Let's get you cleaned up before Keiran arrives.’ Mark softly says, putting the glass on the side and lowering himself next to the toilet to put a hand on Christina’s back. ‘Keiran is coming?’ Chrsitina quietly asked as she whipped her nose on her hoodie sleeve. ‘Yeah, Aline made a deal with Jia so he could be here for the scans. She told us a few days ago. Do you not remember?’ Mark said, gently pulling Christina on to his lap.

‘She did? I remember asking Aline if she could talk to her mom, but the last week has been a blur of exhaustion. Do you think my mom will come to her senses and love this child? I’m not sure I can be a mom without her.’ Christina sighed, leaning back onto Mark, her hand finding her small round bump. ‘I hope she does but if she doesn’t then we will work it out. You are so brave and caring and I’m sure my siblings will help.’ Mark softly says smiling down at the bump before placing a kiss in her hair. ‘I know, we are lucky to have them. But when I pictured our family, this is not what I imagined. I wanted my mom to spoil our kids rotten and be on hand so we could all go back on hunts together. And obviously so you, me and Keir can have some alone time in the cottage.’ Christina faintly chuckled, watching as Mark’s fingers interlock with hers on her stomach.

‘We can still have that, if anyone is willing to babysit it's that parabatai of yours. I can tell Emma will do all she can to convince out child to name her the favourite aunt.’ Mark chuckles. ‘I don’t deny that. Can you help me up? I don’t wanna greet Kerian like this.’ Christina sighs, spotting the chunky dribble on her sleeve. ‘Of course, but even our unseelie king must get used to bodily fluids. All’s fair in love and child raising.’ Mark chuckled as he helps Chrsitina stand. Mark managed to catch her before she loses balance and helps her clean her teeth. With fresh clothes on and glass empty they head downstairs to be greeted by Helen.

‘Are you ok? I heard Mark running upstairs.’ Helen asks, giving Christina a once over. ‘Yeah, just a bit of morning sickness. Hopefully Jem can help with that.’ Christina half smiles. ‘Ok then, let's get you comfy in the library until Kieran arrives.’ Helen said, putting a hand on her shoulder and leading the way. When Keiran gets there, Christina had fallen asleep on Mark’s shoulder. ‘Shh, her morning sickness started this morning along with some pregnancy anxieties. Help me stand her up, our lady of roses needs all the support she can get.’ Mark whispered when Kieran pokes his head around the door.

With a nod, Keiran makes quick work of getting to his loves and putting an arm around Christina’s unoccupied side. ‘What? Where are we going?’ Christina mumbled, slowly lifting her head. ‘We are going to see Jem so we can see our baby.’ Mark softly said before kissing her forehead. ‘Oh ok.’ Christina smiled down at her stomach. Christina slowly wakes up as her boys help her walk to the portal room.

They unceremoniously step through the portal and into the walkway towards Jam and Tessa’s house in Cornwall. Still holding hand, with Christina in the middle, Mark knocks on the door. Tessa opens it with a wide grin. ‘Hi come in. Jem is just setting up the room. Can I get you some tea? Lovely to see you, Keiran.’ They follow Tessa to the living room and decline the tea. ‘Oh Christina, how are you feeling? Any symptoms we should know about?’ Tessa asks as she sits in the armchair opposite them.

Christina rests her head on Keiran’s shoulder and keeps her hand in Mark’s. ‘So far so good, no pain and I’m awake most of the day. I sleep well with Mark by my side.’ Christina says, looking between Mark and her bump with a soft smile. ‘Yes, Christina has been extra cuddly, but her morning sickness began this morning. She also had a few questions I couldn’t answer.’ Mark added, reaching over to gently pat her bump. ‘That is why you are here. I wish I could be there with you, but Mina will be waking from her nap soon.’ Tessa smiles, checking the live feed of the nursery on her phone.

‘Thank you for letting me, a seelie, and my partners use your home. I don’t trust the silent brothers; they may harm Christina or the baby.’ Keiran said with a grateful nod. ‘That’s understandable, my children, from my first marriage, were always kept at arm’s length just because a warlock mothered them. Jem has all the knowledge of a silent brother without the coldness.’ Tessa says with a wink. ‘Oh well, I hope your newest little one gets treated better by the Nephilim, Mrs Carstairs.’ Keiran smiled, glancing down at Christina. ‘Please call me Tessa, any friend of the Carstairs is family here, and I hope the same for your baby. I hope the Blackthorns are willing to fight for them, strength in numbers and all that.’ Tessa chuckles, trying to forget the deeds of Grace Blackthorn.

‘Yes, my sibling and Emma are already protective of our child, a brother knows.’ Mark chuckles. ‘I hope I’m not interrupting; I know my wife is a fantastic conversationalist.’ Jem smiles from the doorway. ‘No, just waiting for you dear. I need to check on Mina, I will leave you to it.’ Tessa smiles, kissing Jem’s cheek on her way past. ‘Ready when you are.’ Jem beams.

Mark and Kieran help Christina off the couch and follow Jem to the makeshift check-up area in the ball room. Complete with chairs, an adjustable bed and a shower curtain privacy divider. ‘Take off your shoes and get comfy on the bed.’ Jem calmy instructs as he wheels over the ultrasound machine. Keiran lifts Chrsitina onto the bed and Mark unties her sneakers. While Christina leans back, Mark and Keiran bring a chair either side of the bed.

‘Right, any questions before we start?’ Jem says, clapping his hands together. ‘Yes actually, I was looking at photos of when my mom was pregnant. And I feel like I’m bigger than she was, is that to do with parentage or is this normal?’ Christina asks as she lifts her shirt to reveal her rounded bump. ‘There is no wrong or right size, maybe your baby is bigger than you were. The seelie blood may contribute to fast growth but not by that much. Let's have a look, brace yourself, the gel is cold.’ Jem said with a reassuring smile as he picked up the bottle of gel.

Christina took both her boys hands and squeezed her eyes shut as the gel made contact with her skin. Jem then positioned the wand and found the heartbeats, all three men gasped. ‘What, what’s wrong?’ Christina asked, eyes slowly opening. ‘We now know why you were bigger than your mother. My lady of roses, you are expecting triplets.’ Mark beamed, helping Christina sit up so she could see the screen. ‘Woah what? Where are they?’ Christina asked, staring at the screen. ‘Do you see the black dots? Congratulations.’ Jem smiled pointing at the screen as he moves around the wand to find them.

‘Cool! Aw we will get one each. I hope you can both hold a baby because three is a lot.’ Christina chuckled looking between Mark and Keiran. ‘I will do my best for you, my lady of roses.’ Kerian beamed. ‘Aw hello little ones. You are very lucky. We will do our best to care for you. Your mother is very loving but has her worries. So please go easy on her. You may not see your other father much as he is the unseelie king. He is very important in the system for keeping the please between our races. You are part seelie and part shadowhunter like me. Whatever path you take, we will love all three of you.’ Mark cooed at the screen before kissing Christina’s sticky bump.

‘I will give you three a moment, I will be in the kitchen when you are ready to book the next scan. Don’t hesitate to send me a fire message with any questions.’ Jem says as he hands Keiran an old towel and puts away the ultrasound machine. ‘Thank you, Mr Carstairs.’ Keiran nods before Jem leaves. ‘Wow, triplets. When you said Seelie’s were fertile you weren’t kidding. I don’t think I’m ready to care for three babies. I just want them to have a good life, but I love being a shadowhunter. What do I do?' Christina says as Keiran carefully wipes way the gel.

‘The fact you care enough to worry about our children is a good sign.’ Mark smiles into kissing her lips then her bump. Kerian nods and they stay there, hands held, in silence for a moment. ‘Would you like to say something to our children, Keir?’ Christina asks, looking up at him. ‘Oh, erm, yes. Hello, I am Kieran Kingston, your other father. My greatest hope for all three of you is that you grow into strong children and enter the world without trouble. I hope we can bond although your other father, my Mark, will be around more often. With three offspring, one of you has a duty to inherit the unseelie thrown from me. I will do my best to train and prepare you for that destiny.’ Keiran said softly, towards the bump. ‘That was lovely Keir.’ Christina chuckled.

Once back at the institute, they were bombarded with questions from the whole Blackthorn clan, even Ty. ‘How did it go? How do you feel? Is the baby cute?’ Mark and Keiran wordlessly lead Christina to the library with the Blackthorns following. Christina remained quiet until they were all sat around the large research table. Helen and Emma gave her questioning looks. ‘Ok ok, it went well, and I feel better about the pregnancy then when I left. And really Em, the babies are literal pea sized but they will always be cute to me.’ Christina beamed, hands falling to her bump.

‘I’m glad you feel better. I could feel your worry this morning, but I trust Uncle Jem.’ Emma smiles. ‘Yeah, you three deserve a happy and heathy pregnancy.’ Helen softly says, putting a hand on Mark’s shoulder. Mark leans into the touch and they quietly wait out the realisation. ‘Ty, ever the observant, was the first to speak up. ‘Wait, did you say babies? As in more than one?’ All eyes suddenly turn to the expectant parents who just nod excitedly. ‘How many?’ Dru asks, watching Mark as his hand join Christina’s on her bump. ‘Triplets, we are having three babies.’ Christina says surprisingly calmly.

‘Wow, that Blackthorn gene is something else.’ Kit chuckles, nudging Ty’s side suggestively. ‘Congrats guys. I know it's not going to be easy, but we are a team as well as a family.’ Aline smiles with a wink. ‘Thank you, all of you. We still have 8 months to prepare.’ Mark says, briefly looking up from his happy daze. ‘Are you staying for dinner Keiran? We must celebrate.’ Helen asks, resting her head on Aline’s shoulder. ‘No, unfortunately the seelie realm calls. I wanted to make sure my Christina got home safely before I left. I trust you all to keep her and out little ones safe.’ Keiran said with a nod before standing. He kissed Mark and Christina’s cheeks in turn then made his leave.

‘What’s for dinner?’ Christina asked no one in particular. ‘it’s literally 2pm.’ Dru said confused. ‘Dru, it’s natural for Christina to be hungry. She is literally growing three humans.’ Aline mock told her off. ‘What do you have in mind, Tina?’ Emma asks, walking around the table to help her parabatai stand up. ‘Literally anything.’ Christina chuckled as she leaned heavily on Mark, still getting using her weight shifting. ‘Let’s go to the kitchen then.’ Emma chuckles, linking arms with Christina and nodding for Julian to stay with Mark.

When Emma and Christina get to the hallway, Helen and Julian move around the table to sit next to Mark. ‘How are you feeling? Triplets are a lot.’ Helen softly asked. ‘Honestly, I’m ok. Scared but ok. I have seen Chrsitina’s strength first hand. We will work it out.’ Mark softly smiles at his sister. ‘Oh yeah, there is a reason Emma chose her as her parabatai.’ Julian chuckles. ‘Where will the babies live? You can’t fit three babies in you room and I’m not giving up mine.’ Dru asks, looking at her hands in her lap.

‘To begin with the babies will either sleep in cots or our arms. As for when they get older, the institute has a lot of rooms. Don’t worry, we won’t move any of you. My main priority right now is looking after Christina and preparing for our triplets the best that we can.’ Mark beams reassuringly. ‘What about the birth? I don’t know how I feel about having blood and stuff in my house.’ Kit asks, sharing a disgusted shiver with Ty.

‘Birth is messy but it’s not gross. And Corwall is a bi far to take a labouring Christina and then portal back with three new borns.’ Helen chuckled. ‘You seem to know a lot, babe?’ Aline is quick to ask with a fond smile. ‘Yeah well, Mark is my brother. There are his kids. I want to know as much as I can to help. Also, I may be entreating the idea of our future kids. I love having a big family and if mark can do it, why not us?’ Helen smiles into a Kiss on Aline’s cheek.

Kit looked at Ty with adoration and when Ty caught his stare he asked, ‘What? Why are you smiling.’ With a fond chuckle, Kit quickly kissed Ty’s cheek. ‘Why?’ Ty asked again, more confused but with a smile blooming. ‘Mark and Aline got cheek kisses, why not you?’ Kit said in a half whisper. ‘Oh, well thank you Kit. That was very kind of you.’ Ty smiled leaning his head on Kit’s shoulder as he got pulled closed by the waist. ‘Aw, it’s nice to see you happy. I know baby talk isn’t that interesting to you. You are welcome to go and hang out with Kit, door open, obviously.’ Julian chuckled. ‘No, it’s ok. Mark is family and so are these babies. As long as I don’t have to change diapers. I am happy to learn and help.’ Ty said, unmoving from Kit’s safe hold. ‘I think we can arrange that.’ Julian said, giving Kit a cheeky wink.

In the kitchen Emma had served up scrambled eggs on toast for them both. When she sat down, the conversation turned to cute nursery décor and birthing plans. ‘I know you don’t know which room you are going to use but do you have a color scheme in mind for the nursery?’ Emma asked as she cuts her toast. ‘Something neutral and calming. Three babies are a lot, we can use all the help we can get.’ Christina chuckles before shoving a forkful of eggs into her mouth, one hand on her bump.

‘Oh nice, yeah, Jules will happily help with painting the walls. Very practical, who are you and what have you done with my Tina.’ Emma chuckles. ‘I’m still me, it’s just growing humans makes you grow up a bit. Em, you have no idea how glad I am to have you.’ Christina sighed. ‘I think I have a pretty good idea; we are parabatai, remember.’ Emma says, smiling around a mouthful.

‘Actually, on the topic of being parabatai, I have something to ask you.’ Christina says looking between her bump and Emma, as if checking they are both still there. ‘Yeah, what’s up?’ Emma asks, putting her fork down and picking up her glass of water. ‘I am so scared of the birth, especially now that I know im having triplets. So, I was wondering if you could be there. You know, for the birth. I know I have Mark and Keiran, and im lucky for that as they care so deeply. But I need my parabatai…’ Christina starts rambling, having a staring contest with her toast. ‘Tina, yes! It would be my honour to be with you at the birth of your beautiful babies.’ Emma chuckled, reaching to take Christina’s hand.

‘Thanks Em, I am seriously freaking out. I mean it help that the idea of Mark and Keiran hold out babies is very cute. But I really wasn’t expecting triplets.’ Christina sighed, squeezing their joined hands. ‘Yeah, wow, three babies. But me, the Blackthorns and maybe even Kit have your back.’ Emma half-heartedly chuckles. ‘So, back to a more fun topic, because dwelling on what can go wrong is never good. Nursery colors, what are you thinking?’ Emma said, continuing to eat.

‘I don’t know… yellow, light blue, pale orange, lavender?’ Christina softly says, smiling down at her bump in awe. ‘All goo options, gender neutral is good. And if you every need me on the baby rota, Jules can handle everything in New York.’ Emma smiles. ‘Yeah, I might need you, for me more than the babies.’ Christina nervously chuckles, preparing her next mouthful. ‘Well, then you’ve got me. What about baby shopping? Or we could have a baby shower? If we have it the same day as a scan, then Keiran can come. Oh, what about a baby moon in the seelie realm? That sounds romantic. Does you mom have any traditions?’ Emma excitedly asks, food forgotten. ‘What’s a baby moon?’ Christina asks.

‘It’s where the expectant parents have a small vacation before the baby, of in your case babies, arrive. Jace said even Alec and Magnus had one when they adopted Max.’ Emma beams. ‘It must be nice for Alec to have his siblings around him. To have a babysitter a phone call away.’ Christina sighs. ‘Hey, I’m here as long as you need me. I already love these babies as my own.’ Emma softly says. ‘Thanks Em, I just wish my mom was supportive. I don’t look forward to her finding out about them, she will say its triple the plague on our family name. but I love my boys and my babies, nothing can change that.’ Christina sighs.

‘Yeah, maybe she will come around though. She made progress with Mark; she wouldn’t even talk to him after he came back from the hunt. My mom would have loved you; she had a soft spot for powerful women.’ Emma says, standing to hug her parabatai. ‘By the Angel, I’m sorry, that was insensitive. At least my mom is alive, I guess.’ Christina softly says into her shoulder.

‘It's ok, you are allowed to feel hurt that your mom might never see her grandkids.’ Emma says, pulling Christina closer. ‘Mina is lucky to have Kit as her brother, I think he may even persuade Ty to help out.’ Christina chuckles. ‘Yeah, I remember when Tavvy was born he didn’t feel comfortable holding him.’ Emma chuckles as mark pokes his head around the door. ‘Sounds like a nice conversation.’ Mark softly comments. ‘Yeah, started with nursery colors and ending with the hope that Ty will at least try to hold the triplets.’ Emma said as she sat back down to finish her cold toast.

‘Oh yes, Ty has grown more confident, and he doesn’t seem to have as many troubles as before. I like to think Kit helped him with that. I am still mindful of not overwhelming him, he is still my brother, and I don’t want him to be scared of my babies.’ Mark said, putting an arm around Christina. ‘You are going to make a wonderful dad.’ Christina smiled up at him. ‘I hope so, I will do my best since I wasn’t there for my siblings.’ Mark sighed. ‘You know Jules doesn’t blame you. He wanted to step up to keep you all together.’ Emma is quick to add.

‘Well then the least I can do is step up for my own children.’ Mark beams, hands slipping from Christina’s shoulders to her bump. ‘If fact, I would like to start now. Helen found all our baby things: blankets, cribs and the like. It would be my honour if our children would inherit them.’ Mark said, slowly sitting down next to Christina. ‘That’s a lovely idea.’ Christina smiled, stroking her bump. ‘Aw baby Blackthorns, rampaging the LA institute just feel right.’ Emma chuckles.

Chapter Text

As soon as Julian returned to New York, he couldn’t contain his excitement. Of course Clary asked why Emma was still in LA and the news spread from there. The Lightwood clan didn’t tell anyone specific, but the soundless rune is sneaky for a reason. When the invites for the baby shower arrived, Mrs Rosales was angry she didn’t get one. Mark, Helen and Emma were moving cribs from the attic to the biggest bedroom, when Christina’s phone started ringing. She had left it with Mark while she had a bubble bath to relax her aching limbs. As Mark carried a wooden changing table down the hall, Emma reaching into Mark’s discarded jacket pocket to answer the phone.

‘Hello, Christina’s phone.’ ‘I am aware and who is this?’ Mrs Rosales huffs. ‘It’s Emma, Christina is in the bath, what can I do for you?’ Emma replied, walking back to the attic ladder. ‘I just wanted to know why I wasn’t invited to my only daughter’s baby shower. And why I found out she is having triplets from the ladies in my book club?’ Mrs Rosales snaps. ‘Yes, well, you should have thought about that before disowning your daughter. She gave you nearly a month to apologise. If you can’t accept Mark and Keiran into your family, then she is welcome with the Blackthorns. Just as I was.’ Emma snapped equally as hard, gaining Helen’s attention as she climbed down the ladder.

‘I know you are her parabatai but I am her mother. I cannot accept half breeds as a Rosales. I feel disgraced that my Christina fell under that seelie reject’s spell. Let alone the poor excuse for a Blackthorn.’ Mrs Rosales scoffed, not realising the call was now on speaker and the whole institute could hear her. ‘That is my brother you are talking about. He and Keiran love your daughter with all their hearts. Even Jia could see that, and she took time to accept me fully. Polyamory is perfectly normal and these babies will be well loved.’ Helen calmly says, arms folded.

And with that, Emma hung up before mark was insulted further. ‘Wow, poor Christina. I hope she know she is family here.’ Helen sighs as Ty, Kit and Dru poke their heads out of their rooms. ‘Yeah, she is lucky to have you Em. I can remember you helped me with training when I couldn’t figure out how to land safely. I got so frustrated and still have a scar on my knee from when I forgot to move my blade.’ Dru said, coming over to give Emma a hug. ‘Yeah, you got there in the end though. You were so brave when the first few iraze didn’t seem to work on your knee.’ Emma smiled down at her.

‘And when I started questioning my feelings for Kit. It was you who I talked to. You said it was ok to like who I like, provided they are good people.’ Ty said, taking Kit’s hand in his. ‘I did, and I stand by the fact dinner and a movie is a classic date idea. Although you two are better than classic. I’m glad Jem found you, Kit. You certainly made our lives more interesting.’ Emma chuckles fondly.

‘Happy to be here. You guys are my family more than my dad ever was. I got a boyfriend, a sister, a cousin and parents who accept me as I am.’ Kit beamed at Ty. ‘I love you, Christopher Herondale.’ Ty whispered. ‘I love you too, Tiberius Blackthorn.’ Kit softly replied, before kissing his cheek. ‘What did I miss, I had to scrub that changing table clean.’ Mark asked, bouncing down the hall. ‘Emma? What happened? If anyone threated you, I swear on the angel…’ Mark said when he spotted Emma’s tears.

‘Calm down bro, Mrs Rosales has some not so friendly words to say but Emma defended you.’ Dru softly said, patting Emma’s back. ‘I’m so sorry Mark, these are her grandkids, and you shouldn’t have to keep them from her.’ Helen softly said, putting an arm around Mark’s shaking form. Once Christina was out of the bath, they all gathered in the dining room to pick out nursery colors. Even Tavvy helped, he liked the dark purple. Once the color was chosen, pale orange, Mark took Christina to bed while the others started painting.

By the time Christina’s 6 week scan came along, the nursery was starting to take shape. Aline made a door sign with thorns, roses and the words “The Blackthorn-Rosales-Kingston’s” in gold. Dru got to work on engraving protection runes on all three cribs while Kit and Ty worked together to curate a bookshelf full of books for the babies. Christina herself was no longer nauseous but her growing bump is already making her waddle. Kerian met them in Cornwall this time and sent best wishes from Nene.

‘Oh My, lady of roses, you are positively glowing. Being with child looks beautiful on you.’ Keiran gasped as Christina waddled as fast as she could into his waiting arms. ‘How are the preparations in the cottage going? We must visit again when Christina is well enough.’ Mark asks before giving Keiran a kiss hello. ‘I’m afraid preparations have been progressing slowly. I have cleared our chosen room and Nene gifted us a bassinet. She looked rather shocked when I told her we are expecting triplets.’ Keiran chuckled as he linked arms with his loves and walked to the front door together.

After Mark gave three strong knocks, Jem answered the door one handed, holding a bouncy Mina in the other. ‘Greetings, hello, come in. Look Mina, it’s Auntie Tina.’ Jem smiled, turning Mina around. ‘Ti! You big!’ Mina squealed. ‘Yes, little one, Christina is pregnant with triplets. Your father is looking after her for us.’ Keiran bent to Mina’s level and smiled softly. ‘That’s right Min Min. Are you excited to meet your cousins?’ Christina asked, high 5ing Mina before she wiggles out of Jem’s hold.

Once on the floor, Mina ran to Christina and reached up to touch her bump. ‘Wow! Daddy, can I see them?’ Mina gasped, looking pleadingly between Christina and Jem. ‘Not yet, Mina mine.’ Jem said softly, gently pulling her away from Christina. ‘Where is Tessa?’ Mark asked as they followed Jem to the lounge. ‘She got called into the spiral Labyrinth and Kit is out with Ty hence why Mina is with me.’ Jem shrugged as they settled on the couches. ‘If you ever need a babysitter, our institute is full of them.’ Mark chuckles, stroking Christina’s bump, more to comfort himself them her.

‘I could never burden you children. I’m sure they are already clamouring to help with your babies. Speaking of, Christina how are you feeling? Have you started the preparations?’ Jem asks as his fingers play with Mina’s hair. ‘Yes, better than last time I came. Which is good because the baby shower is this afternoon. As my bump grows so does the pain. The Blackthorns are painting the nursery as we speak.’ Christina chuckled, placing her hand in Keiran’s. ‘Ah yea, I received your invitation. As long as Tessa gets back before it starts, we will be there.’ Jem smiles. ‘We will save you some cake. Dru has been testing recipes for weeks and Julian helped Tavvy decorate it.’ Mark beamed with pride.

‘That’s lovely! How about I set Mina up with some toys and we take a look at your babies?’ Jem asked, adjusting Mina on his lap. ‘Would you like me to keep an eye on her while you perform the scan? I don’t mind and it would be good practice.’ Mark askes, watching Mina make faces at him. ‘Are you sure, I’d hate for you to miss out on being there for Christina.’ Jem asks, grabbing both of Mina’s hands to stop her rocking forward. ‘I would really apricate some one-on-one time with Christina. So much has changed, and we don’t see each other much.’ Keiran is quick to add, drawing circles on Christna’s bump.

‘Then it’s settled, I will stay here and keep Miss Carstairs happy while Keiran bonds with our babies.’ Mark smiles as Mina giggles. ‘I will be next door if she needs anything. Her next snack time is in an hour so she should be ok. As for naps we are fading those out so keep her busy. Ther is milk in the fridge if she gets thirsty and her sippy cups are by the sink.’ Jem explains as he carefully places her on Mark’s lap. ‘Mr Carstairs, I have six siblings that I used to take care of. I may be rusty, but the skills are still there.’ Mark chuckled as Mina leaned agenised his chest. ‘Shout if you need anything. Come on you two, let's check on those babies.’ Jem said, standing up and waving at Mina.

Once in the makeshift exam room, Keian helps Christina onto the table and takes her hand. ‘Ready?’ Jem nods as he prepares the gel. ‘As I’ll ever be.’ Christina chuckles. ‘More than ready Mr Carstairs. I sometime forget that the babies, our babies are real. Until the birth, these scan photos are all I have. It’s risky for Christina to be in the seelie realm at the moment.’ Keian half whispers, smiling tightly at Christina. ‘Here we go then. Defiantly bigger which is good. I’m afraid the pain will get worse so keep resting. I know that’s not what you want to hear. Prepare to not train for a while. One baby looks slightly bigger than the other two. It’s actually quite common in multiples. So, keep your nutritional intake higher than usual to give the smaller two a better chance. All currently within heathy size range. Any questions?’ Jem narrates as he positions the wand and watches the screen.

‘One is bigger than the others? What can I do to ensure they all survive?’ Christina asks, starting to panic. ‘Breathe Christina, so far, they are all doing ok. I will give you some supplements and help you meal plan. Like I said, not training will help, that will mean more energy goes to the growing babies. I will tell Emma and give her permission to be off duty. I understand how frustrating is as a shadowhunter to be told to rest. My Tessa was the same, I couldn’t leave her alone for the first few months of Mina’s pregnancy.’ Jem said as he printed out four copies of the scan. ‘I know I can't do much while I am stuck ruling the unseelie court, however if I can help, name it. I am training my second in command so I can be with my family for the first few weeks.’ Keiran explained, looking between the screen and Christina’s slowly relaxing face.

‘You are doing the right thing in limiting Christina’s portal use. I have heard rumours of an upcoming battle as some claim you unworthy for a few reasons. Emma told me about Mrs Rosales’s not so kind words about all this. Honestly, it’s their loss. I can tell these babies are already very well loved. More people are on our side, thank the angel and let’s be honest Mr Lightwood-Bane. But Prejudice in the shadow world go deep. As for how you can help, regular check in via fire message and making sure the cottage is ready. I know the Blackthorns have the Institute’s nursery covered, so let them. I can authorise a few trips for the Blackthorns to help at the cottage, but I insist Emma stays with Christina.’ Jem said, packing away the machine and watching the unlikely couple bond with their unborn babies.

‘Thank you, Jem. I can’t say I’m not still panicking. But the support helps, and I agree with Emma staying. Actually, I have been thinking about my birth plan and I was wondering if it would be possible to have Emma with me as well as Mark and Keiran? She is my rock and my parabatai and I know that if she is there, I will be less nervous.’ Christina asks, absentmindedly stroking her bump with the towel that Keiran hands her. ‘Of course, I wish I had been there in a parabatai capacity for when Will’s children were born. Emma being there will feel like it makes up for that loss.’ Jem says before slipping out to check on Mina. ‘Thank you, Jem!’ Christina calls after him as Keiran stares at the photo in his hand.

‘Why didn’t you tell me about the impending seelie war?’ Christina asked as soon as the door shut. ‘I didn’t want to worry you. Mr Carstairs said you need bed rest, so it doesn’t make a difference. Until out babies are born, you and Mark will stay in the human realm. I can’t risk you getting caught in the crossfire. Seelie’s are passionate lovers, but we fight with just as much passion. I know you are a strong person and being pregnant doesn’t make you weak. In fact, it proves your strength, three babies are a lot.’ Keiran nervously smiles, a strand of blue hair falling in his face as he leans forward to peck the bump.

‘I appreciate your protection, but I don’t want you getting hurt either. Our babies need both of their dads. I refuse to do this without you. Promise me you will keep away from the battlefield. I don’t care if it breaks the rules, you come back to LA at the first sign of danger.’ Christina said sternly, looking down at his head resting on her bump. ‘As my lady requests. As I said, I have trained my second in command to rule the unseelie court in my absence.’ Keiran said before kissing the bump three times then Christina’s lips.

By the time Keiran and Christina slowly made their way back to the lounge, Mark and Mina are cuddled up on the couch, book on Mark’s chest. ‘Looks like you two had fun.’ Christian softly chuckles. ‘Yes, Miss Carstairs is an energetic one. I had to stop her from jumping between the couches a few times. We only played with about half of the toys on the floor. After stubbing her toe on one of those colorful bricks we decided to calm things down a bit. I started talking about the babies and Mina decided I needed to practice my story reading voice. I think she go a bit too comfortable, Mr Carstairs said she can nap while he prepares her lunch.’ Mark explains quietly as he watches Keiran ease Christina onto the couch opposite and start the clean-up.

‘Mark? Did you see the babies?’ Mina asks into his chest. ‘No, I was playing with you, remember. I kissed your sore toe better and read you a story.’ Mark softly replied, putting the book on the arm of the couch and sitting up slightly. ‘I’m sorry.’ Mina said, placing her hand on his cheek. ‘It’s ok Min Min, we got pictures. Would you like to see.’ Christina said as Mina sat up still clutching Mark’s shirt. ‘Did daddy take them?’ Mina asked, watching Keiran crawl around the floor as he picked up various plastic objects.

‘He did, be I can’t move very easily so you will have to let go of my boyfriend and come here to see them.’ Christina chuckled, wincing as she moved to reach her jeggings pocket. ‘I thought the boy on the floor was your boyfriend?’ Mina glared at Keiran as he picked up the house she made with wooden blocks. ‘He is, but mark is also my boyfriend.’ Christina chuckled as Mark helped her off the couch. ‘But he isn’t a shadowhunter?’ Mina whispered as she climbed on Christina's lap. ‘Neither is your mom.’ Christina whispered back, as if it was a shared secret and placed the scan photo into Mina’s eager hands. ‘She is a warlock, like me and Uncle Magnus. Will your babies be shadowhunters like my brother?’ Mina asks, eyes glued to the blobs on the picture. ‘I don’t know yet; they will be part seelie and like you can decide who they want to be.’ Christina chuckles as Mina pressed her finger on the biggest baby.

‘I hope you are being gentle with my children, Miss Carstairs.’ Mark says as he looks up from helping to tidy the floor. ‘I am trying to make them the same size. Are you ok, auntie Tina?’ Mina asks when she looks up and sees Christina start to sob. ‘I’m ok, one of my babies is just growing faster than the others. Your daddy is taking good care of me though. I trust him and the Blackthorns to make sure me and my babies are healthy.’ Christina sniffles once she has calmed down enough to speak.

‘Yeah, daddy used to be a silent brother. He knows a lot.’ Mina exclaims as she kisses Christina’s tears away. ‘Thank you Min Min. I need the picture back now. That one is for Auntie Emma. She is also my babies auntie, I promise to share her though.’ Christina chuckles as Mina launches into a hug, crushing the photo between them. ‘Be gentle with her please. I know you love her, we do too.’ Mark warns as he puts the last book on the shelf and walks to sit next to the girls. ‘Sorry.’ Mina says, moving to sit between Mark and Christina. It’s ok, these babies are heavy, and it hurts to move too much.’ Christina softly says before kissing Mina’s forehead.

Chapter Text

With the nutrient supplements in hand, Mark, Christina and Keiran go back to the Institute for their waiting celebration. ‘I heard you tell Mina that one of the babies is bigger than the others, what can I do to help?’ Mark asks as they walk to the portal room, hand in hand. ‘Yeah, Jem said that it’s normal and that as long as I don’t train and eat plenty then they should be ok. I also want to mention, you and Mina make a very cute picture. Mark Blackthorn looks hot while cuddling kids, who knew.’ Christina chucked. ‘I must agree with our lady of rose, you looked rather attractive. I am not more excited for the arrival of our children. You have the makings of a wonder father. We are lucky to have you.’ Kerian was quick to add before kissing Mark’s cheek.

Once through the portal, they were greeted by colorful balloons and loud cheers. The front door was decorated was a silver congratulations banner. The first people to greet them were Emma, Julain, Helen and Aline. ‘Welcome to your baby shin dig, or whatever. How was the scan, are the babies ok?’ Julian asked, leading them to the back yard and blaring music. ‘What our brother means to say is have fun, we have non-alcoholic punch and a few baby games. Dru and Tavvy were promised the first slice of cake because they made it. But other than that, mingle and take lots of pictures. We can talk about the scan later. I know that look Tina, feel free to cart Emma off at any point if you need a break. Nice to see you, Keiran.’ Helen chuckled with a wide smile.

Mark and Keiran took both Christina’s hands as the party came into view. I got you babe by Sonny and Cher was blaring and Clary was the first to spot them, carrying three glasses of punch. ‘Woah Christina, you are glowing. I have to admit the topic of babies has come up, Jace is more eager than me. Something about the Herondale line. Anyway, congratulations you three. I can tell these babies will be very loved.’ Clary said cheerily as she handed out the drinks. ‘Lovely to see you too Clary. Where is Jace?’ Christina said before taking a sip.

‘Over by the baby name bowl. He and Kit are arguing about what gender the babies will be.’ Clary chuckled. ‘Baby name bowl?’ Mark asks, looking to the girls for answers. ‘Yeah, each guest has put in three names and if anyone gets in right, they will get a week off duty. Alec approved it, saying we all need to spend more time with loved ones.’ Emma chuckled, pulling Julian closer by the waist. ‘Oh, I will be honest their names are the last thing on my mind. Christina is our priority.’ Keiran said, giving Mark and Christina a quick peck on the cheek.

‘We know, and the guesses are anonymous so feel free to use the bowl for ideas.’ Helen chuckled before dragging Aline to the dancefloor. ‘Tina! Is it cake time yet?’ Tavvy yelled, running full pelt to the trio.

‘Hello to you to Tiberius.’ Keiran chuckled as she and Mark gently held him back. ‘Oh, Keiran, hi!’ Tavvy beamed. ‘This is Christina’s party, ask nicely.’ Clary softly suggested, bending to his level. Before Tavvy composed himself enough, Christina started swaying. ‘Woah Tina! Let’s sit you down.’ Emma dashed to her side, wrapping an arm around her. ‘Emma, is Tina ok?’ Tavvy quietly asked. ‘Three babies are heavy, we can have cake later, ok?’ Clary stepped in so Emma, Mark and Keiran could focus on Christina. ‘Ok, Clary do you want to play with me?’ Tavvy nodded, watching his siblings walk away. ‘What did you have in mind?’ Clary asked with a dramatically raised eyebrow. ‘Tag, you’re it!’ Tavvy yelled, poking Clary’s arm and running towards the snack table.

With a huff, Clary ran at half speed towards Tavvy. Mark watched his youngest brother proudly, imagining his own children in a few years. Julian took the drinks and walked over to Jace to tell him of the situation, Keiran and Emma helped Christina inside while Mark cleared the path and opened the door. ‘How are you feeling Tina? Can you make it to the kitchen?’ Emma asked once they were clear of guests. ‘Yeah, I think so. Sorry to leave the party so early.’ Christina said breathlessly, slinging to Keiran’s arm.

‘Are you kidding? This is your party, if you need a break, you are perfectly fine to do so.’ Mark interjected, holding the kitchen door open. ‘I know and thank you for everything Em. The nursery already looks amazing. I really couldn’t do this without all of you.’ Christin a smiled through laboured breaths before her hand slipped on Keiran’s silky shirt. ‘Hey, no need to thank us, we are family.’ Mark smiled as he pulled out a chair. Emma coached Christina down onto the chair while Keiran held her steady.

‘Whatever is the matter, my lady of roses?’ Keiran asked, noticing her sniffles while Mark filled a glass with water. ‘I’m ok, Keir, just overwhelmed. First, I find out two of my babies are too small, which makes me feel like I’ve failed already. And now all the noise is making me dizzy. I want to enjoy this but the one person I want to talk to isn’t here. All because she can’t accept, I feel in love with two amazing men.’ Christina sighed as she was handed the glass and watched Emma look more concerned with each word she said.

‘Oh Tina, you are not failing your babies. I remember Ty was smaller than Livvy for ages before they were born. I’m sure Jem has told you it’s normal.’ Emma said, putting the half-drunk water on the table, taking both of her hands and kneeling in front of her. ‘Really? Ty is such a great kid. If my babies are half as kind as any of you Blackthorns, I will be a proud mama.’ Christina half smiled, squeezing Emma’s hands for comfort. ‘Will with genes like yours they will be not only kind but extraordinarily beautiful.’ Emma chuckles, watching Mark and Kerian huddle together out of the corner of her eye.

‘I must agree, beauty shall overflow from our children. For you, my lady of roses, are the most beautiful lady I have ever had the pleasure to lay my eyes on.’ Keiran beams as Mark pulls him closer. ‘You two stay here as long as you need. I think Clary may need a break from chasing Tavvy like a drevak demon.' Mark chuckles. Emma chose to ignore the fact that Mark just called his brother a demon in favour of comforting her now crying parabatai. Emma brought over a chair to better sooth Christina as Mark and Keiran snuck back outside.

Once back in the party, Keiran stuck close to Mark as they looked for Tavvy. ‘I’m glad Christina has Emma. The unseelie court doesn’t teach it’s young about have to comfort a friend. Do you think our children will accept me as their father?' Keiran asked, his eyes drawn to Kit and Ty cuddling under the activity table. ‘Of course, why wouldn’t they?’ Mark stopped Kerian in his tracks, putting a hand on his cheek and watching his hair darken. ‘I know realistically I will not be able to bond with the babies like you and Christina will. At least for now I am the unseelie king. My people expect my duties to come first, which doesn’t sit well with me. I want to be with my family. Our children will be surrounded by Nephilim, what can I teach them?’ Keiran asks, looking between Mark’s hands.

‘That may be true, but you forget that I am part seelie as well. That part of the triplet’s heritage is just as important. The cottage is just as much their home as the Institute. You are just as mush their father as I am. You will learn about the other stuff. Shadowhunters aren’t known for being cuddly and took outsider help to learn. I saw you looking at my brother under the table. I can remember when he was little the only way he would let anyone comfort him was to give him a book and to sit on the other side of the door. He would only allow anyone to touch him is he was physically injured. Kit showed him that his limitations are ok, and he doesn’t need to be ashamed if he need a hug.’ Mark smiled softly as they carried on walking hand in hand. Keiran stayed silent, deep in thought until Jules found them.

‘Hey, is Christina ok? Tavvy said he’s going to stuff his face soon.’ Julian chuckled as Jace pulled Tavvy away from the three-tiered cake. ‘Yeah, she is with Emma.’ Mark shrugs, pointing in the general direction of the kitchen. Just as the men turned, a raging Mrs Rosales came into view with fire in her eyes and a fresh stamina rune glowing on her shoulder. ‘What’s going on here?! I know what this is, a poor excuse for a baby shower. Because I, the only living grandma of said babies, wasn’t invited. I had to hear the plans from gossip. Not acceptable! Well, are you going to just glare at me, or do you care to explain?’ Mrs Rosales spat; arms folded as she caught the other guest's attention.

Chapter Text

‘Mrs Rosales, Hi, I’m Julian Blackthorn. I would say nice to finally meet you, but you crash this party with the intent to what? Insult my family? I must ask you to leave.’ Julian said, stepping in front of Mark with a sour smile. ‘How dare you! And yes, I know who you are, Mr Blackthorn. Instead of getting help to look after your siblings, you decided to take them into your own care. I see idiocy runs in the family.’ Mrs Rosales spat, watching for who would challenge her next.

‘Ah yes, the infamous mother of our dear Christina. Mark told me what happened at the dinner. I have to agree with the Blackthorns, you are not welcome here. I suggest you leave before your daughter sees you.’ Keiran says, stone faced. ‘How dare you! This is home to Nephilim, not downworlder rejects. I wish to see my daughter, this is between me and her. where is she?’ Mrs Rosales snaps, stepping towards mark who is tightly holding Keian’s arm. ‘Alright, I’m all for the unexpected but this is just plain rude.’ Jace surges forward, crowding Mrs Rosales out of the party area.

‘Get away from me Mr Herondale! Trust you to take the seelie’s side. Not only does your parabatai take a warlock to bed but your adoptive sister fell for a vampire’s tricks. This generation is twisted, the lot of you!’ Mrs Rosales snarls, grabbing Jace’s arms and forcefully pushing him away. ‘That it! no one insults my family and leaves unscathed!’ Jace yells, activating his speed rune. ‘Oh, bring it blondie, I was hoping to defend myself today. It’s been too long!’ Mrs Rosales winked with a determined smile.

‘Hold on, Jace! This is still Christina’s mother. I don’t thinkshe will be pleased when she ends up with a black eye.’ Clary is quick to say, putting a steady hand on his chest. ‘But, you heard what she said Izzy and Alec. I can’t just sand here.’ Jace huffs looking between Mrs Rosales in a battle stance and Clary’s worried face. ‘I know, I heard, and I agree. It’s unacceptable. But we are heads of an institute now, we have to be diplomatic about this.’ Clary calmly said, not moving her hand feeling Jace’s heart rate fasten.

‘I’m with Jace on this one. No one storms into my home, insults my family and leaves without a few bruises.’ Julian says, arms crossed as Mark nods firmly in agreement. ‘Keiran, help me here.’ Clary pleads, hand on Jace’s chest unmoving. ‘I’m sorry Clary, mark and Christina are my family. I agree to defending their honour. Mrs Rosales lost the right to fight for Christina the second she disowned our babies.’ Kieran’s huffed, his voice growing in anger as he and Mark step forward.

‘I’m surprised at you Clary, I was a huge admirer of you father as a teenager. I was not part of the Circle because Valentine’s plans were too dangerous, however I agreed with the cause.’ Mrs Rosales huffed, stepping towards the now growling men. Clary was unaffected by the mention of her father as she had mourned the perfect picture of him a long time ago. ‘Jules, who is this?’ Tavvy asked quietly, slowly approaching with a cookie in his hand. ‘This is Tina’s mommy. She doesn’t like us very much.’ Julian explained after a deep breath.

‘Please don’t hurt us Mrs Tina.’ Tavvy whimpered, hugging Julian’s legs. ‘Dry, get Tavvy inside, I don’t him seeing this.’ Mark huffed, glaring at Rosales with his hand on his thigh holster. Dru rushed to Tavvy and picked him up as he screamed. Tavvy dropped his cookie on the bumpy ride towards the institute. The screams caught Kit and Ty’s attention and they quickly activated their runes as they ran towards the impending battle.

‘What did I miss?’ Kit quipped out of breath. ‘Oh great, the lost Herondale. I suppose you and your adoptive warlock mother helped put this together. What is it with blackthorn’s and seelies?’ Mrs Rosales scoffed as they readied their weapons. Mrs Rosales was surprisingly quick for her age and aimed at Mark first. Keiran was faster, swords clashing which catches the attention of more guests. ‘What is the meaning of this?’ Helen demanded as she and Aline marched hand in hand.

‘Oh great, you. All I want is to see my daughter. But apparently, she needs a wall of protection from her own mother. So, I’m here to break down that wall.’ Mrs Rosales huffed, growing increasingly more impatient. ‘We won’t go down without a fight.’ Aline is quick to say as she activated her sure-footed rune. ‘You want a fight; I will give you a fight.’ Mrs Rosales smirked as each Blackthorn took it in turns to take on the middle aged shadowhunter. Clary was on look out until a determined smirk from Jace caught Mrs Rosales’ attention.

‘Easy lady, this is my nice leather jacket, for special occasions. A gift from my mother and trust me you do not want to see her wrath. Although a mom-on-mom battle would be a show I would pay to see.’ Jace chuckles with Mrs Rosales’s seraph blad inches from his hip and her arm across his chest. ‘Don’t tempt me.’ Mrs Rosales scowled. Clary stepped in before Mrs Rosale’s blade managed to cut deep.

With a rune fuelled manoeuvre, Mrs Rosales was temporally disarmed and staggered back. Clary was quick enough to give Jace an iraze before mrs Rosales lunged forward with a short handled axe. With a nod, all the blackthorns stepped in front of their partners and Clary took Jace’s hand to strengthen their powers. With a common enemy as target and loved ones to protect as motivation, the fight was on. They circled Mrs Rosales, waiting for her next attack.

Anger filled the makeshift battlefield as the rest of the guests watched hands on their own weapons belts for security. ‘You have all gone soft. I almost feel bad for destroying you.’ Mrs Rosales chuckled, watching each Blackthorn closely. Twirling her duel kindjals in both hands, Clary took the chance to attempt to end this peacefully. ‘Listen, your daughter is dear to all of us. We will not hesitate to take you down to protect her. This is your last chance to prove you won’t harm her. My brother-in-law is the inquisitor, he has the power to send you to Wrangle Island if you do not cooperate. Sorry Helen, I want this punishment to go to someone worthy this time.’

Mrs Rosales burst into laughter, loosening her grip on her axe. With a knowing nod, Helen and Mark teamed up to knock the weapon to the ground and pull Mrs Rosales’ hands behind her back. ‘Stupid woman, don’t you know we fight clever not harder.’ Kit huffed, taking Ty’s trebling hand. ‘As a previous occupant of Wrangle Island, I suggest you bring a coat or three. It’s winter all the time.’ Helen winked as mark handed her over to Jace and Clary.

‘I will not stand for this! I deserve a fair trial by the mortal sword!' Mrs Rosales screeched as Clary secured the cuffs on her wriggling form. ‘Mother! Stop fighting this. I can’t believe you would crash my baby shower after being so rude about Mark, Keiran and our babies!’ Christian yelled, walking towards them with Emma’s arms around her waist. ‘Tell them Christina, I don’t deserve to be punished. I may not approve of your recent choices, but I still love you.’ Mrs Rosales half smiled as Kit got his phone out to film a video as evidence.

‘Mom, these people are my family. I love Mark and Keiran more than anything. I chose to have their babies because it bonds us. The Blackthorns will protect me and my babies for as long as you terrorise us. I know you were part of the council that took Mark and Helen away from their family. I won’t let you do that to me. Goodbye mother.’ Chrisina huffed as Emma gently placed her into Mark’s waiting arms. Helen gave Jace and Clary a solemn nod and stepped back. ‘I have always wanted to say this. Mrs Rosales, by authority of the clave, you are here by banished to guard until further investigation.’ Jace smirked before dragging her away with the help of Clary.

Chapter Text

Just as the party was getting restarted, Mina, Jem and Tessa arrive carrying a big present. ‘What did we miss? Sorry we are late. I see we missed seeing the cake being whole.’ Tessa chuckled as Christina ran to hug her. ‘Yeah, we had a bit of drama and cake was the only remedy.’ Kit chuckled as Mina leapt into his arms. ‘I agree, take me brother!’ Mina cheered as she was carried away.

‘Hey, what’s with the tears?’ Jem asked, putting the present on the ground. ‘My mother showed up. that’s why Jace and Clary aren’t here, duty calls.’ Christina shrugs as she strokes her bump. ‘Where are your boys? I’m sure they did an amazing job protecting you. Speaking from experience.’ Tessa offered a smile. ‘Mark is with Helen, Wrangle Island was mentioned as she was a bit triggered. Keiran is with Tavvy helping Emma to distract him from asking questions about my mom.’ Christina attempted to smile, looking around at the oddly normal looking party.

‘Well, I say we follow the kids to what remains of the cake and celebrate.’ Tessa smiles, wrapping an arm around Christina. Both Jem and Christina nod eagerly and Jem follows the girls with the present in his arms. While Jem cuts the cake, Mina, Kit and Ty decide to join them at the picnic table. ‘I brought punch, you look like you need it.’ Ty smiled carrying a tray of drinks while Mina clings to her brother. ‘Thanks Ty, are you excited for the triplet’s arrival?’ Tessa asks as they sit down.

‘I guess, I like seeing Mark happy and I’m sure Kit can teach me a thing or two. I was too young to really help with Dry and Tavvy.’ Ty shrugged. ‘Oh yes, Kit seems to be a natural with Mina.’ Jem giggles, somehow carrying three plates on one arm while pulling sitting down. ‘It helps that she thinks I’m cool.’ Kit says, tickling Mina’s socked feet. ‘Now then, Mina mine. I seem to remember putting shoes on those feet. What happened?’ Jem asked in his semi-serious dad voice. ‘Dunno daddy. Kit and Ty were swinging me before we got to the cake.’ Mina said innocently snuggling into Kit’s chest. ‘Hey kid, don’t bring me into this. I will look for them.’ Ty huffed, before kissing Kit’s cheek and walking off.

‘Ty is a good kid and you look happy.’ Tessa comments before eating a forkful of cake. ‘Yeah, he makes me happy. Don’t get any idea though. I love Mina but one troublemaker is enough.’ Kit smiles, hugging Mina tighter. ‘She is a lovable troublemaker though.’ Jem chuckles softly as he watches her drift to sleep in her brother’s arms. ‘So, that present is quite large, what is it?’ Christina asks, eyeing the wrapped box on the ground over a lump of cake.

‘I know the Blackthorns are well equipped, but a twin stroller isn’t big enough. You remind me of Cordelia Carstairs. She was also Strong, Independent and with views beyond her time. She also claimed other families like you have with the Blackthorn children. So, with that in mind we bought you a stroller big enough for all three babies. I know you won’t want to rely of your boys.’ Tessa said with a wink. ‘Wow, yeah, thank you. It must be weird to have been friends with a Carstairs then marry one.’ Christina smiled, stroking her bump.

‘Cordelia was Tessa and Will’s children’s friends. She was Lucie Herondale’s parabatai and James’s wife. So, I think it feels right that you and Emma are Parabatai. It feels like I get to relive that time but it’s better because I have Tessa fully. Being a Silent Brother was lonely, but I was glad to have always had Tessa and my own parabatai in some capacity.’ Jem smiled bittersweetly. ‘Wow, I know Will is still a part of you like Emma will always have a part of me.’ Christina said, offering a smile.

‘Yes, I think I like that idea. It would have been typical of Will to pursue me to name my daughter after him.’ Jem chuckled. ‘Daddy, what’s funny?’ Mina said groggly, eyes half open. ‘Nothing Mina mine. We were talking about your half siblings. They would have loved you; you would have gotten into trouble together. I’m starting to think all three of you got that from your mother.’ Jem chuckled softly, watching Mina wake up.

‘James Carstairs, you and I both know you and Will were the London institute’s resident troublemakers. And I have you know, I take my adventures very seriously, considering every precaution.' Tessa said with a pointed look at her family, making Christina cover her mouth as she spat crumbs as she laughed. ‘I guess Herondales have a similar family character trait, Jace more than me.’ Kit chuckled. ‘Angels save me and keep these children safe.’ Jem chuckles. ‘Amen to that.’ Christina chimed in, lifting up her glass for a toast. Jem, Kit and Tessa soon followed suit and Mina sat up, grabbing a fork on the way.

‘To family, children and new beginnings.’ Tessa smiled, looking around the table. ‘Here here!’ the others yelled. ‘I would also like to toast to those who came before and who will come after . May the Tessa Herondale-Carstairs and Magnus Lightwood-Banes of the world continue to do good and be good. May our children be loved, supported and fill the world with care.’ Christina added, directly smiling at Tessa.

‘For as long as I live, it will be my pleasure to watch over children of all races and backgrounds. I loved playing Shadowhunter in London, but I think I finally found my true calling. Finding Kit and becoming a mother has been my greatest joy.’ Tessa smiles brightly, watching her children. ‘Kit, wanna dance?’ Mina asks wiggling on his lap to the beat of the music. ‘Sure kiddo, let's see if Ty has found your shoes first.’ Kit chuckles as he picks her up and rests her on his hip. ‘I will take that as my queue to find my boys for a dance of our own. Have fun you two.’ Christina chuckles, looking around for blonde and blue hair.

Chapter Text

A few days later, Mark and Christina’s room quickly turned into an entertainment centre. With piles of books, video games, classic romcom DVDs and a dart board set up on the wardrobe door so Christina could play in bed. One morning Christina felt a kiss on her cheek and hummed contently before falling asleep again. Mark carefully got out of bed and took his gear to the communal bathroom. Within minutes Christina’s arm went in search of Mark only to find a cooling and empty pillow beside her head.

Panic shot through her body as she sat up too quickly causing dizziness. Ever the fighter, she pushed through the fog and went in search of her boyfriend. ‘Mark! Please tell me you are here. We need you to be ok!’ Christina yelled, stumbling on various small objects on the floor. Once she reached the hallway, she turned the light on, causing a chorus of groans to admit from the rows of bedroom doors and Emma stuck her head out, squinting in the too bright light.

‘Tina, why are you yelling? Are you ok?’ Emma asked as she put her frizzy bed hair ina ponytail. ‘Where’s Mark? I woke up to an empty bed and it’s not like him to not tell me where he is going. I can’t do this without him, Em. I refuse to.’ Christina rambled as she leaned againced the wall. ‘Woah Tina, lets get you back to bed, ok?’ Emma calmly said, slowly approaching her less then ok Parabatai. ‘Em, I’m fine! I need to find Mark first, then I can go to sleep.’ Christina huffed, taking a few experimental steps.

She took a few too many steps and ended up on her butt at the top of the stairs. Several doors burst open at the sound and Julia, Helen, Aline, Dru and Ty appeared holding seraph blades. ‘Relax guys, Tina had a freak out. Help me get her back to bed and I will stay with her.’ Emma explained, walking over to help Christina up. Julian, Ty and Helen rushed to help while Dru and Aline collected everyone’s blades and returned them to their rooms. ‘Why did you freak out?’ Helen asked, supporting her back as they hauled her off the floor and started walking back.

‘Mark is gone. Has he left me? Was he taken? He wouldn’t just leave me and our babies without saying anything, would he?’ Christina sobbed into Julain’s shoulder. ‘He didn’t tell you? Let’s get you to bed and we will explain.’ Ty huffed, mostly annoyed as he was holding the door open instead of sleeping at 2am. As a team they carefully guided Christina into bed and Helen tucked her in. Ty made a quick escape while Emma and Helen squished in either side to comfort her. Julian went downstairs to make hot chocolate and to check Tavvy was still asleep.

Christina’s sobs started to calm down once Emma’s eat rested on her chest and Helen made her comfortable with an extra blanket. ‘Listen to me, Mark is fine. He got called to duty and obviously didn’t want to worry you. He hasn’t gone far, there was a demon sighting at the beach. They needed Mark because the demon showed signs of Seelie magic. The chances of Mark having to actual fight this new type of demon is slim. He is literally just investigating the scene.’ Helen calmly explained. ‘So, no one took him and he didn’t run away?’ Christian said, muffed by Emma’s pyjama top.

‘No, he loves you and these babies. He would never leave you alone for long.’ Emma hums, rubbing soothing circles on Christinas bump. ‘Would you like us to stay until Mark gets back? Julian is bringing hot coco.’ Helen softly smiled when Christina finally looked up. Christina nodded and pulled Helen into a cuddle. ‘Maybe we should have a girls day or something tomorrow? I can see how bored you are. I would be frustrated if I wasn’t allowed to train.’ Helen suggested holding the seemingly fused Emma and Christina closer.

‘Can Mark join girls’ day?’ Christina asked quietly. ‘How about a double date? We can eat out, talk about anything and everything. Dress up and I’m sure Jem would encourage dessert.’ Emma said, her hands going still on Christina’s bump. When Julian returns with a tray full of mugs, Christina is asleep on Emma’s shoulder with a faint smile oh face and her hand resting on her bump. ‘Thank you Jules.’ Emma whispers as she carefully takes her mug.

‘What happened, is she ok?’ Julian whispures, kissing Emma’s cheek then handing over Helen’s drink. ‘She had a panic attack when she woke up without Mark.’ Helen softly replied as she cradled her mug in her hands. ‘That’s understandable, I’m glad she’s asleep now.’ Julian smiles softly, leaning his shoulder againced the wall. ‘Ho would you feel about doing on a double date tomorrow?’ Emma asks before taking a small sip. ‘Sure, Helen, do you and Aline want to come too?’ Julian asked. ‘We have a clave meeting at 10 but we are free after that. It’s actually been too long since we have had a duty-free afternoon. And I’m sure Kit will be happy to come over and help look after Tavvy.’ Helen beamed. ‘Oh, this will be fun.’ Emma quietly squealed.

By the time Mark got home, Christina and Emma were asleep in bed, hands joined on her bump. Helen and Julian had gone back to their own beds but left a note for Mark. He read the note and took a blanket to the armchair to rest his eyes. Both Christina and Mark woke up to the smell of eggs and bacon cooking. ‘Em, you still here?’ Christina whipried as he eyes slowly opened. ‘Yeah, how did you sleep?’ Emma asked, slowly untangling herself.

Both of their eyes found Mark at the same time. ‘Morning.’ Mark croaked, sitting up and pulling down his shirt. Christina’s face morphed from groggy exhaustion to fully awake joy as he eyes got caught on the sliver of exposed skin and she launched her top heavy body at Mark’s open arms. ‘How about you tell your pregnant girlfriend the next time you go on a mission.’ Emma said, sitting up and crossing her arms. ‘Sorry to worry you, my beautiful Christina. I swear on the angel that I will refuse any and all missions until our babies are walking.' Mark softly said before kissing the top of her head.

‘Flattering will get you everywhere, mi amor.’ Christina giggled as they hands joined on her bump. ‘I’m still mad at you. Poor tina woke up is such a panic that she almost fell down the stairs. Luckily we all woke up to catch her and calm her down.’ Emma said as she hauled herself out of bed and stormed to the door. ‘For that I am deeply sorry Emma. I would never cause my siblings trouble on purpose. Are the babies ok?’ Mark says, eyes glued to his hands. ‘I think so, uncle Jem will be happy to check before our date though.’ Emma said, her expression starting to soften. ‘That sounds like a good idea, both the check up and the date.’ Mark says, smiling up at Emma. ‘I’m glad you agree, you love birds better hurry if you want breakfast.’ Emma winked before skipping back to her room.

With breakfast demolished and the quick scan done, the babies are fine, Julian and Helen decide to surprise their brother and Christina with a wheelchair they found in the basement. 'Me and Aline were struggling to come up with fun and pregnant proof date ideas. Then I remembered that one time while playing hide and seek with Dru, to hone her tracking skills, I found a bunch of infirmary equipment in the basement. It hasn’t been used in years but it all still works. This means we can go bowling or to mini golf with Christina in a wheelchair. What do you think?’ Helen explained as Julian wheeled it into the library. ‘Thank you, but as much as I want to do something active, my body says no. once these babies arrive I’m going to work extra hard in the training room to get my strength back to go on missions.’ Christina sighed, leaning againced Mark.

‘But my lady of roses, you are the strongest person I know. Of course, if you want to train, I will happily look after our babies. For today, where would you like to go on our date?’ Mark softly asks. ‘Aw you too are really sweet. I will be roping Aline into babysitting too. I’m sure Emma will be glad to have her sparing partner back.’ Helen chuckles, watching Mark and Julian help Christina into the paint chipped wheelchair. ‘I wouldn’t speak too soon, becoming my siblings guardian quickly became a full time job and until recently I did everything for them. I can imagine being away from your own kids will be even harder.’ Julian said, eyebrows raised.

‘Can we stop talking like I’m not here. Being stuck in the institute makes me mees the walk LA breeze. Lets go for a walk, Jem said fresh air will calm my nerves.’ Christina huffed, talking Mark’s hand on her shoulder. ‘Ok then, I will round up Emma and Aline.’ Julian nods before taking his leave. ‘Mark?’ Christina croaks with her free hand over her mouth. ‘Yes, what is wrong?’ Mark is quick to ask when he looks Christina in the eye. ‘Maybe two waffles was a bad idea.’ Christina says between coughs. ‘Helen, get the bowl from the kitchen.’ Mark orders, eyes glued on Christina as he rubs her back. With a nod, Helen runs full speed towards the kitchen.

‘Hey, Christina, look at me. Deep breaths ok. Jem said you need the carbohydrates for the smaller babies. Try to keep it in.’ Mark says calmly, gently taking Christinas hands and pulling them away from her face. The seconds it takes for Helen to return is all it takes for Christina’s stomach to spasm. ‘Deep breaths, Helen is here.’ Mark calmly chants as Helen hands over the grey plastic bowl. ‘Are you sure you want to go out today Tina?’ Helen asks after Christina has coughed up phlegmy pieces of waffle. Christina nods quickly before more vomit is unleashed.

‘I thought the morning sickness was over?’ Mark asks as he uses the back of his hand to feel Christina’s forehead. Cool as a cucumber. ‘Me too. I enjoyed those waffles on the way in, was out not so much.’ Christina croaked. ‘Do you feel better now you have coughed it up?’ Helen asks, retrieving a blanket from the coach as Christina starts to shiver. ‘Not really.’ Christina’s small falls as her body starts shaking. Mark quickly helps Helen to wrap his girlfriend like the gift she is. ‘Would you like me to get Emma?’ Helen asks as she hands Mark a box of tissues to clean Christina up.

Christina nods and melts into the kiss Mark places on her forehead. It’s not long before Emma is by Christina’s side and holding her other hand for support. ‘Oh Tina, you look awful.’ Emma softly chuckles. ‘Wow, thanks Em. You try growing triplets.’ Christina snaps, staring daggers at her well intentioned parabatai. ‘Oh trust me, Julian and I are a long way from having kids of our own. Despite your suffering, I can see how happy these babies make you. Don’t get me wrong, I miss having my parabatai on the battlefield. But I will support you whatever you want to do.’ Emma sighs, watching Christina let go of her hand to feel her babies.

‘Are our children still moving around?’ Mark half chuckles. ‘Yeah, it seems these babies enjoy my suffering. I really need to leave these walls. Can this wheelchair go on sand? I heard sea air is good for the soul.’ Christina chuckles, eyes locked on her bump. ‘The tires look thick, so that should be ok. But Tina, please don’t try to be the hero. If you start feeling unwell, tell us. We will wheel you back to bed with speed runes activated.’ Emma huffs, looking between Mark and Christina who nod in agreement.

Once Christina had been provided with a bottle of water, Emma and Julian carries her downstairs as Mark keeps their hands linked. Helen and Aline follow behind and shut the door. They take it slow as they walk towards the coast and the peaceful silence turns to baby planning. ‘So, are you going to find out the genders? I want to stock up the wardrobe but I’m happy to go gender neutral.’ Helen asks, breathing in the warm and salty air.

‘Yeah, I wanna know. Keiran says he doesn’t mind and Mark says he wants to be traditional. Saying its unnatural to know the genders before they are born. Says the unseelie-Shadowhunter.; Christina chuckles, giving Mark’s side a gentle nudge. ‘I get that, Emma has stated she needs to know the details so she can plan. I agree with Mark, so little good things are a surprise. It adds to the grand announcement of it.’ Julian beams, resting his head on Emma’s shoulder. ‘Gender neutral it is then.’ Aline chuckles.

‘How are you feeling about the birth? Three babies is a lot but if anyone can do it, it’s you.’ Emma asks as the sand comes into view. ‘Surprisingly on about it. Don’t get me wrong, I know it will be physically painful. But with my boys and my parabatai by my side, I know I can do anything. Plus the fact that imagining Mark and Keiran with out babies will make it worth it.’ Christina beams at Emma who looks taken aback. ‘Wait, you want me to help you give birth? You trust me to see you in such a vulnerable position?’ Emma asks, looking between Mark and Christina.

‘Of course Em, I trust you with my life. And that include my babies.’ Christina chuckles as Mark bends down to untie her laces. ‘What are you doing? I’m not picking Christina off the sand.’ Julian asks, stopping the wheelchair in its tracks. ‘I know, but she can at least dip her toes in the ocean. I heard cooling your feet helps with nausea. Also Christina loves the feel of sand on her feet.’ Mark stated as he pulled her socks off, put them in his pocket and took over the handles to lower the chair onto the sand.

‘Your babies are very lucky. If that is how our brother treats you.’ Helen softly says as she pecks Christina’s sweaty forehead. ‘Oh we are! I wouldn’t want to do this without any of you. It takes a village and all that. ‘ Christina giggles as mark tilts her head up so he can kiss out lips. They spend a few hours splashing in the ocean and eating icecream. When Christina starts dozing off, it’s with a smile on her face and a hand on her bump.

‘Shall we take her back to the institute? I don’t want her to burn.’ Julian whispers. ‘I don’t want to wake her. It’s nice to see her so at peace.’ Helen softly says, admiring her brother with a hand in Aline’s. ‘Mark, it’s up to you as the dad of her babies, the one that’s here anyway.’ Aline is quick to say. ‘Mark, what do you want to do?’ Julian asks, raising his voice slightly to get Mark’s attention. ‘Wh….what? Yeah, let’s let Christina sleep. We can get some food in her when she wakes up.’ Mark stutters, looking up at Emma with confusion. ‘We can gently wheel her back; we don’t want her overheating.’ Emma says with a nod, bending down to dry Christina’s feet.

Chapter Text

The rest of Christina’s pregnancy went by reasonable uneventfully. Month 7 pinpointed the time when Christina couldn’t leave her bed. So much so that Jem had to portal to the Institute to perform her weekly scans. She was having her daily leg stretch, walk around the Institute, when she heard talking coming from the library. She couldn’t get downstairs, so she waddled back to her room to grab her stele. Once her soundless and hearing runes were activated, she carefully lowered herself on the top step.

‘Jules, me and Aline can handle this attack. No one has been killed yet so the demon should be easy to hunt.’ Helen said. ‘Yeah, you and Emma need to stay with Christina. If she goes into labour, she will need all hands-on deck.’ Ty said. ‘I trust you to take down this son of a bitch. They made our ocean unswimable. How dare they use our beach as a litter box. I have good memories on that beach.’ Christina could hear the wink in Emma’s tone, she knows that Emma is talking about her first time.

‘Look, quick in and out, we will be home as soon as possible.’ Aline is quick to say. ‘Ok, gear up! I’m going to check on Christina.’ Mark said before walking out of the library and into the kitchen. ‘Do we know what type of demon we are dealing with?’ Helen asked as they headed for the weapons room. ‘Some sort of modified Kuri demon. For some reason it's chosen to lay eggs in our ocean.’ Dru said in disgust. Christina decides she has heard enough. Once the footsteps had died down, she slips her stele in her hoodie pocket and carefully slides down the stairs using her hands.

Once at the bottom she waddles towards the emergency weapons chest by the front door and retrieves a seraph blade. She manages to be quick enough to avoid Mark and marches, as well as her bump will allow, towards the beach. When Mark comes upstairs with a green smoothie in hand for Christina, he finds their bedroom door open and clothes on the floor. Christina’s bedside drawer isn’t closed properly which tells Mark that she took her stele. ‘Emma! I need you to track Christina!’ Mark yells down the stairs, putting the smoothing down on the dressing table.

‘What? Why?’ Emma yelled back, running upstairs and meeting Mark halfway. ‘She’s not in bed and she took her stele.’ Mark huffed. ‘By the angel.’ Julian gasped, appearing at Emma’s side and his head spinning with possible outcomes. ‘I know, where could she have gone?’ Mark asked as the other joined them. ‘I don’t know but they say parabatai tracking is one of the strongest forms. We will find her.’ Emma said, leading Mark back upstairs.

Helen, Aline and Dru continued to gear up while Ty retreated to his room to call Kit. Julian joined Mark and Emma to their room to look for things to use. ‘Remember it needs to be something of meaning.’ Julian says as they start opening drawers. ‘How about the necklace her mom gave her for her 12th birthday?’ Emma asks when she finds her jewellery box. ‘Does she still have that?’ Mark asks, voice muffled by the clothes in their shared wardrobe. ‘I don’t doubt it, she may have a rocky relationship with her mom now, but they used to be really close.’ Julian shrugs. ‘Aha!’ Mark yells, turning around to show off a black leather skirt.

‘What’s that?’ Julian chuckles at his brother’s cheesy grin. ‘It’s the first thing me and Keiran bought for our lady of roses. Our first Valentine’s Day together. She wore it for weeks; we even had a hidden thigh holster added. She saw it in a shop window while we were on a walk together and said she wished she had the confidence to wear it. So, to prove she could, we bought it for her. She looks so powerful and beautiful in it, more than usual.’ Mark smiled proudly, hugging the skirt close and smelling the faint smell of Christina’s perfume.

‘Wow, I sometimes forget how small she was. It feels like Christina has been pregnant for ages.’ Julian gasped urning a glare from Emma. ‘Jules, she can still kick your ass!’ Emma scoffed. ‘Enough you two, we need to find my heavily pregnant girlfriend before something bad happens.’ Mark snapped, shoving the skirt at Emma. With a nod, Emma channels her parabatai bond into the garment, letting her runes glow. When Emma opens her eyes again, she takes a deep breath. ‘So?’ Mark asks, gently placing a hand on Emma’s shoulder.

‘The signal is strong; she didn’t get far. Follow me.’ Emma sighs, running downstairs. Helen, Aline and Dru are quick to follow them in full gear ready for battle. They find Christina on the ground, seraph blade in her loose grasp and screaming in pain. ‘Christina! My love, what is wrong?’ Mark yells, rushing to kneel beside her. ‘Babies… coming….’ Christina pants. ‘By the angel, Tina, we will get you back to the Institute. Ty is already on the phone to Kit; angels bless their co-dependence.’ Emma is quick to say, rushing to her other side to help Mark lift her off the floor as Julian takes the blade from her hand.

‘Helen, Aline and Dru, you go deal with the demon. We will save a baby cuddle for you.’ Julian curtly nods. Helen places a quick kiss on Christina’s forehead and wishes her luck before signalling Dru and Aline to follow her to the beach. ‘Come on Tina, luckily you didn’t get too far.’ Emma softly encouraged as Mark and Emma position themselves to lift. ‘No, it hurts!’ Christina whines, shaking her head frantically. ‘Listen, you can do this Christina. For your babies, for Mark and for Keiran. You are so strong to have made it this far. I will make sure Jem is ready for us. Remember what you said, the image of my brother holding your babies will make it worth it.' Julian softly says as Mark and Emma keep pulling until Christina is on her feet.

‘By the angel, Kerian! I can’t have these babies without him.’ Christina said, full of panic. ‘I will contact him, for now our priority is you.' Emma reasons, noticing Mark’s silent panic. With a deep sigh, Christina nods slightly and they slowly start their journey back where they came. ‘How long ago did the contractions start? Has your water broken yet?’ Julian asks. ‘How do you know about contractions and waters?’ Emma chuckles, raising an eyebrow at Julian. ‘I’m about to be an uncle and Jem will need to know these things. In other words, I wanted to be prepared for if something like this happened. I just want my niblings to be born safely.’ Julian sighed. ‘Well, thank you brother.’ Mark shot Julian a smile before refocusing on Christina. When they got to the door, Emma noticed a wet trail on the ground that started in a puddle.

Once they got Christina back to bed, Jem was there to prepare what equipment he could. ‘Kit is with Ty, probably reading in the library.’ Jem chuckles to break the silence. ‘Good, that’s good. Distract Ty from the screaming.’ Mark sighs earning him a slip on the shoulder from Emma. ‘Jules is working on getting Keiran here, but it won’t be easy.’ Emma sighs, full attention on Christina.

Emma lets Christina squeeze her hand through what she knows to be the worst contraction yet. ‘Oh, that was a big one. Let’s check your dilation.’ Jem smiles encouragingly between Mark and Christina. ‘What happens when she’s fully dilatated.’ Mark asks as he nervously dabs her forehead with a towel. ‘Well Mark, she pushes. It may still take a while to deliver all three children thought.’ Jem caution, watching the heart monitor closely.

Mark and Emma take one of Christina’s hands each and help her get into position. ‘Legs apart Christina, trust me I have seen it all before. Not only did I deliver my daughter but countless other children in my time as a silent brother.’ Jem faintly smiles as he pulls his gloves on. With a nod, Christina follows her instructions and seeks comfort from her boyfriend and parabatai when she feels the intrusion. ‘Just as I expected, you are fully dilatated. On the next contraction you need to start pushing.’ Jem nods, getting fluffy three towels ready.

‘No, I’m not ready, Keir isn’t here yet.’ Christina says breathlessly, staring at Mark who has tears in his eyes. ‘My lady of roses, he will be here. Julian will make sure of that. Keiran wouldn’t miss the birth of his children for anything. You need to push; our children are ready.’ Mark sobs as Emma nods along. ‘If anyone can get Keiran out of the unseelie court through negotiations, its Julian Blackthorn.’ Jem nods, watching Christina’s heartrate slowly even out as she processes Mark’s words. ‘For Kerian!’ Christina declares before her first round of pushes begins.

After 30 minutes of almost continuous pushing, the first baby is born. ‘Congratulations, you have a baby boy.’ Jem beams as he cuts the cord and wraps the baby up in a towel. ‘By the angel! Mark, we have a son!’ Christina gasps, out of breath. ‘We do, my lady of roses. One down two to do.’ Mark sniffles, watching Jem pass the crying baby to Emma. ‘Can I hold him?’ Christina asks as the crying dies down. ‘Not yet, you need to focus on the other two babies.’ Jem softly says, indicating for Emma to place the baby in one of the cribs.

‘Where’s Keiran?’ Christina asks, watching Mark’s face drop. ‘I promise he is on his way. Council Penhallow said he can stay with us for the first few months.’ Emma softly says as she returns to Christina’s side. While Christina was busy delivering baby number 2’s head, the door burst open. ‘I hath arrived, lady of roses!’ Kieran exclaimed. ‘I can speak for Christina when I say, we are glad that you are here.’ Mark sighs, watching as Keiran’s eyes find their son. ‘He’s yours Keir.’ Emma nods in encouragement. ‘He’s beautiful.’ Keiran gasps looking between his loves.

‘Keiran?’ Christina pants, eyes partially closed. ‘I’m here Christina. You have done a wonderful job in my absence.’ Keiran smiles as he rushes to Christina’s side and brushes the damp hair off her face. ‘It hurts so much; I want them out!’ Christina yells as another contraction takes over. Keiran takes Emma’s place and gladly takes Christina’s hand. After a lot of screaming baby number 2 is born. ‘Baby number 2, it’s a girl.’ Jem gasps quietly over the baby cries as Emma cuts the cord, having flashbacks of Mina’s birth.

‘She looks just like you Mark.’ Keiran weepily chuckles as Jem passes her over. ‘Open your eyes, Tina. You are over halfway.’ Emma softly says as she loosens the towel around the baby’s face. ‘Wow, we made that.’ Christina half whispers as her eyes find the chubby baby face. ‘Indeed, we did. She even has pointy ears.’ Mark chuckles fondly. ‘Take some deep breaths while you can. I know you are tired by you will soon get to hold all your babies. Focus on that.’ Jem softly says, watching Emma help Kieran put baby girl in her crib.

‘Thank you, Jem, for everything. I don’t know what we would have done through the ups and downs of this pregnancy without you.’ Christina smiles wearily. She didn’t have long to dwell on being grateful because baby number three was getting lonely without their siblings. An hour and a few more pushes then expected later, a third baby cry filled the room. ‘It’s another girl.’ Jem sighed, whipping her face and offering the scissors to Mark.

‘Me? Why, I do not want to harm my Christina.’ Mark said, hands firmly on an exhausted Christina. ‘I trust you, Mark.’ Christina whispers, giving Mark’s hand a squeeze to get his attention. ‘You also trust Emma.’ Mark suggests, watching Christina’s face relax. ‘I do, but as much as I love Emma, she doesn’t need to see my business.’ Christina chuckles. ‘Ok, fair point.’ Mark sighs, taking the scissors and letting Jem guide him.

‘She’s beautiful.’ Mark gasps as he wraps his youngest daughter in the last towel and holds her close. ‘With two seelie dads, it’s only natural that all three babies are gorgeous.’ Emma chuckles, watching Jem adjust Mark’s arms. ‘How are you feeling, Christina?’ Kerian softly asks, leaning down to kiss her forehead. ‘Tired but happy. Thank you for being here.’ Christina sighs, leaning into the touch. ‘No thank you, my lady of roses. For gifting me with three lovely children.’ Keiran smiles.

‘As much as I hate to break up this moment, I need to weigh and test the babies.’ Jem speaks up, picking up baby boy. He instantly cries, louder than before. ‘Mr Carstairs, please allow Christina to feed the babies first.’ Keiran asks, smiling down at his irritated son. ‘Of course, would you like to hold him?’ Jem asks, watching Keiran fall in love with every move the baby makes. ‘Oh, I mustn’t take this moment away from my Christina.’ Keiran is quick to say. ‘Keir, he is your son too. I don’t mind, I have two other babies.’ Christina chuckles as Emma helps her sit up. ‘Well, alright then.’ Keiran smiles down at his son as Jem instructs him on how to hold a baby.

‘My boys, see, no need to look so nervous. They are calming down already.’ Christina chuckles fondly, readying her arms to hold her first born daughter. ‘Are you ready to meet your mommy?’ Emma coos as she gently lifts baby girl out of the crib and walks back to Christina’s side.

Chapter Text

Once baby girl is in Christina’s arms, Emma sneaks a few photos on her phone before leaving to make the announcement. ‘Christina, why are you crying?’ Keiran asks, bouncing his son in a mirror image of Mark. ‘Ow, I think they are getting hungry.’ Christina complains as she feels a sharp pain in both nipples. With a nod, Keiran and Christina swap babies and Jem helps position them so baby boy latches on. After draping the blanket over Christina’s chest, Jem retrieves the scale from his bag to start weighing the baby girls.

‘By the time the tests are done, the girls will be hungry.’ Jem says as Mark hands over the baby in his arms. ‘My poor boobs, will they ever be free again?’ Christina mutters softly, trying not to jostle her son. ‘You will, but for a while that time will be few and far between, especially with triplets.’ Jem chuckles as he writes down the first baby’s weight. ‘While Jem does that, why don’t we discuss names?’ Mark asks, sitting on the edge of the bed to watch his son feed. ‘I honestly never thought about it.’ Christina hums, eyes still on her son.

‘I have, being stuck on a thrown give me time to think and dream. If it suits you, my lady of roses, I would like to name our son Wren, after my brother who dies during the cold peace. He was one of the few brothers I had a companionable relationship with.’ Keiran spoke up, kissing the top of his son’s head. ‘Yeah, I like that.’ Christina nods, teary eyes. ‘Looks like we have one name, two to go.’ Jem chuckled as he handed the first baby girl back to Mark and Keiran passed over the other baby girl to be weighed.

‘What do you think, baby? What would you like to be named?’ Mark coos as he bounced baby number 2. ‘I like the idea of seelie names. I don’t want them to be ashamed of their heritage.’ Christina smiles, looking between her boys. The baby in Mark’s arms starts fussing. ‘Oh good, baby number two is hungry. Who wants to hold Wren?’ Christina huffs, carefully detaching the lack mouth from her nipple. ‘I will, it’s costmary that once a seelie is born to bless them. My son will be no different. The ritual includes a seelie protection spell and putting power behind their name.’ Keiran explains as Christina starts feeding baby girl.

‘I may have snuck a glance at the baby name bowl at the baby shower. One name stuck out to me, Naida. I asked Ty to find out what it means. It’s Greek for water nymph, like Kerian’s mother.’ Mark beamed, watching Keiran whisper in a language that reminds him of the hunt.

‘You did? I feel like that’s fate. What do you think Keir?’ Christina softly asks, only looking up what she hears a sniffle. ‘Are you crying?’ Mark asks, putting an arm around Keiran. ‘Whoever found that name, we owe a great amount to.’ Keiran sighs, leaning his head on Mark’s shoulder. ‘Hello Naida.’ Mark sweetly smiles at his daughter as she starts wiggling in Christina’s arms. ‘Just need to weigh Wren.’ Jem smiles, picking up the unnamed baby and carrying her over to her parents. ‘I will take her, I haven’t held anyone in a while and Keiran needs to bless our daughters.’ Mark says arms out. After all three babies were fed, weighed, dressed and blessed, Christina sends Jem to get her food and to tell the Blackthorns they can come in.

All the Blackthorn siblings, Emma and Kit surround Christina’s bed with Mark, Kieran and Christina cuddling a baby each. ‘You know why we gathered you here.’ Mark starts, struggling to take his eyes off his baby and earning a few chuckles. ‘it is our honour to introduce the newest additions to the Blackthorn family. Naida.’ Keiran continues, taking a step closer to Christina. ‘Wren.’ Mark adds. ‘And poppy Rosales-Blackthorn-Kingston.’ Christina beams, making Keiran gasp, ‘Our babies have all of our names?’

Mark leans his head on Keiran’s shoulder and says, ‘Of course. Dru and Jules painted the nursery door with symbols of all of us. Naida may have blonde hair and Wren may have dark hair, but they all have seelie ears and tanned skin from our lady of roses. You are their father too Keir.’ A round of awes erupt in the love filled room. Everyone but Ty and Kit clamoured to get a closer look at the triplets. ‘Oh they are so cute!’ Tavvy squeals once Aline lifts him up.

‘Ty, Poppy looks just like you!’ Dry chuckles. ‘Wow, thanks Dru, I look like a newborn girl.’ Ty deadpans, arms crossed and leaning agenised the door. Kit hovers near his boyfriend, ready to sneak him out if it gets too much. ‘Keep it down guys, you have no idea how long it takes to get triplets to sleep. They sympathy cry and need to be held all the time.’ Christina huffs, stroking poppy’s cheek before she has the chance to fuss.

‘Sorry Tina, maybe we should let you sleep?’ Emma asks. ‘No, I’m glad you are all here. When I get back to shadowhunting I my babies will need all their aunts and uncles.’ Christina sighs, leaning agenised Keiran. ‘So, you want to be a working mom?’ Helen asks. ‘Yeah, I suppose. All I know is that I can’t wait to get out of this bed. My place is on the battlefield.’ Christina says, eyes drifting to the runes on her arm around Poppy. ‘Is this why you collapsed holding a seraph blade?’ Emma asks.

‘Wait, you collapsed? What happened?’ Keiran is quick to ask, trying to read Christina’s facial expression. ‘I was frustrated. I am not built to be bed bound. I love my kids, don’t get me wrong. But I am a Shadowhunter, first and foremost. I fight for and with my family. I now have even more to fight for. A world where my children can live with both of their dads. A world where Keiran isn’t forced to be the unseelie king. Where half breeds like Helen, Mark and my babies aren’t treated as less than other shadowhunters.’ Christina rambles.

‘Oh Tina, you are all safe here. And that is all our goal too.’ Julain sighs, wrapping an arm around Emma and Dru. ‘I’m fighting for my sister.’ Kis says just above a whisper. ‘Mina is lucky to have you.’ Ty sighs before kissing his cheek. The others were too busy cooing over the babies to hear so, Ty and Kit slipped through the door and headed to Ty’s room. ‘Have you held all three of them yet?’ Dru asks, watching Wren sleep. ‘Not yet, they are literally only a few hours old.’ Christina chuckled softly. ‘Has Jem measured them?’ Aline asks, tucking Wren’s feet into the blanket. ‘Yeah, the girls are slightly smaller than Wren at 7 pounds. They all have heathy lungs though.’ Mark chuckles fondly.

‘Wow, that’s quite small. Dru was 8 pounds 3 ounces and even Ty and Livvy were just over 8 pounds.’ Helen says. ‘Yeah, my best guess is that Rosales make small babies. I was 7 pounds 2 ounces.’ Christina shrugs as best she can. ‘Have you eaten yet? You look tired.’ Julian asks. ‘Jules, I don’t know if you have ever given birth to triplets, but it doesn’t leave much time to have a snack.’ Christina deadpans. ‘Yeah Jules, why don’t you make yourself useful and make a round of PB&J’s?’ Aline says, grabbing his arm and hauling him away before he makes more of a fool of himself.

‘Come on Tavvy, lets help Jules with the sandwiches.’ Helen says, putting Tavvy on the ground. ‘See you later Tina!’ Tavvy smiles and waves before Helen turns him around. ‘Bye Tavvy.’ Mark chuckles while Christina gives a small wave behind poppy’s back. ‘Is there anything I can get you?’ Dru asks. ‘Actually, after I have eaten, I want to bond with all three of them. In the nursery there is a pillow with three cut outs for feeding and stuff. It’s the only way to hold all three of them in bed.’ Christina explains with a smile. ‘On it.’ Dru nods, then leaves on her mission to find the pillow.

‘So, now we have met all three babies, I have a question. Keian, what took you so long?’ Emma asks. ‘There is a war developing in the seelie realm.’ Keian says slightly too calmly. ‘What? Why?’ Emma asks. ‘A lot of seelie’s aren’t too pleased with my becoming unseelie king. They disapprove of my relationship with shadowhunters. This morning they started putting a plan into action. Someone kidnapped Nene, I had to save her. She is currently in my castle sleeping off whatever seelie drug she was fed.’ Keian explains as Naida rolls towards his chest in her sleep.

‘Thank you for looking after her, Keir.’ Mark softly says, leaning over to kiss his cheek. The akward angle schoked Wren and he burst into tears. ‘Mark, I apprriate that saving Nene is kiss worthy but I am too tired to deal with another round of getting three babies to stop crying.’ Christina groans over the rise in volume.

‘Let me take poppy, you have a nap. Come on boys, I’m sure Tavvy would love to have a cuddle with his nieces.’ Emma offers with her arms out. ‘Thank you.’ Christina sighs, handing her daughter to her parabatai. ‘Anytime Tina, have a nice nap.’ Emma smiles as she starts bouncing Poppy. With a yawn, Christina shakes her arms out and lays back for exactly 2 seconds. ‘Wait, don’t leave.’ Christina grumbles. ‘Tina, you can’t sleep with three needy babies in the room.’ Emma reasons.

‘Then I won’t sleep. We don’t have an alternative to breast feeding and it’s my job to sooth them.’ Christina snaps. ‘My lady of roses, you need to sleep. We have an insistute full of willing babysitters. Let them help. Julian will be back with sandwiches soon.’ Mark softly says, carefully moving Wren to his shoulder to pat his back. ‘After their next feed.’ Christiana says with a curt nod. Christina falls asleep to the sound of soft baby noises and Keiran’s gentle humming. Julian sneaks the sandwiches in and Dru returns with the pillow.

‘Is she ok?’ Dru whispers towards Emma. ‘Yeah, I think she has a lot on her mind. When one of the babies makes even the slightest of noise, I can feel her get tense. Like her shadowhunuter reflexes are on high alert even when she sleeps. I can feel that she is torn between shadowhunting and motherhood.’ Emma sighs, eyes bouncing between Poppy asleep in her arms and Christina asleep in bed. ‘I think that’s pretty normal. I know I was young when mom died but I watched her. She always had a hand hovered over her weapons belt whenever Tavvy made a noise. Helen had to take Tavvy for a walk so she could punch out her frustrations. When it got really bad, we all went to the beach for ice cream.

Tina is lucky to have you to look out for her. The day mom died you kept telling me that I am allowed to cry, until I did. I hated you for it at the time, but it helped me deal with my emotions in the end.’ Dru softly said, smiling down at Poppy. ‘Why don’t I remember that?’ Mark asked. ‘A lot has happened between then and now. I think your time in the wild hunt changed you more then you realise. You were different before, but you have always been a protective big brother.’ Dru smiles, watching Mark’s worried face soften. ‘Our babies are lucky to have you, Mark.’ Keiran gasped. ‘You three take the babies downstairs for some cuddles, I will stay with Tina.’ Dru suggested, hugging the strangely shaped pillow close. ‘Thank you, Drusilla. Please tell us when she wakes up.’ Keiran says, nodding in gratitude.

Chapter Text

With Emma, Mark, Kerian and the babies out of earshot, Christina starts to wake up. 'Hey Tina, don’t worry the babies are just downstairs. I brought the pillow but first I wanted to talk.’ Dru softly explains. ‘Dru, what’s wrong?’ Christina asks as she slowly sits up. ‘When we found you earlier, when you were in labour, you heard us talking in the library didn’t you?’ Dru asks, sitting on the edge of the bed with the pillow between them. ‘How did you know?’ Christina chuckles, adjusting the pillows behind her.

‘I know that look and I’ve spent too much time with Emma to not know you can’t resist a fight. What I don’t get is why, you were so heavily pregnant? You were doing so good at being safe and obeying Jem’s bedrest rule.’ Dru sighs. ‘Something about every trained shadowhunter in the institute going after this demon and leaving me behind. I heard what Emma said, and I feel her worry. I want to join them on hunt, not prevent them from going.’ Christina sighs.

‘You know we aren’t the only shadowhunters in LA right? You are our family, and we protect our own.’ Dru chuckles, reaching out a hand which Christina takes. ‘What if I can’t though? Keiran will be back in the seelie realm in a month. As much as I tell him not to, I will be Mark’s priority. Helen and Aline have to stay to look after Tavvy and run the Insititute. Before long Emma and Julian will be moving on with their life together. I caught Emma staring at Julian’s hand the other day, I assume to guess his ring finger size. Ty has Kit and you would sleep in the training room if we let you.’ Christina sighs, squeezing Dru’s hand.

‘I get that you with you had your mom to look after the triplets while you were in the field with Mark and Emma. But you are a Blackthorn, your babies are Blackthorns. Don’t ever feel like a spare part, Kit sure doesn’t.’ Dru fades into a half chuckle. ‘Dru, you are the best little sister a girl could ask for.’ Christina smiles encouragingly before kissing their joined hands. ‘Right back at ya, Tina. Just don’t rush back to the training room. It’s been nice not being the chubbiest girl here.’ Dru chuckles.

‘Hey, not self-deprecation. You are one of the best and most badass shadowhunters I know. You have a beautiful body that does its job, and you shouldn’t listen to those old fashioned, wrinkly white males shadowhunters. my hope is that my daughters can fight as good at you when they are your age.’ Christina smiles, whipping away Dru’s tears with her thumb. ‘Thanks Tina. You are beautiful too. I’m glad you found two boys who love you as you are.’ Dru sniffles.

‘Hey, happy tears today. You will find someone who appreciates every inch of your curves and sees how badass you are. You have to be strong to keep up with all of your brothers.’ Christina softly chuckles. ‘I miss Livvy. We used to sneak off together to train and Ty even joined us. We were the three amigos. But now she’s gone, and Ty has Kit, I’m glad he found happiness but where does that leave me. For a while Emma was like a sister to me but then she took the role of mom. Being single in a family full of couples' sucks. I always get stuck with babysitting Tavvy.’ Dru huffs.

‘I will be your sister. Emma is the closest thing I got and honestly us girls have to stick together. I love mark but I can tell his connection to Keiran is stringer then mine. I don’t doubt their love for me but it's different. I’m the Latinx shadowhunter girl in the “hot faerie threesome” as Emma calls us.’ Christina shrugs. ‘You are so much more than that, Tina! Watching you grow these babies, all three of them I might add, shows so much strength. I don’t see myself being a mom any time soon but I’m happy to be the call aunt. Tavvy has given me a lot of practice.’ Dru chuckles as she launches at Christina for a hug.