When the next day came around Blaire woke up feeling sick and rushed to the bathroom, throwing up along with nausea that kept her stuck in front of the toilet. Dan who was laid on his stomach started to move his arm in the place Blaire was supposed to be, but felt nothing as it got quickly causing him to open his eyes and sit up realising she was there.
"Blaire!" He yelled while his eyes scanned the room slightly panicking until hearing the noise of someone hurling in the bathroom, got out of bed and urgently headed over poking his head through the open door, spotting Blaire with her head over the toilet and hair lose almost everywhere. "Shit. Here. Let me help" Dan rushed over and carefully pulled Blaire's hair back with his hands, saving it just before any of it could slip into the toilet. "Morning sickness.. Not very pleasant, is it?" He nervously tried to make small talk during a very humiliating moment for Blaire, as she turned her head slightly locking those silver-grey eyes directly at him already telling him without having the need to speak. "..I'll shut up" oddly he found this rather intimidating seeing her so angry and went silent while remaining calm holding her hair back, but he had no idea how these pregnancy things go as he's not a woman and has absolutely no clue what she's going through. He only wanted to help make her feel better.
"Okay.. I think I'm done" Blaire said using some tissue paper to wipe away any sick from around her mouth, even if the sickening taste remained in her mouth nausea remained present, but only a little as she finally got up allowing her hair to slip out from Dan's hands as she stumbled over towards the sink. Blaire washed her mouth deeply ridding that sicking mixed taste of vomit from the back of her throat. "Disgusting.. Absolutely disgusting" she muttered to herself and finished even if the taste still lingered.
"Can you walk? You're literally wobbling" Dan asked coming up from behind, as their reflections became visible in front of the sink mirror. He knew having her walking around wasn't exactly the best, but she looked eternised to overcome this which was one of the many things he loved about this woman. She is a fighter.
"Yes. It's only a little nausea, I can walk it off" she replied brushing it off as she had already been through the whole morning sickness thing while pregnant with Avery. He gently moved his hands as their made their way over her stomach, she then placed her own on top of his bath feeling the tiny bump that was slowly starting to form. Everything seemed to be going smoothly for them so far.
Later on that day Blaire was given the okay to go outside, only if she wore suitable clothing to the freezing temperatures. While Dan was unfazed by the climate at all unlike those who weren't actually born to sustain such harsh conditions.
"Those clothes kinda make you look like a little polar bear" Dan jokingly stated at how soft looking her white coat Xander personally made had her wear, but it was doing exactly what he made it to do. Blaire was warm, cozy and safe from the harsh cold weather, along with the unborn baby.
"Is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult? I'm having mix feeling about you right now" Blaire questioned darting her eyes directly at him as he walked beside her in his ghost form. He slowly averted his eyes and tried to find something else for them to do or an argument between them will surely follow.
However, luck was on his side when spotting a nearby open shop filled with all kinds of glorious things, and thanks to Xander they have the funds to buy stuff.
"How about I get you some stuff from that shop? I'm sure we can get some things before we head off home tomorrow" Dan quickly suggested gently tugged at her sleeve wanting nothing else, but a nice calm day before they even plan on going home. Even if Blaire had other plans in order to avenge Avery's unfair loss and show them how truly terrifying she can become.
"How should I tell him? I need to stay a little longer in order to finally awaken myself, it's the only way to show those bastards on their biggest mistake on taking away my freedom, my pride, and my daughter. I can't have anything stepping in my way anymore, I have to step up and become stronger" Blaire thought allowing him to pull her towards and into the shop, as they both looked around at all the interesting things this keeper had in store for them.
"Why don't you try this on? I think it's look rather dashing on you" Dan proudly suggested with a rather cheeky grin as she turned her head to look in his direction, he then pulled out a black coloured short dress like lingerie. Blaire blushed bright red and glanced away embarrassed especially with how loudly proud he said it. "Come oooon~ you'll look stunningly gorgeous in it. And who knows? We might be able to use it" Dan continued to tease seeing her ears blush red the more he talked about it chuckling to himself.
"You're insane.. You dirty bastard" she quietly replied as placed a hand on the top of her head, even though his eyes when staring at the lingerie he couldn't help, but think about how she'd look wearing it.
"I'm only joking, but just out of curiosity. Did anything catch your eye?" He asked as she shrugged her shoulders unsure of what to chose as they all were such good choices. Clothes, real expensive jewellery, crystals, books, ect.
"I am unsure. Everything here is equally eye catching and exquisite, it's making it very difficult for me to chose" Blaire answered keeping her eyes pinned on the stuff around her, unsure of what exactly she wanted. Everything here was beautiful including the crystals, but then one of them caught her eye. It was purple like an Amethyst more darker, and yet it had a unique look, a cosmic galaxy interstellar like magic appeal it to, as it sparkled and shine making it appear like its insides were moving around.
Dan noticed on her sudden silence and look at Blaire, noticing her staring at something and followed her gaze. She was admired by a crystal, a very rare and beautiful crystal that only grows in this realm, but only in the most dangerous parts of the world. The Forbidden Shadow Death Valley.
However, her attention towards it faded as she went back to looking through stuff she appeared to not be interested in, turning her back on Dan for a second as he slipped away with the lingerie and headed to the counter.
"How much is for that strange purple crystal?" Dan asked pointing his clawed finger in the direction of the crystal in front of the kind looking polar bear who was standing behind the counter. They peered over noticing it as well as the lingerie, followed by Blaire who he entered in with.
"That is an Exotic Cosmic Crystal my friend. The rarest one of all the lands and is only found in The Forbidden Shadow Death Valley's most dangerous of caves, as its intense energy this one crystal contains is mainly used for weaponry or proposals" the polar bear calmly explained seeing how oddly surprised when hearing the word 'proposals'. Did she perhaps wanted him to marry him?
"Proposals?" Dan confusingly questioned and glanced over his shoulder for a split second and back at the cashier, after instantly spotting Blaire distracted at the clothing with her back faced towards them.
"Yes, but also as weaponry and rarely used as armour too. It's extremely expensive, that's roughly about 12 million Souliens for the crystal alone" a huge bargain for a tiny sized of cosmic crystal alone, even the cashier was smug when mentioning the price like Dan couldn't afford such luxury. He sighed and dropped two hand sized bags filled exclusively used Souliens coins, taking the cashier by surprise as Dan crossed his arms glancing up seriously at the polar bear who was starting to sweat. "Give me one moment" excusing themselves onto the back Dan hugged having nothing to do, and turned his head to look at Blaire as she now appeared to be observing through the jewellery.
"Hurry up with that damn crystal! I already paid for the lingerie" Dan thought thinking about what he should exactly do with the crystal, but first he needed confirmation from Xander himself to actually have her hand for all eternity.
"Here we go. It's the last sellable one we've got in stock as that one is only for display purposes" the crystal was finally brought out, appearing for more beautiful than the other crystal, as it was covered and bagged along with the lingerie. "I hope you enjoy your purchase" thanking him in a calm manner Dan walked off towards Blaire who turned to him seeing that serious expression on his face return.
"What? Am I taking too long?" She asked glancing up at him as his eyes glanced around suspiciously, mainly towards the cashier and everyone else who he hardly knew giving them odd looks whenever they walk by.
"No.. Take your time. There is no need to rush" Dan calmly responded giving her a gentle peck on the top of the head, secretly keeping the crystal in his possession as a gift for the mother of his unborn child.
Blaire spent a good 10 minutes looking through the jewellery trying to see what would present her positively in public. Even with his help eventually she finally found something she wanted, a pendant necklace with a hexagonal shaped crystal appearing to have the mixed design and energy of both Black tourmaline, Black tourmaline and Clear Quarts combined.
"Hey, cashier!" Dan yelled as the bear instantly glanced over spotting him with his back turned, carefully grabbing the necklace and pulled it up for the cashier to see. "How much is this?" He asked turning his head looking at them with the corner of his eye maintaining a serious and dominant posture.
"U-um.. 2,500 Souliens, sir" the cashier stuttered slightly while uncomfortably touching the upper part of their upper arm, turning their attention away from Dan.
"We'll take it" Dan said heading over and gave the exact amount of Souliens, and dropped them while his hand was hovering a few inches of the counter before walking over as he left with Blaire by his side. They walked away from the shop when he suddenly stopped her, she appeared a little confused until revealing the necklace he had waited for her to choose. "Let me put it on you" he suggested turning herself around allowing him to move in over her head until it was around their neck and clipped it in place. She glanced down seeing it dangling and instantly feel a release of any negative energy that had it grip on her, now slipping away to who knows where.
"It's even more stunning than I thought it would be" Blaire admired the crystal picking it up within her palm for a better glance as it glistened, unconsciously softly smiling at the thought of such a gorgeous gift completely distracting herself from anything that surrounded them.
"I absolutely adore that necklace on you, darling" Dan said as she turned around seeing him walk up placing his hands gently, and yet firm on her waist with the bag still hanging on his lower arm. "And seeing that sweet smile just now reminds me of the day I had first fallen madly in love with you" he added while brushing away a piece of fringe that had fallen out of place, tucking it away behind the back of her ear. She lightly blushed slightly embarrassed by his lovey dovey behaviour, even if it's true. Her eyes shyly glanced away for a moment unsure of how to response to such sweet words, until reaching her hands out grabbing his face and pulled it down as they were inches away from each other's faces.
"No importa lo que pase ahora o la eternidad por venir, siempre te elegiré mi amor" Blaire suddenly whispered something sweet in Spanish confusing him for a moment until she suddenly kissed him in response for a moment before pulling back. Xander watched from a safe distance leaning against a nearby hut at the pair talking, holding each other close and kissing like a couple should, but he can't get rid of the thought of the identical similarities Dan shared with Apollo, even if he treating her fat differently compared to the last man she thought and trusted to love and keep her safe.
"Is he really different? Only time can reveal the truth, but do we even have the time?" Xander thought as Isabel walked up on him spying on them with their daughter in hand.
"I may not know your sister, but I know a happy couple when I see one. Just give him a chance, he might not actually be that bad if we get to know him" she suggested placing a hand on his arm while he continued to observe Dan's body language, or anything for that matter which could pose as a possible risk which could lead to her demise.
"I don't know, love. I've promised my sister to free her from this endless painful burden that's dragging her down, trapping away all of her powers and abilities she has no idea exists. It'll take a while, but I know you do best until I return" he replied calmly turning his head softening his gaze every time he looked at her. She could see the worry and pain in his eyes, and the deep care and love for his little sister knowing this was the only way he could free her from such pain.
"Just promise to come back alive, the boys need you" Isabel said saddened by the thought of him leaving, but it was hard to convince him otherwise as he's a man who sticks to his word and is willing to help anyone in need. Good or evil.
"I will.." Xander replied instantly turning his head back to Blaire and Dan, not wanting her to see into his eyes, or possibly the lies that hide within them. Isabel sighed feeling her hand slip away leaving him alone for now, as she went to check on the boys who were training to be possible warriors or a leader once the right time came.
Later on afternoon once the two love birds returned back to their room, they had a unannounced visit from Xander who only knocked for a second before walking in. He froze when seeing Dan who was still in his ghost form, unclothes beneath the sheets with his head resting on Blaire's chest napping while her hands gently hugged him in, playing with his white fiery flowing hair. She suddenly stopped when spotting Xander staring at them from the wide open bedroom door.
"It's very late brother, and I'm really hoping to have an early nap. What is the matter?" Blaire asked appearing a little worried due to his serious expression, but noticed as their eyes moved to look at Dan then she growled waking him up, as he instantly lifted his head off from her chest ready to fight whatever threat is currently present.
"There is no need for violence. I'm just trying to contain myself from what's to come, but I was wondering if you have told your lover where we're doing tomorrow? Please tell me you have" Xander calmly pleaded praying she had spoken about it, but the thought of it just slipped from her mind as she shot up slightly panic when turning to look at Dan who was staring directly at her visibly confused.
"Eh? What the fuck happened while I was gone?" Dan raised his voice slightly forcing Xander to take a step forward, sensing the mixed feelings he was expressing. His only concern is to ensure Blaire remains safe, even if it means breaking a promise.
"He promised to show me to see this powerful ghost who can help awaken my powers, and ya know ease the pain from my cracked core. It'll be a sweet release without feeling that painful electric static rushing through my body whenever I try to activate them" Blaire explained about something possibly life changing, leaving Dan to wonder in thought of what this opportunity might bring.
"If you're going I'm coming with you, I refuse to let anyone not even your own brother to harm you or our cub, but if I can't go because he's having a hissy fit about it then you're not going either" he replied making a very unfair and yet understanding choice for her to pick. She quietly gulped nervous of what to do, both Xander and Dan hated each other and she knew it, but she doesn't want to be stuck feeling so weak either. This is one tough choice for her to make.
"You and that little boy will only drag us down, especially when you have absolutely no knowledge about how our world works. Please tell me you aren't actually considering this, Blaire?" Xander butted in blurting common sense and truth, along with his whining about two more travellers who could possibly be joining them tomorrow.
"Oh zip it you eel! Just admit that you hate the thought of me being with your sister. So get over it already, she's mine" Dan argued back as the boys exchanged intense eye contact with the only intention, but to fight as hearing them bickering and screaming only aggravated the extremely hormonal lady beyond her boundaries, who sat not that far away from them.
"Quit arguing! I do not care about what either of you think of my choices right now, I need them by my side and I don't give a flying FUCK what either of you say about it. So shut up and let me get some goddamn sleep!" Blaire screamed instantly silencing both dominant males who turned their gazes away from her in shame, shocked and a little scared by how quickly she had snapped. And from then on Xander left the room without uttering another word, leaving the two alone as Dan cautiously turned his head to look at her, just to see that she had her back completely faced towards him.
"I didn't mean to anger her like that, it isn't like her to snap so aggressively either. But that idiot Xander kept looking down at me like I'm some sort of joke! I need to redeem myself before I even think about asking him about any possible future plans of a proposal with Blaire" Dan thought as he exhaled wanting to clear things with Blaire, not wanting Xander to try and split them up over the littlest of things. "Blaire.. I know you are awake. Please don't ignore me, it is very unlike you to be so cold. I only fear of never being able to see you or hear that beautiful voice of yours ever again if you actually went through this without me" Dan spoke gently coming a little closer in hopes of having her at least look at him, but she didn't or even said anything either. He closed his eyes a little mad and turned himself around with a huff, as the two laid awake with their backs facing towards one another.
"You don't have to lie to me.." Blaire randomly blurted out as Dan perked his head up, and turned his body around slightly so his head could look in her direction mostly confused.
"What are you on about? What am I lying to you about?" He questioned as she sat herself up with a hurt like expression on her face turning to look at him. Something odd happened within him, like a piece within felt like it had broken aching and filled with guilt, but he had no idea on why. Dan sat up hating the thought of harming her in anyway, especially like this and wanted to fix whatever it is that's causing her to feel so hurt. "What's with the sad face, love? Tell me" Dan softly asked me noticing a tear slowly falling down her right cheek before his eyes, as he gently wiped it away with his index finger waiting patiently for her reply.
"I know the hatred both you and my brother share towards each other, but I don't want that to happen. Especially when all I want is to have family with you. I want my brother to accept you, and it only hurts me knowing that he rather wants you dead than in my life. Even thought he was the one who told me to live a free life with the one I love, but I don't think he's planning on letting that happen due to how much you look like Apollo. You're not like him at all, you share no similarities to him other than your stupid good looks!" She ranted on as tears started to stream down her face hurting dearly when seeing her brother and lover fighting, fearing that someday they're going to brawl and only one of them will come out alive. Dan moved his arms around the side of Blaire's waist and pulled her in a sweet embrace.
"It's going to be alright, love. We just need have some patience, he'll accept it sooner or later. So why don't we get some sleep? Tomorrow is going to be quite a day if we're going to see this powerful ghost, who you believe will help ease away your pain" Dan said maintaining a calm and in control of the situation in hand successfully convincing her to lay down and sleep the worries away. "Here, snuggle up to me" he suggested pulling her into his chest as Blaire sniffled slowly calming down, feeling his big, warm muscular arms gently wrap around her as she slowly started to doze off under his watchful gaze.