She stepped into the hospital, her hand clenching and unclenching with each new wave of pain. What was wrong with her? She steeled her spine, and glanced about casually but the fear was in her eyes. She hated hospitals. With a passion. In fact, she'd rather be stabbed by a thousand needles then stand here in this hospital. But another sharp pain overtook her and she sucked in a quick breath. Something wasn't right.

Eva came walking around the corner, and could immediatly tell Aralyns stress. She had seen the girl before, but this time was different. She frowned. The young woman was to much underweight, and she was showing signs of - Oh dear god. Shit.... She hissed under her breath. Aralyn was in labor and all the nurses were just wandering about aimlessly. The doctor strode over to Aralyn and snapped Get me a maternity room. NOW. The young nurses eyes widened then narrowed. She huffed then stalked off, but not before Bitch... Could be heard. Take a deep breath for me honey. In the past ten minutes, how many contractions have you had? Apparently, the question startled the girl. Con-con... WHAT?! Eva could feel Aralyns stress levels rising, and the panic in her eyes increased. Calm down. Take a deep breath, baby just calm down. Are you here with anyone? The black haired girl nodded. Ok. When they come in, we'll bring them to you. Right now, you need to relax. Eva took a wheel chair from a passing nurse and sat Aralyn down in it and began to walk to a room. If the nurse wouldn't get her one, she'd find one for herself. She soon found a quiet room with no other people in it and had Aralyn climb into the bed. I'll be back in a few minutes. You just sit tight, ok? At the girls nod, Eva left.

Conan was just a couple seconds behind the girl as she came in, having only stopped to converse briefly with the other two men. But needless to say, he was alarmed when he stepped into the waiting room... and couldn't find her. Anywhere. He moved instantly up to the desk and grabbed the receptionist's pen and paper without asking, quickly scrawling out in slatned, hurried letters, WHERE IN HELL IS MY SISTER? He dropped this down in front of the receptionist, just barely restraining himself from losing his cool, because having her so weak and then walking in to find her out of sight... that was bad.

She came striding in, her wavy black hair being pulled back as she did so. She stepped up to the nurses station and said quickly I have a young pregnant woman in labor, room 313. I need a nurse in there as quickly as possible. Her eyes fell to the paper in front of the startled receptionist. Reading Conan's words, she looked up at him then grabbed a clip board and handed it to him. Follow me. She said softly. She didn't even wait to see if he was following. She just turned around and began to walk away, her heels clicking on the tile. She led Conan to Aralyns room, where his sister had broken out in a sweat and her hands were clenching and unclenching the sides of the bed.

His perceptive eyes noted her gaze as it fell upon his quickly scrawled words. His eyes lit with something vague as he heard that Aralyn was apparently in labor, especially becaus ehe remembered when Ma had been pregnant with Raimi, and he knew that his sister was far too thin, even if she hadn't been pregnant. So when Eva spoke to him, he followed without question, taking great, long strides and moving into the room to sit in a chair beside the bed, and reach his hand instantly for hers. Seeing how frightened she was did a bad number on him, and he forced out in his tortured voice, "S'gonna be o-kay... Ar'lyn." Unfortunately, he could only manage short sentences, so this was all he could offer her in the way of verbal comfort. But he made up for it in the offering of his hand and how he reached up to tenderly brushed the sweat-soaked dark locks out of her eyes, and pasted a smile on his face to reassure her.

Benjamin was in next, walking briskly through the doors with a commanding aura that defied his small stature. A single look from his striking eyes, burning with the intensity of a protective, if slightly aggravated father, had others scuttling out of his way without question. Without a word, he was trailing down the hallway after Conan, with Nadeem in turn following him.

"Wait out here. She shouldn't be crowded right now." Benjamin ordered to the Arab, who relented obediently and leaned himself anxiously against the wall beside the door. The blue-eyed man made his way into the room next, standing slightly off to the opposite side of Aralyn's bed and alternately watching the monitors and the expression on her pale face. For the moment, he did not make a move towards the girl, though the tension in his expression told anyone who knew to look for it that he was struggling to keep his emotions in check right now, and compose himself.

Eva and a nurse came walking back in, Eva's face somewhat nervous. Are you her father? She asked Ben. She didn't even wait. Considering he was the oldest one here, she figured he was. She grabbed onto the other mans shirt sleeve and tugged him outside of the room. Ben. I want you to be aware that there is a high chance she won't make it through this. We can't do a C-section on her, that risk is even greater. I need you to know that though, ok? I'll try my best for her.

With that she left Ben outside, and stepped back in to find Aralyn having another contraction. I AM FUCKING CALM YOU BITCH!! she yelled at the nurse who was telling her to breathe and relax. Once the contraction was through, Aralyn seemed to collapse and tears were running down her cheeks. I want it to stop. Just make it stop, ok? She whispered to no one in particular. Eva got into place, as she looked to see how dilated Aralyn was. Ok, honey. On the count of three I want you to push. One. Two. Three. Aralyn pushed, and pushed until finally within a few moments a baby was born. Eva handed the baby boy to the nurse and smiled. Congratulations, Aralyn. Its a boy. It didn't take long though for her to see something was wrong. No. No no no no. Aralyn mumbled as another wave of pain went through her. Why didn't it stop? Aralyn whimpered softly right as Eva shouted WHY DIDN'T ONE OF YOU FUCKING TELL ME SHE WAS HAVING TWINS?! She didn't know that aralyns returning and her pregnancy was a surprise to the men, but it slimmed the girls chances of survival even more. Ok baby, one last time. Push. Again, it didn't take lnog before Aralyn's baby girl was in the nurses arms. Aralyn collapsed back on the bed, her pale skin an even paler shade of white. Eva. Her systems are crashing. Mumbling more obscenities, Eva moved to Aralyns side and began working on her, trying to set her breathing back to normal. Her hearts failing. I need someone in here. NOW! She yelled. The nurse ran out the door, calling for another doctor as Eva went to work.

Watching things spiral out of control did little to make Conan more calm. He clung to Aralyn's hand, letting her squeeze the life out of it if she wanted to, for it was nothing to the pain of watching her fade before his eyes. He couldn't even relieve the pressure in himself by directing his anger at Eva, since she wasn't paying attention enough for him to cuss her with his hands and he couldn't very well say anything. So he held onto Aralyn's hand as though that alone would keep her alive, and fought through his turmoil, starting to look grave and solemn, but trying his level best to be hopeful for her sake. It was desperately difficult... he just didn't have the practice with even composure that the older man did.

He didn't know, of course, what she'd said to Ben in the hall, but it was likely a good thing... he was already upset enough. He was up on his feet and out of hte way as everyone worked to save her, but there was no way he was going to relinquish her hand, for anything... or anyone.

Almost instinctively, Benjamin dipped his head in the beginning of a nod to Eva, but before he could form a verbal response, she was directing him out of the room and back into the hallway. Those thin lips of his drew taunt and his face became something of stone when he was denied access to the room, and then to hear just how critical the girl's condition was. But for all the fear and anxiety that was rising over his daughter's fate, Benjamin retained his composure enough to offer the doctor a level, if not slightly forced, "I understand." There were no tears to well in his eyes, or the down-crease of brows to highlight fear - that was not how Benjamin worked. It was the sheer intensity burning in his eyes that betrayed the turmoil beneath, and a single glance at that was enough to tell just how much the man was suffering right now.

He wanted to be in the room with her, but to barge in would only add distraction to the nurses and doctors, and that would detract from Aralyn's chances at survival. No, if he wanted the best for her, he had to put his own emotions on the sideline and stay out of their way, which he did admirably well. The fire in his eyes grew stronger as he heard the commotion in the room, and he could not stop the beads of nervous sweat that formed on his brows when he heard that her heart was failing. Distractedly, he looked to his watch, then shot an anxious look down either length of the hallway.

I don't want to fade away
I don't want to live in a land of black and grey
I just wanted some time on my own
Now all I am is flesh and bones.
Will you be my saving grace?
Please let me see your face....
One last time.

Doctor, shes flat lining! Came a sudden cry from a nurse. Doing the first thing that came to her by instinct, Eva grabbed the paddles beside Aralyn's bed. I need you to let go of her hand. She didn't wait to see if Conan listened. If he did, great. If he didn't, he might recieve a slight shock. One. Two Three. She pressed the paddles to the young womans chest and sent a jolt of electricity into her body. Still a flat line. One, two, three! She said again as she rested the paddles on Aralyns chest and shot her again. Come on honey. You can do this. She whispered softly. One. Two. Three. She whispered softly. Third time does the charm. Aralyns heart beat started again, and Eva wanted to cry with joy. She had seen Aralyn before. She was a nice enough girl, quiet and didn't talk much, but she was nice. We're going to have nurses watching her around the clock, ok? Shes going to sleep for awhile now. I'll let Ben in, and have them bring some cots for you both if you'd like to stay. As well as your other friend if he'd like. She said softly to Conan. Color was slowly going back into Aralyns face, but her cheeks looked hollow and her eyes had bags under them. She should recover without any problems.

True to form, Conan wasn't about to let go of his sister's hand, especially when she seemed to be receding so quickly from him. He flinched noticeably and his face contorted a little in pain as the electricity jumped from Aralyn to him through her hand, but he would not let go. His eyes were locked on her face as sure as his hand was around hers, and there was no way he was going to release her when he felt as though she might leave him any minute. The little boy still harbored inside Conan was nearly senseless with frightened tears, wanting badly to be held and comforted, and told that things were going to be alright. But his exterior calm never showed a hint of hte soul-deep anguish that burned through him like fire... remained cool and reflective, though there was just the first hints of concern visible in the blue eyes.

His desperation lightened some when Eva finally managed to get her heart restarted, and he was braced for any lecture she might offer him about his disobedience in keeping hold of his sister, ready to answer the woman in defiance. But he still held tight to Aralyn's hand, not about to relinquish it. He'd failed to protect her once... he wouldn't let that happen again.

It wasn't easy standing out there, listening to the steady shrill of the flat-line, or the high pitched whine of charging paddles and being unable to help in any way. He'd always been particularly squeamish around such things, and wasn't keen on seeing Aralyn in such a condition. And of course, he was irked to an untold degree that Conan had been allowed in the room and not him, but for the sake of not exposing their bad blood to Aralyn, the man continued to remain complacent.

When the monitor resumed a more steady tone, instead of the agonizing and endless ring of a dead heart, Benjamin dared to peek into the room. Ignoring the red head all together, he turned a father's panicked eyes to Eva, silently requesting permission to enter the room again.

Sitll outside the door, Nadeem was traveling up and down the hallway, his face a perfect picture of trepidation and anxiety. When he wasn't wringing his hands together, they were running absently through his dark, curly hair in a nervous gesture, while a fine line of sweat grew on his forehead.

Eva smiled at Conan, then stepped out into the hallway. You two can go in now. Shes sleeping, but I don't know how long she'll stay that way. I'll have one of the nurses bring in a cot for you all. Then the raven haired woman walked away, her small form disappearing around the hallway.

Aralyn lay in her hospital bed, her breathing steady and even. Her pale skin had regained its natural color, and without the children in her stomach she looked even smaller and more frail. Her cheek bones were very prominent, and her flesh seemed to cling to her bones.

Somewhere aruond an hour later, with the cots in place and everything settled down, Aralyns eyes flickered open. Her eyes landed on Conan's red hair, and she gave a weak smile. You never realize how bright your hair is until your in florescent light. She whispered softly. Her eyes then traveled to Nadeem and Ben. She gave them both the same weak smile that she had given Conan, then closed her eyes again. She sighed softly, before her eyes shot open and she gasped. Where's my baby? She asked. She didn't remember having two, all she remembered was the never ending pain. So much pain....

The red head hadn't been able to marshal a smile to answer Eva's, though he did sign a heartfelt thanks to her for her skilled work with Aralyn. He didn't know whether she understood or not, but his words, though simple, were obviously intensely grateful.

He managed the smile an hour later when finally the blue eyes opened again, and she made a light comment. What she said was not incredibly funny, but after all of the tenseness of the past few hours, the smile broke softly over his face and he ran his free hand back through the flaming locks, knowing that they were likely sticking up at a wild angle, and not really caring. He was too busy squeezing her hand ever so gently and treasuring the sound of her voice... which at a couple of points this afternoon, he'd feared he'd never hear again. But when her sleepy contentment flipped over into panic, he reached the hand back down so that he could hold hers in both of his own, and looked desperately between Nadeem and Ben, clearly asking one of them to explain.

Subtly asserting himself over Nadeem with every action, Benjamin had taken the cot on the other side of Aralyn's bed, forcing the young man to have his set up nearer to the window, and the furthest from her. But even this did not dampen his demeanor in the least bit - unlike the casual play that Ben was putting on, Nadeem saw it as a father's need to be near his daughter, and took no offence from it.

"You have two." Benjamin responded in a light tone, and in a voice that probably sounded rather alien to Conan. As vile as he was to the red-head, he wouldn't suffer Aralyn with his mind games and have that keep him from talking kindly to her. "The last I heard, they were both doing well, in the infant unit. Would you like me to check on them, and see if they can be brought in?"

She smiled and gave a nod, but before she did so she grabbed her fathers hand and gave it a squeeze. Thanks daddy. She murmered softly. She scooted over on her bed, and patted it lightly. Come here NAdeem. You can join in on the party to. She said smiled. She looked bone tired, but she had begun to notice how Ben seemed to always cut off the Indian and she herself hadn't done anything to stop it. So she'd allow Nadeem to lay next to her on the bed while the nurse brought in her children.

Seeing her smiling, even as weakly as it was, did a lot to reassure him. He didn't know a whole lot about child birth, he remembered when Ma had been pregnant with Raimi, and when he'd been alone in the house when Da had taken her to the hospital for Raimi to be born. They'd been gone overnight, but he knew that nothing close to what had gone on with Aralyn had happened, because his father hadn't come back and beat him to a pulp the next day... in fact, he'd seemed to be in a good mood, presented with another son. So it was a huge comfort to him to see her smiling, even if she was so weary still. That would hopefully go away over time.

As she scooted, he strengthened the support under her hand, helping her to move sideways with minimal effort, so that she could welcome Nadeem to sit beside her. He wasn't about to point out to Ben that he was not allowing Nadeem to be involved in this, though he'd noticed it, but he definitely trusted the younger of the two men more than the blue-eyed manipulator. So he helped her to make room for him on the bed.

The hand-hold brought a surprised but genuinely pleasant smile to the older man's face, but it was the way in which she titled him that really brightened his icy eyes. It was enough to hold him back from any further underhanded acts against either Conan or Nadeem right now, favoring Aralyn's happiness over his sly games against the duo. So it was that he reached for the little panel at the side of the girl's bed, and pressed the red 'Help' button to summon a nurse, to get an update on the twins and possibly have them brought into the room.

Just happy to be invited over, the young man seated himself on the side of the bed where Aralyn and Conan had made room for him. He was all fond smiles as he spoke to her, "Do you have any names decided on?"

It wasn't a nurse who came in, but Eva. She smiled at the three, as she carried two small bundles in her arm. One was wrapped in a little blue blanket, the other a little pink one. Good Morning, Aralyn. Did you sleep well? The raven haired woman blinked. Morning? It was... Morning? I um... Yes. Very well. Eva smiled and walked over, setting first one bundle in the mothers arms, her little daughter, then setting the other in Nadeems arms, mistaking him to be the father. I'll leave you guys alone, ok? Just buzz if you need anything. Aralyn smiled up at the kind doctor, then looked down at the daughter in her arms. Blair. My little Blair. She said, kissing her black haired daughter on the nose. She looked like her mother, but she would have tan skin like her father. Her eyes traveled up to the little boy in Nadeems arms. Ravyn. His name shall be Ravyn. She said softly, still holding the chil in her arms.

Sitting near her, Conan finally relinquished his grip on Aralyn's hand, and only to allow her to support the little girl in her arms. His hand felt very empty when he released hers, so he rested it on her shoulder as he allowed her a second to just hold her children and have that bonding experience with them. It was only after a long moment that he leaned forward and moved the blanket back a little from Blair's tiny face to see her better, finding to his delight that she looked just like her mother in a bronze-skinned fashion. Finding his ruined voice, he murmured out softly, "B-blair and... Ra-vyn. Looks like - I 'ave a neice an'... nephew." He forced this out past the damage in his brain that kept him from speaking well, not only to commit the names to memory but to solidify his determination to help his sister care for them. He wanted her to know that her rape and the bearing of her illegitimate children did not change her in his eyes, that he was still her brother, and would protect and take care of her. And he said that, in this short, fumbling phrase and the tiny hint of happiness that warmed his eyes and face.

With infinite care, the young man received little Ravyn, who he cradled carefully to support the fragile little body and keep him warm. "Aralyn, they're beautiful." Nadeem spoke in awe, gazing down at the tiny person in his arms, and then flashing a smile to the new mother. For right now, in this moment at least, he could put aside the unjust and cruel circumstances surrounding the two babies, and the man who had done this to Aralyn. For now, he was simply happy to be in this moment, seeing the happiness in the girl and watching her affections towards Blaire.

Benjamin's facade was a rare and sincere look of awe as well, though not so dramatic as that on the Indian’s face. Still, there was no denying the joy the glistened in his eyes, or the way that the corner of his mouth was tugged up in a half-formed smile that he simply couldn't battle away. He was a grandfather! But... just as Conan kept the darker thoughts in this time, so did Ben. Seeing Blaire and Ravyn only reminded him of the man who'd abused his little girl, and he waited for the chance to confront the cold-blooded rapist.

Aralyn smiled up at them, before placing a gentle kiss on her daughters nose. They are, aren't they? She murmers softly. Ravyn was Aralyns polar opposite. His hair was white blonde, and he had bright green eyes. He grabbed hold of Nadeems finger, and held tight.

It didn't take long, maybe twenty minutes or so, before Eva came wandering back in. Her shift was over, and she was dressed in dark jeans and a black silk shirt. In her hand, she held a notebook and two bottles. I'm sure your not breastfeeding, your a bit underfed for that, so I brought these. She gave one to each of the boys, Conan and Nadeem, then took Blair out of the bemused mothers hands and handed her to Conan before sitting beside Aralyn. She held up the notebook. This, my dear, is your new diet, and these boys here are going to make sure you eat as much as I have written on these pages and that your taking care of yourself. Do any of you know how to cook? Aralyn gave a faint smile. I know how to- She was cut off. Not you. Your not allowed to cook, because I know many anorexic types. They cook very little food. I'm sure one of these boys can handle it. She gave a smile to them all. I'm not normally so tough, I just don't like almost losing people. Your going to get better. I never want to see your pretty face here again, ok? The woman nodded, and Eva looked pleased. Good. Everythings all set then. I'm going home for the night, my number is on the inside of the notebook. If any of you ever need anything, give me a call. The dark haired woman stood, and walked out the door leaving Aralyn and the boys alone once more.

Conan took Blair and cradled her with an expert hand, balancing her tiny weight easily in his left arm while using his right hand to take the bottle and begin feeding the infant in silence. As with everything he did with small children, he took this task up with considerable ease, keeping the child close to his chest so that she was warm and securely supported, and keeping an eye out in case Blair was a guzzler, like Raimi had been, which might lead to her choking if she tried to swallow too much at once. And all this time, he was listening and nodding to Eva's instructions.

Nadeem, too, took the bottle with practiced ease and tilted it down for Ravyn. The soft smile still etched little wrinkles at either side of his mouth, as he wiggled his finger a little when the impossibly tiny hand grasped at it. "I bet you're hungry, little fellow. And-" His warm, dark eyes drifted to Aralyn, "I'll bet your mother is too."

"I can help with the cooking." Benjamin readily volunteered. He was no master chef, but he could still cook a pretty mean meal. Taking up the notebook, he began to thumb through the pages, mentally listing the various ingredients he already had at home, and those that he'd need to pick up at the store later.

She smiled at the three of them before she settled back into the pillows, her body relaxing. Did they ever say when I could leave? She said softly. She ated hospitals. The cleanliness, the sterile smell, the underlying scent of blood. It was enough to make her nauseaus. She ran her hand idly up and down Nadeems leg, for lack of anything better to do and just the fact that that simple little act kept her grounded here on earth.

As he fed his new niece, Conan was paying close attention. He knew that, if they weren't going to let Aralyn go home yet, he couldn't very well leave her alone here. She hated hospitals as much as he did, and he knew this well. He saw the way that she scrubbed at Nadeem's leg, knowing that, as she had grasped his t-shirt so tightly yesterday, she was using this sensation to anchor herself against fear, and he couldn't just leave her to it. So if he ended up having to stay again... he would have to have Nadeem call Summer. Neither she nor poor Raimi probably hadn't slept very well last night, for he knew that if he wasn't there himself, his toddler brother would not feel safe enough to sleep unless someone sat up with him and allowed him to rest on their chest.

But he put this complicated mess out of his mind, concentrating on Aralyn again, shaking his head slowly. If they'd said when she could go home, he hadn't heard it. Though admittedly, he'd been a little occupied... he allowed Blair to rest partially in his lap as he fed her, so that one finger could stroke delicately across her cheek, using that as an anchor to the real world as much as Aralyn's stroking of the Arab's leg.

"They haven't said yet." Benjamin volunteered as he stood, "But I will find out in a moment." Scooting his chair aside, the man flashed a brief look over Aralyn, and then to the two young 'grandchildren' of his. Sharp perception had already picked up on the girl's dislike of the hospital environment, and if there was anyway he could persuade the staff to let her leave, he would do it. Taking his leave of the room, Benjamin set out to find the nearest nurse.

Nadeem briefly let his hand rest on hers, as a show of reaffirmed trust and protectiveness of the girl, and sign that he would stick with her and help bare the burden of raising to little infants who were without their biological father. "I suppose this means we'll need to go shopping?" A half-humored look was turned to Conan as he added wryly, "Or a trip to the Wallock's house. If I know Summer, she has enough baby garments stock piled to furnish the whole town."

A harried Eva came rushing back into Aralyns room, her eyes on the floor. This is the only room that I have been in. She muttered under her breath, her eyes still on the floor. Her brown hair was mussed, and her hands were shaking slightly. Eva? Whats wrong? Asked Aralyn. I can't find my ring. I need to find it, before I go see Nana 'cause its Nana's ring and Nana will eat me alive. I know she will. Aralyn peered over the side of her bed, then looked into a drawer of the nightstand beside it. Eva? Is your Nana's ring silver? With a pretty stone? She asked. Yes yes. I need to find it! Muttered Eva, who was now looking under the bed. Is this it? Asked Aralyn, plucking the ring out of the drawer. Eva's eyes went wide, and with a cry, she pounced on the rin. YES! She danced in circles. Oh god, thanks so much Aralyn. I'll see you around, ok? She was about to head out the door when the young woman called after her. EVA?! When can I leave? The doctor frowned. Whenever you want. Your vitals have been strong, your babies are healthy.... go ahead. She smiled. Just don't forget to sign out.

He was a little uptight as Eva came back in the room. Just because the woman had saved Aralyn didn't mean that she'd earned his trust. But Ben had taught him a good deal about hiding emotions, even more than he already knew at his young age; he kept feeding Blair with steady hands, keeping his face trained on the baby but his eyes glanced up furtively to Eva every now and again, just to be sure she wasn't trying anything. A couple of years ago, he'd been somewhat suspicious in nature, coming from the abusive environment he was used to, but Ben's trickery and his unhappy dealings with the CS had enhanced this. It wasn't just Conan's voice that needed healing... it was his heart. Between all of the depression and fear for his life, Aralyn's, Raimi's, Summer's, Collin's... the list of his loved ones wasn't very long, but with all of them in almost constant danger, his soul was irreparably scarred... he'd need a good long rest from that sort of drama and a lot of support before he'd be able to be something vaguely resembling normal again.

Benjamin was about halfway down the hall when a flustered Eva went rushing past, earning his instant attention. His sharp eyes narrowed in suspicious concentration as he doubled back and stood at the side of the door, until he overheard the cause of the doctor's haste. It wasn't trouble with Aralyn, but a missing ring. A low, quieted sigh escaped him, and he offered a brief, if not slightly forced little smile to the doctor as she parted ways again.

With the go ahead to leave, it was only a matter of fetching a wheelchair and carting it back to Aralyn's room. "I've got the release signed already." He began, while unfolding the foot rests of the chair and holding a hand out to help guide the new mother into it, "Where would you like to go first?"

Nadeem carefully stood up, keeping his gaze mostly on Ravyn and being mindful to have the infant's entire body supported evenly in his arm. After adjusting the baby more snuggly in his blanket, both to keep him warm and to give him that sense of closeness and security, the young man turned his eyes for Aralyn. "If you need anything, just name it. I'd be more than happy to help care for Blaire and Ravyn, or to get supplies for them." This he offered hopefully, not entire sure if it would be intruding on his part to just follow along to Benjamin's house uninvited, if that's where they were going.

She slid off the bed, her legs feeling watery beneath her and insantly sank into the wheelchair with a sigh. She knew this was going to hurt Ben slightly, but she also knew of his... Other, operations. Dad.... Um... I'd kinda like to go home with Nadeem. Psyche is there, and I think Malon will return home if he realizes thats where I am.... She looked up at her father, and in those silver blue eyes he could see the truth. She didn't want to be around Shasta and the rest of his gang. She wanted quiet, and to maybe help Nadeem with his studies. And she hoped that if she stayed with the Arab that Ben would leave the poor guy alone. She could see how he kind of shouldered him off out of the way, and if he wasn't going to make an effort, then she'd make it for him.

She turned her smile to Nadeem. That'd be nice, Nadeem. Maybe later we can go shopping, and Ben and Conan could... Ok, no I don't think thats a good idea. I know how great they get along... Maybe we can find someone to keep an eye on the babies while we do so. Bonding time with Nadeem would be fun, wouldn't it? She then turned to smile at Conan. We'll get your voice back Conan. I promise. She knew better then to make promises she couldn't keep, but she was damn sure going to try.

Conan was not about to let be known the mixture of emotions that were suddenly flooding through him. On the one hand, he was glad she had chosen to stay with Nadeem rather than Ben, for he would not have wanted to deal with Ben whenever he wanted to go visit Aralyn, which would be frequently. He also trusted Nadeem a bit more than he did Ben, knowing that while he was a bit naive, the Arab was a good, gentle man that would do his best to help his sister get well. On the other hand, he worried about her safety staying with Nadeem, especially considering that both of them still had a price on their heads from the CrypticSilvers. But as he shifted Blair closer to him and stood up, not reaching for Aralyn as she moved for the wheelchair, partially because his hands were full with feeding the baby, and partially because he remembered his sister's independent spirit. Well... and he still felt guilty over Carl, and despite his need to feel her touch and know that she still loved him, he felt so dirty over that deed that he feared tainting her with it even by seeking out that contact, even though his mind knew that was ridiculous. Still, he offered her a small smile as she renewed her promise that they would work at getting his voice back, though he could keep a hint of forcing out of it. He just couldn't feel joy, yet... he had too many other things on his mind.

But to distract both himself and his sister from this, he said haltingly to her. "I'll 'ave to... bring Raimi... see you. He's...grown."

Nadeem instantly brightened up at the proposition, his expression speaking before his words ever came out, "I'll get the spare room set up for you. And I'll give Greg a call and see if Summer has his old crib still." Thinking about the immediate future, the Arab set about planning for sleeping arrangements for the little ones, knowing that a regular bed certainly wasn't a good place for a new-born. "If either of you would like to stay for a while-" Dark brown eyes flickered from Benjamin to Conan, "-there are two more rooms in the basement. They aren't entirely finished, but... you're more than welcome to stay there if you'd like."

This news certainly did a number to Benjamin, who seemed to freeze for a moment, digesting the change of plans and thinking them over as if he may not have heard Aralyn right. The moment of uncertainty was fleeting, and soon enough replaced by a forced smidgen of a smile, "Whatever you think is best, Aralyn." Saying this sweetly enough to his daughter, he looked abruptly away from her gaze, as if afraid that she'd see the dangerous emotions roiling beneath.