They will be like him and me, as free as a dove.

[thewisdomwithin]

Even the back pain was amazing to her. So far, there was no aspect of the pregnancy that hadn't in some way thrilled and fascinated Mokey. It wasn't all fun, but it was all so interesting - and so heartwarming, too. She'd found she was singing to herself more lately than ever before, which was really saying something. From what she and some of her non-Fraggle friends had figured, the baby could hear her by now, and she wanted to them to hear a lot of the happiest sound: music.

She wandered into the kitchen, and opened the door to the pantry, looking for a nice snack and singing all the while.

♫If that juicy pear is gooey,
Let's go find some chicken chop suey.
If that chicken chop suey is tough,
Let's go find some stroganoff...♪

That trailed off into giggle. "Well, I do think a juicy pear would be nice!" she mused aloud, rubbing the end of her snout. "I wonder if we have any..."

Comments

[thewisdomwithin]

"Ooh, yes! It's quite like that, you're right! And the twins are growing up so beautifully, too..." She patted her stomach very lightly. "I can't wait. I love this part, but once the baby's born... Oh, it's going to be wonderful. Oh! I have a question, though... Baby showers. That's something someone mentioned to Gobo, now, is that a shower I take now, or one the baby takes later?"

[moneymatters]

He looked at her for a long moment, then cleared his throat- to swallow his laugh. "No no dearie, a baby shower is another term for a type o' celebration. It's a party, generally involving the mother and her closest friends, who will bring gifts for the mother-to-be and her baby. Things like clothing, bassinets, bottles, and so on. Oftentimes there's also themed games to be played or food served, but on the whole it's like a ceremony to help the one or ones involved travel into parenthood."

[thewisdomwithin]

Mokey's eyes widened at this explanation, her smile growing wide. "A party? It's a party? Well, the others and I have to have one, then! After all, it sounds very Fraggleish!"

[moneymatters]

Alright, now he can let the laugh out. "Honestly lass, I'm surprised you and the others, being Fraggles, haven't had one already. I'm sure you'll have a fun time, though."

[thewisdomwithin]

"Well, there's been so much to prepare! Red made the most darling helmet for the baby to wear when it plays, and Boober is being very conscientious about the baby having food, and Wembley-" She paused to stifle a laugh on her end, now. "Well, he tried very hard to help me with the list of names when I asked him, but it actually ended up being longer after that."

[moneymatters]

He chuckled softly, thinking to himself that that all sounded about right. "Seems like all of you have plenty of those preparations well in hand, at least."

[thewisdomwithin]

Mokey nodded. "We do! Gobo and I are so lucky to have all the help we've got," she observed happily. "Like you said, the baby will be surrounded by love."

[moneymatters]

He nodded, smiling. "Aye, that they will. Startin' with two of the kindest, most generous people I've ever had the pleasure to meet."

[thewisdomwithin]

Mokey just looked at him for a moment, smiling brightly, then got down off her chair and came around to hug him as best she could manage.

"Thank you, Uncle Scrooge... Thank you."

[moneymatters]

He smiled, scooping her up into that hug, as warm and loving as any to his direct kin. "You're welcome, Niece."

[thewisdomwithin]

A sniffle as she snuggled up against him. After the tender moment, she carefully got down to the floor. All of this was so nice, and also so emotional, which left her a little tired... Ah. There was an idea.

"I'll see you later, Uncle Scrooge," she said softly, waving before heading out of the room and up the stairs with no further explanation - though she had a feeling he'd know her intentions.

She was sure to be quiet as she crept into the room where Gobo rested on a silly creature-sized bed, and stayed as such as she slid in to sit in the bed beside him. She probably didn't need to be quiet, of course, with how knocked-out he was. She lifted his hand and placed it over her stomach, and let her eyes fall shut.

[gobetween]

Gobo was asleep mostly on his front, still seemingly so unaware of the world. He at least seemed to be slumbering peacefully, tucked in with the blankets and pillows. He didn't stir as Mokey climbed in with him, though once she moved his hand...

After a few moments those fingers spread, then gently tightened against her. He moved, only just enough to tuck his snout up against her warm body, near where she had placed his hold, and he breathed in deeply before letting out a long, contented sigh, still deep asleep but subconsciously feeling her, knowing she was there. And somehow, now, he seemed to be sleeping that much more peacefully than before.

[thewisdomwithin]

She slept well, and for quite some time, too, but Gobo was still out when she awoke. She was hungry, but he looked so peaceful. Between fear of waking him if she stirred, and just wanting to be in this moment with him... She couldn't bear to get up. Instead, she ran a hand over his own, on her stomach, lightly petting him.

[gobetween]

Gobo hadn't changed much in the period of sleep, save to change position so he was closer to Mokey. A look at his face and he still looked rather haggard and drawn, but at least he seemed peaceful at the same time.

Unlike the first time she touched him though, this time he actually did stir. His body tensed before he raised his head, looking around blearily. "Mmh... Where...?"

[thewisdomwithin]

A giggle and a whisper of, "Good morning, sleepyhead." were the initial responses. Was it the next morning? She thought it was, and looking out the window would have likely helped if she could have brought herself to look away from Gobo.

"We're in our room at Uncle Scrooge's."

[gobetween]

He looked up at Mokey, and might've been surprised if he wasn't still feeling somewhat groggy. Or had had the thought that she'd been there all along. Not feeling up to supporting his own head at the moment, at least not until he woke up a bit more, he settled it in along Mokey's side. It would be so easy to just go back to sleep right now...

"Yeah, I remember Uncle Scrooge's." A soft, if muffled laugh. "I guess I must've fallen asleep in the kitchen."

[thewisdomwithin]

Mokey nodded a little, trying not to move too much and bother him. "You did. You weren't supposed to drink both the teas together, I think is what he said. How are you feeling?"

[gobetween]

"Like I could sleep for a hundred years." Another soft chuckle; his hand patted her stomach gently, in lieu of looking up at her. "How're you feeling?"

[thewisdomwithin]

Another light giggle. "I'm very comfy. It's okay if you need more sleep, but when you're ready, I'd like to talk about everything, hmm? Uncle Scrooge and I had a very- enlightening conversation, ourselves, and... There are some things I want to say to you. Good things."

[gobetween]

He thought about that a moment or two, then streeeetched and pushed up, rubbing his eyes momentarily with the back of his wrist. "No, no, I should probably get up anyway, at least for a little while." Already he was feeling hungry and thirsty and whatever else; just how long HAD he been out? He glanced up, smiling at her. "I would like to talk."

[thewisdomwithin]

Mokey's smile turned a bit bittersweet, then. "Gobo, first of all, I'm so sorry for trying to make you step back. Uncle Scrooge helped me see that that's not what you need right now at all - but I should have known it myself, in the first place. You always feel better when you're helping out or doing something. I meant well, but that doesn't mean I was right."

[gobetween]

"It's alright, Mokey." His voice was soft, and not entirely because he was still tired, but his smile stayed on his face as he shook his head some. "I should've said something too. Trying to rest always made me feel more anxious, and then I stressed out about not being able to sleep, and it was a whole vicious cycle."

[thewisdomwithin]

"No, it's not your fault, Gobo," she sighed. "Though what's important is that now we both know that part, I suppose. And now, well, I know some ways we might be able to make things easier for you. That's important, too. Getting involved with me and the others' everyday things- Do you think that could help? And of course, more baby things, too! I learned about that baby shower, and Gobo, it's a party! Isn't that nice? If you wanted, we could have one of those. Maybe it would keep you busy for a bit?"

[gobetween]

He listened to all of that and rolled it around in his mind, finally nodding after a long moment.

"I think all of that sounds great, Mokey. And probably just what I need so I'm not stressing out so much about this."

[thewisdomwithin]

Mokey gave his cheek a little pat. "I'm so glad. And if it doesn't help, if you need something else, you just tell me - or anyone. Okay? Even if you don't know what else will help. We can help you figure it out."