Slader was shaking. Gowther pushed his glasses up his nose and rubbed Slader's shoulder. The blue haired man was tense all over, and it was no wonder why. Slader hadn't been in labour for very long, but it was already proving difficult. He was barely getting a break from the pain of the contractions due to the pain in his back. He was nearly completely silent- only occasionally grunting softly.

"Are you alright?" Gowther asked quietly.

"Fine." Slader whispered.

The pair slipped back into silence. Gowther didn't know what to do to ease Slader's obvious pain. He was just laying on his side, curled up around his swollen belly on the huge bed in the bedroom of Liones castle.

The Sins had returned to Liones for the birth of their child, to make sure Slader was as comfortable as possible. Bartra had been more than welcoming and insisted on providing the pair with a room in the castle for however long they wanted it for. He was delighted that Slader had found someone to share his life with- even though Bartra was still unsure about Gowther himself.

Bartra was also glad the Sins were sticking around, as it had brought his daughter home and the Sins had agreed to resume their positions as Holy Knights of the kingdom. So for the time being, the Boar Hat was situated on the edge of Liones. Slader had insisted on spending most of their time at the tavern until he neared the due date and wanted to stay close to the castle.

Slader had been overtaken by a viscious nesting instinct in the last leg of the pregnancy. It had gotten to the point where Gowther couldn't move anything in the room without Slader snapping at him. The doll didn't understand his partner's compulsions, but accepted them all the same. It was better than distressing Slader more.

A quiet knock on the door roused Gowther from his thoughts. A quick glance at Slader showed no reaction to the entry request, his back to the door.

"Come in." Gowther called out.

The door slowly opened with a creak and Merlin stepped into the room. "How is everything in here?" she asked softly and closed the door behind her.

"It is... slow." Gowther replied, rubbing Slader's shoulder.

"I see." Merlin said. She sat down on the bed and pressed a soft hand to Slader's lower back. He whined lowly in response.

"Hello, Slader." She greeted softly

"Big sister." He greeted back, his voice just as quiet.

"How are you feeling?" Merlin asked.

"Wretched." Slader moaned. "Everything hurts."

"I know." Merlin hummed. "And how are you feeling, Gowther?"

Gowther blinked in confusion. "I am fine. I'm not experiencing any pain."

Merlin just hummed again before turning back to Slader. "Can you move for me? I think a change of position might help."

A quiet sound like a whimper escaped Slader's clamped jaw before he nodded. "I- I think so."

He sounded hesitant and made no effort to move on his own, so Merlin took him by the shoulders and moved him gently into a sitting position. He gritted his teeth and reached for Gowther. Gowther obediently shuffled closer and allowed Slader to settle against him. The doll's arm wrapped around Slader of their own accord. He was struck by how vulnerable the normally impeccable knight was was; without his mask or sword and crumpled in pain. The thought brought a strange stabbing sensation to Gowther's chest.

"Now, Slader, can you tell me where it hurts?" Merlin asked.

Slader nuzzled into Gowther before answering. "Abdomen. And back. My back hurts a lot."

Merlin brushed a hand along Slader's temple, sweeping hair back from his face. "I see. Does the pain in your back come and go with the contractions or is it constant?"

"It gets worse with the contractions," Slader croaked, "But it doesn't go away."

"The contractions stared at approximately 6 'o' clock this morning and have progressed to coming every 19 minutes, lasting for 37 seconds." Gowther chimed.

Merlin nodded to him. "Thank you, Gowther. I think laying down will make the pain worse. I want to see how you feel about trying other positions."

"If you say so, Big sister." Slader sighed. He shifted away from Gowther and struggled to stand. Merlin and Gowther quickly moved to his sides to help him heft himself up. Almost as soon as he was upright, he crumpled under the onslaught of another contraction.

"Easy, Slader." Merlin hummed.

The Holy knight didn't respond. He lowered himself to his knees, leaning his torso on the bed. For a long moment, the only sounds in the room were Slader's ragged pants.

"This is easier," he said, in barely more than a whisper, when the contraction had passed, "Thank you, Big sister."

"Don't thank me. I did nothing." Merlin chided as she sat back down on the bed, rubbbing Slader's knuckle gently.

Gowther sat down on the floor next to his partner, his hand on Slader's shoulder. "Are you comfortable? The floor is very hard."

"Fine." Slader grunted.

Gowther pondered for just a moment before kissing Slader's temple and standing. He walked over to the cupboard and pulled out a blanket, which Slader had rejected in his reorganization of the room. The reasonings behind the descion still eluded him, but Gowther decided it was sufficient enough for what he wanted.

"Here, kneal on this. It will be much more comfortable for you." He said as he set it down on the floor.

Slader blinked at him sluggishly. Then he smiled, just a tiny upwards quirk of his lips. "Thank you, Gowther."

With the Goat Sin's assistance, Slader shifted onto the blanket. Gowther was right; it was much more comfortable. He just hadn't cared enough. Labour was daunting and consuming all his thoughts. Trying to turn his mind to anything else was just too much effort.

A pair of cold hands slid beneath the fabric of his shirt and started kneading. Slader moaned in relief. The pressure worked against the pain and Slader leaned into it gratefully.

"Is this better?" Gowther asked.

Slader just nodded, resting his head on the mattress. Merlin's hands moved from his knuckles to his messy hair. The tender ministrations were almost too much. The pain was still there, but having Merlin and Gowther there made everything better.

"Thank you." he whispered.

Then he felt himself tensing. It was a slow, creeping feeling and it filled him with a nervous anticipation. The pain in his back shot through him. There was nothing slow about it; it twisted sharply within him. His teeth were knashing together as he clenched his teeth against the tide.

Merlin's hand faltered in his hair and he grabbed her arm, clutching tightly. If he hurt her, she showed no sign of it. She just continued stroking his hair with her free hand. Gowther kneaded into his back even harder.

"I hate this." Slader whined through the pain.

"I know." Merlin said.

"It will be over soon." Gowther soothed.

Slader managed a sarcastic snort. "It's been only four hours. It will be a long while yet."

"Labour typically lasts for eight to twelve hours, so you are anywhere from half to a third of the way through," Gowther mused, "So comparitively speaking, there isn't all that long left."

Slader let out a frustrated groan and gave a feeble pound with his fist on the bed. Gowther looked to Merlin for an explanation, but the mage just shook her head.

"You're doing very well, Slader." She said softly.

Slader looked up at her with tired eyes. "Am I?" He sounded painfully disbelieving, letting his head drop onto the mattress.

"Yes, you are. Don't you trust me?"

"That's not playing fair." Slader complained, raising his head yet again to glare balefully at Merlin.

"She's right, though." Gowther added. "You are performing a very gruelling and physically difficult process. You are doing exceptionally well."

"Just keep doing what you're doing, and maybe I'll believe you." Slader replied.

"You should ask Escanor for a massage. He is exceptionally good at it." Gowther suggested, to Merlin's smirk.

"It's nearly noon. I think not. And I hope I'll have the baby out by nightfall." Slader said, rubbing his belly lovingly. One of Gowther's hand's joined his, tracing the taut skin.

"You will." Gowther promised.

Slader rolled his eyes, but smiled softly. "Don't make promises you can't keep. The baby will come when it's ready."

Gowther gave a thoughtful hum, storing the information away for later. Then Slader hissed as the next contraction took over him. The strange twisting returned yet again to Gowther's chest as he watched Slader flinch and pant through the pain. Time seemed to stop in the room until the contraction had passed. Slader's head was bowed and his face was masked by his hair.

"Are you alright?" Gowther asked.

"Yes." Slader croaked.

Merlin conjuered a bowl of water and a cloth. She set it down on the bedside table and dipped the cloth in the water. Gently lifting Slader's face and pushing his hair back, she dabbed at the sweat beading on his forehead. Slader responded with a grateful hum. "That's nice."

Merlin smiled. "Good. I wish I could make this easier for you."

One of Slader's hands unclenched from the bedsheets to squeeze her wrist briefly. "Don't be. I'm fine. You said it yourself after all."

"That I did."

"If it makes you feel any better," Gowther said, "That contraction was only 15 minutes after the last and it lasted for 51 seconds. You're making good progress."

"Good." Slader sighed.

The three slid into a comfortable silence. Slader seemed to be dozing. He was in far too much pain to sleep, but also so drained that he couldn't keep himself aware. He let himself focus on what his body needed to do, what his was feeling, and how to cope with it all. But most of all, he wondered about his baby; would it be a boy or a girl, be more like him or Gowther, woul it follow in their footsteps as a Holy Knight, would they even be good parents... A tiny grunt escaped his lips as he wrangled his thoughts back under his control. He needed the single minded determination and focus that had made the Dawn Roars so deadly. That was how he coped.

"Slader," Gowther's voice pulled him back to reality, "It's been an hour. You should move."

Slader just gave a disinterested grunt but let Gowther and Merlin to pull him to his feet; much to his dismay. His legs were shaky and stiff and leaned heavily on Gowther.

"Walking will help, Slader." Merlin said, her hand resting on his back.

Slader just grunted. The pain in his back was steadily getting worse, despite Gowther's best efforts. He didn't want to move- he just wanted to curl up and stop existing. But Gowther and Merlin coaxed him into making slow laps around the room. He was draped over Gowther's shoulders, head resting in the crook of the doll's neck. Merlin was at his side, patiently rubbing his back and stepping forward with him.

They had a point though; the walking was helping. He could feel the baby shifting downwards. He was partly glad that the baby was moving but he also wished it would stop. It was getting harder to move, the pain was getting worse and he couldn't deny that he was scared.

"Come on," Gowther encouraged, "One more step."

"Alright..." Slader moaned and moved along with Gowther's steps.

"Are you feeling alright, Slader?" Merlin asked.

Slader nodded wearily. "Fine. Just... tired."

"I know."

The three of them had been walking around the room for nearly an hour, when Slader collapsed against the dresser, hissing out his breath.

"I- I need to stop now..." He whimpered.

"Alright," Merlin soothed, "Do what you need to."

When the contraction passed, Slader struggled back to the bed and crawled into it. He curled up on his knees around his belly, his head bowed and hands fisted in the sheets. A strangled whine escaped his lips. Gowther sat down behind him and leaned his forehead against Slader's back.

"That contraction occurred 13 minutes after the last and lasted for 57 seconds. You are progressing well."

"Am I?" Slader croaked weakly.

Merlin sat in front of him and ran her hand through his matted hair. "Yes, you are. Now, you've been labouring for 5 hours. I need to check your dilation. May I?"

Slader nodded slowly and and uncurled himself. Submitting to Merlin's will, he let her position him against the pillows without argument.

"Gowther, move." He ordered.

"Huh?" Gowther blinked owlishly from his place by Slader's leg.

"You're not looking at that." Slader replied sternly.

"Why not? We have engaged in intercourse numerous times, so I have seen your-"

"Gowther!" Slader snapped.

Gowther shifted obediently next to Slader against the pillows. Merlin just smiled amusedly and placed her hand on Slader's knee.

"Can I remove your trousers now?" She asked as she draped a blanket over his lower half.

Slader nodded. Instead of removing them with magic, she slid the loose sleep trousers over his hips. Slader shuddered slightly and turned his head into Gowther's shoulder.

"You're alright Slader." Merlin murmured softly.

"I know." Slader whispered. He knew he was fine, and there was nobody he trusted more than Merlin and Gowther: but he couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability.

Merlin pulled the trousers off fully and pushed his legs apart. "You're three centimetres dilated."

Slader groaned in despair into Gowther's shoulder. "I'm never going to get this baby out."

Gowther nuzzled Slader's hair comfortingly, knowing what made his partner feel better. "You will. I promise."

Then the agony of another contraction overtook the labouring knight and Gowther found himself being nearly crushed by Slader's tight grip. He said nothing and just put his arms around Slader's shoulders.

"I need to stand up." Slader groaned. He scrabbled for his trousers and attempted to tug them on. Merlin deftly slid them up up.

Slader nodded his thanks before awkwardly attempting to stand. He only got halfway. "I need help." He grumbled.

Merlin and Gowther were instantly at his side and helping him to his feet. He made his way back over to the dresser and leaned against it. Gowther pressed his hands to Slader's lower back. A relieved groan escaped the knight.

"Is this better?" Gowther asked.

"A little." Slader croaked. In truth, the pain was getting worse and Gowther's efforts weren't having as much effect. But he didn't want Gowther to know that.

Merlin pushed his hair to the side to wipe at the sweat on his neck with the damp cloth. He sighed. "Thank you."

"Anything that helps." She said.

"It does." Slader assured. Then he clamped up and succumbed to the next contraction. He swayed from side to side, leaning into Gowther's touch. "It's getting worse..." he gritted out. "I don't know how much more I can take..."

His hair was falling to hide his face again and he was shaking. "It hurts."

Once again, Merlin pushed Slader's hair back. She grasped his chin and turned him to face her. "I know it hurts, Slader. I know it does. But I also know you and I know that you can do this. And I'm never usually wrong, am I?"

Slader stuttered silently for a brief moment, before hoarsely croaking out, "No, Big sister."

She smiled. "Exactly. You can do this."

"Alright..." Slader sighed. There was a defeated tone in his voice that gave way to resolve. He retook his stance braced against the dresser and readied himself for the next one. He remained as silent as ever, but he found the energy to ride through it again.

The minutes ticked away, giving away to hours. Slader trooped valiantly around the room. He leaned heavily on whatever was closest when the contractions struck; the dresser, the walls, the bed posts, Gowther, the wardrobe, Merlin. Anything and everything in reach. Despite how hard moving was, it was made the process more bearable. It kept his mind busy and away from focusing on the pain. It also helped manage the pain. Lying down was nearly unbearable. He'd come to dread the half- hourly examinations Merlin gave him to check his progression. He would be lead back to the bed and coaxed into lying down. He ha long since given up on lying flat on his back as it made the pain so much worse. He had to lie on his side: preferably with his head in Gowther's lap while Merlin checked him over.

By 1'o' clock, his contractions were coming every 10 minutes and he had dilated to 4 centimeters. It wasn't much, but it was something. Slader was just grateful for that much.

The room was quiet. None of the three were talkative people, so, aside from Slader's ocassional grunts and moans and his companions' soft platitudes, they worked in a comfortable silence. Slader was grateful. One of his biggest fears about the birth was that it would become one of the loud, chaotic experiences he had heard about from others. If he went out without his mask or weapon to make himself seem unapproachable and intidmidating, then he was inevitably approached by some other parent, eager to share the anecdotes. Their usually horrible, complaing anecdotes about the horrors of giving birth.

He was just thankful that he didn't have that. He had the two people he trusted more than anyone else and they let him follow his instincts and do what felt right for him. Truthfully, he hadn't anticipated Merlin appearing- much less staying. But he was glad she had. Everything seemed so much easier and calmer when his elder sister was giving the instructions.

When Merlin checked Slader's dilation at 2 'o' clock, she announced with a smile that he'd progressed to 6 centimeters. Slader let out a relieved laugh, and even Gowther had an excited shimmer in his eyes. The doll gently eased Slader up to stand. Before the knight coul take a step, he let out a tiny surprised gasp. The others didn't have time to ask what was wrong before he said, "I think my waters just broke."

He looked down morosely at his sodden pyjama trousers and the puddle on the floor beneath him.

"It's alright, Slader." Merlin soothed. She snapped her fingers and the puddle vanished. "Gowther, if you could help him find some clean clothes."

"Of course." Gowther said and gently tugged Slader towards the wardrobe. "Come on."

Slader managed a small grin as he leaned against Gowther, while the Goat Sin fished a fresh pair of pyjama trousers out of the wardrobe. A glance over his shoulder had revealed that Merlin had turned her back to them and Slader felt strangely relieved. He awkwardly tried to slip his pyjamas off while keeping at least some of his dignity. However the combination of his belly and his back were not making it easy.

"Here, let me help," Gowther said, pushing the wet garments of Slader's hips and helped him step out of them. "Lean on me." The doll instructed as he helped Slader into the clean pair.

"Thank you." Slader said, and nuzzled into Gowther's hair. The doll smelled wonderfully clean, while he himself was a sweaty mess.

As if reading his mind, Merlin appeared at his side and dabbed the wet cloth against his forehead. "It won't be long now." She murmured.

"I hope so." Slader sighed.

They continued their slow and steady trek around the room. After another half hour, Slader was lagging. The contractions were increasing in intensity and every step felt like a monumental effort. Merlin and Gowther were practically carrying him.

"Stop-" He wheezed, "I need... I need to stop."

"Alright." Gowther said mellowly, "Where would you like to go?"

"Down," Slader moaned, nodding his head at the blanket still on the floor. Gowther took most of his weight and helped him make his way to the blanket and down onto his knees.

Instead of kneeling against the bed, Slader dropped onto his hands and breathed a sigh of relief. Gowther sat down cross legged alongside him on the floor, while Merlin perched on the bed.

"Are you more comfortable now?" Gowther asked.

Slader nodded. "As much as I can be."

"Good." Gowther said and kissed him on the forehead. "Then that's all that matters."

That was how the next few hours passed. Slader stayed steadfast on all fours; he'd found a comfortable position and he would not be moved from it. Gowther and Merlin let him be and continued with the massages and cloth washes in turn. The only times Slader moved was to roll onto his back to allow Merlin to check his dilation. Once she finished, he would labouriously turn over again. Gowther and Merlin tried to convince him that he didn't have to. But he insisted.

Dusk was starting to settle, casting shadows across the room. Merlin snapped her fingers and lit several candles across the room. Slader shuddered his way through the next contraction, panting hard, sweat beads rolling down his face.

"How much longer can this go on for?!" he growled visciously.

Gowther winced with as much sympathy as he could give. "Not long. Your contractions are coming every two minutes and lasting for 1 minute. And at Merlin's last check, you were 9 centimeters dilated. You're nearly ready to deliver."

Slader coughed. He looked a little pale. "I- I'm going to be sick-" he choked out as powerful nausea swelled in his throat, crawling its way up.

Merlin quickly placed a bowl under him. Slader coughed and dry heaved, without bringing anything up. He shook violently with the fit. Gowther was rubbing circles on his back, while Merlin held his hair back. He still brought nothing up.

"Easy, Slader." Merlin soothed.

"You're alright." Gowther added.

Slader spat into the bowl and groaned. "I won't miss that when this is over- ugghnn-" His voice cracked and broke under the onslaught of the next contraction. He tucked his chin into his chest, his jaw clamped tightly.

"You haven't eaten since dinner last night." Gowther remarked worriedly. "You need to save your strength."

" 'M fine-" Slader ground out between pants. His hands were digging in painfully to the floor. He didn't care.

When the contraction finally passed, Merlin tilted his head upwards and held a glass to his lips. "Slow sips." she commande.

Slader did so, and moaned at the cool water slipping down his throat. Then he groaned and curled in on himself. "Gow- Gowther, help m- hggrhh- help me turn over..."

Gowther did so and helped Slader turn himself over. The labouring knight leaned his back against Gowther's chest and spread his legs, bracing his heels against the floor. He tucked his chin to his chest and steeled himself. An instinct was clawing it's way throughout his entire body- one he couldn't ignore.

Suddenly, he realised Merlin was kneeling infront of him. She had draped a blanket over him and removed his trousers.

"You're fully dilated. This is the final stretch now." she said.

A sob built his chest and he struggled to force it back down. It had been so long, and he was so tired. His stinging eyes blurred with moisture. He couldn't see Merlin clearly, even though she was right in front of him.

"Slader?" Gowther spoke up. His cold finger wiped away a tear trickle from Slader's cheek. "What's wrong?"

The sob escaped Slader's throat before he spoke. "I- I'm done. I'm so- tired..." The exhaustion in his voice was palpable. He felt like he had no strength left at all. He wanted to give up.

Gowther said nothing, just nuzzled into Slader's neck. Merlin took Slader's hands in hers and rested them on his swollen bump.

"Slader, listen to me. You can do this. You will do this. Do you understand me?"

Slader just stared at her. Then he gritted his teeth and bore down with just the slightest, shrill whine.

"You're pushing." Gowther stated.

Slader just groaned. It was a deep, rasping sound from deep within his chest.

Merlin spoke again, squeezing his hands tighter. "Do you see? You're already doing it. You know how to get this baby out and you will be a wonderful father. I believe in you, Little brother."

Slader blinked. And nodded. "Alright then... Big sister."

Then he was pushing; throwing everything he had into it. Silent grunts punctuated his efforts, but he was as quiet as ever.

"Well done, Slader," Merlin encouraged, "Keep going."

He broke in a round of ragged panting as the contraction passed. Then he threw himself into the next one. And again. And again. Exhausted groans made their way past his jaws as time wore on. He didn't speak: reserving every last speck of energy for pushing. Gowther had wrapped his arms around Slader's chest and his grip was getting tighter and tighter with each contraction.

"Slader- I'm- I'm sorry." He muttered, pressing his face into Slader's messy hair.

"Why?" Slader gritted out through a contraction.

"Because I suggested the idea of having a child. I thought that if we did, our love would be more secure and complete. But instead, I've just put you through this pain. I should've never suggested it, or I could've carried the baby myself. This is my fault and I'm sorry."

"Oh, Gowther," Slader sighed, leaning his face into the crook of Gowther's neck. "It's my fault. I agreed to do this. I'm a carrier; it was more logical for me to carry the baby."

"But-"

"If it's not my fault, or yours, is it Big sister's for creating the spell which- ghhuhg- let us o this in the first place?" Slader continued breathily.

"No-"

"No one is at fault, my sweet Gowther. It's a natural process, a part of life; just not a pleasant one."

"Okay then." Gowther sighed, submitting defeat.

Merlin smiled at them. "Well said, Slader. Now let's get this baby out."

Launching into the next push, Slader pushed with renewed vigor. He was tired. No, he was exhausted. He was sore and aching. He wanted to hold his child. He wanted to just be with his partner. He wanted to be a family.

"I can see the head." Merlin declared. "Another one just like that, Slader."

Slader did so; his love and his sister were by his side and his child was nearly into the world. He felt like he could do anything.

"Well one. Keep going."

"One more, just one more."

"You're nearly there; it's nearly over."

A scorching feeling shot through him and he let out an agonised groan, long and loud.

"The baby's crowning, Slader. The head is nearly out. Now push again, gently this time."

Slader threw his head back against Gowther's chest and growled. But he did as Merlin asked. And the pain faded. The baby slid out. And... nothing.

"Merlin..." Gowther breathed, voice tight with worry.

Slader couldn't see what was going on, couln't see his baby over his own belly. "Big sister, what is it? What's wrong?"

"The cord is around his neck." Merlin replied in a clipped tone.

Slader grabbed hold of Gowther's arm and squeezed. He couldn't breathe. Was this this kind of overwhelming terror people felt under his magical power? It was unimaginable. Gowther was deathly still behind him.

"Come one, little one." Merlin said. She deftly unwound the cord and rubbed the tiny body. "Don't give up on us just yet."

A whimper cut the silence. Then a squeal. Then a scream. And three relieved breaths.

"Give him to me. Please..." Slader begged, his arms reaching out for his baby.

"Of course." Merlin settled the tiny, bloody, squaling baby in Slader's arms. The baby looked even tinier compared to Slader.

"Gowther... we have a son..." Slader laughed euphorically, staring down at the brand new life in his arms. He had done it. He had his son. And his son was alright. He was perfect.

"Yes. His hair is purple." Gowther said, but Slader could hear the joy in his voice.

"Really? That's what you notice?" Slader smiled.

"It is a very distinctive feature." Gowther said, stroking a finger down the baby's cheek. "Hello, baby. I'm your father. This is your other father. And your aunt Merlin."

"Does he have a name?" Merlin asked, smiling broadly.

"I like Xavier." Gowther said hopefully.

Slader rolled his eyes lovingly. "His name is Xavier."

"That's a beautiful name," Merlin said, "I'm proud of you both."

"Thank you, Big sister."

"We appreciate everything you've done for us." Gowther added.

Hours later, with the afterbirth safely delivered and Slader finally retired to bed to rest. Merlin had left the new family alone, after making them promise to call her if they needed. Slader was tucked into bed, leaning against Gowther. The doll was lying on top of the covers, the swaddled baby in his arms. Slader's head rested tiredly against his shoulder.

"He's beautiful, isn't he?" Slader remarked.

"Yes, he is." Gowther agreed. "You should sleep now. You were in labour for 13 hours and it took an hour to push him out. You're exhausted."

"Oh, I am." Slader sighed, "But I want to spend a little more time with him."

Gowther kissed his forehead. "Alright then. We can stay up."

The pair drifted into silence. Gowther wasn't sure if Slader was awake or not. Xavier was wriggling in his arms slightly. A warm feeling swelled in his chest. He didn't know what to make of it. Until a thought struck him and then everything made sense.

"Gowther? Are you alright?" Slader mumbled sleepily.

"Yes. I just realised... I don't need a heart to feel emotions after all. I love you and I love Xavier. Maybe that's all I need."

"I love you and Xavier, too, Gowther."

"That's good. Now, go to sleep."