The Phoenix Ghost

Dr. Pookie, Scratch That, Dr. Heart

'The worst part is knowing that they've caused me to second guess myself. Did I misjudge their characters? Am I not as intuitive as I believed in choosing who to love? Did I misjudge everything I thought we'd meant to each other?' Sang wiped her eyes, irritated to be crying over the Blackbourne team again,

'And it has stopped me from admitting I do feel something more for our Toma boys. More than just attraction. The men who've, frankly, picked up the Blackbourne's slack. And the worst is knowing I've stopped you and I from possibly finding happiness together with men who have shown us nothing but loyalty and love. Damn them!' Sang threw back her shoulders angry with herself,

'Enough.' Eyes full of fire and determination, she looked at her sister's eyes reflected in the mirror,

'Tonight after we return from my graduation celebration dinner, you and I will sit down with our men and tell them how we feel and that we want to be open to seeing where our feelings go.' Iris kissed her sister's cheek gently, feeling pride in her resiliency,

'Whatever you need, sissy. You know I'm ready but your feelings come first because if you're not ready, then this will not work for any of us. Are you sure you're ready?' Iris watched Sang's face for any sign of uncertainty,

'I'm sure.' Sang' face and eyes showed her resolution and even better, her hopefulness. Iris smiled widely. Sang was finally starting to heal.

'Ty v poryadke, spitfayr, mama medved?' (Are you ok, spitfire momma bear?) Raven had taken to cuddling Sang on his lap as part of their morning routine.

He was resting his hands on top of her baby belly, hoping to feel the fluttery movements within. This tactile behaviour from Raven had started when Iris had to go out of town to complete the final part of her boot camp induction into the Academy and the Tomas, less Kevin, had discovered how bad Sang's nightmares could be.

From that point on, the boys took it in turns sleeping in the king sized bed with both Sang and Iris to prevent Sang's nightmares. Frankly if the bed were bigger, they'd sleep two or more at a time with the twins.

That hadn't been enough for Raven and Axel though. Raven cuddled Sang while they ate breakfast daily and Axel would cup her face in his hands to check her eyes to satisfy himself that she was rested sufficiently to be allowed to start her normal 18 hour day.

There had been days he'd vetoed her going out of the house, if he thought she was risking her health. Dr Roberts and Mak quickly learned to support these vetos as they realised Axel was right. Sang's health always came first.

Sang smiled softly at Raven, 'YA v poryadke, mishka. Spasibo, gor carinv, dostatochno sprosit'.' (I'm fine teddy bear. Thank you for caring enough to ask.) Raven grinned in pleasure at Sang, kissing her nose,

'Vsegda.' (Always.) Though Sang smiled, her eyes darkened for a moment as she remembered others who'd said 'Always,' and then betrayed the implied promise,

'YA ne oni, malen'kiy plevok.' (I'm not them, little spitfire.) Raven reproached Sang gently. She smiled widely at him,

'I know and I'm so grateful, honest!' Axel walked over to conduct his morning check. Pleased with what he saw, Axel also gave Sang's nose a buss (a quick playful kiss).

Iris smirked devilishly, she knew what was coming next and shared a conspiratorial look with Sang. Not one Toma missed the interaction and sat up at attention when Sang continued speaking directly to Axel,

'Actually, Iris and I need to call a family meeting tonight after we come back from the restaurant. Would that be alright?'

Axel searched Sang's eyes and then Iris', there didn't appear to be any negativity or anxiousness attached to their request, 'That would be fine. We need to discuss the fall out from the Coaltar assignment and talk about the practicalities of the redecoration of the babies' room anyway,'