Authors' note: This one is all Darla/Hans/Liam. Enjoy!
While RJ and Audrey enjoyed the rest of their morning together, Drew was trying to begin the day. She'd left Darla upstairs in their office while she grabbed a quick breakfast for them at the coffee shop. She ran into her mother on the way back upstairs. "Mum, what are you doing here?"
"I thought I'd drop by for a visit," Luna replied.
"To check in on Darla, you mean," Drew said.
"Yes," Luna confessed.
"Come on up with me, then," Drew said smiling at her.
Luna put an arm around her daughter. "How are Brian and Chloe?"
"They're great," Drew replied. "Brian and I went out for dinner last night and Chloe was able to spend all night with Saffy."
"I bet she loved that," Luna smiled.
"She did," Drew said. "She loves spending time with 'Sassy'."
"She is too much," Luna shook her head.
"How's Daddy?" Drew asked.
"He's at home," Luna said. "We have two new children coming next week."
"So he's making sure everything's ready?" Drew asked.
"If not eating everything in the kitchen," Luna said dryly.
Drew laughed and held open the door for her mother. "Darla...look who's here!"
"Darla?" Luna called. The two women heard retching sounds coming from the loo.
Drew winced. "That's not good."
"Morning sickness," Luna nodded. She conjured up a glass of water for her daughter.
Darla walked out of the loo a few moments later, looking quite pale. "Mum..."
"Hi sweetheart," Luna said, handing her the glass.
"Thanks," Darla said weakly.
"I've got some crackers here," Drew offered.
Darla nodded. "That'd be great."
"The joys of pregnancy," Drew said, reaching into a drawer.
"Oh yeah," Darla said sitting down. "This is a real joy."
"It'll be worth it when you see your son for the first time," Luna assured her,
"Hans and I came up with a name," Darla said taking the crackers from Drew. "Rafe."
"Rafe?" Drew asked. "That's cute!"
"I love it," Luna agreed.
"We wanted something different, but not odd," Darla explained, nibbling at a cracker.
"How is Hans?" Luna asked gently.
"Okay," Darla shrugged.
"Just okay?" Luna asked sitting down beside her.
"It's so strange, Mum," Darla said. "He's all sweet and attentive when he's home, but when I try to ring him, he's so abrupt. It's like he can't wait to get off the phone with me."
"She hasn't heard from him since Monday when she left him a message," Drew told Luna.
Darla sighed. "I just don't know what else to do."
"You'll work things out," Luna said patting her on the knee. Darla nodded and set her glass down. "I'm going to go and splash some water on my face..."
When she stood up, she suddenly felt very dizzy and before Luna or Drew could do anything, Darla fainted.
Drew gasped. "DAR!"
"Darla!" Luna exclaimed, kneeling down. "Sweetheart!"
"I'll get her healer," Drew rushed to the fireplace.
Luna felt her daughter's forehead. Darla's skin was so cold. "Sweetheart...please...wake up."
It seemed like a half hour, but was really only a few minutes for Drew to contact Liam Thornhart, who rushed over.
"What happened?" Liam asked.
"She had morning sickness," Drew told him. "And then she got up to go splash some water on her face and she fainted."
"How long has she been out?" Liam asked Luna.
"About five minutes," Luna replied. She had flashbacks of Allison during Emma's labour and she told herself not to go there.
Liam dug into his case for a potion and then gently lifted Darla's head.
Luna and Drew watched as he parted Darla's lips and slowly poured the potion into her mouth.
Darla coughed as the foul tasting liquid burned her throat.
"Thank Merlin," Drew said in relief.
"What happened?" Darla asked dazedly.
"You fainted," Liam replied helping her sit up.
"What are you doing here?" she blinked.
"Drew called me over," Liam said.
"Oh," Darla rubbed at her forehead.
"Have you been taking your vitamins?" Liam asked her.
"Every day," Darla nodded.
"And eating like you should?" Liam asked.
"I've been doing several small meals a day, just like you told me," Darla said.
"I'm going to check your blood pressure," Liam said reaching into his bag.
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Luna asked anxiously.
"No, thank you," Liam said. Drew held her sister's hand as Liam checked her vital signs.
"Everything seems normal," he said after a few minutes. "Your pulse is a bit fast-- are you under a lot of stress for any reason?"
"My husband and I are still having problems," Darla said quietly.
"Lots of them," Drew said.
"Drew," Darla said looking at her sister.
"It's true, Dar." Drew replied. "You have to be honest."
"I think you're a little dehydrated, too," Liam said. "This is common with morning sickness. I'd like to check you into St. Mungos for the night. Just for observation, of course."
"All night?" Darla asked warily.
"Just for a few hours," Liam said. "Just to be on the safe side. You fainted, Darla."
"I'll take care of everything here," Drew told her twin.
"I'll go and grab some things from your house," Luna said.
"Okay," Darla said.
Liam packed his bag. He offered Darla his hand. "Slowly..."
"Thank you," Darla said quietly.
"I'll leave word at the front desk as to what room she's in," Liam told Drew and Luna.
"Thanks," Drew told him. "Especially for coming here so fast."
"Your sister didn't give me much choice, did she?" Liam asked with a grin. "She appeared in my office and grabbed me by the arm..."
Darla gave a weak smile. "Come visit me later?"
"Of course," Drew promised.
"I'll get you admitted in," Liam told her.
"Is this really necessary?" Darla asked Liam.
"Yes," he nodded firmly. "Just to be on the safe side."
"I've never liked hospitals," Darla confided.
"It's only one night," he reassured her.
"One night," Darla said holding on to his arm. "One night."
"I'm just going to have them run some tests on you and the baby," he said.
"Everything's going to be okay, right?" Darla asked nervously.
He patted her arm. "I'm sure you'll be fine. I just like playing it on the safe side."
She hadn't seen him since that night he'd stopped by to give her the vitamins. "I'm sorry about the ways Hans behaved. You know, when you stopped by..."
"I should have owled them over, or rang you first," Liam said. "I'm sure he was surprised at some strange bloke on your doorstep."
"He's not usually like that," Darla said in his defence. "He's under a lot of stress, too."
"And I don't want you under any stress," Liam said firmly.
"Yes, sir," Darla said wincing as they entered St. Mungos.
"This way," he led her up to the desk and had her checked in quickly.
A few minutes later, she was in a hospital bed in a private room. She listened as Liam talked with the nurses about what tests he wanted.
Darla closed her eyes and let her head rest on the pillow.
"Don't worry," Liam told her. "This will be completely painless."
"I hope so," Darla muttered.
Liam sat down in the chair beside her bed. "So why don't you like hospitals? From what Lizzy tells me, you've been in them quite a bit with all those nieces and nephews..."
"Just... they're so sterile and cold," Darla said.
Liam nodded knowingly. "I can certainly see that."
"You don't seem to mind them." she commented.
"You kind of get used to them when you spend most of your day in one," Liam said with a grin. "But, I'll let you in on a little secret. I used to get sick at the sight of blood."
Darla had to smile. "Really?"
"Yeah," Liam said rolling his eyes. "My first day at University, we had to shadow a healer. Well, he was doing his rounds and we came across this patient who had stabbed himself with his wand. The next thing I know, I'm getting helped off the floor..."
"He stabbed himself with his WAND?" Darla asked incredulously.
"Oh yes," Liam said. "He said he fell on it, but I had my doubts..."
"Some people..." Darla shook her head.
"Oh the stories I could tell you," Liam said. "You wouldn't believe the crazy things people do to themselves..."
"Tell me another one," Darla said, already feeling herself relaxing.
"Let's see," Liam thought for a moment. "Well, I'm sure you've heard the excuse that the dog ate your homework, right? Well, this one patient of mine must have been nine years old and his teacher sent home a letter saying that he'd misbehaved. Instead of giving it to his parents, he ate the letter."
Darla's jaw dropped.
Liam laughed. "The poor lad begged me not to tell his mum."
"What did you do?" Darla asked.
"I said that he'd eaten paper, but I didn't tell her what the paper said," Liam told her. "I couldn't."
"That was nice of you," Darla said softly.
"I was in his shoes before," Liam said. "I didn't eat the letters they sent home to me ma. Probably should have...."
"Why's that?" Darla asked. "I'm sure they weren't bad..."
Liam laughed. "Ask my primary school teachers. They'll tell you. But, let me guess, you were a good little girl, right?"
"I was a shy little girl," Darla said.
"You were?" Liam asked.
"Very," she nodded. "I outgrew it."
"Which is a good thing in your line of business," Liam said thoughtfully.
"Oh yes," Darla nodded.
"I imagine you have some stories of your own," Liam said.
"A few," Darla said. "Recently we had a bride who wanted to dictate how her bridesmaids were to look for the wedding. She told them they weren't allowed to gain or lose weight, cut or colour their hair, and if they wanted to change their makeup regime, they had to run it by her first."
Liam gaped at her. "No way..."
"She even told me and Drew if we were to attend the wedding- which we always do, to make sure things run smoothly- that we had to wear robes or dresses approved by her."
"You've got to be kidding," Liam said shaking his head.
"I wish I was," she said dryly.
"Is that what they call a 'bridezilla'?" Liam asked.
Darla laughed. "Exactly!"
Liam grinned. "Textbook case, eh?"
"You know it," Darla shook her head. She relayed a few other tales to Liam.
"You should write a book," Liam told her.
"That would be fun," Darla nodded.
"And I can say I knew you when," Liam grinned.
"Before I was famous," Darla joked.
A nurse knocked on the door carrying a tray of food. "Just as you requested Healer Thornhart."
"Thank you," Liam stood up and took the tray.
"What's all that?" Darla asked.
"Your dinner," Liam answered.
"Thank you," Darla said sitting up as he wheeled the tray table over to her. "That's quite a bit of food."
"And I'd like you to eat it all," he told her.
"You're quite pushy, you know that?" Darla asked him reaching for her fork.
"People say it's one of my finer qualities," Liam grinned.
"Like your primary school teachers?" Darla asked.
"We won't ask them," Liam joked.
Darla laughed. "Just you wait. Next time in Ireland, I'm going to have a visit with them and get all the dirt on you, Liam Thornhart."
"I bet you'll be surprised at what you dig up," Liam told her. "Now eat."
"Yes, sir," Darla said, taking a bite of her chicken. "This is actually quite good..."
"Especially for hospital food," he sat back down.
"Not as good as the diner though," Darla smiled at him.
"Definitely not," Liam agreed.
"Do you want some of this?" Darla asked and laughed at the stern look on his face. "Okay, okay. It's all mine. I was just offering to be polite."
"I just want your baby to get the best nourishment," Liam told her.
"Me too," Darla said.
"Glad we're in agreement there," Liam nodded.
Luna knocked on the door. "Sweetheart, I'm sorry it took me so long."
"Hi Mum," Darla said.
"Hello, Mrs. Weasley," Liam said.
"I'm afraid we didn't have the best introduction," Luna said. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Healer Thornhart."
"It's nice to meet you," Liam said shaking her hand. "Lizzy has told me so many stories about you, I feel like I know you already."
Luna laughed. "I hope they're all good."
"They are," Liam said laughing, too.
"I can stay with you for a little while," Luna told her daughter. "Drew's coming by later with Chloe, and your father said he'd drop by after dinner."
"It's really not necessary, Mum," Darla said. "I know you have to get ready for the kids..."
"You're my baby," Luna said.
Darla smiled at her. "Thanks, Mum."
"I've got to get back to the office," Liam said. "I'll be stopping by later after they administer the tests to let you know about the results."
Darla nodded. "Thank you for everything."
"Anytime," Liam nodded before ducking out of the room.
Luna set Darla's bag down and took Liam's vacated seat. "How are you feeling really, baby?"
"I feel better now," Darla told her mother.
"I'm glad," Luna said. "You gave us quite a scare."
"I'm sorry," Darla said as she finished her meal.
"I tried ringing Hans," Luna said.
"You didn't get through," Darla stated.
Luna shook her head. "I'll keep trying."
Darla shrugged.
"I'm sure he'd be here if he knew," Luna said.
"I don't know," Darla said. "He wasn't even here for the ultrasound."
Luna wanted to say something else, but she didn't want to cause her daughter any more stress. "How was your meal?" she asked instead.
"Surprisingly good," Darla said.
"For hospital food," Luna said touching her daughter's cheek. "I know you don't like being here, but maybe this is for the best. You can get some rest and think of nothing but that little boy."
"I know," Darla nodded.
"I have big news to tell you," Luna said. "Your baby brother is moving in with Audrey. And Saffy is moving in with Andrew."
"Really!" Darla said.
"Oh yes," Luna smiled. "You should have seen him this morning. He was so happy."
"Junior's pretty serious about this one, isn't he?" Darla leaned back against her pillow.
"Very," Luna replied with a grin. "She's a good girl. She can keep him on his toes."
Darla had to smile. "Good. I like Audrey."
"They both told me to send you their love," Luna said.
"That's sweet of them," Darla shifted on the bed.
"Are you uncomfortable?" Luna asked her. "Let me fluff your pillows..."
"Thanks," Darla said.
Luna stood up and fluffed Darla's pillows. "I know it's not your bed at home sweetheart, but it's the best place for you right now."
"It's only one night," Darla said.
Luna smiled. "You've certainly changed your tune about hospitals."
"I still hate them," Darla said. "But I can handle one night."
Luna kissed her daughter's forehead. "That's my girl."
At the front desk, Liam was going over some charts with the head nurse.
One of the younger nurses gasped when she saw the man standing at the counter. "Oh Merlin! It's him! He's sooooo handsome! Hans Feinbach...."
Liam turned to see his patient's husband coming into the lobby.
Hans took off his sunglasses. "Excuse me? I'm looking for Darla Feinbach. Is she here?"
The nurse gaped at him.
"Hello?" Hans asked impatiently.
"Y-you're gorgeous," the nurse stammered, blushing.
Hans grinned. "Thank you, love."
"Beg your pardon," Liam interrupted. "You're looking for Darla?"
"C-can I have your autograph?" the nurse asked Hans.
"Sure," Liam said. "Do you have something to write with?"
Liam cleared his throat and gave the nurse a look.
"Sorry," the nurse said quietly. "I'll just go and see if those lab results are ready, Healer Thornhart."
"Thank you," Liam said shortly. He turned back to Hans. "Follow me. I'll take you to Darla's room."
"Thanks," Hans said following him. "Is it always this bright in here?"
"It's a hospital," Liam replied.
"Right," Hans said. "I was in a club when my agent called to let me know Darla was here."
Liam silently led him down the corridor and pointed towards Darla's room.
Hans reached into his pocket for his wallet and gave Liam a couple of bills. "Thanks, mate."
Liam stared at the money. "No thanks."
"I know it's American, but Gringotts will change it for you," Hans said.
"No," Liam shoved the bills back at him. "I'm a Healer. I don't take tips."
"What's your problem?" Hans asked angrily.
"Just go in and see your wife," Liam said coolly.
Hans glared at him before he stepped inside Darla's room.
"Hey, babe," Hans said grinning at her.
"Hans?" Darla asked in surprise.
"In the flesh," Hans said walking over to her bed. "I got Luna's message and I came straightaway."
Darla reached for his hand. "I'm glad."
"How are you?" Hans asked sitting down on the edge of her bed.
"Okay," Darla said as Luna retreated into the loo. "I passed out."
"Is everything okay?" Hans asked.
"I think so," Darla nodded. "They're going to run some tests."
Hans leaned over and kissed her. "Nothing's wrong with Rafe, right?"
"I hope not," Darla said softly.
"He's strong like his mum," Hans said squeezing her hand.
"I'm so glad you're here," Darla said.
"Would I let my girl go through this by herself?" Hans asked. "Absolutely not."
Darla moved herself over. "Come lay by me."
"Just as long as you promise not to take advantage of me," Hans teased.
Darla laughed. "For now..."
Hans slide carefully into bed beside her.
"That's better," Darla leaned against him.
"I was going to call you back today," Hans said feeling guilty that he'd ignored her last few phone messages.
"I've missed you," Darla closed her eyes.
"I missed you too," Hans said kissing the side of her head.
"Will you stay?" she asked.
Hans didn't answer her.
"Hans?" she asked softly.
Luna came out of the loo and smiled as she looked at her daughter and son-in-law. Perhaps she had worried for nothing.
"I--I can only stay for an hour," Hans told her.
"An hour?" Darla asked.
"I'm shooting an ad," Hans said.
"Oh," Darla deflated.
"I'm sure they'd understand if you had a family emergency," Luna said, not wanting to interfere, but she couldn't stop herself.
Hans looked over at her as if she were a stranger.
"Something could be wrong with the baby, Hans," Luna said. "You should be here to reassure Darla."
"I'm making money so Darla and the baby can afford to live a good life," Hans said.
"I'd really like it if you stayed," Darla said quietly.
Hans sighed. "Let me see what I can do."
"Hans, would you mind stepping outside with me?" Luna asked him. She didn't give him a chance to answer as she grabbed him by the arm.
"That hurts--" Hans complained.
"Mum," Darla called out, but Luna didn't hear her. She yanked on Hans arm and pulled him out of her daughter's earshot.
"Now, you listen to me and you listen well," Luna began. "My daughter does not need to deal with this kind of stress. She fainted today because she's been dealing with so much of it, she can barely function!"
"What stress?" Hans asked.
Luna looked murderously at him. "What stress? What stress? Are you kidding me?"
"Look I'm very busy," Hans said.
"You're very busy," Luna said clenching her fists.
"Making money, so Darla and Rafe can have a good life," Hans replied angrily.
"You don't care about them at all, do you?" Luna retorted. "If you did, you'd be here with her every step of the way. Even if she was in New York, she'd be going through this alone, wouldn't she? You'd be at some party or at some photo shoot. This isn't about them at all. This is about you and what you want. Nothing else."
"That isn't true," Hans argued.
"Then prove me wrong," Luna hissed at him. "If you can't do that, don't step back into that room. She doesn't need this."
"I can stay for an hour," Hans told his mother in law.
"Oh, that's fantastic!" Luna said sarcastically. "We wouldn't want to put you out!"
"Mum..." Darla called from the room.
"If you'll excuse me," Luna pushed past him.
"Mum please," Darla said quietly. "He's here. Don't drive him away."
"I--I think I'm going to check in with your father," Luna said. "I'll give you and Hans some time alone."
"Thanks," Darla reached for her mother's hand.
"I love you," Luna said softly. "I only want what's best for you."
"I know," Darla told her.
Luna shot a warning look at Hans before she left the room.
"That was really uncalled for," Hans said once Luna was gone.
"She's just concerned," Darla said in her mother's defence.
Hans only shook his head.
"What kind of ad are you shooting?" Darla asked him.
"Cologne," Hans answered.
"That's great," Darla said trying to sound enthusiastic.
"Dar, it's a fantastic ad," Hans said. "It's a commercial. I'm going to be on television!"
"Is it an outdoor shoot?" Darla asked.
"Yeah," Hans answered.
"Well, tell me more about it," Darla said. "I'd like to know."
"Well it's with the same girls I posed with in the underwear ad," Hans said.
"Katya and Michaela, right?" Darla asked.
"Right," Hans nodded. "I'm this guy they're lusting after at a party, because of the cologne I'm wearing."
Darla smiled. "I'm sure that's going to be fantastic."
"It will be," Hans nodded, grinning at her.
"When will it start airing?" Darla asked.
"I'm not sure yet," Hans said. "I'll find out later."
"You'll have to let me know," Darla said. "We can watch the premiere together!"
"Sure, babe." Hans agreed.
"Excuse me," Liam said coming into the room. "We're just going to set up a monitor for the baby's heartbeat."
"Sure," Darla pushed herself up.
"The shoot will probably be a couple of hours," Hans said. "I can see about coming back afterwards if it's not too late."
"You'd do that?" Darla asked.
Hans shrugged. "I'll see. I can't make any promises."
Darla closed her eyes and laid back.
"Excuse me," Liam said to Hans. "I need to reach her."
Hans stood back and glared at him.
"I ate all my food," Darla said to Liam. "Like a good little girl."
Liam grinned. "Glad to hear that."
"Well, I have a very stubborn and firm healer," Darla said. "I don't want to be on his bad side."
"That's good advice," Liam teased her.
"I'm just going to check in with the photographer," Hans said. "I'll be right back."
"Sure," Darla replied.
Hans stepped outside while Liam set up the monitor. Darla grinned when she heard her son's heartbeat fill the room. "You know? That's becoming my most favourite sound."
Liam grinned too. "Once you hear it..."
"It sounds good, doesn't it?" Darla asked.
Liam nodded. "You have a healthy boy."
Darla closed her eyes and smiled. "He's healthy."
"Very," Liam nodded. "That's an excellent heart rate."
Darla beamed at him. "Liam..."
"It's pretty incredible, isn't it?" Liam smiled at her.
"It is," Darla said instinctively reaching for his hand.
Liam squeezed her fingers as Hans walked back in the room.
"Dar?" Hans asked looking at the two of them. "What's going on?"
Darla smiled. "Listen, Hans. That's the baby's heart..."
Hans stopped in his tracks. "That's Rafe?"
"That's him," Darla grinned. "Liam says his heartbeat is healthy."
"Wow," Hans said. "That's... that's..."
"Incredible," Darla finished for him.
"Yeah," he admitted.
Liam stood back suddenly feeling like an outsider. He wanted to give the couple a chance to experience this together, even though, he didn't think Hans Feinbach deserved it.
Darla reached for her husband. "That's our son, Hans."
Hans kissed her. "That's our boy."
Darla's eyes welled up with tears.
"Babe, don't cry," Hans said softly.
"I can't help it," Darla whimpered.
There were tears in Hans' eyes too as he listened to his son's heartbeat. He sat down on the edge of her bed.
Darla watched him. This was the husband she had married- and the man she had fallen in love with.
"Rafe Feinbach," Hans whispered. "Listen to you."
"He's so perfect," Darla sobbed.
"Sweetheart," Hans said putting his arm around her.
"I know," Darla wiped her eyes.
"Now, we'll need to listen to your heart," Liam said stepping forward again.
"Okay," Darla said.
Liam listened to Darla's heartbeat while a nurse took her blood pressure. "Darla, your blood pressure is rather high..."
"What does that mean?" Hans demanded.
"High blood pressure can be dangerous for the mother and the baby," Liam tried to explain. "I've read through her charts and this wasn't a pre-existing condition. But, some women develop it during their pregnancy. We'll want to monitor it and do what we can to prevent preeclampsia."
Preeclampsia?" Darla asked in a panic.
"It's okay, Darla," Liam told her. "We can monitor this and do what we can to keep your blood pressure down."
"Are you sure?" Darla asked, her hand on her stomach.
"Yes," Liam nodded. "Lots of mothers have this."
Darla felt slightly reassured.
"But they're going to be okay, right?" Hans asked. "She and the baby?"
"Long as we have regular visits, then yes." Liam said. "I can keep track of things that way."
"Maybe we should have Lizzy take a look at this," Hans said.
"Liam is just as good a Healer as Lizzy," Darla said.
"Thank you, Darla," Liam said. "But, if you'd feel more comfortable with Lizzy..."
Darla shook her head. "No, I want you."
Hans clenched his fists.
"I'll start you on some meds that will regulate your blood pressure," Liam said reaching for her chart. "And we'll keep watch overnight. Tomorrow, if everything checks out okay, we can release you, but I want you to take it easy the next few days."
"Okay," Darla agreed.
"And don't worry about this," Liam told her. "You let me worry about it, okay?"
"I'll try," Darla promised.
"I'll be right back," Liam told her. "I'm going to start you on those meds."
"Okay," Darla agreed. "Thanks."
"I still think we should change healers," Hans said when they were alone. "Lizzy's the best there is, Darla."
"I like to stay with one throughout whatever I'm going through," Darla said stubbornly. "Lizzy understands."
"I don't like him," Hans said.
"You don't have to," Darla replied.
Hans decided to drop it for now. He didn't want to upset her.
"Hans," Darla said. "I'm just glad you're here. It makes me feel better than I have all day."
"Darla," Hans said. "I--I have to go..."
"Hans you just got here..." Darla complained.
"The shoot," Hans said. "I'm sorry---"
Darla sighed.
"I'll be back as soon as it's over," Hans promised.
"Sure," Darla looked away.
"Your mum is here and I'm sure Drew will be here soon," Hans tried to reassure her.
"Of course," Darla still didn't look at him.
Hans squeezed her hand. "You're not even going to notice I'm gone..."
"Just go if it's so important," Darla replied.
"Darla---" Hans started to say. "Come on..."
"You can't even stay with your wife and son," Darla said.
"I can," Hans said. "I just---I have to go for now."
Darla didn't say anything else, just closed her eyes.
"I love you," Hans said putting his hand to Darla's stomach. "You and Rafe."
Darla's eyes filled with tears again.
"I'll be back," Hans said. "I promise."
"Okay," she whispered.
Hans gave her one last look before he hurried out of the room.
Darla bit her lower lip as Liam came back in.
"I've got---Darla?" Liam asked.
"Yeah?" she wiped her eyes.
"Are you okay?" Liam asked gently.
"I'm fine," Darla said.
"You are a horrible liar," Liam said sitting down beside her bed. "I saw your husband..."
"Don't worry about it," Darla said quietly.
"Okay," Liam said handing her a glass of water and two capsules. "Take these."
Darla swallowed them without a word.
"They'll help you sleep," Liam told her. "This is the best thing for you right now."
"Right," Darla nodded.
"I can stay until your mum gets back," Liam offered.
"You don't have to--" Darla began.
Liam sat down. "I know I don't have to. I want to."
"Thanks," Darla said softly.
"I should be thanking you," Liam said. "If it weren't for you, I'd be in some boring staff meeting right now. Listening to people drone on and on about how onion root could possibly prevent the common cold."
Darla laughed. "Are you serious?"
Liam nodded. "I wish I wasn't. The last one of those lasted six hours with no break."
"That's awful," Darla grimaced.
"So, no matter how much you beg and plead for me to let you sit in on one," Liam said with a grin. "I'm not going to put you through that."
"Somehow I'll survive," Darla replied.
"I'm sure you've had to sit through some boring meetings in your job," Liam said leaning back in his chair.
"Not so much boring, but just... eventful," Darla replied.
Liam laughed. "Well, I might like to sit in on one of those."
"You'd have a better time," Darla grinned.
"Without a doubt," Liam grinned back at her. He was happy to see her feeling calm and relaxed again. "So, what was it like growing up with all your brothers and sisters?"
"Crazy," Darla replied. "Jon and Josh, when we were young kids, used to switch on me and Drew."
Liam laughed. "Really? And you never figured it out?"
"Oh we did," Darla answered. "And we gave it back to them."
"So, you and Drew used to switch, too?" Liam asked.
"We did," Darla nodded. "We used to be completely identical."
"You didn't do that to your poor boyfriends, did you?" Liam asked her and laughed when Darla couldn't look at him. "Darla. I thought you were a shy, innocent little girl. And here you are pulling tricks on poor, unsuspecting blokes..."
"It was only a few times," Darla blushed.
Liam shook his head.
"You're intrigued," she said. "I can tell."
"Very," Liam replied. "Tell me."
Darla laughed. "It was during Hogwarts. Drew and I were seeing these blokes from Ravenclaw... and one Hogsmeade weekend we decided to switch and see if they could figure it out."
"Did they?" Liam asked.
"Nope," Darla shook her head.
"How thick can you get?" Liam asked. "I mean, you and your sister might have been identical, but there are differences..."
"You notice?" Darla asked. "I mean... we both wore our hair the same back then, but we look different now..."
Liam nodded. "You have a gold tint to your eyes. And your eyes crinkle at the corners when you laugh and when you're more reserved than your sister..."
Darla blushed. "I can't believe you noticed that..."
Liam turned red, too, when he'd realised what he's said. "I--I'm very observant."
"That's why you're a good Healer," Darla told him.
Liam smiled at her. "Thanks."
Darla rubbed her stomach. "Rafe's getting hungry again, I think."
"I can ask the cafeteria to send something," Liam told her. "What would Rafe like?"
"Surprise us," Darla said.
Liam grinned. He pressed a button just above her bed. A hologram of a witch appeared. "Yes, Healer Thornhart?"
"Mrs. Feinbach would like the special," Liam told her.
"Coming right up," the witch replied.
The hologram disappeared and Darla looked at Liam. "The special?"
"You wanted to be surprised," he said with a grin.
Darla laughed. "So I did."
"You won't regret it," he promised. "If you do, I'll buy you something else."
"I'm holding you to that," Darla said. "In fact, I'd really like it if you ate with me. It's the least I can do to thank you for what you did."
"Are you sure?" Liam asked.
"Weasleys very rarely share their food so you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth," Darla replied.
Liam laughed. "All right then. I'm honoured. But I insist on a second dinner- you need all your nourishment."
"Yes, sir," Darla said giving him a salute with her hand.
Liam got back on and ordered himself something to eat and the kitchens promised to send up the meal with Darla's.
Luna stood just outside the door. She'd arrived back a few minutes earlier and was happy to hear her daughter's laughter. What surprised her though was that Hans wasn't in the room anymore. Darla was laughing with Liam.
"I'll get you some water," Liam was saying, taking the cup from her table.
"Thank you, Healer Thornhart," Darla said in a pitch-perfect imitation of the cafeteria witch.
"Very funny," Liam disappeared into the loo as Luna came into the room.
"Hi, Mum," Darla said smiling at her. "Is everything okay?"
Luna nodded. "You look much better now, baby."
"I'm feeling much better," Darla said. "Is everything okay with Daddy?"
"He's fine," Luna nodded. "He'll be by in a bit."
Liam came back into the room and handed Darla a glass of water. "Mrs. Weasley. Can I get you anything?"
"No, thank you," Luna replied.
"Liam ordered something for me called 'the special'," Darla told her mother. "I'm a little concerned, but he's promised that I'll like it."
"If you don't like it, you know your father will eat it," Luna told her.
"She's going to love it," Liam said just as the witch appeared with a covered tray. "Ah, thank you, Millie."
"That does smell good," Darla admitted, pulling herself up into a sitting position.
Liam lifted the lid on the first plate. "Shepherd's pie."
"Ohhh," Darla said. "Yum!"
"Vegetables," Liam lifted the next lid. "And last but not least, treacle tart."
"You weren't kidding," Darla said, grabbing her fork.
"Oh, ye of little faith," Liam teased.
"Very funny," Darla attacked her meal hungrily.
Liam laughed. "That's what we like to see."
"We're going to enjoy every bite," Darla said.
"Are you sure you don't want anything?" Liam asked Luna.
"I had something at home," Luna said. "You two enjoy your dinner."
Darla practically swooned as she took another bite of her dinner. "This is absolutely amazing."
Liam smiled. "Good to see you eating it all. I'm sure Rafe is enjoying it as well."
"He loves everything, except for radishes," Darla winced. "They do not agree with me at all. I even got nauseous the other day when mum wore her radish earrings."
"Really..." Liam said.
"I was wondering why you were looking at me so strangely the other day," Luna said laughing.
"I felt silly saying something," Darla said sheepishly.
Luna sat down at the foot of her daughter's bed. "You can tell me anything," Luna said patting her daughter's leg.
"I know," Darla said.
Luna watched the two of them as they ate dinner and talked and joked with each other.
She sensed a closeness between her daughter and this Healer and wondered what it might mean for Darla's relationship with Hans.