Even now, two years after Destiny, the sound of thunder made her jump.

Once upon a time, Belle had loved storms. She'd sit by a window, book in hand and divide her attention between the words and the flashes of lightning. Even now she appreciated their beauty and power, but after years in space the sheer noise made by such an ordinary thing caught her off guard.

She came awake immediately at the first crash, and as always it took a moment to remember where she was- a house, not a spaceship, with windows that reflected so many fewer stars. Beside her, Nick stirred restlessly, slinging his arm around her as he made an inquisitive noise, still not entirely awake.

"Storm." She patted his arm, and he grumbled, rolling away from her and waking up further. They both knew what was coming next.

She smoothed the covers as he retrieved the pillows that had been knocked to the floor during the night, and they exchanged a wry look as they verified they both had clothing on. Getting into the habit of putting nightwear on after making love had been difficult, but necessary.

"Mommy?" The bedroom door creaked open as their five year old daughter slipped in. "Liam's scared of the thunder."

In the dim light, Belle could make out Cailyn's hand wrapped firmly around her little brother's- born nine months to the day after they reached Earth which had been a bit embarrassing- who still had his eyes mostly closed, clearly not the slightest bit bothered by the storm. For the first three and a half years of her life, the concept of 'weather' had passed Cailyn by, and even now their daughter reacted to things like rain and wind with a combination of delight and apprehension that reminded Belle of just what their little family had gone through in order to obtain this seemingly-ordinary life.

"Better climb in then," Nick grumbled at the girl, the sheer love in his voice audible over his exhaustion and mock irritation.

Cailyn lunged for the bed, dragging Liam with her whose toddler feet could barely keep up, and they were going to have to have another talk about the importance of 'gentle.' By the time the next crash of thunder rang out, their babies were snuggled between them, Cailyn plastered to Nick's side while Liam's head wound up planted uncomfortably between her breasts.

"Typical male," Nick smirked, flicking Cailyn's nose when she looked up at him for an explanation.

"Takes after you," Belle retorted, shifting the boy to a more comfortable position as he started to drool. She missed Destiny at times. Things had been- not easier, not with a baby on a ship that was barely equipped to meet adult needs- but simpler. All they'd had was each other and the quest for home. Now there were things to deal with like play-dates and home repairs and the public school system which Nick was not handling at all well.

Outside the wind was beginning to pick up, and Nick pulled the quilt up over her shoulder, reaching over Cailyn to touch her face. Belle leaned into the caress, smiling at her husband. He still worked too hard, still growled and snapped when interrupted, but he was home for dinner every single night and read to their children at bedtime.

Thunder crashed, but it was warm and quiet and safe in this cozy nest of pillows and quilts. Nothing in the world could be simpler than a family huddled together, taking shelter from a storm, and although this was nothing like any future Belle had ever envisioned for herself, she found it was all she needed.