#It’s giving my wife is my mommy and my life would be in shambles without her

[stuckinapril]

Male patients who will literally call their wives to verify things like their med list grate on my nerves SO much……. Are we 12

[ellewritesathing]

(Un)Requited  -  I.L. II

Summary: Isaac Lahey had gone through many twists and turns in his life, but none of them compared to the whiplash he got when you asked him to tutor you. With a few weeks until the end of the semester and the big dance coming up, he’s hoping to figure out a way to ask you to go with him before it’s too late.

Masterlist Prev. | Part 2

Word-count: 3.3k+

A/N: i’m sorry for taking forever to update this but!! here we are!! i hope you guys enjoy it!! 💕💕

“Life coaching?” Derek repeated, looking up from his book for the first time all morning. He hadn’t interrupted Isaac once or shown any sign that he was listening, and then all he said was two words.

Isaac tried to be offended by his tone, but honestly, the idea was a little ridiculous. He couldn’t blame Derek for thinking it was a dumb idea, especially after hearing thousands of dumb ideas from Erica and Boyd over the years.

“Yes. Life coaching,” Isaac said, folding his hands neatly in his lap. 

“I think it’ll be good for him,” Erica said, grabbing an apple off the table. She started cutting it with a knife as she spoke, “I mean, it’s obvious that his life is in shambles.” 

“Hey!” Isaac said defensively. It was true but she didn’t need to say it. 

Erica shrugged and offered him a slice of her apple. 

“Yeah, that was a little harsh,” Boyd said as he slid his oatmeal bowl away from him. Isaac was going to thank him but then he continued, “It’s only obvious to us because we live with him.” 

“Hey!” Isaac whined. 

Erica laughed and ate a slice of her apple, talking through her full mouth and offering cut pieces to Boyd. Their lighthearted bickering soon devolved into a fight, with threats of claws coming out and knowing comments about what would happen when the other slept. Isaac tried to be cool and calm about it, but Erica knew exactly how to push his buttons. 

“Look, it doesn’t matter what you guys think anyway,” Isaac said eventually, arms crossed over his chest and breakfast untouched. “I’m doing it.” 

Before Erica could snap at him, Derek got up and drew all the attention to himself. “Is it going to interfere with our plans?” 

“No,” Isaac answered immediately. At least he didn’t think it would. 

“Then do it…” Derek locked eyes with Isaac over an empty bowl of cereal that he was clearing away “-quietly.” 

Isaac figured he must have pulled a face because all three of them started laughing and Derek was telling him to lighten up and that he was making a joke. He had to pretty wound up if Derek I-Never-Smile Hale was telling him to lighten up, but Isaac picked up what he meant: Isaac could spend all the time he wanted with you, but his duty to his pack came first. 

Like you would ever want to get close enough to him to interfere with the pack, but a guy could dream. 

---

The week could not have possibly gone by any slower, but eventually it ended and all Isaac had to do was wait it out until Monday ended (which took forever). Then it would be Tuesday. Then he could talk to you again, because then it would be the first of hopefully many tutoring sessions.

The fact that Isaac planned all this out was kind of embarrassing - and he knew he could never plan enough when it came to you because you made him act like an even bigger idiot than he already was  - but is it so bad that he wanted to be prepared? That he didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of you? 

Now that he was sitting next to you, though, Isaac realized that he would never be prepared for you and he would never not embarrass himself. You were sitting next to him, looking like you just stepped out of a magazine shoot to boost literacy in teens; hands covered in ink, messy eraser shavings on the ends of your sweater, and deep lines of concentration on your face. And he couldn’t stop staring. It was embarrassing. 

“I’m not getting it,” you said in a quiet voice. You sighed and sat back in your seat, clearly frustrated. “I’ll just marry up. I hear trophy wives never need to do algebra.” 

Isaac laughed. “You’re not gonna be a trophy wife,” he said. He thought that would make you feel better but you raised an eyebrow at him. “Uh, I mean, of course you’ll be a trophy wife. You’re really hot- I mean. Anyone who ends up with you will be- I just meant that, you know, you’ll get this. You don’t have to-” 

Now it was your turn to laugh. And though he panicked at first, your laugh eased all of Isaac’s worries and he relaxed into his seat … until you put your hand on his arm and sat up. You looked at him with kind eyes and made his heart beat out of his chest. “Show me again?” you asked with a smile.

“Yeah, sure,” Isaac said once he started breathing again. “Okay, so-” he took the pencil out of your hand “-The problem you have is that you don’t carry over your coefficients. See? Like this.” 

When Isaac stole a glance at you out of the corner of his eye, you were biting your lip as you stared at his messy handwriting. Logically, he understood that you were trying to figure out the problem but irrationally he was cursing out his dad for breaking his hand because he was wasting too much time drawing comics. His handwriting had never recovered and he was convinced that you were staring at it and not the numbers on the page. 

“Okay, coefficients. Got it,” you said with a small nod after a few seconds that felt like lifetimes. “And I add them?” 

“No. Multiply.” 

“Huh.” You got so quiet that Isaac could hear you breathing. He could do that before thanks to his super-senses, anyway, but you were so close now. It was different. It made him more flustered when you were inches away. 

You reached over his arm for the hand that was holding the pencil and Isaac almost passed out. Were you trying to hold his hand? No, you were writing something. Should he let go? What was the protocol for this? 

“Like this?” you asked when you were done, not noticing his existential crisis. 

“Uh…” Isaac looked down and pretended to pay attention. Your handwriting looked perfect, but then again everything you did was perfect to him. “Yeah. Yeah, that’s perfect!” 

“I did it?” you asked, frowning at the page. Isaac laughed and nodded, mumbling something encouraging that he didn’t pay attention to. “I did it!” You let go of his hand and lifted both of your hands in the air in surprise. It was adorable. You were adorable.

“You did it,” Isaac smiled. He sat up straighter and started flipping to another section in the textbook. “Ready to tackle something new?” 

“No.” The words came out a little too fast and Isaac smiled at you again. “I just mean … I should practice this some more before we go on, right? Just to make sure.” 

Isaac closed the book and shrugged lightly as he leaned back in his chair. “If that’s what you want, then sure.” 

You laughed slightly at him and pushed some hair behind your ear. “You’re so sweet, Isaac. Thanks for this.” 

“Yeah, of course,” Isaac said. His voice had dropped to a quieter volume and you held his gaze for a few seconds. He wasn’t sure what he did but it felt like time slowed down for that split second. Isaac would have given anything to know what you were thinking.

You spent the next fifteen minutes doing practice problems, and Isaac spent that time trying to focus on his English assignment - a task made undoubtedly more difficult whenever your knee accidentally brushed his leg. Who cared about Hamlet and his mommy issues when you were right there? 

“Okay! Done!” 

You beamed as you slid the piece of paper over to him. Your smile fell as Isaac started checking your answers, but he could have told you that you had nothing to worry about. Even if every answer was wrong, you’d get it eventually.

After checking them all, Isaac looked up at you and smiled at how anxious you were. You were biting your lip and your eyes were double the size as you waited for him to give his verdict. 

“You’re going to be putting me out of business soon,” Isaac said, looking back down at the paper and sliding it over to you. 

You laughed again and Isaac felt his heart melt in his chest. He’d be dead by the time finals week came around.

“Speaking of business,” you said as you let out a breath after filing the practise questions. You shifted in your chair to look at him, drumming your fingers on the table lightly. “When do you want to get together for me to teach you about girls?” 

Your tone was playful but there was something in your voice that Isaac couldn’t place. That uncertainty, coupled with the fact that he’d forgotten that he asked you to do that, resulted in Isaac staring at you with wide eyes and a stumped expression. 

He realised he had to say something so Isaac sputtered out the first words that came to his mind. “Friday? After school?” 

“Don’t you have lacrosse practice then?” you asked. Isaac frowned slightly; he didn’t know that you knew he was on the team. 

“Oh, right. That,” Isaac said awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. You laughed again and Isaac used that time to think of something to say. The weekend felt too far away to suggest it. Even if it was just a day later than Friday. 

“I’ll tell you what,” you said with a smile as you started packing away your things. “I’ll sit in the stands while you practice. You can check my homework when you’re done. And then we can go to my place to talk things through. Sound good?” 

“Sounds great,” Isaac exhaled. He couldn’t believe this was working or that you offered to sit through his lacrosse practise and then spend the rest of the afternoon with him. 

“Perfect,” you smiled. You got up and shouldered your backpack, throwing a smile at him over your shoulder. “See you at practice, Lahey.”

God, did you just wink at him?

Isaac watched you walk away, and - once he deemed the distance to be enough - he slumped down in his chair and groaned. He was in way over his head. And he was only digging himself deeper. How was he going to get through practice without taking a ball to the face if he knew you were watching?

--- 

Lacrosse practice was going surprisingly well considering that Isaac had a heart attack every time he looked at the stands and saw you cheering him on instead of doing your homework. At least, Isaac thought it was going well until he saw the look on Coach’s face. 

“Lahey! What the hell has gotten into you?” 

The whole team was jogging back to the bench to be dismissed, and Isaac didn’t think he was that bad during the practice to warrant getting called out. Greenberg sucked way more than he did and Stiles can’t play for shit.

“Uh, I had something different for breakfast?” Isaac said uncertainly, turning his lacrosse stick over on itself as he spoke.

Coach looked at him like he was insane. Worse, actually: like he was Greenberg. But then he said, “Well, whatever that was you better keep eating it! You hear me? You were great out there!” 

“I was?” 

“This is why I’m not nice to any of you.” There was that glare again as Coach pointed his finger accusingly at Isaac. He shook his head and threw his arm in the direction of the locker rooms. “Hit the showers! You all stink!” 

Isaac started heading that way when he saw you running down the bleachers with a notebook in your hands. His heart beat faster than when he thought Coach was going to kick him off the team.

“You were great!” You were beaming at him again. “I think. I know more about algebra than I do lacrosse.” 

Isaac laughed. “Well, maybe I could show you how to play sometime,” he said with a small smile. He felt strangely at ease now that you were next to him. 

“I’d like that,” you smiled, voice quiet again but still smiling. “Uh, do you want to check this before or after you shower?”  

“I can do it now.” Isaac sat on the bench and read through your practice problems. “You missed a few but most of them are good. Solid B- work.” 

"B-?” you repeated. 

Isaac’s heart spiked. Was he supposed to lie to get you to like him? Was he supposed to just say everything was right?

“That’s great!” You took the notebook and pencil, staring at the ones Isaac had marked wrong. You didn’t even look up at him when you spoke next. “Go shower, I’ll be right here when you’re done!”

Though Isaac was confused and a little distrusting while he showered and changed, he still felt good about the interaction. It was the first time you two had spoken and he hadn’t stuttered - that was a start. 

True to your words, you were sitting on the team bench when Isaac came out. You'd swapped the algebra homework for a book in the time he was gone and you didn't seem to notice him until he was right next to you. 

“Pride and Prejudice,” Isaac said after reading over your shoulder. “The one with Keira Knightley is my favourite.”

“Mine too.” You looked up at him with a smile and closed the book. Your cheeks looked slightly flushed, but that was probably from all the sun and nothing he’d done. It was gone an instant anyway. “Are you ready to go?”

Isaac nodded and you got up, shouldering your bag. He picked up the notebook that was lying next to your bag and held onto it as the two of you walked towards your car. 

“You carry my books, you’re smart, and like Pride and Prejudice?” you asked, nudging him with your elbow and giving him a smile. “Why do you need me to impress your dream girl? You seem like a real catch to me already.”

Isaac didn't know how to respond so he laughed and scratched the back of his head, mumbling something about not being so sure about that. He was quiet for most of the drive to your house, just stealing glimpses of you as you hummed along to the radio and giving you a quick thank you for giving him a ride when you stopped in the driveway. 

He stayed a few steps behind you as you walked up to the front door and unlocked it. You let him in and dropped your bag inside, shaking off your jacket and kicking off your shoes. You said he could do the same, if he was comfortable, and flashed him another heart-stopping smile. 

“I’ve just gotta feed Max,” you said. “Do you want something from the kitchen?” 

“Just some water,” Isaac said politely. 

“Sure thing.” 

You motioned for him to follow and he did. Isaac watched as you filled up a bowl with dog food, and no sooner had you set it down had an Australian shepherd come bounding around the corner and into your leg. 

“Hey, buddy,” you laughed, rubbing his back. “This is Isaac. He’s gonna be hanging around for a bit, okay? Hey, you’re not allergic to animals, right? It’s probably a little late to ask.” 

“Me? Oh, uh, no. Don’t worry about it.” Isaac smiled and bent down to stick his hand out but Max didn’t like that. He barked and you jumped. 

“Max!” You reprimanded him and tugged on his collar to keep him close to you. “Buddy, come on. Isaac’s a friend.” 

Max simmered down so, after apologizing a few times and offering to take him to the yard, you turned to grab some glasses from the cupboard and Isaac decided to make his move. The only way to get Max to cut it out was to show him who he really was. So, while your back was turned, Isaac flashed his bright yellow eyes at the dog and watched his demeanor change. 

Max let out a small whimper before padding over and curling up around Isaac’s feet. 

“See, buddy, I knew you’d like him,” you said happily when you turned to find Isaac and Max. You handed Isaac his water and crouched to pet Max. Looking up at Isaac, you said, “I’m so sorry. Max is usually never like that with strangers.” 

Isaac smiled, relieved that you didn’t suspect anything. “Yeah, no worries. We’re all good now.” 

“Yeah, you are.” You smiled at him again and rubbed Max one last time before standing up and getting ready to walk out of the kitchen. “I was thinking we could just go to my room and talk for today?” 

“You, uh- your room?” Isaac repeated, immediately reverting back to being nervous. He knew you obviously didn’t mean anything by it, but still. Erica and Cora were the only girls whose rooms he’d ever been in, and they both tried to kill him before he made it two feet in the door.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep the door open,” you said with a mischievous smile and Isaac mentally slapped himself for being so awkward. Then you added while the two of you were walking, “Plus, it’s not like anyone else is home,” and he tripped up the stairs. 

Luckily you didn’t say anything about his literal and figurative misstep. 

Isaac figured if he could just stop his heart from beating out of his chest, he might actually have a shot at pulling this off. That is, until he walked into your room and saw possibly the biggest, fluffiest, and angriest cat he’d ever seen. If Max had been a challenge, this cat would be a near impossible feat to get over. 

Isaac hovered at the door, not taking his eyes off the cat. “You have a cat?” 

“Oh, yeah.” You set your glass down and walked over to the bed, scooping up the ball of fluff. The cat made an upset sounding noise at being woken up, but started purring as soon as it realised it was in your arms. Jesus, that thing had to be bigger than your entire torso. “This is Magnus. I got him when Alex went off to college.” 

“Oh.” 

“You wanna pet him?” you asked, pulling increasingly adorable faces at the cat. You laughed when Magnus bonked his head into yours. “He’s a little grumpier than Max but he’ll warm up to you just the same.” 

“Uh, sure,” Isaac lied. He reached out a tentative hand and Magnus swatted it away, claws and all. He made a low growling noise and leapt out of your arms. 

“Ow!” You winced as Magnus jumped, clearly not expecting the abrupt motion. “Oh, my god, Isaac. Are you okay?” 

You reached for Isaac’s hand and he almost blacked out. The jolt of electricity that started where your fingers grazed his hand and spread through the rest of his body surprised him. You were holding his hand in both of yours, inspecting it gently.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I don’t think he got me,” Isaac said quietly. You were so focused that speaking any louder felt wrong. 

It also felt wrong to lie to you. Technically, Magnus had scratched him but it wasn’t deep so, in the seconds it took you to process what happened, the scratch had healed. Isaac was perfectly fine now.

You were still frowning at his hand, though, and Isaac worried he’d done something to mess it all up, that you could somehow sense he was lying. 

“Hey,” Isaac said gently, turning his hand around so he was the one holding your hand. Aside from the minor cardiac attack it caused, it felt good. Meant to be. “I’m fine. Promise.” 

“I could’ve sworn he scratched you,” you said, equally gentle and quiet. You shook your head and laughed under your breath. “You think I’m crazy now, don’t you?” 

“There is literally nothing you could tell me that would make me think you’re crazy,” Isaac laughed. If you knew half the stuff he’d seen since joining Derek’s pack … 

You gave him a small smile and squeezed his hand before pulling away. “So, you wanna get started?”

Part 3

Tagged: @ietss​  @lettherebelovex​

[sussexcraze]

Better than Roast Chicken [Harry and Meghan One Shot]

So…. I gave in and decided to write about Meghan spilling the baby news to Harry. I’ve been going back and forth on whether or not to make this because it is weird to retell real-life events of real life people, but all the ideas have been bugging me and I wrote this one shot because my fluffy and sappy heart can’t take it we all love a royal baby. I totally understand if you don’t like reading works like these; feel free to scroll past this! But if you’re up for it, I’ve put it under the cut!

Even before entering the Royal Family, Meghan always prided herself in her ability to ground her emotions and to stay calm in a spectrum of situations. Whether it was her grueling acting days or her trusty yoga routine to thank for this, Meghan knew that a clear head and a calm and collected mindset have aided her in treading through anything thrown at her with such grace.

Up until moments ago, however, the ever composed and unperturbed Meg was now a complete and utter mess.  

It took her three pregnancy tests - and a solid 10 minutes just staring into nowhere - before it sunk in that she was pregnant. There’s a baby in my tummy,she thought. I’m going to be a mother. Harry’s going to be a father.

As she laid on their bed, Meghan’s thoughts were everywhere. Harry was out on a meeting for their Oceania tour, so she was home alone. Without her husband to listen to her litany of commentaries, Meghan was in shambles trying to sort the wave of thoughts that were bombarding her. Her mind flew straight to the tour - she knew the news of her pregnancy would affect it drastically. It’s been planned for months, Meg, she tried to convince herself. They’ve probably forecasted all possible situations and have prepared a dozen of backup plans.

“Have they been so forward thinking as to expect a pregnancy, though?” Meghan muttered to herself. As ecstatic as she was about her little bean, she would be sorely disappointed if she was advised to forego the big tour.  

Her worry lines went even deeper at the dilemma of who to break the news to first. She was itching to tell her mom, who has been nagging her and Harry to give her a grandchild from the moment they were signing the registers in St. George’s Chapel. But then again, shouldn’t Her Majesty be informed first?

And then there was Harry. Oh, dear Harry. Meghan’s features softened at the thought of Harry finding out that he was going to be a father. He’s been itching to become one even before they met, and Meghan was giddy at the thought that she would be bringing forth to the world that dream that he has been holding onto for so long.

Meghan grinned to herself as she started thinking of how she would break the news. He’s a sucker for surprises, Meghan thought to herself. He’ll love a little bib that says ‘daddy’s little angel’ or something. Or maybe I could give him a card that says from Meg and little bean -  

“You better be feeling a lot better because that meeting was long as hell and I had to go through with it all by myself.”  

Meghan was so engrossed with her thoughts that she didn’t notice Harry arriving. She stood up and strode to Harry in one go, giving him a quick peck on the lips. “You’re here already? How’d the meeting go?”

Harry sighed loudly, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Too long for my liking, as always. And more than half of it was all about press arrangements and media-related concerns for the tour, which we both know is the least exciting part of any meeting.” Harry pulled her closer. “And you, how are you feeling? Still tired?”

“Oh, about that…” Meghan nearly forgot that the reason Harry attended the meeting alone was because she was feeling unusually tired for the whole day, and he insisted that she forego it. “I’m feeling a lot better, actually,” she replied. “The afternoon off was well appreciated.”

Harry smirked. “And have you done anything productive during this afternoon off? And by productive, I mean cookies for your husband? Or samosas?”

Meghan couldn’t resist a laugh. “Sorry love, neither. But… I think I’ve got something… better?”

“Finally!” Harry stretched his arms dramatically and cheered like a five-year-old. “We haven’t had roast chicken for so long… please tell me it’s roast chicken.”

That’s it, Meghan thought as she let out a big grin. All the surprise plans are going out the window.

Meghan shook her head slowly as she smiled to the floor. “Strike two, Henry. Something else is in the oven.”

Frankly, Meghan wasn’t surprised when her food-driven and dork of a husband ran straight to their kitchen instead of her arms. Good heavens, was this man not fed during his 34 years of existence?

“Meg, I love you to death, but you never joke about food with a man who is starving after a three-hour meeting!” Harry nearly screamed as he shut the oven door. “What could possibly be better than roast -”

Harry’s words came to a halt as he turned to Meghan, who was standing a few feet before him - with her hands on her belly.

“Not that oven, you dork,” Meghan paused, then chuckled to herself. “Why did I marry you again?”

Meghan could almost see the gears in Harry’s head move like clockwork, and suddenly, his eyes widen ever so slightly, his mouth agape. Meghan watched him with intensity as his eyes moved from her face, down to her stomach, and back to her face again. Harry was… his expression was indescribable; all that Meghan knew was that it was the exact reaction he had the moment she said yes during that night last November.

Harry dashed to Meghan in mere seconds and engulfed her in a big hug. “Meg, I’m going to be a fa- are you really- ” Harry’s eyes widen, immediately taking a step back to put his hands on her shoulders. “I’m sorry I - was that too tight?” Harry whispered, his eyes filled with concern.

Meghan laughed heartily at her husband’s reaction. “I’m okay, Harry.” She took his hands from her shoulders and placed them gently on her stomach. “We’re okay.”

Of course, Harry lost it then and there. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he stroked Meghan’s belly. Ever the heart-on-his-sleeve man that he was, Harry was not afraid to show what he was feeling; from his eyes, his grin, and down to the slight tremor of his hands on her stomach, his euphoria was palpable. “I- I’m going to be a father, Meg,” Harry whispered as he put his forehead against his wife’s. “We’re going to have a little bean.”

Meghan’s jaw was aching from smiling, but it didn’t bother her one bit. She took the time to wipe her husband’s tear-stained cheeks. “That’s right, daddy.”

Harry chuckled slightly, grabbing her hand from his face to kiss her knuckle. “Mhmmm, it’ll take some getting used to to hear someone else calling me daddy, am I right-”

“Harry!” Meghan barked as she hastily covered his mouth. “You are- no dirty talk of any kind!”

Harry feigned being hurt. “Who said it was dirty talk? And really, it’s going to take some getting used to, considering how often you call me -”

“Aaaaand, zip,” Meghan retorted. She turned her back to him and headed for their bathroom. “If you’re done with your tantrum, Henry, you can come and check the pregnancy tests if you’d like.”

Harry beamed with what he heard and immediately beelined for their bathroom. As Meghan handed him the tests, Harry looked at them with fascination, his grin practically plastered on his face. “I still can’t believe it, Meg. We’ve been waiting for this, and it’s finally here.”

Meghan sighed as she hugged him from behind and placed her chin over his shoulder. “You and I both. I love you, Harry.”

Harry’s features softened. He turned ever so slightly, and cupping her little chin with his fingers, he gave his wife a kiss. “I love you too, mummy,” he replied after.

Meghan pulled away and gave him a quizzical look. “You mean, mommy?”

Harry sighed and smirked at Meghan. “Oh dear, we didn’t think this though, did we? Our poor child’s going to have the most confusing and mixed up English vocabulary for life.” Harry reached out for her stomach to touch it gently, then faced her wife with a sly grin. “Right, mummy?”

Meghan rolled her eyes at her husband. “Well, since you’re not pushing a whole human being in six months time, maybe you can give this one to mommy?”

Harry laughed in response. “No doubt about that, mum- mommy!”

———————————————————————————————————–

Hours and about a hundred tummy kisses later, Harry and Meghan were in bed, with Meghan snuggled tightly into Harry’s arms. It was always how they slept, except this time, his hand was splayed over her stomach.

Just as she was off to dreamland, Harry stirred and nudged Meghan slightly. “Meg, you awake?”

Meghan sighed. “I am now.” She turned to him and gave him a half-asleep look. “What is it?”

Harry stifled a laugh at how she looked. “Before I forget, I wanted to tell you that for the record,” Harry sat up and kissed her stomach one more time. “…this is way better then roast chicken.”

My writing’s a little rusty, so sorry if it’s kind of all over the place. But I hope you liked it! I’m not sure if I’ll continue writing more since I kinda feel bad about making fictional stuff on real people, but I truly adore Harry and Meghan so I might just end up writing from time to time lol would love to hear from you guys!

[royal-writer]

All I want is nothing more To hear you knocking at my door ‘Cause if I could see your face once more I could die a happy man, I’m sure When you said your last goodbye I died a little bit inside I lay in bed in tears all night Alone without you by my side

He hated having to see this. He tried not to stare, and not solely because he didn’t want to make the woman uncomfortable, but because of how it pained him. Deep canyons were rifting his soul. His heart  was a home shaken by an earthquake, with all the paintings of his fondest memories of some of the bravest, kindest women in his life now on the floor. The décor in shambles, wallpaper peeling, doors and windows closed now cold and distant.

There was no malice to the surrogate mother who agreed to nurse his child. But it was a sickening reminder, to see little Hepsiba nestled against a stranger’s chest to feed. She should be held in her mother’s arms now. She should be Essätha’s arms for such an intimate practice, and no one else’s.

He tried to give the generous woman space. He worked mechanically. He stayed away. He made his paths around her quick with eyes adverted, when he must. Respectful of her heartfelt gesture, just in equal measure as he was unsettled by it.

But he did not let her have Hepsiba longer than necessary. She was his daughter, and he was going to spend every damn second with her that he could. He wanted her to remember his face as she lulled into peaceful dreams, and feel the vibrations in his chest as he sung her to sleep. To feel protected, and listen to him speak of her mother with so much love that she could feel it, too.

The woman spoke to him little. Embarrassed, shy, but mostly pitying.

He did not need their pity.

He had Hepsiba. And she was all he needed.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Roused from his slumber, the nobleman jerked awake. It took his eyes a while to adjust to the dimly lit room and look around. Still fully clothed, curled up at the end of the bed atop the covers.

He ran a hand over his face with muffled grumbling. He’d forgotten why he’d waken, and nearly dropped his head back into the mattress until the quiet whining began again. Sputtering, soft cries in the most moving cathedral halls flowing through the room like grieving widows.

Amon scrambled to push off the bed, but his legs were numb from sleep. He hit the floor on his knees, cursing as he got up to dash over to the side of the crib.

“‘Ey there sweetheart,” he drowsily muttered. Unlatching the side, he lowered it quietly down to reach in easily. Carefully sliding his arms beneath the swaddled babe’s head and rear, he raised her up to nestle her against his chest.

Hepsiba’s lip quivered. She wailed tiredly as he cooed to her, bouncing her up and down gradually in his arms while making his way over to the rocking chair.

“Shh, don’t cry honey. Daddy’s here. Daddy’s got you. What can I do for you? What do… what do you need?”

His voice faltered, cracked, and shattered all on the last word as he sank into the chair. His arms curled inward, bringing his little girl into his frame. He reached around to pull the edge of his cloak around, and smooth it gently over her. Pushing the seat back and forth, rocking them both.

“Are you hungry?”

The tiny cries became muffled into his jerkin as he held her tight. The pooling light of the moon against the floor and washing over their silhouettes.

“Sweetheart please don’t cry,” he pleaded; voice raspy. A blur of liquid burned his eyes, wavering his field of vision.

“Mommy and daddy love you very much. We’re here for you. I’m here for you. I’ll protect you, I swear.”

The sway in the rocker stilled as he broke into silent weeping. Burying his face against Hepsiba’s wrappings, he joined her in sobbing. For love lost, and never to be held like this again.

He could do this. He could give her the best life possible.

Even if he had to do it alone.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

No one could make eye contact with him. Most only stepped close long enough to offer their condolences, before quickly skirting away.

His old friends offered to hold his child for him, but he refused. He tried to lay her in the arms of people he’d known for years; had trusted with his life, had helped to transform him anew and he could not let her go.

And as the funeral song played, and he stared down into the face of his wife, holding their little girl, he dropped his head as the trickle of tears fell over her clasped hands holding a bouquet of flowers from their garden. Of all the things he lost, and all the things he thought he might lose, he had never imagined losing his Essätha; or the depths of loneliness it left behind with a hole in his heart. It spilled out in those tears, cascading into drops of starlight from the heavens, and on to her beautiful dress.

The color of a dozen eyes upon him. Each with their own stories; their own grief, their own heartache and loss. They were a family, with the burden of losing one of their own too soon.

He’d only cried as hard as he did one other time in his life, where it stole his voice and all his strength zapped until he crumbled to the floor as the coffin lid closed. The night after he lost his Marie, and had Essätha there in bed with him. Unbeknownst how much how much one day he would come to love the sensation of her curled against her; the softness of her breath, the curve of her, the warmth of her heart against him. But it had been enough, even then.

With his fingers curled against the casket, and the hands of his many friends against his back and shoulders, he knew tonight would be just as hard. He knew the dawn would feel like it was never going to come again.

Kissing Hepsiba’s face as she gurgled in his arms, he prayed to all the gods, to keep his wife and daughter safe.

He would do what he could. He would sacrifice everything he had, for those baby blues staring up depending on him.

Sleep would be uncomfortable, but easier to claim tonight, in the rocker. Where he could safely hold and rest with his little angel, and know that some day, they would overcome this.

[shikkearu]

Irreplaceable Part 14: Dull and dry

Wattpad AO3

- "How can two bad apples create someone so gentle and caring?"

Perona chuckled as she set up for a punch line. Hancock looked at her offended and Mihawk just shrugged.

- "Two negatives cancel each other out."

She laughed, Mihawk seemed amused and Hancock even chuckled a little. Her husband, Dragon, smiled seeing her loosen up a bit. They were visiting with Ace. December had started and they would be abroad for the rest of the year. Ace had insisted they visit so he could give Zoro his gift in person. It had been a stuffed tiger and Zoro had been extremely excited. He didn't quite know how to express his thanks to Ace, for he was too small, but Ace understood.

- "He's an idiot." He had said as he hugged Zoro.

The adults had talked while on looking their play, when the talk had trailed off towards her late husband. Perona found it funny how her husband had been so different from his parents. Hancock wasn't the most caring person, but she was out-going. And Mihawk was a lawyer which made him evil by default. Somehow they had given birth to the most perfect human she could imagine.

When Hancock, Dragon and Ace had left, Mihawk had looked weird. So Perona asked if something was bothering him.

- "He wasn't perfect. But he thought a lot about how other people felt around him. And made an effort to please others. He doubted himself a lot and was scared people might abandon him. It was painful at times to follow, how he tried hiding all his insecurities and flaws just so people would like him.." - "I know that." - "I don't know if you knew, but he had doubts about you too. He struggled constantly with the concept of you being a mother. Even after Zoro had been born, he was hesitant and needed me to confirm that you were in fact a good mother."

Perona had known he had issues with his mother and he had told her about his hesitation, but she thought they had solved all of them before Zoros birth.

----

- "She's amazing and yet I'm afraid. Afraid she is doing this just for me not because she wants to, but because I asked her to. I'm scared she'll leave like... mother." His voice was a mix of bitterness and regret.

- "Have you spoken to her of these fears?" Mihawk felt responsible that his son's image of motherhood and mothers had become so distorted.

- "Yes, and she insists she wants this too and I know she speaks the truth, but still there's a voice in the back of my head telling she'll leave as well." He sounded miserable. Mihawk wanted to talk in person, but again he was on a business trip. He wanted to be more with him, but also didn't want to intrude. He had the right to live his own life.

- "Your situation is completely different. You've had the time to live together and get to know each other... I wish I could get rid of these feelings for you."

- "It's alright, father. Just talking helps."

They ended the call soon after and Mihawk sighed. He knew that his son was going to call him again about this same issue.

----

Mihawk refrained from using the door bell, instead he send his son a text. Soon he was let inside by him. The fresh father quickly snuck back to the bedroom. Tough they had tried to avoid it, the door had woken up the child. He followed him to get a peek of the little one, not wanting to bother the child or the mother, but his son was carrying the baby to the living room.

- "Hush now. Daddy will do something about that loud door, don't you worry." He smiled a beaming smile at his father. "Here is Zoro, my little boy wonder."

He passed the baby onto Mihawk who gently smiled at the tiny little thing. He took great care to remember every detail. The tiny button nose, the little fingers, tufts of green hair, how the skin felt like the finest velvet. He was enamored by the small being, just like he had been years earlier holding his own little boy.

- "Sit down." His son seemed to overflow with pride. "You're not in rush, right?"

He wasn't. Son went to prepare something in the kitchen. Probably some formula for Zoro. Foot steps and a soft yawn, his small wife had arrived in the room.

- "I knew there were guests here. Good morning mr. Dracule"

Mihawk nodded back at her. She was barely wearing anything just a large dress shirt. She yawned again and went to kiss her husband a good morning.

- "Why are you doing that nasty stuff? You know Zoro hates it." - "I just thought you might want to sleep a bit longer." - "It's alright. I'll go feed him now."

She walked to Mihawk and stretched out her arms. He gently handed Zoro back to her. She was going to walk back into the bedroom when her husband stopped her.

- "Where are you going? You can do it right here, I'm sure father wont mind." - "Ah, well..."Perona looked uncomfortable. - "Really now. Don't be shy."

She looked flustered and didn't move. She looked down and then at Mihawk for help.

- "It's alright. You can go." Mihawk could see how uncomfortable she was and let her leave.

She sighed in relief and disappeared into the bedroom. His son sat next to him with two cups of coffee.

- "I really wanted you to see what a good mother she is," his voice was silent and sad. - "It's an intimate moment between a mother and a child. Some people are comfortable doing it in front of others and some need peace to do it. It would be wrong to force her. Were not exactly friends." - "You just don't know each other. Really she could have-" - "Son you don't need to prove me anything. She seems like a fine mother to me. Just stay open with her and it should be fine." - "Are you sure?" - "Yes, I know it's scary being a parent. Now that you are one, maybe you understand your own mother a bit better now."

His son looked at him silently. There was remorse, anger and most of all sadness in his eyes.

- "I should apologize to Perona. For doubting her all the time."

Mihawk smiled and petted his sons head. Even if he was a father now, he would still remain his little boy.

----

- "Of course we were both disappointed at ourselves. Zoro was a little bit early and my body wouldn't do it's job. People and media always praise breast feeding and how natural and powerful it is. No one warned us of how hard it could be. I felt like I had failed at the first steps. He dealt with it by joking all the time. We were terrified. Zoro was so small and fragile. I just wish he could have been more open with me. I had the same fears as he did."

She took a small breather. It hurt to talk about this. It felt like a taboo.

- "We were just two kids from broken families. All we wanted was ours to be normal. Look how that turned out." She laughed bitter.

- "I'm sorry." Mihawk sounded miserable. Like it had been his fault.

She started to feel angry. There wasn't a single thing he could have prevented. He couldn't have prevented Hancock from getting a depression. It wasn't his fault that it went unnoticed for so long. Back then talking about mental problems was considered a taboo. It wasn't his fault that he continued living when his son didn't need him as much anymore. It wasn't his fault she and Zoro had problems with feeding. It wasn't his fault her husband didn't fully trust her. It wasn't his fault that there wasn't a crossing at the right spot or that his son chose to jaywalk.

- "Not everything is your fault." - "I know."

But Perona knew that he didn't. He seemed to love suffering.

- "You're annoying." - "What?" - "Super annoying. Life is not a sentence you have to suffer through. You live it and try to be as happy as possible."

Mihawk looked at her. He was visibly upset. He rose up and left the room without a word. She was upset too. She was angry at how stubborn he could be. But soon he returned to the room. He still looked angry.

- "There's this office Christmas-party next Friday. Everyone expects me to show up, but I couldn't be bothered less. There's these annoying women always trying their luck with me and it's quite bothersome. And everyone there is bone dry and dull." - "What does this have to do with anything?" - "Go there with me. If you're there it will be completely different. And if were not having a good time there let's slip and do something else. A game hall, anything!"

Mihawks eyes seemed to sparkle and Perona looked at him dumbfounded. His conviction seemed to falter a little before her silence, but he continued.

- "Show me how to be happy." She was still silent. - "You and Zoro have been the only people in the longest while who have made me feel that happiness is something I can have. And we do not need Zoro to have a good time. You're almost like a daughter to me." - "Pappa?" Zoro looked at him from the ground. Hearing his name be said so loudly made him think he was being called, so he stopped playing with the tiger. - "Ah, it's nothing Zoro. Pappa is trying to convince Mommy. What do you say, Perona?" - "Pappa?" Zoro was grabbing onto his leg and standing up. He didn't understand what was going on. Pappa was acting so weird. - "Pappa was not calling you. Please continue your play." His conviction was now in shambles. He couldn't go on.

Perona started laughing. Mihawk felt like he had made a fool of himself and facepalmed.

- "Alright, I'll go with you. Let's show those boring oldies what fun is."

She went to hug Mihawk who tried pushing her away. - "Won't you give your daughter a hug old fool?" - "No." He was embarrassed. He wanted to disappear. - "This is part of living stupid. Loving your family."

Mihawk stilled and let her hug him. He slightly petted her head.

- "I can be a daughter to you, but you're not my father, ok? That place is reserved for Moria only." Suddenly her eyes sparked up. "By the way, where are we going to spend Christmas and New Year? Can we go to him? There's not a lot of lights so if we get fireworks they'll show up nicely." - "Fine." He was going to get a bed for Zoro as a present to Moria. No excuses.

She smiled and knelt down to Zoro who was all mixed up.

- "Don't worry about Pappa or Mommy. Were starting to move on and be happy."

Zoro didn't get it, but he smiled happily back at her. The people around him were weird, but they were his people.

----

- "You know father, we're running late."

Mihawk knew that. He had taken his sweet time getting ready and had driven extra slow, because he hated family dinners like these. You have to act to a bunch of strangers that you are interested in them and after it you'll hardly ever see them again. He did that enough at work. But his son had insisted. That it meant a great deal for him and his girlfriend. Girlfriend he seemed to adore above anything. So Mihawk had bent. What harm could it do? As long as he wasn't going to be doing this with every girl he could do it. And from the sounds of it this might be the only one for his son. Obsessive passionate love, that he had gotten from his mother.

They parked and started walking towards the restaurant. The headwaiter told them that part of their entourage had already arrived. His son took his coat and hat to take them to the coat rack while he had the joy of walking to the table by himself. It was easy to know which one was theirs. A very tall man was sitting in it wearing gothic fashion. Next to him a small girl with two pink ponytails. It was just two people which made Mihawk relieved, even though their attire seemed to draw attention. He was going to introduce himself, but didn't quite get to the table. He was stunned by the girl. She had stood up and was approaching her step so light she nearly floated. She was wearing a red dress with white shirt. It had frills and was modest, but still in that gothic lolita fashion his son had warned him about. She had white stockings and red shoes that shone. But what had truly captivated Mihawk was her smile. A smile that could only be described as pure love. And he was slightly jealous, because the smile wasn't meant for him, but to his son now standing next to him.

- "Hey father close your mouth. If you get into the game I won't stand a chance."

His son had quietly chuckled before being embraced by the girl. Mihawk wondered if he could have ever stood a chance, because the love in that girls face didn't seem like the type he could ever receive from anyone. But most of all he was happy that his son had found someone who loved him so much. His joy had been indescribable when they had announced their engagement.

----

- "I remember that dress."

Mihawk muttered when he saw her. Perona looked at him amused. It was her most delicate dress meant to impress people with how modest and elegant she was. And by Mihawks reaction she knew that it still worked. He had just returned from taking Zoro to Moria. Moria of course had been in seventh heaven when he had told him they would be spending Christmas and new year there. Zoro too had been happy to see his darling "Buu" again. They had painstakingly taught him to call Moria "Buu" instead of "Poopoo". And Moria loved being called that and wasn't angry anymore to loose his self-chosen title as Pappa, since Buu was more unique.

Mihawk was wearing simple black suit with intricately detailed red vest under it, and she was slightly sorry that no-one would get to see it. She took him by the arm and grinned at their reflection in the mirror. They looked nice and condescending together.

- "I still need to put my top coat on." Mihawk said as he shook her off. - "I thought cold doesn't bother you?" She sneered while putting on her own coat.

This December had been unusually cold. She felt it fitting since her husband was dead. The cold would get people to huddle together and appreciate each-other.  

- "I'm not going to let my pride get the better of me. Besides we might have to be outside for long periods of time, since I'm not going to take the car."

She frowned at him. Not taking the car meant that Mihawk was planning to drink and after what he had told her, his drinking had started to bother her even if he didn't drink so often anymore.

He saw her frown and defended himself:

- "It's only one or two glasses of wine. That is not enough to get me drunk senseless. You can drink too if you want." - "It's not the getting drunk part that worries me." - "This is not up to debate. If Shanks can deal with me drinking in moderation then so can you. Now, are we going or what?"

His voice and face were stern and she knew that he meant every word. She needed to be more careful with the topic in the future. Maybe try talk to Shanks about it. She shook the thought out of her head. It had to be with Mihawk. Going behind his back and she might loose his trust.

She sighed resigned and put on her delicate winter boots.

- "So we going by buss then? Get that fresh winter air?" - "God, no. Maybe after the party."

When they were in the taxi, Mihawk looked out of the window. It wasn't a rare treat for him, but he couldn't quite face Perona.

- "Sorry." His voice was shaky and hesitant. "It's unfair of me to expect the same from you as from Shanks. We grew up together so he knows things you don't." - "I understand. There are things that are hurtful so you can talk at your own pace. There are things I'm not comfortable talking with you too." Small pause and she added. "Yet."

He turned to her. - "I really do want to have a good time." - "So let's try to not dwell on the past even for one night." She punched his shoulder and grinned.

It was good to sometimes not think about anything and just have fun.

----

When Mihawk had said it would be dull and dry, he had meant it. People were dressed up in suits and black cocktail dresses. Few brave ones, like Perona, had some colour on them, but they got disapproving glances from the other guests. They were drinking champagne and other fine drinks. The music was classical and forgettable. If you didn't know these people you would have a horrible time. Mihawk helped off her jacket and took it with his to the coat rack. Though the clerk tried to convince him to give the hat too, he declined.

- "I like to keep it on since it drives some people crazy with disapproval." He said to her quietly. - "I guess there's hope for you yet." She chuckled.

They nearly got to the hall when Mihawk made her stop.

- "A mistletoe. Hope you're good at acting." - "Wha-"

Before she could finish he had taken his hat as cover and taken hold of the back of her neck not to have her move away. He was so near she had to squint her eyes shut. Their noses would have touched had he not positioned himself a bit sideways towards her. Small moment and he let her go. He wiped his mouth at the back of his hand and put his hat back on. She glared at him angrily with a deep blush on her face. But then she felt like a thousand of icy spikes hit her back and she turned slightly to see a group of women shooting daggers her way.

- "I think that was enough to make them let me be." Mihawk chuckled. Perona took him by the arm and as they walked off like an elegant couple she snarled at him. - "Never do that again," her voice was vicious, but the face was angelic. - "You're getting the hang of this rather quick." He had a sly smile. - "I will not follow your evil footsteps." She squeezed her nails into his arm.

And Mihawk laughed.

But the party was still dull. And she was getting bored. They were talking to a bunch of his bosses, scary men with even scarier titles. Especially the man called Akainu was extremely scary and angry looking. He berated Mihawk for wearing a hat, but he seemed mostly amused by it. This was probably who he was talking of earlier.

Perona sighed a little and excused herself. She went to the rest room. She didn't quite understand what part of his job Mihawk enjoyed so much that he would go on trips and endless meetings. But when she came to think about, he hadn't been so involved with his work this fall and he wasn't giving any hints that he would start longer days again. Even his work phone rang less often. He seemed to be more interested in being at home. And what she had looked this night he had only one glass of wine half empty just to keep in his hand.

It made her happy. She was so happy to think that Mihawk enjoyed her and Zoros company. It made even less sense now that they would move away. They needed him and he needed them. Everyone was benefiting. And she didn't feel as lonely, because she knew that he understood the hurt she was going through. The holidays, Zoros little achievements, time passing and the fear of forgetting. She didn't want to think what it would have been like without him.

She glanced at the mirror to see a woman looking at her amused. Perona turned and wiped her eyes a bit. - "I know these parties are absolutely dreadful. Did someone say something awful?" - "Nothing of the sort I'm just tired." Perona corrected her pose and stood proud. The woman smiled and laughed. - "You don't need to pretend. I can see that this is your first time to a party like this." - "Is it so obvious?" - "Yes. I'm Nico Robin, lawyer for the Baroque Works." - "Roronoa Perona, just Dracule Mihawks escort." - "Oh, I didn't think he'd actually ever get into a relationship again." - "No no no! We're just family." - "Hooh? What an odd thing to say." She snickered and Perona felt embarrassed. "Say, you don't mind me having a go then?" - "Of course I do!" She stammered a little. "Because he doesn't -uh- want to."

Robin just laughed. It was clear she wasn't convinced and who would be after that show under the mistletoe.

- "Hey, this might be a bit surprising, but you seem like the type of person who would enjoy a pug. It's a lovely breed and my employers dog just happens to be pregnant. Here's my card, call if you're interested. Have a goodnight." - "You too." Perona stuttered and held the card.

She was flustered. Mihawk worked with such strange people.

She returned to him to see his glass replaced with a full one. She felt slightly disappointed, but concealed it. Instead she got herself a glass of champagne and drank it rather quick getting his attention. She took hold of his arm and acted extremely tired. He leaned a bit for her to whisper in his ear that she's seen enough of the party. He then promptly excused them, Perona faking excessive fatigue. And when they were far enough from the party both of them burst into laughter. Both talked of how fake and business oriented it had been.

----

It was still rather early and they were at the heart of the city, so they decided it might be fun to checkout the local shopping center. It was crowded there. Christmas was the busiest season and it being Friday night didn't help. Perona grabbed Mihawks arm. He tried to shake her off, but her hold was firm.

- "What is it?" - "I don't want to loose you. You're harder to find in crowded areas than Moria." - "You're not a small child. If we get separated just call my phone. It's that simple." - "Let me hold your arm. It's comfy." She pressed her cheek against it.

Mihawk shook it a bit harder and she had to let go.

- "Killjoy."

He just glared at her in reply.

They looked around stalls and shops. Perona found an adorable winter outfit for Zoro and one of those Care-Kumas. Mihawk looked at it long.

- "Why did you choose the weirdest one? It looks like a priest." - "I like it." - "I think Zoro would appreciate this striped one more." He held one with a patchwork pattern and a lovely smile. - "It's the main character so he already has one." - "Ah, you're right. How about this one?" He held one pink with heart eyes and a wedding dress. - "You can buy it too, but I'm definitely getting this one." - "I'm pretty sure Zoro gets a bit scared every time he's on screen." - "Nonsense."

They got him both in the end.

They were going to eat something when Perona remembered seeing something of interest earlier. A booth where they sold fan stuff for a certain historical drama about twelve master swords and a couple going around the country collecting them. She left Mihawk to wait by the restaurant since she might get a gift for him there. She found it and uncertain she tried to describe Mihawks favorite character. Luckily the owner knew which she meant and showed what he got. There was a scarf with a stylish triangular pattern that was distinct for the character. But when she was going to return to Mihawk, she was grabbed and pinned against a wall.

- "Hello again." Trafalgar Law grinned. Perona was going to shout, but he silenced her quickly. - "Look I'm sorry I've been shitty. I was drunk the last time. I really need to talk to you. Will you listen?" She nodded, but looked at him angry. He gave her a bit space and she slapped him. - "Act like normal people! If you can't hold your liquor then don't drink." He held his cheek and glared at her. - "You deserved it." She puffed her cheeks and crossed her arms. - "Guess I did." He sighed. "It's really been rough without him. I miss him a lot."

Perona didn't reply, but her glare softened. - "I just need someone who knew him to talk to. We don't need to meet face to face."

Law looked miserable and Perona felt pity for him.

- "I'll think about it."

Once again he gave her his contact information and left. Perona squeezed the package with the scarf while breathing deeply. Maybe she shouldn't have promised him that, Law scared her a lot. She shook her head and hurried back to Mihawk who didn't seem worried at all. More than anything he was annoyed having to wait so long.

----

They were walking back home. The buss didn't drive all the way home, but it didn't really bother them. She was walking on a brick wall that had started low, but was picking up height as they walked.

- "So was I able to show you a good time?" Perona sneered. - "I believe so." His smile felt different, but she couldn't quite point out why. - "One lady said her boss has pug puppies coming up. Have you ever considered a dog?" - "Never. Son was begging one when he was young, but I wouldn't have been able to take care of it." He looked a bit dismayed. "I hope you didn't promise anything because we're not getting one." - "Aww." She chuckled. "Would have named it mini-Mihi."

They walked forward a bit, but Perona stopped when she realized the wall was too high to jump straight down.

- "Scary." Mihawk put the bags aside and opened his arms for her. - "I'll catch you." - "Really?" - "Yes. You're light as feather so it's ok."

She let out a couple of shaky horos, but she trusted him, so she nodded. He counted to three and then she dropped down. He caught her and took a few steps not to tumble. They both laughed, but when she backed away, she looked miserably at Mihawk.

- "When we talk about my and Zoros future, you always bring up moving out." - "That is one possibility. I want you to choose what's best for you two."

He looked at her weirdly. Where had this come from? Did she have to right now? After such a fun night, she would want to part ways? He didn't want that, but he wanted her to be happy.

- "Can one possibility be that we stay? Indefinitely. Forever if needed."

Yes! He wanted to shout it out loud, but refrained from doing so. He shouldn't be selfish. He thought for a moment what he should say. She was starting to take his silence as a no.

- "It's good for Zoro to have two adults in the same household. And we've gotten so happy. If it's about money I'll get a job. Anything just please..."

She was starting to panic. He must surely hate her now, but she stopped when she saw him gently smile. It was calming.

- "I want you to start studying again. You've lamented about not having the stomach to continue being a nurse anymore and I think you're smart and talented. There's a lot of schools to choose from in here so it wouldn't be impossible for you two to continue living with me. I want to support you if you let me."

She hugged him tightly burying her face against his chest. She sobbed and whimpered what he had wanted to say.

- "Yes. Yes. Yes. Thank you."

He felt a lump in his throat and answered her embrace holding her tightly. He kissed the top of her head and whispered something in a foreign language she didn't understand and couldn't quite hear.

- "Tack för din kärlek. Jag förtjänar den inte."

Whatever he had said, it must have been something sweet and caring. She hugged him a bit tighter before letting go. She took his hand and cheerfully said:

- "Let's go home."