#cw for discussion of pregnancy and labor

[jezebelblues]

home | h.s

requested!! thank u anon, i hope u can enjoy :)

summary: the entirety of y/n’s pregnancy with their son, atlas. [nov’18–may’19]

cw: unexpected pregnancy, labor + labor pains, fem!reader. i think that’s it!!

word count: approx 12.3k

| hope yall don’t mind that i included louis in this. i miss him fr. also, thank u again anon <3 hope this wasn’t too long

Life had slowed, but only just—somehow still breezy with that undercurrent of momentum that carried him from One Direction fevered heights, to the steady rhythm of his own solo journey. Fame was no stranger, but this? These moments were the ones he cherished most. He glanced at his wife, her eyes twinkling as she sat with their son. The simple joy of this evening reminded him of how far they had come. The quiet, intimate wedding in Holmes Chapel five years ago, the shockwaves it sent through the internet because they had managed to keep it so private, and then, only a year later, the unexpected news that YN was pregnant with Atlas.

He could still remember the exact moment he found out about their little surprise, how the world had seemed to tilt on its axis when she told him. It had been unplanned, a complete shock, but one that had filled him with a profound sense of love and responsibility.

Five years ago felt like a lifetime ago, yet it also felt like yesterday.

Five Years Earlier – November first, Holmes Chapel

The cold was sharp outside, but the small cottage Harry and YN had rented for the holiday season felt warm, cozy even. A fire crackled softly in the fireplace, and YN sat curled up on the couch, her hands wrapped around a steaming mug of tea. Outside, a gentle snow, the first of the season, had started to fall, covering the village in a blanket of white.

Harry had been out all day, helping his mother with some last-minute holiday preparations. The quiet of the house felt calming to YN, but there was something on her mind, something that had been gnawing at her for the past month. Her period was late—later than it had ever been.

She had noticed other small things too. A slight queasiness in the mornings that she initially brushed off as stress from the hectic, upcoming holiday season. But now, as she sat there, the weight of realization started to sink in. She might be pregnant.

Her heart pounded as she thought about it. They hadn’t planned for this. They had only been married for about a year, and though they had talked about children, it had always been a vague, distant future sort of conversation. But now, the possibility was staring her in the face, and she wasn’t sure how Harry would react.

Would he be excited? Nervous? Overwhelmed?

She glanced at her phone, considering whether to text him and ask him to pick up a pregnancy test on his way home. No, that felt too impersonal.

She had paced the empty hallways of the cottage, occasionally texting her husband back or scrolling through instagram. She knew Harry like the back of her hand, he wouldn’t be upset—perhaps a bit overwhelmed, but upset? No, from the years they’ve known each other, he loved children. She couldn’t count on her fingers the amount of dance sessions, hide and go seeks, and cartoon watching she’d walk in on when he was with the children of his family or friends. And from the discussions they’ve shared of their own future children, she knew he’d be ecstatic—she just didn’t think it’d be so soon.

A few hours later, the front door creaked open, and Harry’s voice echoed through the small cottage. “Lovey, y’here? S’cold as hell out there.”

She stood, wrapping Harry’s sweater tighter around her frame, trying to keep her nerves in check as she walked towards him. He looked so carefree, a light dusting of snow in his hair, his cheeks rosy from the cold, a grin already stretching across his face when he saw her.

“Got y’favorite mince pies from the bakery,” he announced, holding up a small paper bag as he walked towards her. “Mum says we need to fatten you up f’the winter.”

YN laughed softly, but it didn’t reach her eyes. She could feel the words bubbling up in her throat, but she didn’t know how to say them. Instead, she took the bag from him and set it on the counter.

He began to shuffle around the kitchen, searching the cupboards for a few glasses. He absentmindedly hummed a tune his wife didn’t quite recognize as he floated toward the freezer, pulling out a frosted glass bottle of rum with a smile. “Mum said she would’ve made it herself but–” He laughed, shaking his head as he set the bottle down on the counter with a heavy clank. “She’s decorating the house. Looks like autumn threw up in there.”

YN only responded in a gentle chuckle, one that made him look up with his eyebrows furrowed. Harry frowned, immediately noticing the shift in her demeanor. He paused, his eyes scanning her face with concern. “Everything alright, sweet girl?”

She swallowed hard, trying to steady her voice. Her eyes burrowed into his, shifting gaze from one eye to the other. Her lips parted, unsure of how to form the words that sat heavily in her throat. She exhaled, managing a smile as she shook her head. “Just a bit tired, thats all.”

She couldn’t tell him until she was sure. If he were to be overjoyed, she didn’t want to get his hopes up on the off-chance she wasn’t pregnant.

Harry paused for a moment, not fully convinced, but he didn’t want to push. If something was wrong, she’d tell him when she felt ready. So, he only smiled back as he unscrewed the rum and poured into the square glasses. He looked at her expectantly as he raised his eyebrows, bringing her a glass.

She stared at it as if it would jump out at her, her reflection waning in the amber liquid. She pulled her lips between her teeth, shaking her head as her cheeks flushed. “Not feeling it tonight.”

At that point, Harry knew something was wrong. He furrowed his eyebrows, setting her—well, what was supposed to be hers—drink on the counter before he took a sip of his. “You sure y’alright?”

She brushed it off with a laugh, stepping toward him as he remained leaning against the counter. YN pressed a gentle kiss on his rum-slicked lips, cold to the touch. “You worry too much.”

He wrapped his arm around her head, pulling her into his chest with a sigh. “Rightfully so, m’love. Stubborn as a mule, you are.”

She scoffed, though only humor was laced in her tone. She pushed back from him, folding her arms over her chest with a feigned frown.

“What?” He smiled, taking another sip. “Should be titled an archeologist the way I dig for your heart.”

“Oh shut it, Styles. You’ve done no such thing.”

He laughed, placing his glass on the counter behind him and gently holding onto the edges. “You’re only proving my point, lovey.”

She rolled her eyes, flicking his chest before she began to step off toward the bedroom. YN looked over her shoulder expectantly with a sly smile. “You’re not gonna join me?”

She didn’t need to ask him twice.

He tugged his shirt off, tossing it aside as his wife’s laughter echoed down the hallway. She darted toward their bedroom, her giggles trailing behind her like music. Grabbing his glass from the counter and kicking off his shoes, he chased after her, a wide, mischievous grin lighting up his face.

There was a gloomy, gray sky the next morning, the kind where the clouds stretched thick across the sky, holding back any hint of sun. YN had woken up before dawn with a gnawing queasiness—a feeling that had been creeping up more often lately. She pressed her hand to her stomach, trying to calm the discomfort.

She reached into the plastic bag, pulling out the small pregnancy test she ordered from doordash before the sun rose. She had tipped the dasher generously before staring at it in the restroom for what felt like hours. Her mind buzzed, unsteady with thoughts she couldn’t quite wrangle. The idea of being pregnant had only crossed her mind like a shooting star. She was nervous. They were still basking in the simplicity of their life, the unexpected quiet of their year-old marriage. This hadn’t been in the plan.

But here she was, two minutes ticking by like hours as she stared at the test resting on the edge of the sink.

And then, there it was.

Two blue lines.

Her heart raced, a mix of emotions she could barely process flooded her chest. She didn’t know what she was supposed to feel—excitement, worry, fear? It was all tangled together in a knot she didn’t have the strength to untangle. She felt a hint of guilt wash over her; how could she feel uncertain about something so beautiful? But it was real, and she knew it. This was so real.

She sank to the edge of the clawfoot tub in the small bathroom, hugging her arms around herself. She let herself sit there for a while, just breathing in and out, letting the realization wash over her like waves on a shore, eroding her hesitation bit by bit. Eventually, she felt a warmth begin to spread, a tentative but growing love, a sense that maybe, just maybe, this was meant to be.

Oh, god—but Harry.

Mere discussions about a hazy future never felt so prophetic.

Footsteps on the old wooden floor outside the bathroom brought her back to reality. Harry’s voice called from the kitchen, warm and sleepy, a mug clinking on the counter. “Love, you up?”

Her stomach twisted again, this time more with nerves than nausea. She took a deep breath, tucking the test in her hand and opening the door. As she stepped out, she found her husband leaning against the counter, his hair tousled from sleep, a soft smile on his face as he sipped from his mug.

“Couldn’t fall back asleep,” she murmured, her voice just above a whisper.

Harry raised an eyebrow, setting down his mug as he studied her face, his expression shifting to one of gentle concern. ”You’ve been off since yesterday, please, just tell me what’s wrong?”

YN took a breath, feeling the weight of the words she was about to speak. She crossed the small space between them, the floorboards creaking softly under her bare feet. Her hands trembled as she reached for his, and he immediately stilled, sensing her unease.

“Don’t freak out, okay?“ She said, her voice breaking ever so slightly.

Harry’s gaze softened, his fingers curling around hers. “Alright,” he murmured, his thumb gently brushing over her knuckles. “Swear it.”

She swallowed, her eyes dropping to where their hands joined, and finally, she managed to say it. “I’m–” she sighed, “I’m pregnant.”

The words hung in the air between them, and she felt his hand go still, his thumb pausing mid-stroke. She dared a glance up at his face, and in his eyes, she saw the shock she’d been expecting. His mouth opened slightly, as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t quite find the words.

It was the longest silence she’d ever felt.

And then, slowly, a smile began to break across his face, soft at first, hesitant, but growing. His eyes sparkled with something she hadn’t expected—something gentle and pure, and so, so warm. “You’re… serious?”

She nodded, a soft laugh escaping her lips, a mix of nerves and relief. “Yeah. I know it’s not what we planned, and I—”

Harry pulled her into his arms, wrapping her up tightly as if he never wanted to let go. She felt his heartbeat racing against her cheek, felt the slight tremor in his breath as he held her.

He pulled back just enough to look at her, his eyes glassy with emotion. “This is… I mean, I wasn’t expecting this, but…” He paused, his voice catching. “But, YN, this—this is everything.”

A smile broke across her face, the warmth in her chest growing, all her fears melting as she looked up at him. “Are you sure?”

Harry laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face, his thumb lingering on her cheek. “I’m sure.” His eyes held hers, full of something she could only describe as love beyond anything she’d known before. “I mean, look at us. We’ve done everything backwards and upside down, haven’t we?” He chuckled, his dimples deepening. “Why not this too?”

They laughed together, and in that moment, all her worries felt so small, so distant. Harry pressed his forehead against hers, his hands holding her gently. “I can’t believe it,” he whispered. “We’re going to be parents?”

YN nodded, her own laughter mingling with tears she hadn’t realized were there. “I guess we are.”

Harry wrapped her up again, his arms strong and sure around her. “Our little family.” He looked around, a spark of excitement lighting his gaze. “The start of everything, right here.”

They stood there, wrapped up in each other, in the quiet of the small cottage, a peacefulness settling over them. The morning light had started to creep in through the windows, casting a soft glow over them, and for a moment, the world felt perfectly still.

But as the initial excitement settled, the reality of the situation hit her hard. Morning sickness, which was more like all day sickness for YN, kicked in with a vengeance. She wondered what crime she may have committed in a past life to deserve such a karma.

She spent most of her mornings hunched over the toilet, her stomach in knots, while Harry hovered nearby, rubbing her back and murmuring soothing words. “It’ll pass, baby.” He would say, though there was a flicker of worry in his eyes every time she retched.

The first trimester was rough. YN felt exhausted all the time, her body aching and her emotions all over the place. There were days when she could barely keep food down, and the nausea was so overwhelming that she couldn’t even stand the smell of Harry’s cologne.

But through it all, he was a constant source of support. He made her ginger tea in the mornings, rubbed her feet when they swelled, and stayed up late with her on the nights when she couldn’t sleep. He even held her hair back during the worst bouts of sickness, never once complaining or losing his patience.

Still, telling their friends and family was daunting. Anne had been thrilled, of course, immediately launching into grandma mode, talking about knitting booties and baby blankets. But YN worried about telling the public. Harry had always been fiercely protective of their privacy, and the idea of sharing something so intimate with the world felt overwhelming.

“I don’t want people to think anything bad of me.” She admitted to him one night as they lay in bed. She had spent the entire day feeling nauseous, and her nerves were frayed.

Harry propped himself up on one elbow, looking at her with a gentle smile. “No one’s going to think like that, baby.. And if they do, then screw ‘em. This is our family. No one else’s.”

His words, simple as they were, helped ease some of the anxiety gnawing at her. They would announce it when they were ready, and in the meantime, they would enjoy these private, intimate moments together.

A few weeks later, when YN was finally starting to feel a little better, they gathered their closest friends and family to tell them the news. Harry’s friend’s were among the first to know. They had gathered at their place in London, a casual get-together that didn’t feel too obvious or formal.

Jeff had been the first to catch on, his brow furrowing as he noticed YN sipping ginger ale instead of her usual glass of wine on occasions like these. “Wait a minute…” he began, his eyes narrowing suspiciously as he glanced between them. Oh God, you’re pregnant aren’t you?”

The room fell silent for a moment as Harry and YN exchanged a glance, a grin tugging at Harry’s lips. “Surprise!”

The room erupted into chaos. Mitch nearly fell out of his chair, laughing and shouting congratulations at the same time. Pauli looked like he might cry, and Sarah immediately started teasing Harry about how he’d better get used to sleepless nights.

“You two are gonna be knackered for the next eighteen years,” she quipped, though there was a deep affection in her eyes as she clapped Harry on the back. “But you’ll be great parents. I know it.”

As the weeks continued to pass and YN’s belly began to show, Harry’s excitement seemed to grow right along with it. He took over more and more of the household chores, practically hovering over her with a devotion that was both endearing and—just occasionally—a little over the top. But that was Harry; he never did anything halfway, and preparing to become a dad was no exception.

One evening, after a long day, they lay in bed, YN nestled against Harry’s chest as he rested a hand on her belly. His fingers traced slow, absentminded circles over her small bump, his gaze softening as he looked down at her.

“Have y’thought about names?” he asked quietly, voice almost a murmur. There was a trace of wonder in his eyes, as if he were asking the question for the first time.

She smiled, shrugging lightly. The idea of names had been floating around in her mind for a while, but nothing had quite felt right yet. “Mm, I’ve got a few in mind,” she said with a teasing glint in her eye. “Think I’m just gonna call ’em Fetus for now.”

Harry let out a laugh, his face lighting up as he shook his head. “Poor kid,” he said, voice full of warmth. He shifted lower, pressing a soft kiss to her belly. “Fetus Styles,” he whispered against her skin, his lips brushing her gently, sending a spark of laughter through her.

Her smile never faltered, fingers combing through his curls as he settled his head on her bump, gazing up at her through his lashes. He held her gaze for a moment, then suddenly broke into a grin, blowing raspberries onto her belly with glint in his eye.

She laughed, Harry faltering into her growing tummy as his phone began to ting with a mess of texts. He grabbed his phone that lay upon his wife’s thighs, sitting up beside her against the headboard with a wide smile as the phone illuminated his face.

She knit her eyebrows together, leaning her head against his shoulder. “Who has you smiling?”

He unlocked his phone, “Lou. I told him I had to talk to him tonight.”

She laughed as Harry clicked on the contact, pressing the facetime icon as the ringing filled the air. “It’s what..?” She trailed off, flickering her eyes in thought. “Noon in LA? Surprised he’s even up.”

After a beat, the screen flashed to life, and there he was—Louis, bleary-eyed, half-sprawled across his couch, nursing a mug of tea. He squinted at the screen, a smirk forming as he took them both in.

“Bloody ‘ell, look at you two all cozy!” He drawled, taking a sip. “Thought I was interrupting somethin’.” He chuckled, giving them a teasing wink.

Harry rolled his eyes, holding the phone between them. “Shut up. We’re just havin’ a quiet night in.” He glanced over at YN, then back at the screen, his grin a little wider. “‘Nd I needed to talk t’you, yeah?”

Louis’s smirk softened, curiosity lighting up his expression. “Right. What’s this then?”

He took a quick breath, almost unable to keep the smile off his face as he turned the phone back to YN, who gave Louis a warm smile before glancing at Harry. He squeezed her shoulder, then looked back to the screen, letting the words tumble out. “We’re havin’ a baby!”

For a moment, Louis just stared, the mug paused halfway to his lips as he absorbed the words. His mouth broke into a grin, and he let out a laugh. “Oi, you’re pullin’ my leg!” He leaned closer, shaking his head. “Wait, wait, you’re serious, aren’t ya?”

“Dead serious,” YN said, her voice gentle as she leaned in closer to Harry. “We’ve known for a few weeks now, but wanted to tell you ourselves.”

He sat up straighter, rubbing a hand over his face as he took it in, his grin somehow widening. “Jesus, Haz. A dad,” he mused, a playful sparkle in his eye. “I mean, didn’t see this comin’ back when you were too busy worryin’ about a pair of blue suede shoes to think about nappies.”

Harry let out a laugh, playfully nudging YN. “See, I’m just followin’ y’example, mate.”

Louis snorted, giving a mock scowl. “Better be—Freddie’s halfway to graduating high school it feels like. You’ve got some catchin’ up to do.” He settled back into the couch, softening as he looked at them both. “But seriously, this is brilliant, you two. Gonna make one hell of a mum and dad, aren’t ya?”

Harry glanced over at YN, his gaze lingering, soft and full of a quiet pride. “Hope so,” he said, smiling down at her before turning back to Louis. “Just been… sittin’ with it. So many things I wanna teach ’em, y’know?”

“Best get started on that lullaby playlist, then,” Lou teased, though there was warmth in his tone. “Bet you’re already plannin’ that first guitar lesson.”

YN laughed, rubbing a hand over her belly. “It’s just been a whirlwind, honestly. We haven’t even found out the gender yet.”

Louis grinned, raising an eyebrow. “Surprise ’n all? Makes it even better. Though if y’need tips on anythin’, I’ve got all the dad tricks—like what not to say when they’re askin’ questions in front of their mum.”

“Great,” Harry chuckled. “Start a whole book for me, will ya?”

Lou winked, lifting his mug. “Already makin’ notes. First chapter’s on nappies and the art of avoidin’ baby food on your shirt.” Then, his expression softened as he leaned closer. “Nah, for real. Couldn’t be happier for you two. And for that kid, too. Already got the best start with you both.”

Harry swallowed, his hand finding YN’s, giving it a gentle squeeze as he held his friend’s gaze through the screen. “Means a lot, you’ll be his grumpy, old uncle, yeah?”

Louis grinned, nodding with a playful glint in his eye. “Best be—I’ll have ’em singin’ the chorus to No Control by the time I’m done. YN, darling, don’t you worry—I’ll keep him in line.”

YN chuckled, leaning her head on Harry’s shoulder. “I’ll hold you to that, Lou.”

“Damn right you will,” Louis shot back, settling back against his couch, eyes full of pride and a mischievous excitement. “And when I’m back over, s’gonna be you two doin’ the nappies, while I teach that kid how to annoy his dad.”

Harry feigned a groan, rolling his eyes dramatically. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Cheers, mate.” Louis raised his mug, a glimmer of something genuine in his gaze. “Can’t wait. Love you both, yeah?”

Harry grinned, feeling the weight of Louis’s words. “Love you, too, Lou. Cheers.”

And as they hung up, YN nestled closer, both of them feeling the joy of sharing their secret with someone who’d been there for it all.

A few months had passed, and YN was officially eighteen weeks pregnant. The kitchen was quiet, filled with the warm scent of vanilla as Harry carefully set a single white cupcake on the counter. He’d insisted on something private, just the two of them. No big reveal party or confetti—just a simple cupcake with the surprise hidden inside. YN stood beside him, hands resting on her bump, a grin tugging at her lips as she watched him fuss over it.

“You’re really gonna make me cry over a cupcake, aren’t you?” she teased, nudging him lightly.

Harry’s eyes sparkled as he looked over at her, dimples deepening. “Just y’wait.” He handed her the small knife, his fingers brushing hers, and his voice softened. “Ready?”

She nodded, her heartbeat picking up as she sliced through the cupcake. Slowly, she pulled the two halves apart, then stared down at the filling inside.

Bright green.

For a moment, they both froze, staring down in complete confusion. Harry tilted his head, mouth slightly open, brow furrowed as he looked at her, then back at the cupcake. “Uh… m’pretty sure green wasn’t one of the options.”

YN snorted, a laugh bubbling out as she lifted the cupcake up to inspect it. “Maybe they’re tellin’ us we’re having a little Niall?”

Harry’s eyes crinkled as he burst into laughter, clutching his chest. “God help us if there’s a little Irish guitar player in there.”

She grinned, wiping a tear of laughter from her eye. “You think they’ll come out singin’ ‘Mull of Kintyre’?”

Harry laughed, covering his face with his hand. “First words’ll be potato, just y’watch.” He shook his head, still chuckling. “This is what we get for trustin’ a bloody cupcake.”

She rolled her eyes, reaching for her bag on the counter. “Should’ve gone with the doctor’s letter instead of dessert.” After a moment of rummaging, she triumphantly held up the small, folded envelope, smiling. “Alright, now you ready?”

Harry nodded, moving closer, his hand resting gently over hers as she slowly unfolded the paper. They both took a breath, glancing at each other before reading the bold, printed words inside.

Right underneath a blurry ultrasound picture printed onto the visit summary, there it was written.

Fetal sex: Male

For a heartbeat, they both just stared at the words, the realization washing over them like a warm tide.

“A little boy,” Harry murmured, his voice filled with awe as he shook his head in disbelief. “We’re gonna have a son.”

YN’s eyes sparkled as she looked at him, a wide smile breaking across her face. “A son,” she repeated softly, her hand covering his on her belly. Already, she could see him—a little boy with Harry’s eyes, his laughter, his kindness.

Harry swallowed, his own eyes misty as he leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead, then resting his against hers. “Think we’re ready for him?”

She let out a soft laugh, brushing away a tear. “Not even close,” she whispered, her fingers lacing with his over her belly. “But I think we’ll do just fine.”

It was mid February by this point, a few weeks after celebrating Harry’s twenty-fifth birthday. The air had a sharp chill, and YN readjusted Harry’s oversized hoodie that hung off her growing frame, something that hid her bump well. They were dressed comfy and warm, Harry in a pair of sunnies with his hoodie pulled over his head. She nestled closer into her husband as they walked through the quiet side streets of London. They’d just finished lunch at their favorite café, savoring the rare chance to slip out together unnoticed. She pulled the hoodie over her head as a gust of wind brushed by.

“Wish we had days like this more often,” Harry murmured, his fingers lacing through hers as they made their way back to the car. “Just us, y’know?”

She smiled, leaning into him. “You mean just the two of us and fetus?”

Harry squeaked out a laugh that sounded like the ones from his early days in the x-factor, squeezing her hand. “Right, fetus. Can’t forget our little tagalong now.”

But as they turned onto the next street, something shifted—a distant hum of voices, then a sharp click of a camera. Before they could react, the quiet street filled with flashes, and a group of paparazzi materialized around them, spilling onto the sidewalk.

It wasn’t a swarm, just about five or so that were tipped off about Harry walking about the city in a pair of sunnies, as if that could keep him hidden.

“Harry! Harry! Just one photo!” A bald man shouted, pushing forward. The camera flashes came in rapid succession, blinding in the midday light.

He immediately shifted, drawing YN closer to his side, his hand protectively resting into her waist as he tried to steer her forward. “Alright, mate, that’s close enough,” he called out, his voice tense but calm.

“Harry, are the rumors true?” another voice shouted, barely inches from them, more cameras held up like a barrier.

“Just please let us through, yeah?” Harry’s voice was firmer now, his hand moving to shield YN’s face, pressing her into his chest as the crowd closed in tighter.

A jostle from the side sent her stumbling, and Harry’s arm tightened around her, his jaw clenched. “Hey, enough!” he barked, his voice sharper than she’d ever heard it. He guided her forward, his body acting as a buffer as he tried to clear a path.

“Just one shot, Harry!” a paparazzo persisted, his lens pointed squarely at YN, his hand cupping her cheek as he pressed her face further into his chest, her heart pounding as she held onto Harry.

He shot a glare of his shoulder, jaw clenched as he remained silent, maneuvering his wife past the cameras, his hand never leaving her. He kept his eyes trained ahead as he led her through the last stretch to his car.

Finally reaching the door, he opened it for her, a quick but steady gesture, ushering her in and following right after. The cameras pressed in one last time as he shut the door firmly, finally sealing them off from the swarm outside.

Inside, the car was quiet, insulated from the chaos that still buzzed outside, windows tinted as legally possible. YN let out a shaky breath, her hands in her hoodie pocket as she glanced over at Harry. His face was flushed, a mix of worry and lingering frustration in his eyes.

“You okay?” He asked, his voice gentler now, his hand pulling hers out of the pocket, thumb brushing over her knuckles as he studied her face.

She nodded with a faint smile, trying to steady herself. “Not our first rodeo, H.” She tried to joke. And it was true, it surely wasn’t the first time they’ve been bombarded by paps. YN wasn’t famous prior to meeting Harry, a smart girl as beautiful as she, he simply couldn’t ignore.

She was a friend of Anne’s best friend’s daughter, bumping into each other at a family gathering in 2014, immediately becoming close friends. He offered her a ride home that night, and when she thanked him profusely and offered to give him gas money, he knew then and there he was going to fall in love with this woman.

Fans and paps galore started delving into her life in late 2015, when a grainy picture of them kissing at a bar after a London show exploded on twitter. Since then, she always known about the lack of privacy in Harry’s life. And honestly, she’s still trying to adjust to it.

He exhaled, his fingers tightening around hers. “Hate that they got that close to you. Wish they’d just..” He trailed off, clenching his jaw as he glanced out the window, his gaze hardening when he saw the cameras still lingering in the distance.

She squeezed his hand, her voice soft. “It’s alright, baby. I’m alright.” She could see the tension in his shoulders slowly easing, though he still held her hand as if anchoring himself. “They don’t know, and that’s okay for now. It’s just us, remember?”

Harry nodded as he pulled from the curb, driving down the narrow street toward the red light. He turned back to her, his green eyes softening, and he nodded slowly. “Just us. Right.” His shoulders relaxed a little more, a trace of a smile returning to his face as he leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead while the light was still red.

But before he could pull away, she let out a small gasp, eyes widening as she felt a firm, insistent little nudge low on her belly. She looked up at him, her own hand moving instinctively to her bump.

Green illuminated over them, a honking echoing from behind as he froze in concern. “What?” He breathed, turning a corner to head to the grocery store in the distance, seeking a temporary refuge in the parking lot. He glanced between YN and the road, heart beating in his ears. “Baby, what’s wrong?” He raised his voice, though it wasn’t out of anger, just an anxiety that threatened to boil over.

She shook her head, her face breaking into a soft smile. “Nothing’s wrong, Harry. He just kicked.”

Harry’s eyes lit up instantly, his frustration melting away as he stared at her, a grin forming slowly. “He did?”

She nodded, pulling his hand to her belly as he parked. “Right here. Just now.”

He held his breath, his palm pressed against her bump, waiting. And there it was again—a tiny but unmistakable kick, nudging firmly against his hand.

Harry’s face broke into a radiant smile, his whole expression softening with awe. “Oi, there’s my little striker,” he mused, his voice thick with affection as he looked down at her belly. “We’ll have you in a Man United kit before you’re out of nappies, won’t we?”

She laughed, his words melting away the last traces of tension from the encounter outside. “Getting a bit ahead of yourself, aren’t you? Picking his team and all?”

He grinned, his eyes crinkling with pure excitement. “No chance he’ll be an Arsenal player.. First kicks mean we’ve got a future midfielder on our hands, yeah?” He grinned, “Dads gonna make sure y’got the right colors on you, bub.”

YN couldn’t help but laugh, her heart swelling as she watched the joy take over his face. She reached up, tucking a curl behind his ear, her fingers lingering against his cheek. “He’s already got you wrapped around his tiny little foot.”

Harry chuckled, leaning in to kiss her, his hand still resting against her belly, feeling another small nudge. “S’pose I’ll let him get away with it. Just this once.”

*

March arrived in a blink.

It was early, the kind of early that still belonged to the night, when Harry’s phone buzzed on the bedside table. The world outside was still draped in darkness, the streets silent, as if London itself hadn’t quite woken up. Harry stirred, slowly pulled from the depths of sleep by the vibration of his phone. He squinted in the dim light, his vision blurry, barely able to make out the name on the screen. Jeff.

With a quiet sigh, Harry picked up the phone, pressing it to his ear and trying to shake off the last bits of sleep that clung to him. He glanced over to YN, who lay nestled beside him, her breathing soft and even, lost in a peaceful slumber. Gently, he reached out and brushed his fingers along her cheek, a tired but adoring smile tugging at his lips. She stirred slightly, her head nuzzling into his hand, and he felt a warmth rise in his chest. Moments like this felt sacred, untouched by the outside world.

But then Jeff’s voice broke through the stillness, sharp and apologetic.

“Harry,” Jeff said, his tone low and serious, as if he wished he were calling for any other reason. “Listen, I hate to do this to you, but we’ve got a situation.”

Harry straightened, a cold feeling settling in his stomach. “What is it, mate?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, unwilling to wake YN just yet. He kept his hand on her cheek, his thumb brushing gently along her skin, grounding himself as he listened.

“There’s a magazine,” Jeff continued with a hesitant sigh. “They got photos of you and YN leaving the clinic yesterday after the ultrasound. They’re planning to release them tomorrow—noon sharp.”

The words hit him like a punch to the gut. Harry’s jaw tightened after he took a shaky breath, his eyes falling back on YN, still blissfully asleep. They’d planned everything so carefully, wanting to share the news of their son on their own terms. They’d waited for the perfect moment, wanting to protect this piece of their life from the relentless intrusion of the outside world. And now, it was slipping out of their hands.

“Tomorrow?” he murmured, his heart pounding. He felt a surge of anger rising, and he closed his eyes, trying to steady himself. Jeff waited in silence on the other end of the line, letting him process the news.

“Yeah,” Jeff said softly. “I wanted to give you a heads-up. Figured you’d want to tell people yourselves, do it in a way that feels right.”

Harry nodded, even though Jeff couldn’t see him, his fingers still resting on YN’s cheek, feeling the soft warmth of her skin. “Thanks, Jeff,” he finally whispered, his voice tight. “I’ll–erm–we’ll figure it out.”

He ended the call and placed the phone back on the table, his shoulders slumping as he tried to process what to do next. He looked down at YN, her face peaceful in the darkness, and he felt a pang of guilt at the thought of waking her. She deserved this moment of rest, free from worry and the weight of the world pressing in on them. But he knew he couldn’t keep this from her. Not when it was about their son.

Leaning down, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, his hand moving to cradle her cheek as he murmured softly, “Baby, wake up.”

She stirred, her brows knitting together as she blinked up at him, still half-asleep, a faint smile gracing her lips as she registered his face. “H?” she whispered, her voice groggy and warm. “What time is it?”

“Too early,” he murmured, his own voice weighed down by the news he had to deliver. “Sorry t’wake you, but there’s something we need t‘talk about.”

Her eyes focused, a flicker of concern replacing the drowsiness as she sat up a bit, her hand resting on his. “What’s wrong?”

Harry took a deep breath, brushing a thumb across her cheek. “It’s the pictures,” he paused with a sigh, “from yesterday, after our appointment. Paparazzi took photos, and they’re planning to release them by noon tomorrow.”

The weight of his words settled over her, and she let out a quiet sigh, her gaze dropping to the bed. They’d known this was a possibility—their lives were never entirely private—but it didn’t make it any easier to swallow. She leaned into his touch, her fingers lacing through his as they both sat there in the stillness of the early morning, grappling with the realization that their hand was being forced.

“What do we do?” she asked softly, looking up at him with a mixture of worry and sadness.

Harry’s hand moved to hold hers, his grip gentle but steady. “We tell everyone ourselves. Today. We’ll release it before they can, on our own terms.” He paused, his voice softening. “It’s not what we planned, but, at least we can still share him with the world our way.”

YN gave him a small nod, her eyes meeting his with a quiet resilience. They both knew they didn’t have any other choice. She leaned into him, and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as they took a moment to steady themselves, finding strength in each other.

“Okay,” she murmured after a beat. “I trust you.”

They spent the next hour in the quiet sanctuary of their bedroom, talking about how to share the news. Eventually, Harry decided on something simple, something that would feel personal without giving too much away. He reached for his phone and opened the photo gallery, scrolling until he found the ultrasound image from their last appointment. It was a grainy black-and-white shot, but to him, it was beautiful—a glimpse of their son, small and precious, already loved beyond measure.

He glanced at YN, who gave him a reassuring nod, and then he took a deep breath, opening Instagram. With his fingers hovering over the screen, he crafted the caption, choosing each word carefully, his heart pounding in his chest.

I’ve been waiting to share this part of our journey with you all for a while now. YN and I are expecting a son, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome him into the world soon. Thank you for your love and support—can’t wait for you to meet him.

Love, H

He read it over, then looked at YN, who leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder. She gave him a small smile, her fingers brushing his arm. “It’s perfect, baby”

With a final deep breath, he hit post, setting the phone down and letting out a long, steadying exhale. They sat there in the quiet of their room, wrapped up in each other as the reality of what they’d just done settled over them. This was the first time they were sharing their son with the world, and it felt both exhilarating and terrifying.

Within moments, notifications began to flood in, messages of excitement, love, and support from fans around the world who had been waiting eagerly for news like this. Harry glanced at YN, his hand finding hers once more as he gave her a small, relieved smile.

”Cats out’v the bag.” He laughed softly.

She leaned into him, pressing a soft kiss to his shoulder. “They love you, H. They’ll love him, too.” She reassured.

As the sun finally began to rise outside their window, casting a gentle warmth over the room, Harry held her close, feeling a sense of peace he hadn’t expected. Despite the forced timing, despite the circumstances, they had done this together. And from this moment on, they would continue this journ, hand in hand, as a family.

Weeks passed by, and it another chilly March evening, and soft candlelight flickered in the bathroom, casting a warm glow over the walls as steam rose lazily from the tub. The couple sat tucked into the water, surrounded by a mountain of bubbles that floated between them. The bathroom was cozy as Harry’s arms wrapped around her from behind, she leaned back against his chest, her bump nestled between them.

He’d insisted on running the bath for her, adding just the right amount of lavender oil to soothe her muscles, and now they were enveloped in that warm, calming scent, the soft sounds of water lapping around them. Harry’s hands rested gently on her belly, his fingers tracing light circles over the stretched skin as he hummed contentedly, clearly lost in thought.

After a few minutes of quiet, he dipped his head to press a kiss to her shoulder, murmuring, “You know, we haven’t really settled on a name yet.”

YN grinned, biting back a laugh. "Sure we have. Fetus Styles—don’t you remember?”

Harry groaned dramatically, his head falling back against the tub. "God help this boy."

She chuckled, turning her head to look at him. "Fine, fine. So, what do you have in mind, love?"

Harry hummed thoughtfully, his fingers still tracing light circles over her bump. "I dunno. Something that isn’t Fetus or something basic, like David.”

"Otis?" she suggested with a playful smirk. She knew he hated the name.

He snorted, his chest vibrating against her back, shaking his head. "Baby, Otis is the name of that big slobbery dog at the park. Our son deserves better than being named after a drool machine."

She playfully splashed a few bubbles toward him, her laughter filling the room.. "Alright, alright. So, we're vetoing Otis and Fetus, oh wise one.”

“Good,” he said, lowering his head ever so slightly and nibbling her shoulders gently. “So, what else is on your list, then?”

She leaned her head back against his shoulder, looking up at the ceiling as she tried to recall some of the names she’d been turning over in her mind. “I do like Ezra.”

“Ezra,” he repeated, as if tasting the sound of it. “It’s alright. But it sounds like he’d be in a jazz band or something.”

“Maybe he’ll be in a jazz band,” she countered, grinning as she nudged his arm. “A little musician just like his dad.”

Harry hummed, his fingers lightly drumming a rhythm against her belly. “Alright, fair point. Ezra can be a maybe. What else?”

She let out a thoughtful hum, swirling her hand through the bubbles. “What about August?”

“August’s alright I guess,” he said slowly, tilting his head as he considered it. “But I don’t know. August Styles..feels like he’d be a mischievous little troublemaker.”

“Like his dad, you mean?” she teased, glancing up at him with a knowing smile.

He grinned, shrugging. “If he takes after me, he’ll definitely be one,” he admitted, pressing a kiss to her temple. “But I dunno. Still doesn’t feel quite right. But I do like the idea of an A name.”

They lapsed into a comfortable silence, each of them lost in their thoughts as the water lapped softly around them. Harry’s hands moved back to her belly, his touch gentle and reverent, as if he were trying to connect with their son through the warm water and the growing curve of her bump. She closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the warmth of the bath and the feeling of his arms around her.

After a while, Harry spoke again, his voice soft and thoughtful. “What about Atlas?”

YN opened her eyes, blinking up at him, a smile tugging at her lips. “Atlas?”

“Yeah.” He shifted slightly, his hand still resting on her belly as he looked at her, his eyes warm. “It’s strong, y’know? Unique. I like the idea of him having a name that feels like he could carry the world if he wanted to.”

YN let the name settle, repeating it to herself, and feeling it take root, becoming more than just a word. “Atlas Styles,” she said softly, letting the sound roll off her tongue. “It fits him, I think. Strong like his kicks.” She giggled.

Harry’s face lit up as he grinned down at her, his dimples deepening, a twinkle of something unspoken sparking in his eyes. “Exactly,” he murmured, trailing a hand gently over her bump. “Atlas Styles. Got the name of a proper legend already. Manchester United should be countin’ themselves lucky.”

YN laughed again, rolling her eyes as she turned to face him. “Oh, really? Our boy is still going to save Manchester United, is he?”

“Obviously,” Harry said, his grin widening. “Just imagine it—Atlas Styles, midfield maestro, dominating the pitch. The crowd chanting his name.” He mimics the sound of a roaring crowd in a hush, “‘Atlas! Atlas!” He chanted in a whisper, “United will have never seen anything like him. They’d be winning the league every season with a name like that.”

She shook her head, fighting a laugh as she slipped a few bubbles onto his nose. “Right, because he won’t be busy enough carrying the world. He’ll just take Manchester United on his back too?”

Harry shrugged, brushing the bubbles away with a look of mock seriousness. “Our little Atlas can handle it all. With a name like that, he’ll be unstoppable.” He leaned closer, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. “But, if he’s not into football, I s’pose that’s alright too.”

YN smiled, squeezing his hand, warmth spreading through her as she thought of their little Atlas and all the dreams they had for him—footballer or not, world-bearer or not, he would be loved beyond measure.

*

The rain pattered softly against the window as April rolled in, casting a gentle gray light over the nursery. YN stood by the door, watching Harry wrestle with the crib pieces scattered across the floor. She cradled her belly, which had grown significantly in the last month. Her due date was set for mid-May, only a few weeks away, and she could feel the weight of their son settling lower, as if he, too, was getting ready for the journey ahead.

Harry sat cross-legged on the floor, brow furrowed in intense concentration as he squinted at the instruction manual. The crib, which he had eagerly declared would be a breeze to assemble, now looked more like puzzle pieces that lay scattered around him, screws and wooden slats in disarray, as he muttered under his breath.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to help?” YN asked with a soft grin, leaning against the doorway as she watched him struggle.

He looked up, shooting her a playful glare. “I’ve got it, thanks,” he insisted, though he seemed far from convinced himself. He twisted a screwdriver, only for the wood to creak ominously in protest. Harry’s cheeks flushed, and YN bit her lip, stifling a laugh.

“Sure you do,” she teased, crossing her arms over her bump. “Maybe our son will be crawling by the time you figure that out.”

Harry chuckled, dropping the screwdriver with a resigned sigh. “Alright, alright,” he said, running a hand through his curls as he gave her a dramatic pout. “Go on, laugh at the man trying his best to be a good dad. Just what I need, huh?”

She laughed, stepping into the room to get a closer look at his progress—or lack thereof. “You’re doing great, honey,” she said, her tone light. “Maybe just… not great at building cribs?”

He rolled his eyes, but the hint of a grin played at the corners of his mouth. “You’re lucky I’m too tired to argue,” he mumbled. Then, before she could respond, he reached out, gently tugging her down to sit beside him.

“Hey!” she gasped, though she let him guide her down, leaning into his arms. Her back rested against his chest, and Harry wrapped his arms around her middle, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek.

He maneuvered her gently onto the carpet, hovering over as his hands resting on either side of her, leaning close, his face only inches from hers, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Maybe I should distract you so y’can’t mock me,” he murmured, his voice teasing.

Before she could respond, he started peppering her face with kisses—one on her forehead, her cheeks, her nose, her chin. She squealed, laughing as he continued, his lips brushing against her skin, his stubble tickling her and sending her into a fit of giggles.

“Harry!” she gasped between breaths, her hands on his shoulders as she tried to squirm away. “You’re ridiculous!”

“Ridiculous?” he repeated, grinning as he planted a kiss just above her lips. “Maybe. But it’s working, isn’t it?”

She gave him a playful shove, but he only laughed, pulling her closer as he trailed his kisses down to her neck, the weight of him comforting as he hovered over her, his hands gentle on her sides. Finally, when her laughter had softened, he leaned back just enough to look into her eyes, his gaze warm and full of affection.

God, how he loved her.

After a moment, he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his thumb lingering on her cheek. “Alright,” he said with a sigh, glancing over at the mess of crib parts. “Maybe I could use those hands of yours.”

YN smiled, brushing her hand down his chest. “Hm,” she hummed, “where?”

“Oi!” The brunette giggled, swatting her wandering hand away as he sat up, shifting to be beside her. “Wicked woman, you are. Get to work.”

She huffed, although there was no anger residing in her. Maybe an ache between her thighs, but that’s something she could sort out with her husband later. She sat up, sitting cross legged beside Harry as he reached for the instruction manual.

The two of them sat side by side on the nursery floor, her hand resting over his as they sorted through the crib parts. Harry studied the instructions once more, pointing out the next few steps with a renewed confidence that was helped by her steady presence beside him. YN held the pieces steady while Harry carefully tightened each screw, the two of them working together, their laughter filling the room whenever something went slightly wrong.

Finally, after some teamwork, a bit of trial and error, and more than a few shared smiles, they placed the last piece into place, and the crib stood finished in front of them. They both sat back, admiring their handiwork, their hands intertwined as they took in the sight of the nursery coming together, piece by piece.

Harry looked over at YN, his gaze soft as he took in her face, still flushed from laughter. “Not bad for a couple of first-timers, huh?”

She leaned her head on his shoulder, holding her hands out in front of them and wiggling her fingers. “Thanks to these.”

He snorted, gently taking her chin in his grasp to force her to look at him. “Shut up and kiss me.”

As time passed by quicker than ever, spring took the city by full force, it was finally May. Flowers bloomed in their garden, trees shook with the delicate breeze of a looming summer. The sun fell behind the hills later and later, still offering a golden glow as they ate dinner.

A gentle rain drummed against the windows as YN and Harry shared a cozy dinner on the sofa, the warm light of a movie and fading sunlight flickering across their faces. They were nestled together, plates balanced on laps (and bump) as they laughed at an old comedy. Outside, the world felt comfortably distant. Everything about this moment felt ordinary, like the calm before a long-anticipated storm.

But YN hadn’t been entirely honest with Harry tonight. She had felt a dull ache creeping into her lower back and belly since late afternoon, a sensation she had brushed off as yet another round of Braxton Hicks contractions. Her OB had warned her that false alarms would be common in these final weeks, and she’d already had a few where they’d rushed to the hospital only to be sent back home. So tonight, she’d told herself that it was nothing—just her body practicing, nothing more. But as they watched the movie, she found herself shifting uncomfortably, her breaths deepening whenever another wave rolled through her.

The contractions had grown stronger as they ate, each one hitting her lower back with a dull, throbbing ache before tightening sharply across her belly. She bit her lip, forcing a smile whenever Harry glanced her way, trying to play it off. But she couldn’t ignore the way her body tensed or the cold bead of sweat she felt on her brow as she worked to stay composed.

As they finished their dinner, Harry stretched and stood, gathering their plates with a grin. “Think I’ll wash these up. You just sit there and relax, yeah?”

She smiled, nodding as he carried their dishes into the kitchen. He hummed softly to himself as he washed the plates, oblivious to the intensity of the pain building within her. She took a deep breath, gripping the edge of the sofa as a new wave hit, this one sharper than before, radiating from her lower back and spreading between her hips, each pulse making her muscles contract and tighten. She fought to keep her breathing steady, her mind racing as she tried to convince herself it was nothing.

But then, as she watched Harry rinse a glass, her vision blurred with another wave of pain—deeper, sharper, as if her body was tightening from the inside out. Her breath hitched, and this time she couldn’t hide the small gasp that escaped her. She braced herself against the sofa, her fingers digging into the fabric as she fought to breathe through it.

Harry looked over, his brow furrowing as he noticed the tension on her face. He set the glass down in the sink, wiping his hands on a towel as he stepped back into the living room. “Love?” he asked, a hint of worry creeping into his voice. “You alright?”

She forced a smile, trying to play it off, but her voice came out strained. “I’m fine. Just–“ She grunted, “Braxton Hicks, I think.” But even as she spoke, it was like an aftershock of an earthquake, stealing her breath, the pain sharper than before. Her hand flew to her belly, fingers pressing down instinctively, and she had to close her eyes, focusing all her energy on breathing through it.

Harry’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening as he knelt beside her, his hand moving to rest on her knee. “That doesn’t look like Braxton Hicks,” he said gently, his voice laced with concern. “How long’s this been going on?”

She hesitated, looking down as she tried to keep her breathing composed. “Since– since earlier this afternoon,” she admitted, wincing as the pain reached its peak, leaving her feeling helpless and raw. “I thought it was nothing, really. But it’s–I dunno– it’s getting worse.”

Harry’s face shifted from concern to something closer to alarm. He was quiet for a moment, clearly trying to process her words, before his gaze softened, and he slid his hand to hers, squeezing it gently. “Alright,” he murmured, his voice steadying. “We’re not going to take any chances.”

YN nodded, relief flooding her at the calm resolve in his voice, but as she tried to stand, another contraction gripped her—this time harder than any before. It started as a dull ache that quickly sharpened into an almost searing pressure, as though her whole belly was clenching in waves she couldn’t control. She gasped, her knees buckling slightly as she clutched Harry’s arm.

Harry’s eyes widened as he caught her, his face shifting into a worried frown. “It’s happening, isn’t it?” he whispered, almost to himself, before shaking off the shock and focusing on her. He wrapped an arm around her, guiding her back down to the sofa with a gentle firmness. “We’re going t’breathe through this one, yeah? Just like we practiced.”

She clung to his hand, squeezing hard as she fought to steady her breathing, but the pain was relentless, each wave feeling sharper than the last. Her body felt like it was working against her, every muscle tightening until she was gasping, unable to fully catch her breath. She buried her face against his shoulder, her voice a shaky whisper. “H, this hurts more than I thought it would.”

He brushed a hand through her hair, his voice soft but unwavering as he held her close. “I know, baby. You’re doing so well. Just focus on breathing, alright? I’ve got you.”

As the contraction faded, she managed to catch her breath, slumping slightly against him, feeling a mix of exhaustion and dread for what was coming next. She felt his hand at the small of her back, steadying her, and she was grateful for the warmth of his touch, the calm he radiated even as she could see the worry flickering in his eyes.

“We’re calling the OB,” he said, his voice gentle but firm. “This doesn’t feel like false labor, does it?”

She shook her head, unable to deny the reality that had settled in. “No..I think this is real.”

Harry’s face softened, a mix of pride and worry as he watched her breathe through everything. When the pain passed, he took her face in his hands, his thumb brushing lightly over her cheek. “Okay,” he whispered, his voice steady. “We’re going to get you through this, love. One breath at a time.”

With that, he stood, reaching for his phone and dialing their OB, staying right by her side as the call connected. He answered each of the doctor’s questions carefully, glancing at YN between each answer, his hand never leaving hers. After a few minutes, he hung up and turned back to her, a mixture of excitement and resolve in his gaze.

“She says it sounds like early labor,” he told her softly, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “We’re going t’the hospital. Just you and me, hm?”

YN nodded, taking a steadying breath as she leaned into him, his strength anchoring her. With Harry’s arms wrapped around her, she knew that she had everything she needed to get through this.

The rain had softened to a gentle drizzle as Harry helped YN into the car, settling her carefully into the passenger seat, his hands gentle but steady. Her breaths were deep and focused, each one an effort to keep herself calm as the contractions continued, not close enough to urge a rush but strong enough to leave her nerves buzzing with anticipation. Harry buckled her in, his gaze warm and reassuring as he brushed his hand over her shoulder.

“You’re doing great, sweet girl,” he hummed, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “Next stop, hospital. Just you, me, and our little Atlas.”

YN managed a faint smile, squeezing his hand as he lingered beside her for a moment before closing the door and sliding into the driver’s seat. The car pulled away from their quiet street, its headlights cutting through the misty drizzle, as they made their way into the city. She leaned her head back against the seat, focusing on the rhythm of the rain tapping against the windows, letting the steady sound settle her mind.

As they drove, Harry glanced over at her frequently, his hand occasionally drifting from the wheel to hold hers. “Let me know if you need anything, yeah?” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “Or if I need to pull over. Anything at all.”

He rambled when he was nervous.

YN nodded, keeping her eyes closed, breathing slowly. Another contraction started, gripping her with that same deep ache that radiated from her back to her belly. She clenched his hand, squeezing as she focused on her breathing, her fingers white-knuckling against his. It was painful, but she willed herself to relax, to breathe through the intensity, letting her breath match the gentle rhythm of the rain.

Harry squeezed her hand back, his thumb tracing small circles on her skin. “Out of all women in the world who gave birth, you’re the most beautiful.” He smiled warily. His stupid compliment even made him want to smack himself upside the head. But he looked at his wife expectantly.

When the contraction passed, she released a shaky breath. Part of her wanted to shoot daggers into him with a glare, but looking at that goofy smile she fell in love with, the way his cheeks flushed pink and eyes looked unsure, she couldn’t. She mustered out a weak, breathy laugh.”Shut up.” She whispered.

They reached the hospital, and Harry pulled up to the lot, parking the car before rushing around to help her out. He wrapped an arm around her, guiding her through the automatic doors, his gaze steady and protective as he led her to the reception desk. The lobby was quiet, lit by soft fluorescent lights that made the polished floors gleam. Harry gently rubbed her back as they reached the counter, where a man with glasses and a walkie looked up with a polite smile.

“Hi,” Harry said, his voice calm but firm, “we’re here for an admission. Our OB requested it.” He grinned lightly, seeking to be polite despite his nerves. He gave his wife’s name through his smile.

The receptionist nodded, typing something into the computer before glancing back at YN, who was gripping Harry’s hand, her face pale and tense. After a moment, the man looked up. “Alright, we have you here. Just a moment.”

He picked up the phone, speaking briefly with someone before hanging up and nodding toward them. “Patient transport is on the way. We’ll get you into a wheelchair and up to the maternity ward to get settled.”

Harry thanked him, his hand resting on the small of her back, he murmured, “y’doing so well, my sweet girl.”

She leaned into him, exhaling a shaky breath as another mild contraction started to creep in, but before she could fully brace herself, a transport worker arrived with a wheelchair.

Harry helped her ease down into it, kneeling beside her and brushing his thumb over her hand. She looked down at him, her expression a mix of pain and determination. “I’m alright,” she whispered, her words braver than she felt.

He met her gaze, his eyes full of pride and unwavering support. “I know you are,” he said softly, pressing a kiss to her knuckles before he stood and walked beside her as they made their way to the elevator. The ride up was quiet, each floor lighting up in sequence as they ascended to the maternity ward, and she found herself counting each breath, each second, each floor, until they finally reached the unit.

Once inside the labor and delivery ward, they were greeted by a nurse who led them into a dimly lit room that felt strangely peaceful, its walls painted a soft pink, the lights warm and low. The nurse introduced herself, her voice calm and soothing as she helped YN settle onto the bed, helping her into a hospital gown before taking her vital signs and asking a series of questions, jotting down notes while Harry sat by her side, holding her hand.

“Let’s get you as comfortable as we can,” the nurse said gently, adjusting the bed’s settings. “Now, you’re still in early labor, so we’re going to monitor you closely, but it could be a while yet.”

YN nodded, feeling both grateful and anxious at the prospect of waiting. The contractions continued, rolling in like waves, growing in intensity but not yet regular enough to signal active labor. Each one required her full focus; she found herself closing her eyes, breathing deeply as she squeezed Harry’s hand, centering herself with each wave of pain.

Hours passed, the pain deepening with each contraction as her body adjusted, stretching and preparing for the arrival of their son. The nurse checked in periodically, taking notes, adjusting her position, and checking her dilation with gentle reassurance, but progress was slow. The contractions were more frequent now, each one a sharp, relentless pressure that seemed to radiate from deep within her, pulling her to the very edge of her endurance.

Harry never left her side, his hand a steady anchor as he held hers, his voice low and soothing, guiding her through each breath. “I love you,” he whispered, his forehead resting against hers as they breathed together. “Just a bit longer, yeah? You got it.”

At one point, the pain became so overwhelming that she couldn’t bear to sit still. Harry helped her stand, wrapping his arms around her as she leaned into him, her face pressed against his chest. Her arms draped over his shoulders, clinging to him as she rocked back and forth, swaying through each contraction, finding relief in the gentle rhythm. He whispered words of encouragement, his hands rubbing her back as she trembled against him, each wave of pain stealing her breath and leaving her gasping.

“That’s it, baby,” he murmured, his voice a steady hum that she latched onto, focusing on the warmth of his words as the pain pulsed through her. “Just lean on me. I’ve got you.”

She clung to him, her fingers digging into his shoulders as the pain reached a peak, her knees weakening under the weight of it. But Harry held her up, his arms strong and steady, supporting her fully as she swayed, letting the movement carry her through each contraction. She pressed her forehead into his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her cheek, grounding her, keeping her anchored in the storm of pain.

When the nurse checked again, the news was disheartening—only a few more centimeters dilated. YN felt exhaustion beginning to creep in, the hours of labor sapping her strength, but Harry was there, brushing damp strands of hair from her face, whispering soft reassurances as she closed her eyes, her head resting against his shoulder.

As the hours ticked by, the contractions grew sharper, more intense, each one like a wave crashing against her, forcing her to draw deeper into herself just to withstand the pain. Harry eased her back onto the bed, pulling a mask toward her face, releasing a gas that would help the pain. Her mind blurred under the relentless rhythm of labor. Yet, every time she opened her eyes, he was there—his gaze steady, his hand in hers, his words like an anchor.

She held the mask to her face with her other hand, breathing it in deeply. As backward as it sounded, even laboring and pushing out a baby, the thought of a seven inch needle being put into her spine scared her even more. The thought of an epidural was tempting, being numbed from the waist down—but it made her stomach churn with anxiety, too. She had enough of that already, so she stuck to the gas.

YN lifted the gas from her nose, staring at Harry through half lidded eyes. “Can’t wait to have sex with you in six weeks.” She mumbled, her voice hazy.

Harry eased the mask back onto her, his cheeks growing red from her clouded words. He let out a breathy laugh, “Okay, one step at a time, hm?”

At last, as dawn began to break outside, the sunlight bleak, barely there. The nurse’s expression shifted as she checked YN’s progress. She smiled, looking up with gentle relief. “We’re almost there,” she said softly. “Just a little bit longer.”

Harry’s face lit up, his eyes shining as he looked down at YN, his voice soft and full of pride. He pressed a kiss to her sweaty forehead, brushing strands of her hair back. “Hear that? Final stretch, baby.”

YN nodded, too exhausted to respond, but the warmth in his eyes gave her the strength to keep going. With every ounce of willpower she had left, she faced the final contractions, the pain almost blinding but her determination carrying her through, and Harry’s voice guiding her every step of the way.

Once she was ten centimeters, a team rushed in. Two nurses and the OB. Her legs were placed into stirrups, her gown bunched up over her tummy.

It was the longest, most intense thirteen hours of her life, but as she felt the final waves of pain, the medical staff guided her through the last moments, she clung to Harry, his hand a lifeline, his presence a comfort that wrapped around her like a shield. And with one last surge, a cry filled the room, and she knew it was all worth it.

“Oh.” She whimpered, her own cry emitting from her as her son was placed onto her bare chest for the first time. A nurse wiped him down as he wriggled against YN, Harry leaning down by her shoulder, staring in awe.

That was his boy, his son. A piece of him and the love of his life brought forth into the world. He wouldn’t be able to explain the feeling he felt as he flickered his gaze between his wife’s and Atlas’s.

Sparse stands of brown locks sat atop his head, a color matching his fathers. He gently placed his hand atop it, his thumb rubbing against his forehead as the little boy continued to cry.

His eyes resembled his mothers, as did his nose. But everything else? That was all Harry. He cooed at him, whispering soft nothings to to his baby boy before the nurse approached him with medical scissors. “Would you like to cut the cord, dad?”

Dad.

Butterflies surged through his tummy.

He drew a deep breath, looking at YN for silent encouragement, to which she only smiled at him. Her husband, the father of her son.

He gently grabbed the scissors from the nurse, hesitantly approaching where he was told to cut. He looked at his Atlas who seemed to calm down a bit, slowly coming to terms with being brought out into the world. He steadied himself, and then with a delicate snip, he cut the cord.

As he handed them back to the nurse, he let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, the enormity of the moment settling over him. He looked down at the two he loved most in the world, lightly grasping onto his little feet and silently counting his tiny toes.

“Sit.” YN softly ordered, holding the boy against her chest with one hand and patting the small spot beside her with the other.

He nodded slowly, easing himself down into the spot after lowering the right side bar so he’d fit. He leaned against YN, his feet still upon the floor.

The baby was swaddled into a pale blue blanket before she handed him over to Harry, his heart melting instantly. He cradled him against his chest, tucking his head down to place delicate kisses on his forehead, his cheeks, the tip of his nose. “I love you so much.” He whispered, hesitantly ripping his gaze away from his son onto his wife.

His lip quivered as he placed a kiss against her sweaty hair, “Thank you so much.” His voice was delicate, a murmur. “I owe you everything.”

This was all he needed. His heart swelled with a love so profound, it felt almost overwhelming, as if the sheer depth of it might consume him. It was a love that stretched beyond anything he’d known, powerful enough to break him apart and put him back together all at once. But he embraced it, letting it fill every part of him, savoring each precious drop. For the first time in as long as he could remember, he felt exactly where he was meant to be.

This was home.

[celuere]

Even MORE HCs of Arlecchino taking care of her pregnant wife.

pairing: Arlecchino x fem!reader

context: nothing, domestic Arlecchino is simply consuming me atm.

cw: pregnancy, SOFT Arle, FLUFF, mentions of throwing up

Somebody sedate me I love her so much.

Starting off with how you would quite literally never wake up on your own when pregnancy nausea forced you out of bed again. Arlecchino would literally be right next to you and gently scoop your hair out of your face the moment you bent over the toilet to empty your stomach. Gently stroking your back, whispering soft words of encouragement, telling you it will be over soon. She’d carefully help you back up and lets you rinse your mouth of the awful taste only to carry you back in her own arms.

If you happen to suffer from Hyperemesis gravidarum (which quite literally means that your nausea lasts for the entirety of the pregnancy and not just the first weeks), she either sits down next to you on the bathroom floors offering her lap as bed or she‘ll have a bucket placed next to your bed. But even then she would always be awake when your stomach is acting up.

I don’t think she‘s the type to talk to your belly but she’d definitely lean against it or gently rest her head on top, watching the soft kicks coming from the inside and tracing the spots with her fingers without uttering a single words. She is simply too mesmerized.

DO NOT! and I repeat DO NOT complain about your weight gain EVER to her, that’s Nr. 1 thing she doesn’t play around with. She literally couldn’t give less fucks about how much you gain or how else your body is changing throughout pregnancy. It almost feels insulting to her when you have the nerve to make a comment about stretch marks and she literally CANNOT contain herself and starts to explicitly explain to you why you’re getting stretchmarks, why they’re so visible and why she finds them so attractive. There isn’t a more beautiful and perfect sight to her than her pregnant wife.

Massages you wherever and whenever you need one, no questions asked. She absolutely loves helping you lay back and relax especially after a difficult day of growing another living being inside your body. She‘d run you a bath, even help you shampoo your hair and the rest of you if you’re too exhausted to do it on your own. She is completely and utterly at your disposal.

Will literal buy everything on the market for her babygirl while setting up the nursery because only in hell will she let her baby miss out on anything like she did when growing up in the House of the Hearth. Even tho you start questioning her when she one day comes home with a heat lamp for the changing table „in case she gets cold“ (Sandrone still owed her a favor)

Literally don’t try to strike up a conversation with her ass when you two happen to be in the same room as her. Her only answer will be few curt nods, an approving but absentminded „mhm“, and if she is feelings generous even a „Interesting… carry on…“, all the while her eyes are plastered on you. Talking and laughing occasionally as you get winded up in yet another discussion, your hand caressing the more than visible baby belly, wedding ring glistening in the chandelier light. Plus points of you‘re wearing something that highlights your body. It’s so over for Arle.

But so help her if one day the first contractions set in. You are immediately surrounded by your husband and a few midwives, checking up on you like you just fell down a bunch of stairs until you reassured everyone that you‘re fine and not went into labor. Still, Arlecchino refuses to leave your side for the rest of day and even earns herself a little scolding from you when she tried to talk you into bed again. You know how much you can handle better than her after all, right?

(A/N: I can’t write labor scenarios for the love of it so I just skip this part-) And the moment she finally gets to hold her love in her arms? It’s scary. Usually the Knave is never scared of anything. But when you hold out the little bundle of joy to her with an exhausted smile and tears staining your sweaty face- something inside of her is doubting herself. What if she accidentally hurts her? What if- lord and behold- she lets her fall down on accident? She is so tiny and fragile, it takes a few encouraging words from your side before Arle finally musters up the courage and very slowly and carefully lifts her babygirl up into her own arms. And she might never want to put her down ever again. She fits so perfectly into her embrace and it also feels like it to her. Like a missing puzzle piece being put into a place as she can’t help but gently stroke her finger over her daughters cheek, completely mesmerized by how soft she feels against her touch.

She starts thanking you. One time. Two times three times. Four times. Over and over as she showers your face in kisses until sleep eventually drags you into its depths. Goodness how could someone as cursed as her be blessed with this wonderful gift? What did she do to deserve this precious little girl in her arms- and her wonderful wife? It has to be some kind of apology from Celestia themself. It has to be.

So help this woman when her daughter opens her eyes for the first time and she stares into a direct replica of her own. Only with your eye color. Her breath catches in her throat for a short moment as she looks down at the beautiful color grazing the x‘s in her eyes, the little white hairs on the top of her head- but yet she still looks so similar to you. So similar it makes her heart ache. How is it possible for something this small to reduce the fourth Fatui Harbinger to nothing but a besotted idiot? This bundle in her arms- this life in her cursed arms. A testimony of how deep your love for each other actually went- it only belongs to the two of you. And she‘ll do anything in her power to protect it. No matter the cost.

SOOOOOOOOB I LOVE PAPA ARLE SM I CANT I ALENAIBEBE EEUGEUGHEUHH I WANNA CRY

[mrmeowski]

can you do a headcanon of the brothers and the side characters with y/n who is pregnant??

˚✧𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐏𝐭. 𝟏/𝟐✧˚

Synopsis: You never imagined that after a year in this place, you'd be carrying the kid of some celestial being. To be honest, you were terrified; you had no idea this would happen, and he had never discussed it. You hesitated initially to tell him, but as things became too difficult to conceal, you gave in and informed him of the news, unsure how he'd take it.

CW: Slight angst, slight swearing, Lesson 16 spoiler [Belphie]

Word Count: 4.0k

Characters: 🧡༻✧ Lucifer [548] 💜༻✧ Mammon [614] 🧡༻✧ Leviathan [587] 💜༻✧ Satan [556] 🧡༻✧ Asmodeus [544] 💜༻✧ Beelzebub [521] 🧡༻✧ Belphegor [666]

⋇⊰LUCIFER⊱⋇

When you initially told Lucifer that you were pregnant, he simply stared at you, in shock for a good 5 minutes. At first, he thought that perhaps it was a twisted joke, but then none came after the confession. You weren't sure if he was mad or what not, he was just staring at you wearing that unreadable expression he had mastered.

Unbeknownst to you, he is internally thinking about his relationship with Satan and how that went sour. Plus, you were a human, carrying his child. He didn't even know such a thing could even occur! Even if he seeks any sort of information he doubts he'll find anything that is of use or trusted. In short, the Avatar of Pride was panicking.

But when you placed a hand on his cheek, he sapped out of it, caressing your hand in return. Whatever the future may hold, he knew it would sail smoothly as long as he had you by his side. That even if he was a horrible father to his 'son' you'd be the one assisting him throughout.

He and his brothers had always been tasked to protect you from the dangers that Devildom offers, but now he demands much stricter security measures for you throughout the entire pregnancy progress and most likely, after his kid is born. He wished he could do it himself, but unfortunately, it simply cannot be since he can't just abandon his duties. When he is around, he always hovers around you and does not let anyone he deems as a threat get close or talk to you.

The man didn't like PDA before, but after learning you carry his child, he especially loved to rub your tummy whenever he could. In private, he's been a lot softer and gentle with you, afraid that he might stress you or cause harm to his child. He wants to be with you at all times mainly during the last couple of months of your pregnancy.

He will do whatever he can to keep you healthy and comfortable throughout and is extra cautious about his own schedule and work habits. He'd dropped everything if you urgently needed something. Fortunately, Diavolo understands why he's been slightly slacking off and lets the man be. Plus, the prince has been worried about the demon's habit of exhausting himself over paperwork that he forgets to take care of himself. You were truly a blessing to him.

The initial fear and panic come back when you go into labor, but he tries to stay calm for your sake. Moments ago, he almost got kicked out of the delivery room because he was ready to pounce on the nurse who wasn't doing enough despite the fact you were in clear distress and pain. The sounds of you wailing and crying in pain bit a large chunk of his mentality and he cannot look at you without immediately looking away. He had witnessed so much pain and blood but this... he simply cannot stomach it.

When he finally sees you, holding his child in your arms, smiling up at him, he feels so relieved. It was the happiest day of his life and that tells a lot for he has been living for centuries, long before humans were even a thing.

⋇⊰MAMMON⊱⋇

When you first told him you're pregnant, he may or may not have shit bricks right there and then. The man needs an ambulance from the initial shock before he quickly recovers, being excited the next before morphing into an absolute picnic in under a minute. It was a flood of emotions but can you blame him?

He is horrified and ecstatic at the same time. He loves you so much and the thought of you creating a family together? His heart is about to burst. But then again... this was the first that ever occurred to the best of his knowledge which, to begin with, is close to none. At the very least, he is smart enough to know it isn't safe for you. So he was weary about it all but you reassured him that it would be all fine, it didn't fully leave him alone although it was enough since it came from you.

Mammon was always protective of you, maybe not on your first day in Devildom but after the pact thing occurred with Levi. So don't even think about bumping into his human, you carried the Great Mammon's child! He barks at anyone and anything that comes even in the vicinity of you. The demon can get very scary if he thinks you're threatened in any way, an unexpected surprise to everyone even his brothers.

Not only is he protective but he is also very devoted. He'd be taking as many jobs as he could finally pay off his debts so he could focus on providing his child with the help of a few people, one of them being Lucifer. Honestly, his brothers are proud to see him actually working his ass off without complaints or questions rather than scamming others—thanks to you. With his hard-earned money, he'd buy so many matching clothing for him, you, and the child. And of course, so many things for his little me in general.

He loves talking to the baby bump about anything. Such as the best ways to win at poker, how to avoid Lucifer, how much he loves you, and simply how good of a person you are and that you'll be a good mother to them. It was adorable and you couldn't help but smile whenever he did it. He also loves feeling his child move around when he rubs the bump, it puts him into tears. He definitely doesn't like other people to touch your people unless those are his brothers. Then perhaps he might consider it, most probably giving in when you scold him for being too overprotective.

If he brags about being your first man, then he won't shut up about you carrying his child. Pretty much everyone knows it and those who don't live in a rock. He's proud of it! So even if someone tells him to shut up, he won't, unless you're that person.

So then the labor comes, the most troubling part that he had nightmares of, literally. He dreamt of things going downhill, that you wouldn't make it, and worse, the kid also not serving throughout the process. He too needs a nurse since the man just passed out and is now lying on the floor unconscious, the screams of pain, the sight of blood, he can't. His mind just went blank and his limbs felt numb. He only woke up when he heard his child's cries, admiring the sight of you embracing his little me.

There's simply one thing you shouldn't do though, that is letting him name the child. He is horrible at it so for your kid's sake and your sanity, don't let the man do it.

⋇⊰LEVIATHAN⊱⋇

He initially thought that you were joking and was expecting Mammon to jump out of somewhere, a phone in his hand screaming at the top of his lungs, "GOTCHA! You should've seen the look on your face!!" but it never happened. No matter how many times you try to convince him, he refuses to believe it until the ultrasound comes in and there it is, a little bean that was his child.

He, the shut-in otaku, will be a dad!? Has a full-on panic attack and almost went into a cardiac arrest. Like first, you a human, pregnant with a demon? He had watched plenty of animes where a demon impregnated a human before but he never believed it was real! That such a thing could occur in real life!? Then came another thought, will he be a good dad to his child? What if he fails immensely and you start to hate him?? Heck, he barely even did all the work in your relationship. You were always the one who pushed him out of his shell, invited him to dates, all things he should've been doing.

You had to reassure him so many times you had long lost count. You understand him though, he had a history of self-doubts and he was just on the path of finding his worth. Honestly, you kind of felt bad to see him this frantic and unsure, wishing sometimes the both of you should've been a bit careful to not cause him such stress. When he found out about this, he finally got himself together and promised himself to be the best dad in Devildom! ...Or at least the best otaku dad in Devildom.

Your usual TSL marathons with him had been replaced by animes featuring families, one such infamous show was Spy x Family which you and he both fell in love. It kind of helped the inner turmoil that ran in his head. Whatever the future may hold, he knew all things will be well especially with you by his side.

When the baby bump started to become noticeable, he couldn't help but always be in awe and he simply could not keep his hands to himself, always touching it in some form. When Levi found out that despite being in a womb, the fetus could hear things outside of it, he began to read it TSL and talk about his favorite game. He cannot wait to show his child about his interest and would love it if they mimic him.

The serpent buys all sorts of games and cute clothes for children. The other brothers started to constantly complain about how many Akuzon packages were being sent to their doorsteps within days, but when you console them about it and notice the little bump, they drop it. Honestly, they too—mostly Asmo—are buying as much for the little unborn kid.

During labor, he cannot handle it to the point that he feels like throwing up or fainting. So much so that some nurses encouraged him to leave the room until all was done, but he refused. He promised you that you'll do this together and he kept that word. Until all he saw was red...

When he came back, he was an apologetic mess, quickly shutting his mouth when he saw the kid, his child in your arms. He cried when you passed him your baby and though it was a bit awkward, he held them so tenderly than any of his most prized Ruri-chan figurines.

⋇⊰SATAN⊱⋇

He half expected this to happen since he had read some demon mythologies about this happening, but the keyword here is mythologies, he didn't actually think they could be real. Honestly, he hoped for another outcome. Satan has little to no interaction with children and quite frankly, he finds them insufferable. He never thought he wanted kids nor will have them but when he imagines creating a family with you... he couldn't bring himself to continue these thoughts.

Like the firstborn, he handled the situation calmly. Reassuring you that all things would go smoothly despite his lack of knowledge about the entire progress. He promised that together, you'll deal with this situation.

Ends up putting a lot of time and effort into researching demon-human pregnancies, though there isn't a lot of information on it and most aren't confirmed to be true. It is a rare occurrence and the children can range from anywhere between a slightly enhanced human to an almost pure-blooded demon albeit still weaker than the normal ones. All this new knowledge only brought him to worry, most if not all of them ended with a possibility of the human dying. He doesn't tell you the latter since he doesn't want to put more stress on you but then again, he loves you more than this child, and if lost you, he'll lose himself.

To ease his inner turmoil, he instead reads about fatherhood. And he began to see this as a chance to prove that he can be an even better father than Lucifer, that he won't fuck this relationship up like he did. With that in mind, he became more excited and enthusiastic about it, almost forgetting the potential downfall.

All throughout your journey, he was a very thoughtful and considerate man. He'd offer to do anything for you even if sometimes you didn't even ask for it. Buys all sorts of cat-related clothing and toys for children because, of course, he will.

Would pamper you as well as the little baby bump with kisses whenever he feels them kicking. That's when it took a whole new meaning to him, this was life and you're doing better than he expected. Perhaps... it wouldn't be that too bad in the end.

When you go into labor, all the self-control he has been practicing throughout his life is being tested. He tried to stay calm for you, but you could clearly see how his eyes and the corners of his lips twitching from time to time, how his fist had turned white from his tight grip, and his veins about to burst out. It was a mixture of worry and the pain of hearing and seeing you cry out, he knew this was normal but it was so hard not to launch himself at the nurses especially when blood began to show.

As soon as he saw his child and more importantly you, in perfect condition, he instantly calmed down, rushing to your side as he admired his little me wrapped lovingly in your arms. When he gets to hold his child, he is so gentle with them like one wrong move could shatter his little kitten. He kissed their forehead, promising them that he'd be a better father than he wished he had if he could even call the Avatar of Pride as one.

⋇⊰ASMODEUS⊱⋇

Being the Avatar of Lust and not using any sort of protection even before your relationship... he suspected such a thing could occur. It isn't his first time in the rodeo, some would come crawling back to him after their initial deal saying they were pregnant with his child, to which he simply brushed. It is called a one-night stand for a reason, he isn't seeking any type of long-lasting relationship. So he had no idea what happened to them and their supposed child.

When he started dating you though, he let go of his old lifestyle to show how he loves you but what stayed was his carelessness. So when he heard the news, this time he was overjoyed! A little you would be sooo adorable to dress up with may it be a girl or a boy! You and he were overjoyed... that is until some of the brothers expressed their concerns, mainly Lucifer and Satan. Informing him of the potential dire consequences, bursting the bubble.

Asmo then becomes hesitant if you should keep the baby, he loves to have a kid of his own but his admiration for you overshadows that. If it meant losing you... then those dreams of his weren't worth it. You remained positive while he deflated, reassuring him that it would be fine and that you wouldn't leave him. It takes a lot of soothing him before he finally gives in, hoping that Father would still listen to his desperate prayers for your safety.

He drowns his sorrows and worries with trips to shopping trips to the mall. Buying all sorts of cutesy baby clothes and planning for photoshoots. There he also gets the best moisturizers to reduce stretch marks and he personally massages you to relieve any tension because he thinks he's the only deserving man to touch you.

When the baby bumps start to show, he would not stop posting it all over Devilgram, always needs to post at least 5 things per day. He's also quite loud in person, to the point the other brothers have to shut him up only doing so if it was you scolding him. But then he pouts while putting on puppy eyes, saying something along the lines of, "Aw, can I not show the world how much I love you??"

Just like Levi during your labor, he wouldn't be able to withstand watching you in pain and agony, clutching along the railings of the bed as you pushed the kid out. He tried to be strong but he simply could not watch his love in pain, it was too much for his heart to bear.

Outside the room, he thought back when his older brothers told him and he feared it might come true. He wanted to go back because this might be the last time he'd see you, but his body refused to move. No matter how much he tried he felt weak... when a nurse came out, he embraced the worst, however, she bore a smile and immediately went inside, and there you lay, a little kid in your grasp.

Continued to cry as he cradled his kids, showering them with tons of kisses and praises along with whispered promises to give them a beautiful future.

⋇⊰BEELZEBUB⊱⋇

He stopped eating and looked dead straight at you in bewilderment. It took him quite a while before he recovered, feeling a bit stupid and blind since he never saw the signs. He initially thought you gained weight because you were eating with him more often... but not this. He doesn't even think this could occur and he is panicking. He's happy for sure yet he isn't sure if this could go well.

So even after soothing and telling him that it'll be alright, that you'll go through this together, Beel seeks the guidance of his oldest brother. Only for his suspicions to be proven true and his heart cracked in half. He didn't want to lose you but also didn't want to lose the unborn child, he is a big family man after all. He doesn't want to persuade you, this mainly affects you and so if you want to proceed then... he'll accept it even if he doesn't agree with it.

If you think he was already too protective and gentle before, it only doubled and tripled this time. Thankfully nobody is idiotic enough to bump into or hurt you when he's just standing behind you... menacingly. But of course, there's always someone that'll be of threat to you, thankfully though he's always hungry at every time of the day and night.

From offering a hand to not letting you do anything but lay in bed. It came to the point where he'll carry you all around especially when the baby bump starts to show. Speaking about that, he's too scared to touch it, afraid that he might rub too hard or whatnot. But with much reassurance he finally held it, feeling his little kid move and kick around, it always puts a smile on his smile no matter how many times he does it. He was thankful you were strong enough to keep the kid despite knowing that things could go downhill.

One thing that is sure to be checked off in the list is your pregnancy cravings. You name it, he ate it. No, but seriously, he's always down to get them for you, it also gave him a reason to get some for himself. He wants his child to be all healthy and full!

And so, it was the day of your labor. He's probably being stopped by the nurses since he needs to eat something, anything to ease his nerves. He was so afraid you and the child wouldn't make it. That he'll regret not stopping you when you made your decision back then. He was afraid that he might've failed to save someone he loved and it was solely his fault, again.

But as soon as his ears picked up the cries of little one and your bathed breaths, he rushed by your side. He refused to hold them since they were so small! He simply watched and admired you cradling them, pointing at him, telling them his their father and that he'll take good care of them. He will. He will protect you with his life, he will do what he failed to do back then.

⋇⊰BELPHEGOR⊱⋇

He learned of this through his twin, you were horrified at how he'd react and what you'd do that you decided to seek help from Beel. With the older twin by your side, the two of you went upstairs to the attic to confront him about it. He first thought that it was all a bad dream... a nightmare that felt all too real. But when he didn't wake up, still standing there in front of him with a worrisome expression

Just like the fourth born, Belphie despises children, he finds them annoying especially their high-pitched voices, screaming and complaining. The only thing he could consider as experience with handling children was when Satan was a kid and he barely controlled that little shit.

So the fact he didn't like kids and the overall feeling that this is wrong was too overwhelming for the demon. You're pregnant with a demon child. This couldn't... it isn't safe for you! Even if he never thought that something like this would happen, what he's sure of is that it can't be good for you and potentially kill you. He demanded the kid to be... removed from you much to you and his twin's dismay.

You expected such an outcome, that's why you didn't tell him in the first place, so you didn't fight much, but Beel being the family guy he is, fought for the unborn kid. A fight ensued between them with you caught in the middle, trying to calm things down while failing miserably. It reached the point that it garnered Lucifer's attention, stopping the quarrel between the twins. Safe to say they didn't talk to each other for some time and you left him be.

He said a lot of shitty things to you but it's simply because he thought back to when he killed you. If you die because of his kid, that'd mean it would be his and he swore he'd protect you. It hurts him so when you avoid his gaze, the loneliness he felt when you're no longer by his side in his sleep, and though Beel caved in and started to interact with him, it wasn't enough. He needed you to not leave him.

It was sad but if your lover doesn't want it, then you'll accept it. In the safety of your room, you looked down on the little pill in your hand, before someone nearly broke your door. There he was... standing right outside and now begging for forgiveness as well as pleading to keep the kid. Honestly, you don't know what made him change his mind, maybe his twin pulled some strings behind it? You didn't bother to ask, just simply hugging and giving him comfort.

Since he knows nothing about parenting and all that, he seeks out Satan. The older brother was quite surprised he was putting this much effort into something at first, he was against it, love can truly change someone. It was still against his will but eventually, he softened up to his future kid. He loves to lay his head in your stomach and when it grew bigger you had to scold him to which he'd pout and complain about it all day long.

The day he dreaded and hunted his sleep had come. He never was more awake in his life than during your labor. His emotions went haywire he stood behind the nurses, watching them intently in his demon form. Looking for any mistakes they'll make and if either you or his child dies, he isn't afraid to rip them apart. Thankfully, his worst nightmare didn't come true and both of you survived.

He admires his little one, regretting that he even thought of killing them before. But who would blame him? He'd only let his twin hold his child during their few weeks but when they get old, perhaps, just maybe he'll let other brothers hold them... It'll take quite some time to convince him if that other is Lucifer.

Surprise Pregnancy Pt. 2/2» Request» Masterlist»

[lees-chaotic-brain]

How would jjk men react to reader being pregnant with quadruplets?

Feat. Gojo, Yuta, Inumaki, Nanami, Megumi, Itadori (all characters are aged up)

Note: I did headcanons for this request because there were so many characters I wanted to include, and it would get a little boring to write the same scenario out in a full fledged fic like seven times. However, if there are one or two that you want me to turn into proper fics lmk!! I had to do research on pregnancy for this bc it's been awhile since my high school health class

CW: pregnancy, implied thoughts of abortion ig, mentions of fear regarding labor, AFAB reader bc, yk, pregnancy, one singular swear word

Word Count: 1.2k

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Gojo

I feel like Gojo would think you were joking at first, and wouldn’t believe you until you got frustrated and he finally realized you were being for real. He would have mixed emotions. On one hand, he was excited to have a big family and a house full of laughter and love. On the other hand, he was afraid, because more babies meant more defenseless mini-people for him to protect.

He had only known that he was going to be a father of quadruplets a few minutes ago, but he already knew that it would destroy him if he ever lost one of them. That he would gladly give his life for them. And then there was the matter of you. He already knew that childbirth was difficult for women, but quadruplets?? Childbirth was something that even he couldn’t protect you from and that terrified him. 

After a serious discussion in which he made sure you were okay with the added risks and you continuously reassured him that this was what you wanted, he settled down and began imagining a future for your family. Until he realized that he would have to share your love with four little gremlins who would surely take after their clingy father. Then it suddenly seemed less appealing.

Yuta

Baby boy would be shooketh. Because he’s sorry please don’t be mad at him and oh you’re not mad at him and the two of you are having quadruplets well technically you are but he’s the dad and oh god what if he’s not good at being a dad and-

You would have to calm him down as he fell into a downward spiral. Once you had properly reassured him, and he had fully absorbed the information he was ecstatic. He has always wanted a big family, and together the two of you were making that dream come true. Cuddling up to you he would thank you for loving him and gifting him with the many kids he had always dreamed of having.

He for sure would be the type to rub your stomach and whisper sweet nothings to the growing babies in your womb, telling them how much daddy loves them and how excited he is to meet them.

He would also start baby-proofing every square inch of your house before you had even started your second trimester.

Inumaki

He would be in shock. Because he put- wait how many??? babies in you. There was no way he heard you right. There was no way that you were pregnant with quadruplets. Because, wait, he didn't sign up for this! Yeah, he wanted tons of kids, but four babies at a time was a lot. And the strain it would have on your body was concerning as well. 

After he stopped opening and closing his mouth as he gaped at you, he managed to organize his thoughts. First he wanted to make sure you even wanted that many kids because, well, it wouldn’t be easy to give birth to or take care of that many. Once you had reassured him that you were, in fact, sure that you wanted to go through with the pregnancy and that you were prepared for whatever the future held for your not-so-little family he took a moment to process his own emotions.

At first he was conflicted. Sure he was excited, but he held his own private reservations. What if something went wrong during labor? What if he wasn’t cut out to be the parent of one kid, let alone four. But as the months sped by and your stomach grew, the anticipation grew, until one day he let go of any and all trepidation and allowed himself to be optimistic.

He also bought tons of matching onesies for the whole family.

Nanami

Ever the responsible adult and caring husband, first he sat you down and had a serious discussion about the pros and cons of having quadruplets, and whether or not the risks were worth it. Deep down he was thrilled, but he wanted to make sure the two of you were on the same page and understood what continuing meant.

Once the two of you had established you were going to see this through, and it was something the two of you wanted his planning would begin. First came the research. He thoroughly educated himself on everything regarding pregnancy, learning everything he needed to do to ensure your comfort and the healthy birth of his children.

Expect a special diet plan that fulfills the needs of you and your unborn children in the healthiest way possible, essential oil massages, weekly check-ups starting your second trimester, vitamin gummies and more.

He also would begin saving up because raising four children would be expensive. Would for sure have a whole financial plan set up and college savings accounts set up for each of his children within a week of his learning.

Megumi

Honestly, he wouldn’t have super strong feelings about it. He wanted to be a dad, but he didn’t care if it was one, four, or one hundred. He just wanted to have kids with you, and beyond that as long as you were happy he was too. 

So when you told him, his only response was asking you what you thought about it. When you told him you were excited, he was excited too. He had wanted to build his own family for as long as he could remember, and you were helping him reach his dream. What more could he ask for? The only other thing that mattered to him was that his children had siblings. As a kid he had resented Tsumiki, but as an adult he couldn’t imagine the loneliness he would have experienced growing up without her. So yeah. If you were happy, and his children would have siblings so they would never have to walk through life alone, he was content.

There was nothing more he wanted in life than your love and a family with you.

Itadori

Kids!!! He had wanted a ton of kids, so this was perfect! You were happy with it, so even better! He sees it as a four-in-one deal, and is over the moon. His golden retriever personality becomes even worse when you’re pregnant. Like, this man is at your side 24/7.

Constantly following you around, looking at you with big pleading eyes as he begs to cuddle in bed with you so he can talk to your stomach.

Oh my god talking to your stomach. This man would talk to your stomach more than he talks to you. Asking what your kids want to be named. Telling your unborn babies about his day. That he loves them and can’t wait to meet them. Describes all the fun things the six of you are going to do once they’re born. Definitely tries cuddling your stomach because he ‘wants to know what it feels like to hold his children.’

Also is a little shit that constantly asks ‘are they coming yet? Why not??’

[gemini-sensei]

Biggest Surprise | Cobra Kai x Chubby!Fem!Reader

Request: I was wondering if you could do any headcanons or maybe a blurb on Reader having a cryptic pregnancy? And she out of the blue goes into labor or has the baby/s?

CW: secret relationship, mentioned sneaking out, hospitals, cryptic/stealth pregnancy, labor pains, very brief discussion of miscarriage, surprise baby,

Reader was walking into the kitchen of her shared apartment to grab a snack on the afternoon her life changed forever. She greeted Moon as she walked past, both wearing pretty smiles. It was a regular day of the week as far as they were concerned, rather chill and uneventful so far.

Except when she opened the fridge, a sharp pain shot through her abdomen. She threw the door away to grab her stomach, making everything in the door rattle. It caught Moon's attention and she stood up.

"Are you okay?" she asked, walking over as Reader groaned in pain.

"I don't know," she mumbled.

The pain passed and Reader let out a heavy breath. She took a moment to calm down, but it was a little hard with Moon fussing over her. Whatever that pain was, it wasn't anything to get worked up over. So she shrugged her roommate off with a little smile and thanks, then grabbed the snack she'd initially come in there for.

Moon watched her. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Reader nodded with a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. It was probably nothing."

They let it go and Reader went to her room, But about thirty minutes later, the same pain shot through her again. She was lying in bed, groaning as she withered on the sheets, texting Moon that it was happening again.

It didn't take long for Moon to get to her room but by the time she got to Reader, her roommate was halfway curled up on her side, holding her pudgy belly. She saw the tears in her eyes and the pained look on her face, making Moon feel horrible as she wanted nothing more than for her friend to be okay.

As she rubbed Reader's arm, trying to comfort her, she said, "We should go to the hospital."

"Yeah, probably," Reader groaned. The idea scared her, but what choice did they really have? "What could this be?"

"You could have a ruptured spleen or something," Moon suggested.

They waited for the pain to pass again before Moon helped Reader up and into her shoes. They walked down to Moon's car, where Reader got another shock of pain as soon as she sat down and started crying.

"Oh, God, Moon, please hurry!" she begged.

Moon helped buckle her in and rushed to the driver's side. She drove them to the hospital as fast as she possibly could without getting pulled over, though they got pretty lucky with green lights and little traffic. It was an agonizing ride for Reader as she dealt with the pain with loud groans; it was unlike anything she had ever felt before and it was hard not to scream.

When they arrived at the hospital, Reader hobbled up to the door until a nurse saw them coming in and brought over a wheelchair. Moon explained what was going on and they took Reader into a room quickly so they could figure out what was wrong with her. They took her vitals and asked her questions about her previous health and any sicknesses, and then they took her blood and promised to come back. It took a while and everything was up in the air until the doctor came in.

She introduced herself and smiled calmly, hoping to keep the air in the room as easy as possible. "I just have to ask you a few questions. When was the last time you were sexually active?"

Reader felt a little embarrassed as the topic came up. She glanced over at Moon, who had no idea of anything she'd been up to over the last year or so. She'd firmly told all of her friends that she wasn't interested in seeing anyone, but that really wasn't the case at all... However, she knew better than to lie to the doctor.

"A few weeks ago, why?" she asked. She couldn't have gotten an STI or anything like that. She didn't get hurt, at least that she could remember. So that left one final option. "Oh my god! Am I pregnant?"

The doctor maintained a calm demeanor. "Yes, yes you are. We were so shocked by the results, we had to run the tests two more times just to make sure."

Moon gasped softly, but didn't give any judgment or words about the secret Reader had been keeping. If anything, her dating life was the last thing on everyone's mind and Moon had her priorities in the right places. "Is the baby okay? I mean, Reader is in a lot of pain. Is she...?"

The doctor quickly shook her head. "No, no. Nothing like that. In fact, Reader... you're in labor. Those pains you're feeling are contractions, you're body preparing to deliver the baby."

"What? But that can't be right. I never even knew about it!" Reader cried out desperately. She was nowhere near ready to have a baby. She'd only just found out she was pregnant. She shook her head, crying harshly, and Moon tried to wipe away her tears. "This can't be happening! I can't have a baby!"

The doctor came over to comfort her as well, shushing her gently. She had a very maternal nature to her that helped ease Reader as her sobs turned into soft whimpers. "Hey, hey, I know this is scary. This is a lot for you to find out in just a few minutes, but you're going to be okay. My staff and I are going to take care of you two and you're going to be just fine, alright?"

Reader nodded, though she had a few questions about all of this. "How is this even possible?"

The doctor sighed. "It's fairly rare. It's called a cryptic pregnancy. Usually, very few or no symptoms present themselves and you're body doesn't change much. For the most part, some women will learn of the pregnancy halfway through. You're one of the ones that have made it to full term it seems."

They all fell silent as the information sank in. Then Moon asked, "So what now?"

"We'll, you're pretty close to giving birth. We're going to move you to the maternity ward before that happens and we're going to give you the rundown of what's going to happen," the doctor explained. "We're going to try and prepare you for this as much as we can before the baby comes."

"Okay," Reader said, laying her head back as she had to sit with the reality of the situation.

She was about to have a baby. A baby she didn't know about, a baby conceived months ago, a baby wasn't even slightly prepared for. She put a hand over her stomach, feeling nothing but soft, plush fat. It was hard to imagine there was a baby somewhere behind it, ready to be born nonetheless. And it scared the crap out of her. Where was she going to put a baby? How was she going to raise a baby? How was she going to tell the father?

Before she could think of any solutions, another wave of contractions rushed through her and she grit her teeth, groaning. She knew that the closer they got to each other, the closer her baby was to being born, and she was terrified. What was she going to do?

xxx

After being moved to the maternity ward, Reader was taken through some brief albeit helpful coaching. She listened to the doctor carefully and had Moon at her side the whole time. Though it was a startling and scary experience, Moon was optimistic throughout the whole situation. She held Reader's hand through contractions and promised that she was going to stay there with her for the whole thing. It made Reader feel ten times better.

When they were left alone, Moon finally asked, "Is there anyone you want me to call?"

She didn't ask who the father was. She didn't pry. She only asked if Reader wanted him there. It was so simple and sweet of her, and Reader appreciated it. If only it helped her figure out what to do.

"I don't know," she mumbled, thinking of her boyfriend. They'd been dating for almost a year, albeit in secret.

They hadn't wanted to make a big deal out of their relationship, thinking that if they started dating, it could meddle with their friend group. It was already hard enough with the whole backstory of Tory and Miguel and Sam and Robby thing always in the past. No one ever mentioned it, but they all knew it was there. What was the sense in making things harder? Then things just happened and she and her boyfriend liked being alone together, no one asking them dumb questions or getting in their way. It was easy, simple, lovely. So they snuck around and told some little white lies to see each other. No harm, no foul. Neither of them could have predicted where it would lead them.

Moon nodded in understanding. "Okay." She stood up and came to sit at Reader's side, showing her roommate her phone as her mood brightened. "Well, I started a list of things we're going to need. Obvious diapers and clothes and blankets and bottles-"

"Whoa, Moon, slow down," Reader said, looking between her and the long list she curated. "We don't even know what's going to happen. I mean, I haven't taken any prenatal meds or anything like that. I mean, what if the baby is sick or I'm not even allowed to keep them?"

"The hospital isn't going to take your baby from you, Reader," Moon told her, wrapping an arm around her and rubbing her shoulder. "And secondly, it isn't like you drink or do drugs, so I bet the baby is fine. And if they are sick, we can figure it out."

"We?"

"I told you, I'm here for you. For all of this, not just the birth."

"I couldn't ask you to do that."

"You don't have to. That's what best friends are for."

It wasn't long after that when the doctor and nurses came in and Reader was being instructed to push. Moon held her hand through the whole process, telling her that she was doing a great job. The delivery didn't take very long either. Reader pushed all of four times before the little one slid out and the doctor caught them.

Moon was encouraging her and telling her how proud she was of her when the loud wail of a baby broke the air. Both young women looked up to see the doctor holding up the messy infant with happy eyes.

"It's a boy."

"He's so little," Reader said as her baby was laid on her chest. She smiled at him, through the tears and sweat that poured down her face. Overcome with pride and love, she cried. "Hi there."

He nestled up to her, wailing and fussy. They were given a minute before a nurse scooped him up to be cleaned and evaluated. Reader watched from her position on the bed, her smile never leaving her face. Suddenly, her whole world had changed and it was all because of that little boy, whom she loved so much.

Once he was declared healthy, things moved quickly after that. Reader was cleaned up and checked on, her baby boy was dressed and given a bassinet to rest in, and things calmed down after that. Moon and Reader talked for a little bit about what to do and how they were going to do things, but as soon as Reader yawned, Moon told her that they would pick up the conversation later. Before she fell asleep, though, Reader asked Moon to tell their friends to come by the next day. She wanted them all to meet her son. Moon told her she'd let them know and with that, Reader fell asleep.

xxx

The following day, when everyone showed up at the hospital, they were a little confused as to where they were going and why they were there. Moon hadn't been very specific in the details, as she'd been almost as tired as Reader when she'd sent the text to the group chat, so everyone arrived a little worried.

They were chatting in the waiting, trying to figure out what they were doing there and what was going on. Yasmine had texted Moon that they were there, all having shown up within minutes of each other because as soon as visiting hours started, they were all pretty much there. Moon came out to get them and she was smiling wide.

"Oh, you all made it. Reader is going to be so happy to see you," she said.

Miguel asked, rather concerned. "Is she okay? What happened?"

"Yeah, you all you said was that Reader was in the hospital and wanted to see us," Sam said, just as worried. "Then we all texted you and you never texted back."

Moon got a guilty and apologetic look on her face. "Oops. I'm sorry. So much has happened. We've pretty much been here since yesterday afternoon and last night I fell asleep. My bad."

"Reader isn't dying, is she?" Robby asked.

"What? No, nothing like that," Moon said, shaking her head. She waved for them to follow her and she started walking. "Just follow me. It's something you kind of have to see to believe."

They walked down a few halls and as they approached the room, Moon slowed down and put a finger to her lips. "Shh. You have to be quiet when you walk in. I'm looking at you, Hawk."

"I can be quiet," he said defensively.

Moon playfully rolled her eyes as Sam elbowed him in the side, then she opened the door and led them inside. No one was ready for what they saw inside.

Reader was sitting on the bed with a small bundle wrapped up in her arms. She was smiling and talking softly, not noticing the group coming into the room at first. They were in a state of shock as they watched her, not at all believing what they were seeing until a tiny hand lifted from the blue blanket in her arms and reached for her. She reached back and let the little hand take hold of her finger.

"Oh my god," Yasmine let out.

Tory scoffed. "Well, that's the last thing I expected."

"What were you actually expecting?" Demetri asked.

"Stitches," she asked.

Reader looked up and smiled at her friends. "Hey."

Sam hurried over and stood at the end of the bed, as if to get a closer look but was scared to get too close. For as shocked as she was, she kept her voice calm and steady, not wanting to tighten the baby. "Reader, I didn't even know you were pregnant."

"Neither did I."

Everyone's jaws dropped at that.

"Are you serious?" Tory asked, walking over with Yasmine close behind.

The guys followed, too, but let the ladies go to Reader first, as they were obviously far more excited and ready to face the reality of the situation than they were.

Reader nodded to Tory. "Yeah. No symptoms, no changes. No indication at all. And yet, he's as healthy as can be."

She looked back down at her baby, who was looking up at her with big, pretty eyes. She couldn't help but think that he had his father's eyes, but she kept that thought to herself. They were beautiful and she loved them.

"It's a boy?" Yasmine asked excitedly.

"Yeah," Reader giggled.

The ladies - mostly Moon, Sam, and Yasmine - engaged Reader and talked about the baby, fussing over him and his mere existence. They talked a little about how it had happened and what was going to happen next, which was when Demetri and Miguel stepped in and asked the harder-hitting and logical questions - how was she going to pay for a baby? Where was he going to stay and sleep? Where was she going to get everything she needed for a baby? It was a lot to think about and they within good reason to be asking such questions.

Robby and Hawk stayed close to the wall, both a little awkward in the situation. Robby was a little uneasy around babies and though Hawk worked with young kids at the dojo, he had little experience with babies. They didn't say much but congratulated Reader.

When asked if anyone wanted to hold him, Yasmine and Sam got into a small argument over who should get to hold him first, failing to realize Moon had been the first person after Reader to get to hold him. Ultimately, the honor went to Miguel, who was just as eager to hold the little guy.

It was a night moment, all of them together, celebrating this new life. Reader was absolutely scared shitless but her friends assured her that she wasn't going to be alone in this. As far as they were concerned, the baby was one of them now. They were their own little family after all.

But her stomach still fluttered with butterflies as she looked out at the room, knowing she was going to have to face the father sooner rather than later. That was why she wanted this little meet and greet organized in the first place so that he would show up and meet his son. Reader wouldn't have to tell him one-on-one, even though she knew that perhaps that'd be the best way to do it. She was young and scared and in her mind, this was the easiest way to rip the bandaid off. She knew she'd be talking with him alone soon, but until that time came, she'd enjoy this moment.

Who's the father of Reader's baby? Let me know who you want it to be and I'll write a part two! Or if you want multiple endings and you just choose who you want it to be, I can do that too.

Choose: Hawk | Miguel | Robby | Demetri

[mushroomnoodles]

tw bodily fluids

was simons pregnancy more painful than any other ones?? was there a gigantic mess of like blood and "other stuff"?? like.. birth takes soo long to do seriously like 4-8 HOURS on average or are we just gonna like not include this for the sake of not being nauseous ( + old mans remaining sanity )

tw/cw for sfw and non kink mpreg, as well as labor, water breaking.. and discussion of birth details + injury while trying to keep it vague.

ill go into it once- yeah, it's pretty safe to say simon had a rough time with the labor. i've stated this before, but he was experiencing labor pains for a few days before he went into active labor- see, he didn't think much of it because every now and then his body would try to have morrigan and be unable to because of the seal, so braxton hicks and actual false labor was.. not something he was unfamiliar with.

it wasn't until the contractions got so bad they were nearly debilitating and he felt morri shift inside him to get ready to be born that he went, oh no, oh no no no, he's having the baby.

more under the cut, there's art down there too but like heed the tags. i'm still trying to keep the discussion.. not super heavy.

we all know what happened next, with marceline bringing him into the woods and not being able to make it. because like, right after she set him down, his water broke.

blah blah, they run into finn, explain simon is like, pregnant and about to give birth, set up a location, and then simon (and marcy) are faced with another problem.

it's pretty obvious to everyone that simon's bump was huge. morri is huge. the actual place they'd be born from.. not so much. but that doesn't dissuade morri, who has been trying to get that gd seal off them for months, and is not going to waste another second hiding in their old man. things are going super fast.

and things do not look great down there. marcy is totally winging this delivering a baby thing. simon kept going from silence- just trying to ride through the contractions, to screaming like a dying animal. marceline was terrified the whole time, especially when simon said he felt like he was gonna rip open.

(pretend the fallen tree is behind simon.)

so yeah, it was pretty messy. simon did not make giving birth to a twelve pound baby out unscathed, he definitely tore. when morri was out marceline gave him what little medical attention she could, which honestly wasn't a lot- pb had to do some quick fixing when she showed up, and i don't think he would've made it if not for the cosmic energy radiating through him from carrying morrigan.

it was a good while before simon recuperated enough to be moved, and it sorta spooked everyone when he just.. got up like he didn't just finish pushing out a 12 pound baby. those pain meds were a godsend, by the way, simon was never happier for them in his entire life.

victory! they got him home and in bed with his brand new baby, and marceline stuck by for a few weeks to help take care of morri while simon healed. simon was zonked out but very happy to have a baby in his arms, his baby.

also bonus: simon wakes up the next morning

he feels like five trains ran through his entire lower half. homedawg lived on those pain relievers from that point on

[nappingmoon]

short little thing about being kita's little wife and getting the best surprise of your life. <33

fluff!! wc: 1k cw: pregnancy.

a/n: i was never a kita girlie but im watering my neighbors plants and thinking...

to be kita's little wife is to live the most relaxing life ever. I think kita is a little more traditional in the sense that he never wants you lift a finger. that's what he's for. years of labor in his family's rice fields have toned his body, the muscles strong and taught under skin that's warmed from so much time spent under the hot sun. your wedding ring is an heirloom, given to him by his grandmother the first time he brought you to visit her. at first, it was difficult to adjust to life away from the city-- the quiet sometimes more deafening than the constant whir of society. you slowly came to appreciate the change in pace. you've had more time to think, to develop yourself without the constant influence of others and to love who you have become. kita is always there with firm reassurance if the latter becomes clouded by any errant thoughts.

you start each day by waking up when your body deems that it has had enough sleep. kita's already gone-- he always is by this time. he's in the fields before the sun has crept past the horizon, prepping for the days work and doing preliminary tending. you stretch your body, easing your way through your morning routine without rush or worry. you slip on a flowy dress, a must for keeping cool in the hot summer, before heading to the kitchen. you pour yourself a cup of the tea kita left for you and grab a piece of bread to munch on while you walk to the garden. the watering can is a familiar weight in your hands as you pick it up, some of the cool droplets splashing against your legs. it’s a refreshing sensation when the sun beats down as it does now, the clouds sparse. you pick a flower for your hair, matching it to your outfit. once done watering the plants, you grab a woven basket, a wedding gift from one of the nice ladies from the village. you fill it with various vegetables and fruits, grabbing what is ripe and centering your lunch plans based on what nature has provided you with today.

the record player in your living room croons out an old jazz tune as you slice tomatoes. you hum along and there’s a sway in your hips as you add them to the pan. this is the sight that greets kita as he enters your shared home. his footsteps thud, strong and intentional. “hi darlin’” he greets, leaning in to kiss you. sweat drips above his brow, evidence of the work he’s done. “smells delicious.”

you both enjoy your meal at the table, chatting about your plans for the day and the places you want to stop this weekend on your biweekly trip to see osamu. kita is always steady with his supply, never late and never passing the task on to the delivery boys who take the rice to the other customers. this is a trip he cherishes, a chance to connect with his old teammate (teammates when atsumu finally stops by) and it has become a little tradition. osamu always makes you your favorite onigiri, warm and ready the moment you arrive, bellies empty after the long drive. you watch the sunset through the windows of his little shop, and take a walk with his wife before it darkens completely. “let’s leave the boys to themselves, I wanna have a little girl time with my favorite friend” she says, ushering you out. it’s a bit unexpected, you four usually spend the whole time together catching up.

you suspect she brought you out to discuss kita’s birthday plans. he’s turning thirty and you had expressed to her that you wanted to do something special. that’s why you’re stunned when she starts off giddily with a “so, how far along are you? you’re absolutely glowing and it’s not the summer heat.”

you pause, taken aback. “what? I’m not pregnant, what do you mean?” you’re not. you’re definitely not… right?

“I’ve got an eye for this, and i’m never wrong so don’t bother trying to keep it a secret! this is so exciting!” she exclaims, but her smile falls when she sees the look of surprise on your face. “oh, did you not know?”

you can’t be pregnant. but wait, when was your last period? you were just late, right? kita had been talking about giving you a baby, had been desperate in his attempts recently, but it hadn’t worked that fast, had it? you had only stopped using condoms a little over a month ago! but as she looks over you, sure in her assessment that maybe she could be right. 

“are you sure?” you ask, tentative. you don’t want to get excited yet. you don’t want to start dreaming and making name lists and thinking about nursery colors or how amazing of a father kita would be. not yet.

“I’m positive. your skin seems lit from the inside out. I’ve always been able to tell faster than most, and I have never been wrong in my guesses. we can get a test on the way back. I can be there while you take it. imagine the surprise on their faces. osamu’s gonna be mad he didn’t knock me up first.” she giggles

a smile forms on your face at the thought. a palm against your belly, you let yourself truly fall into believing the dream of creating a little family with kita. of bringing into the world the fruit of your love, of raising a child in your small home, small feet padding across the wood. you grasp her hand and pick up the pace eager to get to the store and grab the tests.

kita nearly faints when he hears the news.

[puissantveil]

Headcanons for Outworld's newest Cool Mom (CW: brief discussion of pregnancy and complications thereof)

Well, we know where Mileena gets her boobage from now. Kitana is a bit sleeker and takes more after Jerrod's sisters and nieces.

Sindel and Jerrod were political rivals who fell in love. Jerrod had his own kombat prowess, either as a warrior or a sorcerer.

In the 3D era Raiden/Sindel was a popular (and good as shit) pairing. With Raiden and Liu Kang switching places in this timeline, Sindel may have a past with the fire god (yes, I absolutely went there) In neither case can Kitana escape the "I banged your mom lol" jokes.

Sindel adores both of her daughters, though if you forced her to choose, Mileena would win out because Kitana is an incorrigible eavesdropper and knows so much it's borderline creepy. She both admires their strengths, and frets over their shortcomings. Sindel actually considers Mileena's aggression important should her position call upon her to deal with aspiring warmongers, but worries herself sick over Millie's temper. She thinks Kitana's warmth and wit are wonderful qualities for a ruler, but finds her passivity in Mileena's presence troubling.

She does not remember her pregnancy fondly. Assuming Outworld is one of those "teleportation yes, flush toilets no" fictional worlds, it would be very difficult to detect a multiple pregnancy before the birth of Twin A (Mileena in this case). Sindel had to stay bedridden for much of her pregnancy, and the entire kourt feared the worst until her labor culminated in the arrival of not one, but two healthy babies. She may have named Mileena and Kitana to reflect this.

Until proven otherwise, Kitana's cousins were banned from court in an attempt to quarantine Mileena.

Gives amazing hugs.

[biscuitdragonwithastick]

Eggpregtober Fic 2 Discussion

That turned out a lot differently than in my original draft. Since I don't think I'll release it, I'll just talk about it here.

CW: Rape/noncon, forced pregnancy, mind control, forced body transformation

Originally, Malphus was going to be a one off character that still runs into Trisha at the beginning of the story (wrong place wrong time). But instead of wholesome(ish) fucking. She makes his dick bigger and into a proper cock and molds his mind to be at her beck and call.

The rest of the story follows her revenge: Shrinking the Kings dick and messing with his mind to think he's supposed to "serve" his kingdom by being a fucked by everyone of his subjects. She fucks him full of demonic spawn and uses magic to make everyone think it's normal, but the gaurds are able to grow wise that something is amiss.

The corner her in a room and demand answers as to what's going on and she begins to gaslight them. Questioning their logic and understanding of everything. She has them strip of their armor and realize they have pussies now. Or they've always had pussies? She molds them to think that their duties as guards, same as their king, is to serve the people and staff of the castle. It's revealed that all the staff have been transformed to be incredibly horny and large cocked. She leaves them to fuck each other senseless.

Later on, she walks through her kingdom, husband in tow, to see how things are turning out. We see that the subjects of the kingdom fully believe its normal to fuck the royal guard in broad daylight. People ask the king for his "service" which he readily agrees to. His belly is so big now that it touches the floor when he's fucked from behind and is used for the pleasure of local women.

A man tries to fuck him without asking and Trisha shoves him into the wall and takes him right there on the street, changing his mind to only get pleasure from his ass. Turning him into a slut.

Further on, we see the kingdom truly transformed. The former servants fuck the guards in the halls of the throne room, their bodies multicolored, with wings and horns to denote their demonic transformation. The king goes into labor on the the throne and can't seem to give birth.

Only then, does Trisha bring his mind back to normal to see what the kingdom has become. She forces him to say that he'll give the kingdom to her or else he'll never give birth.

He relents and a new era to the kingdom is born.

[lg-0522]

Through the Veil of Agony

CW: dystocia, death, public birth

Setting: Alice had always been opposed to the country's family planning policy. As a young woman who cherished freedom, she couldn't accept the government's restrictions on childbirth. Therefore, she actively participated in protests against this policy and spoke out against its inhumanity.

This caused a great stir in her school. As one of the dissenting voices, she faced warnings and criticism from her teachers. Since joining the protest activities, Alice became one of the least favored students among the school faculty.

The school administration grew increasingly displeased with her outspoken protests. In an attempt to thwart her activities, the school secretly implanted an IUD contraceptive device in her, aiming to physically block her reproductive capabilities. Unexpectedly, she became pregnant.

Since becoming pregnant, the teachers' attitudes became even more extreme. They not only prohibited her from participating in any collective activities but also deliberately singled her out to answer the most difficult questions, mocking her as "nothing more than a human baby-making machine."

Other classmates followed the teachers' lead and distanced themselves from her. Her former friends stopped talking to her and even started bullying her. Sometimes, when the teachers weren't looking, classmates would "accidentally" spill liquids behind her as a retaliation for her "ungratefulness."

From then on, Alice became the center of rumors and criticism throughout the school. Teachers would often point at her in class, warning other students not to participate in political activities indiscriminately. Her classmates avoided her, and everyone looked at her with disdainful eyes, making her a pitiable outcast.

In this hostile school environment, Alice gradually became isolated. Every day, she endured various discussions and condemnations, along with the physical pain and torment of pregnancy, with no one caring about her suffering or offering help. This prolonged solitude made her increasingly negative, exacerbating her already sensitive nature.

And today, the difficult childbirth in the classroom became a continuation of her nightmare...

On a cold winter day, there was a gloomy atmosphere permeating the corridors of the school. Alice walked slowly, her stiff body and tired gait indicating that she was already two weeks past her due date, yet showing no signs of going into labor.

As classmates hurriedly passed by her, they whispered under their breaths and stared at her with mocking glances. Camila and Elsa giggled behind her back, while Connor and Lena intentionally quickened their pace, quickly distancing themselves from her. The school corridor seemed to have turned into an indifferent and heartless stage, with Alice becoming the lonely character being ridiculed.

She tried to endure the discomfort and pain in her body, but the overwhelming feeling of isolation pushed her spirits to the brink of collapse. Her former friends now treated her with indifference, even actively avoiding her gaze. Even Professor Anderson joined the ranks of those mocking her, pointing at her and ridiculing her choices and actions.

"Look at Alice, the girl who's now only fit to be a human baby-making machine!" Anderson's voice echoed through the hallway, causing a wave of laughter and gossip.

Alice tried to maintain a strong facade, but inside, she was filled with despair and loneliness. She needed support and understanding, someone to stand up and defend her, but it seemed like in this world, only indifference and mockery awaited her.

She continued with heavy steps, walking towards the classroom. This classroom used to be a haven of joy and knowledge for her, but now it had become her predicament. She felt her body growing more and more weary, but she knew that even here, she wouldn't receive any assistance or care.

The door to the classroom opened, and she walked in, taking a seat at the back row. Her classmates looked at her with eyes filled with mockery and indifference. They knew she lacked the strength to defend her beliefs, and there was no power or support to help her fight against this adversity.

Alice's spirit gradually sank into the depths of despair, feeling suffocated by her loneliness. It seemed as though this world didn't care about her pain and struggles. In this dystopian reality, she became a helpless and abandoned existence.

In Professor Anderson's classroom, the situation worsened. Alice sat in the back row, feeling oppressed and powerless. The mockery from Professor Anderson and her classmates became sharper and more callous.

Professor Anderson laughed coldly, his words dripping with contempt. "Alice, do you think your protest has any meaning? You're just an ordinary and boring girl, and no one cares about your actions. Look at yourself now, unable to even handle a child. It's truly pathetic."

Leo, Alice’s ex-boyfriend, sneered, his words filled with mockery and anger. "That's right, Alice, you're a joke. What makes you think you're special? Now you've made a mess of your own life, and no one will feel sorry for you."

Helen joined in with the taunting. "Alice, you're truly pitiful and foolish. What do you think you can change? Right now, you're just a pregnant failure, and nobody will have an iota of sympathy for you."

Camila, Elsa, Connor, and Lena, who were once Alice's friends, now joined in with cold sarcasm. "Look at this self-proclaimed extraordinary Alice, she thought she was so special, but now she's in dire straits." "She's such a pitiful fool, clueless about how bad her situation is." "Alice, your protest only makes you more isolated and insignificant. Look at you now, a pregnant woman, and no one will stand up for you."

Professor Anderson looked smugly at Alice, having completely defeated her and rendering her unable to continue her resistance. He turned away and continued with the class, while the classmates continued to mock Alice. In this classroom, Alice became the butt of everyone's jokes, and no one was willing to help her. She felt helpless and despairing.

Suddenly, a wave of contractions hit her. Alice struggled to control her breathing as the contractions grew more frequent and intense. She felt overwhelmed and powerless because she wasn't prepared to face childbirth yet.

The classmates in the classroom continued their discussions and mockery, leaving Alice feeling isolated and ignored. Nobody cared about the pain she was going through.

Her breathing became rapid and irregular, and she tried to find a quiet corner to cope with the pain, but there was nowhere to go. She felt helpless and unable to control the situation. She could only surrender to the pain enveloping her body.

The contractions became even more frequent and intense, and Alice couldn't maintain her composure any longer. Her body felt as if it was being torn apart, and each contraction left her incredibly weak. Despair and fear consumed her soul, and she didn't know what to do.

Alice clenched her teeth with all her might, desperately trying to restrain herself from groaning, afraid of causing discomfort to her classmates. Her nails dug deep into her palms, leaving behind profound bloodstains. However, the classmates around her continued to joke and discuss the class content, completely oblivious to her distress. Alice felt an indescribable sense of despair and loneliness. She tightly gripped the edge of the desk, attempting to shift her focus to alleviate the pain, but the pain continued to coil around her body, denying her even a moment of respite.

With each intense contraction, Alice's body writhed in agony as if being twisted by a tremendous force. She felt her bones and muscles on the verge of being torn apart, with every inch of her skin filled with indescribable pressure. The pain radiated from her lower abdomen to her entire body, and she could barely bear it.

Her breathing became rapid and irregular, and each contraction left her gasping for air. She exerted all her strength, desperately suppressing the sharp groans, afraid of causing discomfort to her classmates. But the pain had surpassed her threshold of endurance, and she could no longer remain silent.

With each contraction, she fiercely clasped her own hands, trying to divert the attention from the pain. Her palms were already drenched in her own blood from her tight grip, but this pain seemed insignificant compared to the agony of the difficult labor she was experiencing.

She felt the baby's head gradually pushing forward, but each contraction forced it back into the depths of the birth canal. Her body trembled uncontrollably as she exerted her last bit of strength to push downward, hoping to successfully deliver the baby. However, no matter how hard she tried, the narrowness of the birth canal prevented the head from fully emerging.

The pain approached her limits, and Alice felt herself on the verge of collapsing. Tears streamed down her face as she helplessly looked at her classmates, but they remained indifferent, continuing with their classroom activities. She felt abandoned, with no one able to comprehend her current pain and despair.

This was a grueling labor, and Alice's body and mind were both under tremendous pressure. Her body trembled violently, and her face turned pale, displaying extreme exhaustion and pain.

Finally, with the birth of the first baby, Alice felt a brief moment of relief. She heard the pitiful cries of the newborn, but she couldn't pause to catch her breath because the head of the second baby remained trapped at the entrance of the birth canal, unable to be born smoothly.

Alice's body was exhausted, and she felt her energy draining away, but she knew she couldn't give up. Her eyes were filled with determination and perseverance as she used every ounce of her strength to push and try to deliver the second baby successfully.

However, the second fetus got stuck at the entrance of the birth canal, continuously rotating without being able to move forward or backward. Alice felt a wave of despair choke her, knowing that this was an extremely dangerous and difficult situation. Her body was already extremely tired, but she couldn't give up because she knew it was a matter of life and death for herself and her children.

Pain and despair intertwined as Alice felt she could hardly bear it any longer. Her face turned pale, her body drenched in sweat, and her breathing became rapid and irregular. She tried to find a shred of strength, pushing with all her might, hoping to overcome this predicament.

Time passed by minute after minute, but the second fetus remained stuck at the entrance of the birth canal. Alice felt trapped, tears streaming down her face, unable to endure the physical and mental torment any longer.

Despairingly, Alice stared at the baby's head, which was the only part visible outside, feeling her life force slipping away. Each contraction brought extreme pain, her whole body trembling, and her strength gradually fading.

The baby's head was tightly wedged in the birth canal, unable to move forward or backward. Its forehead swelled with pressure. Alice could feel her body exerting itself in extreme pain, but the fetus seemed trapped, unable to be delivered smoothly.

She struggled, trying to deliver the baby successfully, but the baby's head remained stuck in the birth canal. She felt her strength dwindling, each push agonizingly painful. Each contraction brought immense suffering, and Alice's body convulsed. She pushed with all her might, hoping to overcome this predicament, but the baby remained stuck. She felt her strength draining away, her body unable to withstand such extreme pressure.

The baby's skin started turning purple, indicating signs of oxygen deprivation. Alice's heart raced with anxiety as she realized time was running out, and both her and the baby's lives were in serious danger. She couldn't bear the pain, but she couldn't give up either.

Tears continued to flow, her face contorted, but she knew she had to keep trying. She focused all her willpower on pushing, her body trembling.

Time passed by, each second feeling like a century. Alice felt her life force growing weaker, her breath becoming faint and unstable. She knew the baby's life was also hanging by a thread. The surrounding pressure and pain made Alice feel everything spinning, as if being engulfed in endless darkness.

Under the extreme pain, Alice summoned her last ounce of strength and pushed with all her might. Finally, the second baby was delivered, accompanied by two faint cries. However, a faint bluish tint appeared on the newborn's wrinkled face.

Alice finally relaxed her tense abdominal muscles. The intense pain and significant blood loss made her body unable to endure any longer. She felt her consciousness gradually fading, her strength depleted.

The mocking voices of classmates and professors echoed in her ears. She felt the heartless indifference and arrogance. They didn't care about her suffering, even looking at her with mocking eyes. This deepened the wounds in Alice's soul, and she couldn't understand how people could be so indifferent to others' pain.

With the passing of her last breath, Alice departed from this cruel world. Her soul sought tranquility and peace in the vast universe.

[celestemagnoliathewriter]

For the kiss meme, how about Tedromeda for number 10: ‘You nearly died’ kiss :)

Okay, anon! Here's a little 'you nearly died' for Tedromeda :)

cw: pregnancy, birth, near-death, bleeding

...

It's been the most harrowing week of Ted's young life.

It started with Bonfire Night, a Sunday, and he was looking forward to showing his wife what the local Muggles celebrated. His plans were forgotten when his wife woke in the dead of the night, cramping, aching, and afraid.

There was blood all over the sheets.

It was too early. A month too early, at least, and their baby was coming. She was pale and losing blood, shaking and trembling, and he was terrified, barely managing to get her through the Floo to St. Mungo's before Healers took her away.

They got his daughter out within minutes. He wasn't even there for her birth--as soon as he found the room number, a Mediwitch had the wrinkly bundle in her arms. She offered it to him without a word while the Healers managed the rest.

He didn't know it was a girl until the tiny thing's hand reached up and he saw the bracelet they put on her.

Tonks. Female. 5 November 1972. 4:55.

A Healer came out of Andromeda's room covered in blood.

"We won't know for a few days," he told Ted. "She's weak."

The baby in his arms wriggled and cried.

"He'll need--"

"--she," Ted corrected. "It's a girl."

"She'll need to eat," the Healer said. "Stay there. A Mediwitch or wizard will come find you."

Ted found the closest seat. It was an uncomfortable, wooden thing, and as his daughter cried, the sun came up and shone on her face.

Her hair was pink.

They told him later they think she's a Metamorphmagus, whatever that means. They say it's rare--very rare. Andromeda wasn't awake to tell her.

Ted's heart is torn in two; one side is expanding with every second that he spends gazing at his impossibly small baby girl. The other side is in pieces, terrified for his wife.

He can't do this alone.

The little girl--she's still unnamed--is almost a week old when Andromeda wakes.

Ted rushes in, bundled baby in his hands, and cries from exhaustion and relief.

Andromeda doesn't remember giving birth, but she remembers going into labor.

Their little girl has bubblegum pink hair when she meets her mother.

"Metamorphmagus," Ted whispers, kissing Andromeda's forehead. "Is it true that they're rare?"

"There hasn't been one in my family for three centuries at least," Andromeda says, her eyes welling with tears. She looks at him and he kisses her, overwhelmed by love and gratitude that she's alive. She's crying and smiling and holding the baby up to her chest.

She tells him there won't be any more children.

"I don't care," he replies. "We've got our perfect girl. She's all we need." He lets her mourn for the children they won't have and weep with joy for the one they do.

"Does--" She shudders, and he kisses her hair. "Did you name her?"

"No. I couldn't, 'Dromeda. Not without you."

Andromeda looks at their baby, whose little face is so gorgeous Ted doesn't know that any name can capture her beauty.

"I know we discussed the stars," his wife says quietly, "but I've thought of something else."

"Call her anything you want," he tells her. She'll come up with a name that fits.

"Nymphadora," Andromeda murmurs. "A gift of the nymphs."

Little Nymphadora yawns.

"Can I call her Dora?"

Andromeda nods. Ted kisses her again, thankful she's alive and well, and then kisses his Dora's tiny, button nose.

His gifts, his wife and daughter, are his to cherish and protect.

...

kiss asks

[sweet-vanilla-sims]

Year 1644

TW/CW: Child Death, Death Mention, Miscarriage

Still reeling from the news that Hestor and her newborn daughter had died the previous December, more loss hit the Carlisle family as a housefire claimed the life of young Veniera on the 14th of February.

Tala couldn't believe it that her youngest was gone so soon. Though she hoped that at least her spirit would keep Giacomo and Osana's spirits company wherever they had passed on to.

Giulia was devastated by the loss of her little sister especially as she anticipated the arrival of her own little one. It scared her to think about the loss of a child and the idea of losing the child within her as well filled her mind.

The older girls in the Carlisle home did their best to keep busy as they mourned the loss of Veniera the best they could. They were heartbroken but they also wanted to stay strong for each other.

Giulia did her best to support her sister and her sister's cousin as she tried to push her own fears from her mind. At least the other girls were spared from the fire which was a blessing.

Tala was grateful for the support from her oldest in the wake of the younger one's loss. As Giulia approached the end of her pregnancy, Tala did her best to move on from her loss to best support her daughter with her pregnancy.

It was mid May when Giulia felt the pains of early labor for the first time. Tala rushed over and spent the next few hours shooing Giovanni from being a bother to the laboring Giulia and having the girls help out around the Morosini home as Tala talked Giulia through her pains. Tala could at the very least support her daughter through the birth of her first baby.

It was afternoon on May 18th that Orsolina Morosini was born. She was named after Giovanni's late mother and thankfully for the entire family, she was born perfectly healthy.

Despite mentioning from the start of their marriage about how much he wanted a son, Giovanni was truly in love with his daughter. He had never seen a child so lovely and was determined to do the best for her.

Giulia was grateful that following the birth she hardly had to do any work as after Raquel and Felicita finished their lessons and work around their own garden they would go up the hill to help out with the Morosinis. Giulia was even impressed to find meals taken care of and while Felicita was determined to take credit it was clear that the nearly-teenaged Raquel was the true cook. The love her family had for her was so evident in all the rest she could have having given birth.

Orsolina grew up into a lovely infant over the next few months who was such an active child her parents were even more confident of her health. Often times Giovanni would be on the floor with her after working the gardens or going out hunting, he was determined to spend time with his little one.

But with all the extra time on their hands to really focus on their new little family and not the housework, despite their troubles having Orsolina, it was very little surprise that Giulia was expecting again by the end of summer.

Giulia was excited to have another child though she did worry about the added work of going from one child to two and having to restart her own housework soon since it simply wasn't sustainable to have the girls keep helping out.

Though that was a problem for the future. For the time being, Giovanni and Giulia were enjoying being new parents to their daughter and expecting their second child. Giovanni was hopeful that this time they would have a son and the pair spent the late hours of the afternoon while their daughter slept whispering sweet nothings to each other and discussing names for their future child.

Giovanni even after learning about the new pregnancy was still entranced by his young daughter, he knew that some men tended to focus more on their sons and while yes, he did have a preference, he wasn't going to show favoritism when his son arrived.

In early November, Raquel celebrated her thirteenth birthday with the entire Tartosa family by her side. After the losses of the year, Tala decided that she had been too lax about looking into Raquel's sister and decided that she would see if she could bring her younger sister into the family as well to reunite the pair. Raquel was absolutely overtaken with gratitude that her aunt was willing to take in a child that wasn't her own relative for her sake. Tala knew the girl was with her father but... she wondered if it was right to keep siblings separated. She would talk more with Ramon later.

It felt like a weight had dropped on the bubble of happiness that Giulia had been living with following the birth of her daughter when, just a few days after Raquel's celebration, she had awoken to blood and cramping. Giovanni had rushed with Giulia to get the midwife leaving Orsolina with Tala, only to be told that the pregnancy had been lost. The couple returned home with a silent melancholy shared between them that neither wished to bring up.

Giovanni wondered if perhaps they had been too greedy, chasing the high that came with the addition of a new family member that had caused such a devastating loss. They still had plenty to be grateful for as their daughter, oblivious to her parent's loss, was still just as much of a light in their lives even if their loss had made the rest of their days darker.

[finalgirlkateausten]

“ can you stop?! i’m pregnant, for crying out loud, it’s not like i’m made of glass! “ for the fix-it verse if it works, and if not just something with rhekker please? 💗

This absolutely works in the fix-it verse and I am going to make it angsty :) Also, a drabble with scene breaks?? Who am I????

CW for pregnancy, hospitals, and discussion of childbirth/premature labor/etc

Ava would laugh at Connor actually bothering to move her breakfast closer to her on the table, except that he's legitimately taking himself seriously, and fussing with the tilt of the bed, too. Sure, bed rest means she's not supposed to move too much, but this is a little extreme.

"Can you stop?" she sighs, moving his hand away from the buttons on the side of the hospital bed. "I'm pregnant, but for crying out loud, that doesn't mean I'm made of glass!"

"Avey, that may have been true a week ago," her fiance says, "but now you're literally in labor. And it's more than ten weeks early."

"I'm not in labor, that's the problem," she grumbles. "God, I know it's good for these babies to stay put for as long as they can, but now I just have to wait, knowing anything could go wrong... do you know how high the risk of infection is with a prematurely ruptured amniotic sac? And if any of them ends up with a respiratory infection, that utterly defeats the purpose of waiting at all."

"I know, I know, there's a lot to worry about," Connor agrees, fidgeting in the armchair next to her. "But that's what the steroids are for, remember? The longer you wait, the stronger these three get... and I'm right here with you, Avey, whatever you need."

She takes his hand with her left and uses her right to pick up the slightly burnt toast, which Connor has already smeared with strawberry jelly at her request. "I just feel like I'm bad at this part."

Connor's face is the picture of confusion. "Honey, no, you're doing amazing. You're working so hard."

"Then why do I feel so fucking terrible?" Ava squeezes his hand, searching his concerned expression for any reassurance. "I thought I was handling everything so well, but now-- god, it's not even physically, I just feel like everything is constantly moving too fast, and my anxiety is through the goddamn roof..." she trails off, letting go of him and abandoning her untouched toast in favor of burying her face in her hands.

Almost immediately, she feels him rubbing her back. "Did you ever talk to your doc about going back up a little after he cut your meds?"

"I didn't think it was going to get bad enough," she mutters.

"We can get someone in here," he offers.

She groans at the thought of suffering through a hospital psych eval. "I don't know..."

"Just think about it, baby," he encourages. "If it'll make you feel better..."

Ava humphs in protest, shifting back upright and rubbing her cumbersome baby bump. She can hardly breathe bent over with three tiny bodies taking up all the space in there.

A moment later, her nurse comes in for the routine checks. "Your heart rate is still consistently a little higher than we want," she hums, "and I'm not a big fan of your blood pressure, either. We may have to start you on some meds for that."

"It's not cardiovascular," she groans. "It's just my anxiety. I'm not on my full-strength medication, and now I'm stuck in the hospital for who knows how long..."

Her nurse frowns at that. "Well, alright. We might have someone come talk to you later, then."

Ava smiles wryly. "Just what I wanted."

She manages to finish her breakfast after the nurse leaves, and then with Connor rubbing her back, she closes her eyes in the hopes of dozing. "Get some rest, babe," he encourages, and she mumbles incoherently in response.

Sleep is a blessing at this point.

----

Connor is loathe to leave Ava for even a minute at this point, but while she's sleeping she won't miss him, and besides, he's on a mission. He has to poke around the psych floor for a little bit before he finds who he's looking for, and since he's in street clothes, he even gets redirected a few times before he manages to sneak on through.

"Sarah!"

She yelps and startles in surprise, turning in her office chair with a hand over her heart. "Jesus, Connor, you scared me! Why aren't you up on the maternity floor?"

"'Cause I need a psych consult," he explains. "Ava's in rough shape, and I think someone needs to look at her meds again, but that's a low priority up in obstetrics."

"Okay," Sarah says slowly, "so what you do, is you find the doctor, and you ask if there's any way they can make a psych eval happen, and then the doctor calls us--"

"C'mon, Sarah," he groans, "do me a solid? Besides, Ava will feel better if it's you..."

She purses her lips, turns to scowl at her computer, and then checks her watch. "Alright. You're lucky you got me between patients."

"Thanks so much," he says, sighing in relief as he claps her on the shoulder. "We really appreciate it, Sarah."

"Let's walk and talk," she says, grabbing the tablet off her desk. "What are her current medications, just so I know what I'm working with?"

Connor explains as best he can as they return to the maternity floor, and he'd been right in thinking Ava would be more relaxed with a friendly face, because she answers questions and explains her symptoms with a remarkable lack of resistance, compared to the other doctors they've been talking to over the past few days. And then Sarah leaves to converse with Ava's actual doctors, and it turns out the initial plan is to try a light sedative that's approved for pregnancy in the hopes of a more immediate effect on Ava's emotional state.

He anxiously watches his fiancee's face for any indication that she's upset with the idea, but she nods and lets them administer it, holding his hand with her right as they run the meds into her IV. Sure, Connor's not thrilled about her being more out of it and sleepy and less able to answer his frequent and slightly pointless questions about her wellbeing, but that's a selfish reason to protest. So he keeps his mouth shut and holds onto Ava as they wait for the meds to kick in.

"Connor," she mumbles, already having been dozing before he'd brought Sarah in, "will you come hold me?"

"Yeah, of course," he says, carefully climbing onto the bed with her. Seven months in, they've both become experts at cuddling in spite of her baby bump, so he spoons her along her back and massages her shoulders, one hand drifting to rest on her belly. "How are you feeling?"

"Cold," she mumbles. "Tired."

"I'll keep you warm," he says, making a mental note to ask a nurse for a blanket the next time one comes in. "You can go back to sleep."

"Am I just gonna be in a fog for the rest of this?"

"I don't know," he answers truthfully. "You can talk to the doctors in a little while if it ends up being too much."

"I'll accept being in a fog if it means I can stop being scared every single second," she sighs, her voice getting quieter and quieter.

Connor kisses her hair. "I don't want you to be scared."

She leans back into him, her eyes closed now. "I'm... tired."

"Good," he murmurs, still rubbing her shoulders. "Get some rest."

"You'll stay?"

"Of course. I'm right here."

Ava hums slowly, and her breathing begins to slow. Connor peppers kisses over her hair and the back of her neck, rubbing her back as she drifts off. "I love you," he whispers.

She doesn't answer, and he just hopes she's finally able to get restful sleep.

[subbyfoxelf]

[book review] aliens vs. predators: ultimate prey (2022)

(spoilers, cw: thirst, discusses themes of abuse, gendered violence, racism, slavery/colonization)

the first story of this anthology, "below top secret" by chris ryall, gives us a fictionalized[1] version of the 2019 social media phenomenon that was "storm area 51/they can't stop all of us."[2] that whole thing had to have pinged the radar of basically anyone working on any scifi franchise. it's kind of a shame that the x-files wasn't on the air anymore at that point, because i'm sure they would have referenced it.

this was a pretty fun way to start this anthology! basically one guy who's with the huge group storming area 51 splits off from the group and drags his friend who's more or less the audience p.o.v. character along. she's moreso there out of boredom and curiosity which seems like a terrible reason to break into a military base and get arrested or worse. he, on the other hand, is a serious conspiracy theorist and has been in contact with someone who supposedly works on the base and gave him codes into one of the buildings.

to his mild surprise and her utter astonishment, the codes work! and they soon find themselves in an underground research facility just in time to be caught in a lockdown due to an escaped xenomorph!

they end up in a panic room with a scientist who works there and who berates them for being stupid enough to be there. after ruling out most of the possible ways they could escape, the scientist says she has an idea and they go let a yautja out of a holding cell to fight the xenomorph. and yeah this is kinda dumb and silly but i don’t care i kinda love it? and the scientist is explaining how they should act around the yautja and she’s telling them to avoid any threatening movements and “i’d even kneel and lower your eyes” and that’s so horny, omg. i might not love the predator movies the way i love the alien movies, but the yautja themselves are equally hot af.

anyway, like i said, very fun way to start this anthology! b-rank.

i appreciate that the protagonist of “isla matanzas” by steven sears is disgusted by the british slave traders he encounters, but he’s also a spanish colonizer whose beloved home is stolen land. stolen land that acts of genocide have been committed on. so let’s not be too quick to hand out credit there?

look, i’m sorry, but if you really want to do a story about abolitionists teaming up with yautja, maybe have the slaves be the protagonists? rather than a competing colonial power? just an idea. c-rank.

“homestead” by delilah dawson is about a lady who lives on an old west ranch and has the misfortune of going into labor in the middle of fleeing a xenomorph/yautja slugfest. obviously there is plenty of unexamined settler colonialism going on here, but this is probably an alright read if you're into all this rustic pioneer type stuff and wanna see that juxtaposed with xenomorphs and yautja fucking shit up. there's some pregnancy horror stuff towards the end that was just super not for me. c-rank

"the hotel mariposa" by david barnett is about the crew of a ghosthunting show running into yautja and xenomorphs and i was already in as soon as i realized that was what was happening. and it just gets more awesome from there, with one of the ghost hunters ending up bonding with a yautja and they end up killing a xenomorph together in a moment that's weirdly emotionally cathartic for both of them, and if that's not enough they also exorcise their mommy issues together. this is also the first story in this anthology to feature extended scenes from a yautja's point of view, which is basically always a plus. a-rank.

in "planting and harvest" by mira grant, our setting is a remote botanical research station. the station's crew is composed of company scientists who have flamed out of more prestigious positions but not badly enough to get fired. when their station is attacked by xenomorphs, a nearby band of similarly disgraced yautja decides to ride in to the rescue to restore their status as hunters and escape the menial tasks they've been assigned. pretty straightforward space bullshit! c-rank.

“blood and honor” by susanne l. lambdin has a trans protagonist!! she’s a colonial marine who’s having an affair with her married c.o. and ends up being marooned on a planet infested with both xenomorphs and yautja. the xenomorphs on this planet are experiencing a civil war of sorts between two rival queens, whilst the yautja are having issues with a male hunter going around killing all the female hunters for reasons that our protagonist is never entirely able to discern.

i really liked all the interconnected conflicts going on. there’s also some interesting parallels here with all three sides experiencing conflicts within their own ranks, as well as our colonial marine protagonist[3] and the yautja she teams up with specifically experiencing gendered violence. i also love the triumphant note this story ends on, with our protagonist telling her yautja ally, “long live the queens. that means you and me.” just great stuff all around. a-rank.

you might recall that i really enjoyed how rachel caine’s “broken”[4] turned on a subversion of the assumption that artificial people are necessarily less compassionate than humans, though i was a bit turned off by its implied misanthropy. so it’s really no surprise that i loved “carbon rites” by jess landry which had similar virtues but actually went quite a bit out of its way to not be misanthropic.

the protagonist of this story is an android who does not know she’s an android, living in a simulation that she does not know is a simulation. it’s sort of like the truman show but with guns and xenomorphs and yautja. this is set in the more distant future we saw a glimpse of in alien: resurrection, and the people running these incredibly unethical experiments are the united systems military, the same people who experimented on ripley’s clone.

in these tests an android is paired up with a human and put through a deadly encounter with a xenomorph, a yautja, or presumably other alien species in a variety of environments. but this one is prematurely ended when a strike team of former victims of the experiments comes to break our protagonist out.

i really enjoyed how gradual the protagonist’s understanding of the situation evolved, and her utter horror and disgust when she found out that all the humans from the previous experiments were “disposed of” at the end of the tests. this subverts not only the expectations that androids are without emotions or empathy, but also the entire trope of the “robot apocalypse.” this story believes that if we prove ourselves worthy of it, our robot siblings can not only not be our destruction, they can be our very salvation from our mutual oppressors. a-rank.

i actually feel a little bad about skipping bryan thomas schmidt’s “drug war”[5] now, but not bad enough to go back and read it after all. i mean, it’s a fucking direct sequel to predator 2. but i did really enjoy his contribution to this anthology, “first hunt”. this story is told largely from the perspective of the yautja. there’s a bit of human perspective mixed in to give you a more grounded/horrified perspective on things, but i’d say it’s like 60/40 in favor of the yautja, which is just awesome. plus it’s just really well-written in general. b-rank.

i like “abuse, interrupted” by yvonne navarro quite a bit more than her previous story, “reclamation.”[6] as its title implies, the protagonist of this one is a domestic abuse survivor. there’s some rather explicit descriptions of what she’s been through, so do be aware of that going in. but that just makes it even more cathartic when her new yautja girlfriend fucks up her abuser. with his life hanging in the balance, the yautja looks at the human “almost as though waiting for her to protest.” our protagonist looks at him and realizes she feels “well, not much at all.” she gives the yautja a shrug, and taking that as permission she cuts him from neck to tailbone and rips his head and spine off.

this wasn’t my favorite story in the anthology or anything, it just isn’t the kind of thing i’m really looking for out of this franchise, but it was very satisfying. b-rank.

"better luck to borrow" by curtis c. chen reads a bit like a ya-style jason takes manhattan? it takes place on a class field trip on a boat, the protagonist is a little girl with a robot hand, she gets bullied a little bit towards the beginning of the story to get you in a goosebumps/etc sort of mindset, and then all hell breaks loose when xenomorphs start fucking people up and yautja show up to hunt them. this was pretty wild, i loved the clashing styles here. b-rank.

"film school" by roshni "rush" bhatia follows a documentary crew to a colony that was supposedly wiped out by a mining accident. as the story progresses you find out that the director is the only one who knew the "mining accident" is a cover story, and she's trying to find out what actually happened. which sounds like a noble enough goal, but she's clearly being a bit of a glory hound and the fact that she kept the rest of her team in the dark is just unconscionable.

anyway, given what anthology this is, you probably already have a pretty good idea of what actually happened to the colony.[7] i'm tempted to say this story is hampered somewhat by having another story in the collection with a similar setup[8] that i somewhat preferred for several reasons, but this story differed enough in what it did with the basic idea of a film crew thrown between a xenomorph/yautja melee that i think it sufficiently distinguished itself. it definitely used the documentarians as a grounded point of view to show much more of an epic setpiece battle between the two sides. so if that's what you're looking for, unlike me you might actually end up preferring this one. and i liked it quite a bit, regardless. b-rank.

in “night doctors” by maurice broaddus, the aliens and predators are not the monsters. instead, they are fellow victims with the protagonist, her brother, and who knows how many other colonists.

the villain of the piece is a sickeningly evil doctor who is experimenting on the colonists as well as several imprisoned yautja and xenomorphs. the chilling horror of these experiments are contextualized through examples of white doctors committing similar atrocities on black people throughout history.

our protagonist is an extremely race- and class-conscious black woman who at one point explicitly states in the narration that she does her best to leverage the company’s resources while consciously avoiding letting them exploit her or her people. she also acts in solidarity with the yautja and the xenomorphs to overpower their mutual oppressors.

it's just… so fucking refreshing to see this kind of class warfare be explicit within the text and dramatized through a total badass action hero lady doing badass action hero lady things and taking names. a-rank.

"scylla and charybdis" by e.c. myers is about a crew whose ship is dead in space due to sabotage. the setup here is actually pretty similar to the first few minutes of alien: covenant but with more suspicion and without the intrusive theism. eventually, a yautja ship shows up and starts hunting the crew, and the captain thinks they’ve all been killed but eventually he wakes up to discover they’re all alive and well. apparently the yautja–who calls himself keeper–captured anyone who put up a fight. they find themselves in a zoo-like prison that seems to have various “cells” containing vast, simulated environments for a variety of species being held captive there.

the captain finds out it was his own wife who did the sabotage due to political tensions between her united americas and the international body that put this mission together. there’s also a reference to some political weirdness involving korea and a bunch of different acronymed-factions that i didn’t entirely pay attention to so it might be gross imperialism? like, my assumption is pretty much always going to be gross imperialism when westerners write about korea and politics, but i can’t really say for sure and i honestly didn’t circle back to try to parse it.

i did enjoy the space disaster stuff early on, and the fact that the characters ended up essentially as “living trophies” until other yautja attacked keeper because obviously that’s not how yautja are meant to operate. and at that point a bunch of xenomorphs got loose and things got rather predictable.

overall this is a fairly middle of the road story. not great, but not bad. c-rank.

i do enjoy scott sigler’s writing style and his contribution to bug hunt was one of my favorite stories in any of these anthologies. his contribution to this one, "another mother", is apparently a sequel to an avp novel he wrote. unfortunately i do have to say that unlike a lot of the other stories in some of these anthologies that are sequels or prequels to larger works, this one does very much suffer from inaccessibility for new readers. i can tell that he put some thought into explaining his setting to new readers without overexplaining to old readers, but it feels like the scales are tilted very decisively towards the latter. consequently i can’t really meaningfully comment on this, as i don’t feel like i was the intended audience and that’s totally okay in an anthology like this. as a result i will not be rating this one.

the final story of the anthology is "kyōdai" by jonathan maberry and louis ozawa, and it expands the story of the latter’s character from the film predators (2010). specifically it is about kawakami eiji, kawakami hanzō’s brother. i liked this quite a bit more than maberry's contributions to the other two anthologies. i think a lot of that is down to the content and the fact that this is a much more character-driven piece than the other two. like his alien 3 follow-up in bug hunt it does end in a very cliffhanger-adjacent manner, but this one at least felt much more like a complete story and not like one that just stopped in the middle of setting the table. c-rank.

so, there’s our last[9] of these anthologies! overall this one was probably my favorite of the three, as aliens: bug hunt got rather bogged down with distracting continuity issues whilst predator: if it bleeds was mired in repetitive episodes of bootlicking historical narratives.

i’d say the only real big picture issue with this one is that the xenomorphs consistently get their asses handed to them, and while it oftentimes feels like the right choice for many of the individual stories, when it’s a trend that’s happening basically without fail throughout the entire anthology it starts to wear rather thin for those of us who are bigger fans of the alien side of this crossover franchise.

oh, i was excited to learn that apparently a lot of very online white dudes consider the fact that one (one!) of this anthology’s fifteen stories stars a trans woman (and mentions that’s she’s trans… once), one (one!) features a disabled character, and a few feature one or two characters who aren’t white[10] grounds to dismiss the whole anthology as “woke garbage.” the only blatantly political messaging was in "night doctors," and y'all would agree with that messaging if you weren't too effectively brainwashed with racism to see your own damn class interests.

also, leaving aside for a moment how utterly vile this attitude would be even if all 15 stories starred black disabled trans women, despite having known for years that there are people like this taking up valuable oxygen to form these thoughts and express them publicly, i still cannot, i still just really cannot wrap my head around the one-two punch of entitlement and fragility at play here. other people existing is "sjw shit." i just. what the fuck, guys?

anyway it was already my favorite of the three anthologies i read before i saw those reviews, but now it’s even more my favorite of the three just to spite you, so there.

notes

1. and drastically more successful, in that they actually attempted to storm area 51.

2. personally i was very much of the opinion that we should take that energy and direct it against ice detention centers instead, but y’know.

3. she eventually deduces that her c.o., the one who was sleeping with her, is responsible for stranding her on this planet.

4. from aliens: bug hunt, the companion anthology set in the alien universe.

5. from predator: if it bleeds, the companion anthology set in the predator universe.

6. from aliens: bug hunt, the companion anthology set in the alien universe.

7. [extremely jonathan frakes voice] what happened here? was this really a tragic but simple mining accident as the company claimed? but then, how do you explain the message from the terrified miner? are we asking you to join our hunt for the truth? or are we hatching lies in your face?

8. "the hotel mariposa" by david barnett.

9. there is another one of these anthologies, predator: eyes of the demon, but i felt my curiosity about predator-focused stories was whetted by if it bleeds.

10. there are plenty that don’t mention the characters’ races at all, but i’m sure these ghouls read those characters as white. also, you incel losers got your bootlicking in the last anthology, shut the fuck up.

[efrmellifer]

Advenientia

“You seem distracted, Lord Commander,” Lucia commented.

He blinked once, then again. Drawing his mind back inside, reminding himself he was supposed to be working, not letting his mind wander, wondering and fretting.

“There would be no use in lying to you. I am,” he sighed, eyes drifting to the bit of sunlight on his desk. “I’m worried, more than anything.”

Lucia slouched her way out of her proper posture, no longer at attention, but not exactly at ease, either. She stood on a cocked hip, one eyebrow rising even as she took on a concerned tone. “And what about this time?”

Again, Aymeric sighed. “About Etien, though I doubt that comes as a surprise. The last few months, she’s been like a furnace needing fuel. From what I understand, it takes a lot of energy to be carrying multiples, especially when the odds were against her conceiving anyway.”

Lucia just nodded.

“But now, the poor thing is hardly eating, and this morning when I kissed her goodbye, she was so much colder than she had been.”

There was a heavy silence, Aymeric returning to worrying and Lucia processing what he had told her.

Finally, she spoke. “In that case, I think the thing to do is call the midwife. Better to be proactive over nothing than ignore something serious.”

Another few grounding blinks from Aymeric. When he opened his mouth to reply, his linkpearl went off.

Even through the grainy audio, a mix of pain and panic were evident in Etien’s voice.

“Aymeric? I really don’t feel well at all. Can you… can you make yourself available?”

He looked at the papers strewn over his desk, then up at Lucia.

She just nodded to him in response.

“Of course I can. I will be at your side in but a few moments’ time.”

The line closed.

“Thank you,” he said on the tail of another sigh, handing the metaphorical reins over to Lucia. “It would appear I will be calling the midwife. If anything significant occurs… if, Fury forbid, something happens, you’ll be the first to know.”

As Aymeric walked, he muttered to himself, little half-prayers and flustered cursing as he waited for the midwife to answer. All told, he wanted to run through Saint Valeroyant’s Forum, or even better would be to use the aether system, but he needed to have time to call I’rixa.

After what felt like an eternity—he was halfway up the stairs to the Pillars—he heard her answer.

“Good day, what can I—”

“Etien is sick,” he said, the words coming out in a rush. “She has eaten little for the last three days, and her temperature is low. Now she has asked me to attend her. How quickly can you get here?”

“Within the next bell,” I’rixa replied, sounded a little ruffled herself. “Keep her warm and as comfortable as you can until I get there. Please. And take a deep breath, m’lord. By the end of the day, you may be a father.”

He swallowed. “Right.”

He kept walking, picking up the pace just a little bit,. He was passing the Athenaeum Astrologicum now. Not long to go.

Aymeric practically tripped up the stairs into the house, throwing off his coat as he made his way to the bedroom.

Etien was stood at the window, dressed in her nightgown.

It was, as they had joked what felt like so long ago, left completely open to give her room. Well, not quite completely. She had one button done, the very top, just under her collarbone.

This was, as well as Aymeric could remember, the first time that that button had been fastened. He laughed softly, and she turned from the window, making her way over to him.

She looked pained already, and hindered by her own body, but she wrapped her arms around him, purring and nuzzling him.

“Thank the Twelve you’re here,” she murmured.

She was still a little cooler than he had gotten used to, but she seemed less pale and peaked.

“Or, really, thank you for being here,” she continued. “For coming so quickly.”

“Of course, dearest,” he responded, his knuckle drifting down her jaw. “Is there anything I can do? I already called I’rixa.”

“Oh, she’s coming?”

“This sounded serious. I thought it best she come and make sure you were well. You, and them.” He laid a hand on Etien’s stomach, pulling it back like he’d been burnt when the texture of her skin shifted below his hand.

“What in the seven hells was that?”

Her teeth were grit, her ears flat, and her forehead pressed to his side. “I think they’re coming, too.”

Aymeric rubbed Etien’s back. “All right. I have every faith you will handle this with your usual aplomb. And I’ll be right here with you, as long as it takes.”

_

By the time I’rixa arrived and had been ushered to the bedroom, Etien was reclining in bed, all the nice linens stripped from the bed and sitting folded on her vanity’s chair. Her hair was braided, and she was completing the final stitches of the second blanket.

Finished just in time.

The midwife bustled in, hand immediately coming to Etien’s forehead, then her cheeks.

“Stick out your tongue.”

Etien’s lips parted,  her tongue lolling out.

“Wider, please.”

Her mouth stretched wider, followed by a melodious ‘aaaaaaa’ that turned to a high-pitched whine.  Etien’s eyes screwed shut, tears slipping from the corners as her hands settled on her belly.

I’rixa’s hand slipped under Etien’s, feeling the contraction of the muscles below the skin.

“This is probably for the best,” she noted, half-turning toward Aymeric. “Any longer, and they might have been too big for her to deliver the usual way. And then we would be hauling her to the infirmary. And we don’t want that, do we?” she asked, returning her gaze to Etien. “Deep breath, and out like you’re trying to make a candle flicker, but not go out.”

Etien breathed in, and let her cheeks puff out before she began to properly control the exhale, a steady stream of air making I’rixa’s shirt flutter.

“Excellent job. Oi, papa, come encourage your girl. She’s got a long night ahead of her, and I think she’ll be wanting you close by sooner rather than later.”

Aymeric started from where he was leaning against the wall, trying to stay out of the way, and came to the side of the bed.

He took Etien’s hand from where it lay on her stomach still, winding his arm around hers.

“Aymeric,” she whispered on the tail end of her breath.

“Yes?”

She squeezed his hand. “Are you excited?”

“I am. But for now, I want to focus on you, and making sure you come through this as easily as possible.” He looked up at I’rixa.

“Do you want me to call Whitecape?” she asked.

Aymeric was silent, his lip bitten as he considered.

She had to stop herself before she accidentally let slip the almost-rude ‘are you scared?’ Of course he was scared. His wife was in pain, and they had both been taking extra precautions to make sure she stayed safe. They were so close to the finish (of this stage of it all, anyroad), but this was the point where it could all go wrong very quickly. His love for Etien was written plainly on his face as he debated the question, looking down at her. This fear was born of love. And as the midwife, I’rixa was the one in charge, the one with all the knowledge. So she changed the wording of the question, and therefore its spirit, but not its message.  Whatever would make them all feel secure.

“Would it make you more comfortable if we had him here?”

He looked up at her again, jaw slightly slackened before he closed his mouth and swallowed. “Are you confident you can do this without his help?”

“I am secure enough in my training and capabilities that I can at the very least decide when we’ll need to call for intervention, if we must. All right?”

Aymeric started to nod, but then he turned to Etien. “Etien? What do you think?”

“I think… we can at least start.” She took a sharp inhale, followed by a shaking huff. “Last thing we need is everyone finding out what’s begun here.” She laughed, fixing her slightly-sweaty grip on Aymeric’s hand. “I’m in no state to entertain.”

I’rixa patted her side, then let her hand rest on Etien, waiting for the next contraction. “Thattagirl. Then we should be about it.”

_

When the controlled puffs of Etien’s breath gave way to a drawn-out sigh, overshadowed by a high, mewling cry, the atmosphere in the room brightened significantly, even though the sun was closer to when it had set than when it was going to rise.

I’rixa was quiet for a moment, giving Aymeric a moment to sweep back the fraying strands of Etien’s braid and kiss her forehead while she settled.

Then, I’rixa delivered the news. “You have a daughter. A miqo’te. Got some strong lungs on her, listen to that.”

“Can I hold her?” Aymeric asked.

“Ordinarily I would tell you yes,” I’rixa replied, “but your lady love here has a ways to go, I think, so we require a third, and maybe a fourth, pair of hands before we can hand Baby over.” She wrapped the newborn up in one of the receiving blankets, and held her there. “So, maybe it’s time we called in Whitecape? And perhaps someone who can keep Etien calm while you’re busy with the baby. I’ll stay here, and she’ll be safe. Both of them will.”

Nodding, Aymeric started getting ready to head out. But first, he gave Etien another kiss. “I will return shortly. I hate to ask this of you again, but you must be strong while I am not with you.”

She blinked slowly, a small smile arcing her lips. “I think I can manage it. The sooner you go, the sooner you’ll be back.”

He ducked out the door, his footsteps echoing down the hall until the door opened and shut.

_

When Aymeric came back, Whitecape trailing after him and his relief at Etien’s side on the way, Etien was hazily half-asleep in bed.

“Has anything changed?” Aymeric asked.

“Nothing yet. I’ve untethered Baby, and she’s doing well.” She nodded to Etien. “She’s still laboring, but also obviously tired.”

“And I was called because…?” Whitecape asked from where he still stood in the doorway. “I have no training in obstetrics.”

“True, but we expect twins. I wanted someone like you on-hand in case there might be excess bleeding. That, and you are familiar with her usual health, I figured?”

“Well,” he said mildly. “My experience with her is usually when she is in a much worse state. The last time I had to treat her—other than prior to consulting with you, that is—she was carried to me still-unconscious from Ghimlyt Dark.”

“I see.”

“But I suppose I understand your rationale. So here I am, at your disposal.”

“If you wanted someone who’s familiar with my health, you could have called Y’shtola,” Etien mumbled. “She knows my aether signature, too. And she’s a miqo’te.” She turned slightly, onto her hip, to better face Aymeric. “Aren’t you supposed to be holding our daughter?”

“I’m waiting until Estinien gets here.”

Now she smiled. “Oh.”

“Well, you won’t be waiting very long,” he said, stepping past Whitecape.

“Hello, Estinien,” Etien cooed.

He stood next to Aymeric, taking her hand from him. “How nice we get to recreate this scene in your home, instead of the infirmary this time.”

Etien giggled, exhaustion clear in her voice.

“And with an addition to the menagerie,” Estinien noted. “I take it you’re the midwife?”

Introductions were made, and then it was just Etien and Estinien, since I’rixa had led Aymeric off to the side to lay his newborn daughter into his arms, and teach him how to properly hold a baby.

“He looks like he was made for this,” Estinien said, almost sighing. He rested one leg on the bed, half-sitting. “And you… how does it go? Chocobos sweat, men perspire, new mothers glow?”

“Estinien,” she scoffed.

“Did slaying primals prepare you for this?”

“I doubt anything could have. It’s hard.”

“Well, you look to be in capable hands, and I know you have loving support through it.”

She nodded slowly, lightly squeezing his hand. “I am and I do.”

“So all that leaves is the work that, like usual, only you can do.”

“I suppose so.”

Her grip on his hand tightened, followed by a hiss.

Estinien was off the bed, out of his relaxed position, in a flash. “Are you all right?”

“I think it’s time for the next one.”

“That would make sense,” I’rixa commented, returning to Etien’s side. “You got a little of your strength back, and now we’re ready. You did it once, let’s see you do it again, hmm?”

_

Another heavy sigh signaled the grand finale, followed by the fanfare of another cry.

“Incredible,” I’rixa breathed. “A son, Lady Borel. An elezen. They must have been from two eggs. That’s remarkable. And he’s a good size, too. Came just in time.”

While Whitecape did the cutting of the baby’s cord, I’rixa tilted her ear to Etien’s stomach. “Just the afterbirth now. We counted aright, and the twins are beautiful and healthy.”

Etien sighed heavily again. “Thank the Fury.”

“All She did was give you strength,” Aymeric enthused. “The rest you did almost completely on your own. I’rixa has been invaluable in her assistance, however.”

Etien nodded. “Thank you. But I couldn’t have done it without you, either,” she said softly, bringing his hand to her lips to kiss, then laying his palm against her cheek to nuzzle.

As it all came to a conclusion, final examinations being made of Etien and the twins, Estinien took his leave.

“I can come back tomorrow, or sometime soon, to receive the proper introductions. For now, I think I had best let everyone rest.” Aware he was being watched, he gave the happy couple a close friend’s goodbye rather than a lover’s.

He kissed Etien’s cheek chastely, a continental sort of gesture, and clasped Aymeric’s hand before wishing everyone a good night and trudging down the hall, clearly exhausted.

Aymeric helped bathe the newest infant, making him ready to be swaddled in the blanket his mother had so lovingly knit just for him, while Etien finished putting her nightgown on again and I’rixa explained another few things, like feeding.

“I’ll be at the inn for a few days now,” I’rixa explained to the two of them when she was done imparting knowledge, and making ready to hand Etien one of her children. “If anything should go amiss, call for me.”

Etien nodded, then reached out for the baby.

“Oh… she fits here so perfectly,” she cooed. “Her hair is so dark. It’s like yours,” she said to Aymeric, giving him a sunny smile.

He sat on the edge of the bed, holding the bundle of their son. “Indeed? Do you think so?”

“Well, we haven’t seen what it looks like grown out yet.”

I’rixa took her leave with a final wave goodbye.

“Someone down the hall should be able to help you out,” Aymeric noted as she left the room. He was aware his manners were lapsing, but at a moment like this? He had other priorities.

He looked at Etien, looking about the same as she had after fighting primals. Tired, yes, bone tired. But beautiful in her victory. Maybe this wasn’t the same as saving the realm from the Empire or gods, but still he was proud of her.

How glorious her triumph. How perfect their reward.

“Do you want to switch?” he asked her, slightly moving his arms to gesture that she could take their son and he would take their daughter.

“Do you think we can?”

“We shall have to get good at it eventually, no reason not to start learning now.”

It was awkward, but they managed, getting the babies settled in the arms of the other parent with minimal upset.

“Already, she’s your little girl, hmm?” Etien asked, running her finger down the soft angle of her son’s nose.

“Our dear little Betula,” he sighed. “She’s so precious, how could she not be?”

“I completely understand,” Etien murmured, beaming down at the boy. “Did you happen to find a name for him yet? I would be loath to fill out his birth certificate with ‘Baby Boy de Borel’.”

“I think I like Landric.”

“Landric, hmm?”

Aymeric nodded. “A name for nobles. It means ‘strength of the earth.’ A little unconventional for an Ishgardian, but he was born of the Black Shroud’s brightest.” He looked up at Etien again, checking to see if she had understood him, and smiling when it was clear she had. “He comes from good soil.”

“I like it, too.”

“You know, earlier you asked me if I was excited, and now I’d like to ask you the same.”

Etien looked up, brows dipping as she thought. “I am. It isn’t that it’s a hard question. I asked you that?”

He laughed lightly. “It has been a long night for you. For both of us. Aye, you did. I told you I was, but I wanted to make sure you got through the ordeal before I started worrying about my own excitement. So now, I most certainly am.” He paused, watching Landric begin to suckle. “And are you happy, my dearest?”

Now Etien’s eyes misted. She had done so little crying during, only a few tears slipping out in the throes of the worst pain, but now they flowed freely down her cheeks.

“Yes.” She sniffled. “I’ve thought about this for years, and now it’s real.”

“It’s going to be work. Another job for the both of us.”

“I helped you save Ishgard and build up the Firmament. It’s another thing we’ll work at together. And what could I want more than that?” She laughed lightly. “Everyone has been asking if I was ready for this new adventure. Didn’t you want to go on an adventure with me?”

Aymeric chuckled, too. “I did say that.” He laid Betula in her cradle, and took Landric from Etien’s arms, to do the same with him. “Now, we need to rest, so we can begin the next day of this adventure as fresh and ready as possible.”

Etien blinked slowly. “Of course.”

A few days later, the announcement appeared.

Please join Ser Aymeric de Borel and Etien Mellifer de Borel in welcoming their twin children, Betula Adrielle Mignonne de Borel and Landric Aurchefan de Borel.

[natashawritesstuff]

the playlist: Track 4: Smitten📼

“I’m helplessly and hopelessly smitten so much so that I just had to tell you again”

Asahi x reader

cw: pregnancy 

fem!/ afab reader

“Smitten” by Leanna Firestone 

“Oh my god, just go to sleep,” you beg. 

“I’m nervous.”

“It’s not a big deal.”

“But what if I mess things up?”

“For snoring?” you ask dramatically. 

It was the first night in your new apartment you had just bought with your boyfriend, Asahi of three years. His habit of worrying until it drove him crazy didn’t die down after high school, and even at two in the morning, it didn’t stop. See, Asahi thinks you’re perfect, how you talk, how you laugh, how you sleep. Really, you don’t snore, even in your sleep, you’re still perfect. You think Asahi’s perfect too, however, he does snore, and because of this, he has literally never fallen asleep first in front of you. 

“Baby,” you say softly. “I’m not tired yet, but I want to stay in bed, it’s two in the morning, we live together now, you’re going to have to go to sleep before me.”

“But what if I snore really loud, and I keep you up? And then you resent me?”

“I promise you, nothing will ever make me resent you more than how long this conversation has lasted.”

“Oh,” he says embarrassed and you nod.

Finally, he lays down and goes to sleep while you scroll through your phone. He looks so peaceful, so perfect. 

You snored

And it was the most beautiful song that I'd ever heard

You choke on a laugh, upon realizing how loud his snoring truly was, you were surprised he couldn’t hear it through his dreams. No wonder he always had you go to sleep first. His arm wrapped around you, wanting your touch even in his sleep and you smiled, yeah, perfect. 

And I’m sure

If we ever got old and married

It would get on my nerves, but

“Y/N all I’m asking is that we switch days for picking Amaiya up from school.”

“I told you, I have plans and Akina is driving now so she can get her sister if you’re still working.”

“I’m just not comfortable with our teenage daughter, who’s been driving for three months to have our five-year-old in the backseat. I know you have plans but if you could just sacrifice being a little late and I could take her for the rest-”

“Oh sacrifice? Like how I sacrificed a quiet night sleep with you snoring loudly next to me for the past twenty years!”

Asahi gasps, “you said-”

“I Iied!”

Around the corner, Akina holds Amaiya in her arms as she looks up at her older sister confused. 

“Nee-chan are they fighting?”

“Oh, they’re not fighting,” Akina assures her, before peeking around the corner to see you two have already made up. “They’re just discussing how good of a driver I am,” she lies as she shields Akina’s eyes, before taking her sister away. 

“But Nee-chan you’re not a-”

“Shhhh.”

Right now, for the first time

I think it's so cute you can't breathe right

It was the night you had gone into labor with Amaiya, it had already been thirteen hours so you’d sent Akina home with her Uncle Suga while Asahi stayed with you the whole time. 

His long legs hung off the hospital chair and no doubt the position was wildly uncomfortable yet he still refused to share the bed with you even after you insisted. You were nervous, it was your second time doing this but you were nervous. Though somehow the sound of your husband snoring in the corner of the room eased your nerves like it always has.

So sweet dreams, sweetheart, sleep tight

Must be doing something right

The one day you were sick the whole year was on Mothers Day. You felt terrible, physically and mentally. Asahi and the girls had planned an entire day for you and here you were sneezing coughing so loud you didn’t even want anyone to come near you. 

You’re laying down in your shared bed, hugging a body pillow as you pretend it’s your husband when there’s a knock on the bedroom door you croak out a ‘yes’ and the door slowly opens. “Hi sweetie,” Asahi sings, creeping in the room with flowers, cake, and a cup of soup. 

“No, no,” you whine,  “don’t come in, I’m gonna-” sneeze, “get you sick.”

“It’s mothers day, you shouldn’t spend it alone.”

“Asahi I’m serious don’t-”

“Let me rephrase, you’re not spending it alone,” he repeats, this time sterner and you pout as he sits down next to you, placing the food on the bedside table. 

“What’s all this?”

“Well I made you a soup, and I and the girls decorated the cake for you.”

You looked over at the frosting, ‘happy mothers day mommy’ written sloppily in blue icing truly had the work of your then two and fifteen-year-old children written all over it. 

“And I got you these flowers from the market.”

“My favorite,” you realize and it brings tears to your eyes. 

“Oh don’t cry,” he says and kisses tears as they fall down your cheeks. “Too pretty to cry.” 

As he pulls away from you and looks in your eyes in the softest, doting, loving way you only cried more. 

“What?” he asks, now slightly worried. 

“I just love you so much.”

“I love you,” he tells you and kisses you again, gaining a giggle from you. 

“I’m gonna get you sick.”

“Worth it.”

To deserve you in my life

So I thank God and my lucky stars alike

“Kiyoko!” you drunkenly scream. 

“Yes, Y/N?” she smiles, entertaining you. 

“I’m marrying the love of my life tomorrow!”

“Yes, you are.”

“That’s crazy.”

“It is,” she agrees, looking up behind you and you follow her gaze, gasping loudly. 

“Baby!”

“Hi, sweetie.”

“Sorry I ruined your hangout with the guys,” Kiyoko apologizes, “but she’s been talking about you for an hour.”

“No worries, thanks for calling,” Asahi says as you extend your arms up for him and you carry you and he effortlessly places you on his back. 

“We’re getting married tomorrow,” you excitedly tell him, whispering like it’s a secret. 

“Yes we are, let’s get you sobered up so you won’t be hungover okay?”

If he were, to be honest, he was a little nervous getting a call so late at night, hours before you two were supposed to be married. But all of his worries washed away once he saw the way you looked at him when he arrived, hearts practically appearing in your eyes. 

“I get to go home with you?”

“Whatever you want, love.”

“I want to go home with you, I missed you,” you confess, leaning your head on his shoulder, taking in his scent, and smiling. 

He laughed, you were only apart for four hours but still, he whispered, “I missed you too.”

'Cause I don't know what I did or how I did it but I did something-

Asahi had invited you over to his office because he wanted your opinion on a few designs for his new wedding collection. You had gotten off of work later than expected and as much as you wanted to reschedule, you had made a promise and you were going to follow through. 

You walk in and immediately notice the halls only being lit by candles and a path of roses being scattered on the floor. 

“Asahi?” you call out only to get no response. 

With how out of it you were, the first thing you thought was ‘fire-hazard’ but nonetheless, you followed the path that led down to his design gallery, a beautiful wedding Kimono placed in the center of the room. Your mouth slightly parts, in awe of the beauty and you smile. He really is something. 

“You like it?” you turn around to see Asahi, he’s wearing a light blue dress shirt tucked into his black pants. He had on your favorite pair of his glasses as his hair was off his beautiful face, slicked back neatly into a bun. 

“It’s beautiful.”

“Beautiful enough for you to wear?”

“What did you-”

He walks closer to you and slowly, but surely gets down on one knee. 

“No-” you say out of disbelief and his eyes grow wide. “I mean yes, yes!”

“I didn’t even ask-”

“Yes,” you assure him. 

Asahi had an entire speech he prepared for you and never even got to say a word of it. But he had no complaints as finally, he was able to slip that ring on your finger. That day learned that he would be perfectly fine if things didn’t go to plan, as long as he had you, he would be okay.

Don't know what I did or how I did it but I did something-

“I love you,” Asahi randomly blurts out. 

“You love me?”

“I love you,” he proudly confirms. 

It was one of the first times he had ever been so direct when talking to you, there wasn’t a hint of nervousness in his voice, no stuttering, no cracking, just honesty. He loves you. He knows that and now you do too.

You knew from that day on that he would be the first only boy you loved, because of course, you loved him too. 

Don’t know what I did or how I did it but I did something right

“Y/N,” a familiar voice called your name and you turned around. Sugawara.

He was a second-year student like you, and if you’d remembered correctly, you had a homeroom together when you were first years, only now you’d know him for being the setter on Karasuno’s volleyball team.

“Oh hey, I saw the game last night. You guys did great. Especially you and that big scary guy, pretty cool duo.”

“Thanks Y/N!”

“Yeah, anytime,” you warmly smile, expecting the conversation to be over only for him to rock back and forth on his heels, still standing in front of you as he looks over his shoulder, then back to you. 

“Is there something else?”

“Um- well about that guy, his name’s Asahi.”

“Okay?”

“And he’s kinda shy when it comes to these things so-”

“He likes you!” Daichi screams across the hall and Asahi hides in embarrassment next to him. 

“Oh,” you say. “So what do you want me to do?”

Sugawara sighs, “can I just get your number, if you don’t like him that’s fine, he’ll probably be too nervous to call anyways,” he called.

“Um,” you hesitate, peeking down the hall to see the juxtaposition of a seventeen-year-old kid who looked like a man whose face turned beet-red just by making eye contact with you. Cute. “Sure.”

I don't know what I did or how I did it but I did something right

the playlist📼

Karasuno Materlist

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