#abrupt ending

It was one of those rare evenings when the night shift wasn't busy. There wasn't a crazy slew of events, just a regular flow of patients. The nausea had plagued you almost immediately, and you had been sipping on an electrolyte drink in between charting. The bout of Nausea was likely brought on by stress- a headache turned bad. Maybe it was a migraine. Those were common. Whatever it was you could handle it.

You seemed assured you could take care of it until the first hour of your shift. You found yourself kneeling over the toilet, sick. A quick flush and you took a moment. Your suspicions were confirmed when you had borrowed a few HCG tests from the supply closet. It showed a double line indicating pregnancy, which you were in disbelief about.

You knew exactly who the father was. You're attending. He was sweet, funny, and well-adjusted for everything he'd been through. A pregnancy would throw off your career, you'd have to take time off- You'd be Nauseous and aching all the time. You didn't anticipate Jack being upset about it, but it would change everything. Would it really be worth that?

As you exited the bathroom stall, Dana had entered, her bag slung over her shoulder, her sunglasses on her head. She gave you a soft, sympathetic look. She had picked up on what was happening and gave a sharp smile. "You alright, Hun?" she asked. You nodded, going over to wash your hands. Dana lingered by the wall. "I had the worst of it when I had my kids," she said. "Sick as a dog, every morning." You nodded, not feeling sociable in that particular moment.

She sighed, finally. "Does he know?" She asked you pointedly. Dana had a way of knowing everything, while it seemed like she hung around the nurses' station all day- in reality, she was the all-seeing person that picked up on everything- sometimes before the ED even noticed. She was observant in that way. A quiet and knowing presence that felt comforting. "No, he doesn't." You were hoping someone else would come in, and that would make the conversation move along, and you'd go back to work.

"Well, this is a stressful place for someone in your condition," she offered gently. "I don't want things to change," you said. Your relationship, your career. Anything really. Your body fought against you as your stomach cramped from being emptied and agitated. "Things will change- that's unavoidable," Dana said, stepping closer, offering a glance. "But then everything will be back to normal. It just takes time. Talk to him, don't leave him in the dark. He deserves to know." You nodded. "Thanks, Dana." you said gently. "Of course. You take care of yourself." She said firmly.

Change had been on your mind the rest of the shift and onward. You'd have to tell Jack- and the rest would know soon enough. You'd have to let the hospital know, and then you'd be bedridden and pregnant. You were terrified to say the least. Your rendezvous with your attending would be over, and everyone would know. As a senior resident, you'd worked hard to work your way up, and all of this now could jeopardize that. You expected the very worst case scenario, single mother working part time in the ED. It all felt like too much to swallow.

You hadn't eaten in a few days, at risk of it coming back up. You were burnt out, tired. You only had a few patients, none of them incredibly urgent. A little boy whose mother was in hysterics over her son's broken arm- It was warming seeing a mother be so worried over such a minor injury. and a teenager who had sliced his hand open while trying to cook up some elaborate recipe for his girlfriend. Sweet interactions you were thankful for. The patients kept you going on that day. And after just a few hours, the late-night lull began, and you had been dodging Jack since the evening started.

You found solace in an empty room behind the fabric curtain, a small sliver of privacy in between tasks. You leaned over the railing of the empty bed, taking a moment as a wave of nausea and weakness washed over you. Jack entered, his expression softening when he saw you were in discomfort. "Hey," his voice is soft and low. "Everything alright?" he asked, approaching you slowly. "Yeah," you said immediately. "Can we talk later?" you asked hurriedly.

"Of course," he said. He stiffened and crossed his arms. "Is everything okay, though, really?" he pressed again. You wondered if Dana had told him anything. "I'm fine, Jack. just a little tired," he nodded. You tried to straighten yourself up, but faltered slightly. Jack was there on a moment's notice with a hand over the small of your back, offering his support.

You wanted to tell him then and there, but it felt wrong- the door was open, you were feeling dizzy, and everything was still overwhelming. You nodded again as the wave passed and turned forward to face him. You were inches apart; you could smell his cologne and feel the warmth of his body.

The moment was interrupted by Lena, who slung the curtain open. "There you are," she said. Jack straightened up again, stepping away. "We have an incoming car accident. Semi-blocked traffic. Could be a dozen injured, maybe more." You exhaled. Things were about to get busy. You both rushed out, ready to have useful hands. You shook off the dizzy feeling that grew weaker.

You had all spread out and began tackling tasks- Doctors of the ED rushed past as patients came in, one by one. EMT and triage were slammed in just a moment. The hospital got busy and fast, and loud. Skilled hands administered care to each patient, and you had hopped on a case as it came in. An unconscious pregnant woman whose airbag had deployed and broken her nose. You took each of her vitals and searched for any signs of injury. The EMT doing the handoff was prompt. "She's about 6 months pregnant. Slid off the road, she's lucky she avoided the pile-up. She wasn't hit by the semi. We suspect she lost consciousness when the airbag deployed." The EMT says, you got to work, the typical routine.

The woman regained consciousness slowly and then grabbed your arm in panic. "The baby!" she shrieked. "Is my baby okay?!" She said, trying to lean up, her nose smeared with blood and her face puffy. She'd have some bruising for sure. "Stay still, I will make sure the baby is okay," you reassured her. That's all she cared about in that moment. She was placed into a room, and you finished your general assessment. Once the initial panic had washed over her, she began to cry.

"I just-" she sighed. "This is my fault," she whined. "My husband and I got into an argument, and I ran off with the keys," she mumbled in between sobs, ignoring the pain that troubled her and worrying about her unborn child first. "There is no fault here; you're safe. I will have one of the nurses call your husband. We will take good care of you." You said in the professional tone you always used. It felt like some kind of sick irony.

The next step was an ultrasound. The woman was incredibly lucky her injuries weren't severe or worse. You both waited in agonizing anticipation as you used the machinery to look for the baby, a healthy-looking sign on the screen. It picked up the baby's heartbeat, which was steady, and the woman wailed in relief. "Oh my god," she exclaimed. "The baby is looking healthy, unharmed." You said definitively. The woman wailed and cried her tears of joy and relief. "Thank you so much," She uttered. "Just take it easy, okay?" you instructed her.

A man calling her name rushed through the halls. They made the sweetest couple. This was the husband. He rushed into the room to be at her side, kissing her forehead. As you entered your notes into her chart, he, of course, had a million questions. "Is the baby okay?" was his first. "Yes, the baby is doing fine." The man burst into tears. "Your wife is very lucky. Her nose is broken, and she's a little bruised, but both are looking very healthy otherwise. We have some tests to run, and we'll get you guys back home safely as soon as we can." You nodded, beginning to exit the room.

The husband began another slew of 'thank you,' and you had to step out, A sudden sharp pain growing in your abdomen. You tried to seem calm, but there were tears in your eyes. Emotions were running high. Your pain level was increasing, and you rushed to the bathroom.

When you realized you had passed the pregnancy, everything melted away. Your anxiety, your anger, your fears. You just felt at a total loss. The thought of having Jack's baby was terrifying, sure- but now it felt like that decision was taken from you. You wanted to blame yourself- for working too hard, for letting this happen. Jack would be furious if he knew you weren't taking good care of yourself. You were scared of his reaction, scared that he'd be upset. You just wanted him to be near you, to comfort you and hold you. But in that moment, all you could do was clean the tissue from your underwear and move forward. You were in the bathroom for 20 minutes, not a long time for a regular person, but in the ED that felt like forever.

When you had cried enough for your eyes to be puffy, your cheeks rosy, and your face pale, and the shaking had calmed down, you had to put on a brave face and walk out there like nothing happened. Mid shift, and your whole world had changed, and then shattered. You walked over to Lena quickly at the nurses' station. "I'm going to step outside for a minute." You said. Lena gave you a pointed look, and nodded.

What you hadn't noticed was Jack seeing this interaction. He shed his gloves, watching you, the life drained out of your expression, your body language weak. His heart skipped a beat seeing you like that. He assigned Dr. Ellis the case and excused himself in an instant. Worry plastered his face. He rushed after you, finding you sat just outside the ED watching the quiet and empty street with the stars above you. The tears fell gently down your face.

He sat next to you, his gentle presence calming enough. "What's wrong?" he cooed gently. "Hey, talk to me."

You shook your head slightly, wiping the tears from your cheeks. "Jack," you began in an unsteady, shaky voice. "I lost the baby," you said with finality. He knew it was his. He knew what it meant; his heart dropped in his chest. "Hey," his tone switched from worry to comfort. "That's not your fault," he said sternly.

"I didn't even know I was pregnant." You continued. "I was terrified to tell you. And now it doesn't even matter," you said with a casual tone. He gazed into your eyes, trying his hardest to take on the pain. To take it away from you and bear it himself. "I had no idea," he said softly. "I had my suspicions, but I trusted you," he trails on. "And I don't blame you for this- or for not telling me." his honesty makes you feel less anxious.

There's a moment that passes by. "You know that I love you, and you shouldn't have had to carry that pain alone," he says. You lean your head on his shoulder, and his arm comes up instinctively with a gentle rub. You look out at the quiet night, distraught over the unfortunate circumstances. "I'm sorry, Jack." he shook his head. "Don't be." he says.

"I'm going to send you home, go back to my place ill take care of the ride. Relax, order some takeout, and get some rest. Doctor's orders," he retorts. You smiled softly. "You aren't my doctor," you said. "Medically, no," he teases. "Regardless, as you're attending, I'm sending you home to rest. Your body has been through something traumatic, as your Boyfriend," his words hung in the air. "I want you to be okay, not just at work." That was the first time he had called himself your boyfriend, you had always danced around the labels, but it made sense. It felt right.

You didn’t open your eyes when you woke up. Your head ached, absolutely pounding.

Fucking wine.

And even tho you had a hangover that was just as bad as a kidney stone, the warmth you felt around you was intoxicating. It had you sighing softly and curly further into said warmth.

Except, said warmth loved.

Said warmth had a heartbeat.

Said warmth smelled fucking amazing and painfully familiar.

Forcing your eyes open, your whole body tensed when you were met with a muscular chest. Then the feeling of strong arms wrapped around you registered—

Oh shit.

Immediately, you sat up so fast it had Gojo jolting away. His voice rough and gravelly from sleep, his eyes squinting as he looked up at you. “What’s wrong, sweets?”

“You— You. WHY are you in my bed?” You tore at out bed so fast you were tripping over your own feet. Almost busting your ass as you yanked on a hoodie over your shirt and a pair of sleep shorts. “Did we— oh god. Oh no.”

Your skin crawled. You were mad. So mad. Mad and sick. Your stomach hurt. Why did you do this?

“What? No. You got drunk last night off wine, and I took you home. You kept whining about wanting me to stay so… I did.” Gojo shrugged and rubbed his eyes, before sitting up, back against the head board.

“..oh.” Now, that anger was replaced by embarrassment and that sick feeling only deepened.

Ok. So this is my fault.

“Relax, we didn’t do anything.” Gojo crossed his arms, biceps flexing as he did, “but we could if you wanted to.” He winked.

“You are insufferable.” You rolled your eyes, finally calming down. Putting a hand on you temple, trying to calm the migraine— you made your way into the kitchen. “This is so fucking stupid. Fucking wine.”

Chugging down a glass of water, you stared at the stove top. That was, until you felt a pair of arms wrap around your waist.

And oh, that feeling of warmth and that familiar scent. It felt so nice, and yet so sickening.

“Did you mean what you said last night?” Gojo murmured against your shoulder, not missing the way you side eyed him.

“What do you mean?”

“You don’t remember?” His brows were furrowed now, almost offended.

“No??”

“You said you loved me. That you missed me.” Gojo filled in the gaps, and turned you around in his hold. Eyeing you with so much hope.

You stared at him for a long time, a long long time. Debating whether or not that was true, regardless it didn’t matter. “So what? Not like we’ll ever get back together.” You pulled away, huffing at the way your heart ached slightly as his shoulders slumped.

“Wait what?” Now Gojo was pulling you back. “It does matter, because if you do love me, we can— no we need to get back together.”

“And why would I? You’ll just become an asshole all over again. Remember? ‘Why the fuck are you so clingy?’” You did air quotes before slapping his hand away.

“But— but come on now, I’m— I was stupid. I took you for granted. I’d never do that to you— not ever, ever again. I will spend the rest of my life making you see how I’ve changed if I need too.” Taking a step closer to you, “please, please just give me another chance. Do you want me to get on my knees? Want me to beg?”

You glaring at him, “yes.” You didn’t think he’d do it. When you’d dated him before he was all pride. ‘Worlds strongest’ this and ‘chosen one’ that.

However, your breath stalled in your throat when he knelt down in front of you, literally on his knees as his hands found your hips. His eyes almost puppy like as he literally begged you.

Like a sinner at an alter, pleading for forgiveness.

You hated how much you like it. How it made you so happy to see him like this. So weak that he’d beg— on his knees.

“Please baby, I swear on everything— I swear on my eyes that I’ll never hurt you again. If I ever do— you can have them.” He pressed gentle kisses to your knuckles.

You swallowed thickly, your heart pounding in your chest. “…you ever, and I mean ever, talk to me like you did— behave like you did, to me again— I’ll hold you to that swear.” Your hand held his jaw, fingers digging into his jaw.

He nodded so fast, and when you pressed your lips against his, he was just as fast to stand up. Kissing you like a man starved and you were a tall glass of ice cold water.

Gojo’s hands held your hips in an iron grip, pulling you flush against him. Lord he was moaning into the kiss, murmuring about how thankful he was— how much he missed this, missed you.

You weren’t much better. Your nails clawed up his arms, his chest, dragged through his hair just to tug slightly hard.

“Missed you so— fucking much.” He grunted against your lips. Already hard and throbbing and oh so pathetic.

“You really are a desperate ex.” You smiled against his lips.

“Yeah, ‘m desperate for you. Sure as shit not your ex anymore.” He leaned down to press bites and nips all across your shoulders.

Now that had you smiling. “Yeah. Not my ex anymore.”

Your next kiss was sweet, all love and adoration.

Robby moves back and fires off a text to Jack. Eyes never leaving the nest. Logically he knows not to be hurt but that alpha hindbrain can't help but chafe at the idea his very vulnerable mate doesn't want him around.

Text to Abbot

Dennis is nesting. Actually full on nesting, he growled at me. What do I do.

Delivered 18:50

It's about 15 minutes later when the door goes.

Dennis lifts his head above the nest in response and blinks slowly, head tilted, waiting. Robby is prepared to do something. Horror stories of feral omegas and tales of violence in the name of protection flying through his mind.

"Jack", Robby calls down the stairs to the movement.

"No, Trinity, Abbot is on tonight, what's wrong"

The beta looks, more like a stereotypical alpha when she demands an answer from Robby and her mood doesn't improve when Robby helplessly shrugs and gestures to the transformed bedroom.

As Trinity slowly approaches the nest, Dennis startles when Robbys phone rings. Trinity quickly coos and attempts to sooth him back into his original position.

Robby can hear her asking Dennis, how her niece is doing as he answers the phone to Abbots brisk voice.

"He is 38 weeks, is he in labour?"

"I don't think so, he seems settled." It's partly true, Dennis whilst now non verbal still shows signs of recognition, it's not reached a danger point yet. Robbys skepticism is apparent as Jack takes the time to think over a plan.

Trinity meanwhile has been bodily moved further into the nest and while Robby would be amused at this on any other day, jealousy then shame are the prominent emotions.

He takes a step towards the room only to be met with another growl. Trinity's eyes widen as she hears a sound she's never heard from her best friend.

Dennis looks at her incomprehensibly and shoves her right back down to the nest.

Jack lets out a low, "Okay." Clearly having heard the noise.

"Santos, can you check." -

"He's fine", she replies and as if to affirm how fine he is, Robby can hear Dennis purring.

There's a pause and she says, "He's lying on top of me. Another pause and then, "I do have a shift tomorrow morning."

"No you don't" Robby states as Dennis growls low and soft clearly displeased at the idea of Trinity going anywhere.

Jacks voice comes through the phone, "Okay so it's not the most ideal but he's medically fine for now. Go shower and try to calm down, you panicking has likely made him on edge, he's not communicating typically but maybe once you relax, he'll let you near."

Robby sighs at that, the last thing he ever wanted was his mate to be upset because of him. Especially in the last weeks of pregnancy, everyone knows omegas become more sensitive to everything and everyone during this time.

As he moves to step away from the bedroom doorway he's confused to hear another growl from the room. Trinitys voice is muffled from inside the nest but he can hear her ask Dennis if his mate can come inside once he's showered and changed from the hospital. There's a pause and then a high pitched chirp in response and Robby feels some tension finally release. Dennis still wants him.

sunlight flutters into the apartment, bathing the bedroom in a golden light. uncharacteristic for the almost constant rain and thunder threatening to break through the clouds these past few weeks. your head rests on a soft pillow, the bed warm from body heat. your arms are tangled around your boyfriend, rens torso, and his arms are wrapped tightly around your back and waist, not wanting to let go.

“ren..” you mumble out sleepily. he buries his head further into the crook of your neck in response.

“mmh…” he groans, “angel..” you can feel his warm breath fanning across your neck.

you blink away some sleepiness, slowly moving your hand to card through his soft pink and blue hair. he always looks so…pretty even in the early hours of the morning when his hair is tussled and messy. ren hums appraisingly, nestling impossibly further into your body, seemingly never wanting to leave your touch.

if you had a choice, you know you wouldn’t leave either, but sadly you’ve got things to do today.

“angel..pleeease stay a little longer. you’re warm and soft..” ren begrudgingly whines out as you move your hand away from his hair and turn over to the nightstand to check what time it is on your phone.

9:51 A.M.

not bad, you consider in your head. you can feel rens arms reaching out toward you, chasing your touch. you move to lay on your back, stretching your arms out far above your head, earning a satisfied sigh at the feeling. you glance over at your sweet boyfriend, you can see him fighting to fall back asleep but it seems he’s losing that battle.

rens eyes slowly blink open, landing directly on your form. you smile at him.

“‘morning, ren. sleep well?” you hum.

ren softly sighs. “..goodmorning.” he pauses for a moment, a yawn slicing his sentence in half. “i think i would have slept better if you’d have stayed closer to me…” despite his words, there’s no bitterness in them. as far as you can tell, there’s only longing.

he mumbles softly. “you’re cold..”

you lean over toward him and gently place a kiss on his forehead.

“you’re very attentive.” you smile.

he leans into your touch, just like a golden retriever would lean into being pet. the bed is still warm but you can feel the cool air of the morning make you shiver. goosebumps almost spread along your arms as they rest atop the covers.

despite ren wanting just five more minutes in bed, you groggily get up and pad your way to the bathroom, the cold floor amplifying your shivers. you go about your morning routine and when you emerge ren isn’t in the bedroom anymore. you navigate your way to the kitchen, finding him already up and cooking breakfast for the both of you.

his back is to you, a soft black long sleeved shirt hangs loosely on his shoulders, showing you the back side of the tattoos wrapping around his neck. you enjoy the scene for what it is, a moment in time where you’re the one studying ren and not the other way around, not to say you don’t enjoy his attention of course..returning the favor just seems more…enticing.

taking a seat at the counter behind him, you murmur with a soft smile, “whatcha cookin’?”

ren nearly jumps out of his skin at your quip, not expecting you to be behind him. he turns around, his face already warming.

“..just pancakes..with toppings ! …oh-uh i-is that okay.?” his nerves seem to get the best of him at the end of his sentence. you’ve been trying to get him to work on backtracking and so far he’s been making pretty good progress but you suppose as they say, old habits die hard.

“yes, ren. of course that’s okay.” you reassure him with a soft smile. he smiles back and mumbles “..good!” the flush on his face slowly disappears.

the day goes on smoothly, just like normal. you and ren share some quality time together, cuddling on the couch while a random horror flick plays or cooking a meal together, just experiencing each others company in peaceful bliss.

“hey, ren?” you call out softly. there’s a warm blanket draped over both your laps, your head leaning on rens shoulder while yall relax on the couch, mindlessly watching attack on giants. the nightlife quickly goes by outside the floor length windows of ren-yalls apartment. he tilts his head in your direction, a silent question.

“i’ve been thinking about hanging out with jae, leon, and teo soon. y’know ive only been back in corland bay for a few months but i still haven’t had any time to talk to my old friends.” you slightly ramble on, missing the company of your old pals.

suddenly, you feel ren tense at the mention of your friends. but as soon as it happens, it slips away like he didn’t even react at all.

“o-oh really ? that would be..fun. what uhm-what would you plan to do w-w-with them?” he seems even more nervous and flustered talking about this topic than you’ve seen him in a while. taking a glance up at his face, all you see is your sweet ren, blushing face and kind eyes looking down at you. though, if you were paying more attention you would’ve noticed how his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes like normal.

your head leans back toward the tv, watching it but not really absorbing the information as you speak.

“hmph..i don’t really know. maybe we could go down to the beach…or maybe the aquarium?” you check off a few options.

rens hands fiddle with the ends of his sleeves, another habit you try to get him out of. he seems to do it when he’s really nervous..or thinking especially hard on something. you don’t hear a response from him. lifting your head fully off of his shoulder, you examine his face. he takes notice.

“o-oh!..well the beach sounds..nice..” he pauses, looking away from your face and tugging at his sleeve even harder.

“s-s-sorry…i…” he tries again. “i think it’s a good idea! it has been a while since you’ve seen your…..friends.” he smiles sheepishly.

“..should stay like that.” you hear him mumble something but you can’t quite catch what it is, like usual.

“what was that?” the questions lingers for a second.

“n-n-nothing..just thinking about how excited your friends will be to see you again, angel !!” he happily responds.

a grateful smile spreads across your face. your eyes can’t help but soften at his enthusiasm and utter care he expresses for you.

you quickly lean in and capture his lips in a chaste kiss, tasting cherry lip balm he must’ve put on earlier that day. you lean back as quick as it happened before ren has a chance to kiss you back, you see his face chase after yours, desiring more.

“you’re so supportive of me. what did i do to deserve such an amazing boyfriend like you?” you sigh out dreamily. rens blush deepens, and his hand comes up to his face, covering it in embarrassment.

you can see his breath hitch and a certain look of being faraway take over his features before he recovers. “y-you’re really the amazing o-one here! i….i don’t know what id do without you, angel. i love you so much.” his words are so soft and genuine you can’t help but frown at how kind he is. quickly, you lean over and pounce on him, capturing him in a warm embrace, the tv long forgotten in your kindred conversation.

ren freezes for a moment but quickly recovers and hugs you back just as tightly. his face nudges into your neck, breathing in your scent. sighing happily, you flex your fingers, gripping the back of rens shirt tighter, like if you let go, you’ll lose him.

“i love you more, ren.” you purr into his neck. his body tenses slightly under your weight..and words. you feel him almost pant into your hair at your kind words, seemingly intoxicated by it.

“no you don’t.”

•••

the next few days of the week blur by, your excitement for your newly planned hangout permeating the air. you had called everyone up the day after bringing up the idea with ren and luckily everyone was free and more than willing to hang out! although teo did have to add his little two cents, questioning, “miss me that much already, doll?”

that cocky bastard would flirt with anything that moves, but nonetheless he’s your friend despite his interesting qualities.

“hey baby?” you call out to ren from the bathroom. he peeks his head around the corner, a furious blush painting his face red.

“y-yes, angel?” he stutters in response. a smile graces your face.

“i’m gonna shower real quick, mkay?” you nod your head at him.

“o-okay..!” ren smiles back at you, continuing his sentence. “i’ll get started on dinner!” he happily turns around and heads back to the kitchen with a nod of your approval.

ren meanders about in the kitchen, looking through various cabinets and opening the fridge every now and again to choose what to make for dinner. after about five minutes of gathering ingredients, ren settles on making something simple: spaghetti. almost ten minutes into cooking, he notices something. you accidentally left your phone on the kitchen counter. you were already too consumed by the hot water running down your body to even remember you didn’t bring it with you to the bathroom.

ren sees it as a little odd you managed to leave it on the counter considering you’re almost glued to it when ren isn’t hogging your attention. he dismissively turns back around towards the stove, intending to stir the pasta again until a sound stops him dead in his tracks. he turns back around and glances at your phone.

teo is calling.

teo…is…calling.

rens scarred hands grip the counter harshly, feeling jealously burn its way through his throat. the incessant ringing is grating his skull. without thinking clearly, ren grabs up your phone and answers the call. his eyebrows are cast downward in a look of pure irritation as he hears teos’ voice cut through the phone like static on a radio.

“took you long enough to answer, sweetheart.” ren grits his teeth at teos snarky comment.

teo doesn’t waste another second before speaking. he must really fucking love the sound of his own voice.

“you still on for tomorrow? leon keeps bothering me about making sure you’re really gonna show….something about missing you.” somehow, rens gaze intensifies. his fingers flex against your phone.

“angel can’t make it. she’s sick.” ren grits out before he can stop himself. he can’t seem to think rationally when this fucking bitch guy keeps whining about needing your attention. despite the…intensity of the emotions he’s feeling while talking to teo, ren can’t help but feel his chest tighten and his heartbeat increase..obviously not because he’s done anything wrong.

..did he?

“buttercup-that you?” teo chuckles to himself.

“it’s.ren.” his words are gritty, rough like sandpaper.

“yeah, yeah, whatever. tell dollface that leon will miss her-or whatever.” teo hangs up the phone before ren can say anything back.

ren takes a few moments to collect himself. he’s sure angel wont mind staying home tomorrow with him. she loves him, why wouldn’t she want to stay home with him? ren exhales shakily, placing your phone back down on the counter. he goes back to cooking dinner like nothing happened.

except..there’s this little nagging voice in the back of his head that maybe he shouldn’t have…no. angel will be fine, she’ll be happy she gets to spend another day with him. with ren. he made the right decision. besides, why would angel want to hang out with that scum she calls friends anyway? she has ren. angel doesn’t need anyone else. ren can fulfill all her needs and more. those little fucking friends of hers couldn’t-

“better keep an eye on the food, hm? don’t want it to burn.” you call out to ren as you enter the kitchen.

ren jumps and lurches around at the sound of your voice. it seems he got a little distracted. his face immediately flushes red and his eyes are wide in surprise.

“ah-uhm-uh..a-angel…you….scared me!” ren stutters out, barely holding on to the words themselves.

“sorry!” you tilt your head to the side, offering an apology to ren with a small smile.

“n-no!! it’s fine, i…i was-i was just cooking dinner! like i said! i’m making spaghetti—is that okay? i-ill make something else if you don’t like it..im sure i can find something else in the cabinet-or we could order-“

“ren.” you cut off his rambling. his face is more flushed than you’ve seen it in a minute..something must really have him worked up.

“spaghetti is perfectly fine. i love it. i love you. you seemed..distracted when i came back..you alright?” you walk up to ren, taking his hands in yours and stroking your thumb lightly across his knuckles.

rens eyes seem to widen even more, if that’s even possible.

“n-n-no! everything’s fine. i was just-i was thinking about what we could do after dinner!” ren fumbles the words out like they burned. he continues.

“that’s…that’s why i wasn’t paying attention. i swear.” his voice steadies slightly.

you nod your head appreciatively.

“okay. how about we play a board game or something, hm? you wanna do that?” you let go of one of his hands, bringing it up to cup his face gently.

despite his looming stature, he leans into your touch almost desperately. his eyes flutter shut softly and he exhales as your fingers graze his face lovingly. when he’s all alone with you, he seems more like a giant puppy than a man who would snap a finger or two if provoked. you’re happy you’ve earned this soft side of him, seeing how lovey-dovey he can get under your touch.

your other hand unlaces itself from rens fingers, he whines at the contact loss until you place that hand on his chest, softly running your fingers along his old sweater. his hand snakes around your waist, pulling you in closer. your hand falls from his face as his head snuggles deeply into your neck, humming at the feeling of you being so close. you wrap your free arm around his neck, holding him tight.

your chests are touching as one hand grips your waist hard and his other hand grips your hip even harder-not enough to hurt…just enough to remind himself that you’re here.

eventually, you pull away much to rens protest. he seems to remember the question you asked him earlier.

“y-yes…board games sound good.” you smile sweetly up at him.

you lean up towards his face, like you’re going to kiss him, but as his eyes fall shut in anticipation, he feels your breath against his ear.

“finish cooking dinner, okay? i’ll set up something for us to watch while we eat.” rens eyes open as you lean back down.

he nods his head at you, still dazed from the close contact.

“o-okay..!” you pat his cheek lovingly and wander off to the living room.

the rest of the night goes well. ren manages to salvage dinner, focusing enough to prepare everything correctly. as per usual, you and ren watched attack on giants while eating dinner. after that, just as discussed, you and ren played a few different board games after dinner, reveling in each others company.

the night ended sweetly as rens arms wrap around you, tugging you closer. his chest is warm against your back, lulling you even more to sleep.

“goodnight…ren..” you mumble out softly before sleep can consume you whole. ren softly kisses your shoulder in response.

“‘night, angel.”

the next morning passes by quickly as you take on your early morning tasks. just like normal, ren makes a delicious breakfast you both scarf down in no time. the morning stays soft and mundane yet a perfume of excitement radiates off of you. you’re so excited to go see your old friends, it’s been way too long since you’ve had one on one time with them.

around 12 P.M. you tugged on a comfortable outfit to wear to the gathering. something that you felt relaxed in. as you’re slipping on your shoes and giving ren a small farewell kiss, you shoot teo a quick text to let him know you’re about to leave your apartment. his reply is almost instant…that’s weird for teo.

TEO: you suddenly not sick anymore?

“..what?” you whisper out softly, confusion consuming your face.

YOU: wdym sick???

the next text steals the air out of your lungs, a sour feeling rising in your chest.

TEO: your boytoy called me yesterday and said you couldn’t come because you were sick. don’t tell me this is some stupid prank?

what the fuck..? your face continues to scrunch up in disbelief at the words you’re reading. your eyes scan over the text again and then another time to make sure you hadn’t misread anything. ren said i was sick? why?

a sneer can’t seem to leave your face as you text teo a quick, “no.” and then pocket your phone. you think over the information just given to you. ren called teo yesterday claiming you were sick so you couldn’t make it to the hangout.

“fucking unbelievable.” you mutter out, gritting your teeth. you slowly and carefully take off your shoes, placing them on the floor quietly. if ren wanted to lie to your friends thinking he could get away with it, you’d teach him you’re not as stupid as he may think you are.

you wander off back toward ren, sitting at his desk typing away on his computer. most likely doing some programming. you plaster on a soft smile, something normal.

“ren?” you walk up to him.

ren slightly jumps at your voice turning in his chair to face you.

“oh-a-angel? i thought you left already…?” he stutters yet again. you see his face redden slightly as he tilts his head to the side.

“oh yeah, i was about to but i forgot something!” you softly laugh at the end, finding your own forgetfulness funny.

“have you spoken to teo at all?” you air the question out as if it was something casual.

ren tenses under your gaze slightly.

“uh..n-n-no? w-why would he talk to..me?” he fumbles on his words yet again.

you feel bitterness fight in your body. you want to scowl so bad, you want to tell ren to fuck off for lying so easily to your friend and no less, you. but you school your face back to something neutral, albeit oddly…happy? funny even?

“oh really?” ren nods his head in agreement. you hum in response, crossing your arms and planting your feet.

“y’know…” you stop short, a huff of a laugh cutting you off. though the laugh is oddly devoid of humor. an odd smile catches your lips.

“that’s kinda weird because teo just told me that you told him i couldn’t make it to the hangout because i was…’sick’.” you say the accusation with a bite, your eyes narrowing on ren.

rens face looks lifeless. you see the blood drain from him and his eyes go wide in disbelief. his mouth opens to say something but snaps back shut as if he wasn’t really sure what to say.

you take a step closer, glaring down at him.

“..i-i..” ren starts but stops, not finding his footing.

“i just..i just w-wanted…” ren swallows, his throat growing tighter by the second. words keep dying on his tongue. nothing sounds right.

“i-i-i didn’t think you..” you cut him off.

“you didn’t think i’d what? find out? you seriously think im that stupid??” you provoked. ren seems to shrink at your accusation.

“n-n-no! of course n-not angel, you’re n-not st-stupid! i..i just…” the words die again. something simmers beneath rens eyes.

..fear?

his words urge on your festering anger.

“so i’m not stupid but you still decided to lie to my friends, and then when i gave you the chance to tell the truth, you lied to me.” venom seems to coat your words in a dark sticky mess that doesn’t seem to be letting up.

ren can’t seem to hold your intense gaze, his eyes fall to the floor, then to his lap, then to your angry face and then back to the floor.

“i-i-i just i didn’t…” he continues looking down, not being able to meet your gaze.

“you didn’t what?” you so sound angry. so unlike your usual happy self. you sound so so so mad at him. you sound like you hate him. he’s sure he deserves it after what he did. but..he just wanted your attention. all of it.

“i didn’t think..” he barely whispers out the words, guilt lacing every syllable. he sounds like a cornered animal, wounded and scared.

you scoff and roll your eyes.

“well obviously.” you cut your eyes back to him. the air is palpable with panic coming from ren and anger coming from you.

“i mean what the fuck is wrong with you?! what in your right mind makes you think it’s okay to lie to my friends and then lie to me. seriously, tell me. tell me why the hell you thought it was okay to..to act so childish.” you cursed, not screaming, just berating ren.

rens head snaps up so quickly to look at you when you ask your first question.

what is wrong with him?

his mouth opens and closes again, trying to form words but to no avail. tears prick at his lash line. he breathing falters. his throat feels like it’s closing. what’s wrong with him?

without a moments notice, ren jolts up, standing in front of you. he goes toward you, to fumble around another excuse but as he moves toward you, you take a step back. ren freezes. if he wasn’t scared before, he definitely is now. he feels his blood run cold yet again.

you stepped away from him. you backed away because you didn’t want him to come near you. you made that face of disgust..and fear. you’re scared of him. you backed away because you were scared of ren. no. NO. NONONONONONONONONO.

his thoughts frantically move about in his head, trying to come up with something-anything to say in his defense. he feels as if his whole world is falling apart. you’re his whole world. he lied to you and now you don’t trust him. you don’t trust him because of his own SELFISH DESIRES. all because ren couldn’t stand to see you with anyone but him. all because he needs you.

“a-a-a-angel… p-please..i d-didn’t..” his voice cracks as tears slip down his once pristine face. he feels his heart ache while you look at him with such hatred. he makes no move closer to you, scared he’s going to make you feel worse or make you run away from him.

you watch ren as you see his entire being crumble. his eyes are red, tears unstopping. his face is blotchy and red and you can hear him struggle to breathe properly. he looks so wounded. like you’re the one that did something wrong. he begins rambling incessantly.

“a-angel..i-i…i didn’t want you t-to leave me…i’m s-so s-s-so-rry.” his voice breaks even more.

“i-i thought that if..if i j-just told teo you were busy then y-you could stay..stay home with me and you wouldn’t have to worry ab-out seeing them…” he looks like a man who’s been broken, put down, and kicked again.

“i didn’t…i didn’t th-think you’d be s-so m-m-mad at me… please angel, don’t leave m-me. i n-need you. i love you.”

you take another step back as ren quickly falls to his knees, overcome by the sheer panic and grief he feels. he’s hiccuping now, and keeps stuttering on breathing. he’s so pathetic. so desperate for you. he’s shaking so bad he can barely breathe, it feels like there’s no oxygen in the room.

“i…” you’re the one at a loss for words now. you’re fighting between feeling bad for ren and holding on to the bitterness caused by his actions. he lied to you, he lied directly to your face without hesitation. who’s to say this isn’t the first time that’s happened and it only just occurred that you caught him.

“ren.” you begin, taking a grounding breath.

“you have seriously fucked up. i’m not happy with you. at all. you make me wonder if you’ve lied to me before and i just didn’t catch it. you make me wonder if i can trust you.” your words cut through him like a sharpened blade.

his breathing begins to stutter, teetering on gasping for air as he feels faint, barely keeping it together. he tries to say something but he can’t seem to put his words in order.

“i….” he mumbles.

“don’t. don’t talk to me.” you side step him quickly, angrily stalking off to your room.

you shut the door loudly behind you, clicking the lock in place. you lean your back against the door, sighing heavily. finally, the sadness and gravity of the situation settles into your bones. you look upward, trying to will the tears to stay where they are. of course, it doesn’t work. tears freely slip down your face, almost never ending. soft sobs wrack through your chest, stinging your lungs.

hands fly up to your face, holding it softy as you continue to sob. overthinking and overwhelmed by everything that just occurred. so many questions rattle around in your head.

why did he lie to me?

why didn’t he just tell me how he felt?

has he lied to me before?

can i trust anything he says now?

what..do i do now?

from then, the days go by in a slow aching blur. you wake up in the cold bed, ren somewhere else in the apartment. you go on about your day ignoring him to the best of your abilities. it’s driving him absolutely crazy, you can tell. and a small, odd part of you somewhat enjoys seeing him so distraught. you’re quiet, uncharacteristically so. you avoid ren like the plague, not so much as looking in his direction. every time you think about it too hard you start to feel the anger bubbling inside of you. you’re so beyond annoyed at him that you can’t even bare to hear him speak.

though, he hasn’t been speaking much either. sometimes he’d try to mumble out a feeble “i’m sorry.” or something or other. he never finishes his sentences, he can barely look you in the eye. it seems like in his head he has a million different things he wants to say to you but then once he works up the courage to say something, he forgets everything. he can’t make sense of his words, let alone himself. he knows he’s done wrong, but he doesn’t know how to fix it. he doesn’t know if you’ll every trust him again-no. you will. you have to.

"And leave all this for you to take care of? What kind of husband would I be?" He watched your face fall at his response and almost broke out laughing. You'd never make it as a spy with every thought that went through your head on full display across your face. Endearing. "Come on, lets get started on this shelf."

You trudged after him with a dejected sigh as he walked towards the hallway, peeking through doors until he came to your bedroom. Taking a step inside he was hit by a wave of your scent, so much more concentrated in this room than it was throughout the rest of the house. He couldn't help the way his steps fumbled to a stop as he stood there and breathed you in, all the way to the bottom of his lungs.

How did you smell so good? He couldn't place the scent but it was burrowing into his brain, making a home between the synapses that were still firing. It was warm and light and welcoming and he couldn't get enough of it, taking deep, greedy drinks of it as he slotted the scent into the bucket he was quickly labeling 'home' in his mind.

Coming back to himself he stepped to the side to let you through the doorway. You inched past him, careful not to touch before directing him to your closet and the shelf that was sitting on the ground. He frowned at the distance you kept between the two of you, a there and gone expression as he made plans to ease you back into casual touch. This was no way for spouses to act.

"No one new in your life to help you get this set up?" he probed as he pulled out tools. He looked up at you from where he was crouched, peering at you with his best approximation of an honest question. You fought with yourself before answering—

—with a lie. "There's someone, he's just away on a business trip right now."

He'd done his due diligence before re-introducing himself into your life. Prior planning and all that shit. Price would've been so proud of him. He knew you were single. That you had been for a little while but had been making ends meet on your own. Truthfully this nebulous partner was better off not being around. Johnny was the bigger dog in this fight and he wasn't going to back down. You were his wife—for better or for worse.

"A business trip, huh?" he repeated, letting a hint of doubt color his tone while maintaining eye contact as you shifted on your feet. He held you in place for a moment more before releasing you graciously, "Well, I'll just have to meet him when he gets back."

"Ye-ah," you croaked, voice cracking on the word, "I'm sure he'd love that."

Johnny watched as you fought with yourself, trying to decide whether to stay and be subjected to his questions or leave him alone in your house. The need to keep an eye on him won out in the end. Better to know what he was doing than be blindsided at a later time.

You started with your walls firmly in place—raised and fortified against him and anything he could manage to say to sway you. But it was clear you hadn't been expecting the charm and easy way with words he had. He watched them poke holes in your defense. Each, you did that? garnering a bashful head nod. Every, this is really well done, love, lowering your reservations. One piece at a time. He used his words like weapons, precision strikes aimed at your guard, working towards softening you up to him. It was clear you hadn't taken into account his flirty nature when you were planning on keeping him at arms length.

The first half of the morning went by much the same. Conversation never ceasing although there were times you certainly wished it would. He had a way of knowing exactly what to ask to make you squirm and he exploited it with abandon, chasing your stuttering explanations and wide-eyed looks of panic. The first real hiccup came when he asked you to go to the hardware store with him around noon.

I think I'll stay here.

Nothing he could say would sway you, you were adamant about staying home. He even sweetened the pot—promising a questions for a question the whole ride, you could ask anything you'd like. But no. You wouldn't be going with him. You'd stay and wait.

He accepted your decision but that marked the end of the free-flowing information.

When he got back the conversations continued—he never was one to sit by quietly when he could be flirting with a beautiful person—but there was a marked difference from the conversations of the morning. No longer did he give you peeks at his history since you'd been gone. He kept those tightly buried and manipulated the conversations back around to you, keeping the focus off him.

He watched you get more and more frustrated with every run-around. Something close to glee bubbling up in his chest at your angry face, nose all scrunched up and brows furrowed. He wanted to kiss the little lines your frowning caused, pepper them all over your face if you'd let him until he came home to those lips he couldn't keep his eyes off of.

Soon.

He'd have you in his arms soon. He just had to hold out for the right time.

Even the mundane questions no longer got an answer. "Where'd you learn to do that?" you tried, watching the way he took apart your sink with an ease that betrayed his comfort with the task.

"Wanna learn yourself? Come here, I'll show you how it's done," he coaxed you closer to see what he was doing. "This bit here is where things get trapped. Always make sure to have a pan underneath to catch the run-off—"

It was so smoothly done that you never realized what he'd done. You likely wouldn't until you were thinking about your day once you were lying in bed.

By the time it was late afternoon and he was wrapping up for the day he had managed to learn quite a bit about you—your favorite food, your disdain of dusting, where you grew up—while you were limited to what you had gleaned that morning before the trip to the store.

"I'll be back tomorrow, aye? Same time as today and we'll keep knocking out that list," he said as he packed up his bag, cleaning up his leftover mess and turning to look at you once more.

You'd relaxed quite a bit throughout the day, your shoulders no longer up by your ears at the sight of him. It filled his belly with warmth at the thought of you softening up just for him. Showing your vulnerable underbelly. He wanted to see you relaxed underneath him in bed but that would wait for another day. He knew you weren't quite there yet but he was optimistic.

He remembered how you two used to be dynamic in bed. The sounds he could pull from you and the way your skin felt against his lips was burnt into his brain, something no bullet could take away. He looked forward to the day you'd let him re-learn your body, he was already more entranced with you now than he had been walking into this. Just goes to show he had great taste when choosing a spouse.

"You really don't have to," you tried, a hesitant look crossing your face. "You've already done so much today that I couldn't impose."

Impose. How funny.

"Nonsense, hen. I'll see you tomorrow."

And with that his hands darted out to cradle your jaw carefully between his warm, work-roughened hands as he tilted your face, leaning down to press slightly chapped lips to yours. They separated in a small gasp that he took advantage of eagerly. His tongue sliding inside to map the contours of your mouth, tongues tangling together.

After a moment he pulled back, leaving you panting and dazed, a far-away look in your eyes. With a smile he darted down to press one more kiss to your lips before stepping back, giving you room to breathe.

You came back to yourself quickly and cleared your throat with a, well then, before gesturing towards the door. He felt his heart expand in that moment, another piece of you that he would keep tucked away for himself. He made a vow to fluster you as often as he could just to get that look back on your face.

\\\

"And that's the last of it," you smiled at him from your position, crouched beside him as you held the light on the front stairs.

The week passed surprisingly quick with Johnny coming over ever day. You'd gotten to know him a little bit better each visit, his sense of humor coming to light easily but his reliability hiding behind layers that you were only starting to unearth the shape of.

After the first day and you turning him down on the drive to the store and the subsequent stonewall of information, you found yourself caving when he asked the next. Same rules as before—a question for a question while you were on the road. You'd like to say you held strong and told him where to stuff it but the truth is you capitulated embarrassingly fast. Yesterday's afternoon was a study of frustration when he refused to answer anything you asked. Even something as small as if he needed a certain tool got a run-around response as he got up to get it himself. It was beyond annoying.

You had stood on the porch that second day hesitantly, still not eager to give this stranger that much power over you just yet. But his offer meant maybe you'd get some of the answers you were looking for and so you found yourself giving in, caving in on your previous obstinacy.

Surely one ride wouldn't hurt.

You white-knuckled the entire trip there and back but nothing untoward happened. Johnny kept the conversation flowing as usual, asking you questions and offering up glimpses of himself when you inquired in turn. Pulling into the store he didn't let you try for the handle, jumping up to get around to your side before you'd even unbuckled your seatbelt, as if it would wound him if you were to open your own door.

You were slightly ashamed to admit it but you half thought he was going to steal you away as soon as you got into the vehicle. Drive and simply not stop, taking you wherever he wanted. However it was straight to the shop and then back home once more, no detours—planned or otherwise. You let out the breath you weren't aware you were holding, shoulders lowering at the sight of your home.

All that stress and you still didn't get the answers you were looking for. While he held true to his end of the bargain and answered your questions, the answers left something to be desired. Your why me's received a because you're my wife response and each why are you in my house got a just until everythings all fixed up, love.

But now you were done. Everything on your list checked off—including a few items Johnny himself pointed out during the course of the week. You were pleased to say your house looked better now than it did when you first moved in. No squeaky doors, no wobbly steps. It was picture perfect.

Johnny turned to you, holding his toolbag and leftover materials. "Come with me one more time to return these pipes I didn't end up needing?" he asked, his gaze steady as he held yours, bright blue eyes pinning you in place. You'd have thought exposure therapy over the week would have eased the intensity when he turned his full attention on you but it hadn't. It was still just as gut-wrenching as it had been that first night.

You thought about turning him down. Saying no and leaving it at that. But you were still curious. And hopeful. Hopeful that now you were done, he'd give you a satisfactory answer of why you, why your house, why now.

So you did. One more ride couldn't hurt.

The trip there was uneventful, Johnny jumping out to get your door just as the truck rolled to a stop, the same as he had every trip and then the pipes were returned and you were back in the vehicle once more, seatbelt firmly in place.

It was fine until he turned left out of the parking lot instead of right.

You froze for a brief moment, watching the new scenery passing by your window. "Where are you going?" you asked, thinking (hoping) that maybe he had another return to take care of, something he wanted to do while he was out before dropping you back off at your house. You felt your heartbeat starting to pick up it's tempo despite your reassurances to yourself.

"We're headed home, sweetheart."

"But—it's the other way," you tried, waving your hand in the vague direction of your house like it would spark his memory, voice still steady but starting to become tight with anxiety.

"We're going to our home, not yours," he didn't react as you dove for the door handle. You were still going slowly enough it wouldn't hurt too badly to jump out onto the road, maybe just a few scraped extremities to show for it. But when you tugged on the latch nothing happened.

Pulling firmly and jamming your shoulder against the door got you nowhere, it was sealed and wouldn't open from the inside. With horror you remembered all the times Johnny jumped out to get your door for you. Had you ever opened it yourself? Whipping your head back to him, you watched as he sat there smiling, taking you who knew where.

"Now that it's all fixed up," he continued as if there hadn't been any interruption, "We can sell it as is—fully furnished. I'll send some friends over to pick up your clothes and any small items you want but there's no reason to double up on all our furniture so it'll be included in the sale."

"What," you croaked, eyes wide as you stared at him in disbelief.

the water fogged up the mirrors in the bathroom, steam still rising from the tub. the faucet had been turned off, and both you and his skin was starting to wrinkle, but dan heng’s sickness had led you to researching the best type of bath or shower for such, and here you were. 

you weren’t uncomfortable, but this temperature would’ve been nicer if you didn’t have the equivalent of a log on fire laying against you. he wasn’t in his vidyadhara form, or the form that he had grown when taking the coreflame of earth, but that only made it more concerning. humans did not reach 112° and survive, let alone consider it “just a cold”.

his head was against your chest, eyes fluttered shut, and you were working your way through his hair using your own products. if you used his, you would’ve found two bottles— one for hair, one for body— but considering how good hygiene was one of the best things for a situation like this, you decided that your own items would be best. technically, what he used wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t anything particularly great either.

“you gotta sit up for a second,” you mumbled, shifting so his head stopped drooping closer to the soapy water. “gotta rinse out your hair.”

he sighed, adjusting his position so that instead of laying on your chest, he had his head laying on your shoulder. his arms tightened around your waist, and you sighed.

“it’d be easier if you didn’t cling to me,” you said, shaking your head as you started clearing the shampoo out. it didn’t bubble much, but really, the only reason you wanted him off of you was so that it didn’t run into his eyes.

“you’re healing the sickness,” he consoled, letting his weight, even in the bathtub, almost crush you. dan heng was rarely this affectionate, at least physically, and he was rarely defending his clinginess. usually he denied it if he was. “if i didn’t hold on to you i’d only get worse.”

“now you’re just making stuff up,” you said, running your fingers through his hair to clear the last dredges of the soap. he hummed contently, smiling against your skin. “don’t act so pleased about getting sick.”

“i can be pleased about being near you though,” he said, opening his eyes and looking up at you through his lashes. you ignored him and started the conditioner.

“you can be near me anytime you’d want. and i usually hang around you anyway,” you muttered, making sure that all of his dark hair was stained by the light colored product.

“i’m always busy with the data bank, or whatever new planet we’re on,” he said, closing his eyes and leaning into your neck more. “and then caelus and stelle show up, and we meet even more new people and go through even more weird phenomenon and situations and events.”

“and i still sit in the archives with you.”

“but i’m always busy, you’re always waiting for me and i’m always doing something else. you enjoy leaning on me and asking me for help but i can hardly do the same for you,” he let his entire body relax, muscles loosening.

“you asked me for help when you got sick. i think that means more than me watching you read,” you replied, massaging his scalp with the conditioner. “sit up.”

The email appears in his inbox while his team is getting they're routine medical checks. The words NOTICE: Medical Check Denied flashes on the subject line and he groans outwardly. He gets them for recruits that don't meet weight or injured themselves and try to walk it off. Below it reads the automatic generated line of:

"Captain J. Price, this email is to notify you that the following soldier is not fit for active duty and cannot..." he rubs a palm down his face in irritation. He's not in the mood today. He'd slept wrong last night, leaving him barely able to turn his head to the right, the coffee pot exploded yesterday because some idiot left it empty with the warmer on, and he hadn't even had his smoke break this morning because of paperwork piling up.

He's hoping it's one of the grunts so he can designate filling the spot to his lieutenant. Dragging his mouse to click on the email, he lets his eyes scan it.

Only his brow furrows at the name listed. Your name. "God dammit," he grumbles with experation. He knew your streak of best behavior would end, he just didn't know when.

Ever since that night where he'd pinned you down and fucked you into submission he'd felt the guilt and shame gnawing at the back of his mind. His biggest pain in the ass and the most infurating subordinate he had broke him. Him!

He couldn't deny the effectiveness his inapproariate behavior had on you. You could still barely meet his eyes. You hadn't denied a single order from him since. Gone were the days that you mouthed off to your Captain and in were the days that you followed orders. A miracle that had the rest of the team nearly as baffled as him.

When Simon pressed a few weeks ago about what'd he'd done Price had managed out a calm, "Finally found a punishment that stuck." But refused to elaborate more.

He hates that he has to adjust his trousers a bit at the simple sight of your name on his monitor. (Because as pained as he is to admit, that night had been playing like a broken record in his head in every quiet moment of the last month.) But he narrows his eyes to see just what you'd done now.

Captain J. Price, this email is to notify you that the following soldier is not fit for active duty and cannot be deployed.

Your name sits on the next line by itself in all caps. Tauntingly.

Due to PREGNANCY this soldier is not permitted to be deployed. The attached forms will need to be filed within a week of this email to further this case. Any inquaries must be sent to the Human Resources Department to fight this case.

His heart stutters before he finds himself roaring out a louder "GODDAMMIT!"

He sees red because of that little shit! Furious over the fact that you could possibly be so reckless. It only lasts a moment. A breif moment where he's cocking his arm back to throw his hat.

Then he's shouting "FUCK!" because he realizes he can't even *blame* you. Not certainly. Because it is entirely pausible he is a party to this incident, and if so, there will be hell to be paid by both of you.

A knock sounds. The lazy rap of it tells him it's probably his lieutenant. The door cracks before opening and sure enough, Riley is peering at him with a bland expression. "Someone piss in your coffee?" He grunts.

"Where is she?" He hisses at his lieutenant who doesn't even have to ask. He already knows from the veins on the Captain's forehead.

"Sent her and the other two Sargeants to medical for their physicals twenty minutes ago. Need me to fetch her?" He rumbles in that Manchester accent.

"Immediately."

He gets a nod of affirmation and off his lieutenant goes, no questions asked. It takes all of ten minutes before the knock returns and the door to his office is opened again.

"In ya get." His lieutenant orders, irrately at you.

What Price is not expecting is the tears streaking your face as you slide in, too terrified to even look at him. You sniffle and flinch as Ghost slams the door behind him and leaves you to be displined.

Price wavers a beat, silence filling his office asside fro. You descreetly sniffling and wipijg your eyes. He begins sternly, trying his best not to fold to those pitiful hiccups. "Well? What've you got to say for yourself?"

You finally look at him with puffy eyes. "Wh-what are you... refering to, Captain?" You manage to croak.

"The email from medical I just got about you being unfit for active duty!" He bites out, short tempered.

You sob. Actually sob. "They already emailed you?" Your disbelief is clear. He marches around his desk to loom over you.

"How many men have you been entertaining exactly?" He demands sharply and more tears well up in your eyes at what he's insinuating.

Your lip wobbles and you shrink before murmuring. "Just you..." all at once his heart aches. Guilt rushes back to him. Drowning him.

"I need the fuckin' truth," he bites out, softer than before. "I deserve to know the truth."

"You..." you sniffle. "Only you..."

Price sighs after watching you hold your ground despite everything. It's a wrench. A shock. Something that terrifies John.

"Shite..." he mutters lowly, then he's coaxing you gently against his chest and you go willingly as he pulls you into a deep hug. "Alright, I'm sorry for yelling." He hums. "Your not the only one to blame."

You tremble in his arms and toughen up as quick as you can. A moment of pity. It gives him a moment to plan. Consider his options. And by the time your drying your tears and sitting back he's got everything plotted out

"I'll get the paperwork started for your transfer." Your eyes widen at him.

"What!? But Captain-!"

"I'll have none of that," he huffs. "You are not allowed to be in the same unit as your husband if he's not the same rank. That is a conflict of interest." Your eyes bug at him.

"Husband!?"

"I'll book the chapel, too. Just worry about picking out a dress." He hums like your discussing mission objectives and not marriage, swiping a stray tear trail with a calloused thumb.

"Captain, I never agreed-" His palms press to your cheeks, tilting your face up towards his.

"The mistake has been made," he grunts out. "I'm still your Captain as of this moment. So I'm ordering you to go pick out a dress for the chapel. Don't you worry about anything else. I've got it covered, we'll have you in married housing by the end of the week."

"But, sir, we-"

"Ah, ah. Stress is bad for the baby." He insists and then his mouth is on yours for a firm kiss. "Go on. Got paperwork to file. You're dismissed."

Your world is spinning all at once, but don't you worry. He's got a plan for every situation and he's not one to botch much.