#bsf!nick

The cashier, a disinterested-looking girl around your age with bleached-blonde hair and smudged eyeliner, looked up as you dropped the box onto the counter. Her name tag read "Bailey." She scanned the test with a little too much indifference for your liking, her gum snapping between her teeth.

"That’ll be $14.99," she said, tapping her nails against the counter like she couldn’t care less that your world felt like it was teetering on the edge of collapse.

You fumbled with your wallet, your hands still shaking. This was not how things were supposed to go. You weren't supposed to be in this position, not after everything with him. Your chest tightened at the thought of your boyfriend—ex-boyfriend, you corrected yourself. The bruises on your heart were fresher than the ones on your skin, but it didn’t matter. He was still cheating, still lying, and now this?

Bailey gave you a once-over and raised an eyebrow. “You, uh, want a bag for that?”

You blinked, realizing you’d been standing there, frozen. “No, I’m good,” you muttered, stuffing the box into your jacket pocket as discreetly as possible.

“Yeah, sure.” Bailey chewed her gum louder, tapping her fingers on the counter in some kind of rhythm. “Listen, I don’t know what you’ve got goin’ on, but I’ve seen plenty of girls buy these at 2 a.m. And, uh...”

You glanced up, catching her eye.

“You can’t shake away that plus sign if it shows up,” she finished, not unkindly. “Just... good luck.”

You nodded, your throat too tight to respond, and hurried to the back of the store, where a dingy, single-stall bathroom awaited. You locked the door behind you with shaky fingers, pulling the pregnancy test from your pocket.

Sitting down on the edge of the grimy toilet seat, you tried to focus. Just do it. It’ll be fine. It’ll be negative. It has to be.

The moments after felt like a blur. The test was done, and now there was nothing left but to wait. You set it on the edge of the sink, avoiding it like it might burn you if you looked too soon.

It's probably just late. Your thoughts spiraled, trying to find any possible explanation other than the obvious. Stress can mess up your cycle, right? And after all the stuff with him... It has to be that. Just stress.

You sat there, staring at the floor tiles, counting the seconds in your head. Maybe you didn’t even want to know. Maybe it’d be better if you just threw the test away, walked out, and pretended none of this ever happened.

But you couldn’t.

When the time came, you reached for it with trembling hands.

The world seemed to slow as you looked at the result.

Two lines. A plus sign.

Positive.

Your stomach dropped a wave of nausea hitting you so hard you thought you might actually be sick. This wasn’t happening. It couldn’t be happening. You blinked, staring at the test like it might change if you looked at it long enough.

No, no, no...

You fumbled for your phone, the only thing grounding you in the moment. There was one person you needed to talk to, the only person who could make sense of the chaos that was crashing around you right now.

Nick.

Your best friend since forever. The one person who never judged you, never made you feel small, even when you made the worst decisions—like dating him. Nick had warned you about him, but you didn’t listen. And now here you were.

With shaky fingers, you hit Nick’s contact and brought the phone to your ear, your heart racing with each ring.

C’mon, Nick. Please pick up.

Ring.

You paced the tiny bathroom, unable to stand still, the walls closing in on you as the test sat on the counter, mocking you with its little pink plus.

Ring.

You ran a hand through your hair, blinking back tears you didn’t even realize had started to form. Your mind raced, jumping from one fear to the next. What am I supposed to do? How do I even begin to tell him this?

Ring.

The buzzing of the fluorescent light above you felt deafening, matching the pounding in your head. You leaned against the door, squeezing your eyes shut.

The ringing stopped, and then came the sound of a groggy but familiar voice on the other end of the line.

"Girl, it's nearly 3 a.m.," Nick mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. “What’s up? Why are you calling me at this ungodly hour?”

You swallowed hard, clutching the phone tightly in your hand as you stared at the bathroom floor. You could feel your pulse in your ears, every word sticking in your throat. How do I even say this?

“Uh, I know you’re sleeping, and I’m sorry, but... can you pick me up at the drugstore near your house? I walked here so I have no car.”

The line went quiet for a second. You could hear him shifting in bed, probably rubbing his eyes, trying to make sense of what you’d just said.

“Girl, what do you mean you walked there?” Nick’s voice immediately sharpened, the sleepiness vanishing as concern crept in. “That’s, like, an hour from your house. Are you serious?”

You cringed, running a hand through your hair. “Yeah... I didn’t really think it through. I just... I needed to clear my head.”

“Okay, but what are you even doing at a drugstore at this time? You didn’t feel like going for a walk, I know that.” Nick's voice softened but held that edge of worry he always had when something was wrong.

You inhaled sharply, your eyes flicking to the pregnancy test still sitting on the sink like it was mocking you. “I... I bought a pregnancy test.”

Silence.

The weight of your words hung in the air, and for a moment, you weren’t sure if he had heard you right. But then he exhaled, long and slow, like he was trying to piece it all together.

“Wait,” Nick said carefully, his voice gentler now, but still with that underlying shock, “you? A pregnancy test? As in... like... you think you’re—?”

“Yeah,” you cut in, your voice small. “I, uh, already took it. It’s... it’s positive.”

You heard a sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line. Nick was quiet again, but you knew him well enough to picture his face right now—his eyes probably wide with shock, hand rubbing the back of his neck like he always did when he was trying to process something.

“Girl,” he said slowly, his voice low and laced with concern, “you’re telling me, you walked an hour to a drugstore in the middle of the night, took a pregnancy test in some sketchy bathroom, and now you’re just standing there... by yourself? Why didn’t you call me sooner?”

“I don’t know,” you mumbled, tears welling up in your eyes, making your voice tremble. “I didn’t want to drag you into this, Nick. And I was freaking out, I didn’t know what else to do.”

“Okay, no. You always call me, no matter what, you know that,” he said firmly, the protective tone in his voice unmistakable. “I don’t care what time it is. If you’re going through something like this, I’m there.”

You swallowed the lump in your throat, nodding even though he couldn’t see you. “I’m sorry... I just didn’t know how to deal with this on my own.”

There was a pause, then Nick sighed softly. “Look, it’s fine. You’re not dealing with it on your own. I’m coming to get you, okay? I’ll be there in 15.”

You sniffled, wiping at the tears that had started to roll down your cheeks. “Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me, babe.” His voice was softer now, more like the Nick you were used to—the one who knew exactly how to calm you down when everything felt too overwhelming. “But seriously, don’t freak out until I get there. Just breathe. We’ll figure this out together.”

You nodded again, trying to steady your breathing, even though your mind was still racing. “I’ll try.”

“And while I’m on my way... do me a favor and get out of that bathroom. Go stand by the doors or something, ‘cause, like, ew.”

A small, shaky laugh escaped your lips. Leave it to Nick to somehow make you laugh even in a moment like this. “Yeah, okay. The bathroom’s gross.”

“I can smell it through the phone,” he joked, the warmth returning to his voice, even though you could hear the worry lingering underneath. “Just hang tight. I’ll be there soon.”

You took a deep breath and opened the door, stepping back into the cool, dimly-lit store. The fluorescent lights were harsh, casting long shadows over the aisles. You made your way to the front, standing near the automatic doors, arms wrapped around yourself as you tried to shake off the anxiety gnawing at your chest.

It wasn’t long before the cold air of the night outside started to seep in through the cracks in the doors. You stared out into the empty street, your thoughts swirling. Everything felt surreal—like you were watching someone else’s life unfold instead of your own.

Your phone buzzed in your hand, pulling you from your thoughts. It was a message from Nick: “Almost there, hang on.”

You took a deep breath, glancing back over at the cashier, Maddie, who was still behind the counter, barely paying attention to you anymore. She probably thought you were just another lost soul wandering into the store in the dead of night.

But you weren’t lost, not anymore—not with Nick on his way. Even though everything was spiraling, you knew that with him there, somehow, things would start to make sense.

Another minute passed, and then you saw the headlights of Nick’s car pulling into the parking lot. You felt a wave of relief wash over you, your heart still heavy but just a little lighter knowing he was there.

Before you knew it, Nick’s car rolled to a stop, and you could see him through the windshield, already looking concerned as he squinted out at you, pushing his messy curls out of his eyes.

He stepped out, walking toward the entrance, his expression a mix of worry and exhaustion, but there was no question—he was here for you.

Just like he always was.

The tears started to flow as soon as you and Nick made eye contact. You couldn’t hold them back anymore; the weight of everything—the test, the fear, the walk—crashed over you all at once. Nick’s face softened immediately, his eyes widening as he rushed to you, wrapping his arms around you in a tight, warm hug.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” he murmured, his voice gentle as he held you close. “I’m here. You’re okay, babe. I’ve got you.”

You buried your face in his shoulder, letting the sobs break free. Nick’s hand rubbed soothing circles on your back, the way he always did when he knew you were on the verge of breaking down. He didn’t say anything for a few moments, just letting you cry, holding you like he was physically keeping you from falling apart.

“It’s okay,” he whispered again. “We’re gonna figure this out. You’re not alone, I promise.”

The words were like a balm to your heart, calming you just enough to breathe a little easier. You pulled back slightly, wiping at your eyes, embarrassed by how much you were crying but too tired to care.

“I’m sorry,” you sniffled, your voice barely above a whisper.

“Don’t apologize,” Nick said firmly, his hands still on your shoulders. “You’ve got nothing to be sorry for, okay? You’ve been through a lot. It’s okay to cry.”

You nodded, biting your lip to stop it from trembling. He gave you one last squeeze before stepping back, though his hand stayed on your arm, like he was still making sure you weren’t going to fall over.

“Do you wanna sleep at mine tonight?” he asked softly, his eyes searching your face. “You shouldn’t be alone right now.”

You didn’t even have to think about it. “Yeah,” you whispered, nodding. “I... I don’t want to go home.”

He smiled softly, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes—he was still worried. “Good. Let’s get you out of here.”

Nick walked you to the car, his arm around your shoulder like a protective shield from the cold and the weight of the night. As you slid into the passenger seat, you could still feel the tension in your chest, but it eased a little with him next to you. He started the car, the soft hum of the engine filling the silence between you both.

For a while, you just stared out the window, watching the empty streets roll by as Nick drove, his hands gripping the wheel a little tighter than usual. The city was quiet at this hour, the streetlights casting long shadows on the road. It felt strange—like the world had paused, giving you a moment to catch your breath.

Nick broke the silence first.

“So... do you wanna talk about it? Or do you just wanna sit in silence for a while?”

You sighed, leaning your head back against the seat. “I don’t even know where to start.”

“Okay,” he said softly, glancing over at you for a second before turning his eyes back to the road. “No pressure. You don’t have to say anything if you’re not ready.”

You stayed quiet for a moment, your fingers fidgeting with the sleeve of your jacket. “I guess... I just don’t know what to do now,” you said finally, your voice small. “I never thought I’d be... here, you know?”

Nick nodded, his eyes fixed on the road, but you could tell he was listening carefully. “I get it. It’s a lot, babe. Like, a lot. But you don’t have to figure it all out tonight.”

You let out a shaky breath, rubbing your eyes. “I just feel so stupid. I should’ve seen this coming. I mean, after everything with him...”

Nick’s jaw tightened at the mention of your ex. He had never liked him, and it wasn’t just because of the cheating. It was the way your ex treated you, the way he chipped away at your confidence and left bruises on more than just your skin.

“Hey,” Nick said sharply, cutting off your spiral of self-blame. “None of this is your fault. You hear me? None of it. That guy is a complete piece of—” He caught himself, taking a deep breath. “You deserve so much better than the way he treated you. And now... this? You didn’t ask for this. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

You swallowed hard, blinking back more tears. “I just... I feel like my life’s been on fire lately, and this is just... gasoline.”

Nick sighed softly, reaching over and giving your knee a reassuring squeeze. “I know it feels like everything’s falling apart right now. But you’re not alone. We’ll figure this out, okay? Whatever you decide, I’m right here with you. Every step of the way.”

His words felt like a lifeline in the chaos of your thoughts. You nodded, not trusting yourself to speak without crying again.

The car ride was quiet after that, the sound of the tires on the pavement the only thing filling the space between you. Nick didn’t push you to talk more, and you were grateful for that. Just having him there was enough.

After a while, Nick cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “So... totally random question. But, like, do you want ice cream or something? I mean, I don’t know what you’re supposed to eat after... you know... life-shattering news, but I feel like ice cream’s a safe bet.”

You let out a small laugh, surprised by how light the moment felt after everything. “Yeah... ice cream sounds good, actually.”

Nick grinned, his shoulders relaxing a little at the sound of your laugh. “Perfect. We’ll swing by that 24-hour place near my apartment. They’ve got this ridiculous flavor called ‘Midnight Madness,’ and honestly, I think it was made for situations like this.”

You smiled, wiping the last of your tears away. “Midnight Madness. Sounds appropriate.”

“Exactly,” Nick said, turning the corner onto a quieter street. “I mean, it’s either that or we just drink a gallon of coffee and pretend like sleep isn’t a thing.”

“As tempting as that sounds, I think I’ll stick with ice cream,” you said, feeling a flicker of lightness in your chest for the first time in hours.

“Good choice,” he nodded, pulling into the parking lot of the ice cream shop. “Because caffeine and emotional breakdowns? Not a good combo.”

You smiled to yourself as the car slowed to a stop. Nick was right—you didn’t have to figure everything out tonight. You didn’t have to have all the answers right now. You had Nick. You weren’t alone.

And for tonight, that was enough.

By the time you got back to Nick’s place, the weight of the night had started to settle in your bones, exhaustion creeping up on you. But Nick, being Nick, refused to let the mood stay heavy for too long.

"Alright," he said, tossing his keys on the counter and motioning dramatically toward the living room. "We're watching a movie, and no, you don't get to pick some tragic, artsy thing that'll make you cry more. I’m thinking... something trashy and comforting. How do we feel about a classic rom-com? Or, wait—Legally Blonde? It's practically medicine."

A small, tired smile tugged at your lips. "Legally Blonde sounds perfect."

Nick grinned, pleased with himself as he grabbed the remote and flicked through the streaming options. He sat down next to you on the couch, grabbing a blanket from the back and wrapping it around the both of you without even asking.

As the familiar opening scenes of Legally Blonde played, the tension in your chest eased just a little more. You didn’t say much during the movie, and neither did Nick. It was a kind of comfortable silence you could only share with your best friend, the kind where words weren’t really necessary. Every now and then, Nick would shoot you a look, checking to make sure you were okay, and each time, you managed a small smile to reassure him. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for now.

The next thing you knew, the movie was over, and your eyelids felt impossibly heavy. The warmth of the blanket, combined with the exhaustion of the night, finally pulled you under. You drifted off to sleep on the couch, with Nick quietly putting everything away, making sure you were comfortable before heading to bed himself.

When you woke up the next morning, the sun was streaming softly through the curtains, casting the living room in a warm, golden glow. For a moment, you forgot about everything. The weight in your chest had lifted just slightly, and you could hear the comforting sounds of Nick moving around in the kitchen.

You stretched, blinking sleepily as the events of the night before slowly came rushing back. The positive test. The panic. The long walk to the drugstore. But then there was Nick—pulling you out of the darkness, like he always did.

The smell of pancakes drifted into the living room, making you realize just how hungry you were. You pulled yourself up from the couch, rubbing your eyes, and wandered toward the kitchen.

Nick stood at the stove, flipping pancakes with one hand while holding his phone to his ear with the other. He was speaking quietly, his tone casual but focused.

“Yeah, so we’re looking to get her an appointment as soon as possible... Yes, I know she hasn’t been in for a while, but this is a bit of an emergency situation.”

You blinked in surprise, watching him for a moment. He was making pancakes and calling your OBGYN? The knot in your chest loosened just a little more. You stood there, leaning against the doorway, feeling a wave of gratitude for him that was almost overwhelming.

Nick glanced over at you and gave you a small, reassuring smile, holding up a finger to let you know he’d be done in a minute. “Okay, that works. We’ll take that slot. Thank you.”

He hung up the phone, setting it down on the counter before turning back to the pancakes. “Morning, sleepyhead,” he said, his tone light and teasing. “I hope you’re ready for the best pancakes of your life because I’m in a zone today.”

You couldn’t help but smile, even though your emotions were still all over the place. “You called my OBGYN?”

“Of course I did,” Nick said, not missing a beat as he flipped another pancake. “Figured you’d want to get in as soon as possible. I booked you for Wednesday morning—does that work?”

You nodded, the gratitude swelling in your chest. You didn’t have the words for how much it meant that he’d already taken care of something you hadn’t even thought about yet. “Thank you,” you whispered, your voice thick with emotion.

Nick turned around, his playful expression softening when he saw the look on your face. “Hey,” he said gently, stepping toward you. “You don’t have to thank me. I’m just doing what any good best friend would do.”

Without thinking, you wrapped your arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. He froze for a second, then hugged you back just as tightly, one hand rubbing your back as you buried your face in his shoulder.

“Seriously,” you mumbled into his hoodie. “Thank you for being here. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Nick’s voice was soft, but steady. “You don’t ever have to find out, okay? I’m here, always.”

You stayed like that for a minute, just holding onto him. Tears threatened to spill again, but this time they weren’t out of panic. They were a mixture of relief and sadness, the enormity of the situation sinking in, but knowing you didn’t have to face it alone made it just a little more bearable.

Eventually, you pulled back, wiping your eyes with the sleeve of your hoodie. “Okay,” you sniffled, trying to regain some composure. “I’m ready for those pancakes now.”

Nick grinned and turned back to the stove. “Coming right up. Get ready to be blown away.”

A few minutes later, you were sitting at his small kitchen table, plates of fluffy pancakes in front of you, topped with fresh berries and syrup. You hadn’t realized how hungry you were until the first bite melted in your mouth. It was like a little slice of comfort amidst the chaos.

Nick sat across from you, watching you for a moment before he picked up his fork. “So,” he said cautiously, after a few moments of quiet chewing. “I know we’ve kind of... avoided talking about this, but... do you think you’re gonna tell him?”

Your fork paused mid-air. You felt a cold wave rush through you, and for a moment, your heart stopped. You hadn’t even let yourself think about that—about him. The thought of telling your ex, of his reaction, made your stomach churn.

Nick noticed the way you froze, his brow furrowing with concern. “I don’t mean to freak you out,” he said quickly, setting down his fork. “You don’t have to have an answer right now. I just... figured we should probably talk about it at some point.”

You swallowed hard, your appetite vanishing as a knot of anxiety formed in your chest again. “I don’t know,” you whispered, staring down at your plate. “I don’t know what to do about him. I don’t even know if I want to tell him.”

Nick was quiet for a moment, giving you the space to work through your thoughts. When he finally spoke, his voice was gentle but firm. “You don’t owe him anything. You know that, right? If you don’t want to tell him, you don’t have to.”

Tears welled up in your eyes again as you thought about your ex—about the way he had treated you, the cheating, the lies, the emotional scars that still hadn’t healed. The idea of bringing him into this, of him having any part in your life again, terrified you.

“I just... I don’t want him to hurt me again,” you admitted, your voice shaking. “And I don’t want him to have any control over this.”

Nick reached across the table and took your hand, squeezing it gently. “He won’t. Not if you don’t let him. You’re in control here, okay? You get to decide what happens next.”

The tears finally spilled over, and you wiped them away quickly, frustrated with how easily they seemed to come these days. “I’m scared, Nick,” you whispered.

“I know,” he said softly, his thumb rubbing small circles on your hand. “And that’s okay. This is a huge thing, but you don’t have to figure it out all at once. You’ve got time, and whatever you decide, I’ll be right there with you.”

You nodded, taking a deep breath and squeezing his hand back. "Thank you," you whispered again, the words feeling inadequate for everything Nick was doing for you.

Nick gave you a small, sad smile. “I’m always gonna be here, babe. Always.”

The two of you sat there for a moment in the quiet kitchen, the only sound the soft hum of the refrigerator in the background. You knew you had a long road ahead of you, with more questions than answers, but having Nick by your side made it feel just a little bit less impossible.

Wednesday came faster than you thought it would, the days blurring together in a haze of anxiety and sleepless nights. You had spent the past few days trying to mentally prepare yourself for this moment, but nothing really seemed to make the weight on your chest go away.

And now, here you were, sitting in the OBGYN’s waiting room, tapping your knee nervously up and down. The steady rhythm was the only thing keeping you from feeling completely overwhelmed. The sterile scent of the office, the distant hum of soft conversations, and the quiet tapping of computer keys only made the whole thing feel more surreal.

Nick sat to your left, his arm casually draped around the back of your chair, gently stroking your shoulder. It was his way of grounding you, of reminding you that you weren’t in this alone. You were grateful for him, but no amount of comfort could shake the gnawing anxiety in the pit of your stomach.

"You’re gonna be fine," Nick said softly, his voice low enough that only you could hear. "Whatever happens in there, we’ll handle it together. I promise."

You nodded, biting your lip, trying to hold on to his words. But it was hard to calm down when the future felt like it was dangling in front of you, just out of reach. A part of you still couldn’t believe you were sitting here, waiting to have your pregnancy confirmed by a doctor. It didn’t feel real—like you were watching it all happen to someone else.

The sound of your name being called jolted you out of your thoughts. You looked up to see the nurse standing at the door with a clipboard, giving you a polite smile.

"That’s us," Nick said softly, giving your back one last reassuring pat before standing up.

You swallowed hard, taking a deep breath as you stood. Your legs felt a little shaky as you followed the nurse, Nick right beside you, his presence a steadying force. The hallway seemed longer than it actually was, the walls feeling too bright, too clean. Everything felt too much.

The nurse led you into a small, dimly lit room and motioned toward the ultrasound bed. “You can go ahead and lie down,” she said, her voice kind but efficient. “The doctor will be in shortly.”

You glanced nervously at Nick, who gave you a small nod. "You got this," he whispered, standing by the chair next to the bed.

With a shaky breath, you laid down on the bed, trying to calm your racing heart. The paper crinkled underneath you as you adjusted, and your fingers instinctively gripped the edge of the bed.

A moment later, the OBGYN walked in—a woman in her late 40s with warm eyes and a calm presence that put you at ease, even if just a little. She smiled kindly at you, introducing herself before slipping on a pair of gloves.

“So, I understand you’re here to confirm a pregnancy?” she asked gently, her voice soothing but professional.

You nodded, unable to trust your voice just yet.

"Alright," she said, rolling her stool over to the side of the bed. "Let’s take a look, okay? This will feel a little cold."

She squeezed the gel onto your abdomen, and the sudden chill made you flinch slightly. Nick reached over, giving your hand a quick squeeze, a reminder that he was right there with you.

The doctor moved the ultrasound wand across your stomach, her eyes focused on the screen next to her. You couldn’t see what she was looking at, and your nerves spiked as the seconds seemed to stretch into eternity. Your heart pounded so hard in your chest, you were sure Nick could hear it from where he stood.

Finally, the doctor’s expression softened into a small, gentle smile. She turned the screen slightly toward you.

"There we are," she said softly, pointing to a small, flickering shape on the monitor. "It looks like you’re about eight weeks pregnant."

Your breath hitched in your throat as you stared at the screen, that tiny flicker—the heartbeat. It was so small, so fragile, but there it was. The reality of it all hit you like a tidal wave. This wasn’t just an idea anymore, not just a terrifying thought in the back of your mind. It was real. There was a tiny life growing inside of you.

Nick leaned over, his eyes widening as he looked at the screen. “Wow,” he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper. “That’s... kinda wild.”

You didn’t say anything, just nodded, feeling tears prick at the corners of your eyes. You weren’t even sure what you were feeling—shock, fear, maybe even a little awe. It was all tangled together in a mess of emotions you couldn’t quite untangle.

The doctor gave you a few more details—your due date, some advice for the coming weeks—but most of it blurred in your mind. She printed out a few ultrasound pictures and handed them to you, along with instructions for your next appointment. You took them in a daze, your fingers trembling slightly as you looked down at the tiny, grainy images.

"Take care of yourself, okay?" the doctor said gently as you and Nick stood to leave. "If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call."

You nodded, managing a small “thank you” before following Nick out of the room. The hallway felt even longer this time, and your legs were heavier with each step. The weight of everything was pressing down on you again, and your mind was racing.

You were barely aware of Nick talking beside you, something about stopping for food after this. You couldn’t focus, though. Your eyes were glued to the ultrasound pictures in your hand.

As you stepped back into the waiting room, your eyes instinctively scanned the room. And then you saw him.

Your heart stopped.

Sitting on one of the chairs across the room was your ex. He was casually talking to a girl beside him, and as if the universe wasn’t cruel enough already, she was clearly pregnant too—her belly rounded and prominent. They were laughing about something, completely oblivious to your presence.

You froze in your tracks, the blood draining from your face as a cold chill washed over you. It was like time stopped, your body going rigid as your mind tried to process what you were seeing.

Nick followed your gaze, and when he saw your ex sitting there, his entire body tensed beside you.

“Oh my God,” Nick whispered, his voice sharp but low. He moved slightly in front of you, instinctively shielding you from view, but your eyes were still locked on your ex, unable to look away.

You couldn’t breathe. All the air seemed to have been sucked out of the room. The ultrasound pictures slipped from your fingers, fluttering to the floor in slow motion.

Nick crouched down quickly, picking them up. “Don’t... don’t look at him,” he said softly, his voice urgent. “Let’s just go, okay?”

But you couldn’t move. You couldn’t even think. Seeing him there, with her, laughing and looking so carefree, it felt like a knife twisting in your gut. Everything you had been through with him, all the pain he’d caused, came rushing back in an overwhelming wave.

The tears you had been holding back started to spill over. You felt Nick’s hand on your arm, trying to gently pull you toward the exit, but your legs were locked in place, your chest tightening with the familiar ache of heartbreak.

How could he be here, so happy, while you were drowning in the chaos he left behind?

"Come on," Nick said gently, his voice a lifeline in the storm. "Let’s get out of here."

But you couldn’t move. You couldn’t tear your eyes away.

Nick tried to lead you toward the exit, his grip firm but gentle, urging you to get out of there before things escalated. But it was too late.

Your ex, Jaden, looked up, and his eyes locked on you. The lighthearted conversation he had been having with the girl next to him came to a screeching halt. His face twisted, and he rose from his seat with a sneer, his voice sharp and low as he cut through the quiet waiting room.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Jaden whisper-shouted, his voice dripping with venom as he stormed toward you.

Your heart leapt into your throat. Every muscle in your body froze. You couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. You stood there, your mind blank, caught in the headlights of a train wreck you couldn’t stop.

Nick instinctively stepped closer to you, his posture protective, but before either of you could respond, Jaden’s eyes flicked toward the ultrasound pictures in Nick’s hand. His expression changed instantly, eyes narrowing, as if he was putting the pieces together in real time.

A sick smirk crept across his face. “Well, well, well,” Jaden drawled, loud enough that the other people in the waiting room started to glance over. “Looks like Nick isn’t so gay after all, huh? Guess you’ve been lying to me this whole time, haven’t you, Y/N?”

The accusation hit you like a punch to the gut. The sheer absurdity of it—of him twisting the situation to fit his own narrative—made your head spin. He was the one who had lied, who had cheated, and now he was standing there, trying to paint you as the one who had betrayed him.

Nick’s jaw tightened beside you, his eyes flashing with anger. “What the hell are you talking about?” he snapped, but Jaden ignored him, his eyes fixed on you like a predator waiting for its prey to break.

You swallowed hard, trying to push down the wave of emotion threatening to pull you under.

“It’s yours, Jaden,” you finally said, your voice shaking with a mix of anger and hurt. “I never ever slept with anyone but you.”

Jaden’s smirk faltered for a split second, but he quickly masked it with a derisive laugh, crossing his arms over his chest. “Oh, really?” he sneered. “And I’m just supposed to believe that? After all the shit you put me through, you expect me to buy that?”

Your fists clenched at your sides. The audacity—the absolute nerve of him to stand there and act like you were the one who had done something wrong. Anger bubbled up inside you, pushing through the fear and the hurt, giving you the strength to speak.

“You don’t have to believe anything, Jaden,” you said, your voice steadier now. “But it’s the truth. I’ve never lied to you. Not once.”

You glanced pointedly at the girl standing next to him—the girl who was now watching the scene unfold with a smug, snake-like smile curling on her lips. She was rubbing her belly absentmindedly, her eyes flicking between you and Jaden, clearly enjoying the drama.

“But I can’t say the same for you, can I?” you added, your gaze hardening as you looked back at him. “Since you’re obviously doing just fine, starting a whole new life while we were still together.”

The words hung in the air, heavy and tense. Jaden’s smirk faded completely, his face twisting in anger now, but he didn’t say anything right away. He didn’t need to. The girl next to him, however, decided to chime in, her voice dripping with condescension.

“Well, isn’t this a little awkward,” she said, her smile widening as she leaned into Jaden’s side. “I guess it’s a good thing Jaden moved on, huh? Clearly, you’ve got enough going on.”

Her words sent a fresh wave of anger through you, but Nick beat you to it. He stepped forward, his voice cold and sharp as he addressed her. “Oh, sweetheart,” Nick said, his smile saccharine and full of venom. “You’re really gonna sit there and act smug while he’s got two women pregnant at the same time? Trust me, you’re not as special as you think.”

The girl’s smirk faltered, and for a moment, the confidence in her eyes flickered. But Jaden quickly stepped in front of her, his chest puffed up like he was ready for a fight.

“Mind your own business, Nick,” Jaden snarled. “This isn’t about you.”

Nick didn’t back down. “Actually, it is about me when you’re out here accusing me of sleeping with my best friend—who, for the record, I would never. So, yeah, I’m making it my business.”

You couldn’t help but feel a surge of appreciation for Nick. He had always had your back, but seeing him stand up for you now, when you felt so vulnerable, meant everything.

Jaden looked like he wanted to say more, but you weren’t about to give him the satisfaction of dragging this out any further. You were done—done with his lies, done with the manipulation, and done with the way he always found a way to twist everything around.

You straightened your shoulders, taking a deep breath as you looked Jaden dead in the eyes. “I don’t owe you anything,” you said firmly. “Not an explanation, not a conversation—nothing. This baby is yours, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to make sure it’s safe. But you? You’re nothing to me now.”

The words seemed to hang in the air for a moment, and Jaden’s face twisted with a mixture of disbelief and anger. Before he could respond, you turned on your heel and walked toward the exit, your heart pounding in your chest.

Nick followed close behind, casting one last withering look at Jaden and his girlfriend before catching up to you. As soon as the glass doors of the office slid shut behind you, the flood of emotions came crashing down, and you felt like you could finally breathe again.

Nick gently placed a hand on your back as the two of you stood outside, the cool air hitting your face. "Are you okay?" he asked softly.

You nodded, but your throat was tight with unshed tears. "I just want to go home," you whispered.

Nick wrapped his arm around your shoulder, pulling you into a side hug as he led you to the car. "Then let's get out of here, babe," he said softly. "We’re done with him. You don’t have to deal with that shit anymore."

The past few months had been better than you ever could have imagined. Sure, things weren’t easy, but having Nick by your side through it all made it feel bearable. He had always been your rock, but lately, it felt like he was more than that—your lifeline, your sense of stability when everything else was chaotic. You leaned on him more than you ever thought possible, and he welcomed it, never once making you feel like a burden.

You sold your house a few weeks ago. It was bittersweet—leaving the place that held so many memories, but also so much pain. The house was a reminder of Jaden, of all the hurt he’d caused, and it was time to let it go. Moving in with Nick felt like a fresh start, a clean slate for you and the baby.

Nick had insisted, of course, that it was as much your house as it was his now. “It’s not just me helping you out,” he’d said, his voice firm and sincere. “This is our home. We’re in this together, okay?”

And that was how it had been. Together. Through the sleepless nights, the doctor’s appointments, and the overwhelming emotions, Nick had been by your side, never once wavering.

You were now 30 weeks pregnant, your belly round and prominent as you worked on putting the finishing touches on the nursery. The room was small but cozy, painted in soft shades of blue and white, the kind of space you hoped would feel comforting for the baby when he arrived.

Nick was nearby, busy assembling a crib with a determined look on his face, the manual spread out in front of him. He had been working on it for the past half hour, muttering things like “how does this even go together?” and “I swear they make these things impossible on purpose.”

You watched him with a small smile, feeling a warmth spread through your chest. He wasn’t just doing this out of obligation; he genuinely cared. He had stepped into this role with more grace than you could have ever asked for, and it made you feel less alone, less afraid of what was coming.

As you folded tiny baby clothes into a drawer, your mind wandered to a few weeks back—the fallout you and Nick had after a particularly rough night. You were in the middle of a full-blown breakdown, the weight of everything crashing down on you all at once.

Flashback:

You had been pacing around the living room, tears streaming down your face as you yelled into the void. “I can’t do this, Nick! I’m not strong enough. I don’t know how to raise a baby on my own!”

Nick had tried to comfort you, reaching out to hold you, but you had pushed him away, too consumed by your own fears to let him in. “I can’t just pretend like everything’s okay! What if I mess this up? What if—what if I’m not good enough?”

He had stood there, his own frustration evident, but never once raising his voice. “You’re not doing this alone, Y/N. You have me. I’m here. We’re a team, remember?”

But in that moment, nothing seemed to calm you. “You don’t get it, Nick!” you had cried out. “This isn’t your responsibility! You don’t have to do this just because you’re my best friend. This baby isn’t yours, and I—"

Nick had cut you off, his voice suddenly firm, yet full of emotion. “No. Stop. Just stop.”

You had frozen, stunned by the seriousness in his tone.

“I know this baby isn’t mine biologically,” he’d said, stepping closer, his eyes filled with both anger and love. “But I’m choosing to be here. I want to be here. This is our life now, and I’m not going anywhere. You and that little boy in there…” he’d gently placed a hand on your swollen belly, “...you’re part of my family.”

You had broken down completely then, collapsing into his arms as he held you, whispering promises that he would be there, that he would rise to this challenge right beside you.

“I’ll help raise this kid Y/N,” Nick had said, his voice cracking with sincerity. “I promise you, Y/N. We’ll do this together.”

That moment had changed everything for you. It was like something shifted inside, like a weight had been lifted off your shoulders. Nick wasn’t just saying those things to make you feel better—he truly meant it.

Back to present:

Now, standing in the nursery, watching Nick fumble with the crib, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace, even amidst all the chaos. He had kept his word—he was here, by your side, every step of the way.

“You’re doing it wrong,” you teased, leaning against the dresser as you watched him struggle with one of the crib’s side panels.

Nick shot you a playful glare. “Oh, really? You wanna try putting this together then, Miss ‘I’m-Gonna-Supervise’?”

You laughed softly. “I think I’ll leave the heavy lifting to you. Besides, it looks like you’re almost done… maybe.”

He groaned dramatically. “Honestly, this should come with a warning. ‘Do not attempt to assemble without an engineering degree.’”

You smiled, feeling the baby kick inside you, a reminder of how real everything was becoming. “I think you’re doing great, honestly,” you said, your tone softer now. “I mean, if you can handle me, you can handle a crib, right?”

Nick looked up from the crib, a warm smile spreading across his face. “I’ll handle whatever comes our way. You, the crib, the baby… bring it on.”

That simple statement made your heart swell. It was moments like this—small, seemingly insignificant moments—that made you realize just how lucky you were to have Nick. He wasn’t just your best friend anymore; he was your partner in every way that mattered.

As you walked over to inspect the tiny bookshelf you’d been organizing, Nick asked, “So, have you thought of any more names yet? We can’t keep calling him ‘little man’ forever, you know.”

You smiled, rubbing your belly absentmindedly. “I’ve thought of a few… but I don’t know. Nothing feels right yet.”

“Well, no pressure. We’ve still got a couple of months,” Nick said, leaning back on his hands as he admired the crib he’d finally finished. “But I’m just saying, ‘Nicolas’ has a nice ring to it.”

You laughed, shaking your head. “You wish.”

Nick grinned. “Hey, I’m just throwing it out there.”

The baby kicked again, and you winced slightly, placing a hand on your belly. Nick’s eyes immediately widened in concern. “You okay? Is he kicking hard again?”

“Yeah,” you nodded, smiling through the slight discomfort. “He’s been practicing his karate moves all day.”

Nick walked over, kneeling beside you and placing his hand gently on your belly, waiting for the next kick. “Damn, kid’s got some strength. He’s definitely gonna be a troublemaker.”

You chuckled, feeling the warmth of his hand on your belly. It was moments like this that made you feel truly grateful. You weren’t doing this alone. You had Nick. And even though things were far from perfect, it was okay. It was enough.

“You know…” Nick started softly, not looking at you, his eyes still focused on your belly. “You’re gonna be an amazing mom, Y/N.”

You blinked, feeling tears prick the corners of your eyes. “You really think so?”

“I know so,” he said firmly, looking up at you. “I’ve seen how strong you are, how much love you already have for him. You’re doing everything right.”

You couldn’t hold back the tears anymore. They weren’t the same tears of fear or frustration you’d cried so many times before. These were different—softer, full of gratitude.

Nick stood up and pulled you into a hug, his arms wrapping tightly around you. “I’m here, okay? Always.”

You hugged him back, feeling the overwhelming comfort of his presence. “I don’t know what I’d do without you,” you whispered.

“Luckily, you’ll never have to find out,” he teased lightly, but his words were full of sincerity.

The nursery was almost ready. Your life had changed so much in the past few months, and despite everything—the heartbreak, the uncertainty, the fear—you knew, standing there in Nick’s arms, that everything was going to be okay.

At 35 weeks pregnant, life had settled into a new kind of normal. It wasn’t the life you expected, but it was one that felt full—warm, even. Nick had been by your side from the beginning, supporting you every step of the way. And now, his boyfriend Henry had seamlessly joined the fold, bringing an ease to everything that made you feel a little more at home in this strange, unexpected chapter of your life.

Henry had been a pleasant surprise. When Nick first told you he was dating someone, you couldn’t help but worry about how someone new would react to the whole situation. After all, Nick wasn’t just your best friend anymore; he was also stepping up as a co-parent, and that wasn’t something everyone could handle. But Henry, with his calm demeanor and sharp sense of humor, never flinched. From the moment you met him, he treated the situation with warmth and understanding.

You remembered the first night he came over for dinner. The three of you sat around the kitchen, talking and laughing like old friends, the baby kicking gently as if reminding you that his world was about to get even bigger.

"So, how are you feeling?" Henry asked, his tone gentle but curious. "Nick tells me you’ve been getting a lot of kicks lately."

You nodded, smiling as you placed a hand on your belly. “Yeah, he’s pretty active. Sometimes it feels like he’s doing somersaults.”

Nick grinned, flipping a pancake in the pan. “She’s convinced he’s training for a future in sports.”

Henry chuckled, glancing at Nick. “Well, with the two of you handling things, he’s in good hands.”

That comment had meant more to you than you realized at the time. Having Henry’s support—even though he wasn’t as involved as Nick—made everything feel a little less daunting.

But the biggest change of all was that Matt and Chris were finally back from their year-long YouTube break. You’d known the triplets since you were all kids, and they were like brothers to you in every sense. While they were off traveling the world separately, they’d kept in close touch, FaceTiming regularly to check in on you and Nick. But there was nothing like having them home, right in the middle of the chaos.

The day they returned was filled with the kind of energy only the Sturniolo brothers could bring. You were resting on the couch when you heard the front door swing open, followed by the familiar sound of Matt’s voice.

"Home sweet home!" he called out, his voice carrying through the hallway.

Nick, who was lounging beside you on the couch, chuckled. “Brace yourself. Here comes trouble.”

Chris followed right behind Matt, his voice louder and more playful. “Where’s Y/N? I need to see her.”

You smiled as they appeared in the living room, their faces lighting up when they saw you sitting comfortably with your hand resting on your belly.

“There she is!” Chris beamed, dropping onto the couch beside you. “Finally. I feel like I’ve been gone forever.”

Matt plopped down on the other side, nudging you gently. “You look amazing. Seriously. We were worried we’d come back, and you’d be, like, ready to pop.”

You laughed, shaking your head. “Trust me, I feel ready to pop some days.”

Chris grinned, leaning back as he looked between you and Nick. “So, how’s it been? Are you all settled in? Nursery done?”

Nick nodded, smiling proudly. “Yeah, we finished the nursery a couple weeks ago. It looks great.”

Matt raised an eyebrow, glancing at you. “And how are you holding up? Any last-minute panics?”

You hesitated for a second, your mind drifting to the occasional worries that popped up—about the baby, about the future—but you brushed them aside. “I’m doing alright. It’s been... a lot. But with Nick here, and now you guys back, I feel good.”

Chris shifted beside you, his tone softening. “We’re here now, okay? Anything you need—doesn’t matter what it is—we’ve got you.”

Matt nodded, his expression serious for a moment. “Yeah, we’re not going anywhere. You’re not in this alone.”

The sincerity in their voices brought a wave of emotion over you. These were the people who knew you before everything fell apart. They’d been there through every high and low, and now, as you faced one of the biggest challenges of your life, they were here again, standing by your side.

Nick smiled, clearly relieved to have his brothers back. “I told you they’d be all over you the second they got back.”

You laughed, wiping at your eyes before any tears could fall. “I’m used to it.”

The rest of the afternoon was filled with the familiar banter that always made you feel at ease. Matt and Chris quickly fell back into their old rhythm, cracking jokes, making plans, and offering help—whether you needed it or not. You could tell they were excited to be back, and you couldn’t deny that having them here made the house feel fuller, more alive.

Later that evening, Henry came by after work, seamlessly blending into the lively dynamic. He greeted Matt and Chris with ease, already knowing so much about them from all the stories Nick had told him. The brothers took to Henry immediately, especially after he made them laugh within five minutes of walking through the door.

“Alright, so,” Henry said, settling into the armchair across from you. “When’s the baby shower? I feel like we need to throw a proper celebration now that everyone’s here.”

Nick groaned from the couch. “You know I hate that kind of thing.”

Matt shot Nick a teasing look. “Yeah, but it’s not about you, is it? It’s about Y/N and the baby. Come on, we should do something.”

You grinned, shaking your head. “You guys are ridiculous. I don’t need anything fancy.”

Chris leaned forward, his eyes lighting up. “What if we keep it low-key? No big party. Just us. Something chill.”

Nick sighed dramatically. “Fine. But only if it’s small. No crazy decorations or whatever.”

Henry laughed, giving Nick a playful nudge. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep it under control.”

The conversation shifted into light-hearted plans for the baby shower, with everyone tossing out ideas for food and music. The atmosphere was warm and comfortable.

Later, after the evening had quieted down and everyone started heading off to bed, you found yourself sitting in the nursery. The room was ready—crib, baby clothes, little stuffed animals. Everything was in its place, waiting for this new life to arrive. It was strange to think how different your life had become, but at the same time, it felt like it was exactly where it needed to be.

Nick poked his head into the nursery, his voice soft. “You okay?”

You looked up at him, smiling. “Yeah, I’m good. Just... taking it all in.”

He stepped inside, sitting down on the rocking chair across from you. “It’s surreal, huh? Everything’s coming together.”

You nodded, feeling a lump rise in your throat. “I didn’t think it would. Not after everything with Jaden.”

Nick’s expression softened, and he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, Y/N. You’ve done so much already.”

Tears welled up in your eyes, and you looked down, blinking them away. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Nick stood up and walked over, wrapping his arms around you in a gentle hug. “And you won’t have to do it without me. We’ve got this.”

You hugged him back tightly, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude. You didn’t need to say anything. Nick already knew how much he meant to you, how much his presence had saved you from feeling completely alone in this journey.

As the night drew to a close and you finally headed to bed, the house felt full in a way it hadn’t in a long time. You had Nick, you had Henry, and now, Matt and Chris were back, bringing their chaotic energy with them. It wasn’t a traditional family by any means, but it was yours, and that was enough.

At 39 weeks pregnant, you felt like a ticking time bomb. Every day could be the day, and you were more than ready to meet your little boy. It was a bright Saturday morning, and you had decided to take advantage of the sunshine with a picnic at the park. Nick, Henry, Matt and Chris joined you, excited to celebrate your last few days of pregnancy in style.

You settled down on a blanket, surrounded by fresh strawberries, sandwiches, and a giant pitcher of lemonade. You were in the middle of enjoying a particularly juicy strawberry when you heard a faint pop. The moment felt surreal, like a scene straight out of a movie.

“What the hell was that?” you muttered, trying to brush it off. But then you felt a wet spot forming under your summer dress, and panic set in. “What the fuck? Did I just piss myself?” you exclaimed, reaching down to feel the dampness.

Nick was the first to react, his eyes widening in realization. “Girl, did your water just break?”

Before you could respond, a sharp pain shot through your lower belly, stealing your breath away. It felt like a vice tightening around you, and you gasped. Matt, who had been busy munching on a sandwich, put it down and jumped to his feet. “Yes! That was definitely your water breaking. We need to get you to the hospital—like, now!”

Henry was already moving, rushing to the driver’s seat of his car. “Chris, get in! We’ll drive her. You guys hop in the back!” He motioned for you to follow as Matt and Chris quickly rounded the blanket, helping you to your feet.

The ride to the hospital was a chaotic whirlwind. You were crammed in the back seat, Matt and Chris on either side of you, while Henry navigated through traffic with urgency. Each contraction sent waves of pain through your body, and you couldn’t help but cry out as they intensified.

“Breathe, Y/N, just breathe,” Nick said, his voice filled with concern. He took your hand in his, trying to anchor you amid the chaos.

“I can’t! It hurts so much!” you cried, gripping Matt’s hand tightly, nails digging into his skin.

Chris leaned closer, his expression serious. “It’s okay, you’re doing great. Just focus on the end goal. You’re about to meet your baby. Just hold on!”

“Why is this taking so long?” Henry asked, glancing nervously at the traffic ahead. “Come on, people, move!”

Finally, the hospital loomed in front of you, and Henry pulled into the emergency lane. He quickly parked and jumped out, running to the entrance to grab a nurse.

“Stay with me,” Chris said, squeezing your shoulder gently. “You’re almost there. We’re right behind you.”

When the nurses arrived with a wheelchair, you were relieved and terrified. They helped you into the chair, wheeling you quickly through the hospital corridors. The fluorescent lights overhead buzzed, and you could hear the distant sounds of other mothers in labor, some crying out in pain just like you.

They wheeled you into the delivery room, and once inside, the nurse quickly assessed the situation. “Alright, let’s get you settled in. Can you tell me your name and date of birth?”

You breathed heavily, focusing on the nurse’s face. “Y/N, and it’s 'your birthday'.”

“Perfect, thank you.” She kept moving, adjusting things around you as you tried to catch your breath. Just then, Nick poked his head through the door, looking slightly frazzled.

“Hey, can I come in?” he asked hesitantly, his eyes darting between you and the medical team. You could see the concern etched on his face.

“Nick, if you don’t mind, I want you by my side,” you managed to choke out between contractions. “But just if you don’t mind.”

“Of course I don’t mind!” he said, rushing in and taking a seat beside you. His presence calmed your nerves slightly, grounding you as the pain surged again. “I’m here. You’re doing amazing, Y/N.”

The nurses continued preparing the room, and the energy shifted as they asked you a series of questions. One of the nurses turned to you, her voice warm. “Can you tell me when your last contraction was?”

You were about to answer when another wave hit you, sending you into another bout of crying. “I can’t—please, I don’t know!”

“Okay, okay,” Nick said, gently squeezing your hand. “Just breathe through it. I’m right here. You’re going to be okay.”

Once the pain subsided, you caught your breath.

“We’re going to monitor you for a bit. Is there anyone else you’d like to have with you?” the nurse asked.

You glanced at Nick, who was looking back at you with concern in his eyes. “I don’t know. I mean… I have the guys. They’re outside.”

“Let them in if you want,” Nick encouraged. “The more support, the better.”

You nodded, feeling the weight of the situation settle in. “Yes, please. I’d like them here.”

The nurse stepped out, and Nick kept talking to you, trying to distract you. “You’re so strong, Y/N. I can’t believe you’re doing this. I’d be a mess if I were in your position.”

“I wish I could say the same for you, but you’re always a mess,” you joked, trying to lighten the mood despite the pain.

He laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Touché. Just think about how much fun we’re going to have with this little one.”

The door opened again, and in walked Matt and Chris, their expressions a mix of excitement and worry. “How’s it going?” Chris asked, rushing to your side. “What do you need?”

Matt leaned against the wall, trying to catch his breath. “You look like you’re handling it like a champ.”

“I don’t feel like a champ!” you exclaimed, another contraction hitting. You cried out, gripping Nick’s hand tighter. “Oh God, I can’t do this!”

“Yes, you can,” Chris said, looking you in the eye. “Just keep focusing on that little guy. You’re almost there.”

The nurse returned, adjusting some monitors as the guys settled in. “You’re doing great, Y/N. We’ll keep you as comfortable as possible. Just breathe, and let us know if you need anything.”

As the contractions continued to come in waves, you focused on the faces around you—Nick’s steady reassurance, Chris’s calming presence, and Matt’s playful banter. It was a whirlwind of chaos and love, and in that moment, you knew you were surrounded by your support system. You weren’t alone; you had them, and together, you were ready to face whatever came next.

After what felt like an eternity, the moment had finally come. The doctor and nurses began preparing for the final stage of labor, and you could feel the excitement mixed with anxiety in the room. Nick, Chris, Matt, and Henry were all right by your side, ready to support you through this monumental moment.

“Alright, Y/N, it’s time to start pushing,” the doctor said, her tone encouraging. “Just remember to breathe and push when you feel the contraction. You’ve got this!”

You nodded, adrenaline surging through you. “Okay, I’m ready,” you said, determination lacing your voice. Nick squeezed your hand tightly, his face a mask of concentration. “You’re going to be amazing, Y/N,” he said, his eyes filled with support.

“On the next contraction, I want you to push as hard as you can,” the nurse instructed, positioning herself at the foot of the bed. “Just keep your focus. We’re almost there!”

As the contraction began, you felt a wave of pressure and instinctively tightened your muscles. “Here we go!” you exclaimed, gritting your teeth as you pushed with all your might.

“Come on, Y/N! You can do it!” Chris cheered, leaning closer to you. “Just like we practiced, right?”

You shot him a glare. “What did we practice, exactly? I don’t remember practicing this part!”

“It’s all about teamwork!” Matt chimed in, chuckling nervously. “We’re right here with you!”

The room filled with the sounds of encouragement and guidance as you continued to push. “Good job, Y/N! Keep going!” the doctor urged. “You’re so close! Just a few more pushes.”

“Just like you can take down a giant slice of pizza!” Henry added with a grin, trying to lighten the mood as he held your hand. “Picture that pizza in front of you. You’ve got this!”

With each push, you felt a mix of exhaustion and hope. You glanced at Nick, who was practically bouncing on his toes, his eyes wide with anticipation. “I can’t wait to meet him!” he said, his excitement palpable.

As the contraction peaked, you bore down again, the intensity taking over. “Push, Y/N! Push!” the nurse encouraged, her voice steady. You grunted, your body working against the pain, feeling every muscle straining as you focused on the task at hand.

Finally, after what felt like hours, the doctor said, “This is your last push, Y/N! Give it everything you’ve got!”

With a deep breath, you steeled yourself. “Okay! One last time!” you shouted, pushing with all your strength. It felt like the world narrowed down to that singular moment, and you poured everything into that final effort.

As the last push came to a close, the sound of a baby crying filled the room, echoing off the walls. You froze, disbelief washing over you. “Did… did he just cry?” you gasped, tears springing to your eyes.

“Yes! You did it, Y/N!” the nurse exclaimed, a warm smile spreading across her face as she carefully took your newborn son and laid him on your chest. The warmth of his tiny body against you sent waves of love crashing over you.

“Oh my God,” you breathed, looking down at your little boy. He was so beautiful, with a tuft of dark hair and tiny fingers grasping at the air. “He’s perfect.”

“Look at him!” Chris exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement. “You did amazing!”

“Best. Baby. Ever,” Matt added, his eyes wide as he admired the tiny bundle.

The nurse quickly cleaned him up, her hands gentle and efficient. “Does anyone want to cut the umbilical cord?” she asked, looking around the room.

“I want to!” Nick said without hesitation, his face lighting up with joy. “Can I do it?”

“Absolutely!” the nurse replied, handing him a pair of sterile scissors. Nick approached the bedside, his hands shaking slightly with excitement. “I can’t believe this is happening right now,” he said, eyes glued to the tiny baby.

“Be careful, Nick!” you joked, unable to suppress a smile through the flood of emotions. “I’m trusting you not to drop him!”

“I’ll be the best cord-cutter ever!” he declared, his voice almost a squeal of excitement.

With the nurses guiding him, Nick carefully positioned the scissors and made the cut, his expression a mixture of awe and concentration. “There! I did it!” he announced, stepping back as the nurses wrapped your baby in a soft blanket.

“Congratulations, everyone!” the nurse said as she placed the baby back on your chest, this time fully bundled. “You did an incredible job, Y/N. You should be so proud.”

Tears streamed down your cheeks as you cradled your son against you, his little cries softening into gentle coos. “Thank you,” you whispered, overwhelmed by the moment. “Thank you so much.”

“You’re going to be an amazing mom,” Nick said, his eyes shining with pride as he watched you bond with your baby. “Look at how cute he is!”

Matt and Chris crowded closer, their faces filled with wonder. “We’re officially the coolest group now,” Chris said, beaming at the tiny being in your arms.

“Wait until he’s old enough to play basketball!” Matt laughed, already imagining all the fun times ahead. “He’ll be the star of the group!”

“Let’s just hope he inherits your appetite and not your cooking skills,” Henry teased, leaning in to get a better look.

“I think he’s going to be a pro at both!” Nick said, looking between you and the baby with sheer joy.

You couldn’t believe how lucky you were to have such an incredible support system around you. Surrounded by your best friends, you knew that this journey of motherhood was just beginning, and you couldn’t wait to embrace every moment of it.

despite being an ambivert, art had always preferred being alone—especially when it came to his studies.

he's not really the type to venture out of his comfort zone just to make friends or even acquaintances, and he isn't the type to strike up a conversation with someone he hardly knows if he wasn't in the right mood... which, to be fair, he usually isn't 80% of the time.

in class, he always sits near the back, tucked away from everyone else with his earphones plugged in and music turned up, using the noise not just to block out the chatter around him, but as a quiet signal of 'i'm here to focus on my work'.

art wouldn't call himself the smartest kid—no, that title definitely went to his older brother—but he knew where his strengths lay. he's talented and confident within his artistic abilities.

maybe it was destiny for him to be so gifted in that particular department? or maybe it was his name that gave him that power? if that were the case, he supposed he owed his parents a huge 'thank-you' for writing that down on his birth certificate. 

the studio is quiet today like usual, save for the faint rhythm of a song pulsing through art’s earphones as he stands alone in front of a large canvas with a paintbrush in hand, completely immersed in the colours that blend beneath his careful strokes. paint has covered his fingers, streaking up his wrists and dotting across in forearms. some have dried and cracked, others still wet and smudged across his skin. 

he didn’t notice. he rarely ever did. 

the music that blasted in his ears—something instrumental—flooded his thoughts, helping him stay focused and locked into the piece in front of him. every stroke of his brush is deliberate, like muscle memory, and he barely blinks or looks down as he cleans the bristles of his brush to dip it into another colour from the palette resting in his palm. 

but then, a sudden flash flits across his canvas and he flinches, finally blinking as he slowly turns toward the source, his brush hovering mid-air with a small drop of paint clinging to the tip. his gaze lands on someone lingering in the doorway of the studio, a camera held up to their face, the lens pointing directly at him.

art’s eyebrows furrow a little as he lowers the palette onto the table beside him to tug out one earbud, staring at the strange with a quiet and questionable look. 

“what are you doing?” he asks, tone flat and riddled with accusation.

yet, when the camera finally drops from the culprit's face, art realises that this person is, in fact, not a stranger. art knows him. well, knows of him—courtesy of the same two-faced frat boys art is housing with. nick, art remembers his name, is their older triplet brother; the one who frequently shows up in instagram posts made by the boys, or even by the girls.

art has never met him, but somehow, he knows just enough.

“nothing,” nick replies with a huff as he adjusts the settings on his camera. “what does it look like i’m doing?”

“you took a picture of me.”

“so you do have eyes, that’s a relief,” art doesn’t react to the sarcastic tone nick uses, he just stares—calm and unbothered—as nick lifts a brow, fiddling with his lens. “and for the record, i was taking a picture of the painting. not you.”

art stays quiet for a moment, his gaze steady. then he asks, “am i in the photo?” 

nick shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly, “don’t know. probably—it’s lifestyle photography after all.” 

“then you took a picture of me.” 

nick glances over at art, his lips twitching slightly as his eyes narrow before he exhales exaggeratedly, “okay, fine, whatever. technically, you’re in the shot. but it’s not like i’m printing it out and hanging it over my bed or anything. It’s just… the lighting was good, the colours were popping—all very dramatic.” 

“uh-huh.”

nick tilts his head as he stares at art, drinking him in. “you are kinda splattered in paint and you look all brooding, so it works. might give me a decent grade, y’know?”

art reaches for a rag and starts to wipe his forearms clean, his own gaze unmoving. “ask next time.”

nick raises a brow, amused. “oh? so there will be a next time?"

art doesn't respond to that, he just turns back to his canvas and picks up his brush, resuming in painting as if nick's presence wasn't still lingering in the doorway. he doesn't put his earphone back in either, and he isn't entirely sure why as that would've been the easiest way to end the conversation—cutting the thread and retreating back into his world again.

but doing what would've meant he wouldn't have heard what nick said next.

"painting's nice, by the way," there's a pause, then the faint sound of footsteps retreating. "artist too, i guess."

divider credits. @/enchanthings.

─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───

You push the door to the Sturniolo house open, letting out a sigh as you click it closed, “Nick?” You call out as you kick off your sneakers, “Where are you?”

“Livingroom.”

You walk up the steps and stand there with a pouty look on your face, “Hi.”

“Hey what-“ he looks at you, sitting up from his lying position, “what’s going on?” He tilts his head and you walk over and plop down on the couch, “I’m just so tired of life right now.”

“Are you.. okay?” He wraps his arm around your shoulder and pulls you into him, “What’s going on?”

You take a deep breath, “It’s just.. been one thing after another and I just-“ you huff, “I need a fucking break, or something. I don’t know.”

“Oh, sweetie.” Nick brings his other arm up, hugging you tighter, “Life sucks sometimes, but you want to know something?”

You nod, mumbling, “Yes.”

“It’s okay to take a break from life. Stay in, silence your phone, whatever it is you need to do. You come first.” He gives you another squeeze, “You always come first.”

You nod silently and he sits you up, “When is your next day off?”

“I have off the next two days.” You wipe your face and he nods, “Good. Give me your phone.” He holds out his hand and you lay it in his palm, “What are-“

“I’m in charge of this for the next two days. Your only job is to relax. I will be your bodyguard, make sure my idiot brothers don’t come out here and annoy you.”

You let out a laugh, nodding as you sigh, “As much as I’ll hate that. I know I need it.”

“Exactly.” Nick nods, “Putting your mental health first is something you need to do. It took me a while, but when you know what the signs of burnout are, and you can set boundaries, it’ll be easier.”

You nod, reaching out to gently push his shoulder, “ Thank you for being my comfort person.”

He smiles and rolls his eyes, “Yeah, no problem or whatever.” He laughs and pulls you in for a hug, “I’m glad you have someone you can confide in. Everyone needs that person, and I’m happy I can be yours.”

“You’re my best friend.” You hug him tighter, ticking his sides to make him laugh. He pushes you away, laughing as he guards himself, “Well, you were mine until you did that.”

He scoffs and your jaw drops, “Niiick..I’m going to start crying again.”

He groans, “Oh no, please don’t. I’m kidding. You’re my best friend too.” He smiles and stands up, “I’m going to grab snacks, you pick a movie, and then another, and then another because we’re having a movie night until you feel better.”

“On it.” You move back into his spot, leaning back against the arm of the couch to get comfortable as you scroll through the movie lists.

─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───

Your mental health IS important. YOU are important.

Thank you so much for reading! I know this is short, but I just wanted to get someone fluffy out. I love you so much! Catch you in the next one! 🖤