#rainbowwritesstuff

Jayce found peace in the forge. He couldn’t afford to get lost in his thoughts while smelting, not unless he wanted to lose a hand or suffer serious burns.

Taking a small break to mop the sweat from his face, Jayce was hit with the running thoughts he went to the forge to avoid. Usually if he had a problem, or even petty complaints, he could turn to Viktor.

Who would give his own ideas for problems or just listen as Jayce vented with a small frown. When what was causing him the most stress was Viktor, Jayce found himself stranded without a lifeline.

His mother would listen if he went to her for advice, but she didn’t know Viktor the way Jayce did and would tell Jayce to give his mate space.

Jayce still couldn’t understand the way Viktor would ‘disconnect’ from emotions.

The first time Jayce had witnessed it, Viktor had told him how his mother died of tumors that spread through her body with a clinical detachment. How she became so weak that at the end she couldn’t open her mouth enough to allow water to drip through her lips.

He had shrugged off Jayce’s condolences with a wave of his hand, saying that her type of death wasn’t uncommon in the Undercity. Jayce had been taken aback at the apparent coldness.

However, the rest of the day Viktor had been subtly different, if Jayce hadn’t watched and committed to memory everything Viktor did on the daily then he would have missed it.

What others viewed as cold indifference was a sort of coping mechanism, likely developed over years of pain and watching people around him suffer for no reason.

Jayce tried to be there for the man over the years, hoping that once Viktor knew Jayce was there for him the omega would come to him for support.

It had been naive of him; years of unhealthy coping mechanisms don’t disappear with a warm hug and Jayce was aware that he had problems as well.

Jayce placed his hands on the table and let his head drop to his chest, frustration was breeding into something darker. He needed to get a grip before he reacted rashly, twisting Viktors arm to get him to talk would be a betrayal of the deepest level.

Yet a hushed voice that was banished to the back of his mind demanded answers.

They were partners in every sense of the word and were meant to support each other. Getting so locked out so quickly left a bleeding wound in his chest, questions bubbling forth that him staring at the ceiling desperate for answers only his mate could give.

Jayce felt alone in a way he had forgotten about and the empty spot in their bed mocked him with its coldness. Jayce shook his head and turned back to the forge, desperate to do anything productive.

The sound of a throat being cleared had him spinning around, hope that it could be Viktor filling his veins despite how rarely Viktor visited. It filtered out when he saw Caitlyn, her arms crossed as she looked at the mess he had created.

Trying not to let his disappointment show Jayce grabbed a shirt that had been thrown carelessly to the floor, “you don’t usually come to the forge. What’s wrong?”

Caitlyn had visited the forge a handful of times, but only after particularly brutal rows with her parents. Jayce’s shirt stuck unpleasantly to his sweaty skin, but he ignored it for Caitlyn’s sake.

The teens arms were still crossed, and she leveled him with a glare that screamed Viktors influence.

“I was stood up. Quite rudely in fact.”

For a moment all thoughts of Viktor were replaced by a consuming desire to hunt down whoever had hurt her. Then realization flooded in, he had forgotten his promised teatime with her.

Jayce pinched between his eyes and sighed, “shit Caitlyn. I'm sorry, it’s just-“he let out another sigh.

“I’ve had a lot on my plate recently.”

Caitlyn lowered her arms, and a look of concern replaced the one of annoyance.

“What’s wrong?”

Jayce hated unloading his problems onto Caitlyn, she was too young to have to shoulder his concerns despite her maturity.

Yet she knew and cared for Viktor, saw parts of him that most people overlooked.

“It’s Viktor.”

A true testament to how fond she was of Viktor was the way her scent spiked at the quiet admission.

The beta stepped forward, “what happened? Is he sick? Hurt?” The questions brought back a memory of a similar occurrence from over a year ago.

Viktor had gotten sick, the type of sick that had him in the hospital for three days.

Jayce had been a mess.

Viktor had forced the alpha out of the room after Jayce had snapped at a nurse for what Jayce saw as unnecessary force while she changed Viktors IV.

Caitlyn had been the one to find him then as well.

“Jayce?”

Worry dripped from the beta’s words and Jayce quietly shook himself back to the present.

“He’s closed himself off completely and I don’t know why. Somethings bothering him, upsetting him in a way I've never seen. I asked if it was me, but he gave me some cryptic ‘it’s not you it’s me’ response.”

Jayce’s fist clenched as his chest tightened, “whatever he’s hiding is serious and I- I don’t know what to do.”

The admissions did nothing to ease Jayce’s mind, only adding guilt to it for unloading it all onto a teenager. The alpha looked to the young woman, an apology on his lips but stopped at her determined expression.

“Ok, let's think this through.”

Caitlyn took a step away and crossed her arms, a sign she was focused.

“I hate to ask, but could it be your relationship?”

Jayce flinched slightly at that, despite asking himself that very question hundreds of times.

“It’s strained, we don’t share a bed anymore and I’m positive Viktor is avoiding me outside of the lab. Even inside it if I’m honest. But he’s always been upfront before if it's something between us.”

Caitlyn’s shoulders dropped just slightly in relief, “alright that’s good. So, if it’s not you and not about the two of you then it has to be something with him.”

Part of Jayce wanted to shoot back that he already knew that, but he held his tongue.

“The most obvious thing I can think of is-.”

She stopped and looked every bit like a teenager out of her depths when she looked back to the alpha.

“Has-has he been going to the doctor more often?”

What she was implying hit Jayce with the force of a carriage. That Viktor was sick with something medication and rest couldn’t heal. Every instance of Viktor bringing up his own death as a passing remark rang loudly through the man's head.

Jayce had never entertained the idea that Viktor would die before thirty, it was impossible to fathom.

“No! No, he would- if it was something like that, he’d tell me.”

Yet Jayce knew his partner well enough to know that Viktor wouldn’t, would plan his own funeral and be staring death in the eyes before Jayce knew their days together were limited.

It was entirely too cramped in the forge; he took a step back and collided with machinery.

Caitlyn watched him with wide eyes and jerked forward with hands raised when his back collided with an errant screw.

“We don’t know if it’s something like that! It could just be something small, or he could be worried about something entirely different.”

Jayce forced himself to breathe and get a check on his emotions, Caitlyn would be jumpy from his agitated scents alone.

Jayce looked at her and gave a jerky nod, “I promised to give him space, but I can’t keep going like this.”

Caitlyn nodded at the admission and lowered her arms, “alright. Just try to be gentle. And please. Let me know whatever it is, big or small, he is my brother-in-law after all.”

Jayce smiled at that and finally the vice grip around his heart faded enough to breathe, “I will Cait, thank you.”

After bidding farewells Jayce watched the beta’s back retreat and despite the guilt still present from burdening her, he felt oddly better. The icy fear over what Viktor may reveal was deeply rooted in his bones, but he needed to know now.

Their apartment door was as unassuming as ever, but Jayce still hesitated. His hand grasping the doorknob tightly. He knew Viktor was inside and tried to think of how to ‘gently’ demand answers.

With a steadying breath he opened the door, revealing Viktor hunched over the coffee table writing something with a small bag next to his legs. At the entrance of Jayce, the omega stared at him with wide eyes and an almost guilty expression.

“You are back already?”

Things clicked at the words, the bag, the note, and the guilt all lead to one answer.

“You're leaving?”

Jayce could hear how betrayed he sounded but didn’t care about that or how loud his voice was. Gentle was no longer an option.

“It is just for a day. It has been too long since my last visit to my aunt.”

The excuse was a shit one and stoked a fire in Jayce’s veins.

“Don’t fucking lie to me Viktor! Why are you really leaving?”

The omega’s lips curled into a sneer at the shouting, and he glared at the alpha, “I told you, I am visiting my aunt. I don’t storm around yelling each time to see your mother.”

Any other time Jayce would have backed down but now it only fueled the alpha more.

“Don’t give me that shit, you’re running away! I’ve tried to be respectful and give you space but I’m at the end of my rope. I can’t even smell you or touch you and you won’t look at me. Just fucking talk to me!”

The anger had simmered down and left exhaustion in its wake, Jayce tried to control his ragged breaths. He risked a glance at his mate and any remaining fight left at the omegas expression of hurt.

Once again Jayce didn’t know what to say, how to cross the divide that was now starkly apparent.

“Is it serious?”

Viktor gave a humorless chuckle at the question that had Jayce’s soul wilt. Jayce couldn’t and wouldn’t imagine a life without Viktor, if it was serious then the alpha would figure something out.

Jayce would tear apart the fabric of reality itself if it meant Viktors life was safe.

“What is it?”

He only knew a handful of serious diseases, but he would learn, learn everything there was to know and go from there. Jayce looked at Viktor, who’s gaze was fixed into the coffee table.

Jayce wished the omega hadn’t been dousing himself in scent blockers so religiously, at least then he could have an idea on what Viktor was feeling.

The realization that Viktor was using scent blockers to mask the scent of illness stole Jayce’s breath and he felt pricks behind his eyes. He forced the growing desperation down and when he looked back up Viktor was staring at him.

“I’ve caused you so much pain, I was trying to protect you but hurt you instead.”

He sounded broken and shut his eyes before sighing.

“Wait here for a moment. I have something to show you.”

Viktor shakily got to his feet and Jayce instinctively went to his side, offering a hand that the omega took with an echo of a smile.

Once his crutch was firmly in place Viktor squeezed Jayce’s lingering hand and walked into their office.

At the soft click of the door closing Jayce collapsed onto the couch, burying his head in his hand. His leg bounced with restless energy, and he fought back the overwhelming panic looming over him.

The silence was deafening and broken only by the sound of the clock ticking the seconds away. An eternity passed by before the door opened and Jayce was on his feet without hesitation.

Viktor walked over to him; face carefully blank except for his eyes that shone with something Jayce couldn’t place.

The omega held out a packet of papers that Jayce took numbly, product successfully distributed Viktor made his way to the kitchen as Jayce stared at the papers that finally held answers that deep down, he was scared to know.

Sitting back on the couch his hands shook as he began skimming through the information. Fear gave way to confusion as Jayce went through the pack.

Fetal development, carrier health, estimated timeline and due date.

The words all blended together, and Jayce’s confusion only grew, flipping more until he found something that had the world stop.

An ultrasound that clearly showed a tiny human curled up in its temporary home.

Jayce’s head shot up and he gaped at Viktor who was watching him closely.

“You? You’re?”

Words failed him completely and he looked back at the image, standing he held up the photo.

“You’re pregnant?”

Viktor had raised an eyebrow at Jayce’s stutters but shifted under Jayce’s stare.

“Yes, approximately 18 weeks.”

Jayce felt air leave his lungs and he strode over, suddenly desperate to be closer to the man. Looking he could see the layers Viktor had begun to wear, layers to hide the evidence of their growing child.

He wanted to feel the proof, he wanted to gather Viktor into his arms and never let go, he wanted to show the world his mate. Instead, a cold rush of realization had him freezing, staring at Viktors stomach.

“How long have you known?”

Viktor absent mindedly ran a hand over the hidden swell before quickly dropping it to his side, Jayce forced his gaze up to look at his mate's face.

Viktor averted his eyes, “10 weeks or so.”

Jayce recoiled and fought the urge to grab Viktor’s shoulders to force the man to look at him.

“Why didn’t you tell me? Were you ever going to tell me?”

Viktor tensed and ran a hand through his hair before finally meeting Jayce’s eyes.

“I wanted to wait until there was a child that could be celebrated.”

Jayce stepped closer, all the overwhelming emotions that he had been keeping under a semblance of control just under the surface and threatening to burn over.

“What does that mean?”

Viktor’s jaw tensed, “it means that I was waiting to make sure the child would survive. That my body could truly support and grow life. If I had told you when I first learned, only to lose a doomed child it would have destroyed you.”

The words held the same calmness Viktor had when talking about his mother's slow death and Jayce wanted to pull his own hair out.

“You can’t make choices for me like that, Vitya. Even if that had happened.”

He ran a hand through his hair and continued in a softer tone.

“You should have told me from the beginning, this is our child, and we’re partners. Never walk alone, we swore that to each other.”

Viktor’s shoulders fell and his hand splayed across his stomach, Jayce’s throat threatened to close at how his partner shrank into himself.

“The doctors, I saw the notes but what do they say?”

Jayce moved just a bit closer as he questioned Viktor.

“They are hopeful. Against the odds the child is growing, thriving and healthy.”

Jayce swallowed past the formed lump in his throat, “and you? Are you ok?”

Viktor smiled at that, as if Jayce had said something funny when he asked about his mate's health.

“I have a new array of vitamins and a list of what I need to do, but my health is good.”

A weight Jayce wasn’t aware of lifted and the alpha finally gave into his instincts. Wrapping his mate firmly in his arms, pressing a desperate kiss into brown locks.

Viktor hesitated for a beat before returning the embrace just as ferociously, pressed so close Jayce could feel the swell against his own torso.

Pulling away Jayce captured Viktors perfect lips with his own, his mind racing but his heart momentarily at peace. Cradling Viktor’s cheek, he felt excitement swell until it was the only thing he could feel.

“Holy shit Vitya. We’re going to be parents!”

Viktor returned his beam with a smaller smile, eyes capturing the light and gleaming gold. Jayce prayed their child had Viktors eyes, his smile, moles, and everything Viktor.

Their child, it was such an insane concept and shifted Jayce’s entire world view. Looking down he could see the faint outline of a bump even with Viktors hiding, his hand twitched at the urge to feel for himself.

“You can feel it. There is nothing to feel so far but-”

Jayce’s hands had moved to splay over the bump the moment Viktor gave his consent. Without thinking he moved his hands to go under some of the layers. His heartbeat loudly in his ears as he felt the swell, the firmness that proved that there was a life they created.

Jayce found out about their child three days ago and after the reveal had begun to hover over Viktor. Viktor had forgone the layers that he had been hiding behind as well as scent blockers and Jayce took full advantage of his new openings.

Burying his nose into the crook of Viktors neck when the taller man was behind him, placing both hands over Viktors stomach at any free moment.

It was both endearing and suffocating the way the alpha acted as if he would combust if Viktor was not in arms reach at all times when they occupied the same room.

Only at times like now was there reprieve, when Jayce was working with pure focus on a project. Viktor was staring at the chalkboard, trying to figure out what was wrong with the equation.

He repressed a groan as he shifted his weight, his leg and back screaming after standing for so long.

The added weight around his middle had his leg and back working harder to support walking and standing, carriers often experienced such troubles when growing new life and Viktor was hardly the exception.

His stomach rolled and the omega tried to remember when he had last eaten, it had only been a few hours ago but his appetite had become unpredictable as of late.

A distinct movement proved his theory of hunger wrong, there was no mistaking the sensation as a rumbling stomach. He placed a hand over the spot, breath still as he waited.

A definite kick rewarded his patience, he could feel it both from the inside as well as outside. The chalk fell to the ground forgotten and Viktors breathing became ragged.

“Jayce.”

Immediately the sound of frantic writing stopped and the chair crashing to the ground replaced it as the alpha sprinted to Viktor.

A firm hand on his back had Viktor looking at his openly worried mate, “Vitya what’s wrong? Do we need to go to the hospital? Are you in pain?”

Viktor shook his head and words failed him, so instead he took Jayce’s calloused hand and placed it over the spot he felt the last kick. Jayce’s brow was furrowed as he splayed out his fingers, but shock replaced confusion when a tap hit his palm.

“Did you feel that?”

Jayce’s beaming smile was his answer and the alpha let out an excited breath.

“That was our child.”

Jayce let out a laugh, “our child just kicked me!”

His smile was infectious, and Viktor found himself returning it.

“I have a feeling they will take after you, hopefully with less explosive tendencies.”

Jayce’s smile didn’t dim in the slightest as he gave a passionate kiss, withdrawing with a sound suspiciously like a giggle. He gave Viktor a look of such pure adoration that the man felt his cheeks color in response.

“It’s amazing, you're amazing.”

Viktor felt tongue tied in a way he hadn’t been for years, “eh, it is normal to feel movement at this time.”

Jayce pinned him down with his stare, “our kid is growing strong and healthy, and now we can feel them moving. You are literally growing a human being that we made. How is that not the most incredible thing?”

Viktor felt a flood of warmth at Jayce’s convection, and felt their child move as if to hammer in Jayce’s point.

“It is rather incredible.”

Jayce’s smile returned in full force and when he placed his forehead on Viktors, it felt like things would be alright. As he had feared Jayce’s optimism and idealism had trapped Viktor into believing a pretty dream.

Viktor would have his doubts until the child was placed in his arms wailing and showing perfect health. Yet with Jayce that image came clearer than the ones of blood-soaked thighs did.

The omega allowed himself to melt into Jayce, wrapping his arms around a sturdy back that held the heart of a dreamer. As expected, Jayce returned the hug, fisting Viktors shirt in his hands as if terrified Viktor would be snatched away if not held tightly enough.

They were both messes Viktor mused, in very different ways but childhood pains left their scars. The sound of voices outside the door had Viktor jerking back, reaching blindly for his crutch that had fallen at some point during the excitement. J

Jayce swooped down and presented it to him, Viktor nodding in a silent thank you. The voices had stopped, and Jayce’s hand found its way on the small of Viktors back as if it belonged there.

“We should get back to work.”

Jayce looked over at his abandoned table with a frown, he would get lost in his work for hours but once he was pulled out it was hard for him to just get back into the zone.

“Or we could take a break. It is almost lunch time.”

At the words Viktor felt a small gnaw of hunger, but it could be ignored for a few more hours. He was just about to tell Jayce that he wasn’t hungry when the lab door swung open.

Heimerdinger strolled in with Poro on his heels and an embarrassed Sky further behind.

“Hello my boys! What are we working on today?”

All three froze at the sight of the pair and Viktor felt embarrassment jolt through his veins as he immediately tried to straighten his shirt over the bump.

While Heimerdinger and Sky knew he was an omega, he never talked about it casually and it was a subject just not mentioned. Part of him wished that he had risked a pouting Jayce and used scent blockers as well as a sweater.

His scent alone would scream to anyone with a nose he was expecting, but the way his shirt clung to his swell despite it being altered made the whole thing feel like a spectacle. Heimerdinger was the first to collect himself, striding towards the pair with bright eyes.

“Congratulations my boys! There is nothing more spectacular than a new life!”

Viktor could see the way Jayce’s chest puffed out just slightly and resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

“Er, thank you professor. But what brings you to the lab?”

Heimerdinger's eyes held that bright look as he looked at the pair and Viktor felt a sudden worry the yordle would tear up.

Heimerdinger hadn’t lost his smile but did walk around the lab, “oh I just came by to see what you were working on, make sure the hex gate proposal has enough safeguards for the proposed scale.”

Viktor stepped away from Jayce’s hand and spared a look at Sky who seemed to have recovered from the shock. At his glance she adjusted her glasses and in a small voice congratulated them.

Her eyes kept glancing at the bump and Viktor understood. Sky was from the Undercity; she knew the chances of the child surviving were slim and that congratulations were given after a healthy birth.

Viktor nodded, “thank you miss Young.” As he turned his back, she offered the same congratulations to Jayce whose thanks were much more enthusiastic.

Viktor walked Heimerdinger through their plans to safely implement the hex gate, how they would support such complicated equipment and decrease the risk of an explosion.

Jayce had come over to further elaborate and his hand was once again planted on Viktors back, at a small roll from within Viktor smoothed his hand over his stomach and continued further.

When he turned back to make sure Heimerdinger didn’t have a concern the yordle was staring at them with pure pride.

“Keep up the good work my boys, I will be checking in more often as the date approaches. Once again, congratulations. You two will be amazing parents.”

He gave a bright smile before leaving the lab, Poro darted forward to smell Viktors leg before following the founder and Sky watched as the door closed.

The beta looked at the papers she held close to her chest and hurriedly set them on the closest table then readjusted her glasses.

“I‘ll be going, um please let me know if I can do anything.” With that the young beta was quickly exiting the room.

After the door clicked Viktor let out a sigh and let his shoulders fall, he felt exposed after the stares and the attention. He elbowed Jayce in the side, the man giving a small noise of confusion.

“Stop postering.”

Jayce rubbed the spot in a way Viktor knew was for show and his lips were turned into a pout.

“I wasn’t posturing.”

After a beat Jayce asked in a quieter voice, “was I?”

Viktor tried to hold back the smile threatening to break through at pout.

“Yes, you were puffing out your chest like a proud alpha.”

Jayce’s shoulders dropped just slightly, the man was overly aware of the stereotypes and stigma surrounding alphas. Combined with his towering stature, Jayce made every effort to appear non-threatening and against what people would assume of him at a glance.

“Eh, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say like an excited alpha.”

Jayce’s smile returned in full force as if it had never left and Viktors heart fluttered at the sight. No matter how many times it was directed at him it still enamored him, he was sure that smile would be his downfall.

Jayce was passionate, Viktor had known that from their first conversation and over years he had seen the true depth of that passion.

Viktor could understand that level of passion in certain aspects, the drive to accomplish one’s goals regardless of what it takes or how long it takes. In that they were kindred souls, yet in so many other ways they were opposites of each other.

Jayce was hopelessly optimistic and believed that with enough elbow grease that anything was possible no matter what the odds. Viktor was a realist, not a pessimist like Jayce often claimed he was.

Victor was aware of key facts and to approach anything outside of research with extreme caution, this was intrinsically true for personal affairs.

Jayce saw him differently than the rest of Piltover did, saw his brilliance over his disability and status, and treated him as an equal in every sense of the word. Viktor had fallen for Jayce unbelievably quickly but had no dream of them becoming anything other than research partners, anything other than close friends.

When Jayce had begun to try and court the omega, Viktor had laid everything bare for the alpha as a kind rejection. He had pushed away his own aching heart that yearned to have the golden alpha as his own to cherish and had presented the facts with as much detachment as he could.

Viktor was from the Undercity and while people could ignore that when he stuck to the shadows, they would never see him as anything but his birthplace. He was also a cripple; people would view the pair with pity and hushed whispers. Viktor would likely never carry a Talis heir to carry on the legacy.

Jayce had listened to him with a furrowed brow and downturned lips, but Viktor knew that the alpha wasn’t truly hearing him. So, as his finishing move, he informed the man that he would die long before Jayce did, his health was imperfect on good days, and it would only get worse with time.

Jayce had looked positively wrecked about the fact, likely never considering the idea before Viktor brought it up.

After the alpha had processed what Viktor brought forth, he had still been so resolute in his love that Viktor foolishly agreed. He ignored the grim realities and bought into the dream of Jayce, that everything would be alright as long as they were together.

They courted each other with their different traditions and when Jayce asked for permission to mark him, Viktor only barely tried to bring reality to the situation.

He had been foolish he lamented as the claiming mark throbbed and he stared down at his uncovered stomach. It was still just a pouch, on anyone else it would be almost unnoticeable.

On Viktor however, with his bone riddled frame despite the best efforts of everyone to feed him, it protruded.

15 weeks.

That is approximately how long a new life has been growing inside him.

The doctor had assured him that the risk of miscarriage dropped after this time. Had shown him the results from the battery of tests he had ordered to be done, the fetus was strong and apparently healthy.

She also casually mentioned that this was the time most people began announcing their pregnancy, though had glanced at the empty space a partner would usually be considering his healthy claim mark.

Viktor had nodded after the comment, thanked her for her attentiveness, and headed home to where he now stared down at growing flesh.

Jayce would not be back for some time, running around town and trying to please a different array of investors with a charming smile.

Despite the doctor's assurances, Viktor knew the chances of the child making it were slim. Everyone in his life from the Undercity who carried had at least one babe who didn’t survive long enough to gasp in their first breath.

That was the reason Viktor had not told Jayce about the pregnancy, the alpha put his whole heart into what held his passion, and the prospect of a child would be no different.

The man would be devastated should anything happen to it, even if the child was doomed from the start to die.

Viktor would tell Jayce when there was good news to be told, not a hopeful dream that Jayce would believe in despite warnings.

Viktor gently placed a hand over his stomach, remembering the fast heartbeat that he had heard at the appointment. Emotions that laid carefully in the shadows burst forth and he tried to bite back a sob at the overwhelming feelings.

He wanted the child to live, he wanted it so desperately it hurt.

Stifled sobs broke the stillness of the apartment, and just as quickly as the emotions consumed the man they subsided. Leaving only a dull ache and jittery nerves in their wake.

Gripping his crutch tightly he moved on, pushing the sight and feeling of the growing swell to the back of his mind as he went about the day as normal.

Later in the lab as he sat bent over a book filled with notes, the tiny idea of hope filtered up. A child with a bounce in their step and Jayce’s bright eyes, standing on tiptoes to see what their parent was looking at. The image strangled his and Viktor forced himself to focus.

When Jayce barged in, agitation clear in his scent, Viktor forced the knowledge of the swell from his mind entirely.

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Viktor was careful about keeping his secret from Jayce, using different excuses that he had in the past to explain the subtle changes in behavior.

However, Jayce was still growing suspicious, but still allowed the omega his space to come to him when Viktor was ready. For two weeks they existed in a limbo that was achingly familiar for the pair.

Viktor closing himself off both physically and emotionally, with Jayce wanting to tear down all barriers between them. Jayce was becoming more physical than normal, and each touch made Viktor want to rip his own hair.

One night while they tinkered in the lab Jayce set down the tool he had been holding with a sigh.

“Is it me? Did I do something?”

His voice was soft but echoed loudly through the lab. Viktor froze and bit back the urge to ignore the alpha altogether.

Jayce would take the hint and leave; he would be hurt but he would leave. He wanted to, wanted to avoid this entire exchange altogether.

Instead, he set the book down and took a breath, ignoring the tightness in his chest he spun the chair to face the alpha. Immediately Viktor wished he had just ignored him, at least then he wouldn’t have to see the pain he was causing Jayce.

The taller man wore a look of clear hurt, his posture was slumped in defeat and usually bright eyes seemed dull as they looked into his own.

Viktor was torn between wanting to embrace him, or to go back to work and forget the pain he was creating. He wanted to tell his partner about the life still steadily thriving in his womb.

Dropping Jayce’s stare, he looked down at his clenched hands and the bump that was protruding more and more as time went by. Viktor had had to get clever about layers and was for once thankful for the slight chill in Piltover.

“No. No you have done nothing wrong. The fault is mine and I am sorry.”

He met Jayce’s gaze at the apology and watched the myriad of emotions flash across the man’s face, before settling on determination. The way he crossed the distance between them still sent a flash of jealousy through Viktor that was forgotten when Jayce knelt before him.

Truly he was a unique alpha, kneeling before an omega with such vulnerability.

Jayce’s calloused hands clasped his own and Viktor fought against the urge to bring those strong hands to feel where their child still dwelled.

His breath was hitching, and Jayce squeezed his hands tightly.

“Let me in Vitya, tell whatever’s going on in that beautiful brain of yours and we’ll handle it together.”

Victor stared at their overlaid hands, silence once again seeping through the lab.

Squeezing his eyes tightly he shook his head, “please Jayce, I need time.”

Jayce let out a breath sharply and when Viktor chanced a look at him the man was glaring at a spot on the ground. Guilt bubbled up in Victor’s gut, but his mouth remained sealed shut.

Finally, Jayce gave a sigh and squeezed his hands again before facing his mate. The frustration was apparent in the alpha, but he gave a tight smile to Viktor, leaning forward for a quick kiss.

However instead of pulling away Jayce pressed his forehead against Viktor’s.

“I'll give you time, or space, or whatever it is you need. But please don’t shut me out, I want to help you in any way I can.”

Viktor gave a breathy chuckle, “always the hero.”

Jayce drew back at that, mouth open for a refusal when Viktor cut him off.

“Thank you, my love.”

Jayce closed his mouth and his brows furrowed, Viktor retrieved his hand from its hold and caressed Jayce’s cheek. Warmth filtered through when the alpha leaned into his palm.

He loved this man and because of that love he wanted to spare Jayce the pain of a miscarriage. But Viktor was hurting him with his coldness.

Soldier Boy stared Hughie down, somehow managing to exude disinterest while still maintaining an energy that spoke of impending bloodshed.

Hughie forced himself not to look around for Butcher, who had slipped away to try and track down the very Supe measuring the young man up.

“Where are your friends?”

The sudden baritone had Hughie jolting slightly and his usual instinct regarding a very powerful Supe asking questions rang true.

“Who?”

Butcher had made fun of Hughie countless times because of his ‘play dumb’ strategy, and the gruff man would always end the jab by saying it only made people more suspicious.

MM and Frenchie had made similar, less pointed comments about his lies under pressure, even Kimiko had once given him a look when Hughie dumbly asked, “who’s Hughie Campbell?” When someone was trying to intimidate him.

The heavy sound of boots walking towards him had Hughie’s heart beat harder, and he wished he could at least pretend to be brave while facing the first superhero.

This was Soldier Boy’s first meeting with any of the group and Hughie could understand why this was so disappointing for the man.

Soldier Boy stood in front of him and raised his eyebrows, “you’re really a member of The Boys? The group that kills Superheroes.”

Hughie blinked and opened his mouth, only to be interrupted when the man continued on.

“Your leader is former SAS and CIA. His right-hand man was a combat medic, left hand man was a gun-runner and chemist expert. Oh, and the other member is a trained Super terrorist.”

Hughie noticed the lack of mention for Starlight and hoped it meant that her spot on the Seven meant she was safe.

The Supe got even closer until they were just inches apart, “you used to upsell bullshit equipment for a Radio Shack. Why the fuck are you here?”

God Hughie wished he had a good answer to that, or at least the spine to say something cool like he knew Butcher would have.

“It’s a long story.”

This answer gained him a grunt and Soldier Boy stepped back, with no warning his fist shot out and Hughie fell to the ground. The Supe lowered down to straddle the man and Hughie tried desperately to get out from under him.

When two hands linked around his throat, Hughie froze and stared up.

“I could snap your neck and there’d be nothing you could do to stop me.”

Hughie was already well aware of this fact, and somehow being in such a powerless position eased the panic welling inside of him. As Soldier Boy’s grip around his throat tightened, Hughie grabbed his knife.

The first knife that Butcher had gifted him in the guise of safety, the one Hughie kept with him at all times since receiving it. He used it to stab the Supe in the arm, and Soldier Boy didn’t so much as flinch as he shifted to hold Hughie down with one hand.

The other hand reached up to yank out the knife, he examined the knife and looked down at Hughie.

“Maybe you aren’t as balless as I thought.”

Hughie sucked in air and heard heavy footfalls closing into to him. Butcher finally arrived with stomping feet and a shout, “Oi, cunt!” As Butcher shot at the Supe, Soldier Boy only looked up at him as a courtesy.

“Finally, a true member of the team.”

With a cold smile the Supe maintained eye contact with Butcher and rammed the knife through Hughie’s chest. Hughie couldn’t help but scream when the knife ripped through his lung, cartilage, and bones, and after it was in he weakly grasped at his chest.

When Hughie grasped about the area he could only feel the tip of the handle sticking out, the rest of the blade and handle was buried firmly in his lung and ribcage.

Butcher let out a roar and the rest of clip was unloaded into the Supe, Soldier Boy merely stood up casually over Hughie and wipe his bloody hand on his pants uniform.

Burcher was still holding an empty gun to the Supers face, seething with unbridled rage.

“I’ll kill every fuckin’ one of ya’!” For once an emotion other than boredom crossed Soldier Boy’s face, but Hughie’s vision was too blurry to make out what expression it was exactly, but it looked almost like surprise.

Black filled the whole of his vision and peace was momentarily granted, until strong hands were firmly shaking his shoulders and a voice was ringing in his ears.

Butcher came into a blurry world view that slowly cleared until all Hughie could see was Billy, cradling him in his arms with a desperate expression.

“Hold on now Hughie. Others are on their way, gonna get you all patched up.”

That was the most blatant lie Butcher had ever told him, even if MM rolled in right now with a squad of trained medics it wouldn’t matter.

Hughie could almost feel where the tip of the knife exited from his back and reached up to the area once again.

Butcher grabbed the hand that was fumbling around the knife handle and brought Hughie’s knuckles to his lips, “don’t worry bought’ that now.”

Hughie tried to focus on the man, truly he did, but he was also trying to gather air into his lungs. He was drowning in himself, there was no other way to describe it.

Butcher seemed to pick up on his gasping for air and with a gentle warning, lifted Hughie so he was braced on his lap.

Slightly more upright Hughie coughed up a spray of blood, coating both Butcher and Hughie. It was still hard to breathe, he could feel the blood pulling in his chest and congealing in his throat.

“Breathe darlin’, just breathe.”

At the command Hughie drew in a wet breath and immediately coughed harder, “Butch-“

“Shh, save your breath luv.”

A calloused hand ran through his hair before cupping his cheek, “you’ll be fine, made of strong stuff you are. This ain’t nothin’ compared to what you been through.”

Hughie’s vision cleared enough to see Butcher, more distraught than he had ever seen him before which lead to a new resolve.

“Listen-please listen to me.”

It was odd how exhausting that simple sentence was and the dawning comprehension that he was dying finally beginning to hit him. This understanding must have shown on his face because Butcher placed more pressure on the wound with a feral look in his eyes.

“You’re gonna be fine, ain’t nothin’ gonna happen to ya.”

Holy shit, Billy Butcher was in complete denial about what was happening.

“Billy. I love you. Please don’t-“

More burning pain had Hughie wheezing past the blood, clutching Butcher’s hand in a vice grip. When the burn ebbed, he blinked past the black spots.

“Don’t give up.”

While the man knew he was in no way comparable to Becca, his death wouldn’t leave a gaping wound in Butchers heart like hers had, he also admitted that he was important to Butcher in a different way.

Hopefully someone else would fill his place as both a member, as well as someone to stand beside Butcher. Someone who could shine a light in the dark but was still resilient enough to stand against the Supes without fear.

He must have blacked out again because when he was blinking through the tunnel around his eyes he could hear Butcher whispering, it almost sounded like a prayer.

“You can’t give me a light in the fuckin’ cave just to take it away, not like this. Not him, please, anyone other than him.”

Hughie could hear a harsh wheezing and it took a moment to realize it was coming from him, distantly he could feel the pressure Butcher was keeping on the wound and the feel of Butchers face buried in Hughie’s hair.

He tried to swallow the thick metallic in his throat but ended up painfully coughing instead of forcing it down. Somehow coughing around the thick paste painting his insides hurt so much worse that the actual stab wound did.

Though now that he thought about it, he could still feel the knife stuck between his ribs, moving around and tearing something else up every time he tried to breathe to deeply.

God, there was so much more Hughie wanted to say to Butcher. He wanted to comfort the man who had already been through so much and let him know that whatever he found so special in Hughie could be found in someone else at least ten fold.

Hughie could hear the rest of the Boys arrive, not able to determine who was who when they filtered in but with sudden resolve he forced himself to focus.

“I-I can’t do anything about this man.”

He could hear MM distantly, as if his ears were packed full of wool, but despite how far away the voice was he could hear the pain laced in every word. Hughie felt cold in a way he hadn’t felt before, this wasn’t like a sudden cold snap that struck before you before the space heater was ready, instead it went deeper and curved around his bones, his very soul even.

He was also thirsty, despite how thick the blood coated his throat he still wanted something, anything, to quench his thirst. He could hear another voice, muffled as it was, and was able to determine it was Frenchie.

The only thing keeping him from floating away growled and Hughie forcibly peeled back the weights holding his eyelids closed. Everything was tilted on it’s side and he could barely see past the tunnel around his vision.

Billy’s face slowly came into focus and when he saw Hughie looking up at him, he gave a terrible smile. Not the one that promised impending bloodshed or illegal activities, but a new one entirely.

It took a while but Hughie was able to focus on MM next, the man looked as if he had been the one stabbed and gave the younger man a reassuring smile that contrasted with every other body signal he was giving Hughie.

Frenchie was rubbing the back of his head and pacing, but when he saw Hughie’s eyes on him he stopped and stooped down.

“Petit Hughie.”

He gave the dying man a shaky smile, and Hughie gave him a weak smile back. At this Frenchie looked around and sniffled slightly before getting up to pace around more.

Hughie looked at Kimiko and was shocked to see tears gathered around her eyes, her gaze was locked into his chest and the barest hint of the hilt that was visible sticking out of his chest. She was breathing deeply and Hughie knew she was visualizing taking the knife that killed him and slitting Soldier Boys throat with it.

Which led to Hughie imagining what the group would do next.

Butcher would go on a complete warpath, maybe even worse than it had been before. Homelander would always be the first mark, but now Soldier Boy would be directly under that name.

God Hughie hoped that Frenchie and mainly MM could keep Butcher, and maybe Kimiko, from trying to fight Soldier Boy without a plan.

There was no reason for all of them to crumble under one Supes hand over him, though honestly Hughie reasoned that none of them were that foolhardy to try and rush towards revenge before he had started to decompose.

Well if anything else, Annie could always get them to at least consider reason if their vision became clouded. He could hear Butcher above him and forced himself to focus.

“Please luv, you can't leave me. I love you Hughie, fuckin’ hell I love you.”

Hughie wanted to say that he loved him just as much, that Butcher was never what he expected from a partner but he didn’t regret the decision to join him even if this was the result.

“B-billy, thank you.”

For everything, all the terrible gory bits and the sweet moments that made life feel worth living. An ironic sentiment considering how close death was breathing down his neck right now.

Hughie hoped that when they broke the news to his father, they would lie and say it was instant. That there was no pain, no Hughie wheezing around his own blood.

Fuck he was really going to die, wasn’t he?

Hughie vomited up more burning blood as Butcher tried to sooth him and try as he might the numbness filled him completely. Swallowing Hughie whole in a dark embrace, free of pain and worry.

-- 

Hughie felt the world come into view in pieces. First there was a searing burn surrounding his very existence, threatening to burn him alive. Then the burn centered on his chest, and the only instinct Hughie had was to try and expel it.

He felt hands shifting him around, pulling him in different ways so that he could vomit the substance easier. Every time Hughie felt like he could take a breath a new wave of fire would hit.

Several objects that were suspiciously hard found their way trapped in his throat; he wasn’t sure who dug around his mouth to fish them out but Hughie owed his life to whoever did so.

Finally, when all the congealed blood and bits of bone had been expelled Hughie could take in full breaths instead of the chocked gasps he had been using before.

He vowed to never take his lungs and the beautiful feeling of filling them with air for granted. With uncoordinated blinks the world started to slide in place around him.

MM was smiling down at him and that answered the question of who was keeping him upright, “holy fuck man.”

Frenchie lunged forward to kiss both of his cheeks, speaking quickly in his own language. He got the sense that Frenchie was putting to words the pure relief that shone through his face.

Kimiko was practically beaming at him; she was signing to him and Hughie knew that he should recognize what she was saying but couldn’t focus long enough to create a translation. However he didn’t need to know exactly what she was saying, the meaning was clear when she was smiling so openly at him.

Past her Butcher was staring at him, completely still except for the way his chest was heaving. His expression was of blatant horror mixed with large dose of disgust, he wasn’t looking at Hughie’s face and if his jaw clenched any harder his teeth may be in danger.

That was what splashed Hughie in a new wave of panic.

“I died.”

Saying the words out loud sparked Hughie into moving, jerking around and clawing at his chest.

“I fucking died! What the fuck?!”

MM was trying to calm him down, gently holding his wrist when Hughie began to scratch at his throat.

“Oh god, oh my god. I was- I!”

His eyes darted around to the others, trying to get them to understand.

Kimiko had a look of understanding that he hadn’t seen from her before and Frenchie was leaving to grab something from the front of the van.

Throughout all of this Butcher hadn’t moved, though his face hardened as he watched Hughie thrash weakly in MM’s hold.

Butcher, who hated Supes of any kind, who still didn’t trust Kimiko or want anything to do with her despite her status as a firm member of the group. He tolerated her because she was useful, a good fighter as well as a good shot.

Hughie wasn’t either of those things, and as such wasn’t needed like she was.

“You’re going to kill me.”

Hughie’s voice shook with the statement, there was little doubt in his mind what Butcher was really thinking when he eyed to closed chest wound. Frenchie moved in front of him, brandishing a needle.

“Petit Hughie, this is going to help you to relax. Do not worry mon amie, it will be alright.”

Hughie thrashed about and the man knew he was babbling, begging the others for so many things but he couldn’t hear his own words.

Would he go in a cage until they decided what to do?

Hughie stared blankly at the ceiling, blinking at the shocking white that surrounded him, everything felt numb and he was brought back to when he had gotten his wisdom teeth removed years ago.

Awareness took its time visiting Hughie and when it granted him enough presence he sat up with a grunt, his chest felt oddly tight for some reason and when his hand brushed a certain area he shivered.

Some deep part of his lizard brain was screaming at him that something was wrong, that he needed to get up and leave now. Hughie had successfully gotten out of the bed when he noticed his attire, plaid pajama pants and an oversized shirt that he had never seen before.

The numbness was receding and with it Hughie realized he wasn’t in his apartment, he was in one of the safehouses. Yanking the door open with Butchers name on his lips, he came face to face with MM and Butcher standing a bit of a way behind him.

The events that lead to that point crashed into him and his heart became deafening in his ears, he could feel the knife buried into his ribs but couldn’t feel the object no matter how much he grasped at it.

Hughie couldn’t breathe again; his lungs were filled with blood and it caked his throat as thoroughly as tar. A hand suddenly grabbed his shoulder and Hughie fought it back with a strangled shout, loud buzzing was just barely audible over his heart.

Instead of Soldier Boy a very blurry but familiar face swam into his view, blinking hard and rubbing at his eyes Hughie was better able to see the man kneeling before him. The familiar rumble and what it was saying was lost to Hughie, as was the expression the man wore. Hughie forced air into his burning lungs.

“I- didn’t.”

It was too hard to breathe, he was drowning again, the bones from his shattered ribs were pressing into his only good lung. “I didn’t know. Swear to god I didn’t-.”

The way Butcher had looked at him with horror filled his mind and spots danced around his vision, from his shaky gaze he watched Butcher rise and walk off.

Fuck, was the man going to bring out his crowbar to see what he could come back from?

MM was suddenly kneeling before him; both his hands were held up and his posture was purposefully non-threatening. His lips moved continuously, and Hughie found himself trying to focus on them. When MM saw the spark of awareness, he tried to help the man out.

“It’s ok now, just breathe. In and out. Ain’t nothing going to happen to you while I’m here. Easy Hughie, in and out.”

He began taking exaggerated breaths and Hughie tried to match them with unsuccess, time disappeared and was filled with Hughie taking in shuttering breaths to match MM’s exaggerated ones with occasional praises from the medic about how Hughie was doing.

Finally oxygen was reaching it’s necessary locations in his body and Hughie realized he was sitting on the floor. He glanced around the room wide eyed, searching for something but even Hughie didn’t know what he was looking for.

MM had lowered his hands and gave the man a small smile, “there we go. Now, I’m going to grab you some water ok?”

Hughie gave a jerky nod and as MM rose to retrieve said water, he wondered where the rest were. Though he mainly wondered were Butcher had stalked off to after his brief appearance. MM made sure he was noticed before he crouched in front of him, every move was steady and easy for the shaken man to be able to track.

When he held out the water bottle Hughie thanked him, though he knew that his words were likely to jumbled for the other to understand when even he, the man speaking couldn’t understand what words escaped his lips.

It wasn’t until Hughie was reaching out to grab the bottle that he realized how badly his hand was shaking and he needed both hands to even grip the plastic. He took two sips under MM’s watchful eye before setting it down now to him, most likely making sure the man didn’t drown while trying to drink.

Hughie had calmed down from his earlier moment of panic, but now fear had replaced the panic that consumed him.

“What- “

He cleared his throat in hopes that the other words he had to say would come out less cracked.

“What’s the plan?”

MM rose an eyebrow at the question and Hughie wished he would just rip the band-aid off and tell him already. Explain to him how they were going to finish him and what they would do with the pieces, logically Hughie knew his true corpse would most likely resemble Translucants’s remains.

“So far the plan is to stay low, figure some things out before putting together a real plan on how to take care of SB.”

Despite MM not saying the full name, Hughie still flinched and saw those hazel eyes staring absolutely bored over his whole existence. MM didn’t say anything but was watching Hughie intently after discussing the groups plan of action, no matter how flimsy it currently sounded.

“No, I mean- What’s the plan for me? How are you going to-“

Hughie couldn’t finish the question. The words got trapped in his throat, stuck around the thick blood that was creeping ever forward. His chest felt tight once again.

MM wasn’t looking at him now but when he did look at Hughie his eyes displayed his inner distress, “Hughie man, we ain’t going to kill you.”

Hughie felt a sudden burst of hysteria.

“Don’t lie to try and protect my feelings MM. I fucking died alright?! Yet here I am! I’m a godamn Supe and who the fuck knows what powers I have. You, Frenchie and Kimiko may learn to be ok with that but Butcher-. He stared at me like I was a monster and I’m with him on that one.”

MM’s face morphed into a scowl, he obviously wanted to fight everything Hughie had said but instead he bit his tongue, and he shook his head.

“Almost everything you just said was bullshit man, and you need to listen close when I say that no matter what you can do it’ll never make you a monster.”

Hughie believed that MM believed his own words, but that didn’t change the fact he was a Supe in a relationship with a man who hated Supes more than anything. Personally he would rather everything that was going to happen, happen now rather than waiting for months for the other shoe to drop.

When it did Hughie doubted there’d be much left of him anywhere- and oh god his father.

“Ok, ok. Look MM you need to promise me something.”

The man gave him a long look before sighing, “I won’t promise anything ‘till I hear what it is. I learned my lesson a long time ago with Butcher.”

Hughie nodded and took a steading breath before he went forward.

“Look when I die for real and permanently, however that works. You have to give my dad an actual body to bury. I don’t care if Frenchie fixes up a mannequin, he won’t look that close once he thinks it’s me, but he needs a place to actually mourn at. I don’t- he can’t spend the rest of his life waiting for me to come home, he doesn’t deserve that.”

Somewhere in Hughie’s youth he developed an intense fear of going missing, not just because of what it meant for Hughie and the whole human trafficking thing. Mainly the fear surrounded what effect it would have on his father.

Hughie’s mother walking out the door and dissolving into the mist had crushed a large part of the man’s soul. If his son were to do the same, it would destroy whatever was left of Hugh.

MM looked at him with a hard expression before he let out a sigh and rubbed the back of his head.

“Yeah, I promise.”

Hughie let out a breath of relief, at least his father would find some semblance of peace though he knew it wouldn’t ease the pain. MM was staring at him again and Hughie gave him a weak smile, which caused the man to shake his head and stand up.

“I don’t know what’s goin’ on inside that head of yours, but I can tell you it’s way off.”

Hughie let out a small huff of laughter, and MM looked down with an odd expression.

“Now first of all, don’t panic. Butcher has something he wants to say to you. We’ll all be in the other room just in case things go south, but you should hear him out.”

Instantly Hughie’s heart picked up, thrumming adrenaline throughout his body by the mere idea of the man glowering down at him. However, MM looked so assured that everything would be alright that Hughie could only nod numbly.

He already had the man’s assurance that his father would have proper closure, Hughie couldn’t very well demand more from the group after unintentionally fooling them for however long he had compound V running through his veins.

MM leaned down to clasp Hughie’s shoulder and giving a reassuring squeeze, before nodding one last time and leaving the room.

Hughie stared at the suspiciously stained floor underneath of him, looking for answers about what he was or even just a purpose for all that he had been through meant. He heard a door open, heavy footstep pausing just briefly in the doorframe before the door creaked shut.

For many people being so close to an inevitable demise would act as a chance to confirm their faith or find a new. Any other person would be considering their fate, trying to make amends with everything that they had done wrong and begging for forgiveness.

Yet all Hughie could think of was memories his mother’s smile as she prompted a dance to a Billy Joel song. His father who had been through agony but still tried to stay approachable for his son, and who tried to maintain a bond with Hughie.

Robin who made him feel alive and like a human for the first time in his life, who cracked his shell wide open and let him experience how fun everything could be. Kimiko who was often so closed off but still learned ASL with him, she figured it long before he did but took the time to help him along so they could talk freely.

Frenchie would always call him petite and smile like he was legitimately happy to see him every time the pair met up. It didn’t matter if it had been days since Hughie saw him or just hours, the man always seemed excited to see him alive.

Mother’s Milk was a mother hen, always pestering Hughie about how much he was eating or sleeping, all with concern hidden firmly under a strong exterior.

Annie, who he now considered his closest and best friend. She would be the angriest towards Butcher when the man figured out how to kill a Lazarus Supe, with any luck they wouldn’t kill each other in the fallout of the reveal.

Finally Billy, who hated Supes as if it was the only thing keeping him alive. Perhaps it was the thing keeping him alive, allowing him to survive things that no mortal could have lived through.

Hughie could remember Billy’s arms around him, pulling him firmly against his body whether it was when they were wrapped together post cotial, or in the early morning when Butcher woke up long before he did and held the younger man tightly.

He could hear Billy whispering in his ear how the man would keep Hughie safe, no matter the cost. Finally, he could see Billy staring down at him with a look of pure despair as he watched Hughie bleed out.

Hughie knew that the despair was driven out of his apparent death and that considering what he was now that he would be lucky beyond belief if Butcher would even look at him without animosity.

His gaze kept firmly onto the floor until dark clothed legs stepped in front of him, familiar boots filled his vision and despite his best-efforts Hughie’s breath still caught in his chest. Hughie watched as dark legs bent and Butcher was kneeling in front of him, but kept his eyes away from the older mans face.

It wasn’t until Butcher let out a breath that could be mistaken for a sigh that Hughie braved a look at the other man. Butchers face was tight, every stress line was exasperated, and his lips were pulled together.

It was a rare treat for the group to find a town so soon after they had left the previous one, only having to sleep in the desert for two nights in between the towns.

Qrow knew the larger settlements of Vacuo well, the ones that could take an occasional Grimm beating thus allowing them to stay in the same place for years at a time.

Smaller ones like they one they were at now, the ones that could be packed up and moved within a few days when needed, tended to slip under Qrow’s map.

Not that Qrow or any of the others were complaining about the stroke of good luck, the sentiment had Qrow rolling his eyes.

Vacuo was hard to navigate, and you couldn’t let your guard down while out in the open day or night.

Add to that the crucialness of rationing supplies and constantly repairing weapons and it was no wonder Nora shouts for joy whenever they come into view of a new settlement.

While Qrow was long accustomed to nomadic traveling in hostile areas, he couldn’t deny the breath of relief he let out every time he had an actual bed to sleep on.

Though he had a feeling that relief was fueled primarily by his “condition”.

Red eyes glanced down to his protruding stomach and as if on cue he could feel one of them start to move. Knowing that with one of them moving around the other would join in, Qrow figured he had rested long enough.

With a small grunt he pushed himself up and immediately his hand was resting on the bump, Qrow knew that simple actions like that would be harder as time grew on.

Even though he hadn’t even hit the sixth month mark most everyone could tell he was pregnant with a quick glance.

He had become a liability to the whole group once more, but now he couldn’t even blame it on drinking to much. At least when he was drunk, he could still fight.

The lamp closest to him flickered once before the bulb exploded and Qrow scrubbed his face.

Going through with the pregnancy while the fate of humanity was in question might truly be the stupidest thing he has ever done.

 Stupid.

Raven may prove to be right in her judgment, if it was just him that was one thing but those kids where reckless enough to stick by him. Clover was worse, at this point the alpha had made it clear that he was with Qrow until the end.

  Selfish.

Qrow swung his legs over the side of the bed and froze when he heard movement from outside the room, the others must have come back and he had slept through the noise.

It wasn’t as if he didn’t sleep like a log through the night, gone were his honed instincts that he had spent years training.

One headache now had him passed out for over an hour, in a deep enough sleep to miss a gaggle of teenagers coming back from hunting Grimm. Frustration boiled over as the thoughts swirled.

 You’ve always been soft.

Going with the theme of being unobservant he almost missed the door clicking open, of course he and Clover got the best room, and a freshly washed Clover walked in.

Forcing the darker thoughts down he swiped at his face and turned to face his alpha. A quick glance showed that the mission had gone well, and Clovers relaxed demeanor promised that the kids were all alright.

Despite himself the omega couldn’t help but return the smile given to him. Clover strode over and practically beamed as he fixed a flyaway black lock, leaning down Qrow wasted no time in meeting him for a needed kiss.

When they parted Clover was gazing at him with hooded eyes, which only went to show that the alpha’s mind was clouded when it came to Qrow.

“How are you feeling?”

Penny must have told him that Qrow had retreated to bed, new frustration sprung forth at the thought.

Penny had more important things to think about, it wasn’t fair that she had to play babysitter on top that.

The pause had Clover looking at him with concern and Qrow had to switch gears.

“Brats were kicking up a storm.”

Clover chuckled and placed a hand over Qrow’s stomach, after a moment a firm nudge met his palm.

Without a word Qrow guided the alpha’s other hand to a different spot and Clover blinked when a firm jab met his palm there as well.

Teal eyes met red ones and Qrow raised his eyebrows pointedly.

“Told you so.”

Despite the words there was only warmth in the tone and Clover captured his lips once again, when they withdrew the alpha crouched down.

“You two need to settle down in there, your papa was trying to rest and it’s rude to wake him up.”

It should be illegal how soft his voice got and Qrow gently brushed through brown hair.

Clover looked up from where he was kneeling, his hand still splayed out over the omega’s stomach.

His grin grew when he saw the faintest blush gracing Qrow’s cheeks, light enough for the omega to use the heat as an excuse.

The blush grew just a shade deeper with the gaze, “Brothers, you’re hopeless.”

Clover hummed contently and gave a soft kiss to the protruding bump, an act that had Qrow rolling his eyes. In these kinds of moments Qrow could ignore the doubts and fear, he could focus on the hope for the future that Clover seemed to have.

Clovers face was suddenly much closer than it had been a moment ago, Qrow hadn’t even noticed the other man getting back up.

“What’s wrong?”

A calloused hand cupped Qrow’s cheek and the gentleness still had the omega’s heart pounding, he was hardly some love struck teen but this casual intimacy was still something that had the huntsman’s pulse quicken.

When Clover’s smile faded more, Qrow realized that he had spaced out again.

“Just thinking about some things. It’s nothing bad.”

Green eyes searched his face for a moment band as per usual Qrow felt completely exposed under those eyes.

“Well, I’ve been thinking as well. I think we should start talking about names, nothing concrete but maybe get some ideas.”

Qrow tensed at the sudden realness of the situation before he relaxed and gave Clover a smile.

“Yeah, should probably start on that. Think any of the kids have some names?”

“Well I know Nora probably has at least five locked and loaded, Weiss as well. Yang and Ruby might have some good ones.”

Qrow had expected Ruby and Nora, they were the loudest about their excitement anything twin related.

Yang joined in at times, mostly to further tease her uncle, but to hear Clover mention Weiss so casually caught Qrow off guard.

The young alpha had certainly warmed up to him over time, but the huntsman doubted that Weiss spent her free time thinking of baby names for a washed-up old crow like him.

Clover, as per usual, seemed to be able to know exactly what Qrow was thinking and raised an eyebrow.

“You mean a lot to them, all of them and they’re all excited about the babies. Of course, some of them are louder sharing that excitement than others.”

Qrow should be used to those casual remarks about what he meant to others, especially when they came from Clover, but it still squeezed his heart and made him shift in spot.

He hummed noncommittally and let Clover help him up before leading the way to the quaint dining room/kitchen.

A few of the kids were lounging about, tired from both the heat and the Grimm hunting, a movie was playing on the small television but only Oscar seemed to be interested in what was playing.

Penny noticed them first and gave the pair a bright smile before bounding over, “I’m glad to see you are feeling better, Qrow.”

It had been an uphill battle trying to convince Penny to call him by his first name and he could still see the girl catch herself every so often.

The omega smiled reassuringly and ruffled her hair, “I am, thanks carrot top.”

Qrow didn’t deserve the beaming smile he received before she turned and went back to the small table to repair a broken sword.

The other kids glanced up at him, as if checking to make sure he wouldn’t keel over from the brief walk over.

Blake smiled at him softly and moved just a smidge closer to Yang, creating a clear opening for Qrow on the couch next to her.

The older omega smiled back at the cat faunas and slowly sank down next to her on the couch, he tried to write off the way she relaxed just slightly into him as just fellow omega tendencies.

Clover perched on the arm rest and Qrow decidedly did not glance at the alpha, he could already guess the smirk the other wore.

Weiss strode towards him, presenting a glass of a water that he took with a smile.

One that she returned in a much smaller manner before taking a sip from her own glass.

Clover made a soft noise before straightening up, “Qrow and I were talking about baby names. Do any of you have some ideas?”

Yang leaned forward at the question and the devious smirk she wore had the hairs of Qrow’s neck raise, he had seen that same look enough times to know things were about to get hectic.

Yang leaned away from her girlfriend and twisted around to face the rest of the rooms, “Ruby or Nora, grab the book!”

To the alpha’s credit, she was hardly yelling, but her order did cause a new ruckus.

Qrow could hear the tell tale stomping of feet and a brief yell from what sounded like Nora before a flurry of petals landed next to Weiss.

Ruby had obviously just woken up from a nap if her mused up hair was any indication, but she looked wide awake and was clutching a journal proudly to her chest.

The rest of the horde began filling into the common room after that, led by a slightly dripping Nora who was scowling at Ruby. “You play dirty, Rose.”

Jaune was rubbing his eyes lightly and Ren’s hair was completely loose, whatever was in the book had enough power to call everyone to arms and the T.V. was turned off.

Weiss retrieved the journal from Ruby and for a moment her proud posture faltered just a bit, Qrow knew the alpha well enough to know that whatever was going on was her idea and she was nervous about the reaction.

“Watcha got there, princess?”

The hesitation disappeared and Weiss held out the worn brown journal expectantly. Qrow snuck a glance around to find that all the kids were watching with rapt attention, though some more so than others, and Clover looked just as confused about this as he was.

The journal itself was uninteresting, no lavish embroidery or bright colors. The moment he opened it that changed and bright colors flooded his vision.

Upon inspection he saw what was written, names.

There were names in different colors in rows, from the handwriting alone he could guess who wrote what, but the colors were a nice touch.

As he thrummed through the pages Qrow was stunned to see that all the kids had put down multiple names.

Clover shifted above him to get a better look and was the first to speak of the pair.

“That’s a pretty impressive list. Or lists, I should say.”

Now that it was brought up Qrow could see were one list ended and another began.

Weiss had gone suspiciously silent and Oscar spoke up, “oh yeah, we um, put them in categories. The one you’re on is names to do with luck, or fortune.”

Qrow couldn’t stop the chuckle that escaped as he read through the first few, they were creative to say the least.

Clover gently turned the page and this category was more apparent.

“Names based off plants, might have to cross some off though. I knew some people with some of these names before.”

Spurred on Weiss found her voice again, “this is still the second draft, we’re going to revise the list again soon.”

The fact that this was the second draft had warmth blooming through Qrow, Nora leaned in and turned a few pages before unsubtly pointing to a name written in pink.

“This list is bird names, it’s shorter than the rest but has real gems.”

And quite a few names written in the same shade of pink, when Qrow looked up at her with a raised eyebrow the young alpha winked.

Surprisingly Blake was the next one to flip the pages, “these names are color related, or just colors for some of them. It’s the longest and honestly, has some of the weirdest ones.”

Coming from her that was saying a lot and Qrow was becoming more curious about what had been cut from the first list.

Penny had at some point stood behind him and leaned over the man to rifle through, “this is miscellaneous. They couldn’t be made to fit into any of the other lists, but they are to nice to just disregard.”

She withdrew her hand but made no other move to lean away from above him.

Looking down at the names Qrow felt a rush of affection for the teens that had written them with so much thought behind it.

Clover was right, they were excited for the twins because their odd pack to gain two tiny members.

Qrow could blame hormones for the sudden tightness in his throat and he looked at the kids, “you guys did good, Branwen’s aren’t really known for their naming skills. Thanks.”

It should be criminal how pleased each of them looked, they didn’t have nearly enough opportunities to just be teens.

Clover rested his hand on Qrows shoulder, something in him relented and he would talk with Clover about his fears later.

Ruby caved first and rushed in for a hug, she was soon joined by the usual hug suspects before the others caved in as well.

Jaskier rather enjoyed being alive and despite what a certain Witcher would say, he was in no inclination to change his status to deceased.

Yet as he clung on to Geralt’s arm with both hands, nails dug into the man’s skin in a desperate attempt for more stability, he began coming to grips with the situation. The panic that had consumed him from the moment they fell was quietly brushed away and replaced with resignation.

Looking down made his head spin at the sheer emptiness beneath him that ended with sharp rocks miles below his dangling feet. Up was hardly a better direction, jagged rock going on seemingly forever above them with the only thing marrying its simplicity a root that stuck out of the rock stubbornly.

That stubborn root just happened to be the thing keeping both Geralt and Jaskier alive after the dying monster had used the last of its life to push the pair over the edge with one final swing. As his legs dangled, the options he had floated through his mind.

More specifically the only two options there were, either they both fall and die because the root saving them snaps under the duress. Or the proverbial dead weight be dropped and the mighty Witcher use his newly freed hand to climb up the rock.

Really between the two options only one was viable but Jaskier knew that Geralt, for all his grumbling and glares for the bard, would rather shave his head than drop Jaskier purposefully. Not that Jaskier wanted to freefall and smash against the rocks mind you, but the only fate worse than that would be having Geralt falling with him.

Geralt was, without question or doubt, far more important in almost every way than Jaskier. Even without considering the whole destiny thing, if someone where to compare the jobs of a bard and a monster slayer one would clearly win. Yes, there was no doubt for Jaskier about which option was the best.

Mind made up and heart somewhere deep in his stomach, now the execution was to be dealt with. With a hitched sigh Jaskier fought down every instinct of self-preservation and let go of the arm.

He let gravity drag his left hand down to his side and his right hand let go of the arm it was clutching, fear spiking sharply as his body swayed after losing that small stability. Immediately the grip around his wrist tightened and Geralt of Rivia, the Butcher of Blaviken, and mighty White Wolf stared down at him with what could only be described as a crazed look.

“Don’t you fucking dare!” Silver hair spun white with the sun shining through it, and golden eyes seemed alight with perceived desperation. As pitiful and sappy as it might sound, Jaskier could die happy if Geralt’s was the last face he saw.

Something must had shown on his own face because the grip on his wrist tightened and a scowl reaffirmed itself on Geralt, “hold on.”

Jaskier had had that type of growl directed to him only a few times before, it was a tone that demanded obedience and there was always an order attached to it. The last time Geralt had growled at him that way, it had been ordering him to get down moments before a Drowner tried to attack the bard. Somehow, disobeying the order was harder than letting go had been.

Geralt was glaring down at him and if it wasn’t for the way his jaw was tensed or the way the man’s chest was practically heaving despite the lack of activity, Jaskier would think it was anger in those eyes.

Instead, after all the years Jaskier has spent with the Witcher he had come to recognize the more subtle signs Geralt used to show of worry. Worry that was becoming more apparent the longer Jaskier let himself dangle, a low growl sounded and Geralt was looking back up.

Clearly looking for a new solution to their situation, calculating if he could throw the bard to the top of the cliff without him just hitting the side harshly and just falling once more.

Words needed to be said, Jaskier knew he needed to say something to the man he loved to convince him to do the smart thing. Swallowing down his own fear Jaskier looked below and tried not to vomit when the world tilted, fuck that really was a long way down.

“Don’t look down and for fucks sake, hold onto me.”

Jaskier obliged on one front and shut his eyes tightly, he took a shaky breath in and let it out in a quick huff.

“Well, at least it won’t hurt. Just a bit of falling and then-“

“Stop. Jaskier, just-stop.”

At any other time the defeated tone would have stunned Jaskier into silence, but his own growing desperation was drowning everything out. Once again, an odd hollowness covered the panic and Jaskier could speak again.

“Geralt, please listen to me. You have to let go, there’s no reason for both of us to die here and lets be honest you’re more-“

The grip on his wrist was sure to be cutting off circulation at this point Jaskier noted numbly, but what did that really matter if he was just going to fall to his death anyway?

The sun wasn’t directly in his eyes when he looked up again and Jaskier found himself wishing it was in order to spare him the sight. Geralt looked more pained than Jaskier had ever seen him look before; his chin touching his chest, eyes closed, and mouth pulled into a thin-lipped grimace.

“Geralt.”

The man took in a deep breath and shook his head, “no.”

Cold logic hadn’t worked before, but maybe going at it from a different angle would work better.

“Destiny has plans for you and I’ve obviously played my part in it, something that am thankful I was able to do. Because even though this is where my story ends, I’m so fucking happy that I was able to meet you, to really get to know you, and to love you more than I thought I was capable of.”

The confession hadn’t meant to slip out, a great deal of what he just said wasn’t planned, but that was Jaskier in a nutshell. Unable to keep his mouth shut in the best of times and fully capable of shoving his entire foot into it at any time.

Geralt had remained suspiciously silent during Jaskier’s speech but his grip had not faltered in the slightest. All Jaskier could hear was the quick pounding of his heart in his ears, it was deafening, and he wondered if Geralt could hear just how bad the bard’s heart was thrumming.

So caught up straining to hear past his own heartbeat he almost missed the deep grunt from the man above him. “Jaskier. I wouldn’t-“

Jaskier didn’t miss the way his voice broke, or how the Witcher took a sharp breath before continuing.

“I won’t let go.”

His tone was resolute and Jaskier was reminded of one of the many reasons he loved the man so much, his steadfast determination to do the right thing even if it screwed the man over tenfold. Which is why this was such a fucked-up situation, a true lose-lose for Geralt.

The new silence that stretched between them was shattered by rocks moving above them and Jaskier hoped that it was just normal rocks rolling around and not a precursor for an even worse situation.

Geralt tensed and looked up but didn’t say anything to Jaskier about more potential threats. Instead Jaskier was taken fully off guard by a human head poking over to look at them from the top, “you alright?”

Shock wrapped through Jaskier as Geralt yelled for rope and the bard felt that this whole rescue was that of a dream.

“I’m dead, you actually dropped me, and I am being escorted into the afterlife.”

A growl had him focusing back in time for a thick rope to be tossed next to him and he wasted no time in looping it around his left arm, trying not to notice the golden eyes watching his every move.

Once properly tangled he looked back to his wrist, still held in an iron grip and thought for a moment asking Geralt to let go. Deciding against it he instead looked back up to the mysterious savior, “ready!”

The head disappeared briefly, he heard scattered shouting before the rope jerked sharply and slowly, he was lifted higher. When he rose to Geralt’s level, his wrist was finally released, and the relief felt through it was immediate.

Looping his right arm around the rope Jaskier let sheer weight of what had happened, and what had almost happened, finally hit him. When he got to the ledge sets of hands were yanking him up and he laid on the mercifully solid ground, clutching his throbbing wrist to his chest and sucking in air.

A face entered his vision and he felt hands roaming over him before they started prodding at his arm, which he answered with a groan. Whatever they were saying to him was lost in a shrill ringing that had started, but Jaskier tried to focus on a face and express his gratitude.

Aziraphale had rarely slept in the past, as was true for all angels he didn’t need to sleep and personally thought that the time he would waste doing so would be better elsewhere. After he started to officially date Crowley, who loved to sleep and did so whenever he could, Aziraphale began to sleep more often.

Or at least he would close his eyes and drift away for an hour or so before waking up feeling restless, at which point he would start reading whatever book was on his nightstand doing his best not to disturb Crowley. However that was changing more and more as the pregnancy progressed, now he felt fatigued and irritated if he didn’t sleep at least five hours a night.

Crowley had taken the new development in stride and with a smile, the moment both were under the blankets the demon would press as close as he could to his angel and properly entangle the angel. Somehow the idea of Crowley being an aggressive cuddler was not one Aziraphale had considered in the past 6000 years but now viewed it as a fact of life.

Something had woken Aziraphale up, not a difficult feat to accomplish and most of the time it was because of racoons or other critters, but not tonight. It took him a few moments of blinking away any sleep that clouded his eyes for Aziraphale to realize what was wrong.

He was hungry, an experience that was also new to him but had arose since the pregnancy began. Unlike sleeping Aziraphale did enjoy eating, the tastes were always so unique and exciting. Not to mention the social aspect of it, but it wasn’t really a requirement for him in the past.

Now however, if he didn’t eat his stomach hurt and if he ignored it past that his head throbbed. Accordingly the pair kept the pantry and fridge, but as he thought about it Aziraphale knew he didn’t want anything that the pantry held. No what he wanted was a home baked apple pie that was made and sold in a small shop located on the outskirts of London, the moment he thought of it his mouth practically watered.

The child within him moved and he rubbed his stomach in response, as well as a silent promise that he would be eating soon. Now for the hard part, convincing Crowley to go down to this particular shop at 1:45 am to get him an apple pie. Said demon was properly wrapped around him, both arms and legs sprawled over him and Aziraphale began to fidget to free his arm.

Once it was free he began to shake the shoulder laying on his chest gently, “Crowley, I need you to wake up now darling.”

He shook the shoulder a bit harder and finally the limbs encircling him loosened enough for the angel to sit up. Crowley groaned at the loss of warmth and made a face before opening his eyes, he squinted at Aziraphale who was staring at him expectantly.

“What?”

As his brain began to wake up a thought occurred that caused the demon to sit up, looking fully awake.

“What’s wrong? You in pain?”

Aziraphale couldn’t help but smile as a flood of love swept through him, he woke the demon up at a terrible time and Crowley’s first reaction was concern.

“I’m fine dear, we’re both fine. I’m sorry to have worried you.”

Crowley examined him carefully and after finally deciding his angel was telling the truth he looked to the clock, “if nothings wrong, why did you wake me up at this piss poor hour?”

Aziraphale flushed at that and drummed his fingers over his stomach, “well I- Do you remember that lovely little shop we went to a few months back? Auntie Em’s? They had the most delectable apple pies.”

So much of Crowley wanted to say no, that he didn’t remember the place that caused Aziraphale’s eyes to light up as he practically moaned around a piece of pie. Maybe if he lied Aziraphale would drop it and he could go back to sleep, but that idea died as he looked at the pure hope shining in those blue eyes.

“Yeah, think I remember. Why?”

He knew exactly why Aziraphale was asking, but maybe he would get lucky and the angel would just say they should go tomorrow.

“Well your child is demanding it, woke me up for it and everything.”

Despite his best efforts Crowley smiled and glanced down at the hand stretched over an expanded middle, “my child now, eh?”

Aziraphale pursed his lips slightly at the teasing tone, “yes, your child is quite demanding when they want to be.”

Crowley finally gave in and laid his hand next to Aziraphale’s, despite how many times he felt it his breath still caught when a firm push greeted his hand.

“Angel, I’m pretty sure they got those cravings from you.”

His breath came out softer as more taps pushed against his hand, when he heard a huff he looked back up. Honest to Somebody Aziraphale was actually pouting, which scrubbed away any more whining Crowley was going to do. Instead he leaned up and kissed his angel softly, “give me two hours and don’t fall back asleep. If I’m driving all that way to get a pie, you better not be drooling when I get back.”

The look of soft affection Azirpahale fixed him with hurt his chest, “thank you darling, and I won’t.” Crowley grunted at the thanks and miracled on some pants, as he was throwing on a jacket he turned back one last time. The snarky comment was killed as he watched his angel lovingly rubbing his stomach with a pleased smile, with a small sigh he put on his sunglasses and exited the bookstore.

When Aziraphale heard the Bentley start up and the tires squeal as Crowley broke the speed limit as usual, he smiled down to his stomach.

“He may deny it, but your father is truly kind. He could leave at any time, but I know he couldn’t. Not when he loves us so much and I know he whispers to you at night, only does it when I fall asleep. He hasn’t figured out that when you hear him you always move around, even at night. We already love you so much, little one. I can’t wait to meet you, but please take your time. Don’t rush and come out before your ready.”  

Aziraphale felt the child move about as he talked and a feeling of warmth reached out to his soul, the child seemed to already feel the emotions of its parents and would try to reach out with it’s own presence. Something that choked up both Aziraphale and Crowley when it did so.

Aziraphale smiled softly down and patted his stomach again before retrieving his book from the stand, “how about we read a little before your father comes back?” The movement he received had him smiling and picking up where they had left off, reading aloud in a soft voice.

Crowley was almost there in record time, the one benefit of it being so early was that no one was out driving. Which also meant he could go as fast as he pleased with even less concern for those around him, the clerk had given him an odd look when he had thrown open the doors and sauntered in.

Luckily she was smart enough to keep quiet and get the pie ready, it was lucky that she had decided to make one about an hour ago. She had just taken it out of the oven when Crowley had sauntered in, which she felt deep down should be odd that the timing was so perfect but she also wasn’t paid enough to think about it too hard. The odd man in dark sunglasses paid more than the correct amount and grumbled something under his breath as he took the box and sauntered out. As the door swung behind him the clerk wondered if she had actually met a living cryptid.

As Crowley sped down the sparsely populated road he checked his phone briefly to make sure Aziraphale hadn’t requested something else. At seeing nothing he tossed the phone back in the passenger seat and sped up, he swung the car into his usual parking spot and grabbed the still warm box.

The doors swung open with a snap and he strolled in, he scanned the area for his angel half expecting to see him reading at the desk.

“Angel, I’m back!” He called out and when he didn’t immediately get a response he felt a flash of panic, it quickly dispelled when a familiar voice called out.

“In the bedroom, dear!” Crowley followed the voice  and faltered in the doorway at the sight, Aziraphale was sitting with a hand gently rubbing his stomach and glasses firmly in place. He had the warmest smile prepared just for Crowley and the demon was hit with love over his small family.