#singlemother

Never Mess With Mama Bird

"Nunca Te Metas Con Mamá Pajaro"

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Esp: Odio que se me baje la calidad 😭

En el Instagram me recortan la foto(y la calidad se hace c*lera 😩)y me pone de malas, pero quien sabe, aquí tal vez se mire más mejor al publicar ajjajs

Pero bueno, tengan un trabajo viejo y más o menos terminado xdxd

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Eng: I hate when my quality goes down 😭

In Instagram the post cropping is so bad (makes the quality go to sh*t 😩) and it makes me very salty, so who knows, maybe thequality here would be better ajsjsj

Childe x Single Mom!Reader

➢𝔰𝔶𝔫𝔬𝔭𝔰𝔦𝔰: Childe never believed in love at first sight. That was until he met Teucer’s new friends Mom.

➢𝔤𝔢𝔫𝔯𝔢: modern au, fluff, angst, hurt & comfort

➢𝔴𝔞𝔯𝔫𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔰: bullying, mentioned character death.

➢𝔴𝔬𝔯𝔡 𝔠𝔬𝔲𝔫𝔱: 6.6k

** NOT PROOFREAD **

➢𝕸𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖑𝖎𝖘𝖙

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ- -ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ- -ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Childe tapped his foot along to the music playing through his headphones as he sat on at a bench across the street from his little brother’s pre-school.

There wasn’t anything particularly special about today, just finish a lab at school, have at least an hour of studying and homework meanwhile Tonia and Anthon came home from their own school and help Childe prepare lunch before one of the three go pick Teucer up and that’s the day.

Childe felt pretty restless after a pretty boring class so he volunteered to take the walk down the street to get the youngest red-head.

Before long the door to the building cracked open revealing a line of tiny tots with big eyes scanning the group of parents ready to find theirs and go home.

Childe paused his song and jogged to the building looking for a puff of red curls among the little lot.

It wasn’t long before little Teucer stepped out, his blue eyes sparkling in excitement as he saw his big brother wave to him and kneel down to catch the little boy in a tight hug.

“Big brother!” Teucer giggled happily as Childe scooped him up into his strong arms and gave him a twirl.

“What’s up little man? Did you have a good day at school?”

Teucer flashed him a wide smile, his little hand coming up to show his wrist that now adorned a crudely made bead bracelet with bright neon colors that made no sense.

Childe chuckled and tilted his head, “wow that’s beautiful! did you make that today?”

Teucer shook his head and pointed behind him to another little boy with raven black hair and big green eyes that sat by himself on the little bench by the playground. His head down as he watched his worn shoes kick up and down as to entertain himself while he waited for his parent.

“He’s the new kid! We sit together and made bracelets!”

Childe looked around as most of the kids and adults had already left. It seemed like his parent was running late and he of course didn’t want to leave the little boy alone despite there being the workers around so he set Teucer down and took his backpack from him.

“Why don’t you go play with your friend until his mommy or daddy come to get him okay?”

Teucer didn’t need to be asked twice as he sprinted towards his new friend, the green-eyed boy looking up startled before breaking into the cutest smile and shrugging off his own backpack to join Teucer on the swing set.

“Big brother!” The younger red-head waved, “come push me and Beau!”

Childe grinned and slung the small bag over his shoulder before making his way over to the two boys.

His friend, Beau he guessed, shrunk into himself shyly as he looked up at the much taller man.

Childe held back his need to pinch the cherubs cheeks instead kneeling down and extending a hand out with a gentle smile.

“Hello buddy! My name is Childe, I’m Teucer’s big brother, what’s your name?”

The boy hesitated for a moment as he looked at Childe’s hand and back at Teucer who only smiled wide.

His friend wasn’t joking when he said his big brother was a big as a building, or every other praise his classmate sang about the man during their time in class.

Beau was very shy but something about the warm blue eyes told him he was safe with the man. He took his much larger hand in his tiny one and gave him a shake, the laugh that came from Childe instantly calming his worries down.

“So you guys want to go up up high into the sky or what?” Childe grinned as he stood placed one hand behind each boy and gave them a small push to get the swing started.

“Up up and away like an astronaut!” Teucer exclaimed with excitement, his hands gripping the chains of the swing tightly.

Beau began to giggle and nod as he braced himself just as Childe began to push them a little harder sending them into a steady rhythm.

Soon enough the quiet playground was bursting with happily shrieks and laughter as the little boys wiggled their legs and looked up at the sky with the granted height the swings gave them, which wasn’t a lot to begin with because Childe made sure they didn’t actually get hurt, but was more than enough for them.

“Beau!” The boy’s head snapped down at the familiar voice and wiggled excitedly when a woman practically ran into the gated playground, her heels clacking with each step as her worried expression melted into a relieved one.

Childe helped the little boy off the swing as he wasted no time in running over to you, his little arms wrapping around your neck as you kneeled down to the cement, not caring that the dirt was not staining your new pencil skirt.

“Oh my baby!” You sighed out dramatically before placing loud kisses on Beau’s chubby cheeks as he giggled and tried to get away. “Mommy is so sorry my love. Did you wait a long time?”

Your worry came back full force as you held Beau at arms length, inspecting him for any injuries.

Beau shook his head and turned around to point to Teucer and Childe as they made their way over with Beau’s forgotten backpack.

“Teucer and his big brother played with me! I went up into the sky like a rocket!” He jumped up making noises as Teucer joined in.

Childe felt his heart stop when you looked up at him, your smile enough to make his hands clam up and his mouth open and shut like a fish as he tried to find words.

You were probably the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. You couldn’t have been more than 23, it made him wonder how young you were when you had your son or more importantly– if there was a ring on your finger.

“Thank you so much for staying with Beau. We just moved to this city so I got a little lost figuring out the train system. I hope my boy wasn’t too much trouble for you?” You smiled that graceful smile that entranced him.

Childe coughed into his closed palm as he tried to collect and not embarrass himself. “Oh don’t worry about it, I wanted to make sure he wasn’t by himself. He’s a little angel, I should be thankful that he can handle Teucer.”

He watched as you looked back to the playing boy, a soft smile on your lips as your shoulders slowly lost their tension.

“I’m Childe by the way.” He held his hand out to you.

“Oh! I’m (Y/n)! I’m sorry where are my manners, today has just been– busy.” You laughed and took his hand, giving it a grateful squeeze.

Childe tried not to think about how perfectly your hand fit into his. “Don’t apologize, I understand. You said you just moved here? Where did you move from?”

You slowly walked to the bench Beau was previously sitting on and plopped down with a sigh as Childe followed. “We moved in from Sumeru, I wasn’t finding good work there so I decided Liyue would be a better city. I just never expected it to be so big.”

Childe laughed and nodded along. “I hear you, my family moved here from Snezhnaya when Teucer was just a baby. It took some time to adjust but it’s not too much trouble, I’m sure you’ll get a routine going soon.”

“I hope you’re right.” You smiled but it didn’t reach your tired eyes. “I start my new job tomorrow so I need be able to read the train routes properly or I’m dead. Even finding this place was kind of a challenge, I’m glad they let my Beau in.”

A comfortable silence over the two of you for a moment before Childe decided this was his chance.

“I’m more than happy to wait with Beau until you get a hang of things around here.”

You looked back at the man with sparkles in your eyes. “Really? I couldn’t ask you to do something like that– I’m sure you’re very busy. Actually I might be holding you back right now!”

You stood from the bench and picked up your sons backpack, turning to call him.

“Hey hey, no it’s okay honestly.” Childe smiled and put a gentle hand on your elbow to stop you.

“I live down the street anyways and I’m always free around this time so–“ He shrugged trying to play it cool.

You studied him for a moment before throwing yourself into him for a tight hug. “You have no idea how thankful I am. I’ll pay you back I promise!”

Before Childe could put his arms around you, you pulled away and took your cellphone out asking for his number that he couldn’t have given fast enough.

The weeks that followed were complete bliss for the red-head. Being able to see you a few times a week was enough for him to develop a small crush that was growing day by day until he began to associate even the smallest of things to you.

A song on the radio about love? Your smile reminded him of that. A pretty dress in a luxurious window? The material would look perfect against your skin.

Everything about you had him entranced, even the tiniest of actions. Like now– how you pulled a wet wipe out of your purse to wipe chocolate ice cream off Beau and Teucer’s cheeks made his heart flutter.

Your laugh was perfect, he could count the galaxy in your eyes, and when you wrapped your arms around him in thankful hugs he couldn’t keep the feeling out of his head.

His friends Kaeya, Dottore, and Yoimiya would constantly tease him when he’d confined in them even going so far as to steal his phone one night and dial your number as Childe frantically chased Kaeya around his living room until he managed to hang up just before you were able to pick up.

“What’s wrong with you? I swear–“ Childe huffed I’m annoyance as he shot you a quick apology text, trying to explain the call without too many incriminating details.

“Oh come on!” Kaeya laughed as he held his hands up in surrender. “I just wanted to help a friend out, you haven’t made a move and she’s bound to get snatched away if you don’t hurry!”

Dottore laughed loudly as Childe rolled his eyes and plopped back down onto the couch next to Yoimiya giving her his best puppy eyes as a sign of help knowing that the blonde was the only one who could bring order to all this madness.

“Okay guys that’s enough, stop teasing him like you two don’t have your own romantic issues.”

Kaeya looked scandalized as he placed a hand against his chest in mock shock. “When I like people I tell them, I don’t like playing cat and mouse.”

Yoimiya gave him a deadpan look. “So I can just call up Rosaria and talk about how you dream about ‘kissing her under the moonlight’ right?”

The sputter of jambled words was enough to prove the girls point and make another snort leave Dottore’s lips. “Don’t think I won’t tell Scara about you either.” She gave the blue-haired man a side eye that shut him up in record time.

She turned to Childe and placed a friendly hand on his shoulder, giving it a soft squeeze. “Listen, as annoying as the guys are they kind of have a point.”

Childe shot the blonde a look of betrayal only to be kept shut as she held a hand up and continued, “I’m not saying you need to confess right this second but if you’re serious about her you need to start making a move– see if there’s a chance she feels the same. Invite her and her son over for dinner at your place or something.”

Childe wanted to argue, turn down the helpful advice that forced a dust of pink across his cheeks but he bit his bottom lip instead and looked down at the locked screen of his phone in his fiddling hands.

“What did you say her name was again?” Dottore questioned.

“(Y/n) (L/n).” Childe was more than happy to supply.

“Wait a second– (Y/n)? I think I’ve heard about her. Pull up a picture I need to make sure.” He got up from his seat on the floor and forced his way between the blonde and red-head ignoring their protests as he waited for Childe to pull up a picture you’d taken of You and Beau at a petting zoo.

The picture looked liked it’d be taken a year or two ago, Beau was even tinier and you’d looked like even more of teenager than a young woman.

Dottore squinted at the screen before a lightbulb went off in his head. “Ah! I remember now! (Y/n) from Qixing Inc. right?”

Childe looked confused before nodding slowly, trying to reason how Dottore could know about you. Well, Dottore knew a lot of people and he lived in Sumeru for a while so it wasn’t entirely impossible but that didn’t mean that he liked it.

Trying to push the burning jealousy bubbling in the pit of his brain away he instead asked how he knew of you.

Dottore shrugged, “A friend of mine had taken a few classes with her at The Akademiya. Said that they’re surprised (Y/n) even managed to graduate.”

Now this was surprising. Childe remembered you mentioning that you’d graduated from The Akademiya but you’d looked far less than happy bringing up the school’s name so he decided not to press on.

Childe knew he should have respected your wish to not talk about it but curiosity got the best of him and he motioned for his friend to continue.

“She disappeared for like a year and suddenly came back. They said that she barely attended class, and when she did she had to leave right away or sometimes even in the middle of it. Some classmates were worried she’d gotten herself into trouble so they followed her to ask if she was okay–“

Dottore paused for a second as if placing pieces of a puzzle together.

“Turns out the owner of the cafe down the street was babysitting her boy while she went to school. Everyone was shocked, said she never seemed like the type to date much less have a kid so young. Anyways, stuff was said about her character but it’s not very kind. I’ll spare you the details.”

Childe let out a soft exhale. He guessed you’d gotten pregnant, taken a year off to raise Beau, and went back to school even if it was difficult. His heart ached imagining how hard it must have been on you juggling so many things at once– still.

Childe spent the rest of the night in thoughtful silence, feeling slightly guilty for knowing something you’d seemed like you’d wanted to keep from him but it helped him understand you so much better.

It all made sense to him now as to why you’d change the subject whenever Beau’s father came up. He never pushed you about it but it didn’t help tone down his curiosity and jealousy about the man who’d been lucky enough to call you his at one point.

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon and Childe was busy buckling Teucer into his booster seat in the back of his very shiny and very expensive car.

Childe placed a bag of takeout in the boy’s lap after the little one had insisted he wanted to help his brother out. “Make sure not to drop it or else Beau and (Y/n) won’t be able to have lunch okay?”

Teucer gave his big brother a look of fiery determination and clutched his little fists around the bag tightly. Childe laughed and ruffled the boys hair before getting in and typing your company’s address into his cars fancy gps.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning perfect for a day out so after much pacing around his living room Childe summoned all his courage to call you and ask if you and Beau would want to go to lunch with him and Teucer, maybe take the boys to the park for a bit after.

What he wasn’t expecting was a jumble of sad apologies as you explained that you were actually at work although it was your day off– something about a trade with another company going south so you were urgently needed, even bringing Beau along who you’d tried to entertain in your office.

Childe could hear the stress in your voice and decided if you couldn’t get lunch he’d bring it to you. At least then you’d have a moment to relax and Beau could play with Teucer.

He’d asked for your work address simply telling you it would be a surprise and with that he was off. Your workplace was surprisingly nearby, Childe wondered how he’d never noticed before. Then again you kept many things about your life hidden away, almost as if you were too scared to mutter anything from the past.

Childe couldn’t help how clammy his palms got when he’d parked in the spacious underground parking lot and help Teucer out of his booster seat.

The cool air of the compound did nothing to help his flushed cheeks while he texted you of his arrival, waiting patiently in the lobby as you and Beau hopped out of the north side elevator and sped walked to the pair. Beau’s eyes were practically shining in excitement as he threw himself against his ginger friend. The two boys immersed almost instantly in their own little world as Beau rambled about his Mommy’s big fancy work building to an equally entranced Teucer.

“Hey boys!” You chirped with glee as you pulled Childe into a friendly hug, then an extra tight one to little Teucer, careful as to not crush the bag in his arms.

“What’s in the bag sweetie?” You questioned Teucer who was trying his best to give you the bag.

“Big brother and I bought yummy food for you and Beau!”

You looked a bit surprised before a heart melting smile graced your features. “Is this what the surprise was? Thank you so much.”

You leaned down and gave a soft kiss to the top of Teucer’s bouncy curls before moving over to Childe, your lips grazing his right cheek for only a second but it was enough to stop the poor man’s heart.

He struggled to say anything as you suggested you all go up to your office, instead following close behind you and the kids like a gaping fish trying to communicate.

Childe couldn’t help but notice that they’d gotten a lot of curious looks as you led them back to your office. Some people even leaning in and blatantly whispering to each other as they watched.

An uneasy feeling flooded him as he realized the weren’t looking at the new comers but at you.

Now wasn’t the time for jealousy but it was beyond that, even Childe wasn’t that immature. He’d caught the eyes of a dark-haired woman dressed to the nines and covered in expensive jewelry eyeing you up and down with a not so friendly glance before her expression melted into a kind one as you stopped to introduce her to Childe and Teucer.

“Ah who do we have here? A little family get together?” The woman wondered as her eyes feasted on Childe so openly, ignoring little Teucer who stood right beside Beau.

“Oh um, hi Lynn. This is my good friend Childe and this is Teucer.” Childe couldn’t help but take notice of how you’d moved the two little boys to stand behind you, your figure shielding them away from the woman. Beau nervously slipped his hand into Teucer’s as his other clutched your skirt.

“So this is the famous Childe? Oh (Y/n) how selfish you’ve been hiding such a handsome man away.” She stepped closer and held out a perfectly manicured hand for him to shake. “I’m Lynn, thanks for taking care of your little sister.”

Childe took the woman’s hand and smiled almost painfully. He knew what game she was playing and he was more than happy to join in.

“I can say the same thing about everyone here, always keeping my (Y/n) away from me. I couldn’t stand being away so here I am. Isn’t that right honey?” Childe released the woman’s grasp and moved to stand beside you, his arm coming to wrap around your shoulder.

He tried to keep his cool and charming composure as best he could but it was hard when you were pressed up against him, the soft smell of your perfume making him dizzy with need.

You’d tensed up in surprise at the sudden contact before relaxing in his hold, even going as far as to lean into his larger body, both of your molding together perfectly. If Childe thought he was a mess he had no idea the storm that was wrecking chaos upon your poor little heart.

“R-Right.” You nodded quickly. Lynn’s smile turned down into a frown as she eyed you again, turned up her nose, then gracefully walked away with a huff.

You wasted no time in escorting all three back into your office, setting the bag down onto your office without a word.

Childe knew he had messed up by how deep in thought you were. He knew he should have controlled himself now he might just have ruined any chance he had at all.

“(Y/n), I’m sorry I-“ he was stopped as you held a hand up, surprising him with a satisfied grin.

“You have no idea how long I’ve waited to see Lynn speechless, and you managed to get her to walk away.” You laughed and gave his shoulder a playful slap. “The food is getting cold, let’s feed the boys and I’ll explain everything okay?”

During lunch you’d told him everything with a hushed voice as if someone were listening. Lynn was your bosses secretary, holding no other title than that but she acted as if she were a chairman.

Since day one she’d had it out for you, always making you uncomfortable and giving backhanded compliments in front of others. You usually stood up for yourself but you’d been too scared to cross the line and end up in hot water. This was the best job you were blessed on receiving and you weren’t about to mess it up just cause some weird coworker hated you for no reason.

“I know this sounds insensitive, but why not look for another job? You’re way overqualified for this place anyways. I can help you, I know some really important people.” Childe claimed as he helped you clean up.

You smiled and shook your head softly. “I really appreciate it, but this is a really good company. My boss is a very kind man– well from the few times I’ve seen him– and the pay is good. I get to keep Beau in a good school and our apartment is beautiful. I don’t want to mess all this up over some playground fights. I don’t want to let her or anyone else drive me away. I’m tired of running.”

Your last statement made Childe perk up. He remembered what Dottore had told him, this was his chance to finally ask about your past and hopefully bring you closer together.

Before he could even open mouth the phone on your desk rang loudly making his eye twitch in annoyance. The Archons were out to make sure he didn’t get a single chance to talk to you properly.

You sprang up from your seat and took the call, muttering a few replies before hanging up and giving your friend an apologetic smile.

“I need to take these files down the hall real quick. You’ll be okay here with the boys?”

Childe waved you off with a kind smile, telling you not to worry about a thing.

In your haste to deliver the work you dropped a paper by the door but you were too fast. Childe couldn’t catch you fast enough as he watched you disappear around the corner.

He turned and kneeled by the kids. “I need to step out of the room for two seconds, can you two be the best big boys and stay put?”

The tots were quick to promise their good behavior and Childe was off to find you. He barely made it past the second door from your own when he was stopped by an aggravated looking Lynn.

“I hope I didn’t upset you earlier, I’m just genuinely surprised (Y/n) would have a friend like you.”

Childe’s fists clenched.

“Why wouldn’t she have a friend like me?”

Lynn scoffed a bit as if such a question was even worth answering.

“Judging by your expression I can guess (Y/n) hasn’t told you about her past?” A smug smirk stretched her lipstick clad lips as Childe looked confused.

“Not a very good friend.” She continued, leaning back against an empty desk beside her, “did she tell you how despite being engaged she still got knocked up by a stranger, cut off from her family, and continues her little games with our CEO?”

Lynn gasped as Childe stepped in menacingly, his eyes showing nothing but rage as his words dripped venom.

“You know nothing about (Y/n). Your crazy jealousy over the fact that she has more humanity in one finger drives you up the wall. I know your type. You try your best to land any big wig in your bed just make your way up in the world and use your little games to get what you want, but I’m not the one you should be messing with. Never speak another word about (Y/n) or her child if you know what’s good for you.”

Lynn tried not to tremble as the tall man spat out his threat, her eyes looking around for an escape before she resulted to her only defense.

Crying out bloody murder worked as suddenly some workers came out of their offices looking at the very incriminating position Childe and Lynn were. The frightened woman pinned back against the desk, mascara tears running down he powdered face, and Childe’s chest heaving slightly as he tried his best not to blow up on the conniving leach.

“Childe? What’s going on?” He turned upon hearing your bewildered voice, seeing you standing next to what he assumed was your boss.

“Oh! Ms. Ningguang! This man tried to attack me! Please call security! He’s crazy!” The odds were staking against him as Lynn ran into the arms of the white-haired woman who looked anything but amused.

“What? Wait no! Childe wouldn’t do something like this!” You were quick to defend your friend, rushing over to grip his arm, pulling him behind you. “Tell them Childe!”

“Childe?” A deep voice came from behind Ningguang, three very familiar faces coming in through the door looking every bit as intimidating.

Childe felt his shoulders drop in relief as his most trusted friend gave him a questioning look. “Zhongli! Ganyu! Xiao!”

Zhongli stepped in closer to fully take in the scene before him. “You know Mr. Zhongli?” You questioned aloud.

“He’s a very close friend in fact.” Zhongli answered for him, giving one of his gloves as his golden eyes moved over to eye Lynn down. “So close that I can vouch that he wouldn’t do something so heinous without a very very good reason.”

“He did try to attack me! Why are you all just standing there? You wouldn’t really take his side would you?!” Lynn cried as she tried to find comfort in Ningguang’s arms only to be blocked as Ganyu stepped between them.

“Now now Ms. Lynn. This isn’t how we conduct our investigations. You claim Childe tried to attack you, but you have a history of causing disputes around the office.” Ningguang said calmly as she paced around the room. “A history that I think shouldn’t be used against you so easily but it’s hard to believe you, especially when you’re standing right under a surveillance camera that could easily clear the air.”

She turned to look at Zhongli, motioning with her hand towards her office. “We can check the cameras in my office with no issue. If what Ms. Lynn said is true then we shouldn’t waste anymore time.”

Lynn shook her head in disbelief, anxiously chewing on her thumb’s nail as everyone watched her, calculating her next move.

Trying to continue her victim mentality, she silently followed the two CEO’s, dabbing her tears away with her sleeve.

“We’ll conduct this quickly. (Y/n), why don’t you head back to your office for now while Childe cools off.” Zhongli said, giving Childe a we’ll talk later glance before following the women down the hall, followed by a worried looking Ganyu and an annoyed Xiao.

Without another word you pull Childe back into your office where the two little boys sat huddled together, tears rimming their large eyes.

“We heard a scary scream.” Was all Beau said as you kneeled down and pulled both boys into your arms, cooing to them that everything was okay and that they were so brave.

Childe reached out and placed a hand on your shoulder. “I’m sorry about all this, if I had controlled my emotions better I wouldn’t have caused so much trouble.”

You glanced back at him and smiled sadly. “We should talk later. Not here, not now. The walls have ears and they listen well.”

Childe acknowledged your warning and waited.

It wasn’t until later that night when Teucer was tucked into bed that you finally called Childe, asking him to meet you at the park in front of your apartment building.

Once he arrived he was greeted by your tired figure wrapped up in a brown blanket seated at a lone bench watching the stars that hung brightly above you.

The man cursed himself for the frown that pulled your lips down. He needed to take better control of himself, why did he have to ruin everything when it was going so well?

“(Y/n)?” You looked up and smiled warmly as you patted the space beside you. Once Childe sat down you didn’t hesitate in opening your blanket and allowing him to scoot in, protecting him from the cool breeze. This was a good sign, he thought.

“I want to apologize–“ you cut him off with a single finger pressed to his lips. “It’s alright, Lynn confessed to everything. I knew from the start you didn’t do anything. I should be thanking you for sticking up for me and Beau like that. Not many people would have done what you did. How did I get so lucky?”

Your voice broke a little at the end forcing you to look away as tears began to burn the rims of your eyes.

“(Y/n) look at me.” Childe turned to face you, his hand going to rest on your knee giving it an encouraging squeeze.

His heart broke when you looked at him, you looked so tired and defeated, he wanted nothing more than to put you at ease.

“I care about you and I want to help you but I feel like you’re hiding such a big part of yourself and it hurts to see you suffering through it alone. I understand that you’re being strong for you and Beau but I can see how it’s affecting you and I want to help you. Please, just let me in.”

There was a moment of silence before you spoke, moving your hand to rest over his own only for him to quickly intertwine your fingers together.

You took a shaky breathe and decided to let it all out. “You’ve probably heard some shocking things about me today right? That I was engaged? That he left me after having my baby, my family shunned me? Well it’s true.” Childe tried not to show the surprise on his face. He wasn’t surprised in a bad way, he was surprised that you’d condemn yourself for it.

“Ever since I was young, I was set to be engaged with another family’s son. Our futures were decided before we could even walk. Him and I got along growing up, we were very close in fact but that was the problem. We were more like siblings and we couldn’t have been more different. We agreed that once we were of age we’d stuck up to our parents and break off the engagement. Well, I ended up moving out as a teen desperate for my independence. That’s when I met the person who would give me Beau.”

Childe unconsciously tightened his grip on your hand and you were quick to gently stroke the back of his palm with your thumb.

“Her name was Lily. She was the daughter of a local farmer and we became best friends. She was also very private, until later I found out she was very sick. She’d been born with Eleazar, but that never stopped her. She did so many amazing things despite her illness. She even fell in love and had the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen.”

The red head held his breathe as the impact of your words began to ran down on him like ice shards.

“But the pregnancy took a massive toll on her already weak body that we knew she wouldn’t make it. She begged me to take the baby, her father was already getting on in age and there was no way he could raise an infant on his own. So I took that beautiful little boy and I’d do anything in my power to make sure he has the best life he can. My fiancé found out and we used my sons birth as an excuse to break it off. My parents swore never to speak to me again so I picked up everything and moved around until we got here.”

You paused a released a shaky voice, your hands beginning to tremble as guilt began to rot in your heart.

“How could I use Beau for my own selfish reasons? What kind of mother am I? Every day he acts more and more like Lily that I just feel so terrible for making him a pawn in my selfish game.”

Your shoulder shook as you’d finally let out all your grief that had held you down. Childe wrapped his arms around you tightly, pushing your face into his neck as he gently rubbed your back and allowed you to sob into him.

He’d gently shushed you, whispering sweetly into your ear. “Don’t say that. Not everyone is an expert at being a mother right away. You’ve been through so much in silence but you shouldn’t suffer alone. You deserve to live the life that you want, not the life that other people expect you to live. Beau is a blessing for you, some higher power out there knew that only you could care for him, and he knows it too. Whatever shame and guilt you feel I hope will leave your mind because you’re amazing.”

It felt like hours until your sobs turned to soft sniffles as you snuggled in close to Childe. His steady heartbeat thumping gently against your ear as your arms wrapped around him for dear life.

You finally pulled away and gave an embarrassed laugh. “I probably look like a mess, I’m sorry you had to see all that.”

Your hands moved up to wipe away at your red eyes. “(Y/n)…” you stopped upon feeling Childe’s warm hands cup your tear stained cheeks, tilting your head up so you could look into those cerulean eyes.

He wanted to say a million words and nothing all at the same time. Your heart thumped loudly against your chest you were worried you’d faint right then and there as his gaze flicked down to your lips then back up as if silently asking permission.

You allowed your eyes to slip closed, praying to every Archon above that you hadn’t made a fool of yourself. All worries vanished in an instant as soon as you felt a set of plush lips cover your own.

Sure you kissed a few boys here and there growing up but it never felt like this. Childe held onto you as if you were made of glass, treasuring you so deeply that the very thought sent a shiver down your spine.

After a moment you both pulled away, your foreheads leaning against each other as you kept your eyes shut trying to process what had just happened.

“(Y/n).” The man called again, his voice as smooth as velvet.

You looked at him and almost felt another wave of tears brim your eyes at the sheer amount of love his eyes held alone.

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.” He grinned happily, peppering your cheeks with soft kisses. You couldn’t help but giggle and turn your head to catch his lips once more.

“How long?” You questioned, a bit in shock that someone as perfect as Childe could love someone like you. You weren’t a bad person, you just usually weren’t someone’s first pick.

“Since the day I first laid eyes on you.” He confessed, chuckling at how your cheeks darkened almost instantly. “So have I.” You mumbled shyly, looking down and playing with the blanket still wrapped around you both.

“So does this mean I can call you mine and mine alone?” He leaned his head down and pressed a soft kiss against your neck, sending a shiver down your spine.

You wrapped your arms around his waist and gave a soft hum. “Only if I can do the same.”

Childe pulled away and gave you his signature boy-ish smile making your heart melt. You moved in to kiss you again but you were quick and cupped your hand over his puckered lips. “I asked my neighbor’s sister to watch Beau while we talked, she has school tomorrow I don’t want to keep her up.”

Childe pouted but nodded and slipped his hand into yours as he walked you back up to your apartment. The cozy atmosphere immediately set him at ease upon seeing the toys that were littered here and there and the endless amounts of framed pictures of Beau, showcasing his growth in great detail.

His heart swelled knowing how much you loved Beau, he was positive you were meant to be his mother. You let Childe follow you to Beau’s bedroom where the little boy lay tucked in and peacefully sleeping. Next to him sat a blonde teen, her fingers gently ran through Beau’s hair as she hummed a gentle lullaby.

“I’m back! Thank you so much for watching him last minute. I hope he wasn’t too much trouble?” You whispered as you stepped in, picking up a few stray toys off the floor and placing them into a bin.

The girl, Barbara, stood up gracefully and shook her head. “Not at all. Beau is a little angel as always.” She noticed Childe standing by the doorway and gave him a friendly nod.

“Oh hello.” She said politely as she followed you out into the living room. “You must be Childe, (Y/n) talks about you a lot.”

Childe smirked in your direction as you gave Barbara a pleading look. “Yep that’s me, the boyfriend.” He said with a cocky tone making you roll your eyes and bump your hip into his.

Barbara have you a knowing look before moving to slip on her shoes by the doorway. “Well then I won’t get in your way any longer. Have a good night!” She giggled and slipped out the door leaving you looking like a tomato.

Alterations by Ray Xu. Union Square Kids, 2024. 9781454945840. 238pp.

Kevin loves to draw and read comics. He's constantly irritating to his older sister, Betty, and they share a room. Both kids pitch in to help their mom, who's always working at her business, Lee's Alterations and Cleaners. (Kevin's parents are divorced, and his dad is just gone.) Luckily Kevin's mom has some help in the form of her mother, Kevin's Popo, who lives with them, cooks for them, tries to get both kids to eat a lot, and loves to watch Jeopardy.

Kevin has problems at school, mostly involving a former friend and a nickname Kevin earns after bringing something super stinky (but super delicious) for lunch from home. The science fiction comics Kevin draws provide some distraction for him, and he has a few great friends who are there for him, too.

This might be the last part buuuuut....

The treatment of single mothers. Chichi is widowed twice, and forced to be a single mother twice. Bulma started her motherhood journey as a single mother (I mean she's also rich af so that helps)

I get this is a fighting anime, so the women and family aren't central figures, but when you grow up seeing that 2 single mothers aren't being judged and not copping shit when irl they definitely were (source: was a kid in a large family with a single mother) it's definitely progressive and good example to growing kids watching.

Not only were they not being unfairly judged, Chichi and Bulma were characterised as strong women that men did not want to fuck with. They meant business, they were always taken seriously. One was a single mother scientist, the other made the choice to stay home with her children and care for them the best she could.

Te perderás todo eso, y solo por gusto propio.

Pairing = Cillian Murphy x Original Character

Summary = Part Two of Chances

Warnings = Fluff, language maybe?

Word Count = 4577

Eight Weeks Later, I had a bump. It was small and I could just about get my jeans on. To anyone I didn’t really know it simply looked as though I had gained a little weight before the holidays instead of after. Telling my parents was the hardest thing I ever had to do because it was a one night stand, my dad was not impressed. His little girl despite having two other children was out whoring herself around and got knocked up. My mum was just thrilled she was getting another grandchild. As for my boys, well they were the ones to tell me that ‘Mummy had a baby in her belly, a baby sister’ they believe. Thankfully they were excited at least for now.

The pregnancy itself wasn’t bad so far, I had no morning sickness only heartburn which could be solved by taking some medication. Working with dogs was an absolute blessing throughout the last few weeks. Every time I felt anxious or worried about having the baby, I had a pooch in front of me kissing my face and my worries away.

Clara had agreed not to contact Dermott until I was ready. She informed me that he told her he worked on the radio station Today FM in Dublin that night we were at the bar. I guess they needed something to talk about with Cillian and I preoccupied. Honestly though I don’t think I will ever be ready especially now, I couldn’t contact him after 2 months. He would never believe me, I missed my opportunity. I spent the last two months listening to his radio show though ‘Dermott and Dave’ hearing his voice had the memories of that night running through my mind. Especially the ones with Cillian, I felt so free dancing with him that night. I was more like myself then I ever had been with my ex.

“Hey, how’s the mama doing today?” Clara asked opening the door to my dog grooming parlour, located in a cabin in my back garden. I was still paying off the debt I accumulated getting the whole thing put together but it was so worth it. I got to work from home, doing exactly what I loved.

“I’m fine, jeans just about fit so can’t complain too much yet” I laughed trimming around a cockapoo’s face. The dog was sitting so perfectly still which made my job 100 times easier.

“I don’t know how you do this without wanting to steal all the dogs” Clara cooed scratching behind the dog’s ears once I stopped trimming around his mouth. “They are just so cute….yes you are….yes you are”

“Pablo is more than enough with two kids and one on the way thank you very much” I tell him with a smile as I inspected the dogs face. “Isn’t that right Charlie Boy?” I smile in the dogs face as he left a long wet lick on from my chin to my forehead.

“What you doing tonight? Does he have the kids tonight?” Clara asked taking a seat at a desk I had set up to work on the books that came with the business, finance, inventory etc and my calendar to book dogs in for their trims.

“He does yes, so my plans are a bath and an early night.”

“Change them, I want to take you out tonight for dinner. Just you and me to celebrate that little bun in the oven.”

“Clara I’m really not in the mood tonight.” I tell her honestly sighing as I stood up straight, placing both my hands on my lower back and leaning back, stretching my spine as best I could. I was tired, sore and just wanted some me time for once. Since finding out I was pregnant the kids have been full on, so had work with Christmas around the corner, everyone wanted their dogs cut for the big day.

“Too bad, I’ve made the reservation. I’ll meet you there at 7pm?” She asked but clearly it wasn’t a question I could answer how I wanted.

“Wait we aren’t going together? We always go together? Save on the petrol?”

“Well I can’t tonight, I have to visit my mum in the home and I think it’ll just be easier to meet there instead of me driving all the way back over the bridge to collect you to drive all the way back to get to Link”

“I guess. Are you sure it has to be tonight. Adam has the boys for two nights can’t we go tomorrow?”

“No” Clara replied bluntly shaking her head furiously as she swung from side to side in the soft cushioned chair I had chosen for the parlour.

“Fine, see you at 7” I replied admitting defeat as I lifted the scissors next to Charlie once more, determined to finish him within the next ten minutes.

“Cheer up you're getting a free dinner and dress pretty. It’s a celebration” Clara spoke standing to her feet before walking over to me, pecking my cheek and leaving me alone with Charlie once again.

“It’s not like I had a choice huh?” I ask the dog before burying my face in his tight curls on his head for a hug.

******

Tonight, I decided to wear a flowy skirt which hid the swelling in my stomach well and paired it was a large woollen jumper, tucked into the top of the skirt giving a causal but also a dressed-up vibe to the outfit. Pulling out my black boots, the same pair I wore Dublin I grabbed my jacket. I was already running late. My last client didn’t collect their dog until after 6pm leaving me little to no time to shower and dress. I didn’t have time to wash my hair, but it wasn’t too dirty, so I simply threw it into a messy bun as I walked out the door.

Arriving at the restaurant, the number of cars in the car park told me it was busy tonight, something I really wasn’t in the mood for but Clara had been my rock the last few weeks so I couldn’t really tell her no. Sighing to myself, I glanced around not seeing her car anywhere which was strange as she had messaged asking where I was. Ignoring that thought I walked in telling the guy at the bar I was meeting someone, and he had informed me the other person had arrived. I was expecting him to take me into the main area of the restaurant which seemed to be absolute crazy with some kind of party but instead he took me off to the other side restaurant which had only a few couples having a meal.

Looking at the floor as I walked, carefully watching his feet until he stopped as I looked up, the young waiter left as I stood in complete shock. For the first time in a long time, I felt sick, physically sick.

“Hey Paige, hope you don’t mind Clara helped set this up” Cillian smiled awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck as he stood up. Nodding my head, I didn’t know what to say or do, automatically my body moved forward wrapping my arms around his neck for a hug he awkwardly accepted. As I inhaled deeply through my nose, the smell of his aftershave was making my mouth water and causing a dull ache between my legs.

“Nice to see you again Cillian” I managed to squeak out as we pulled away. Trying not to be awkward I moved around to take my seat by the window, Cillian had his back to the entire restaurant next to him was a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses which I thought was odd, it was November and there wasn’t a lot of sun. Just rain, lots of rain.  

“How are ya?” He asked once we were both settled. Since the last time I saw him, his hair had grown out a little, especially on the sides but he still really looked good. Those blue eyes were just as alluring as the first time I saw them.

“I’m good, how are you?” I respond grabbing the glass of water in front of me and taking a sip as he responded with a simple good. Nodding my head, I placed the glass back on the table looking around the restaurant before resting my eyes on his which just so happened to be staring back at me. Almost like he was trying to work out what was different. “So why are we here? I thought it was a one-time thing considering the distance between us”

“Yeah, I thought so to, but I couldn’t stop thinking about you, even tried to find you. When I got home… after we, you know, you weren’t there. You had disappeared”

“I didn’t want to overstay my welcome”

“Well Scout enjoyed your breakfast” He laughed, his right hand reaching up and scratching the side of his head, his eyes dropping to the linen tablecloth.

“You got me breakfast?” I asked completely taken back by his words. I felt so many emotions bubbly in my stomach as he looked up to meet my eyes once more.

“Yeah, I had nothing at home as I was away for the last 8 weeks for work so didn’t have any food in. I went to the local bakery got a few things but well…”

“I’m so sorry. I had no idea. I thought you left to give me time to get out so you could go about your business.” I tell him honestly, feeling like a complete idiot. Placing my hand on my head, tears filling my eyes as I avoided eye contact. This was nothing worth crying about but my hormones had other ideas.

“God no, I’m not that kind of man Paige. I like to spend the morning after you know talking, having breakfast, not like I do that often. In fact, I haven’t done that in years, not sex. One night stands I mean” He rambled over his words as he tried to find the right words to say without making himself look bad.

“I’m really sorry I had no idea. Honestly” I breathe out using my free hand to fan my face. “God, I feel terrible now”

“Don’t, please” Cillian smiled reaching forward to take my hand that was fanning my face into his own, his thumb rubbing small circles across my knuckles. “But I did go to the hotel you were staying to return your key card you left it at mine, and I was hoping you might still be about, but you had checked out”

“That’s really unfortunate. It sounds like a bad version of Cinderella” I laughed thinking about the classic Disney fairy-tale I read to my children before bed last night.

“Yeah, the hotel were no help wouldn’t even give me your last name, so I thought that was it. You were to live on in my memories that was it but when Clara got in touch with Dermott…”

“Wait, Clara contacted Dermott?” I interrupted him mid-sentence. Of course she contacted him, how else would Cillian be sitting opposite me now if she hadn’t. Staring at the man in front of me, I smiled I thought I would have been annoyed at her for contacting him when I didn’t ask her to but seeing him here, in front of me. I was happy.

“Yeah a few weeks ago, it was actually rather funny” Cillian chuckled to himself, a chuckle that made my heart skip, it was a sound I’d happily listen to on repeat. “She called the radio show Dermott does and instead of telling him about her thoughts on whether meditation or DIY was more relaxing which was what they were discussing at the time she immediately jumped down his throat asking for me.”

“Live on the radio?”

“Live on the radio” Cillian repeated with a laugh. “Of course, most people who follow me know Dermott and I are close so that just started a whole headache for him on the show with people texting in and stuff but yeah. He got her number when they went off live and well here, we are”

“She has no shame I’m so sorry about that” I sighed rubbing my head with my hand. “Are you on radio as well? Is that why people were interested in finding you?” I asked still not sure what he did for a living but like he did whenever I asked the other night at the bar he laughed.

“Not exactly no.” He shakes his head inhaling deeply as if this was the hardest thing, he had to admit to someone. “I’m an actor, I wouldn’t say a huge actor but big enough.”

“Can’t be that big if I don’t know who you are” I challenged with a smirk on my face. It could have gone either way, he could have been offended with what I said or not. Thankfully it was the latter, in fact he just laughed, a sound that was quickly becoming my favourite thing in the world tonight.

“I guess not no.” He smiled taking my other hand in his, now holding both my hands as he inhaled deeply.  “Have you heard of the Tv show Peaky Blinders?”

“I have but I haven’t watched it, just never really got around to it but it is on my watch list” I tell him with smile. I was behind on so much television, had been since having kids and starting my own business.

“Right, well you know it has a huge following right?” He questioned, his eyes never leaving mine. I could feel the nerves radiating off him as he spoke, almost as if he was afraid that the next words out of his mouth would scare me away.

“Of course, my brother and his girlfriend are obsessive with the show. They loved it, it was them who told me to watch it actually.”

“Well, Paige. I am the lead actor in that show. I play Thomas Shelby”

“You…you what?”

“Please don’t freak out on me” He sighed, his face creasing into a grimace as he watched the words float around my mind. I wasn’t stupid I knew the following Peaky Blinders had; it was almost like a cult. The fans were fiercely dedicated to the show.

“Are you playing with me? You’re joking with me, right?” I ask unsure how to handle the information he just gave me. There was no way, no chance that the man in front of me was a TV star I mean he was definitely handsome enough to be on TV or maybe even a model but no, he couldn’t be. I couldn’t be pregnant with a TV stars baby.  This wasn’t some rom-com film made in Hollywood this was my life.

“No, I’m not, the reason Dermott had a headache during the show was because fans were calling in asking if I was in the building or around for the day to be interviewed by him. Maybe they were hoping I’d take a few phone calls I don’t know …”

“You're really a celebrity?”

“It's not a word I liked to use but yes” He admitted warily. Nodding my head a little, my stomach slowly turning at the news, pulling my left hand from his I held it over my mouth as I tried to control my breathing. I was not about to be sick; it was a comfort thing. “Are you alright? You’ve gone incredibly pale?”

“I’m fine, it's just not what I was expecting you to say” I tell him removing my hand from my mouth and waving his words off.

“Do you want a drink? It might help with the shock?” He spoke, his head looking around for a waiter in case he needed to order some alcohol.

“Oh no I can’t drink with the baby” I replied without thinking, realising what I had said I looked at Cillian who had suddenly paled himself. This was not how I wanted to tell him I was pregnant; it’s not how anyone should find out they were going to be a parent.

“The what?”

“The uh…the”

“Are you pregnant?” He asked his eyes wide, never leaving mine as the one hand holding my own squeezed prompting an answer from me but instead of words I could only nod. The tears welling in my eyes as I bit my lip.

“Are you ready to order?” A young girl came over with a bright smile. Turning my head so I was looking away from her, feeling embarrassed by the tears in my eyes.

“Um give us a few more minutes please. Thank you” I heard Cillian tell the girl who quickly left the table. “Hey, hey look at me” Cillian spoke once again to get my attention, his hand pulling on my own slightly until I turned back towards him, my eyes still not meeting his own.

“I’m so sorry this wasn’t supposed to happen. You're not even supposed to be here. I didn’t want you to know in case it ruined your life. It’s my mistake I can deal with it myself.” I ramble on and on at first Cillian doesn’t stop me as I continue to dig my own hole. “I didn’t know you were an actor, it's not for money, or blackmail, I swear…”

“The baby is mine?” He asked breaking my train of thought but the question itself had the tears falling freely from my eyes. I must have looked a right state, no doubt my makeup was ruined and my face was probably red and blotchy thanks to the tears.

“I’m sorry”

“Why are you sorry? This is just as much my fault as it is yours?” He replied softly. I’m not going to lie I was taken back by his calm approach; in fact, it confused me why was he taking this so well. Was this his acting skills kicking in? Was he really panicking on the inside? “You weren’t going to tell me?”

“I didn’t think you’d want to know”

“That I’m having another kid? Of course I want to know, I want to be a part of their life.” He chuckled breathily. “You are planning on keeping it right?”

“Yeah” I nodded biting my lip, glancing up to make eye contact for a brief second. It was possible he was just saying all this to keep me happy tonight then go back to Dublin and live out the rest of his days as the guy from Peaky Blinders, forgetting all about me and this baby.

“So, you’re what 8 weeks?” He asked, looking down at the linen clothed table as I nodded my head. “So, you must have a scan soon what is that like 10-week scan or something?”

“12-week scan”

“12 week right. Not to overstep or anything but can I, you know… Can I come with you?” The question itself caught my attention and suddenly I was staring at him, trying to figure out what his game was. However, the look in his eyes were nothing but sincerity and to be honest what looked like happiness.

“Why?” I questioned breathily. The whole situation I was in has completely confused me, this wasn’t right. He should be more shocked, looking for a way out not wanting to know about appointments.

“Why?” He laughed at the question, finding it rather amusing as I tried to find any form of malice in his face  “Um to see the baby? If that is okay?”

“Why do you want to be involved? Surely you could have any woman you desire hanging off your arm why settled with me?”

“Because…” He started to speak, only I didn’t want to hear what he had to say, instantly interrupting him.

“Because you made a mistake and got me knocked up. Don’t make a martyr out of yourself Cillian. You’re off the hook, the baby and I don’t need you.” I spoke with a slight malice in my voice. I wasn’t sure why I was so anger towards him, maybe it was my lack of trust in men thanks to my ex but tonight, it was Cillian getting the brunt of my pent up frustration and anger.  “I’m no longer hungry” I tell him pulling my hand from his and standing to my feet grabbing my bag.

“Paige wait…” He called after me as I walked out of the restaurant ,ignoring all the eyes that were watching the scene in front of them. Once I was free of the prying eyes and outside, I ran to my car quickly unlocking it but before I could get in I had to rush towards the grass verge to be sick.

“Great” I groaned holding my belly as the bitter taste of bile settled in my mouth, my chest feeling as though it was on fire as I stood up straight inhaling the fresh air around me in hopes of settling myself.

“Paige, wait…” I had Cillian’s voice once more, looking over my shoulder I noticed he was fast approaching me. In a panic, I dropped my bag the contents spilling over the ground. “Can you stop? What just happened back there?”

“Why are you bothering with me Cillian? Go be free. Live your fancy actors life without any responsibilities.”

“I am hardly without responsibilities Paige, I have two sons of my own to my ex wife.” He sighs bending down to help pick up the contents of my purse, pausing at the small packet of ginger biscuits, a small laugh escaping his mouth.

“In case I get hungry when I’m out and about” I tell him taking the packet of biscuits from his hand and placing them in my bag. Standing up straight albeit to fast I stumbled over nothing as Cillian’s hands steadying me until the dizziness subsided. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome” He replied hands still firmly placed on my arms. “Look can we at least talk about this, I assume your opinion on men are we are complete bastards but come on, you owe me a chat at least yeah?”

“One chat” I tell him with a nod of my head. “We can talk at my house though. I’m not going back in there I made a right arse of myself.”

“Makes a change from me doing it” He smiled, bringing up the last time we were together in the bar. Smiling myself at the memory, I felt the sudden anger I had towards him fade as we stood opposite each other next to my car.

“Do you need a ride?”

“Yeah, Clara just kind of left me here. I haven’t a clue where I am”

“Come on then” I smile brightly nodding my head towards the passenger side of the car. Inhaling deeply, I entered my small blue car, it was a simple 3 door Ford Fiesta, but it was honestly the best car I have ever owned. Sadly, though I feared it was no longer practically, it was hard enough with my two boys getting them in and out of the car, having to climb myself to get in and out of the back to buckle them up now I had a third child on the way. There was no way this would be practical.

“Do you live far?” Cillian asked as I drove from the restaurant out to the main road towards the other side of the bridge where I lived.

“No not really, only about five minutes, ten depending on the traffic” I shrug off checking both ways for traffic before making my exit onto the bridge.

“Seems like a nice neighbourhood.” Cillian commented as I reversed the car into my driveway. Exiting the car I noticed he looked around the quiet street I lived, everyone either still out or tucked up for the evening in their homes.

“Nothing compared to yours” I tell him shyly looking down at my keys in my hands as I tried to find my front door key. I had been meaning to take my work keys off them, keep them separate from months but just kept forgetting.

“I think it’s perfect” He spoke, his breathe hitting the back of my neck as we entered the small hallway. I was beyond grateful I had cleaned the house this morning before my first client. Opening the wooden door to the living room. My little chihuahua Pablo was over immediately smelling at Cillian’s shoes.

“Careful, he will cover you in hair, he is casting something awful at the moment.”

“Never worry, Scout is the same. Just something they go through isn’t it pup” He spoke, his voice trailing off into a baby voice as he took a seat, Pablo was straight up sniffing everywhere he could before Cillian gently cupped his tiny head pressing a small kiss on the crown of it. In response Pablo had thrown himself into Cillian, soaking his face in small licks before rolling over on his back looking for a tummy scratch.

“Oh course, I forgot you had a dog” I mused walking past the pair and into the kitchen. “Would you like anything to eat or drink?”

“Yeah sure, whatever you are having” Cillian responded. Rather than give him a Pepsi Max I grabbed a bottle of Corona beer from the fridge I had left over from Clara’s birthday a few months back and opening it. Walking back into the living room I offered it to Cillian who thanked me, taking a small sip before he started laughing to himself. “I was going to ask if you were gonna join me but…ya know” He continued after I gave him a strange look to explain his sudden laughter.

“Yeah, we got ourselves a little problem” I nodded with a sigh, sitting next to him on the two seater sofa.

“You mean blessing” Cillian corrected leaning back on the sofa, his arm resting on the back as his body turned slightly towards me. “Would you have ever told me?” He asked jumping straight into the hard conversation he clearly wanting to have.

“I didn’t know how to reach you”

“You know where I live” He commented with a small smile. Tilting my head to the side, I couldn’t stop the smile working its way on face as I rolled my eyes.

“Yes but I wasn’t going to your house in Dublin to tell you the random woman you slept with 8 weeks ago is pregnant with your child. You would think me insane” I chuckle looking down at the open can of Pepsi Max in my lap, using my index finger I traced the silver rim.

“I won’t lie to you, I definitely would” He laughed, a deep hearty laughed that had me laughing along with him. “I guess I will be forever grateful for Clara for reaching out. I would have hated to miss out on this little ones life” He spoke softly, reaching a hand over and placing it on my knee.

“Do you really mean that?” I asked, suddenly feeling incredibly fragile, incredibly exposed to Cillian as we sat opposite each other on my sofa.