Right on cue, the front door opens, Petunia barks and does her wiggle-run towards the door and Luke’s there. 

“Daddy!” The girls shriek running towards him full speed and he hugs them tightly in his arms.

He looks over Lily’s head at you, he has dark circles under his eyes and his hair is a little ruffled but the smile he gives you puts you at ease. It’s your turn to make your way to him, he pulls you against him caressing your cheek. 

“Hi my love,” he greets quietly before pressing his lips gently to yours. 

“Hi,” you smile. “I’m glad you’re home.”

“Me too,” he smiles and the door opens again with Calum and Ashton. Lily and Posy run to say hello to their uncles. “Is our birthday boy still sleeping?”

“Mhm, he should be waking up soon. Cory and Ella should be on their way and KayKay and Rayna are picking up the cupcakes and cake.” 

Luke, Calum, and Ashton give hugs to Michael and Crystal.

“How’re the first weeks of parenting going?” Ashton asks, holding Posy easily on his hip.

“Tiring.”

“And a little maddening,” Michael chuckles. “I have constant crying in my head but they’re so great. How’re the first couple shows?” 

“Excellent, all the fans send you their love. It’s not the same without you, man,” Calum claps Michael on the back. “But where are our new niece and nephew?”

“Over here sleeping,” Crystal smiles, leading the way towards Chloe and Maddox in the living room. 

“They’re still so tiny,” Calum shakes his head grinning at them. “And cute as hell. I still can’t believe you two have twins.”

“That’s Chloe and that’s Maddox,” Posy points proudly.

“Very good Posy,” Crystal smiles.

While they converse quietly amongst themselves, Luke drags you down the hall into your bedroom. He bounces on the bed tugging you on top of him, his lips capturing yours and you can’t help but giggle into the kiss.

“What do you think you’re doing?” you ask combing your fingers through his hair.

“I just want a few moments in my bed with my wife,” he murmurs hugging himself to you. His breath tickles your neck, you play with his hair and tickle up his back. 

“Did you even sleep on the plane?” you ask.

“No, I was worried I wouldn’t get here in time.”

“Has it been hard for you to sleep?” you’re starting to get concerned. If he doesn’t get enough rest he gets sick and you know how hard on himself he is when he is sick, especially during tour time. 

“Sort of. Still getting used to the bus and not having you right next to me.”

You both sigh heavily and enjoy the rest of this moment until Oliver starts to cry.

“There’s a very special birthday boy waiting to see his daddy,” you kiss into Luke’s hair. The two of you slide off the bed walking hand in hand towards Oliver’s bedroom. 

“There’s my birthday boy!” Luke smiles at Oliver who is standing up in his crib. When he sees Luke he lets out a loud shriek and smacks his hands on the edge of the crib. When Luke picks him up his legs are kicking and Luke is kissing his cheeks. 

After changing Oliver’s diaper and putting him in his Spider-Man outfit, you’re back in the living room to see Cory, Ella, and Violetta are near the twins and KayKay is placing the cake and cupcakes on the kitchen counter. Calum and Rayna are off to the side getting reacquainted with each other. 

The party is a hit, Michael keeps trying to get a photo of Oliver with his hands in the formation Spider-Man uses to get his web out but Oliver keeps crawling to Luke. For dinner you decided on ordering pizza, it’s simple and then it’s time for Oliver to smash into his cake. You’re taking video as Oliver pokes at the red and blue frosting, taste testing it. His eyes widen and his mouth forms a perfect ‘o’ and he curls his fingers right into the cake. 

He ends up getting the frosting all over his face, his curls, and it covers his glasses so he can’t really see which makes everyone laugh. 

“I think he likes cake,” Luke smiles heading to the kitchen to get a wet washcloth. 

Michael and Crystal ended up leaving just before you were about to open presents because they had to get the twins to bed. Lily and Posy helped their brother open his gifts but he was more interested in the wrapping paper and sitting in Luke’s lap. 

“Did you miss me, bubba?” Luke rocks Oliver from side to side on the floor, he rests his cheek on top of his head giving you a sad look. “It is so hard leaving them.” 

Not knowing what to say you reach over and massage Luke’s shoulder in assurance. 

The evening ends with smores outside and then Posy and Oliver are passed out which means the party is over. You wanted to get the kids to bed and would clean up the food and presents after. 

“Dada?” Lily asks when you move into her room after settling Posy and Oliver to bed.

“Yeah my sweet?”

“Will you be here in the morning?”

“Yes,” he smiles. “I’ll make us some blueberry pancakes, how’s that sound?”

“Yummy!”

Even though Posy is asleep, Luke wants to kiss her goodnight but she wakes up and asks him to sing a song. He sings the chorus of ‘Love of My Life’ by Queen and she’s fast asleep. 

“Goodnight love bug,” Luke whispers tucking her blanket around her. 

You and Luke get ready for bed together and he sighs heavily as soon as he’s under the covers. 

“What’s wrong?”

“I can’t believe he’s one already.”

“I know, and Posy’s going to be five next month.”

“I know,” Luke kisses your shoulder then cuddles into you. “They’re growing up so fast…”

You note the sadness in his voice and run your fingers in his hair.

“What is it?”

“I don’t want to miss anything.”

“You’re here now, that’s what matters. You love them so much and move heaven and earth to be with them, they know that.”

“They’re going to be sad again when I leave tomorrow night.”

“It’ll be okay, Luke,” you tilt his head up kissing his nose. “I promise.”

Crystal would come over nearly everyday to spend time with you and Olly. She was wearing more comfy clothes now with it coming near the end of her second trimester. The babies are growing and she’s starting to feel it in her back.

“What’s on the agenda today?” you ask Luke while shaking some yogurt balls on the tray of Oliver’s high chair. Luke is looking sleepy in his robin’s egg blue t-shirt and grey sweatpants he surprisingly changed into when he got home last night. .

“More rehearsing,” he yawns then scoops Posy up from her booster seat attacking her with kisses until she’s giggling. “Morning, bug.”

“What about my good morning kiss?” you smirk.

“I’d never forget you, lovie,” he smiles then bends down when he’s next to you to give you a gentle kiss. “Good morning.”

“Morning,” you grin, pecking his lips once more. Oliver squeals and babbles behind you making you both laugh.

“And good morning to you, Olly-O.” Luke shifts behind you to his son with Posy hanging onto his neck and shirt for dear life as he bent over to kiss Olly’s head. “Good thing he’s sleeping through the night now.”

“Not exactly,” you chuckle, then move to the counter to finish cutting up the French toast and strawberries you made for Posy.

“He isn’t?”

“No, he wakes up around 5 then snoozes on and off. I think his teething is pretty bad,” your eyebrows shift together making a mental note to ask his doctor about that when you see her next week.

“How come I don’t hear him?” Luke frowns. He sets Posy down in her booster seat moving next to you to make some coffee.

“You’re very tired when you come home, babe,” you shrug, bringing Posy’s breakfast to her. “Don’t worry about it.”

“When he does cry, wake me up.”

“You need your sleep, Luke. It’s fine.” You rub at the back of Posy’s neck as she starts to eat her breakfast. Oliver is humming to himself while sucking on his yogurt balls.

“Lovie--”

“Nummy toast mama!” Posy exclaims, waving her fork in the air.

“Thanks Posy,” you giggle and pinch her cheek. You sense Luke’s still subdued and sure enough when you look over, he’s hunched over the countertop watching you, Posy and Oliver with his mug held tightly in his hands.

“Why so glum, sugarplum?” you wander over to him. You rest against his arm and shoulder with your arm wrapped around his back the best you can.

“I’ve barely been home for this last month and the only time I see Lily is when I kiss her goodnight but she’s already asleep. I don’t even hear our own son crying at night.”

“You’re working, Luke, this is your job. It’s no different from working a 9 to 5 or like other parents who work odd hours.”

“But I miss being with my family. I miss you,” he sighs then shifts his body so his back is against the counter. He holds you in his arms and you can smell the coffee wafting from his lips. You stroke his cheek, he shaved his beard down a little so it wasn’t as full but still a little soft. You begged him not to shave it completely off.

“I miss you, too, honey,” you smile. “This month has been crazy, but we’ve had one hell of a year besides this month and I know you love what you’re doing right now.”

“Would it be wrong of me to say I love you more?” he knocks his forehead to yours, his arms wrapping around your waist.

“No, but I wouldn’t repeat that to the boys,” you smile, hooking your hands behind his neck.

“I’ll tell them, I don’t give a shit,” he chuckles.

“Shh, don’t swear in front of Posy,” you hush. “She’ll repeat you like a bird.”

Luke gasps then stands up straight, his swift movement startles you and you stare up at him.

“Is Crystal coming over today or tomorrow?”

“Um, I’m not sure. She wanted to do some stuff around the house today so it’ll probably be tomorrow. Why?”

“You should all come to the video shoot tomorrow for the new song,” his eyes are shining with excitement.

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah. It’s going to be a fun one with confetti and glitter, like a big huge party. The girls will love it and they can run around on set. I know the guys miss the kids, too.”

“You don’t think they’ll mind?”

“I’ll run it by Andy and Ryan, they’re big behind the shoot but I’m sure they’ll be fine with it. Will you come?”

“How can I say no to this face?” you laugh squeezing his cheeks together and kissing his puckered out lips.

**

Lily and Posy were amazed by the expanse of the video set but especially with all of the colors. Lily ran into Luke as soon as she saw him, both of them having a thrilling reunion. He’s bent to the floor in his mustard yellow suit with her sitting on his knee as he listens to her. You can overhear her telling him how she and Roman found a caterpillar at recess and now have him in a jar to see if he’ll become a butterfly.

Crystal is holding Posy’s hand looking for Michael while you have Oliver on your hip. He had a rough night so his head is resting on your shoulder, you’re hoping he’ll fall asleep even with all the commotion that’s going to happen.

“Where Unca Ash, mama?” Posy asks.

“I don’t know, baby, I’m sure we’ll find him,” you smile down at her then glance up to Crystal. Her eyes are dark and she’s breathing heavily. “You need to sit down.”

“I’m all right,” Crystal shakes her head then presses her hand on her lower back.

You look around and find a leather couch near a food and drink table then tug her along. She sits down graciously with Posy climbing next to her.

“Better?”

“Much,” she sighs. “I’m not used to getting winded from standing.”

“You have two in there, if I were you I’d be laying down all the time,” you laugh as she rubs at her belly.

“I heard my favorite girl was here,” Ashton announces from behind.

“Unca Ash!” Posy scrambles off the couch and books it towards Ashton.

When she meets his embrace, he pretends she was so strong that he falls to the ground with her safely nestled in his arms.

“Oh! You’re so strong, little one. Are you lifting weights when you should be sleeping?” he asks exasperatedly.

“No,” she laughs.

“Are you sure?” he sits up so she’s on his lap.

Luke and Lily are still talking in their little area and you spot Calum and Michael coming out of a dressing room. Calum is in a plaid skirt that totally catches you off guard but only because of how good he looks in it.

“You’re drooling,” Calum teases and pretends to wipe drool off your chin. You jerk your head away.

“Am not, but you look really good in that, Cal. That’s not fair.”

“What’s not fair?” Luke asks standing next to you with Lily’s hands in his.

“Your wife was totally checking me out, mate,” Cal grins then bends down to Lily to say hello.

“I wasn’t!”

“You were,” Michael says, joining Crystal on the couch. She leans against him with her eyes closed and he’s rubbing her shoulder.

“All I said was that he looks really good in that skirt and it’s not fair that he does,” you sniff but your face is warm from the insinuation that you were checking him out.

“Maybe you should start wearing skirts, Luke,” Ashton laughs, who now has Posy sitting on his shoulders.

You huff at them all and look at Luke, he gives you a small smile because he knows you aren’t attracted to Calum by any means.

“That’s enough, guys. You do look good in the skirt Cal, almost too good. I may have the legs for it but not the thighs,” he barks out a laugh.

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Calum grins.

“You’d look pretty in a skirt, dada,” Lily says quietly. All eyes turn to her who is now holding Calum’s hands and she’s swinging from side to side staring up at Luke.

“Thanks my sweet,” Luke smiles down sweetly at her.

“No fair, Lily’s sweetness made poking fun at Luke not so fun anymore,” Ashton sighs. “Come with me, little one, Unca Ash wants to show you something.”

“What are you showing her?” you peer at him curiously as he retreats to his drum kit in the shot.

“It’s a surprise,” he winks.

While you all waited for the set to be ready, lights in the right places and microphones hooked up correctly, Ashton and Posy were playing tricks on everyone. While Calum was bent against the wall looking at his phone that was charging, Ashton and Posy snuck up behind him and threw confetti all over his back.

Posy’s laughter echoed throughout the large space at the look on Calum’s face when he spun around.

“I’m gonna get you, Po!” Calum shouts and starts for her. She runs away with Ashton hot on her heels until they’re all chasing each other.

“And can you believe I’m the youngest?” Luke snickers watching the three of them run around.

“Yeah we should call you grandpa the rate you two are popping out kids,” Michael chortles. He gazes at Oliver lovingly as he sleeps on your chest. Crystal is passed out on Michael’s shoulder.

“Are the confetti guns going to be loud?” Lily asks, eying them as Andy and Ryan wheel them in.

“Uhh…”

“It’ll just be a loud pop,'' Luke assures her. “It won’t be like fireworks, sweets.”

Lily turns her head to you, her eyes asking you for double reassurance.

“They might make the ground shake a little but the pop won’t be that loud. It’ll be like the confetti poppers we have at New Year’s Eve.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“All right guys, we’re all set,” Andy says just as Ashton, Calum and Posy join you all, their chests heaving from running.

“Hi beautiful girls,” Sarah smiles at Posy and Lily.

The girls love Sarah, especially now that her hair is a bright blue. You have a feeling Posy will more than likely want to dye her hair a fun color once she’s older, you’re excited to see what color she’d like.

The girls join you on the couch (Crystal was awakened gently by Michael who looks a little more refreshed) so you can watch the guys perform. There’s a lot of different takes but in all of them, the guys are having a blast. Especially when the confetti and glitter guns go off. Calum’s dancing around with his bass and Luke and Michael are jamming out together.

Lily and Posy are dancing and Crystal makes sure to catch video of it since you still have Oliver sleeping on your chest. You can’t believe he’s sleeping through all of this but you’re thankful after the rough night he had.

When the video is finished after several hours, the girls are playing with the confetti and glitter by throwing it at Luke and their uncles. Crystal even gets down on the ground (with help from Michael and Calum) so she can make ‘glitter angels’ which Posy and Lily immediately join her.

Oliver is encircled in your legs smacking the shiny stuff in front of him and you laugh when some gets stuck on his face. He cries up at you because it won’t come off.

“You don’t like how it sticks to you, huh?” you laugh peeling each piece off carefully.

“Po and Ash got me,” Luke sits next to you. He’s discarded his suit jacket so he’s only in his tank top which showcases his broad shoulders very nicely. His face and chest is covered in glitter.

“Your hair is still perfect,” you smile. Oliver’s hands are outstretched towards his dad. “Do you want to go by daddy?”

“Hi Olly-O! How do you like the confetti, huh?” Luke asks, picking Oliver up and onto his lap.

“He doesn’t like it on his face,” you laugh watching Oliver reach for the glitter on Luke’s face.

“Apparently... he likes it on mah phase,” Luke mumbles around Oliver’s fingers that are now on his lips. You’re laughing at them then take out your phone to capture a video.

“Look mama!” Posy runs over to you and she’s covered head to toe in glitter.

“You’re a glitter princess,” you laugh.

“Auntie Crystal says we’re glitter angels!” Lily states proudly and stands in front of you next.

“You are angels,” you agree. “We’ll have to hose you down outside.”

“Mama needs some!”

“Posy, no--”

Your objection is cut off because Posy is too quick by pouring glitter and confetti over your head. Lily joins and then so does Luke who is shouting ‘cover mama in glitter!’

“No! No glitter!” you’re laughing but make no way to stop them. It’s been so long since you’ve all had a laugh like this so you’re going to enjoy this moment.

Sarah is walking around you all with her camera to her face until you’re all calmed down and covered in glitter. You can feel it in your shirt and bra. That’ll be fun to get out later.

“You got your mama good girls,” Sarah laughs. “Can I get a picture of all of you?”

Posy moves onto your lap while Lily sits on Luke’s leg right next to you. You’re all holding onto each other as Sarah snaps your photo, then Posy plops some glitter on Oliver’s head. You’re all laughing together and you can’t wait to see the photos Sarah got.

“Lils, Pose, you girls want some snacks?” Michael asks as he shoves half a hot dog in his mouth.

“Yeah!”

They run off to join him at the food table and make a plate with the help of Crystal.

“I’m glad you’re all here,” Luke rests his hand on your knee.

“Me too,” you place your hand on top of his. “I’m so proud of you, Luke.”

“For what?”

“For everything you’ve done in the last ten years, in our life and marriage. Your solo album. Everything. I’m so proud to be your wife.”

“That all dulls in comparison to the shine of my glitter angel wife,” he smiles.

You share a kiss under the spotlights and the ever shining array of glitter surrounding you.

That was the one request Ashton and Calum had for you and Luke; the girls had to wear shoes and socks. You had packed sunscreen, goldfish crackers, and some extra pull-ups for Posy in case she had an accident. She’s been doing really well going potty on the toilet but accidents happen. You packed an extra outfit and sweaters just in case and placed them in one of Luke’s backpacks. 

You figured Ashton and Calum wouldn’t want to carry around the baby bag that you have.

“I ready! Let’s go!” Posy announces skidding to a stop in Lily’s doorway. 

“Uncle Ash and Uncle Cal aren’t here yet, bug,” Luke laughs poking at her cheeks from behind. 

The girls busied themselves with their toys as you and Luke made sure you had everything you needed for Oliver. Then there was a knock on the door followed by Petunia barking and the girls screaming in excitement running down the hall. 

When it opens, Posy rushes to Ashton’s legs and Lily grabs hold of Calum’s hands pulling him inside the house.

“Hey, hey, let them get in the door,” Luke laughs entering the living room behind you. 

Oliver woke up from the loud noises and you scooped him up into your arms, rocking him slightly until he calmed down. 

“I want to be greeted like this everywhere I go,” Calum laughs, lifting Lily in his arms. “Are you ready for a day of fun, Lils?”

“Yes! Where are we going?” Lily asks. 

“Up, up, up Unca Ash!” Posy is trying to climb her way up Ashton’s legs. He picks her up easily as well and pokes her nose.

“Hi little one,” he grins then turns to Lily. “It’s a surprise, but there’s rides, animals, and yummy food.”

You and Luke exchange a look. Rides?

“What kind of rides?” Luke asks, his eyes moving to Lily who’s always been the most cautious with certain things. 

“A carousel and pony rides,” Calum eases. 

“Ponies?” Lily’s eyes widened. 

“Do not let them out of your sight,” Luke warns, lifting the backpack you packed and handing it to Ashton.

“We won’t. How long do you think you’ll be at the doctor’s?” Ashton asks. Calum moves forward towards you and gazes lovingly at Oliver. 

“No idea. They’ll probably check his oxygen levels, weigh him, take some blood...a few hours at least,” you respond. “I packed extra clothes and some snacks for them.”

“We’ll be back before dinnertime,” Ashton informs. “You girls ready to go?” 

“Bye mama! Bye Daddy!” Posy waves. 

“Have fun and listen to your uncles, okay?” you tell them. “And hold their hands.”

“We will mama. Bye Olly!” Calum sets her back on the ground and she touches Oliver’s arm softly. 

***

Ashton carries Posy along the grounds of where the circus is in town. There’s a train painted in bright colors with animals drawn all over it and clowns are walking around. Lily is holding onto Calum’s hand taking in all of the sights around her. 

“Where should we go first?” Ashton asks, looking at the booths of face painting, jewelry, t-shirts, concessions, and games with colorful stuffed animals. 

“Let’s just start on one end and work our way around,” Calum shrugs.

And so they did. First, they ordered a large lemonade that was shared amongst the four of them and looked at the animals. Lily and Posy wanted to feed them so Calum bought the food from a machine that usually holds pieces of gum. He took photos and videos of the girls laughing at the tickling sensation from the goats’ whiskers. 

“Goats are pretty cute,” Ashton muses, scratching one on the head. 

“No way are you going to get a goat,” Calum shakes his head. 

“I want a goat!” Posy claps her hands. 

“Ask your daddy that, little one,” Ashton giggles. 

They wash their hands and look at the rest of the animals for a bit longer until Posy whispers something in Ashton’s ear. 

“She needs to use the potty,” Ashton tells Calum with wide eyes. 

“Oh, okay. Uhh…” Calum looks around but all he sees are portable ones. “Looks like those are our best option.”

“Those are disgusting,” Ashton crinkles his nose. “There has to be an actual bathroom somewhere. Let’s ask someone.”

Calum and Lily follow him to a worker and shockingly enough, there is an actual bathroom building but it’s way in the back.

“Can you hold it until we’re at the bathrooms, little one?” Ashton asks, already walking towards the back at a brisk pace. Calum and Lily follow. 

They push through the crowds of people muttering their apologies. At long last, they’re in front of the building and thankfully see a door that’s labeled as ‘family’ restroom. 

“Here we go,” Ashton says and Calum stops him.

“Do you even know what to do?”

“I’m not dumb, it can’t be that hard. Have some faith, man,” Ashton shakes his head and moves into the restroom. 

Calum looks down at Lily who gives him a nervous smile. 

“Do you think Uncle Ash will drop her in the toilet?” Calum asks and she giggles.

“I hope not. Dada always sings when she’s on the potty to help.”

Calum looks to the restroom door and approaches it. He knocks lightly.

“Occupied!”

“It’s me!” Calum shouts. “Lily says Luke sings to her to help her go.”

“Sings what?” 

Calum looks down at Lily.

“Wheels on the bus.”

“Wheels on the bus!” Calum shouts.

“Got it! Thanks!”

Calum notices a bench against the wall and he pulls Lily onto his lap.

“You’re such a great big sister, you know that? You remind me of my big sister,” he says then realizes Mali hasn’t officially met the girls or Oliver. 

“Who?”

“My big sister, Mali.”

“Mama showed me Mali! She sings pretty.”

“Yeah, she does,” Calum grins, “she’d love to meet you someday. I’ll see if she can come visit me soon.”

“Can we ride the ponies next?” Lily asks and Ashton comes out with Posy with a triumphant smile. 

“Did it all go well, then?” Calum asks.

“She did such a good job,” Ashton praises and Posy is grinning like he is. “Your mama and daddy are going to be so proud of you, Posy.”

“Way to go Posy!” Calum and Lily clap their hands. “Lils wants to go on the pony rides next.”

“Then let’s go see some ponies!” 

Calum and Ashton were able to walk alongside the ponies to make sure the girls didn’t fall off. There was a strap that could be secured around their waists. Calum held onto Lily who kept petting at the pony’s mane and neck as he strutted around the circle.

Ashton was speaking in a southern accent trying to sound like a cowboy and Posy was laughing the whole ride. 

After the ponies, they had lunch which consisted of a slice of pizza and some fruit that was sold as a side. Games were next and Posy loved watching Ashton do the hammer one to test his strength. Her peels of laughter encouraged him to keep trying until he finally hit the bell at the top. 

He asked Posy which toy she wanted as a prize and chose a purple looking monster with orange teeth and green hair. Lily looked at it apprehensively so Calum towed her along to the water games. She had a good shot with the water guns being aimed at the spinning target as it ascended up the pole, but she didn’t beat the buzzer. 

“It’s okay Lils, let’s try this one over here.”

They walk over to the ping pong toss over small fish bowls while Ashton and Posy are throwing balls at glass bottles. Calum buys a bucketful of ping pongs and tries to help Lily with her throws. He loves how dainty she holds the white ball in her hand and she sticks her tongue out in concentration. One of her eyebrows quirks up and she looks so much like Y/N when she does it it throws Calum for a loop. 

“Try not to aim for one certain one,” Calum says. “Just throw it and I’m sure you’ll make one in.”

“Okay…” Lily tosses a ball.

She and Calum watch it in slow motion as it hits one bowl then falls into the one next to it. Lily lets out a scream and Calum whoops in excitement as the attendant shouts out “WINNER TO THE LITTLE GIRL IN PINK!”

“I won! Unca Cal I won!” she jumps up and down clutching Calum's fingers.

“Way to go, Lils!” He congratulates and Ashton and Posy come by.

“What’s going on?” Ashton asks just as the attendant comes forward with a bag of water and a small pink fish. 

“Lily won a fish,” Calum explains proudly and takes the bag. 

“No way! Lily, that’s awesome!”

“I thought she’d like this pink one,” the attendant smiles.

“She loves pink, thank you,” Calum grins and bends down to Lily’s height. “What do you think, Lils?”

“He’s pretty,” she smiles, poking the bag lightly where the small fish is poking in the corner. “Will mama let me keep him?”

“I don’t see why not, you don’t have to walk them.”

“I love him. His name is Bruno.”

“That’s the perfect name,” Calum grins.

“Po, look at my fish.”

Posy scrambles down from Ashton’s arms and presses her nose to the bag. 

“He’s tiny!” Posy crinkles her nose. 

The rest of the day Calum carried Bruno and Lily would check on him periodically. Posy started to get fussy and they ended the day at the pet store to get some supplies for Bruno. The clerk informed them that Bruno was a male betta fish and about 6 months old. 

Calum bought a small tank with gray stones and a lily pad for the fish to sleep on; Lily loved knowing that bit of information that betta fish like to nestle. He bought food and some colorful fake plants. 

Ashton stayed with Posy in the car because she fell asleep on the ride to the pet store. 

“He won’t...die right away will he?” Calum asks nervously as Lily inspects some more water accessories. 

“No, as long as you feed him and change the water periodically he should live for about four years.”

“Four?”

“That’s the average lifespan of betta’s. He’ll be a good starter fish for her if she wants to get another one. When the time comes.”

Calum feels saddened by that because he doesn’t want Lily to be sad when the fish will die. But she’s so enamored by him there’s no way he’ll tell her any of this. 

He’ll just tell Luke.

***

“Mama! Look what I got!” Lily runs through the door with Bruno in his bag. She stops in the kitchen where you’re making dinner, Oliver is held against you in the wrap around your body. “I won him! His name is Bruno and Uncle Cal got him a nice home and some food!”

“He did? Wow, he’s so pretty sweetie,” you smile looking at the pink fish. 

“What’s with all the noise, is there a circus in town?” Luke asks, coming up from the stairs. “Hey bug, are you still sleepy?” He takes Posy from Ashton’s arms, Posy rests her head in Luke’s neck. 

“Look dada! I got a fish!” Lily spins around and shows Luke Bruno.

“Oh wow, and he’s pink! Did you have fun at the circus?”

“Yeah, Po used the potty and won a monster. We had lemonade and pizza and cotton candy. Can Uncle Cal help me with Bruno’s tank?” Lily looks up at you and Luke.

“Absolutely. Thanks for buying everything Uncle Cal,” you smile at him and Lily runs to her room. Luke follows to put Posy down to finish her nap and Ashton crashes on the couch sighing heavily. “Busy day, huh?”

“I don’t know how you and Luke do it,” Calum shakes his head. “And now with three? You’re super human.”

“I’m just a mom.”

“You’re the best mom, lovie,” Luke reappears with a smile. “I take it you two are staying for dinner? Need us to bathe you and tuck you into bed as well?”

“The only one I’ll let bathe me is Y/N,” Ashton sighs, closing his eyes and you laugh loudly.

“Sorry mate, she’s all mine,” Luke gives you a kiss on the cheek and Calum goes to Lily’s room. “Can’t wait to spend the weekend with you, soon.”

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You had yet to tell Michael of the baby, but it was starting to get harder and harder to hide.  He assumed that you finally had dumped your ass of a boyfriend and that’s why you had been so sad.  You managed to convince him that your slowly rounding belly was just you gaining weight from stress eating.

It was when you were at 22 weeks did Michael say something, and you could tell that it was the most awkward thing in the world for him to have to bring up.  But he made sure to sit down with you over lunch, eyes looking over you, concern evident.

“Michael, what’s wrong?” You asked, taking a sip of your water and setting it down on the table.

Michael sighed, reaching out for you to take his hand.  When you did, he looked you dead in the eye and asked, “Are you pregnant?”

At first you had to laugh, him getting right to the point was always his strong suit.  He was always honest with you, even when you didn’t want him to be. “I’m... I wanted to lie and say no, but I am,” You sighed, squeezing his hand. 

Michael’s eyes widened, sitting up straighter than he had before, “Wait, what? So you’re aware that you are and you didn’t tell me?” A frown formed on his lips, squeezing your hand back, “Why? Did you think I wouldn’t be happy for you?”

Your eyes cast down to the table, trying to blink away tears that threatened to fall, “No, I knew you would be.  You’ve always wanted to be an uncle,” You teased with a laugh, looking up again to meet his eyes, “I just felt like a failure, in a way.  Like it was an accident that I got pregnant, but when I told my ex that I’m keeping the baby, he left and refused responsibility.  He’s still convince it’s yours.”

Michael laughed at that, getting up so he could move to the chair closer to you, “You’re not a failure, not in the slightest.  It’s your body, and you get to decide what you do with it.  And now you’re going to bring... did you find out the sex of the baby?”

“Not yet.”

“Okay, well, you’re going to bring my niece or nephew into the world and I couldn’t be happier for you.  I just want to be there for you, whatever you need.”

You smiled sweetly at Michael, reaching over to cup his cheek, “You’re sweet, you know that? I can’t wait for them to meet you.  Also I haven’t gone to find out yet because I wanted to tell you once I knew and surprise you.  But since you figured it out, wanna come with to the next appointment and we can find out together?”

Michael beamed at your question, leaning over to press a kiss to your forehead, “Of course I would! And... just so you know, Ashton called it long before I did.  You were doing a shit job at hiding it, apparently.”