TWICE // D.S.

TWENTY-TWO

it had been four weeks since the duo's hike on the trail. since then, they had spent some part of the day together, everyday.

whether it was because daniel was babysitting james and he was at her apartment, the pair went out to spend quality time with each other (usually for lunch), or the few times she was at his place which brought long hours containing the studio, his band mates, and brothers. even if it was for one hour, or eight. every single day in those four weeks they had spent with each other.

aubrielle had actually learned a lot about daniel; his interactions with his band mates, his brothers, and his son. she noticed his devotion to his music and career. she learned about his past, about favorite tour memories, funny family jokes, and even embarrassing events from his school years.

daniel had created a bond with his son. he was able to happily balance both his career and stepping into fatherhood, with minimal stress. then again currently his work was laid back since they weren't focusing on tour, an album drop, or promo. he had noticed how aubrielle became more comfortable with him, instead of going on her own she would rely on him a bit.

like when she asked for him to tag along to shop and get some stuff she needed for james. when she distracted herself in her apartment or daniel's house, james would be handed straight to daniel. or when she asked for his advice on a critical essay, which opened up a bit of her perspective dealing with the industry.

lastly, they had connected even more with each other, with minimal arguments. nothing that is important enough to bring up. who knew that spending time with someone would help develop a connection...

currently daniel had sat on the armrest of her couch, even if there wasn't anything on the couch and it was basically empty. while aubrielle stood right next to him. the girl had a phone in her hand and she focused to stop the slight shaking as they waited for results. it was only a small amount of silence, but that didn't stop the anxiety from growing in each of them.

daniel intensely stared at the phone in front of him, and in the back of his mind he observed how she was so close to him; not that he minded. he wondered why she was shaking when an hour ago she sounded like she completely knew the fetus in her belly was his. he thought about how hailey was sat on the dinning table whispering words to james. and he finally thought what would knowing this be for the both of them.

when he took more focus into when their arms brushed together when they inhaled at the same time. he took the opportunity to wrap an arm around the girl and bring her closer for comfort. whether if the comfort was for himself or the girl, we don't know. the important part is that aubrielle had relaxed into him after his action.

"mrs. anders, thank you for waiting. are you ready for you results?" a feminine, sweet voice spoke through the phone. aubrielle had nodded her head which didn't go through as a response.

"yes, we're ready" daniel responded, he tried his best to not let his voice shake but he failed in that. there was no denying that he was scared of what the results could be; that the fetus couldn't be daniel's.

"the dna that we tested, matched with mr. seavey's. he's the father" the sweet voice responded. there was a noticeable drop in tension in the room. aubrielle looked at daniel expectantly with a smile on her face. he watched as she did so and smiled back, before standing up and giving the girl a hug; their first actual hug. "...is there anything else I can help you with?"