Forever and Always

Just shut the fruck up!

As I sit on the couch, a cup of tea in hand, I glance around the room filled with the chatter and laughter of some of my closest friends. It's a rare moment for us all to be gathered together like this, surrounded by our loved ones and lots of little ones. There's my son, Charlie—who just turned one and is currently busy trying to snag snacks from Piper's baby, Chandler, alongside the other tiny tornadoes of energy: Noah and Harper.

Today, we are all gathered at our place to celebrate Y/n's impending arrival of her babies. I can hardly believe that in just a few hours, we may be welcoming twins into our little group. But as beautiful as that thought is, I can immediately feel the tension mounting in the air.

"You really think those two look good together?" Adrien's voice booms across the room, filled with annoyance.

"Seriously, it's a love story for the ages. You just wouldn't understand," Luka retorts, throwing his hands up in frustration.

"Love story? Please! You think dressing like a wannabe rock star makes you deep?" Adrien shoots back, his face becoming visibly flushed with anger.

"You think being a model makes you interesting? Just because you have good looks doesn't mean you have a brain, Agreste!" Luka yells, glaring daggers back at Adrien.

I can feel the room growing silent as everyone freezes, eyes darting towards the two boys ready to brawl. I can't help but roll my eyes. It's like watching two children squabble over a toy, except that these two could probably tear the living room apart if we don't intervene.

"Luka, Adrien, can you both just stop for a second?" I finally say, hoping to diffuse the situation before it escalates. But before I can prompt them further, an unexpected sensation rolls through Y/n's body. My attention snaps back to her.

"Y/n?" I ask, instantly noticing the look of panic creeping into her features. The look says it all—I don't even have to ask if she's in labor.

"Guys, this isn't the time!" she shrieks, clutching her stomach, the effect of Adrien and Luka's fight clearly taking a backseat to her very personal battle. "I'm literally in labor! Can't you both just keep it down for once?"

The boys exchange startled glances, finally registering that our friend is clearly in pain. As Y/n breathes heavily, I rush to her side, placing a comforting hand on her back.

"Y/n, deep breaths. You can do this, we're here for you," I encourage her.

"Right, I really needed you guys to yell at each other while I'm just trying to bring two lives into this world," she huffs, throwing a glare at both Adrien and Luka.

"Uh, right! Sorry," Luka stammers, rushing to assist Y/n while simultaneously shooting a warning look at Adrien.

And then I hear the unmistakable groan from the doorway. "Do you need me to call a taxi or should I drive you myself?" Adrien sounds slightly panicked, yet still irked, glancing at Luka as if he brought this on us.

"Let's just say you better drive, considering you'll have to navigate your own guilt too once I get my hands on you!" Y/n snaps, her voice uncharacteristically fierce. An impressive feat for someone en route to giving birth to twins.

"Charlie and Cecily are coming whether you're prepared for it or not, Adrien!" I add, attempting to diffuse the tension, while also ushering everyone to get things ready.

A chorus of supportive voices fills the room, our little crew working in unison to assist Y/n in gathering her hospital bag and keys. Adrien, seemingly pulled from his daze, suddenly realizes he has a wife to support.

"C'mon, I'll drive you," he mutters, an apologetic tone in his voice.

"Good. And when we get back, you and Luka better settle your beef or I swear I'll have both of you transported to another dimension," she threatens, both boys nodding as if she holds their lives in her hands—which, in a way, she certainly does.

The ride to the hospital is filled with a nervous energy, and as Y/n goes through the labor pains, I can see Adrien, for the first time, genuinely concerned about someone other than himself. Surrounded by the soft hum of conversation and a sense of impending excitement, we know that soon we will be welcoming not just one but two precious lives into our circle.

And as chaotic as it got back there, nothing could prepare us for the moment we get to meet little Charlie and Cecily, bringing a new light to our already vibrant group of friends.