The front doorbell rang with its usual, cheerful chime, but this time it was accompanied by a flurry of rapid knocks. Uzi, who was currently on the couch trying to get comfortable with her growing baby bump, glanced at N with a mix of curiosity and mild irritation.
"Expecting anyone?" she asked, shifting her position with a sigh.
N, who had been deep into his latest project for veterinary class—a simulation of a sick dog, of course—looked up with a start. "Not that I know of. It’s probably just another delivery."
He wiped his hands on a rag, stood up, and made his way to the door. The moment he swung it open, his face lit up in surprise.
"V! Lizzy! What are you two doing here?"
V, looking as poised and elegant as ever, smiled warmly. "We thought we’d drop by for a visit. It’s been a while, and we wanted to see how you’re both doing."
Lizzy, who stood next to V, was practically glowing with excitement. Her high-energy personality had not dimmed since N first met her back when she was in high school, and she was practically vibrating with enthusiasm. "And since Uzi’s five months along, we figured it was the perfect time for a little celebration!"
N’s face softened with a genuine smile as he stepped aside to let them in. "You didn’t have to go through all this trouble, but it’s great to see you both."
Uzi, who had been slowly making her way to the door, greeted them with a warm smile, though her discomfort was evident in her slow, deliberate movements. "It’s really nice to see you, V and Lizzy. Come in. Let’s catch up."
As the two women entered, Lizzy immediately took in the living room and began mentally rearranging things. Her cheerleader enthusiasm was still as apparent as ever. "Alright, where should we start? This place needs some serious sprucing up for the baby shower. I’ve got a whole list of ideas."
V chuckled softly as she followed Lizzy’s gaze around the room. "I think Lizzy’s planning to turn this place into her own personal wonderland. But before she gets started on that, how are you feeling, Uzi?"
Uzi sat back down on the couch, clearly relieved to have some help with the preparations. "I’m managing. The baby’s kicking a lot more these days, which is both amazing and uncomfortable. But I’m sure it’ll be worth it."
Lizzy, already on the move and gathering decorations from her bag, chimed in. "You know, I called him and N and I were chatting the other day, and he was telling me all about his finally deciding what he wanted to, and how he wants to be a vet. It’s so cute how passionate he gets about it."
N, who had returned to his project, grinned sheepishly. "Well, it’s not just a hobby. It helps me focus and relax."
Lizzy nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, I get it. It’s like me with cheerleading back in the day. Anyway, we’re going all out for this baby shower. I was thinking pastel colors, streamers, and of course, a cake that’s going to be as big as a baby’s smile."
As Lizzy spoke, N couldn’t help but appreciate how their friendship had remained strong over the years. Despite Lizzy’s bubbly personality and his own quirks, they had always gotten along well. Lizzy had been a great listener during his more intense moments of interest in dogs, and for that, he was grateful.
V, seeing N’s thoughtful expression, decided to steer the conversation in a more serious direction. "So, how are you two handling the idea of becoming parents? It’s a big change, and I’m sure you’re both processing it in your own ways."
Uzi looked over at N, who was now absorbed in adjusting his virtual dog’s latest dosage of digital medicine. "It’s definitely a lot to take in. Sometimes it feels overwhelming, but we’re excited too. It’s just... a lot."
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College Is Like A Chronic Migraine [Murder Drones Human College AU]
FanfictionUzi is starting college, hoping to get away from her dad. If only running away from your problems was equivalent to solving them.