So it is done

Happiness

Cinder returned to the table a few minutes later, trying with all her might not to break into a smile that seemed so out of place on the face of the notoriously strict and tough, if not brutal, RATS agent. She has to keep her reputation, after all, being part of the most odious department of the RATS, internal security.

But even with all of Cinder's self-control, she had only barely succeeded.

A moment later, Ghira, who had just seen Cinder, smiled at her and then raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Cinder, dear, I see you're in a great mood!"

"How can I not be happy on Jonathan's birthday~?" Cinder replied in an almost singsong voice, deflecting, not wanting to actually tell Ghira the reason she was so happy. But, she did give Jonathan a single glance, trying to see if he was looking at her at the moment and, noticing that he was indeed looking at her, gave him a subtle nod.

If Cinder wanted to keep a secret, it was probably best that she wouldn't be smiling as wide as she is, as she sat next to Jonathan, at his right side. And contrary to her usually composed attitude and respect for etiquette, trying her best of maintaining her image of impenetrable professionalism, she leaned slightly towards Jonathan.

The action caused Jonathan to dip his gaze from the family sitting across from him to the plate in front of him, returning to the barely meaningful poking of tomatoes on his fork. He was quite embarrassed from the rather public display of affection.

Which is what you needed to prove, Jonathan. Don't tell me you're surprised.

Jonathan didn't respond to the needling, deciding finally on a tomato, before bringing the fork to his mouth and swallowing without even tasting it. He was pretty sure that he hadn't even chewed, either.

So I'm going to be a father...

Of course, Jonathan was nowhere near the age where he needed an explanation of 'where babies come from', and what's more, he knew full well that his activities with Cinder would one day lead to that result. Given the fact that Jonathan hadn't used protection, and Cinder hadn't bothered with birth control, it was safe to say that he was even aiming for such an outcome.

And yet, the news had come to him as a surprise anyway, nearly sweeping him off his seat... In the metaphorical sense, that is. Cinder would probably not take him fainting on his own birthday well.

So what now, Jonathan?

Starting with the salad this time, Jonathan speared a piece of chicken and cheese, raising the fork to his mouth, only to be greeted by another tasteless bite.

All thoughts were scattered, but it was not an endless mire, rather, it could be said that Jonathan's scattered thoughts were given complete freedom, instead running along the walls of his skull, shouting out ideas one after another, a multitude of thoughts rose up in Jonathan's mind at once.

About baby clothes, lists of names, thoughts about arranging Cinder's maternity leave, finding a suitable hospital, and with them the currently unimportant thoughts. Thoughts about the child applying to the Academy, about suitable restaurants, worries about the time he might miss in his yet born child's childhood, old lullabies and fairy tales that he still remembered...

Jonathan's brain churned, spewing out one thought and plans after another, most of them completely unimportant at the moment, and even if Jonathan realized the fact of their uselessness, he still couldn't stop.

And along with the thoughts came the emotions.

Fear, doubt, nervousness, along with joy, relief, and love.