TNN ONESHOTS

Get out - AFK & SD & WFK & CV & AMR

"Charlie,  can you take all the preschoolers for a toilet run, please? I need to tidy up, and winter is helping." Sorscha asked. She was determined to get some kind of reaction from her friend, positive or negative. Charlotte didn't react. She simply nodded and called the preschools towards the bathroom.

Winter hesitated as he watched Charlotte from across the room.  "I think we need to get Mia to talk to her. They are wrapped around each others fingers, so if anyone can get through to her, its Mia." he whispered to Sorscha, who picked up the phone and rang the office.

Once Mia put the phone down, she turned to look at Autumn. "What did you say to Char earlier.  Sorscha has just rang to say that she isn't herself and that she hasnt been herself since she came back from the office after speaking to you." Mia asked calmly as Autumn sighed before looking up from her computer screen.

She waited for a quiet moment before looking at Mia. "I yelled at her to get out. I didn't mean to snap at her, between having Marjorie being emotional over Reece and this baby constantly kicking me. She was just there at the time. That's why i sent Marjorie home, and well, now you have been called in, i was done with emotions, and i know you understand that. I don't like knowing that i upset her." Mia listened and gave her a knowing look. Mia knew that Autumn doesn't like being seen as mean. She loved being able to protect her friends from hurt.

Mia sighed as she perched herself on the edge of Autumn's desk, by where she was sat. "You are going to have to face her and talk to her about what you just said. She's overthinking it, trust me. Sorscha and Winter are concerned as well. She needs your words now." Mia spoke calmly as she watched Autumn closely. "What do i even say? Oh, sorry for yelling. I'm pregnant. Great excuse." Autumn snapped quickly, but Mia just let her. She knew Autumn well enough to know she didn't mean it.

"I will get her from the room and bring her to you. Im sure i can trust you to try and be nice to her, at least. Aut she loves you and will understand, but you just need to say that one little word first. If you can't do it for me or Char,  do it for your little one. It is their auntie you shouted at." She whispered while placing her hand on her shoulder gently as she walked past the younger woman, watching as Autumn's hands instantly fell to her bump.

Mia's footsteps echoed down the hallway as she approached the room Charlotte was working in. A quick but gently knock, and she was greeted with a quiet, "Come in!" Mia found Charlotte amidst a pile of children's drawings, her hair adorably dishevelled while the children slept peacefully. "Hey, sweetheart," Mia grinned. "Autumn needs to chat with you in the office now. I'm here to cover you."

Charlotte groaned dramatically but stood up with a sigh. "Alright, alright, let's get this over with." They walked together to the door, the silence comfortable and familiar. Mia gave Charlotte a reassuring pat on the back and a kiss on the forehead before gesturing Charlotte to go.

Autumn's office was bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun. "Thanks for coming, Charlotte," Autumn said, her tone warm but professional as Charlotte nervously sat herself down on the couch. "I wanted to discuss the situation earlier and how you have been behaving since." Autumn outlined the reason for calling the meeting, and Charlotte listened intently as she wanted to hear what her friend had to say. "Two members of staff have mentioned your behaviour since the situation earlier, and i just wanted to point out how unprofessional that is of you." Autumn started, her voice cold.

Charlotte couldn’t look at Autumn, her eyes filled with tears, and her hands fidgeted in her lap as she was blamed. Autumn sighed as she watched Charlotte closely before slowly standing up, moving to sit on the couch next to her. "I hate emotions, you know that. I didn't mean to shout at you, not really. Honestly, i was talking... well, to my bump." Autumn whispered the last part, almost scared to show her emotions. "She hasn't stopped kicking me all night, and i guess I'm over being pregnant now. You were just there, and i snapped,  im sorry." She whispered with her head down. "I-i thought you couldn't stand me anymore, and then i started overthinking." Charlotte whispered nervously before sniffling slightly. "I know you don't like emotions, so im going to head back to the room." Charlotte spoke quickly, only for Autumn to stop her. "Stay, please."

Charlotte took a shaky breath while fighting back tears. Of course, Autumn noticed and nervously placed her hand on the top of Charlottes' arm. "If being here is upsetting you that much, you can go. I won't force you to stay." Autumn told her, but Charlottes shook her head before drying her eyes quickly. "I dont do emotions or physical affection, but would you like a hug?" Autumn asked quietly as she slowly held out her arms. Charlotte fell into Autumn's embrace, being careful with her bump.

After a while, Autumn slowly moved back. "Right back to work now, please." Autumn whispered quietly while letting go of Charlotte. She moved away carefully so as not to startle Autumn. "I hate upsetting people,  i know im mean, but that is different." She mumbled as Charlotte stood up. "When you get home, ask winter to hold your bump for you. My husband did it for me, and everything just felt better." Charlotte spoke calmly as she made her way out of the office and back to the room where Mia was waiting for her. "Winter, can you go to the office, please? I think Aut might need you." Charlotte whispered as she moved towards Mia for a hug.

Meanwhile, Winter made brisk entrance into Autumn's office, wanting to be their for his wife. He was met with a sight that made his heart ache. Autumn was at her desk but hunched over in obvious discomfort. "Autumn, my sweet, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice softening with concern.

"Oh, Winter," she sighed, "this little sprout is making their presence known. My back is killing me, and im just being horrible to everyone." She gestured towards her bump with a grimace. "Would you mind... would you mind holding it for a moment? Just to take some of the pressure off, please?"

Without hesitation, Winter moved behind her, his hands hovering uncertainly for a moment before gently cradling her belly. The warmth that emanated from her was a stark contrast to his usual chill, and he carefully adjusted his hold, taking the weight of the bump. Autumn visibly relaxed, a sigh of relief escaping her lips. "Thank you, Winter," she murmured, "that's... that's wonderful." He stood there, supporting her and their future, a quiet understanding passing between them.

"I made Charlotte cry earlier, and then i let her hug me because i felt bad. Winter, im not a bad person. " She whispered as he lent down and gently started kissing her neck. "It's okay, chars okay. She just needed to speak with you." Winter whispered softly before kissing his wife's cheek. "I will need to let go soon so Baba can get comfortable again." Winter whispered softly, but Autumn shook her head quickly. "Please not yet. It hurts." Winter kissed her gently before counting down from 10 and then letting go. Autumn sighed as she adjusted herself slightly.

It wasn't long till Mia walked back into the office. "Thank you, whatever you said really helped." Mia whispered as she brushed her hand over Autumn's shoulder while walking past.