𝐖𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘, 𝖺 𝗀𝗅𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝖺𝗅𝖻𝗎𝗆

the pregnant one must not walk

[SETTING.🎀] Two days after the siren incident. Bea's back to her usual quiet warmth. Nico? Not so much.

"No. Absolutely not. I said I'll carry you."

"Nico, it's just the hallway—"

"I'll drag a chair with wheels, I don't care. You are not walking, Beatrice."

Bea stood at the entrance of the mess hall with one hand on her hip and the other resting on her round belly, blinking at her very dramatic, very serious husband. 

She was wearing her favorite soft blue shawl— the one he swore made her look like a goddess and trying very hard not to laugh.

"You're being ridiculous," she said gently.

"And yet, I'm correct," Nico replied, crouching like he was ready to sweep her off her feet and bolt.

Frypan was watching from the kitchen window, snorting into a mixing bowl. "Four gold coins says he follows her into the bathroom."

Nancy, sitting nearby, nodded. "Five says he camps outside with a glass of water."

Vicky bounced Isabelle in her arms, and said, "This is why Matt's not allowed to speak at night anymore."

Meanwhile, Bea had managed three slow steps across the room when...

"What did I say?!"

"Nico!"

He swooped in, lifted her into his arms effortlessly and carried her bridal-style across the base like she was royalty and the floor was lava. Which, in his head, it probably was.

The entire common room watched in silence.

Then Gally muttered, "One time. Just one time I wanna be loved like that."

Thomas patted him on the shoulder. "You'd throw me into the ocean for asking you how your day was."

"That's love pirate-style," Nico snapped from across the room. "And don't get any ideas— none of you are allowed near her when she's walking, thinking of walking, or remembering walking."

Brenda raised a brow. "So, what if she wants to sit on the balcony and knit?"

"I will build her a balcony."

"What if she wants to help organize supplies?"

"I'll rename the storage room after her and do it myself."

Matt, arms folded and looking absolutely entertained, added, "And what happens when she wants to walk, Captain Smother?"

Nico turned his head slowly. "Then I will... lovingly, and respectfully, carry her with enthusiasm and no room for argument."

Bea, still in his arms, facepalmed. "He's been reading parenting books from the archives again."

Thomas, smug, pulled a list from his pocket. "Frypan, update the board: Day 2 of Nico not letting his wife walk. Let's see how long he lasts."

Bea giggled softly in Nico's arms.

Frypan grinned. "I give it till she whispers 'I want to sit alone for a moment' and he combusts."