Four Hearts - 3 will be free

Another kind of Adventure

„I am pregnant."

His mind had been blank.

He'd been hot and cold, not knowing what to think.
Panic had risen inside his chest, before anything stopped abruptly and Miws face came into focus again. Her worry was written all over it, her whole body tense while waiting for his answer.
And like this he relaxed. They were together, they'd do their best. All was well.

With as much force as he dared, he crushed her to his chest.

He already loved two people, he would be able to love a third!

~~~~~~~~

Neo had never thought about having kids. After his own disastrous family experiences, he'd never wanted any. Why should he take over such responsibility for another human being, when he wasn't able to get his own shit together?
Leo would have been a wonderful father. He cared too much, he was responsible, quiet and nice.
But Leo wasn't alive anymore. He was dead because Neo had been too stupid and had started an affair with a married woman.

Neo still hadn't forgiven himself, although he was less bitter about it now.
He hadn't killed anyone, he'd only slept with a woman who was bored by her husband. Him being a murderous asshole wasn't Neo's fault. And the death of this hitman back then, had been self defence. What should he have done? Or any of them?

But all this aside, he wasn't the best father material. Still, it was happening and he was ... excited? Happy? Afraid?

It wasn't something he'd thought he deserved.

But maybe, just maybe, he'd worked to deserve it. He wasn't a gigolo anymore, working a respectable and stabile job, while having a healthy and long term relationship.
Maybe he was ready?

After closing the cafè as soon as the last clients left Neo went to the office in the back. There Miw was, concentrating on the finances. Her belly was round enough to be clearly visible, but she refused to find someone else to step in. Yet. Shin had already promised to find someone for her time off the job.

„As long as I don't have to interact with any stupid customers, I can work as long as possible."

And that had been that. Neither Neo nor Shin had ever been able to persuade Miw once she'd had her mind set on anything.

Neo was happy to have her here, truth to be said. He loved checking up on her, watching her focus on the management and bossing him around whenever he sneaked inside to visit her. He loved whenever her gaze turned soft and playful once she looked at him. He loved how relaxed she seemed, sure she was safe now. Or to watch her interact with Shin. Who'd been the most calm one out of them till now.
His calm manner seemed infectious, at least for Miw. Whenever she started to worry again, she'd go to Shin first. Maybe because she knew Neo was worrying the same. But maybe it was just because Shin was the rational voice of them. Had always been.

„Take a picture. It will last longer."

Neo blinked his mind back to reality. Apparently he was still standing at the office door, staring at Miw like a dumb giant. Which he was.

„Are you ready?"

With only two steps he was behind her, folding his body to hug her on the chair. How could she still be so small while being pregnant?

Miw leaned back into him, closing her eyes.

„Give me another minute. Did the last ones finally finish?"

„I gave PP a hint to take them away. It's nice of him to bring us customers, but we can't serve them the whole night."

„How did he take it?"