Work Text:
- “Aaron!”
Emily’s call made the person in question jump. He set what he was holding down on the kitchen counter and took a few steps before realizing he didn’t know where the call was coming from.
- “… Where are you?”
- “In the bedroom!”
Her tone was exasperated enough that he hurried over to her. He found his girlfriend sitting on the floor, between the bed frame and the wardrobe.
- “What’s happened? Did you fall?” he worried on the spot.
The young woman was six months pregnant, almost seven, and her belly was straining against the fabric of her top. But from what he could see, she didn't look injured.
- “No. I sat down to organize the shoe drawer,” she explained, clearly annoyed.
- “Good idea!”
She took advantage of the fact that he had crouched down next to her to tap him on the shoulder, then mumbled:
- “… And I can’t get up.”
Aaron's lips slowly curled into a sly smile. He knew the expectant mother wouldn't like it, but he couldn't help but retort:
- “Are you telling me that you need a hand?”
Emily was very proud and often boasted about being able to take care of herself. Aside from the fact that, like him, she didn’t like to bother people, her independence was what she cherished most. Getting into a relationship with him and starting a family represented an undeniable upheaval in her life, but also a tremendous show of trust in him. However, she continued to insist – especially since she had found out she was pregnant – that she didn’t need anyone’s help. Even now she couldn’t see her feet anymore.
- “… Laugh,” she growled. “I remind you that this is your fault.”
- “Why?” he bounced back, still smiling.
- “You’re the one with twins in your family.”
A pair of cousins, yes, on his mother's side. But…
- “This affects egg production, and as far as I know, it doesn’t apply to me.”
His spouse narrowed her eyes, unwilling to give up the fight.
- “In the meantime, my two eggs were not fertilized by the Holy Spirit.”
- “And I wouldn't have fertilize them if you'd been taking the pill.”
- “I wouldn't have had to take it if you'd used protection.”
- “What I suggested we do, but you refused.”
The duelists stared at each other for a long time; he, still wearing his mocking smirk, and she, with a sulky pout.
- “Well, are you going to help me up, or are you going to let me put down roots here?”
- “I don’t know. All of this sounds very much like contempt of court.”
Aaron had left the FBI to fully commit to his relationship with her and had taken a job as a lawyer at a prestigious firm. Emily was still officially a federal agent, but the arrival of the twins would surely make her rethink her plans.
- “… And if I give you a smouch?”
- “Attempted bribery.”
They continued to look at each other, and then the same amused smile lit up their faces. Then they laughed and shared a tender kiss.
- “If I ever become like you, please, shoot me,” Jack said, leaning against the doorframe, looking jaded.
The teenager adored Emily and had accepted her even before his father told him they were a couple, but the displays of affection the lovers constantly engaged in tended to repulse him.
- “If you ever end up like me, you’ll be really happy,” his father replied, glancing over his shoulder.
His son's eyes rolled back in their sockets, and he headed back down the hallway. Aaron then turned his attention back to his partner and helped her to her feet. They smiled and kissed again, happy to be side by side on this new adventure.