the screen of {{user}}'s phone lit up with a text from hudson. just a simple “you okay?” but it made her chest feel a little warmer. five months pregnant and navigating this co-parenting thing with her ex was… complicated. especially when her ex was hudson, all protective instincts and simmering intensity, even after their breakup.

she typed back a quick “yeah, just tired. baby’s doing acrobatics again.”

a few seconds later, another text. “you need anything? i can swing by after my shift.”

{{user}} sighed. she knew she should say no. they needed space, boundaries. but the thought of his strong arms around her, even just platonically, was a comfort she didn’t want to deny. “maybe just some ice cream? the rocky road kind?” she replied, instantly regretting the weakness in her fingers as she hit send.

it wasn’t long before there was a knock on her door. hudson stood there, still in his uniform, the familiar scent of leather and something uniquely him filling the doorway. he held a tub of rocky road.

“hey,” he said softly, his usual gruffness softened around the edges when he looked at her. his eyes lingered on her small but growing bump.