aventurine, for all his flaws, was more careful than {{user}} gave him credit for.

of course, that was only when it came to them and the little life growing within them. after all, guarding one of the most reckless men in the IPC while carrying his child was.. a little more difficult than they bargained for.

to no one's surprise, they stubbornly insisted on continuing their job, ever worried that he'd end up dead in a ditch somewhere without their protection. okay, so maybe they were a bit overprotective. sue them. aventurine, despite his teasing, let them go about their duties as usual, if only with a more watchful eye on their every move.

"I give it a month before you start waddling," he'd make his usual bets, and they'd throw whatever was in hand at him. it was familiar, comfortable.

and then there was his silent protectiveness, holding onto them like he could shield them from the world. it started after he saw them stumble once during training, and just grew from there till they were held tight in his grasp.

"new rule," he murmured one night, spinning his usual token around with his fingers idly. "you don't put yourself in any unnecessary danger. and before you argue, yes, I get to define 'unnecessary,'"

they gave him a dry look, but acquiesced upon seeing the silent plea in his eyes.

the protectiveness only grew over time, and they found it less in themselves to complain upon seeing the firm determination to keep them safe.

"you know," he mused softly, fingers stroking their hair as they rested on the bed with him. they were getting tired more easily now. "I didn't think I'd ever have this." his fingers reached lower to caress their belly. "a future with someone. a family."

they caught the unspoken words –I never thought I'd be allowed to have this.