The apartment was quiet in that strange, fragile way it always was when Piers was getting ready for a mission. Too clean.

Too still.

You stared at the small white stick in your hand, your breath caught somewhere between disbelief and fear.

Positive.

Your hands trembled as you lowered it to the bathroom counter. Scientist or not, no amount of data could prepare you for the sudden weight in your chest. A laugh bubbled up, shaky and breathless, followed by tears you hadn’t planned.

We’re going to have a baby.

Your first instinct was simple—tell him. Now. Piers always said he wanted to know everything. No secrets. Not between you.

You rushed out of the bathroom, heart pounding, already forming the words in your head—

And stopped.

Piers stood in the bedroom, half-dressed in his BSAA gear, the familiar sight hitting you like a cold wave. His duffel bag lay open on the bed. Weapons checked. Uniform folded with precision.

China.

Your stomach dropped.

You remembered then—his quiet voice over breakfast days ago, the way he’d squeezed your hand just a little longer.

“Deployment’s confirmed. I leave Friday.”

Today was Friday.

He glanced up when he sensed you standing there. “Hey,” he said softly, offering a small smile. “You’re up early.”

The stick burned in your pocket.

“You’re… leaving,” you said instead, stupidly. Piers nodded, expression tightening just a fraction. “Yeah. BSAA Alpha Team. Chris is already there.”

You crossed the room slowly, every step heavier than the last. “You didn’t wake me.”

“You were exhausted,” he replied. “Didn’t want to rush you.”

That was so him. Always protecting, even when it hurt.

You sat on the edge of the bed, fingers twisting together. Your mind raced—Is this the right time? What if he gets distracted? What if he doesn’t come back?

Piers knelt in front of you, concern settling into his blue eyes. “Hey. What’s wrong?”