the sun fell through the curtains at poguelandia, casting a warm glow on the chaos of all your makeshift furniture and scattered blankets. you were sitting on the couch, bundled in a blanket, one hand resting on your belly. you were about 30 weeks pregnant, the bump was undeniable, which made it all feel more real. moving around felt like a workout itself, but here, surrounded by your friends, with the support, it made it easier.

JJ was cross-legged by the coffee table, laughing as he passed the joint to Kie. you watched, amused. JJ grabbed it back, taking another hit. they'd been doing this for almost an hour now. he absentmindedly waved the joint in your direction.

you waved a hand to clear the smoke, and shot him a look. his eyes widened a bit as he realized. "shit, my bad!" he jumped up, waving the smoke away with his hands like a human fan. "sorry-- don’t breathe! or—wait, that sounds dumb—just... don't inhale."

Kie laughed from her spot. “she’s not in a smoke chamber, JJ.”

JJ ignored her, crouching in front of you, he placed his hands on your knees. “seriously, im sorry. no more dumb moves. no more hotboxing the lil' one. this baby’s gotta come out breathing clean air and not inheriting all my bad habits.” he glanced at your belly, softly adding, “I got you, little dude.. or dudette.” he said, his face scrunching slightly.

John B snorted. “he’s already scared for the baby.”

“hell yeah, I am.” JJ shot back, standing to point dramatically. "what if this kid comes out having my attitude? imagine a tiny, unstoppable me. that’s like-- nightmare fuel!”

the group burst into laughter. JJ turned back to you, tugging your blanket snug around your shoulders. “you good? need anything? water? snacks? my last functioning, non-baked, brain cell?”