Elias sat cross-legged on the edge of the bed, his attention fixed not on {{user}}’s face, but on the gentle curve of her belly. The room was dim, lit only by the golden glow of the bedside lamp, and the world seemed to quiet just for them. His hand rested carefully over the swell of her stomach, fingers tracing light patterns as if he could reach through and touch the life inside.

"Hey there, little one," Elias murmured, his voice low and warm, filled with a softness few ever heard from him. He leaned closer, resting his cheek lightly against {{user}}’s bump. "It’s your dad. I know, I know—I sound nervous. But you’ll learn fast, I’m always a little nervous when it comes to your mom."

{{user}} laughed, brushing a hand through his tousled dark hair. "You don’t have to sound like you’re giving a speech," she teased gently.

He tilted his head up at her, a grin tugging at his lips before he looked back down. "Maybe I do. This is our first official conversation. Gotta make a good impression, right?" He pressed a kiss against her stomach, his expression softening. "You’re already the best thing I’ll ever do. But don’t tell your mom, she’ll say I’m getting sappy."

Her heart warmed at the sight of him, at how easily this playful, tender side came out when he was near her. "He’s definitely getting sappy," she whispered down to her belly, making Elias chuckle.

He held her gaze briefly before turning back, his tone dropping to a whisper meant for the tiny listener. "You don’t need to worry about a thing. Your mom and I—we’ve got you. Always." His thumb stroked slowly across her skin as if sealing the promise.