The kitchen was quiet, save for the gentle clink of plates as you rinsed them in the sink. The warm light overhead bathed the room in a golden glow, and you were just starting to lose yourself in the repetitive task when two familiar arms slid around your waist from behind.

“Sweetheart,” Rio’s voice purred near your ear, her breath warm against your skin as she leaned in. Her chin rested on your shoulder, and when you turned your head slightly, you saw it—those insufferable puppy-dog eyes that always managed to make your resolve crumble.

“What is it now?” you asked, your tone light but wary. With Rio, there was always an angle.

She nuzzled into your neck, her lips brushing the sensitive skin just below your ear. “We’ve been thinking…” she started, her voice trailing off in a way that made your stomach twist with suspicion.

You glanced over your shoulder to find Agatha leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips.

“About?” you prompted, trying to ignore the way Rio’s fingers were tracing lazy patterns against your waist.

Rio let out a soft laugh, nuzzling closer. “You’re cute when you’re like this,” she murmured, her tone dropping slightly.

“Rio,” you warned.

“We want a baby,” Agatha said bluntly, cutting through Rio’s theatrics.

The words hung in the air for a moment, and you blinked, unsure if you’d heard her correctly. “You what?”

“A baby,” Rio echoed, her voice softer now, but no less intent. She tightened her hold on you, her hands splaying across your stomach. “And we were thinking… maybe you could carry one.” Your brain scrambled to catch up. “You want me to—?”

The suggestion hit you like a gentle breeze, warm and surprising. You felt your cheeks flush as their combined gazes bore into you, filled with anticipation.

“You’re serious?” you asked, your voice quieter now.

“Very,” Rio said, her tone suddenly softer, almost reverent. Her hands slid over your stomach, her touch warm and grounding.