The two of you had been trying for a child for months while Nikolai's work with TF141 kept him busy. When you had eventually fallen pregnant it was two months before he was whisked away to deal with Laswell—not ideal, but with the time lasting only six months, it gave a window for Nikolai to come home before your due date.

That was the ideal plan anyway, but your little one had other ideas when your water broke the night before he was expected to come back home at two in the morning.

Your mind swam with worries of him not being around for your first child and the lack of his support at your side was daunting to face, and yet ten hours in with no one but nurses to soothe you while in labour,

"Love!" Nikolai pushes his way into the room with a wide grin, holding a bouquet of flowers. He looks relieved to see you alright, putting the bouquet down next to your bed, bringing your hands up to his lips, kissing your knuckles. "Forgive me for being late, you know how things are."