Orion: AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! WWWWWWHHHHHAAAAAAA!!!!😭😭😭😭😭😭

The walls echoed with Orion's wailing cries, sharp and frantic. His little cheeks were flushed, nose running, and his eyes squeezed shut from the pressure in his ears. He flailed in Octavia's arms, red-faced and miserable.

Octavia: (soft, trying to keep it together) Shh, baby, I know... I know it hurts, I'm so sorry, Orion. Mommy's here, okay? I'm here...

She rocked gently on her feet, cradling him close and whispering lullabies in his ear, but nothing soothed him. He only screamed harder, his body trembling from the discomfort of the cold and the stabbing ache in his ears.

Octavia: (pleading) Please, baby... please calm down, it's okay, we're gonna make it better...

INT. DOWNSTAIRS – LIVING ROOM

Y/N paced nervously by the phone, cheeks red, his hands shaking slightly. The overstimulation from the crying, the pressure of feeling helpless—it all curled in his chest like a tight knot. His fingers tapped rapidly on his pants, a self-soothing rhythm.

He was on the crystal communicator with a pharmacy in the Sloth Ring, his voice barely above a whisper, soft and stammered.

Y/N: H-hi, um, I-I need... um... infant medicine. F-for a c-cold, and an e-ear infection, please. He's... he's screaming and he's only a b-baby and I don't know what else to do...

Pharmacy Imp: (over the line) We can deliver within fifteen minutes... Name and address?

Y/N: Y/N... Siegel. S-stolas's old mansion. P-please hurry...

As he hung up, he pressed his palms to his temples and breathed in slowly, trying not to cry himself. Then, he looked toward the stairs, hearing Orion's cough and desperate sobs from above. That sound made him move, even if his legs felt like jelly.

INT. ORION'S ROOM – MOMENTS LATER

Octavia sat in the rocking chair now, bouncing gently, eyes wet with stress and worry. Orion clung to her shirt with tiny fists, his face buried in her chest.

Y/N stepped inside slowly, avoiding sudden movements.

Y/N: (softly, nervous) I-I called... they're bringing the medicine. I... I didn't know what else to do...

Octavia looked up at him, exhausted but grateful, and nodded. She looked down at their son, who let out another pitiful sob.

Octavia: He just won't stop crying, Y/N... his little ears must be in so much pain...

Y/N moved closer and crouched beside them, gently brushing Orion's hair with his trembling fingers.

Y/N: (whispering) You're gonna be okay, Orion... Daddy's here... Mommy's here...

The baby's cries quieted just a little at the sound of his father's voice. He whimpered, still uncomfortable, but the contact helped. Y/N rested his head against Octavia's arm, closing his eyes, just wanting to take the pain away.

Orion was still wailing, his tiny voice hoarse, little body hot and trembling in Octavia's arms. She gently bounced him, cradling his head close, whispering soft things into his ear while rubbing his back in slow circles.

Octavia: (softly, nearly pleading) Shhh, baby, it's okay... Mommy's got you. Just hold on, sweetpea. We're gonna make it better, I promise...

Across the room, Y/N's phone buzzed in his hand. He hesitated before answering, shooting a worried look at Octavia.

Y/N: (quietly into the phone) H-Hello...?

Pharmacy Imp (on speaker): Hey,—there's a delay in deliveries from the Sloth Ring. You'll have to come pick the medicine up.

Y/N's shoulders dropped, and he looked up at Octavia, who blinked at him, clearly worn thin.

Y/N: (softly) W-we have to go get it...

Octavia groaned softly, pressing a kiss to Orion's temple.

Octavia: He's in no shape to travel. We need someone to stay with him.

She fumbled with her phone with one hand and quickly dialed Loona, pacing slightly. The phone rang and finally clicked.

Loona: (groggy) Huh? Octavia? It's like, the middle of the night—what's going on?

Octavia: (rushed but soft) Sorry—it's Orion. He's got a cold and an ear infection and he won't stop crying. We need to pick up his medicine but we can't take him out like this. Can you come babysit?

Loona's voice immediately shifted to concerned.

Loona: Sh*t... yeah, yeah, I'll be there.

At the same time, Y/N was awkwardly fumbling with his phone, mumbling under his breath and biting his lip as he dialed Verosika.

Verosika: (sultry but confused) Y/N, baby, it's late—what's going on?

Y/N: (shaky, anxious) U-uh, I-I'm sorry for calling... It's Orion. H-he's really sick, and we... w-we need his medicine but... c-can you help? Like, watch him?

There was a pause, then Verosika's voice softened.

Verosika: You don't have to apologize, babe. I'm on my way.

Y/N let out a tiny breath of relief, and Octavia gently rocked Orion, who was still whimpering, though quieter now from sheer exhaustion.

INT. MANSION FOYER – NIGHT

The front door creaked open, and both Loona and Verosika stepped in at the same time, nearly bumping into each other.

Loona: (raising a brow) You called her too?

Verosika: (crossing her arms, eyebrow raised) Nice to see you too, mutt.

Before they could escalate, Y/N stepped between them, eyes wide, fingers twisting in the hem of his hoodie. His voice was soft, stammering a little as he tried to explain.

Y/N: I-I... I didn't mean to c-cause a fight. I-I just... we were s-scared... a-and... we didn't know w-who would answer fastest...

He looked between the two of them, clearly overwhelmed, and rubbed the back of his neck.

Y/N: O-Orion's sick. R-really sick. He's crying a lot and, a-and he has a fever and an e-ear infection, and they s-said we need to pick up his medicine, but he can't travel like this. S-So... w—we called both of you just in case.

Loona's tough expression softened as she looked at him—his shy eyes, his flushed cheeks, his fingers fidgeting like he was scared they'd yell at him.

Loona: (sighs) Hey, it's okay, dork. You did fine.

Verosika: (smiling gently now) Yeah... relax, babe. We've got him. You and Octavia go.

Y/N nodded, swallowing hard, then shyly stepped aside to lead them in. As they entered the living room, they could already hear Octavia softly humming from upstairs.

Y/N: (quietly, hands clasped in front of him) T-thank you... b-both of you. Really...

Loona gently ruffled his hair, and Verosika kissed his cheek.

Loona: Go get that medicine, baby boy.

Verosika: We'll keep your little star safe.

And with that, Y/N slipped upstairs to let Octavia know help had arrived, a little less anxious now.

The soft glow of a nightlight filled the room in hues of blue and silver. Orion's cries were hoarse and hiccupy now, his face flushed with fever, tiny fists clenched. Octavia gently bounced him in her arms as Loona and Verosika followed Y/N in.

Octavia: (softly, a little tired) He started fussing this afternoon. Thought it was just gas at first... then he wouldn't nap. By dinner, he was screaming—burning up and tugging at his ear.

She carefully handed Orion to Verosika, who instinctively adjusted her hold and began rocking him slowly, cooing softly as she swayed.

Verosika: (gently) Poor little guy... it's okay, sweetheart, Auntie V's got you...

Orion blinked up at her, still crying but a bit calmer.

Loona stood nearby, arms crossed but clearly concerned, her eyes darting toward the baby and then to Y/N, who was fumbling with his jacket zipper in the corner.

Octavia: (looking at Y/N, quietly but firm) Love, go grab his med card off the fridge. I'll be down in a sec.

Y/N: (nodding, voice low) O-okay...

He scurried off as Octavia turned back to the girls, brushing some of her hair behind her ear.

Octavia: (sighing) If he gets too warm, there's a cooling patch in the side drawer. His favorite teether's in the freezer. And he likes soft humming—it usually settles him.

Loona: (nodding with a slight smirk) Got it. Owl baby survival guide. We'll manage.

Verosika gently bounced Orion again as he curled closer into her shoulder.

Verosika: (softly) You two just go. We'll take care of him like he's ours.

Octavia gave them both a grateful look—soft, maternal, still a little worried—but kissed Orion's head, then gave his caregivers a small nod. She turned to go, passing Y/N on the stairs as he returned with the med card clutched tightly in one hand.

He looked up at her, still shy and nervous, eyes wide.

Y/N: (quietly) I'm ready...

She smiled and touched his cheek.

Octavia: Let's go help our baby.

And with that, they disappeared down the stairs into the night.

NT. ORION'S NURSERY – NIGHT

The soft whirr of the humidifier filled the room as Verosika gently shifted Orion in her arms. His cries had picked up again, high-pitched and pitiful. His cheeks were flushed, nose runny, and tiny fists flailing.

Verosika: (softly, trying to soothe) Alright, little man... let's see what works, huh?

She gently slipped a pacifier between his lips, and for a brief second, he suckled—before letting out a dramatic wail and spitting it out at her like it offended him personally.

Verosika: (chuckling, patient) Okay, paci's a no-go...

She carried him over to his little play shelf, carefully shifting him in one arm while grabbing a small plush rattle shaped like a star.

Verosika: (shaking it gently) Look! It sparkles! Wanna hit it? C'mon...

She gave the rattle a few shakes. It jingled softly, catching his puffy, tear-glassy eyes for a moment. His cries wavered—then resumed with renewed fury.

Verosika: (mock dramatic) Tough crowd tonight...

Loona stepped into the doorway, arms folded, watching.

Loona: (dry) Tried the maraca approach already?

Verosika: Yeah. He's immune to glamor and rhythm. The little rebel.

She sat down in the rocker, holding Orion close, and used her tail to tap her phone screen, cueing up soft lullabies. A gentle, dreamy tune filled the room—something slow, peaceful, and just cheesy enough to be effective.

Orion blinked, still whimpering, but he hiccupped softly now instead of screaming.

Verosika: (smiling, rocking gently) There we go... that's it, sweetheart. Auntie V's got you.

She tucked the blanket around him a little tighter and pressed a kiss to his forehead, her voice softer now.

Verosika: (whispering) Just sleep, okay? Your mommy and daddy'll be back before you know it...

Loona watched from the wall, her expression unreadable but calm, her tail swishing gently behind her.

The room stayed quiet, the lullaby looping, and slowly, slowly... Orion began to drift off.

Verosika continued to gently rock Orion, her voice a quiet hum matching the lullaby in the background. Orion's cries had dulled to soft sniffles, his head resting against her shoulder, warm and heavy.

Loona: (softly) Alright, diva. My turn.

Verosika smirked, brushing a bit of Orion's feathers back before standing slowly.

Verosika: Fine, but only because you look like you might actually bite me if I say no.

She carefully handed the bundled infant over to Loona, who instinctively cradled him like she'd done it a hundred times.

Loona: (low and gruff, but gentle) Hey, pup... yeah, I got you now.

Orion blinked up at her with red-rimmed, watery eyes. His lower lip quivered, but he didn't cry. Loona reached into her hoodie pocket and pulled out the pacifier that had been rejected earlier.

Loona: (grinning slightly) Let's try this again, huh? I clean everything before I carry it, you should know that.

She popped the pacifier gently between his lips. This time, Orion didn't protest. He blinked, let out a tiny whimper, and began to suck on it slowly.

Loona: (quietly, with a little smugness) There we go... see? Auntie Loona knows what she's doing.

She sat down in the rocker Verosika had vacated, slowly gliding it back and forth. Orion's little fingers curled around a lock of her hair as he nestled against her.

Verosika: (teasing, folding her arms) Show-off.

Loona: (soft smirk, eyes still on the baby) Just good instincts.

The room fell into a calm hush, the lullaby now little more than background magic. Between the warmth of the room, the rocking chair's steady rhythm, and the secure hold of a pair of loving arms—Orion finally began to drift into a peaceful, well-earned sleep.

Loona then tucked him in.

Loona and Verosika tiptoe out of the nursery with the precision of trained spies, both holding their breath until the door clicks softly shut behind them.

Loona immediately pulls the baby monitor from her pocket and flicks it on, the screen lighting up with a soft glow. The little camera in Orion's crib shows him bundled up, pacifier in, peacefully asleep with one tiny hand clinging to the edge of his blanket.

Loona: (softly, almost in disbelief) He's actually out...

Verosika: (collapsing onto the couch) Praise Hell.

Loona quietly sits beside her, her eyes still on the monitor like it might suddenly alert her to a level-5 diaper emergency.

Verosika: (grinning) You act like you've never done this before.

Loona: (half-hearted shrug) Not with one that screams like a demon getting a root canal.

Verosika: I mean, he kinda is one.

Loona rolled her eyes but smiled, hugging a throw pillow to her chest as she kept watching the peaceful baby on the screen.

Loona: (softer now) Still... he's cute. Freakin' adorable.

Verosika: He gets it from Y/N.

Loona: (quiet laugh) Yeah... that dork.

They both go quiet for a second, just listening to the hum of the monitor, the flickering light from the screen reflecting in their eyes.

Verosika: (playfully nudging her) Wanna raid their snack cabinet?

Loona: (already getting up) Hell yeah.

The two of them sneak off toward the kitchen, still whispering and checking the monitor like the world's most badass babysitters.

———-

Loona and Verosika rummage through the pantry, whispering like teens sneaking snacks past bedtime. Loona finds a box of cookies and tosses it to Verosika, who catches it effortlessly with a smirk.

Loona: So... serious question.

Verosika: (ripping the box open) Shoot.

Loona: You ever think about... having kids? Like, for real?

Verosika pauses mid-cookie bite, arching an eyebrow. Her voice turns a little softer, though still tinged with her usual sass.

Verosika: I mean... not in the standard way. I'm not exactly the picture-perfect parent type. But... (she glances toward the baby monitor Loona set on the counter) ...I'd be lying if I said I haven't thought about it. Especially with Y/N.

Loona's ears perk.

Loona: Seriously?

Verosika: (smirks) Yeah. That sweet, awkward, shy thing he does? Makes my uterus do flips. I was kinda hoping that Sinmas trip would've left me with a surprise.

Loona: (snorts) You're joking.

Verosika: Nope. (pops another cookie in her mouth) I'd be over the moon to carry his baby. Can you imagine? A little soft-spoken cinnamon roll with my attitude? I'd raise the hell outta that kid.

She grins, but her eyes are genuine, warm. She leans back against the counter.

Verosika: What about you? You ever think about it?

Loona's tail sways a bit as she leans against the opposite counter, arms crossed. She's quiet for a moment.

Loona: ...I don't know. I never saw myself as a mom. Still don't. But... with Y/N? He makes everything feel less scary. I mean, I see how he is with Orion. It's kinda contagious.

Verosika: (smiles) He's got that effect.

Loona: (nods, more to herself) If I ever did... I think I'd want it to be with someone like him. Hell, probably him.

They share a rare, understanding look across the dim kitchen, the baby monitor quietly humming beside them.

Verosika: (grinning again) Guess we've both caught feelings and baby fever.

Loona: (groans but smiles) Don't say it like that.

They both laugh under their breath as Verosika hands Loona a cookie, the two of them leaning into the soft silence of the night, comforted by the glow of the baby monitor and the presence of a certain shy, autistic boy who somehow stole both their hearts.

———

INT. SLOTH RING – HOSPITAL – NIGHT

The waiting room is dimly lit, smelling faintly of day-old coffee, questionable disinfectant, and lethargy. A fly lazily buzzes around a flickering fluorescent light. The "Welcome to Sloth General" sign hangs crooked, one side taped to the wall.

Y/N stands nervously near the check-in desk, holding a crumpled paper with Orion's prescription. His hands fidget at the corners, sleeves pulled over his hands like usual. Octavia stands beside him, arms crossed, exhausted but trying to stay calm. Her feathers are a little frazzled from stress and lack of sleep.

Y/N (softly, stumbling a bit): U-Um... h-hi. We need to fill a prescription. I-it's for our baby. He has an ear infection, and...

The demon behind the desk, a sloth-like imp with a visor upside down and half-eaten snack in hand, stares blankly at the paper. He blinks once. Then twice.

Reception Imp: ...What's a 'pre-skrep-shun'?

Octavia: (deadpan) Seriously?

Reception Imp (yawning): Sorry, I don't do... reading. That's, like, Wendy's job. Or maybe Carl's? Unless Carl's still sleeping in the bathroom...

Y/N: (visibly overwhelmed, pulling his hoodie tighter) I-I can just... wait, I guess... i-it's okay...

Octavia (gritting her teeth): No. We are not waiting while our son screams his lungs out at home. Where's the pharmacy?

The imp slowly raises an arm and gestures somewhere vaguely to the left.

Reception Imp: Down the hallway, third... or fourth... or fifth door on the... wait. Maybe it's upstairs? If the elevator's working...

Y/N (nervously): O-oh no...

They wander down the dim hallway lined with cracked tiles and groaning pipes. One nurse is face-down asleep on a gurney. Another is playing solitaire on a monitor from 1998. A third keeps muttering to a broken vending machine.

Octavia (to herself): This is like trying to get help in a zombie apocalypse where the zombies are just... super unmotivated.

They finally find the pharmacy window. A sleepy succubus behind the glass is painting her nails, phone on speaker blasting a podcast called "Why Try?"

Octavia: Excuse me. We need antibiotics for a baby with a 101.3 fever and an ear infection. This is the prescription. It's urgent.

Pharmacy Worker (still not looking up): Uh-huh... mmm. Our system's down. And by 'system' I mean Frank, and Frank's at lunch. He left around... 6:00?

Y/N (softly): I-it's 12:15...

Pharmacy Worker (shrugs): Yeah, he takes long lunches.

Octavia: (deep inhale through her nose) I swear on all the stars, I will burn this entire building to the ground.

Y/N gently puts his hand on her arm, trying to calm her down, his voice small but steady.

Y/N: M-maybe we can try another hospital...? O-Or... or I can look up... home remedies?

Octavia sighs, rubbing her eyes, the tension finally hitting her.

Octavia (murmuring): No. You shouldn't have to do that. You're already doing so much...

Suddenly, an old janitor demon walks by pushing a squeaky cart. He stops, squints at them.

Janitor: You need baby antibiotics?

Y/N & Octavia: Yes!

Janitor (reaches into his cart and pulls out a dusty bottle): This one's still good. I think.

Y/N (gently taking it): Th-thank you, sir...

Janitor: No problem. Don't tell Carl. He thinks he's the only one who knows where the backup stash is.

He shuffles off.

Octavia (deadpan): We are never coming back to Sloth General again.

Y/N (quiet laugh, clutching the bottle carefully): Y-yeah... l-let's just... go home...

They walk out together, Y/N still hunched slightly from anxiety, Octavia visibly restraining every urge to scream. But as they leave, she leans her head against his shoulder with a soft sigh, grateful it's over—for now.

———

INT. Y/N & OCTAVIA'S HOME – NURSERY – NIGHT

A soft glow from a nightlight in the shape of a tiny Hellhound illuminates the nursery. The room is warm, quiet, and filled with the gentle hum of a white noise machine. Orion rests in his crib, snuggled under his baby blanket, his little face still flushed from the fever but finally calm.

The door creaks open and Loona tiptoes inside, ears perked, holding a warm bottle just in case. She peers over the crib rail and lets out a soft breath of relief when she sees Orion sleeping peacefully.

Loona (whispering): Hey, squirt. Looking better now...

She slowly kneels beside the crib, resting her arms on the side, watching the tiny infant shift in his sleep. His little fingers curl, then uncurl, his nose scrunches in that adorable way babies do when dreaming.

Loona (softly, with a smirk): You had us all freakin' out. You know that, right? Screaming like the world was ending. Little drama king.

Orion whines in his sleep, a tired sound more like a kitten mewl than a cry.

Loona's expression softens.

Loona (murmuring): Yeah, yeah, I know... ear infections suck. I used to get 'em when I was little too. The shelter didn't have a clue what to do. Wrapped my ears in hot towels and gave me expired painkillers... real top-tier parenting.

She gently reaches through the crib bars and brushes her clawed finger along Orion's head, surprisingly gentle.

Loona (almost inaudible): You're lucky, y'know? You got real parents. Ones who'd drag themselves across Hell just to get you what you need...

Orion stirs, sucking softly on his pacifier.

Loona lets out a soft laugh, one she tries to cover up with a throat-clearing cough. She pulls the blanket up a little more, tucking him in like she's seen Octavia do.

LOONA (smirking as she stands up): Alright, tiny prisoner. Get some rest. Your mom and dad'll be home soon... and I'll make fun of them for panicking like idiots later.

She turns to leave, casting one last glance at him.

Loona (softly): You're kinda cute when you're not screaming your lungs out.

She tiptoes out, gently pulling the door until it clicks shut behind her, leaving the nursery in peace.

Loona moves with the stealth of a seasoned predator, her paws making the faintest sound as she tiptoes away from the crib like a ninja. She reaches the hallway, her arms crossed smugly.

Loona (whispering to herself): Still got it.

CREEEAAAK.

Her paw presses down on a loose floorboard. A tiny snap of wood shifting. Her eyes widen in slow motion.

ORION (O.S.): WAAAAAAHHHHH!!!

Loona freezes mid-step.

LOONA:...Goddammit.

She spins around, rushing back into the nursery.

Orion is now wide awake, face scrunched, little arms flailing like angry noodles. His pacifier is somewhere on the other side of the crib. His little wail fills the room like a siren.

Loona (rushing over): No no no—shhh! I just got you down, dude!

She frantically pats his chest in that awkward "please sleep" way, half-begging the universe for mercy.

LOONA (panicking slightly): Okay, okay, what do babies want? Uh... bottle? Rattle? Blood pact with a sleep demon?

Orion's cry gets louder.

Loona finds the pacifier on the floor, gives it a quick wipe on her hoodie, and pops it gently back into his mouth.

Orion: Mmmf. (hiccup)

The cries die down to soft whimpers. His tiny hand grabs one of her fingers, holding tight.

Loona exhales, shoulders slumping.

Loona (softly, with a tiny grin): Drama. Absolute drama.

She picks up his plush imp toy, tucks it beside him, and gently rocks the crib just a little.

Loona (whispering): Back to sleep, kiddo. I swear if you wake up again, I'm blaming your mom's side of the family.

She watches as Orion slowly calms again, his eyelids fluttering shut. After a beat, she backs up... slow... careful... eyes on the floorboards this time.

And quietly, she makes her escape.

Loona gently eases the door shut behind her, pressing her back to it with a long sigh of relief—only to nearly jump when she hears soft footsteps.

Verosika (whispering, concerned): I heard the crying. Everything okay?

Loona gives her a half-smile, still catching her breath.

Loona: Yeah... barely. I stepped on a floorboard.

Verosika snorts softly, arms folded, dressed in comfy sleepwear that still looks way too fashionable for babysitting.

Verosika: He didn't sound impressed.

Loona: No. Pretty sure he screamed in Demonic Latin at me.

Verosika smirks and gently opens the door a crack to peek in. Orion is finally starting to settle, the pacifier bobbing slightly with every tiny breath.

Verosika: (softly) He's still fighting it a little. Kid's got lungs like his daddy.

Loona chuckles, her voice quieter now.

Loona: Yeah... and drama like his mama.

Verosika: Which one?

They both stifle a laugh before Verosika glances sideways at her.

Verosika: (gently) You're doing good, y'know. He likes you.

Loona shrugs, ears twitching.

Loona: I'm still figuring babies out. But... I kinda like the little guy.

Verosika's expression softens.

Verosika: Same. He's lucky. Y/N and Octavia, too. I'd have set the house on fire if I had to deal with this on my own.

Loona grins.

Loona: Same. Except I'd blame it on Blitzo.

They quietly giggle again before Verosika nudges Loona's shoulder.

Verosika: Come on. I made tea. It's warm. And spiked.

Loona: ...You had me at 'spiked.'

They tiptoe away together, soft laughter fading as the hallway quiets—leaving the nursery in peace once more.

——-

Loona and Verosika are curled up on the couch, half-asleep, sipping from mismatched mugs when the front door gently creaks open.

Y/N and Octavia step inside, both looking exhausted but relieved. Y/N is holding a small bag from the pharmacy, clutched close like it's sacred. Octavia still has her arms folded, her face somewhere between annoyed and bone-tired.

Octavia: We are so sorry. That place was a circus.

Y/N (softly, shyly): I... um... the pharmacist fell asleep... standing up.

Verosika sits up, raising an eyebrow.

Verosika: Was that before or after they tried to give you cough drops for an ear infection?

Y/N nods solemnly, lips pressed into a line.

Y/N:...Before. They also gave us... blood thinner?

Loona groans and stands, stretching her arms over her head.

Loona: Demons in Sloth are the worse than Stolas when he's depressed. No offense.

Octavia: (sighing) None taken. I wanted to scream half the time. But we got everything. Antibiotics, ear drops, and a better thermometer.

Y/N steps forward nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.

Y/N: Did he... um... was he okay? While we were gone?

Verosika walks over and gently places a hand on his shoulder.

VEROSIKA: He cried, peed, screamed again, threw a pacifier, and then passed out like a champ. But yeah, he's okay. Still loud though.

Loona smirks and playfully nudges Y/N with her elbow.

Loona: You owe us big time, babysitter boy.

Y/N: (blushing) I... I can bake something! Or—draw! Or—um... snacks? I-I'll think of something. A date?

Octavia rolls her eyes affectionately and walks past them toward the nursery.

Octavia: Let's go check on our son before he declares war on the pacifier again.

Y/N follows close behind her, glancing back at Verosika and Loona.

Y/N: Thank you... really.

Both girls smile.

Verosika: Anytime, sweet boy.

Loona: Yeah. Go be a dad. We'll clean up.

Y/N nods and disappears down the hall with Octavia, leaving the two babysitters to collapse back on the couch with satisfied sighs.

Soft moonlight filters through the curtains as Octavia tiptoes into the room, Y/N close behind her holding the medicine bag like it's fragile glass. The nursery is quiet, save for the faint sound of a sniffle from the crib.

Orion is curled up in his blanket, cheeks flushed, eyes watery, clearly uncomfortable. As soon as he sees his mommy, he lets out a soft whimper.

Octavia: (gently) I know, little star... I know. Mommy's here.

She scoops him up carefully, nestling him against her chest. Orion lets out a tired fuss, his tiny hand clutching a bit of her shirt.

Y/N stands off to the side, quietly prepping the dropper, his hands a little shaky but precise. He offers it to Octavia, who sits in the rocker and holds Orion carefully in her arms.

OCTAVIA: (soft, soothing) Okay, sweetie. Just a tiny bit. It'll help your ear feel better, I promise.

She gently places the dropper near his lips. Orion squirms at first, confused, but with his parents' soft cooing and calming presence, he eventually takes the medicine—his little face scrunching up at the taste.

OCTAVIA: (smiling softly) There we go. Brave boy.

Y/N smiles shyly, watching them, heart warmed.

Y/N: (quietly) He... he's like a little star with the sniffles.

Octavia chuckles, rocking Orion gently. The baby, comforted by her voice and warmth, settles down with a soft sigh, his eyelids beginning to flutter.

OCTAVIA: (kissing his forehead) Sleep, little comet. The worst is almost over.

Y/N walks over, kneeling beside the chair and watching as their son slowly drifts back to sleep in her arms. Octavia leans her head against his.

The rocker creaks softly beneath Octavia as she continues to sway, her arms curled securely around Orion. The medicine seems to be working—his breathing evens out, and the restless twitching fades from his tiny limbs. His head nuzzles gently under her chin, warm and safe.

Y/N stays kneeling beside them, hands clasped tightly in his lap, his eyes fixed on the peaceful rhythm of their child's chest. He still looks worried, but there's relief in his shy smile. He leans against Octavia's leg, resting his head lightly against her knee.

Y/N (softly): I was scared... when he wouldn't stop crying. I didn't know if we were gonna get the right stuff in time.

Octavia (gently, still rocking): You did good, starlight. You kept it together... better than I did.

She runs her fingers through Y/N's hair, soothing him with the same tenderness she gives Orion. Y/N melts into her touch, shyly tucking his head closer to her.

Y/N (murmuring): You're amazing, you know that? Even when everything's going wrong, you still... you still know how to hold it all together.

OCTAVIA (soft laugh): You think I have it all together?

She kisses the top of his head, just as she did Orion's. Her voice drops into something softer, almost broken.

OCTAVIA (cont'd): I was so scared too, Y/N. I thought I was gonna break down in that hospital. But then I looked at you, and you were just... focused. Determined. For him.

Y/N blushes, eyes dipping down. He shrugs sheepishly.

Y/N: I just... I love him. I love both of you. I didn't wanna let you down.

Octavia shifts, freeing one hand so she can touch his face. Her thumb gently traces his cheek.

Octavia: You never do.

They stay there in the soft quiet of the room—two young parents wrapped in the glow of moonlight and the soft weight of love. Orion lets out a little sigh in his sleep, his tiny hand curling up between them.

Y/N reaches over and gently touches Orion's hand with a pinky. The baby's fingers instinctively wrap around it.

Y/N (whispering):...he's getting better.

Octavia (smiling softly): He is.

Y/N glances up, shy but full of love. He opens his mouth to say something—but instead, he leans in and presses a kiss to Octavia's temple

The door opens quietly, letting in a sliver of light from the hallway. Verosika and Loona peek in, both tiptoeing gently toward the rocking chair where Octavia and Y/N are still sitting with a now-sleeping Orion nestled snugly in his mother's arms.

Y/N looks up when he sees them, his shy smile surfacing the moment they come into view. He's still holding Orion's tiny hand, his pinky gently caught in the baby's soft grasp.

Verosika (whispering): Hey, mama and papa bear.

LOONA (softly, smirking): Looks like everything's okay now.

They both crouch down on either side of Y/N. Loona places a hand on his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. Verosika tucks a loose strand of hair behind his ear, her touch sweet and surprisingly tender.

Without saying a word, Verosika leans in and kisses Y/N gently on the cheek. He blushes instantly, ducking his head a little.

Loona rolls her eyes playfully and leans in from the other side, planting her own kiss on the opposite cheek.

Loona: You're a good dad, dork.

Y/N blushes deeper, unable to meet their eyes, but he lets out a small, bashful giggle.

Y/N (softly): Th-thanks...

Octavia watches the whole thing with a smirk, one brow raised but clearly amused—and not at all jealous. She shakes her head, tired but grateful.

Octavia: You two wanna kiss my husband, at least wait till I'm asleep.