The dim light of Billie's hotel room cast soft shadows along the walls as she leaned back on the couch, shoveling noodles into her mouth. She watched Mars, who was pacing barefoot across the room in nothing but a pair of black boxers, cradling a passed-out Zaine in her arms. Zaine's tiny arms draped limply over Mars's shoulder, his curls flattened against her neck as she rocked him with a practiced ease. It was moments like these that made Billie's heart ache with a weird mixture of love, fear, and contentment she hadn't fully made sense of yet.

"I don't know if I ever had a plan for my life," Billie muttered between bites, "but... if I did, I think pregnancy was supposed to happen way later down the road."

Mars, still swaying gently with Zaine's weight against her, glanced at Billie and gave her a small, knowing smile. "Real shit," Mars murmured in agreement, adjusting the sleeping child as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Billie grinned lazily at the sight. There was something so magnetic about watching Mars move—her ease, the strength in her presence, and how seamlessly she handled Zaine, like parenting was second nature. It made Billie feel oddly at peace, like maybe she could actually figure out this whole pregnancy thing after all.

"I told my team I'm pregnant," Billie continued, setting the empty carton of noodles aside. "They all freaked out—like, immediately started asking me to push back or cancel some tour dates." She huffed, brushing her hair behind her ear. "I guess it's not that surprising, but still... it was a lot."

Mars shifted Zaine's weight in her arms and sat down on the edge of the bed, careful not to disturb the boy's sleep. "Yeah, well, what'd they expect? You're Billie Eilish. You've got a whole world watching you."

Billie snorted, the hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "You make it sound like I'm the Pope or something."

Mars chuckled under her breath and shot her a look—half amused, half serious. "You are kind of a big deal, ma. People are gonna freak over this."

Billie sighed, leaning her head against the back of the couch. "I think I'll start showing by February... which means I don't have much time." She absentmindedly traced a hand over her belly, which still felt flat and familiar. "Oddly enough, I'm not scared about it. I might have to move some dates closer, though—finish the tour by May, maybe."

Mars tilted her head thoughtfully. "So you're not thinking of canceling the tour?"

"No," Billie said, shaking her head. "I think I can pull it off. I just need to finish before I get too far along." She chewed on her bottom lip. "The real question is how people are going to react once they know."

Mars nodded, her expression calm but supportive. "Yeah... they'll probably be all up in your business. But they're already all up in your business anyway."

"True," Billie agreed with a small laugh.

For a moment, silence settled over the room. The only sound was the low hum of the hotel's heater and the faint rustle of Zaine's even breathing. Mars looked down at the little boy, smoothing a hand over his curls, and something warm flickered in Billie's chest. She loved watching them like this—Mars, tender and at ease with Zaine, radiating that quiet, steady kind of love that made everything seem less overwhelming.

Billie shifted on the couch, propping her chin on her hand. "Does it ever freak you out?" she asked softly, her gaze steady on Mars. "Knowing we're gonna have a kid together?"

Mars glanced up, her mismatched eyes meeting Billie's. There was a flicker of something—vulnerability, maybe—but it was gone as quickly as it had come. "Yeah," Mars admitted, her voice low. "It does. But it's the good kind of freak-out, if that makes sense."

Billie's heart squeezed in her chest. "What does that even mean?"

Mars smiled gently, adjusting Zaine in her arms. "It means I'm scared, but I also know we'll figure it out. We've already got Zaine, and we're doing okay with him." She paused, tilting her head. "But if you ever feel like this shit is getting heavy then know that I got you mama."

"I know," Billie whispered, her voice a little shaky. "I know you do."

Mars stood up carefully, crossing the room to lay Zaine down on the bed. The boy stirred for a moment but quickly settled, curling up into the blanket Mars draped over him. Mars lingered by the bed for a second, making sure he was comfortable, before turning back to Billie.

"Come here," Mars murmured, her voice soft.

Billie stood up and walked over, slipping into Mars's arms without hesitation. Mars wrapped her up tightly, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. They stood there like that for a while—no words, just the quiet comfort of being together.

The next morning, Billie woke up to the soft sounds of Zaine's giggles as Mars entertained him with a goofy story about dinosaurs. The two of them were curled up on the bed, Zaine practically draped over Mars's huge frame as they whispered and laughed together. Billie stayed still for a moment, just watching them, her heart full.

Mars looked over and caught her staring, a playful grin spreading across her face. "Morning, mama."

Billie smiled, warmth blooming in her chest. "Morning."

Zaine squirmed excitedly at the sound of her voice. "Billie! Dada told me 'bout a dinosaur with three heads! Can you believe that?"

Billie laughed, sliding off the bed and kneeling next to them. "Three heads? No way. I think Mars is making stuff up."

Mars feigned offense, her hand over her heart. "I would never lie about dinosaurs." She tickled his side.

Zaine giggled uncontrollably, burying his face in Mars's chest.

Billie shook her head, grinning. "You two are ridiculous."

Mars leaned down, brushing her lips against Billie's temple. "Yeah, but you love us."

Billie sighed dramatically. "Unfortunately, I do."

They spent the rest of the morning tangled together—Zaine bouncing between them.