As the months passed and your belly grew, Leo only grew more protective. Every little task you tried to do alone became an excuse for him to step in—whether it was reaching for something high, carrying a grocery bag, or even bending too far to pick something up. To him, you weren't just pregnant—you were carrying their daughter, Merlia, and that made you the most precious thing in his world. His love had always been fierce, but with every kick he felt against his hand, every flutter he heard during doctor's appointments, it deepened into something almost overwhelming. He treated you like you were his treasure, his responsibility, his heart in human form.

That night, the apartment was quiet except for the soft hum of the city outside your windows. Leo sat comfortably on the living room couch, leaning back with his phone in hand, scrolling through an article about newborn sleep schedules. His dark button-up shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, sleeves rolled casually, wedding ring catching the light as he flicked the screen with his thumb. For once, he looked relaxed—pale grey eyes focused, the faintest smile tugging at his lips.

Meanwhile, in your bedroom, you were preparing a prank you'd seen online—a harmless little joke to test your husband's famously overprotective nature. You set everything up, positioning yourself by the bed with a small puddle of water carefully staged beneath your feet before you called him, your voice sharp enough to snap his attention away instantly.

The phone slipped onto the couch cushion as he bolted upright, heart hammering in his chest. He didn't hesitate, running straight for the bedroom, every muscle in his body tense with alarm. Bursting through the doorway, his eyes locked onto you standing by the bed, a puddle of water glistening at your feet.

"Sweetheart—your water broke?!" his voice came out rough, urgent, as he rushed toward you, his pale grey eyes wide with fear and love, "Are you hurting? Do you feel contractions?" His voice cracked with urgency, words tumbling out as his thumb brushed over your knuckles, grounding himself even as he tried to ground you