Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a fresh evening at Pearl and Marina's place. The pair was sitting down on the couch beside Aubrey. Marina's hands lay together in her lap, her tentacles squirming nervously, while Pearl rested a hand on Aubrey’s shoulder, giving them a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

“Brey,” Pearl began, her voice unusually soft, “there’s something important we want to talk to you about.”

Aubrey’s smile trembled slightly, their fingers tightening around the edge of the couch cushion. They tilted their head with a polite expression on their face, even though they could already feel a slight unease slipping in.

Marina cleared her throat, looking at Pearl, who nodded. “So, we’ve been thinking about this for a while,” she said, choosing each word with care.

“You’re grown up now, sugar. You have Captain now, and you spend a lot of time together. We’re so happy for you…” Her voice trailed off as if she were searching for the right words. Aubrey’s heart began to race. It was subtle at first, just a quiet dread pooling in the back of their throat. They knew Pearl and Marina meant well, they always had. But something about this felt off.

“We were thinking,” Pearl continued, leaning toward them slightly, “that maybe it’s time for us to bring someone else into the family. We… we’re ready to have another child.”

For a split second, Aubrey was silent. Their smile stayed, frozen in place, as their brain tried to process Pearl’s words. Suddenly, a terrifying thought crept into their mind. Another child? The dread thickened, a familiar fear starting to claw its way through their stomach.

“W-What do you mean?” Aubrey’s voice trembled, their usual calm slipping. They forced themselves to keep smiling, though they could feel their face crumbling and the edges of their lips trembling. “Do you want someone else because… because I’m not enough?”

Pearl’s eyes widened. “No, no, Brey!” she said quickly, scooting closer. “That ain't it at all! You’re a wonderful child. You’re everything we could’ve hoped for and more.”

Marina chimed in, her voice shaking a little. “We just… well, we feel like there’s more love to give, you know? You’re still our darling. Nothing’s changing that.”

But Aubrey’s mind was already spiraling, doubts flooding their mind. The familiar weight of anxiety pressed down on their stomach, the walls of the room seemingly getting smaller. They suddenly stood up, making both Pearl and Marina jump back slightly.

“I… can’t,” Aubrey’s voice broke, and they turned, darting down the hallway to their room, slamming the door shut behind them.

Once inside, their "calm" facade shattered. They could feel the panic rising and a tightness in their throat that made it hard to breathe. They gripped the edge of their desk, gasping, teardrops falling from their eyes. It felt like they were drowning and the whole world was crumbling around them.

They buried their face in their hands, tears falling freely now. They weren’t even sure why this hurt so much. They’d always known that their moms loved them, so why did it feel like their world was being ripped away? Were they really that easy to replace?

Aubrey stood still, the room around them feeling impossibly big and unbearably small all at once. The muffled sounds of their parents’ voices seeped through the door, but it felt distant, as if coming from another world.

They stumbled to the bed, sitting on the edge, their hands clutching the blanket until their knuckles turned white. Their breathing was shallow as they tried to hold themselves together. But the words their parents had said—another child—kept echoing in their mind, each repetition like a needle pricking at their heart.

Their chest tightened, the overwhelming pressure making their hands shake. They stood abruptly, grabbing a pillow from the bed and flinging it to the floor, landing with a dull thump. Then the other pillow followed, more violently. They bit their lip to keep from making any sound as tears began streaming harder down their face.

The blankets were next, yanked off the bed in a messy mountain, somewhat pulling the mattress off too, making it so half was on the ground. They stood there, staring at the pile on the floor, their breath coming in shallow, uneven gasps.

They proceeded to snatch their plushies off of their shelves, not worrying about their "feelings" as usual. They didn’t even think about how their normal self usually apologizes to each one of them if they happen to fall down.

The room felt even more suffocating now, the walls felt like they were closing in with the mess taking up space in their room, the familiarity of their room transformed into something alien and unknown. Their gaze shifted to the desk, where a neat stack of books stood. The sight of that order, that calm, made their chest twist painfully. With trembling hands, they grabbed the books one by one, dropping them to the floor in slow, deliberate movements. Each thud was softer than the storm in their head, but it was something—some way to let the chaos escape. Aubrey sank to the floor amidst the scattered pillows and books, curling into themselves. Their arms wrapped tightly around their knees as their body shook with quiet sobs. The sounds were muffled, barely louder than their unsteady breathing. It was like they were too small to scream, their voice lost somewhere in the weight of their fear.

Was i not enough? What if they don’t want me anymore? The thoughts pained them endlessly, each one cutting deeper than the last.

The softness of the carpet beneath them and the faint rustling of the blankets were the only sensations anchoring them to reality. But even that felt fragile, like it could slip away at any moment.

They buried their face against their knees, tears soaking through their jeans. The worried murmurs of their mothers started getting more clear, managing to slip through the heavy mess in their mind. For now, all Aubrey could do was stay in their small corner made of their own dismay, silently falling apart as they tried to listen to their parents.

Outside the door, Pearl and Marina exchanged worried glances. They hadn’t meant for it to go like this. They hadn’t wanted their announcement to send Aubrey spiraling.

“Brey?” Pearl’s voice was soft. “Please… just, c’mon out.”

But there was no response, only the faint, heartbreaking sound of quiet sobs from the other side.

Marina pressed her hand against the door, a guilty look in her eyes. “They’re… not okay.”

“I could tell by all the ruckus they made.” Pearl whispered, her voice tight with worry but still sarcastic in her own way.

They stayed by the door, taking turns talking to Aubrey, doing their best to talk them through their pity party. Pearl’s voice was firm but loving, reassuring them that they were irreplaceable, that this new child wasn’t meant to fill a gap or push Aubrey out. Marina's voice was compassionate and soothing, humming to them sweet melodies and whispering gentle words between the songs to ease their mind.

After what felt like an eternity, Aubrey’s sobs quieted, and the door slowly creaked open. Their face was tear-streaked, eyes red, cheeks puffy. They looked so… small.

“Do… do you really mean it?” they whispered, voice raw. “I’m… still gonna be your baby?”

Marina stepped forward, pulling them into a tight hug. “Always. You’re ours, darling. Nothing changes that.” Her tentacles curled gently around Aubrey’s shoulders.

Pearl wrapped her arms around them too. “We love you so much, darling. No one could ever take your place.”

Exhausted, Aubrey sagged against them, letting their parents hold them as the last bits of panic slowly faded away. For the first time that evening, they allowed themselves to believe it, to feel the warmth and comfort in Pearl and Marina’s embrace.

The couple held Aubrey close, their touches gentle and steady as if trying to mend the pieces of Aubrey's broken self together, pained by the way their child had been destroyed before them. The quiet finally lifted a little as they stood in that embrace, their moms’ comforting warmth pushing back against the anxious chill that had gripped them so tightly.

After a while, Aubrey finally pulled back, their hands shaking slightly as they scrubbed at their tear-streaked cheeks. "I’m... I’m sorry," they whispered, their voice still unsteady. "I didn’t mean to freak out like that. I just thought—"

Pearl shook her head, cutting them off with a warm, reassuring smile. “Brey, you never have to apologize to us for how you feel, 'kay?” she said, resting a hand on their shoulder. “This… it’s a big change, but I promise, it doesn’t change our love for you, kiddo.”

Marina nodded, her gaze tender as she brushed a stray tear from Aubrey’s cheek. “I get it. Sometimes, love can be confusing, especially when it feels like it’s changing.” She took a deep breath, trying to put the feeling into words. “But this isn’t about finding someone better or moving on. It’s about sharing all the love we already have.”

Aubrey sniffled, their shoulders relaxing slightly as they looked from one to the other. "I… I think I understand. It’s just… hard not to feel scared that if… what if they come, and everything’s different even if you promised?"

Pearl’s grip tightened around them, her thumb rubbing soothing circles over their shoulder. “Nothing will ever take away your place with us, Aubrey. This family is yours. It’s been that way since the day you came home with us, and it’ll be that way forever.”

Marina leaned her head against Aubrey’s, her voice soft. “And, if there’s ever a time where you feel anything like this again, you gotta tell us, okay? We’ll do whatever we can to make sure you never feel left out. Promise.”

Aubrey managed a shaky smile and a small nod. "Okay," they whispered, feeling the last of the tension melting away. They trusted Pearl and Marina; they knew how much their moms cared. If they believed it, then maybe… maybe it could be okay.

Pearl looked over her shoulder toward Aubrey’s room, where signs of the earlier storm were scattered: pillows and blankets tossed around, a few books lying on the floor. “Let’s get this cleaned up, huh?” she offered with a small grin. “Can’t leave your room looking like a tornado hit it.”

Aubrey let out a small laugh, the sound still a little weak but genuine. “Yeah… guess that’d be a good idea.”

Together, the three of them set to work, carefully picking up the pieces and putting everything back in place. Pearl teased lightly about the mess, her joking words filling the room with familiar warmth. Marina moved quietly and steadily, always staying close to Aubrey’s side, her tentacles shifting restlessly whenever Aubrey seemed to lose their focus, gently redirecting them.

Once the room was back in order, Marina placed a comforting hand on Aubrey’s cheek. "You’ve had a long day. Why don’t you get some rest?”

Aubrey hesitated, glancing down at their bed. Even with the reassurance, remnants of anxiety clung to them, a dull throb at the back of their mind. But they nodded, slowly sitting down on the edge of the bed.

Pearl knelt beside them, brushing a stray lock of their hair back. “We’re just in the other room, alright? If you need anything—anything at all—you call for us.” Her voice was a low whisper, her gaze filled with a tenderness that made Aubrey’s heart warm up.

Aubrey looked between them, feeling a surge of calmness rise in their chest. The doubt, the fear… it was still there, but it was smaller now, softened by their moms’ love. "Thanks, Mama. Thanks, Momma," they murmured, letting their voice trail off as they finally lay back against the pillows.

Marina tugged the blanket up around their shoulders, smoothing it down with gentle hands. "Goodnight, sugarcube."

Pearl leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to their forehead. “Goodnight, my star. We love you.”

Aubrey’s eyes drifted shut, the exhaustion from the emotional storm finally catching up to them. But this time, with the sound of their moms’ quiet voices in the background, they felt safe.

As Pearl and Marina tiptoed out of the room, closing the door with a quiet click, they exchanged a look, a silent understanding between them. Pearl wrapped her arms around Marina, leaning her head against her shoulder.

“We’ll take it slow,” she whispered, her voice filled with a fierce determination. “We’ll make sure Brey knows, every single day, how much we love them.”

Marina nodded, a small, tender smile on her face. “Their therapist should probably know about this..."

Chapter Text

Since that night about 4 months had passed, and Aubrey felt a little more grounded, a little less worried by the anxieties that had once suffocated them. But they still carried the tension in their shoulders, worry never far from their thoughts. Pearl and Marina had kept ensuring Aubrey felt loved and safe, but the thought of the new baby and of the changes it would bring still haunted them in their quiet moments; Like a tiger waiting for an antelope who's resting near a pond, jumping right when least expected and gnawing their stomach or throat where it's easier to pierce the skin and kill. That's what they felt whenever they stayed quiet for too long.

They had been seeing their therapist more frequently, and though the sessions had been exhausting, Aubrey was beginning to understand that healing wasn’t a straight line. It was okay to have setbacks. It was okay to still feel like that sometimes.

That day they were sitting beside Pearl and Marina in the doctor’s office, both of the parents were looking quite nervous. Marina’s hand was firmly clasped in Pearl’s, their fingers intertwined as they talked quietly amongst themselves to not focus on their worries, their voices low and reassuring. Aubrey was still unsure about how to feel, but the presence of their parents beside them made them feel a little safer.

The doctor—an old lobster with kind eyes and a warm smile—opened the door a d called them all in the room, her gentle manner putting Aubrey more at ease. 

The doctor's eyes lingered on Pearl before turning to the ultrasound machine. Marina and pearl had already seen the doctor a couple times to ensure the baby's safety and the gestation/birth plans with her, but this was the very first ultrasound and also the first time Aubrey met the old lady.

The lady held out her clawy hand for Aubrey to shake, speaking to them with a sweet tone.

"Good morning sweetie, you must be Aubrey right? Your mommies talked about you a lot! It's nice to finally meet you, you look a lot like your moms!" 

Aubrey felt themselves shiver a little in excitement. It wasn't something they never heard, it was quite common for people to tell them how similar they were to their adoptive parents. Other than being octolings Aubrey and Marina shared the same polite face, more than average height and awkward smile, but Aubrey also shared pearl's little nose, eyecolor and small hands. Their skin was a mix of their parents, it was the color of a warm cup of coffee with splash of milk, and they had the same unusual beak shape as them; which made it look like they had buck teeth. They tended to act more like marina, while still taking pearl's side in almost every splatfest choices, even if they could only partake to the final one. In short, Aubrey truly seemed like their adoptive parents.

"Oh, thank you Dr! It makes me so ha- i mean, uhm, I'm glad." They hesitated, trying to keep themselves as composed as possible

The doctor smiled at them, directing her gaze towards pearl. “How are we feeling today?” the doctor asked, already prepping the machine with efficient, practiced hands.

Pearl’s lips quirked into a smile. “A little anxious, but good. This will be our first ultrasound with the entire family present” she said, glancing over at Marina, whose excited expression never wavered, and then both of them directed their looks at Aubrey's quickly forming wide smile.

“I’m glad to hear it,” the doctor replied, giving a reassuring pat to Pearl’s arm. “It’s always an exciting thing. Now let’s check on the lil one.”

Marina squeezed Pearl’s hand as the doctor turned on the ultrasound. Aubrey felt a jolt of anxiety, smile disappearing, hands tightening into fists as they fought the urge to hide their face in their arms. They had never been comfortable with medical visits, they hated seeing others being visited, they felt like screaming when they accompanied their partner, Florence, to the ER because of a particularly painful migraine, but the lady seemed so nice and they didn't wanna inconvenience their moms.

The cool gel of the ultrasound spread across Pearl’s belly as the doctor moved the wand around, adjusting it for the best view. Aubrey could feel their heart pounding in their chest, each beat loud in their ears as they tried to keep their thoughts from spiraling.

"Everything looks good," the doctor said after a few moments, turning the screen to face them. "The baby is growing good. Healthy heart rate, everything seems right on track."

Aubrey looked towards the screen, and all they could see was a small oval that could't be bigger than a tennis ball. Inside that little oval they could see a very blurry shadow of something that looked like an ugly little bell with some ugly little thingies around. Those were the baby's tentacles, which were curled in themselves like in every egg.

Pearl's eyes flicked over to Marina, who gave a small, satisfied squeal. “That’s a relief,” Pearl murmured, leaning back into the little surgical table.

The doctor smiled warmly. “I’ll look at it a bit more and take some measurements, but everything looks great.” As she worked, the conversation shifted, and the doctor’s eyes returned to Pearl and Marina with a more serious expression.

“It’s also important that you get frequent checkups, considering the circumstances of the baby’s biology. There may be some nuances we need to monitor, especially with their development.”

Marina nodded, her brow furrowing slightly as she took in the information. “We understand. We’re committed to ensuring the health of our baby.” 

Aubrey shifted uncomfortably in their seat, their mind wandering as the conversation continued. They hadn’t thought much about how different the baby would be, how their unique biology would affect things. What if the baby turned out to be different from them, from Pearl and Marina? Would they feel like an outsider too sometimes?

Before they could wander with their mind too far, the doctor finished up with the ultrasound and cleaned off Pearl’s stomach, giving the three of them a warm smile. “We’ll schedule another appointment soon to make sure everything stays on track. For now, enjoy the rest of the day.”

As they left the office, Aubrey’s mind was spinning with questions, their thoughts a tangle of anxiety and confusion. But Pearl and Marina were always there, their quiet presence a constant reassurance.

When they got home, things went a little less smoothly than Aubrey expected. Pearl, still not used to being pregnant, found herself rushing to the bathroom moments after walking through the door. She barely made it, collapsing in front of the toilet as she retched into it. Aubrey winced slightly, always so sensitive to the sounds of someone else in distress after hearing all those screams in the metro, but Marina was there right away, her steady hands rubbing Pearl’s back.

“Are you okay, babe?” Marina asked softly, her voice calm and unwavering. Pearl barely nodded in response, her stomach unsettled by the little egg.

Aubrey couldn’t help but giggle softly, despite the situation. “I guess the baby’s already causing trouble, huh?”

Pearl let out a small groan, looking up at Aubrey with a weak smile. “Yeah, that’s right. Not even a full 2 months old, and already giving me a slippery slope to walk on-” she could barely finish talking when she felt another surge of puke coming, leaning towards the toilet and letting go of her lunch. Marina swithly tied her short tentacles into a small ponytail, patting her back.

"Darling could you go get her a glass of water? I'm sure she'd appreciate it" whispered marina, her kind and slightly sad voice filling Aubrey's heart with love for her momma.

Aubrey grabbed a glass of water from the kitchen, almost running back to them and handed it to Pearl. They felt a little lighter now, a little more at ease seeing their mom handle the chaos so smoothly.

Marina gave Aubrey a small smile as Pearl sipped the water. “Brey, you’re a good kid. We’re lucky to have you.”

Aubrey’s smile was hesitant, but genuine. "I’m lucky to have you too."

After a few more moments of tender care, Pearl slowly sat back against the bathroom wall, finally feeling a little better. “Thanks for helping, my loves. You’re the best.”

Aubrey simply nodded, feeling proud. They helped Pearl back to the living room, where they wrapped up in a blanket on the couch, popcorn in hand.

The evening felt quieter, more peaceful than the earlier chaos. Aubrey snuggled in, choosing a movie for them all to watch together, Pearl munching on more popcorn than Aubrey had ever seen her eat.

Marina raised an eyebrow, eyeing Pearl’s almost manic popcorn consumption. “You sure you’re not eating for more than one baby?” she teased lightly.

Aubrey giggled, unable to resist teasing their mom. “Maybe the baby’s got a taste for salty popcorn too. Maybe you're finally gonna get some meat on those bones.”

Pearl looked at them both, her eyes twinkling. “Hey, it’s not my fault it’s good you assholes. Bet the kid’s gonna be just like me.”

Aubrey smiled softly, feeling their heart swell with love for their moms. Pearl, though often brash, had a way of making everything feel more lighthearted. Marina wrapped her arms around both of them, the soft hum of the tv voice filling the space. The tension of the day started to slip off of their shoulders.

Pearl yawned, resting her head on Marina’s lap, and soon enough, she was fast asleep. Marina took a moment to gently stroke Pearl’s tentacles before turning her gaze back to Aubrey, offering a soft smile.

“You know,” Marina murmured, gently reaching a hand to caress their head “no matter what happens with the baby, you’ll always be our first baby, darling. Please remember this.”

Aubrey snuggled closer, allowing Marina’s soothing touch to ease the remaining tension from their body. “I know, Momma.”

Marina smiled, gently scratching their head. "Goodnight, sugar."

And with that, the warmth of their family cocooned them all, their love a steady rhythm that, for now, seemed enough to sway whatever lay ahead.

____________________________________________________

The days that followed seemed to carry a quiet rhythm, each moment slipping into the next like a soft lullaby. Aubrey knew they found their place in the family, but there were still moments where they questioned what their future would look like, especially with the new baby on the way. Despite these worries they had never felt more loved, and with Pearl and Marina's constant support, it became easier to embrace the changes.

But even in this warmth, Aubrey still found themselves struggling with the unspoken tension they carried, the unease that tightened their chest in moments of silence. They loved their family—they loved Pearl and Marina with all their heart—but the thought of becoming a big sibling, of sharing their parents' attention, was haunting. What if the baby needed all of it? What if they were left behind? Their therapist was making them work so hard on it yet they still couldn't fully feel safe about it yet.

As the house settled into the quiet hum of night, Aubrey sat at the kitchen table, tracing with their small fingers the edge of a mug. Pearl and Marina were in the living room, talking in hushed voices about where the baby's room was going to be. Aubrey couldn’t hear all the details, but they felt the weight of it, the growing awareness of how much was about to change.

It wasn’t just the baby that was changing things. Aubrey’s thoughts, their feelings, the way they viewed themselves—everything was shifting. They felt like they were standing on the edge of something they didn’t fully understand, but that they knew would be impossible to turn back from.

Before they could lose themselves in thought, the sound of footsteps approached, and Marina appeared in the doorway, her gentle expression a contrast to the storm brewing in Aubrey’s mind.

“Everything okay, sweetheart?” Marina asked, her voice low and soothing.

Aubrey forced a smile, nodding. “Yeah, just thinking... about the baby.”

Marina’s expression softened even more as she crossed the room to sit beside them, her hand brushing Aubrey’s. “I know it’s a lot to take in, honey. But you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here. You’ve always been our first priority, and that won’t change. We’ll make room for both of you in our hearts.”

Aubrey swallowed the lump in their throat, the familiar sting of doubt creeping back. “But… what if the baby needs more? What if I’m not enough anymore? What if… you won’t need me?”

Marina’s lip quivered a little as she took Aubrey’s hand in both of hers, squeezing gently. “sugar, listen to me. You’re our child, and that doesn’t change, no matter what happens. The love we have for you won’t be divided, it will only grow. We’re all going to be a family, no matter how many of us there are.”

Aubrey let out a breath, though the unease still lingered in their throat. 

“I just... don’t want to lose you two. You're the only family i have...” they shed a tear, hands shaking slightly.

Marina’s voice was tender, but firm as she stroked Aubrey’stentacles. “You won’t be, darling. Not now, not ever. You’re our baby, and we will always make space for you.” 

Just then, Pearl’s voice floated through the room, a bit hoarse from a long day. “I think what Momma’s trying to say is that no one is ever going to take your place, Brey. You’re stuck with us.”

Aubrey turned to see Pearl leaning against the doorframe, a playful smile on her lips. Despite her usual bravado, Aubrey could see the sincerity in her eyes, the same golden eyes filled with love and sweetness that they shared.

Aubrey chuckled softly, feeling the tension in their shoulders ease. “I guess I can live with that.”

Pearl winked and crossed the room to sit beside them, leaning into the embrace of Marina’s side. “Good, ‘cause I’ve got way too many snacks stocked up for our movie nights to have you bail on us now.”

Marina chuckled, her fingers idly playing with one of Pearl’s tentacles. “You’re right about that. No one gets to escape movie night duties.”

Aubrey grinned, their heart completely lightening for the first time in what felt like ages. They snuggled closer to their moms, the familiar warmth of the moment offering more comfort than they’d anticipated.

Aubrey stared at their moms, a strange, peaceful excitement stirring inside them. For a moment, their worries about the baby seemed small, dwarfed by the reality of what was happening. This wasn’t just about the baby—it was about them. About the family they were all becoming, together.

“Maybe the baby will have a taste for sweet popcorn too” Aubrey teased softly, a mischievous glint in their eye.

Pearl laughed, nudging them with her elbow. “I’m hoping they won't cuz i no child of mine has liked sweet popcorn yet. ”

That earned her a side eye from marina and a playful scoff.

The rest of the evening passed in comfortable silence, love and humor that always seemed to find its way between them. Aubrey still wasn’t sure about everything, about the future or about their place in this ever-growing family, but as they lay between Pearl and Marina that night, the steady beat of their hearts offering a gentle rhythm, they realized that they weren’t alone. And for now, that was enough.

____________________________________________________

Months passed, and life carried on with its usual rhythm. Pearl found herself painting the walls of the nursery in a soft pastel yellow, carefully dabbing at the surface with long strokes of the roller. The color was light, warm, soothing—a perfect color for the baby’s first room. 

Her baby bump was showing, and though she tried her best to keep up with the work around the house, the strain was starting to fatigue her. The baby seemed to have taken after Marina in terms of stature, and Pearl, being the small squid she is, was starting to feel the weight of it all. Her once small, agile frame was growing more cumbersome, especially with the constant physical demands of pregnancy. But despite the discomfort, Pearl was determined to be involved, especially when it came to creating the nursery for their little one. But there were moments when she had to admit to herself that the physical exertion was wearing her down more than she wanted to admit. She longed to help with the heavier tasks—lifting furniture, assembling baby gear, tackling the woodwork and tech installations that came with preparing a nursery—but the doctor’s orders were clear. She had to take it easy.

Aubrey was the one who had stepped up, taking on more of the physical labor. They were incredibly skilled, especially when it came to working with wood. Their hands were steady and precise so they threw themselves into the project with an enthusiasm that Pearl couldn’t help but admire. Aubrey had quickly become the chief builder of the nursery, working on a crib in Marina and Pearl’s garage while their momma worked on the crib mobile.

The soft noises of sanding and the occasional swirl of the power tools filled the space as Aubrey meticulously shaped each piece of wood. It wasn’t just about the final product, it was about creating something special for their baby sibling. Their focus was intense, but their passion was even stronger.

It was during one of these sessions that The Captain came into the garage with a small plate of cookies. They weren’t the kind of person to sugarcoat things, but they knew when to offer a break. The plate was small, just a few cookies with little chocolate chips sticking out.

“Take a break, Aubrey. You’ve been sanding for hours” Florence signed firmly, holding out the plate.

Aubrey paused, wiping sweat from their brow, and smiled softly. “Thanks, Ren. I guess I was getting a bit lost in the work.”

Florence shrugged, their lips pulling into a small grin. “Yeah, but you don’t have to get lost all the time, you know? Take a breather.” they patted their back.

Aubrey took the cookie, nibbling at the edge thoughtfully before speaking again. “I’m just... I’m excited to help. But at the same time... I don’t know. I’m worried that if i don'tpartake enough they'll... I know i shouldn't be worrying tho.”

The statement hung in the air, heavier than the tools that surrounded them. Florence's eyes softened as they sat down beside Aubrey, setting the plate of cookies between them.

“I get it,” Florence answered after a moment, their demeanor quiet but full of understanding. “I felt that way when Agent 4 came along. I was doing everything on my own, and then one day, I came back from a mission, and there they were taking my place. I spent a lot of nights crying, trying to figure out how it was possible. How could they just replace me because I was gone for a while?”

Aubrey’s gaze dropped to their hands, heart tight in their chest. They could feel the signs sinking in, but the fear still lingered in the pit of their stomach. Florence was silent for a long moment, the only sound the distant hum of Marina’s voice as she hummed softly while she worked on the mobile.

“But eventually,” they continued, “I realized something. I wasn’t replaced. I wasn’t. It wasn’t about someone else doing my job. It was about the fact that what I did could still be done by others, and that didn’t take away from my worth. The team didn’t need to replace me—they just needed someone to step in while I was away.”

Aubrey nodded slowly, feeling the weight of the words but still unsure how to make sense of them for themselves. They had always been told they were special, that they were important to their family. But could they hold onto that belief when the new and just as special baby arrived?

Florence lit a cigarette, staring at the crib Aubrey had been working on, their eyes softening as they took a drag. “You’ve done a damn good job, Aubrey. This crib? It’s beautiful. The headboard? Gorgeous. It’s got that fluid, flowing design that’s just... you.”

Aubrey’s chest swelled with pride at the compliment. It had been a lot of work, but they were proud of the finished product. They had poured their heart into it.

But they didn’t hesitate to add, “You know, once the baby’s here, no smoking near them, right?”

Florence chuckled softly, taking another drag then flicking it onto the ground and stepping on it. “Yeah, yeah. I know. Just trying to finish these before the lil thing arrives.”

Aubrey’s heart warmed. The Captain had been trying to quit smoking for a while, and the fact that they had made the effort to stop now, especially in preparation for the baby, didn’t go unnoticed. It meant more to Aubrey than they could express.

“I appreciate it,” Aubrey said quietly.

Together, Florence and Aubrey carefully transported the freshly painted crib into the house, setting it in the nursery where Pearl and Marina were still working. The pieces of the crib gleamed in the soft light of the room, the white paint shining thanks to the polishing paint they smeared on it. Marina and Pearl were finishing up the last details on the mobile, the soft, personalized tunes they had made together filling the air as the gentle hum of their laughter warmed the space.

As they assembled the crib together, Florence giving instructions, Marina handling the heavier lifting and Aubrey putting together the final touches, Pearl sat on the nearby couch, snacking on yet another bowl of popcorn. She glanced over at the scene with a teasing smile, nudging Florence with her elbow.

“You know, you might want to stop using the crib as an excuse to make yourself useful,” Pearl said with a smirk. “We all know you’re only here for the prize.”

Florence rolled their eyes but smiled nonetheless, adjusting their hat. “No, no. I’m here for the quality time and support. Totally not for the lemon pie i was promised.”

Pearl laughed, throwing side eye in florence's direction. “Sure you are.”

Aubrey watched the playful banter unfold, their heart lightening. The small, familial moments that seemed so ordinary were the ones that meant the most. They were part of this. They always had been.

And somehow, the fear of being replaced faded just a little more with every laugh, every shared moment. Because in the end, family wasn’t about replacing, it was about growing together.

As the nursery was finally finished, they all sat into a comfortable silence. Marina was sitting on the beanbag next to the crib, Pearl was sitting on her lap and nuzzled in her neck as Marina caressed her belly. Just a feet away from them Florence was sitting on the ground with their back towards the crib, their now naked head enjoying the refreshing surface of the wood, eating from a plate a slice of lemon pie. Aubrey was sitting next to them, their head rested on the Captain's shoulder and as they wore their hat a slight sense of pride and excitement filled them. It was jn moments like these that Aubrey felt the most loved. And right now they felt the most important person in their loved one's world.

Chapter Text

Another stretch of time had passed, the calm atmosphere in the house had shifted, the air now filled with the soft murmur of anticipation. Aubrey sat nervously on a beanbag outside of Marina and Pearl’s bedroom, unable to take their eyes off of the door; The egg was coming. It had been weeks since they’d felt the surge of conflicting emotions coming back every time they thought about their sibling's birth. Today was the day, and a cold anxiety clung to them like a shadow, they couldn’t help but feel a little sick at the thought of what would come next.

They sat there, their legs pulled close to their chest, arms wrapped around their knees as they watched the bedroom door. The sounds of the process—the low murmurs, the soft sobs, the soft exchange of words— all drifted through the door, though Aubrey couldn’t make out the specifics. Florence's presence through texts had been a steady reassurance, but this... it still felt excruciating.

Aubrey’s phone buzzed, interrupting their spiraling thoughts. They glanced down at the screen and saw Florence’s name. The message read:

Flo: How are you holding up, hun? If you need me, I’m here.

They hesitated before replying, unsure of what to say. Everything felt too overwhelming to put into words. Instead, they typed a quick response:

Aubs: It’s okay. Still waiting. You?

The reply came almost instantly.

Flo: Worried about you. Want me to videocall? Or send you something distracting?

Aubrey smiled faintly at Florence’s thoughtfulness. Even though they couldn’t physically be here, Florence found a way to make them feel supported.

Aubs: No cal. But a distraction sounds good.

The typing bubble appeared, then disappeared, and a moment later, Florence sent a short video. Aubrey opened it and saw the new agent trying to comb their small fry's messy Mohawk into a "gentleman style" as they said.

Flo: You’ve got this, love. I believe in you. No matter what happens, you’re going to be the best big sibling ever

They typed after, sending more videos, this time edits and such from squidtok

Aubrey felt their chest tighten, a wave of gratitude washing over them. They typed back:

Aubs: Thank you for trying your best. I appreciate it so much. I Love you

Flo: Always here for you

The exchange was brief, but it left Aubrey feeling a little lighter. They clutched their phone tightly, the warmth of Florence’s love lingering in their mind as they returned their gaze to the bedroom door.

A soft knock on the door broke Aubrey’s calm into an anxious cascade. Marina, as gentle and sweet as always, appeared in the doorway, her eyes warm with silent joy.

“She’s tired.” Marina said softly, her gaze flickering to the beanbag where Aubrey sat. “But she’s excited. We both are.”

Aubrey nodded, swallowing hard. They wanted to be there for the birth, to be the brave big sibbling they wanted to pretend to be, but the thought of the egg coming out of pearl was something they couldn’t stomach. Even the idea of it was too overwhelming, They felt themselves shivering because of that.

But there was no room for disgust now. Aubrey pushed it down, willing themselves to get up, even if they were trembling from the inside out.

“Pearl’s waiting for you” Marina added softly, her tone delicate like a petal and reassuring like a warm mug of hot chocolate during a blizzard. Pearl was waiting for them. Pearl wanted them to be there in such delicate moment.

Aubrey hesitated for a second longer, soaking the feeling of being wanted, then nodded and slowly stood. They looked toward Pearl’s room, heart thumping in their chest as they stepped inside.

Pearl sat on the bed, her exhaustion evident in the soft circles under her eyes, her dried up tear-streaked cheeks puffier than ever. Yet there was a glow in her expression, a mixture of wonder and fatigue, as she gazed down at the egg she was cradling in her arms.

The egg— cleaned up and wrapped in the softest care—was a delicate pastel purple, the faintest hint of pink tinting its surface. The spots across it were a cadmium violet, so shiny and glorious it almost shimmered. It was a beautiful egg, one Aubrey never thought they'd almost go in awe for. They felt a wish to protect the warmth of the scene flood their chest, a wave of joy crashing through the anxiety.

They couldn’t stop shaking, even as they stepped closer to Pearl, their eyes glued to the glamorous shell. The mix of fear and happiness was overwhelming. Questions haunted them, but there was something about the way Pearl held the egg looking at their direction, the way Marina whispered Aubrey’s name as she now held their hand, that helped them breathe through it.

As Aubrey reached out, Pearl noticed the trembling and without a word, opened her arms wide. She enveloped them in a hug, lifting them up on the bed and pulling them close to her chest, careful not to jostle the egg. Marina, seeing the gentle embrace, decided to join in, sitting behing aubrey and hugging clutching close as she felt her tentacles curl.

“It’s okay, darling,” marina murmured, her voice soft and soothing as always. Pearl added, her voice strained “We’re all here for you.”

Aubrey let their shoulders relax in their embrace, a deep breath finally leaving their body. Pearl hummed softly in the background— and altho she was exhausted and her throat was dry— her voice the same comforting sound that always soothed Aubrey. The soft melody was calming, the same tune she would hum all those years ago when Aubrey had first arrived to the surface and everything felt overwhelming. 

Some memories were flooding back. They had woken up from a living nightmare, the night terrors of it still creeping into their almost sleepless nights, all too real and painful to ignore. They remembered the panic, the way their heart raced, the cold sweat on their skin. It used to be like a ritual until they started feeling safe on their own: they would feel the panic crawl on their heavy shoulders, then suddenly Marina’s arms would envelope them and they were solid, real, safe. Then Pearl joined them, humming those same tunes that now echoed in the room.

The memory was a comforting balm, and Aubrey smiled faintly as they stared at the egg. The fear faded all over again, replaced with warmth, tenderness, a tiny of... joy. This baby is theirs too, Aubrey thought, their hands shaking a little less now. They’re a big sibling.

Pearl nudged them, her tired but loving gaze meeting theirs again, golden coins shining towards each other. Then she looked down towards the small egg. “oh, little one.” she whispered, her voice a murmur. “You’re so loved by everyone here, you don't even know.”

Aubrey smiled softly, snuggling up to Pearl, leaning against her as they both watched the egg in her arms. The tender weight of it, the miracle of it, made everything feel more tangible.

Marina wiped a tear from her eye, a soft smile curving on her lips. “I love you,” she said, her voice breaking slightly, as she held her two babies and her wife close with a stare that was so full of love. 

Her tentacles wrapped gently around the cocoon. One tentacle rested on the egg, curling around its form in a protective gesture. Another slid around Pearl’s shoulder, and another sneaked around one of Aubrey’s tentacles. Aubrey’s own tentacle instinctively curled in response, tightening around Marina’s. It was a soft and tender gesture, one that spoke volumes without a single word being exchanged. Aubrey felt a deep sense of belonging, the warmth of family that wrapped them in a cocoon, a safety they needed.

Marina’s tentacles wiggled with happiness, a gentle squirm that Aubrey always noticed when their family was close. It was a tattletale sign of contentment. The fact that they could curl up like this, their bodies interwoven, made Aubrey’s heart ache in the best possible way. It was real. It was all real. Their family was whole.

Aubrey relaxed fully, feeling at ease in the warmth of their parents. They knew the baby would be here soon, and while the unknown still carried its weight, there was a reassurance in the bond they shared. No one was going anywhere. They would all be together.

And for the first time in a while, Aubrey fully believed it. I’ll never be replaced, they thought with a sense of finality. The love between them all was unshakable, and they would find their place in this new chapter of their lives.

Aubrey remembered that they didn't answer to their phone in a while, they disappeared out of nowhere. They reluctantly got off the cocoon a little and picked up their phone. They saw some missed texts from Florence but right now they didn't have the energy to properly reply, so they didn't really. They simply texted "they're here. Everything's ok, I'm ok" as they put their phone away and got back yo the warmth that was waiting for them

As the evening passed, the family stayed close, the nursery now filled with a soft, peaceful atmosphere, all of them—Marina, Pearl, Aubrey, and the baby—waiting together for what was to come.

Chapter Text

Aubrey stirred awake to the soft sunlight pouring through Florence’s bedroom curtains. Their body was heavy and warm, the pleasant ache of exhaustion lingering faintly in their muscles. They lay sprawled on their back, staring up at the ceiling fan spinning lazily in the middle of the room. Their breathing was slow and steady, each exhale soothingly awakened them.

The memories of the night before played unprompted in their mind– Florence’s hands, their quiet touches, the way they’d melted into each other until the lines between them blurred. Aubrey blushed, lips quirking into a smile. They rolled onto their side, gaze settling on their partner's sleeping form.

Florence lay with their back turned, their face half-buried in the pillow. A blanket hung loosely around their waist, leaving their torso exposed. Aubrey’s eyes trailed over the faint red marks dotting their lover’s rich and warm olive skin, evidence of a night shared in whispers and sighs. The pattern of hickeys Aubrey had pressed into their skin painted a picture of faithful promises and passionate kisses—a picture they wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.

Aubrey leaned forward, tucking an arm around Florence’s waist and kissing the soft curve of their nape. Florence stirred, letting out a sleepy hum. They nestled further into the pillow, their breathing hitching slightly.

Smiling to themselves, Aubrey kissed their way down Florence’s shoulder, their lips brushing against the tender skin. A low raspy voice, quiet as a breeze, broke through the morning silence.

“Mornin’, love.”

Aubrey’s heart swelled, the rare sound of Florence’s voice igniting an almost childlike giddiness in them. They tightened their hold, whispering against Florence’s shoulder, “Good morning, sweetie.”

Florence moved slowly, rolling onto their side to face Aubrey. They tucked their face into Aubrey’s bare chest, their arms slipping around their shoulders as Aubrey held them close, savoring the moment.

The temptation to stay in bed stuck for a little, but Aubrey sighed, reluctantly pulling away. Florence whined softly, their face scrunching up in protest as they clung tighter.

“we have to go, Ren,” Aubrey murmured, brushing their hand through Florence’s messy bangs.

Florence sighed, long and drawn out, before releasing them. They sat up slowly, and as they were stretching Aubrey caught the faint tremble in their hands. They said nothing of it but filed took a mental note of it.

Aubrey sat up too, but before they could to anything Florence leaned close to them, brushing the tip of their nose against Aubrey’s. They wore a smile that made their face glow, their now milk white eye slightly closed as their deep violet one stared into Aubrey's golden ones, those beautiful eyes that shined like honey in the sunlight always had them weak in their knees. Aubrey cupped Florence’s face, their thumbs brushing over their soft yet scarred skin. When their lips met, it was sweet and warm like a hot mug of tea during a rainy night. Florence responded gently, their hands settling on Aubrey’s waist, grounding them both in the fragile stillness of the moment.

It wasn’t hurried or fiery—it was tender, almost delicate, as though anything more might shatter the quiet understanding between them. When they pulled back, their foreheads rested together, and Aubrey let out a shaky breath, their voice barely above a whisper. “you're such a show off with your awesome kisses.” Florence’s smile said what words never could, their hand finding Aubrey’s and squeezing softly. 

"We really need to get up tho." 

________________________________________________

In the kitchen, Aubrey poured cereal into a bowl while Florence leaned against the counter, sipping their coffee, peacefully listening to some soft music. Aubrey’s focus didn't stick to the tunes, it instead lingered on the way Florence’s hands still shook as they lifted the mug to their lips. They waited patiently for Florence to say anything, to ask for help, but they waited in vain. 

Once breakfast was done, Aubrey said with a teasing hint to their tone

“You’re not going anywhere until you brush your beak” 

Florence, who was about to sprint away, raised an eyebrow, their fingers tapping a slow rhythm against their wrist, motioning a watch as if to say "we've got no time".

“We have plenty of time. Also don’t give me that look.” Aubrey smirked. “We both know you can't get away with it when I'm present.”

Florence shrugged nonchalantly, but the corner of their lips twitched upward.

By the time they stood together in the bathroom, Aubrey observed their partner as they brushed their beak side by side. They were moving at a slow pace, but before they could say anything Florence caught sight of their reflection, their eyes landed on the hickeys scattered across their neck and shoulders. They turned to Aubrey, their hands moving as they signed a little sloppily.

"Neo’s gonna tease me about this, Callie is gonna bully me and Marie is gonna fucking kill me."

Aubrey nearly choked on their toothpaste before breaking into a soft chuckle. “Worth it,” they teased, hearning a soft smile from them. 

Still, as Florence brushed, their movements remained sluggish, their discomfort evident. Aubrey noticed the wince they tried to hide, the way their shoulders tensed.

“You’re sore,” Aubrey said gently, rinsing their mouth. “Did... last night's "work-out" cause this?”

Florence hesitated, their gaze dropping. They signed reluctantly.

"It probably helped, but Sometimes it just happens to have a no day. Still, it was worth it."

Aubrey sighed, shaking their head fondly. “You’re impossible.”

They took the toothbrush from Florence’s hand, ignoring their protests, and helped them finish brushing. Florence looked down, their expression tinged with sadness.

“Ren,” Aubrey said softly, lifting their chin. “I don’t mind helping. You know that, right? Bad days or not, I love you and want to help you.”

Florence nodded, their movements small as their eyes shimmered with quiet shame. Aubrey gently wrapped wrist braces around Florence’s hands, fastening them securely and holding their hand softly as Florence's sore fingers lightly interlocked with Aubrey's. 

Aubrey leaned closer, slightly tilting their head upwards and kissing Florence with such an intense sweetness that made them never want to pull away from those sugary lips.

After sharing a kiss that burned warmer than sunlight and lingered longer than dawn, Aubrey reminded Florence to take it easy before saying goodbye.

Superjumping always gave Aubrey a peculiar rush. They arrived at their parents’ house, landing on the couch beside Pearl, who greeted them with a quick hug.

“Hey, kiddo!”

Aubrey smiled then looked around, their eyes searching as a puzzled expression fixatedon their face. “Where are the egg and momma?”

Marina, as if summoned, appeared from the kitchen, warmly smiling as she handed two cups of tea to Pearl and Aubrey. The egg was nestled securely in a dusty pink baby wrap tied around her torso.

“Right here,” she said, her voice full of joy.

Aubrey’s heart softened as they waved at the egg. Marina gently passed it to them, and they cradled it against their chest. It was warm– soothing, almost– and carried a faint, comforting scent Aubrey could only describe as home. It most likely caught Marina’s scent, yet still held onto pearl's. The soft weight of it in their arms felt like a promise, a promise of a strong bond yet to be formed.

The warmth radiating from the egg was unlike anything Aubrey had ever felt before. As they held it closer, pressing it gently against their chest, they closed their eyes for a moment and allowed themselves to bask in the simple comfort it provided. It was like holding a tiny piece of their future—a future that seemed so much more real now. They had always feared the unknown, especially after waking up alone in the Deepsea Metro. But this? This felt like something they could hold onto, something they could protect, even if englobed by mystery.

Aubrey looked down at the egg once more, their fingers caressing its smooth surface. They could almost feel it reacting to their touch—like a heartbeat pulsing beneath the shell. The thought made their own heart swell with a strange mixture of excitement and nervousness. They weren’t entirely sure what the future would hold for them, but whatever it was, they would face it with this tiny life in their arms.

"Hey there," Aubrey murmured softly, almost as if speaking to the egg would make it feel more real. “You’re gonna be so loved little one. I promise.”

Pearl snorted lightly, a light warmth in her sarcastic voice. "Already talking to it like it can answer, huh? You sure you're not going too fast?"

Aubrey chuckled softly, feeling a little embarrassed but mostly amused. 

Pearl raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. "I’m gonna remind you, before all that cute talking stage there's gonna be a lot. You'll have to put up with lots of crying, late nights, tantrums... almost rethinking it.”

Aubrey giggled again, more confidently this time. “I think I’m ready for whatever comes. I mean, if I can handle my own crazy brain, I can handle a crying baby.”

Marina, who had been standing by pearl, watching the exchange with a quiet smile, stepped in, reaching out to take the egg from Aubrey’s arms. She held it gently but firmly, her touch as careful and precise as ever. Aubrey allowed Marina to take the egg back, their chest aching slightly with the loss of the warmth, but that feeling quickly disappeared as they watched Marina carefully secure the egg against her chest with the baby wrap.

“Everything’s going to be alright,” Marina said quietly, her eyes meeting Aubrey’s. “also the baby isn't someone you'll need to tend to. If Pearl makes you do too much tell me, I'll put her back in line.”

"Ay cut me some slack! I deserve it for carrying that huge ass egg."

Marina smiled, her hand gently rubbing the side of the egg as if reassuring it too. "We both know that as soon as this lil thing gets out of the shell you won't let them go anywhere without you beside them"

Pearl rolled her eyes, leaning into Aubrey who snuggled closer, lips perking into one of their beautiful smiles, small dimples forming on their cheeks.

________________________________________________

As the evening continued, the conversation drifted naturally from the egg to more mundane topics. They spoke about names, about baby clothes, about what kind of things they’d need to prepare, then they shifted to some cool videogame Marina got into, new fresh melodies for their new album and if they had mire salty popcorns at home. The atmosphere in the room was warm and lighthearted, and Aubrey couldn’t help but smile as they watched their family interact, the ease of their conversations making everything feel right.

But as night came, the feeling of needing to leave started to settle in their chest.

"I guess I should head out," Aubrey said, standing slowly and adjusting their jacket to cover their shoulders. They could feel the weight of it, which was somewhat comforting.

Pearl raised an eyebrow “Already? It feels like you just got here.”

Aubrey shifted their weight from one foot to the other, glancing back at the door. “it's been a whole day, plus Ren's probably wondering where I am.”

Marina gave them a gentle smile, cutting off pearl before she could protest “We’ll see you tomorrow. Take care, okay?”

Aubrey smiled, their heart swelling with affection. “Promise.”

They walked to the door, feeling a little bit of reluctance pull at them as they looked at their family one last time. Pearl and Marina stood together, their arms linked, egg in between both their arms. 

As the young octoling stepped out into the cool night air, their stomach twisted a little with worry as they hadn’t been able to check in with Florence as much as they wanted.

When Aubrey superjumped in front of the door, they immediately felt the air change. The dry coolness of the night mixed with the quiet solitude of the flat sent a shiver down their spine. Something felt off.

Stepping inside, they heard the sound of low cries coming from the bathroom. Aubrey paused. The sound was sharp, unnerving in the stillness of the apartment. Their heart skipped a beat in worry.

They walked quickly toward the sounds coming from the bathroom, trying to steady their breathing as they neared the door. When they pushed it open, the sight before them made their heart churn painfully in their chest.

Florence was laying in the tub, their body slumped. The water around them was cold, definitely too cold as it wad filled with ice cubes, their face burried in one of their hands as the other tried to grasp into their chest, shaking strongly. they made muffled sobs, small gasps of air that sounded jagged, uneven. Aubrey’s breath hitched and they rushed forward, kneeling beside the tub.

“Ren?” they whispered, their voice soft but full of concern. “What happened? Are you okay?”

Florence’s hand peeled off of their face, eyes wide with shock. The way their hands shook just above the water’s surface made Aubrey's heart ache as they reached out, gently touching Florence’s forehead, trying to offer some kind of comfort.

Florence didn’t speak. Instead, they tried to sign, their movements jerky and frantic, unreadable. Florence’s pain was written all over their face, –an expression of frustration, of shame– and that alone told Aubrey everything they needed to know.

“Did you overdo it again?” Aubrey asked gently, their voice tinged with concern. They already knew what this was, it was clear they had pushed themselves too far again.

They shook their head, but Aubrey could see it. They had tried to push through, just like they always did. They never asked for help. Never let anyone know how much it hurt.

Aubrey’s heart broke for them. “You shouldn’t have done this, Florence. Why did you?”

The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words. Florence didn’t meet Aubrey’s eyes, instead lowering their gaze to the water. Their shoulders sagged as if the weight of their own failure had become too much to bear.

Aubrey carefully drained the cold water from the tub, not saying anything more, just letting the silence speak for them. They turned the hot water on next, making sure it wasn't burning, then added the Epsom salts. As the warm water filled the tub, Aubrey gently helped Florence back into it, carefully avoiding the areas where their body seemed to hurt the most.

“I’m sorry,” Florence whispered, their voice strained and raspy. The words were quiet, almost swallowed by the sound of the running water, but Aubrey heard them. They leaned in, their forehead resting gently against their lover’s.

“You should let the agents do the physical work.” Aubrey said softly, brushing a damp strand of their bangs from their face. 

Florence’s eyes flickered up to meet theirs and that familiar wall of guilt and pride appeared in their expression. Florence bit their lip, looking away again, and for a moment, Aubrey feared they might retreat further into themselves. The quiet struggle was always there, the constant battle between accepting help and pushing it away.

But this time, Aubrey wasn’t going to let it go. They made sure the warm water surrounded them fully, they poured some body oil on their hands then massaged Florence’s arms and shoulders gently, feeling the tension in their muscles. It was clear they were in pain, their body stiff and trembling slightly beneath Aubrey’s touch.

“Please don’t push yourself like this again.” Aubrey murmured, their fingers working slowly over Florence’s aching joints and muscles. The squid’s eyes fluttered shut as they exhaled, their breath ragged, but they nodded faintly. Aubrey could see the subtle relaxation that came over Florence’s face as their skilled hands managed to slightly soothe their body. Still, the pain didn’t leave, lingering just below the surface, unspoken.

Aubrey paused, taking a deep breath as they looked down at Florence. It hurt to see them like this– hurt to see them in so much discomfort, unable to express their pain the way others might. Florence had always been this way: so stubborn, so determined, so terrified of seeming weak. It pained Aubrey that they often thought they had to carry the burden of everything on their own.

“You’re an idiot.” Aubrey said softly, their voice filled with their usual tenderness despite the name calling. “I know you feel like you need to do everything by yourself. But you don’t have to. That's stupid. Especially when you know you can get hurt like this.”

They looked at Aubrey with those wide, once deep purple eyes, and Aubrey could see the flicker of something behind them—something almost vulnerable, that they rarely showed. Florence bit their lip again, their hands trembling as they reached out, the small gesture betraying how much they still wanted to pull away. They tried to sign but Aubrey gently took their hands in their own, pressing a soft kiss to their knuckles.

“It’s okay,” Aubrey whispered, “You don’t have to apologize. You just have to let me help you.”

Florence’s eyes softened, leaning into Aubrey’s touch, relaxing as the worst of it seemed to fade for the moment. Aubrey didn’t rush them. They continued to massage their shoulders, their fingers gentle but firm, working the tension from the muscles as much as they could.

The quiet of the room wrapped around them, and for a while, neither of them said anything more. Florence’s breathing slowly became more even, the tightness in their chest loosening just enough that they no longer seemed to be suffocating under their own discomfort.

When the water was warm enough and the salts had dissolved fully, Aubrey helped Florence out of the tub, carefully. The bathroom, now filled with the scent of violet and salts, seemed to hum with a quiet serenity. It wasn’t perfect –nothing ever was–but it was enough. 

Aubrey led Florence to the bed, gently lowering them down onto the mattress, they then pulled a soft baggy pajamas shirt over Florence’s head. They gave Flo the painkillers that Marina had recommended for days like this, they were just enough to take the edge off, enough to help Florence sleep, if nothing else. Anything stronger would always make them feel bad in different ways.

As the squid settled back into the bed, Aubrey adjusted the pillows and tucked the covers around them, their hand lingering on Florence’s back, where they had massaged just moments before. Aubrey slowly climbed into bed, wrapping themselves around their partner, holding them close in the stillness of the night.

Florence’s breathing was slow and steady now, the worst of the pain subsiding, but there was still a faint tremor in their body that Aubrey couldn’t ignore. It wasn’t perfect, and it wouldn’t be. They both knew that. The pain might come back tomorrow, or the next day. But for tonight, at least, they had this. They had each other.

“You’re not alone,” Aubrey whispered, their voice soft, softer than a cloud. “Never.”

Florence's hand reached behind them, fingers lightly touching Aubrey’s tentacles. Their touch was delicate, shaky, but it was enough. It was all that Aubrey needed. The simple acknowledgment was more than words could ever convey.

Aubrey shifted slightly, pressing their forehead onto Florence’s, their hand resting protectively over Flo’s back. They could feel the subtle rise and fall of Flo’s breathing beneath their touch, the quiet rhythm that anchored them in the moment. Aubrey closed their eyes, letting themselves drift into the quiet comfort of Florence’s presence, and with a tenderness that felt almost fragile, they kissed. It was a simple gesture, a short peck, but it felt profound, like they were both finding a little bit of peace amidst the chaos of everything else.

Aubrey felt a tear slip down their cheek as they held Florence a little closer, wondering how they could love someone so fiercely and yet still feel this helpless sometimes. They didn’t want to see them in pain, didn’t want to feel powerless to fix what was wrong. But all they could do was love them, and that felt both like a promise and a weight they had never expected.

Slowly, Aubrey’s thoughts drifted, and they allowed themselves to fall asleep in the warmth of their embrace. In the quiet of the night, with the soft sounds of the city outside muffled by the walls of the flat, Aubrey held onto the only thing they were certain of.

Tomorrow would come, and they would face it together.

Chapter Text

The sun was a faint glow behind the curtains, preventing the afternoon's shining rays from filling the dim room. Florence lay sprawled on their bed, their face flushed, chest rising and falling in shallow breaths. Aubrey sat nearby in a chair next to the bed, their hands gripping their knees tightly as they stared at Florence’s barely moving form. The young squid was sick—badly sick—and Aubrey didn’t know what to do.

It had started in the middle of the night: Florence’s fever had spiked after yesterday's events; a day spent sweating and then taking that ice-cold bath to soothe their muscles was the perfect combo for illness to take hold. Now, Florence was in the grip of a relentless agony, their skin burning under Aubrey’s trembling hands whenever they tried to wake them. Their breathing was heavy, their body barely responsive, and it terrified Aubrey to see them like this.

They had already called Marina and Pearl earlier, explaining that Florence was far too ill for them to come over. They could hear the concern in Marina’s voice, but Aubrey insisted they could handle it—that if Florence needed someone by their side, it should be them. But now, watching their partner slip in and out of consciousness, they weren’t so sure.

They shifted in their seat, glancing at the untouched bowl of fish noodle soup on the nightstand. Florence hadn’t been awake long enough to eat, their strength too sapped even to sit up. Aubrey felt a sting overpower their eyes, but they wiped them quickly, refusing to allow themselves to cry.

While they were lost staring at their partner's sleeping figure, they heard a loud whooshing sound, and Aubrey looked up just in time to see Marina appear in the room, landing with the familiar lightness of a Superjump. Aubrey shot to their feet, rushing to hug her.

“Momma! What are you doing here?” Aubrey’s voice cracked with a mix of worry and relief.

Marina returned the hug firmly before stepping back. “I wasn’t going to let you take care of Florence all alone. I owe them.”

Aubrey blinked, confused. “Owe them? What do you mean?”

Marina shook her head with a soft smile. “It’s not important right now. Let’s focus on them. Did you give them any medicine so far?”

Aubrey hesitated, their shoulders slumping. “I didn’t know what to give them. Ren’s too weak to sign what hurts, and I… I just didn’t want to risk giving them the wrong thing.”

Marina’s gaze softened as she reached for the thermometer on the nightstand. “It’s okay, Aubrey. We’ll figure it out together. Let’s start by checking their temperature, although I’m pretty sure any kind of medicine will help more than no medicine at all.”

She knelt by the bed, gently sliding the thermometer under Florence’s tongue and holding their jaw closed to keep it in place. Aubrey sat back down, watching anxiously as the seconds ticked by. When the thermometer beeped, Marina pulled it out and frowned.

“40°,” she murmured, her face clouding with concern.

Aubrey’s heart sank, their hands clenching into fists. “It was 39.5° an hour ago,” they whispered, tears pooling in their eyes. "I should’ve done more—I should've given them something, I..."

“Aubrey.” Marina’s voice was calm but firm as she placed a hand on their shoulder. “This isn’t your fault. You’re doing your best, but Ren needs a lot of help right now. That’s why I’m here.”

Aubrey sniffled, nodding weakly as Marina patted their shoulder. “I need you to grab some Tylenol from the medicine stash,” Marina said. “I’ll get Ren to take it.”

“But they can’t even swallow anything right now,” Aubrey protested.

“I’ll take care of it,” Marina reassured.

Reluctantly, Aubrey walked to their dresser, kneeling down and opening it, taking what they needed. Marina grabbed a small glass on the nightstand and filled a quarter of it with warm water from the kitchen sink. She crushed a dose of Tylenol into a powder and mixed it into the water until it dissolved completely.

She sat by Florence’s bedside, brushing a hand over their damp forehead. “Come on, Ren,” she whispered, gently shaking their shoulder. “You’ve got to wake up for me.”

The squid stirred faintly, their eyes fluttering open. They gazed at Marina with unfocused eyes, a small, pitiful noise escaping their lips. Their breathing was shallow and labored, and they were barely aware of their surroundings.

“Hey, there you are,” Marina said softly, lifting their head up slightly. “I know you’re not feeling good, but you’ve got to take this, okay?”

She slowly poured the mixture into their mouth, coaxing them to swallow. Florence choked slightly, a light and weak cough escaping their lips, but most of the medicine went down. They groaned and started to push their blankets off with a scrunched, uncomfortable face.

“No, not again, Ren!” Aubrey exclaimed, hurriedly pulling the blankets back over Florence’s shivering frame. “You need to stay covered.”

Marina looked up, her brow furrowing. “Does this happen a lot?”

Aubrey nodded, sitting on the bed. “Every time they wake up, they try to take off their blankets. Even when they’re shaking.”

Marina lifted the edge of the blanket and peeked under. “Ah, they're wearing socks.”

“Yeah, why?”

Marina carefully pulled off their socks and tucked the blanket back around them. “Socks can make a big difference in how warm or cold you feel. Sometimes, taking them off helps regulate body temperature better. You're right, they have to stay covered, but if that makes them overheat and sweat, it’s gonna be worse.”

Aubrey sighed, slumping in their chair. “I didn’t know that…” Their voice broke, and tears spilled down their cheeks, their anxieties finally escaping their mind and pricking their throat. “I feel like I can’t take care of them, that I’m not good enough. If I can’t even look after Ren, how am I supposed to take care of anyone? What happens when my sibling hatches? I’m going to mess it all up. I’m—" Aubrey couldn't manage to finish the sentence, panicked sobs overtaking their body.

Marina set the socks aside, sat on the edge of the bed, and pulled Aubrey into her lap, wrapping her arms around them. “Hey, hey, don’t say that,” she said softly. “You have such a big heart, Aubrey. You care so much, and that’s what matters most. But you’re not going to know everything right away. You’re learning, and it’s okay to need help."

Aubrey sobbed, shifting slightly in Marina’s lap, their gaze fixed on the floor. “Momma… do you remember when I got th-at awful fever when I was fifteen?” Their voice trembled with hesitation.

Marina tilted her head, gently stroking Aubrey’s arm. “Of course I do. You were out cold for five days. Pearl and I had to tag-team to check on you because of how ill you were.”

Aubrey let out a shaky breath, trying to speak normally while their fingers curled tightly around Marina’s. “Yeah. It was bad. But every single day, Ren showed up with oranges from the market. They couldn’t even Superjump properly at the time, they had to walk all the way over to your house with their crutches. And do you remember how weak their immune system was back then? It wasn’t safe for them to even be near me, but…”

Aubrey trailed off, their throat tightening as the memories washed over them. They could still see Ren standing by their bedside. “They always wore a mask to not get sick… it looked so huge on their face because they hadn’t hit their growth spurt yet. They looked so small, like a kid playing nurse. I remember thinking it made them look cute. But they weren’t just standing there to look cute—they were helping me. Every single day.”

Marina nodded quietly, letting Aubrey speak without interruption.

“They’d put a cold cloth on my forehead, tell me stories about their first missions in Octo Canyon, how scary it was when they joined the New Squidbeak Splatoon but how proud they felt whenever the old Captain said they’d done a good job. They’d even sit on my bed with me, letting me lean on their shoulder so I wouldn't feel like everything was spinning, they’d stay until I got tired and would hum songs to help me fall asleep. And I—I…”

Aubrey wiped their eyes, but the tears kept spilling over. “I can’t do any of that for them now. I didn’t know how to bring their fever down. I didn’t even realize socks could make them overheat. I feel like I’m failing them, Momma. They did so much for me when I was sick, even though it could’ve made them ill too and get worse. And now, when they need me the most, I’m useless.”

Marina’s chest ached at the sight of Aubrey crying. She tightened her hold on them, letting them sink into her soft body.

“Listen to me, Aubrey,” she said softly. “Flo wasn’t helping you back then because they expected a payoff. They were helping you because they cared about you. That’s what love is—it’s giving, not keeping score. They wouldn’t want you to beat yourself up over this.”

“But I should know what to do,” Aubrey whispered. “I should be better–”

Marina cut them off gently, tipping their chin up so their tearful eyes met hers. “You’re doing your best, Aubrey. You have such a big heart, and you care so much about the people you love. That’s what matters. You’re not going to know how to do everything right away. Nobody does. You’ll learn, just like you’ve learned everything else.”

Aubrey sniffled, leaning into Marina’s shoulder. They tried to find words, any words, that could describe how they still were in the wrong, how they still were useless, and how they couldn't do anything right, but Marina’s soft seafoam and rosy eyes left no room for any of that. She enveloped them in such a warm and caring embrace, pushing away bad thoughts and making them feel safe and at peace.

Marina smiled softly, a wistful look crossing her face. She remembered those days all too well.

Florence had once confronted her in private during Aubrey’s fever. Their voice was firm and critical despite their trembling frame, barely held up by the crutches they clung to, which made them look a little pathetic, honestly. They had pointed out everything Marina was doing wrong, from letting Aubrey’s blankets pile up too thickly to forgetting to keep water within reach. They had calmly corrected her mistakes, their concern for Aubrey overriding any hesitation despite Marina being some kind of authority in Florence's eyes.

It had stung, being told off by someone younger and weaker than herself, but Marina knew she had to learn from it. She didn't get sick much in her life and thus didn't know how to help properly, so she took Florence’s advice to heart and promised herself not to forget how they helped her learn. She also wouldn’t forget the relief on the teen squid's face when Aubrey finally started recovering, nor the determination they had shown every day.

Now, it was Marina’s turn to repay the favor.

“You’re right,” she said, bringing Aubrey back to the present. “Flo didn’t care about getting sick because they were so worried about you. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s when they started seriously liking you.”

Aubrey froze, their head jerking up. “Wait—what?!”

Marina giggled, brushing away a stray tear from Aubrey’s cheek. “You really took so long to notice? I feel like they’ve liked you since the day they woke up on the platform after you saved the world. Like they were smitten from the start but denied it to themselves for a while.”

Aubrey’s face turned scarlet, and they buried it in their hands. “How did I miss that?! They’ve been flirting and showing interest for that long??? Ughhh, Momma, why would you tell me this?!”

“Because you’re adorable when you’re flustered,” Marina teased, booping their nose.

Aubrey groaned more, but a faint smile crept onto their face. “I really am lucky, aren’t I?”

Marina nodded. “You are. And Flo's lucky too to have you by their side.”

Aubrey hesitated, then slid off Marina’s lap. “I’m going to reheat their soup in case they feel better. Can you keep an eye on them while I’m gone?”

“Of course,” Marina said warmly.

Once Aubrey left, Marina turned her attention back to Florence. She carefully replaced the damp cloth on their forehead, smoothing down their bangs.

At that, Florence stirred faintly, their eyelids fluttering open. For a moment, they seemed to struggle to focus, their hazy gaze locking onto Marina’s face. Their lips moved, but no sound came out at first. Marina leaned closer, brushing their burning cheek.

“It’s okay,” she said gently. “Take your time.”

Florence’s voice finally emerged, hoarse and barely audible. “...Thanks… water?”

“You’re welcome,” Marina said with a warm smile as the sound of their voice was a rare thing for her. She reached for the water bottle on the nightstand, then cradled the back of their head, carefully helping them sip the cool liquid. Each swallow seemed like an enormous effort, and Florence coughed just after a few sips, but they still managed.

“Just a little more, Flo,” Marina coaxed. “You need to stay hydrated.”

Florence took another small sip, their breathing still shallow but slightly more even. Marina eased them back down, her hands steady and deliberate as she tucked the blankets securely around them.

Their fever had dropped slightly—Marina could tell by the subtle changes in their complexion and the faintest hint of relaxation in their expression—but the exhaustion etched into their features was still evident. They were far from out of it, and Marina knew this would be a long night.

For a moment, she simply watched them fall asleep. Florence shifted slightly, a soft whimper escaping their lips. Marina immediately placed a hand on their arm, her touch light but reassuring. “Shh, it’s okay, Flo. I’ve got you,” she whispered.

“You really are incredible, you know that?” she added quietly, her voice thick with emotion. “I don’t say it enough, but I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for my child over the years. You’re our family too, Flo. Ever since you stepped into Aubrey’s life.”

Florence's expression softened in their sleep, as if they could hear her words even in their fevered haze. They were family too.