Fawn's POV

My skin tingled slightly as mama hovered her hands over my belly.

She was humming softly, staring into the large cauldron. Alastor was at her side, looking wide eyed with excitement.

Ever since I hit my third trimester, he's been in full blown daddy mode. It's like someone flipped some sort of switch...or like he's practicing?

I don't even know.

Every night he talks to my belly, just regularly as if he were talking to anyone else. He no longer lets me do any chores or anything of the sort.

I still go to work but technically I'm on a "leave" so I don't do anything. Niffty keeps me company usually, and she likes to touch my belly, especially since I'm very round now.

From the looks of things, we're getting pretty close!

"Alright, dear! Everything looks great, and you are doin' wonderful. The baby is healthy as ever. Only a few more weeks now," Edith said, removing her hand from my stomach.

I sighed softly, a happy smile resting on my lips.

I can't believe in a few weeks, I'm going to be a mother...it's all so surreal! I'm excited, but nervous at the same time.

Alastor and I seem to have switched places in terms of nerves. He used to be so nervous, and would often have me reassure him he was going to be a wonderful father.

And I do believe that, but now I'm having doubts about myself as a mother.

What if I can't live up to my mom? She taught me everything I know, and I hope I can be as great as her in raising my child...

I guess only time will tell.

Alastor came over and helped me sit up slowly, and I winced through the aching in my lower back.

"Breathe, my darling...look how far we've come! I'm so proud of you..." He cooed in my ear as he helped me sit up, rubbing my back gently.

"Thanks baby..." I exhaled and gave him a weak smile.

This pregnancy has definitely not been easy...not by a long shot. There's been a lot of sleepless nights, and tears, and occasionally an argument or two...

Well, more like I would get upset about something small, and Alastor would quickly diffuse the situation by holding me or singing to me.

But damn, I'm happy that we've basically made it.

Al stayed knelt by the couch, and was about to stand and help me to my feet when the baby kicked and I gasped, my hands flying over my stomach.

"What? What, dear, are you ok?" He asked me, suddenly sounding as if I were bleeding out on the ground.

I chuckled, "yes...the baby kicked me, is all," I assured him, and watched his panic settle as his eyes went to my stomach and softened.

He smiled tenderly and leaned down close to my belly, "now, you little fussy thing...stop kicking your mama," he said, putting his hands against my stomach to rub me.

The baby kicked again, harder.

His jaw dropped and he looked up at me with an expression of disbelief, "I believe our unborn child just sassed me, my love," he said, scoffing lightly.

I covered my mouth to stifle a giggle.

"Oh, so they're just like their daddy," I teased, to which he looked even more offended.

And then mama laughed, and he whipped around to face her.

"Ya got that right, sugar! You were a shit n' a half when you was little, ya brat!" She cackled, talking to Al.

"Who decided it was pick on Alastor day?" He whined slightly, standing up with a huff.

I giggled, "sorry, you're just so pick on-able," I said, causing him to roll his eyes.

He then smiled at me while holding out his hand, and I took it gratefully so he could help me up.

Once I was up, one of my hands went to my swollen stomach, resting there. The maternity dress that mama made special for me swayed at about my knees.

"Alright babies!" Mama said happily, walking up to both of us.

I received a kiss on the cheek, and gave one in return. Al leaned down and gave her a kiss on the other cheek.

"You know what to do! Come back and see me next Friday, and then the Friday after that we'll need to start watching her contractions!"

She waved to us as we began to leave, smiling with fond eyes towards both of us.

"I love you both very much!" She called as we left.

"Love you too, mama!" I hollered back, and the door closed, leaving us to stand in the bustling public of New Orleans.

It's spring time, and everyone is out and about, enjoying every last drop of that smooth golden sunshine and clear blue skies.

Al grabbed my hand, beginning to walk with me. People would step out of our way, smiling at me and him as we passed. We still would receive the occasional congratulations, or women would 'aww!' at the sight of my stomach.

I've gotten used to the attention, but Al lets no one and I mean no one touch my stomach aside from him or Edith.

Looking up at him, I smiled, "wanna go relax in the park for a bit? I think it might be good for baby," I suggested, and he hummed thoughtfully.

"It's quite the beautiful day, my love, so I don't see why not!"

So he rerouted us, and we began our way towards the park.

**

Alastor's POV

When we got to the park, it was very crowded. This wasn't surprising, and I'd actually been anticipating it since we're in the middle of spring.

Of course everyone and their mother is out and about trying to make the most of this near perfect weather.

Fawn clung loosely to my side, and took in a deep breath. I looked down at her and watched her release it with a smile.

"Ah, I love it here...it's so pretty," she said softly.

My eyes softened and so did my smile. I'm so proud of her that she's beginning to be more comfortable around here.

She doesn't hide behind me, or shy away from people nearly as much as she used to. She even knows a few people by name! She's better than I ever was at socializing, through all my years I never could be bothered to remember names I deemed unimportant.

Her and I had to walk for a bit, and we were having trouble finding a place to sit. I could tell Fawn's back and feet were beginning to hurt her, and I supported her as much as I could, focusing on fixing somewhere for us to rest.

Then, finally, I spotted a tree over by the creek. The area was shady and empty, and it was perfect.

Quickly, I began to usher Fawn over to the spot, not wanting it to be taken before we could reach it. I guess I wasn't paying enough attention to where I was going, because next thing I know me and another male collide at the shoulder.

It wasn't too bad, just two men accidentally bumping into one another. My manners were on autopilot as Fawn clutched me and made sure I was alright.

"My good sir, I am so sorry!" I blurted, straightening my coat as I looked up at who I'd run into.

The unfamiliar face looked a bit older, but you could tell he wasn't as old as he looked. A smoker, perhaps?

Mama always did fuss at me when I'd smoke those little things.

He looked at me for a moment, just a split second of observation. His eyes flicked to Fawn, and I got a bit of an uneasy feeling from him.

I nudged Fawn behind me, preparing for anything from some racist outburst to him trying to grope her.

Then he just smiled, revealing he had at least three silver teeth, and the rest were beginning to rot. Not uncommon in the poorer community, since dental is hard to come by.

I myself didn't exactly take care of my teeth until I bagan to make my first bit of money. Truly it's a wonder they're intact, and relatively white in color.

My mother always had the whitest teeth, so perhaps it's just genetics.

Anyway, the man before me just smiled, and waved me off, "oh, no, sir...that was all me," he said, putting his hand to his chest.

Then his eyes went to my suit, and he hummed in interest, "wow, that's a nice suit...didn't this style on just come out? Ohh wait...you're that radio host, aren't ya!"

I blinked, and maintained my smile. This is an odd person to be a fan of mine...not the type I'd think would own a radio nor care for my show.

But I nodded, nonetheless.

"That, I am!"

He chuckled, "ah! Well, it was nice runnin int'a ya! Literally!" He barked a laugh, and I chuckled to be polite.

Then he just went on his way.

I eyed him as he left, watching him carefully until he disappeared into the crowd. Fawn tugged at my sleeve, gaining my attention back.

"Oh, right..." I muttered, beginning to lead her towards the miraculously still empty spot.

We settled into it, and got comfortable. Let's hope there are no more strange interruptions.

**

Fawn and I stayed in that spot until the park began to wind down. People were thinning out, but we stayed put, watching the calm water.

The sunlight had just begun to hit it just right, creating golden ripples as it started to set.

Fawn was curled up at my side, snuggled against me. She and I have just been talking about random topics, but now it was silent between us as we both admired the beauty of nature.

Suddenly, a question popped up in my head and I gently brushed my thumb over the side of her stomach before turning towards her.

"So, my love...when we're you wanting to get married?" I asked.

We've been so concerned with the pregnancy, we haven't really had time to think about when we're going to have our wedding.

She drew in a deep breath and sighed, laying her head against my shoulder, "I dunno...but if I had to say, I'd say we should do it after the baby is born. We're already so close, I wouldn't want to risk just having had the baby or even going into labor at the wedding...don't you think that sounds best?" She asked, looking up at me.

I thought about it.

Then I shrugged, "yes, that makes sense. Anything you'd like, my love," I agreed.

That does seem like the smartest move, after all.

We're not in any sort of hurry, and I want her to be able to fully plan and enjoy what I'm hoping will be the happiest day of her life. I want it to be exactly what she's dreaming of and more.

But for now, that can wait.

The sky is beginning to dim, and we should probably get home before it gets too dark. We already stayed out a little later than I would've liked, given that we walked to work today so we don't have a vehicle.

I began to sit up, supporting her back as I did so and helping her.

"We should head home, now, cher...are you ok, do you need anything before we go?" I asked her, taking her hand and helping her off the grass.

Her soft peach colored maternity dress flowed past her knees, and I looked at her softly while making sure she felt steady enough.

That little body is carrying such a large stomach, it's a wonder she doesn't just fall over.

"No, I'm ok..." she breathed, stretching herself slightly, "I'm really tired, so let's head home," she said with a smile.

I nodded, taking her hand in mine and leading her back out of the park. We waved at a few people as we left, old couples that were enjoying their evening.

When we made it back to the main sidewalk, it had gotten thoroughly dark, and I realized I really did miscalculate the time.

My grip tightened on Fawn's hand and I tugged her closer to my side. There were a few flickering street lamps, but that was just about the only light we had to work with.

No shops were open and there was nobody out, which was nice to just have a relaxing walk until we could make it to the fores—

Suddenly there was a pressure against my lower back, and I froze.

My brows furrowed, and I was confused until I glanced over at Fawn and saw her wide eyes.

"G-go into that alley way over there mista. Don't make this hard."

One of my eyebrows raised and I looked over my shoulder slightly, seeing there was a man behind me. My next assumption was that he had a gun to my back.

Well, shit.

I sighed and gave the trembling woman at my side a reassuring smile before I turned and let whoever was behind me "escort" us over into the alleyway.

When we get over here, I'll just disarm and kill him. I'd prefer Fawn not see that, but...it is what it is.

We stepped into the dim alleyway, and I was just about to put my plan into action until something I couldn't see tore Fawn away from my side and she squealed and reached for me.

My eyes widened, and my smile fell.

"Fawn!" I yelled, unable to stop myself before I felt something collide with my cheek.

I barely felt the pain, but it did disorient me enough to where whomever was behind me grabbed my arm and now their gun was to my head.

When my wits came back to me, I could see that it wasn't just the one man.

My eyes landed on a second man, who now had my Fawn in his arms. She was crying, and he had one arm over her chest and the other was holding a gun to her head.

Rage began to boil inside me, and I grit my teeth.

"Get your fucking hands off my woman!" I snapped.

He scoffed at me, and at first it had been too dark to really notice, but when he smiled I saw three silver teeth reflect the small bit of light in the alleyway.

My expression dropped, and I recognized him as the man from the park.

I should've fucking known...

"You's not really in th' position ta be givin' orders, radio man," the slob said confidently.

My lips sealed, and I was shaking with anger but he's right. I need to be careful with what I say and what I do.

He has the hammer pulled back on that gun he's holding to her head. One wrong move and she's gone.

Fawn whimpered when he pressed the gun further into her temple, tears rolling off her cheeks in large droplets.

I glanced to the side at the other one who was holding me. He looked nervous, fidgeting slightly and glancing around like they were going to get caught any second.

The hold he had on me was loose...I could easily disarm him and turn that weapon on them both, but there's a high possibility this heathen could pull that trigger on Fawn and I wouldn't be fast enough.

So for now, I need to play along.

"What do you want." I grit out, looking into his eyes. If I could set him on fire with my mind, he'd be nothing but ash by now.

I wanted to wipe the confident sneer off his face, but I felt powerless in this moment. That only made my rage boil stronger in my core, and the angrier I got, the colder the air around us felt.

The street lamp that was providing our dim light flickered and buzzed.

The leader nodded to me, "ya wallet. Make it quick. And anythin' else of value ya got on ya. S' not like you'll miss it."

I reached into my vest, my fingers grazing over my knife before coming into contact with the smooth leather of my wallet. I pulled it out and tossed it to the ground at his feet.

Come on...bend down and get it...

I just need an opening...him to let his guard down for two seconds...please...

He looked at it with a smile, and then back to me.

The look in his eye was almost sinister. He wasn't going for the wallet.

It was then I realized this is more than any regular mugging.

"Good." He said, and then turned his attention to Fawn. Immediately, I tried to break free and he snapped his eyes back to me.

"Move an inch, and I'm blowin' her pretty little head right off ha shoulders. N' then I'll blow a hole in the little abomination she's got growin' inside 'er."

My eyes widened and I stood deathly still.

He looked back to her, and brushed her hair to the side with the gun so he could see her face better.

"Ya really are a dime, sweetheart," he purred, "perfect in every way ya could be...such a shame ya decided t' mix yer blood with that."

The implication was clear. I watched her teary eyes widen before she grit her teeth and looked at him with pure seething anger.

"Shut your fucking mouth!" She snapped, and I wanted to tell her to just keep quiet, but I was afraid if I even spoke he'd make good on his promise.

The man tsk'd, "such nasty words...a lady like ya self shouldn't speak like that," he mocked, and then looked to his partner.

"Hold that bastard still. I'm going to show his little woman a good time, and he's gonna watch. When I'm done, blow 'is head off."

Fawn gasped and tried to fight away from him, but he held her tight, making her whimper when he turned and slammed her into the wall.

The edges of my vision were going dark. My breaths were coming heavy, and I had to fight for control.

One wrong move.

Just one, and it's over.

My panic spiked when he started to lift her dress, and she struggled and kicked against him, trying to scream.

Then he made the mistake that I've been waiting for.

The man growled and shoved his gun into the back hem of his pants, covering Fawn's mouth with his filthy hand.

"Shut up, you whore!"

He then went into a spiel about how if she let someone like myself touch her sexually, she should be just fine with him. He also used a few choice words regarding my race, which only made her look angrier.

Then the man yelled, and yanked his hand back.

"She fucking bit me!" He cried out, and I would've laughed if the situation was different.

Then the bastard hit Fawn in the face and made her yelp, and that was what made me snap.

Suddenly the flickering street light buzzed loudly and crackled before exploding, making both men jump.

I moved quickly, disarming the one next to me before blowing a hole through his ugly face. It was obvious he was the one with no spine, and easy enough to catch off guard.

There was a split second before I was right in front of the other one, and he looked at me with wide eyes.

A low growl rolled out of my throat, and the man looked terrified.

All I could focus on was him. I was seeing red and my blood felt like it was actually boiling in my veins.

"W-what the fuck are you..." he stuttered out at me, backing into the wall and fumbling as he tried to pull his gun back out.

I watched him as he pathetically cowered away from me.

"P-people don't fuckin' move that fast, a-are you some sort of demon! Y-your f-fuckin eyes!"

My eyes? What's wrong with my eyes?

A smile split my face and I chuckled, only the noise sounded oddly distorted.

I said nothing, that low growl still coming from my body before I simply lifted the gun and put a round into his forehead. Blood splattered the wall, and the scum slowly slid to the ground, slumping over.

My breathing was ragged, and I stared down at him, shaking furiously.

How dare he lay his hands on her. How fucking dare he touch her. I wish I could've tortured him. I wanted to skin him alive, and gut him while he was still conscious.

My ears were ringing, and I could feel my body going numb as I started to black out, no matter how hard I fought against it.

Until a low noise managed to break through my haze...causing the black in my vision to fade away, and the feeling to come back to my limbs.

My eyes widened slightly and I stopped growling, panic setting in as I remembered Fawn.

The noise that I had heard turned out to be a low moan, sounding pained.

"Fawn..." I breathed, looking around for her quickly.

It was hard to see without the street lamp, but the moon was providing a little bit of light that I used to make out a small shape on the ground.

My eyes widened and I ran over to where she was, falling to my knees at her side.

My hands were shaking, and I touched her gently, "Fawn, baby, it's me...they're gone, I took care of it, are you ok?" I asked her, my voice coming out a bit weak.

She groaned softly, and I could see her hugging her stomach, her breaths coming quick and short.

"I-I...I landed on...the b-baby..." she managed to get out, "w-when he shoved me to t-the side..."

I didn't even see him to that. It only fueled my hatred for him, and my desire to bring him back to life so I can kill him more painfully.

Hell isn't a harsh enough punishment.

Fawn was sobbing softly, "A-Alastor...it hurts..." she whined, and I started to get a sinking feeling in my stomach.

Something is wrong.

Something is very, very wrong.