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𝑹 𝑬 𝑴
❝ 𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚗'𝚝 𝚠𝚎 𝚝𝚎𝚌𝚑𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚟𝚒𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗'𝚜 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜? ❞

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ㅤ𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐀 𝐇𝐀𝐃 𝐀 𝐋𝐎𝐓 𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃, but she decided that there were some things that should be prioritized over others, and her main priority had always been her job. So, despite the raging storm that was brewing in her mind, she found herself back in the labs with Helen as they began to prepare second phase of clinical trials.

This time, Jack was there with them as they replicated the prototype used in the first stage. They were once again in the separate lab from last time, and Alina decided she wanted the boy close to her person as she told him stories from her time with the first Regeneration Cradle and along with that, Ultron.

"Did he look like Iron Man?" Jack asked, his face morphing into confusion when Helen snorted.

"It's better you don't tell Tony that," Helen chuckled. "He'd be offended."

Alina shook her head, letting out a small laugh at Jack's expression. "Don't worry about too much. But I had to admit, he did look a bit like Iron Man. A lot taller, a lot more...platinum. And a hell of a lot crazier in the noggin."

Jack blew a raspberry. "Language."

She huffed in amusement. "You've been spending too much time with Stevie."

Helen turned to the boy, eyes moving up from her tablet that controlled several of the robotic arms that were helping them assemble the replicated prototype that was becoming less and less of a prototype and more of an actual, working new piece of medical technology.

She hummed to herself before saying, "It would be any boy's dream to hang out with Captain America though."

Jack shook his head. "He's not Captain America, he's Uncle Stevie!"

Alina grinned and nodded in agreement. "He is Uncle Stevie isn't he?"

The boy frowned a little. "He's your uncle too?"

"In a way," she shrugged, exchanging tablets with Helen as she continued the work the geneticist laid out for her. Helen, with Alina's tablet, now controlled the actual genetics of the replicated machine as she configured it to her liking. "Steve's my grandpa's friend, they worked together," she told him. "When my siblings and I were little, grandpa would tell all these stories about Steve doing his Captain America duties. Fortunately, they got to see each other again right before grandpa passed."

"Was your grandpa a super soldier too?"

"Nah, regular guy. Abnormal temper though," she huffed amusedly. "He was not someone to be messed with. Not only did he have a pull in the government, he was also hard-headed and would fight anyone who got in his way. Still a wonder how grandma stayed with him for so long," she joked.

Jack tilted his head. "I wish I got to meet him."

"Would've loved you, that's for sure." Alina smiled and turned away as she continued her story about Ultron. "Anyway, Ultron kidnapped the both of us and did some intergalactic mind control juju on us, and if you think about it," she faced Helen, "aren't we technically Vision's parents?"

Helen paused. "I- Alina!"

Soon enough, Alina and Helen found themselves together again, preparing for Gwen and Spencer's combined gender reveal party and baby shower in the conference rooms. Jack waited with everyone else as they anticipated the couple's arrival, in charge with making sure they don't suspect that anything was happening. Even most of the BAU team was there, including Penelope and Grant who were tasked with distraction.

Dressed in a black corset-looking top, cream high-waisted pants, and a pair of Louboutin stilettos, Alina looked ready for a party. She had on her signature locket, and two more yellow gold necklaces of different lengths that made for a layered look. Her wavy hair was in a ponytail and she were her everyday makeup, slightly modified to fit the occasion.

But now that Alina didn't have much to preoccupy herself, she began thinking about Aaron again, but this time, she just had to talk to someone about it.

"Helen?" She asked, her voice suddenly somber.

Picking up on her change of tone as she secured a banner in place, Helen turned to her friend and asked, "Yeah? You okay?"

"I- how come...how come you and I worked but..." she pursed her lips, "but Aaron and I didn't? How come...you and I, despite everything we've done together, are still able to function normally? How come, with Aaron, it's different?"

Helen paused. She looked at Alina in the eye, seeing her eyes welling up with tears she obviously refused to shed. She sighed and dropped he stuff she had in her hands and pulled her friend into a tight, comforting hug. That was all it took for the usually stoic and emotionless woman to let a tear shed which she quickly wiped away.

"It's different," Helen began, "because it is. You and I...we never saw each other as anything but friends. Sure, we had sex, but that was it. We had the option to seek out other people, and the fact that our 'arrangement' wasn't even an arrangement adds to that. We never set rules because it meant pretty much nothing. We're friends, colleagues. Just that. But Aaron...you know he's had some sort of feelings for you from the beginning, yet you're shocked the second it came out."

Alina sniffled and nodded in agreement, trying not to let another tear fall, tilting her head up as she wiped her eyes. "I," she hiccuped, "I-I just didn't think..." She trembled slightly in Helen's arms as she tried to put her thoughts together. "I-I just...I thought I could remain the same. I thought I could maintain my composure as I have with others. But Aaron--"

"Aaron is so very clearly your person, Lina. The two of you may be leagues different, but that's what makes the two of you special. You can't just let him go because you're scared--"

"I'm not scared, I'm unsure," she protested, "And it's even worse. Because I know, I've known for years that--" hiccup, "--I'm not good with relationships, that I am not ready. But Aaron is," she whispered out his name as if it physically hurt her to say it out loud, "And now I just feel like I'm holding him back, that I-I...I'm being unfair!" She cried. "I never should've instigated this agreement. I knew that...even back then when Gwen was recovering from being tortured that he might..." She shuddered, "I told Gwen when she was asleep that I think her fake boss had a thing for me, but I never realized-- stupid!" She smacked herself in the face, and Helen was quick to grab her wrist from doing it again.

"Look, look, look," Helen sighed, letting hers and Alina's fingers intwine to comfort her. The smaller woman didn't hesitate to squeeze her hand. "Look, Lina, just...I know that you're stressed, unsure, but this isn't the time to make rash decisions and judging by the look on your face," she gave her friend a look, "you've already made a rash decision." She sighed, "Alina, please don't ruin this for yourself just because you feel like--"

"Jack called me momma," Alina cut her off, and in response, her eyes widened. "He called me momma, Helen. Do you understand how- how different that is? I mean, I-I can barely take care of myself! Oh, well, I can but just not in a healthy manner," she groaned, "but I...Jack called me momma, and it's...pressuring me into making a decision when in fact I'm not at all ready to make one. Not yet. Add that to my earlier statement about holding Aaron back from being happy..." Another tear slipped, but this time, she didn't wipe it away. "Aaron deserves to be happy, he and Jack. And right now, I'm not the right person to provide that for them."

"But you are," Helen scoffed. "Aaron and Jack...they've let you in. You're part of their family whether you like it or not." She sighed, "If you need time, ask! They're not rushing you in any way, Alina. You're just thinking that."

Before Alina could retort again, footfalls were heard coming from the hall, and she quickly attempted to make herself presentable; fixing her hair, wiping away her unshed tears. But despite that, her reddened eyes, and slightly puffy face made it obvious what had just occurred.

Alina sighed just before everyone came bursting through, and looked at Helen in the eye. "I've made my decision. It's beneficial not just for me but for them too. I've looked into the odds, I've thought about the outcomes, and I know that it's the best course of action. I'm not changing my mind."

Helen could only sigh, but she quickly plastered a smile as Gwen and Spencer entered the room.

"SURPRISE!"

"Thank you, for arranging all this," Gwen smiled at her best friend gratefully, pulling her into a tight hug. "I couldn't have asked for anything better."

Considering no one but Alina knew of the babies' sex, all of them had brought mostly gifts that were either unisex, or gifts that have no gender.

Tony and Pepper's gift had been the most flamboyant yet most useful in the long run, setting up a college fund for the twins, already putting down fifty-thousand for each twin, which gave the couple a good start-up and ample time to save up some more. For the Barton family, they gave them two cribs—hand-made by Clint himself—to set up for the nursery. Natasha had given two gifts—one from her, and her mysterious girlfriend from Paris—that went together; a double stroller and a double pram bassinet that can be attached to said stroller. Bruce and Helen coordinated by building the twins a unique holographic play-table that would teach them everything they needed to learn, equipped with settings that can be configured depending on their age group. As for Steve and Bucky, they gifted the twins several wooden toys that can help with their development; some of them were even handmade by the two super soldiers.

Even Alina's brothers—who, at this point, are pretty much Gwen's brothers too—added to the growing collection. Enzo and his wife Francesca decided on gifting the twins gender neutral clothes, and their daughters Saffron and Primrose insisted on gifting matching snake stuffed toys. As for Chris, he gifted two baby monitors. Vince, being the psychologist he is who dabbled in child psychology, bought them black and white soft books—books made out of fabrics—that apparently can help 'strengthen their developing cognitive function,' and he also explained that they were 'sensory toys'.

Mila, the twins' maternal grandmother, gifted Gwen a Frida Mom Hospital Kit that apparently can be very useful once she delivers. And Diana, their paternal grandmother, gifted several of her old favorite books.

Spencer had tears in his eyes when he realized that even his mother, though was sick and couldn't attend, still managed to be a part of his children's lives.

As for the BAU team who were in attendance, their gifts were all over the place. Derek handed Gwen and Spencer a whimsical fake coupon that they could use when they wanted to get the nursery prepped and ready for the little ones. Penelope, who was known for her loud personality and outlandish taste in...well, everything, bought several fluffy robes—all in different colors—for both Gwen and Spencer to wear so they can be comfortable whenever they lounged around with the twins; she even bought matching ones for the twins as well. JJ, Will, and Henry bought swaddles, pacifiers, and the former even gifted Gwen a 'survival kit' consisting of scented candles, bath salts, calming salves, and even a lip balm that can apparently help her relax whenever she needed to. Last but not the least was Rossi, who gifted the family two SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinets, small enough to place right next to the parents' beds.

To everyone's surprise, Viktor and Grant coordinated their gifts by buying several baby bodysuits that had funny writing written on them. One had 'I was the fastest swimmer,' and another one had 'I only cry when ugly people hold me.' The parents didn't know whether to be laugh or not.

The ones who could not attend—namely Aaron, Thor, T'Challa, Nick Fury, Mick Rawson, Jessica Brooks, and several others—had gifts that were going to be sent directly to the couple's abode.

All in all, it was a very fun day, not just for the parents, but everyone in attendance. There were games, several of which turned rowdy—considering everyone's competitive nature—and there were speeches that made either all of them cry with laughter, or cry because they were touched. But nothing beats the part where they revealed the sex.

It was after the gift giving and betting when Alina brought out three boxes of cupcakes. She gave one to each person and told them to bite into them. While most of them got regular vanilla cupcakes, two were lucky enough to have bitten into the two cupcakes that revealed the genders.

The one Penelope bit into was pink.

And the one Bucky bit into was blue.

Screams rang throughout the conference room, and several of them started crying—namely Spencer—as they finally knew what the babies were going to be. The lot of them started throwing out baby name suggestions, while Tony made sure that those who won the bet were given their prize.

Afterwards, the men went on the have their own private celebration, and the women did the same.

The first ones to leave were those who had families. Enzo and Francesca, Clint and Laura, and JJ and Will, all left together first. Next were the BAU agents who had responsibilities the next day. The ones left were those who had their own places in the compound, and one by one they all left. Steve and Bucky offered to clean up the place, and Spencer offered to watch Jack for a while so Gwen and Alina could spend some time together.

Laughing slightly, Alina replied, "It was nothing. Just wanted the best for you and the babies. Especially the babies, actually, considering they're...miracles."

Gwen happily sighed as she let go of her, beginning to walk side by side. "I just...God, I didn't expect that I had to go through actual torture just to figure out that, all along, Medusa could've healed every damage done to me by HYDRA."

"It was still great timing though, somewhat," Alina pointed out. "I mean, I don't believe in coincidences yet the timing of their conception was impeccable. You were in a good place, in a great relationship."

"Yeah," she nodded. "Yeah, I got lucky."

Of course, pregnancy doesn't hold Guinevere Chase back from being the most fashionable one in the room. Despite being nearly six months pregnant, the woman had on a cream backless dress that fit her form, accentuating her baby bump. On her feet were Chanel Cord Mules in light beige, and her neck was adorned with several of her white gold jewelry that made her skin sparkle. Her long, black straight hair was in soft waves that gave her a delicate look.

Gwen sighed again, this time in what appeared to be sadness. "I know you and I haven't really talked in a while considering you're busy building the Regeneration machines with Helen, and I've been sort of stuck at home, only coming here from time to time when necessary...the point is, Alina, I know what's been going on between you and Aaron. Helen's...Helen's been keeping me in the loop. Don't get mad at her, okay? We only want what's best for you.

Alina shrugged, pulling her lips into a straight line. "I don't really care anymore. Nothing you can say will change my mind. I've made my decision. I will make my bed and I intend to lay on it."

"I'm not here to change your mind," Gwen snorted. "I'm here to tell you that whatever you may plan to do, I'm here for you. I'm your best friend, and you're mine. We'll always support each other, no matter how much of a dumbass we can be sometimes."

Finally, the smaller woman smiled. "Thanks, Queenie."

Gwen giggled at the nickname. "You haven't called me that in a while." She giggled again. "But seriously though. What are you planning, Lina?"

Alina opened her mouth and began to explain.

It was way past midnight in DC, but Alina just had to talk to Aaron Hotchner. Jack was fast asleep on her bed, yet she still can't follow his lead and fall asleep herself. She had too much on her mind, and she knew that if she didn't do it today, right now, she would never find the courage to do it.

She stared at her computer screen, sitting in her living room, as she waiting for the agent to pick up her video call. Something in her wished that he wouldn't answer, but that wish came crumbling as his tired face finally filled her screen.

Only her single floor lamp was lit, her only source of light, so Aaron asked, "What time is it there?"

"Nearly two in the morning," Alina sighed. "Aaron, I need to talk to you. About...about us."

This made Aaron pause, before picking up his laptop and presumably walking towards a more private area. He finally sat down again, and asked, "Alina, I thought we'd only talk about this once I'm home. I was giving you time--"

"I've already made my decision."

"...you still don't want a relationship, do you?"

The forlorn expression on his face was enough to get her to quickly explain. "No! I mean- I do! I do want one. But...not right now. I seriously am not ready, and...admitting that to you already took a lot."

Aaron blinked a few times. "But?"

"How'd you know there was a but?"

"I know you, Lina."

She sighed again. "Look, just...it would be unfair for me...to have you waiting on the sidelines, while I--" She cut herself off. "I-I just feel--"

"I don't care if I'm at the sidelines--"

"Aaron," she cut him off, a tone of finality in her voice which made him immediately close his mouth. "Please. It's not...it's not gonna be easy for me. I admit...you're the first person that I've ever seriously considered to change my mind for, but that doesn't mean it's gonna be an easy ride. Or a quick one. I just..." She licked her lips, "It won't be easy, so please, promise me if you find someone else who can make you smile...don't let them go just because of me. Just because you're waiting. I..."

"Alina..." His face was stoic, but his eyes were whirlpools of intensity. Anger, uncertainty, sadness. His dark eyes were swirling with indescribable emotions that he wouldn't dare let anyone see, but he was vulnerable under Alina's regretful gaze.

"Aaron, I..." Alina pursed her lips, looking conflicted, as if she wanted to say something but physically couldn't. "Just...for me. Don't put your life on pause just because you're willing to wait for me. I just want you happy. And I may not be a profiler, or even a good judge of emotions, but I know...I know that you're hurting, no matter how much you try to hide it." She clenched her jaw, clearly angry with herself, but she continued. "I love seeing you happy, I love seeing you smile. And if I can't make you happy or smile, find someone else who can. Promise me...please. I'm not worth it."

"You're worth it for me," he told her. "But...if that's what you want...if that's what you really want, I'll do that. For you."

She let out a shaky breath. "Thank you, Aaron Hotchner."

He tried to give her a smile. "Anything for you, Alina Narvaez."

author's note:  so that happened.

one thing's for certain, alina admitted that she does want to be with aaron, okay? like, that's a confirmation. but the timing isn't right for her, and she doesn't want aaron to suffer for it. she's being both selfless and selfish by making this decision, and believes that this is the best course of action for her. 

also, more info on the baby shower/gender reveal on 6:30 (conversations, etc.) so if you think it's a little too underwhelming, it will be there.

it's been about a week i guess since i updated and that's because of my dog getting sick (idk if you guys read my announcements but yeah that's the reason). he's getting better now though so i was able to take time off monitoring him and whipped out this long chapter.

hope you guys liked this!! <3

before i leave: get vaccinated my babes, i'm fucking tired of this pandemic. let's just try and fight back, alright? 

love y'all a lot.