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𝐉𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐒

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Dr. Novak entered the exam room with a warm smile. She wore her usual calm demeanor, clipboard in hand as she glanced over Sunshine's chart. "Sunshine, how are we doing today?" 

Sunshine sat on the edge of the examination table, her hands resting awkwardly in her lap. She had come to this appointment alone, feeling more isolated than she cared to admit. "Um... I've been taking the B6 like you said ," she began, her voice carrying a hint of weariness. "But honestly, it's not really helping. I'm fine when I'm at home, but every time I step outside, I feel like I'm going to be sick ."

Dr. Novak nodded sympathetically, setting her clipboard down and crossing her arms as she leaned against the counter. "It could just be your body's way of telling you to slow down," she suggested, a hint of concern in her tone. "Or it's a sign to stay home and take it easy."

Sunshine let out a soft, humorless laugh, shaking her head slightly. "Well, I can't exactly drop everything. I still have school, and... well, there's a lot going on." Her eyes flicked toward the ceiling as she tried to push back the real reason for her anxiety, the gnawing fear she couldn't bring herself to say out loud.

Because what if it wasn't just normal pregnancy symptoms? What if there was something wrong ? The strange dreams, the fainting doctor, the hooves. A part of her wanted to confide in Dr. Novak, to tell her everything—but how could she explain something so terrifying, so impossible? How could she admit that she feared there might literally be a little demon growing inside her?

Dr. Novak studied her carefully, sensing the underlying tension. "You know, if you're feeling particularly worried, we can always run some tests," she offered, her voice softening. "It might help ease some of that anxiety, though I can't guarantee it'll make you feel any better."

Sunshine chewed on her bottom lip, weighing the offer. She was already swimming in uncertainty, desperate for any reassurance, even if it was fleeting. "Yeah, I think it will," she murmured, her voice steadying as she met the doctor's gaze . "I think I need to know."

Dr. Novak nodded, her expression understanding. "Alright, we'll get everything scheduled this week. I'll make sure we cover all the bases." She scribbled something quickly on her chart before looking back at Sunshine with a reassuring smile. 

"Thank you." Sunshine offered a small smile in return, but her heart still weighed heavy. Even with tests, even with answers, nothing could quell the storm inside her mind. 

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Sunshine sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded a scattering of sheet music. Lost in thought, she was startled by a soft knock on her door. 

Looking up, she was greeted by Tate, his silhouette framed by the doorway. He wore a shy smile, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "Hey," 

"Hey," she replied, a smile spreading across her face. Slowly, she moved onto her knees, struggling a bit as her pregnancy made even the simplest tasks feel more challenging. Tate stepped closer, offering his hand to help her up. " Thank you. What's up?"

"I actually wanted to give you something," he said, dicking in one of his pockets. He revealed a small velvet pouch.

Sunshine gasped. "For me?"

"Yeah," Tate nodded, a dimmed smile blooming on his face at her reaction. "I found it in the attic. I thought you might like it." With a gentle tug, he opened the pouch, revealing a delicate silver necklace.

Her eyes widened in delight as she looked at it. It was simple yet beautiful, featuring a charm shaped like a sun. "Tate..." Her voice trailed off as she looked back up at him, her heart swelling with affection. " It's beautiful."

"I thought it suited you," he said. "You know, you're like this... light in the darkness."

A warmth spread through her, filling her with joy and gratitude. "I love it," she said sincerely, her heart soaring as she looked into his eyes. "I love you. Thank you so much."

Sunshine rose onto her tippy toes, leaning in to place a tender kiss on his lips, savoring the moment. She turned around, lifting her hair and exposing the nape of her neck to him.

Tate's fingers grazed her skin as he reached around her. She felt the cool metal as he clasped it around her neck. Tate's hands lingered on her shoulders for a moment before trailing down her arms, sending shivers of warmth along her skin. She turned back to him and found him staring at her with a look of pure admiration.

"Beautiful," he murmured, though his gaze was fixed on her face, not the necklace.

Sunshine's fingers gripped the sharp edges of the sun's flames. She looked up at Tate, her heart full, the weight of her worries lightened in his presence. 

As she reveled in the moment, her heart fluttered with the realization that she had something special for him too, something she had tucked away for this very occasion.

"I actually have something for you too," she said as she stepped back and moved towards her desk. She rummaged through a small drawer. An eager smile danced on her lips as she finally pulled out the vinyl.

With a flourish, she turned back to face Tate, holding the vinyl aloft like a precious treasure. The cover of Nirvana's Bleach  gleamed under the soft light.

Tate's eyes widened in disbelief, and his mouth dropped open in a perfect O of surprise. "No way," he breathed, stepping closer to take a better look at the record. 

"It's special edition," The anticipation in her chest swelled as she watched Tate's face light up, his expression shifting from surprise to pure delight. "I remembered you said it was your favorite album."

As he examined the vinyl, his fingers glided over the cover, tracing the intricate artwork with a tenderness that sent a thrill through her. The way he studied it, as if it were a priceless artifact, deepened the warmth of their connection. 

"This is amazing, Sunny," Tate breathed, looking up at her with wide, shining eyes that sparkled with genuine appreciation. The light in his gaze made her feel seen, cherished in a way that wrapped around her like a comforting embrace.

"I know Violet doesn't have any of their albums," Sunshine explained. "But I figured she'd let you use her record player." 

Tate's smile widened as he processed her words, the happiness in his eyes sending a rush of warmth through her. He carefully placed the vinyl on her desk. Then, without hesitation, he stepped forward and pulled her into a warm hug, wrapping his arms around her waist.

Sunshine melted into his embrace, feeling the steady beat of his heart against her chest. She inhaled the scent of him—something comforting and familiar.

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A/N:  A little filler chapter until shit gets HEAVY again. Also realized this is my first author's note since I started publishing so hello! I hope you guys are liking it so far :)