i see my future in your eyes

Michael laughed. "I do remember that. I'm pretty sure the picture's hidden away in your phone for blackmail," he teased as he held her close to himself, relishing in the way it felt to have her in his arms, safe. His expression softened, though, when her voice softened, and he smiled as he kissed her forehead gently. "Well, then, maybe we'll luck out and have a son."

Anette grinned, rolling her eyes slightly. "Our baby has a perfect Dad," she reminded him quietly, feeling so completely blessed that they were getting to look forward to something this incredible. Smiling, she leaned into his touch, but peered up at him. "Yeah? I can't wait. I think every day from here on out is going to be amazing, just knowing that our baby is growing inside."

"I do, actually." Nora laughed. "It's my favourite photo of you." She rested her head on his chest, settling down as she rested her hand over his heart. "I hope so. I've seen your baby photos, Michael, you were so adorable." She smiled, biting her lip at the thought. "And having a son and knowing he'd be like you, God, my heart wouldn't take it." She smiled softly.

Luke nodded in agreement. "Every day is going to be incredible." He smiled. "We get to watch our little one grow, and you're gonna be an adorable planet." Luke beamed with pride. "I can't wait." He murmured, the excitement having tired him out, but not wanting to close his eyes, not wanting to miss a moment with Anette. "I never knew how much I wanted to be a Dad until tonight."

"I knew it," Michael said in false dismay, his grin giving him away as he rubbed her back gently. Watching her, he smiled and kissed the top of her head. "I think, no matter what, our baby's gonna be just perfect," he murmured quietly, settling down as he relaxed, "He or she will have the best of you and the best of me, it'll be amazing." And he'd protect both the baby and Nora with everything he had in him, make sure they always knew how loved they were.

Anette grinned slightly with the mention of it. "I'm perfectly fine with being a planet, so long as you're stuck in my orbit," she chimed jokingly, but she shifted, relaxing as she closed her eyes, enjoying the close contact between them as she drew patterns into his chest over his shirt lightly. "I know what you mean. I mean... I always imagined being a Mom, you know? But I never knew how much I actually wanted it until all of this."

Nora smiled up at Michael. "Definitely perfect." She smiled. "I'm so happy, Michael, today feels like it's been a dream." She confessed. "Life's been so good, and then this happens and it just got so much better." She smiled softly. "And you and me are gonna be the dream team." She laughed, hiding her face into his chest. "I love you so much." Her fingers curled into the material of his t-shirt.

Luke blinked in surprise. "That was the most witty one liner I've ever heard." Luke grinned. "I'll always be in your orbit." He promised. "Beauty like you only comes once in a lifetime." He grinned, kissing the top of Anette's head once more, focusing on her fingers drawing patterns into his chest. "This baby is a blessing. I mean, you know I'm not into all that God stuff, Anette, but I think destiny had a pretty big role to play in all of this."

Michael smiled as he listened to her words and he held her close, rubbing her back gently. "I know what you mean," he murmured, "The last thing I was expecting was to come home to that news today, but it really made today just perfect." Grinning, he kissed the top of her head. "We've always been the dream team. And now we'll have an addition to the team and it'll be amazing." He held her close, relaxing with her in his arms. "I love you so much, too, Nora, more than anything in this world."

Anette grinned broadly, proud of herself. "Good, I wouldn't want it any other way," she hummed out happily, rather happy with how everything was going, how happy they both were. "Mm, cheesy." Grinning, she leaned up to kiss his cheek before she settled back down, resting her fingers' movements to instead rest her hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat underneath. "Yeah... I think so, too. It still feels so surreal."

Nora smiled as she listened to Michael's heartbeat. "I guess you could say that Player 3 is loading, and will enter the game in a few months." She laughed, shaking her head in amusement. "You need rest for tomorrow, you're up early." She told him gently, squeezing around his middle. "I love you, Michael." She promised, although the excitement rushing through her was too much to ignore.

Luke smiled at Anette. "We're a pretty cheesy couple, I love it." He admitted with a grin. "Been this way for nearly four years, why stop now?" He teased, kissing the top of Anette's head, placing his hand on top of hers on his chest, using the other hand to gently caress circles into her back. "It's surreal, but it's amazing." Luke smiled. "Our baby is gonna kick ass. The world isn't ready." He grinned.

Michael let out a loud laugh at that, unable to happen. "That was ingenious," he told her, "That should be one of the party themes. The baby shower, maybe?" He grinned, looking down at her, but he kissed the top of her head. "I mean, I'll try, but I'm not sure I can sleep just yet with how excited I am about all of this, it's just so amazing. It's a rush." He rubbed her back, though, and drew her closer, letting himself relax with her in his arms. "I love you, too, Nora."

Anette grinned and nodded. "I love it, too," she confirmed in a hum, resting her head down on his chest, burying her face a bit against his shirt as she relaxed. "We're so lucky." She breathed out a sigh of content, letting herself relax as she took in Luke's scent, his warmth, everything about him. "The world better start preparing itself." Grinning tiredly, she yawned, though the noise was stifled by Luke's shirt. "As much as I hate to say it, we should sleep. It's been a long day, for both of us, and you have another early start."

Nora laughed as she heard Michael’s own laugh, everything about him so damn wonderful that she couldn’t contain her joy. “Sounds like a good theme to have for our baby shower.” Nora confirmed with a smile. “We could make it adorable.” She snuggles into him. “Try to rest. I love you.” She told him softly, closing her eyes as she focused on his heartbeat.

Luke smiled as Anette settled down in his arms. “We are pretty damn lucky.” He murmured gently, burying his face into her hair, inhaling the smell of her shampoo. Rubbing her back as she yawned, Luke smiled. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep yet, but I’ll give it a try.” He smiled. “Goodnight, you two. I love you both.” He promised, meaning every syllable that came out of his mouth, finding it amazing that he already held so much love for his son or daughter, despite only knowing for a few hours.

"It'll be the best baby shower ever," Michael declared with a broad grin as he held her close, kissing the top of her head. Feeling her in his arms, knowing she was safe, that both she and their baby were safe and okay, he could feel himself relaxing and he rubbed her back gently. "I love you, too. Both of you." He grinned and settled down. "You're both everything to me. Good night." He kissed the top of her head once more before he relaxed, his heart happy with everything.

Anette grinned up at him, her heart swelling with his words. "Good night, Luke," she murmured quietly, kissing his chest gently before she settled back down, closing her eyes. "We love you, too." Her fingers curled into his shirt slightly and she let herself relax, the exhaustion catching up to her after all the nerves and anxiety and excitement. With it all catching up, it didn't take too long for her to drift off to sleep.

Nora woke up the next morning, before Michael's 6:30 alarm. Smiling as she saw her boyfriend, still soundly asleep, Nora lifted herself from his chest and ignored the slight nausea she felt that had been consistent over the past few weeks. Stretching happily, Nora ran a hand through Michael's hair, before cupping his cheek, outlining his lips gently with her thumb, wondering how she got so lucky to have him.

Luke woke up the next morning, his heart swelling with fondness as he saw Anette still safe within his embrace. Running his fingers through her hair, Luke figured he had time - his alarm hadn't gone off yet, and he couldn't imagine a better way to spend the early morning than with Anette in his arms. Smiling as he pressed a sweet kiss to the top of her head, Luke took in the smell of her shampoo once more, frowning deeply at the thought of leaving her and their baby for another day at the studio - but the sooner the album was done, the sooner he could enjoy Anette and the pregnancy.

Michael had begun to stir the moment he felt Nora shifting but, when he felt her hand through his hair, he decided to pretend to be asleep for just a few moments. It was only when he felt her thumb outlining his lips that a small grin spread across his face and he opened his eyes, staring up at her before he pulled her to himself. "Good morning," he told her quietly, watching her, lifting his hand to run his fingers through her hair. "You feeling alright?" He couldn't help the concern he felt, still not looking forward to parting from her for the day, but, while he was here with her, he wanted to be able to help in any way he could.

Anette wasn't sure if it was the queasiness that woke her (the same queasiness that had made her suspicious of the pregnancy in the first place) or the feeling of Luke's fingers running through her hair or the kiss he placed on her head, but she stirred, blinking tiredly up at him. "Morning," she murmured quietly, not wanting to disturb the peace of the early morning, but she smiled and leaned up to kiss his cheek. "Did you sleep well? You're awake earlier than usual."

Nora smiled as Michael grinned. "Good morning." She murmured, pressing a sweet kiss to his lips as he pulled her to himself, melting into his embrace happily. "I'm feeling good, a little sick, but I'm sure it'll pass." She promised, not wanting to worry him. "But can I just say, you are the best damn thing to wake up to." She smiled, pressing a kiss to his jaw before moving away once more, despite not wanting to, but knowing she had to, knowing Michael was worried about leaving her for the day and not wanting to make it worst by being clingy. "How'd you sleep?"

"Morning, gorgeous." Luke kept his voice calm, quiet, feeling that it was appropriate for that time of morning. Rubbing Anette's back, Luke smiled. "How're you feeling?" He asked, pressing a sweet kiss to her lips after she'd kissed his cheek. Luke didn't want to leave her today, not at all, but he figured he could enjoy this moment with her. Wrapping his arms protectively around her, Luke kissed the top of her head. "I slept great." Luke admitted. "How did you sleep, did you get enough sleep?" He asked with worry. "Do you wanna lay in? You need breakfast, any requests?"

Michael watched her with concern, his expression softening a bit. "Is there anything I can do to help with the sick feeling?" he asked her gently, lifting his hand to run his fingers through her hair. "I can go get you some ginger ale or something? I could even get you something to eat in the process." He knew he'd probably have to grab something easy, since he wasn't the best cook, but with her being pregnant, he wanted to learn how to cook, for her, so she wouldn't have to. "I slept amazing with you two near me." He smiled, kissing her forehead gently, his hand moving to her stomach to rub it gently, both because it brought him comfort but also because he hoped it'd help with her stomach being upset. "How'd you sleep?"

Anette blinked with all the questions but she laughed quietly and shook her head. "Slow down, calm down," she told him quietly, shifting a bit to cup his face, running her thumbs over his cheeks. "I'm okay. A little queasy but okay, it'll pass." She smiled as she watched him, examining him a bit. "I slept great and, yes, I got enough sleep. Can't guarantee I won't take a nap later just to do it, but I'm fine." She pressed a kiss to his lips for a moment. "Maybe just toast and jam? Nothing too heavy, but I can honestly get that myself."

Nora smiled. "You just gotta let it pass." She told him gently, although she relaxed as he rubbed her stomach, surprised to find that it actually helped with the nausea. "I slept amazing." She smiled. "Didn't wake up once." She told him with a laugh, cupping his face as she pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, repeatedly kissing him, addicted to the feeling. Moving off the bed reluctantly to open their curtains, Nora let in the early morning light and grabbed some clothes for the day.

Luke felt his cheeks heating up, knowing he was being too overprotective, but he couldn't help himself. His eyebrows furrowed in concern as Anette mentioned her queasiness. "Do you need ginger ale?" He asked gently. "I'll go and make your toast, do you wanna come with me or do you wanna stay warm?" He asked her gently, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "At least you slept great." Luke smiled. "Last night was the best night of sleep I think I ever had." He confessed, wrapping his arms around her middle and tugging her gently, closer to him.

Michael grinned, glad to hear it. "Good," he murmured quietly, "I'm really glad, honestly." He knew sleep could be hard for both of them on occasion, but the baby was bringing them more than just happiness, it seemed; it was bringing peaceful nights. He knew it wouldn't last forever, she'd start getting morning sickness or cramps, but he wanted them to enjoy this while it lasted. Grinning with each kiss she gave him, he hummed happily, watching her. "What do you want to eat?" Arching a brow, he climbed off the bed to get some clothes for himself to change into, watching her still, grinning as he took her in.

Anette smiled and shook her head. "I'll be fine," she promised him quietly, kissing his nose with a small grin. "I'll come with." Mostly, she didn't want to be apart from Luke just yet when she knew he'd be gone most of the day. Grinning, she slid her arms around him when he tugged her close and she kissed him for a moment before pulling out of his arms, stretching her arms out above her before she moved to the closet to get some clothes out to change into. "I know what you mean. And, look at us, getting an even earlier start to the morning than usual."

Nora studied the t-shirt she was planning to wear, grabbing some jeans to accompany it. "I honestly have no idea." She laughed. "Where's my love for food gone?" She pouted slightly, kissing his cheek as she walked past him to get changed, unable to stop herself, just wanting all the contact she could get before he left for the day. "Maybe something light, like toast." She told him from the bathroom, brushing her hair before she got changed, suddenly feeling anxious without Michael in the room. Shaking off the thought, Nora returned to their bedroom and wolf whistled as she saw Michael shirtless, giggling.

"I know, we're already in parent mode." Luke grinned. "We need to start sleeping good in these next coming months, because these mornings will only get earlier when baby arrives." He laughed at the thought, getting changed to jeans and a casual white t-shirt. Watching Anette carefully, Luke smiled, approaching her from behind and wrapping his arms around her from behind, his hands firmly on her tummy. "I love you." Rubbing her tummy then, Luke grinned. "And I love you." He pressed a sweet kiss to Anette's shoulder. "Let's go get you both some toast." He waited for Anette to get dressed, before offering her one of his hoodies, wanting her to feel his presence somehow, even when he wasn't physically with her.

Michael chuckled quietly as he listened to her. "I'm sure once we have something made, you'll gobble it all up," he assured her with a grin before adding teasingly, "Although, I guess I should cut back on buying all that candy." He grinned over at her, watching her disappear into the bathroom before he focused on changing, trying hard not to feel anxious with her being out of his sight, but he couldn't help it. With the anxiety just from her being in the bathroom, he wasn't prepared to face the anxiety he knew he'd feel once he left. Hearing her whistle, though, he snapped from his thoughts and grinned, tugging a shirt on before he made his way over to her, wrapping his arms around her to hold her close, rubbing her back as he kissed her forehead. "I'm really gonna miss you today, more so than usual, I just know it."

Anette blinked with surprise but she grinned, leaning back against Luke for the moment it lasted. "We love you, too," she told him quietly, peering over her shoulder at him before she grinned and finished getting ready. Blinking at the offered hoodie, her expression softened and she shifted, taking it from him to tug it on, grateful for it, both because it was warm and because it smelled like him. "We'll have to adjust our sleeping to the baby's," she joked with a small grin, but she shifted, leaning up to kiss him for a moment before she took his hand and led the way to the kitchen.

Nora wrapped her arms around Michael's middle. "I know. I'm going to miss you too, you know." She murmured. "I feel nervous." She figured there was no point in lying to him. "But we'll be okay, all three of us." She smiled up at him, trying to keep the positivity going, knowing that if she continued to focus on her anxiety, she'd be emotional when Michael actually did leave for the studio, and she didn't want to cry, she didn't want to worry him. "Let's get some breakfast." She pressed a sweet kiss to his lips before pulling away to head to the kitchen.

Luke followed Anette to the kitchen, helping her onto a stool by the breakfast bar. "You know what they say, nap when the baby naps." He laughed, standing between her legs to kiss her gently, repeatedly, worried about leaving her. "Alright, toast." He smiled, maneuvering around the kitchen so naturally, but still keeping a close eye on Anette. "Strawberry or blackcurrant jam?" He asked, raising an eyebrow as he held the two jars in each hand, just wanting to distract his mind to stop the worries he was feeling, knowing that he'd hate leaving the house, knowing that leaving her behind was going to be difficult.

Michael watched her for a few moments, nodding slowly. "I'm sorry," he told her quietly, feeling guilty with the thought that he'd have to part from her at all, "But we'll be done soon, I'm sure of it, then we can just spend our days cuddled up together." At least until it came time to do other things for the band. Either way, he planned to make every moment of free time he had with Nora and their baby count. He never wanted either of them to think that they weren't loved. "Right. Of course. We're a strong duo and our baby's gonna be the strongest little tyke in the world." He grinned, kissing her forehead, but nodded, watching her before he breathed out, breathing through his anxiety, and followed after her, wanting to be strong for her. Grinning when they got to the kitchen, he slid his arms around her, rubbing her tummy gently. "I think I can handle getting the toast ready. No way I can screw that up." He grinned, kissing the back of her head. "Do you want butter or jam?"

Anette smiled. "Well, look at you, already knowing basics," she teased lightly but she grinned with each kiss she was given and chewed on her lip as she watched him move around the kitchen. "Ooh, hard choice." She leaned against the bar as she thought for a moment. "Strawberry." Grinning slightly, she watched him, trying not to think about the fact that he'd be leaving soon. She was used to being apart from Luke most days when he was busy in the studio, so she knew it shouldn't make her as anxious as she was about being apart from him, but it didn't stop the anxiety that came with the thoughts. Still, she tried not to let it show. "You better make sure you eat, too. You'll need that energy to get through the day."

"Stop apologising," Nora warned with smile as she felt Michael's arms wrap around her, leaning into his embrace. "You're going to make me emotional and then we're gonna start a chain reaction." She laughed softly. Pulling away reluctantly, Nora grinned at Michael. "You're not as bad at cooking as you think you are, Mikey." She grinned. "Tyke and I are proud of you... I'll have butter, please." She smiled, kissing his cheek as she sat on the counter, watching Michael carefully. "Coffee?" She offered.

Luke laughed. "When you fell asleep last night, I may or may not have done some light reading on my phone." He admitted, looking to Anette with a bashful grin. "Gotta be prepared." Still, he nodded at her choice of jam, smiling. "Good choice, way better than blackcurrant." As the toast popped up from the toaster, Luke spread the jam onto it, cutting the two pieces in half. Despite his happy exterior, Luke knew the clock was ticking towards seven, and he could feel his anxiety grow at the possibility of something happening to Anette when he wasn't there. "I'll eat, don't worry... I'm gonna call you every hour, on the hour, you hear me?" He grinned, handing her the plate of toast, kissing her lips gently as he did.