Athena
"I still can't believe it's a boy," A beaming smile remained plastered on my face, refusing to fade. I was happy, in fact, beyond happy, "Now we can choose a name. It's absolutely wonderful!"
"You seem incredibly excited," he chuckled, leaning in to plant kisses on my cheeks. "I must inform you that I've gathered quite a few books with suggestions for beautiful names."
"Really? You did?!"
"Yes, my love," he smiled, brushing away a few stray strands of hair from my face. "I'm certain you'll find one that captures your attention. We can go through them together once we're home."
"It has to be a name that suits mini-Sebastian," a mischievous smile played on my lips. "Perhaps something that reflects his character, like 'Arrogant' or 'Whiney'."
"Excuse me?" Disbelief etched itself on his face. "I am not whiney."
"Yes, you are," I couldn't resist teasing him, "Actually, you're really quite whiney. A big baby."
"Athena..." His threat was cut short as a gasp escaped my lips, and I felt a sudden flutter in my stomach followed by a gentle tingling sensation.
"What happened?" Sebastian asked, his concern evident in his hurried tone.
"I think..." I trailed off, a smile of astonishment forming on my face. "He kicked."
"What?!" His eyes widened in surprise and awe.
Before I could utter a word, I felt another flutter, this time stronger. I could sense the baby shifting, perhaps even rolling over.
"Yes, he kicked!" I couldn't contain my excitement any longer. "I think he's rolling over." I eagerly grabbed Sebastian's hand and placed it on my stomach. Both of us waited, the atmosphere in the car filled with dramatic suspense, until the flutter appeared once again. "There, did you feel it?"
"Holy Shit!" Sebastian exclaimed, pulling back to gaze at my belly as if trying to witness any movement from the outside. "He's really kicking! I can't believe it!"
I didn't have a chance to respond before he leaned over and pressed his ear against my belly. "Can you hear us, little soldier?"
"Come on, Sebastian, how can he..."
And then I felt another flutter.
Damn! Am I dreaming?
"What the—" My lips parted in astonishment.
"He can hear us, Athena!" Sebastian's voice trembled with excitement as he looked at me, his eyes brimming with warmth and happiness. "I felt his little leg right against my cheek! It's so tiny!"
"I guess he can," I replied, unable to contain my smile. This was the happiest I had ever been. The pure joy that bloomed in my heart was indescribable, an overwhelming feeling that transcended words.
"Athena... I can't believe it. I can't believe I'm going to be a father..." His words faltered, his emotions too profound to articulate. "It's just... It's beyond words. I..."
"It's okay," I gently cupped his face in my hands, my eyes locked with his beautiful blue orbs. "I understand. I know you, Sebastian. I know how you feel, and I also know how much you love him. I know it all."
"I want to protect both of you," he breathed out, "I promise I will protect both of you. I was wrong earlier today... I won't choose just one. I will save both of you. I will make sure that in the end, it will be us— you, me, and our little soldier. I love you, Athena."
A smile tugged at my lips as I whispered, "I love you too and I am sure, he loves you as well. We're in this together, always."
"He does?" Sebastian chuckled, a bittersweet smile gracing his lips as he leaned down to place a gentle kiss on my baby bump, "I'm certain he does."
And just as if to affirm his words, our little one kicked again.
"He kicked!" Sebastian exclaimed, his eyes filled with pure excitement, resembling that of a child's.
"Well, there you have it," I giggled, "He has already given you his answer—he loves you."
****
Sebastian
"Have you found any suitable ones yet?" She asked, glancing at the magazine in my hand, while she checked the book in hers. I knew she wouldn't find any to her liking there. Most of the names were too old-fashioned, kind of ancient, and definitely not what Athena had in mind.
But it's her own fault.
Despite my warning, she had insisted on picking up that book, and now I could practically see her regretting her decision.
"How about Alex?" I suggested.
"That's too common!" she replied with a dismissive tsk and a shake of her head.
And there it is, her usual excuse.
"Okay, then how about Nicholas?"
"No, too boring," she tsked again, shaking her head once more.
"How about Bob?"
"Sebastian! That's an old-man name," she shot me a partial death glare, clearly annoyed by my suggestion.
Is it really? Who knows!
"Oh, I didn't realise," I shrugged, flipping to the next page. "Then what about Sean?"
She seemed to ponder for a moment before responding, "That's cute... but no."
"How about Jack?"
"No, it doesn't sound serious enough."
"Why would you want a name to sound serious?" I asked, a mix of disbelief and confusion etched across my face.
"Because I want our child to be taken seriously, duh!" She rolled her eyes before resting her chin on my shoulder, her gaze fixed on the magazine in my hand. "This one has such beautiful names. How come you only suggest unsuitable ones?"
"Hey, I'm trying my best here, but you're being a bit bossy."
"Excuse me?"
Oops! I definitely said the wrong thing.
"Well... I didn't mean it like that," I stammered, desperately trying to find the right words, but failing.
Shit, Sebastian! Why do you always get yourself into problems?
"Then what did you mean?" she teased, raising an eyebrow and wearing a cute frown on her face.
"I mean... I only meant that... um..." I cleared my throat, attempting to sound composed, but the nervous smile that broke on my face gave away my true feelings.
God, I was scared.
"Cat caught your tongue, huh? I am being bossy for insisting on choosing a good name for our baby boy?" she pressed.
"Okay fine, I am sorry," I sighed in defeat even before the battle had begun.
How could I not? She was going to win anyway, and I would let her win regardless.
I watched as she struggled to maintain her frown, but it eventually faded, replaced by a smile.
"That's what I thought," she said, pinching my cheek and ruffling my hair. "Big baby!"
"Now, that's disrespectful."
"No, it's a compliment," she chuckled, snatching the magazine from my hand and lightly smacking it against my head before settling against the pile of pillows. "Anyway, since you're no help in choosing a name, I'll do it myself."
"I did try my best," I protested with a hint of defensiveness.
"I know," she smiled and gestured for me to come closer, a gesture that I suspiciously obeyed. And then she surprised me by placing a firm kiss on my lips, leaving the lingering taste of her on mine.
At that moment, I could forget all her tantrums, and I knew that the intention behind the kiss was exactly the same.
"Feeling better, Alpha?" she asked, her fingertips gently grazing against my jaw.
"Much better," I replied, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. I couldn't resist pressing my lips against hers once more. When we finally pulled apart, I couldn't help but notice the blush that covered her face, just as it always did. It was so endearing to watch the rosy shade spread across her cheeks, especially her tiny button nose.
"Go and work," she swatted at my chest playfully, catching me staring at her for too long. Her smile was contagious, "You're distracting me. I'll let you know once I find a good name."
"Really? I think I'd rather be called distracting than leave this room," I chuckled, planting a kiss on her cheek. Her blush deepened even more, and it was a sight I could never tire of.
"Sebastian, go!" Her laughter filled the room.
"What if I say no?"
"Sebastian!"
"Alright, fine," I finally relented.
Who would dare to tease a pregnant woman and risk becoming a victim of her mood swings? I had already fallen prey to that countless times in the past few hours, so committing such a crime was out of the question.
"I'm going, but I'll be back soon," I planted one last kiss on her lips before I reluctantly left the comfort of the bed and made my way to my study.
Well, I did have something important to attend to.