Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Nickolas Nack never contemplated the idea about being a father, nor was it something he envisioned in his dreams. Fatherhood was just a topic that he tended to avoid or skip altogether whenever he could. It wasn’t that he hated the idea of being a father or having children, which he was fond of in comparison to his wife. He never thought that having children could interfere much with his career either; many other famous artists he admired had children of their own. So, what was his whole hesitation about being a father?

Well, it probably was tied to his unhappy childhood living in the Nack mansion. One of the few things he remembered in the early years of his childhood, was his father, Leighton Nack, taking a young Nickolas out of his nursery for his lessons with the private tutors Mr. Nack assigned. The young infant Nick hated with a burning passion those lessons, especially when his father or mother, Miriam, interrupted what little playtime he had with his nurser  (Nana). He merely wanted to take a break and live like a normal child as his other neighbors were; instead, everyday he had to attend lessons with boring, pompous, and overly bitter old men and women teaching him everything that could easily bore a young child.

“From the top, Nickolas!” He recalled his governess, a living prune with the scent of an antique store, smacking her ruler against the board. It was just a few inches down the first word of the sentence she wrote.

Nick took a long sigh before starting with his “Je voudrais” sentence, not before giving a quick glance to the window next to his governess desk. It was a lovely sunny day with clear skies. Perfect to go out to the pool and hang around with friends. Clearly not a day to stand in a cold depressing gray room, with a bitter hag of a governess, taking boring French lessons on a nice Saturday morning.

Well, not everything about the years with his parents were necessarily tragic. Yes, of course that his parents weren’t exactly the best figures a young man discovering himself through art could ask for. His lessons started to decrease as the years went by, Nick had some freedom of his own (which he spent through the forms of art), but now he had to work in the Nack’s ship family business. Nickolas still shivered as he remembered those cold nights locked for hours with his father discussing nothing but boats. Leighton Nack demanded that Nick should start getting involved in the company as he was approaching adulthood. 

After all, it was a family duty he had to carry. There was no time for silly things like painting the gardens, reading about some old dead English guy, or writing poems about feelings. He was going to be a great success for the family unless he wanted to be a disappointment.

That was something Leighton Nack often said proudly as he rolled a good smoke.

Nickolas never had a great relationship with his father. That was the first thing he told Riley Ruckus, now Riley Nack, when they officially began to date some years prior to their marriage. He wanted to clarify about why they may not get visited or get invited to some events by his parents. Riley seemed to understand completely, and did not give much care whether his parents declined their offers to spend the holidays together. It was something Nickolas came to appreciate over the year, although sometimes it was just the two of them

Well…in a matter of months there would be now three of them, which was the main cause of his internal discussion.

Everything started a few minutes ago. After a lovely production of “Annie” at the town center’s Dr. Boulevard-Jones performing arts theater, Nick arrived to be embraced by his wife, Riley. It wasn’t rare for Riley to show him affection, but she often tended to build communication first before rushing into his arms and giving him all sorts of affection. That quick skip made Nick suspicious that Riley had something to tell him. When it came to surprising him, Riley had the tendency to give a sudden hint that she had something for him, then it was up to him to figure out what.

Yet…the surprise was something that would never cross his mind. Not in the slightest.

“Mmmph!” Nick smirked while Riley parted her lips from his. She gave him a playful smile that caused him to raise an eyebrow. “Now, may I know what mischief this fair lady got into?”

“I’m afraid your conclusions are wrong.” She said while she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Try again on your attempt 2.” Nick embraced her waist, which strangely caused her to gasp. It was almost as if he actually scared her, which was so unlike his wife.

That was another sign of the surprise he was going to get, but he didn’t give it much care to get suspicious…

“Umm…” Nick pursed his lips as he pretended to put on a pensive expression. He gently twirled his wife around as he playfully whispered in her ear. “Did you try to adopt a dog behind my back?” That caused her to chuckle.

“Wrong again, I’m afraid. You have two last attempts left.” She said in a slightly mocking tone. Nick rolled his eyes as he kissed his wife’s temple. Riley parted from him before giving him a quick peck on the lips. “But, let’s start again after you settle home. You must be tired from tonight’s musical.”

“I certainly am.” Nick chuckled as he gave himself a quick backstretch. “Yet our “Annie” was a great success. Becky nailed as the lead. I am sure you would enjoy her last performance in our closing show; but, I cannot blame you for staying home sick due to nausea and dizzy spells. Talking about those…Did you get the results from your blood exam?”

“That is one step in the right direction.” Riley winked  at him before taking a seat in their armchair of the living room as if she was exhausted from standing. Nick quirked an eyebrow as he stared at his wife with concern. “No worries, everything came down alright. It’s nothing bad I swear.”

Riley was always the more energetic in their relationship as she had a tendency to multitask and keep her mind busy. Seeing her sitting by herself, probably getting another dizzy spell or nausea, was something that made Nick worry before he found out the news….although…that was far off concerning to be to make Nick think that instead of a serious illness.

“Riley, are you sure?” Nick asked her as he removed his coat. Riley nodded with a tire smile. At that time, Nick was unconvinced that she was actually fine. He hanged his coat before rushing and kneeling next to Riley. He grasped her hand and said. “You don’t look fine…”

“Nick, I take good care of my health.” Riley reassured him with a little chuckled with a small hint of nervousness. Nick narrowed his eyes unconvinced. Riley pursed her lips together at his expression as she grasped his hand holding hers. “Nick…why don’t you try taking another guess at the hints I’m giving you? It is far better than-”

“Riley…” He interrupted.

“Just…just take one last guess. I’ll give another -”

“Riley!” Nick repeated once again, this time he pressed his hands against her cheeks. “I am not guessing anything. What the results told you?” Riley stared at him with a serious expression.

“I was going to break the news to you in the most delicate manner I know.” Riley took a long sight. Nick gently stocked her cheek as she spoke. “You know…It’s always good to ease up the news before saying them. I was baffled with the news, and not to mention we are going to discuss a very important choice that could change our life.”

“Riley, are you asking me a divorced? Nick asked. The way she was speaking made him believe she-

“Nick, is not bad news.” Riley rolled her eyes before giving him a little peck on the lips. Then she took a long breath before gently taking his hands and guiding them to her waist, right on her belly. She gave him a long  big stare. “This is what we will be discussing.”

“That you want to lose weight?”Nick asked her with genuine confusion. If he could see himself now at that moment, he would smack him so hard.

If he had known before what was going to happen next before arriving to his home, then he would capture the news Riley tried to tell him; but, to his defense, Riley wasn’t exactly great at not giving clear answers or subtle hints. Her messy attempts only resulted in Nick getting worried and thinking of anything else. Thankfully, Riley’s temper was as fragile as a peanut.

“Nickolas Nathaniel Nack, I cannot believe you can be this dense….I’M PREGNANT FOR FUCK’S SAKE!” She broke the news in the most Riley’s way possible.

“W-what?!”  Nick's jaw dropped. 

“Yes!” Riley huffed. “Yes…your idiot ass got me pregnant…”

As shocked as he was,  ignoring the slight nervousness he had,  Nick naturally rose up and pulled his wife into an embrace. He was going to be a daddy. 

"How… How long did you-" He was about to ask her how long she knew, but Riley cut him off. 

"I suspected it after I missed my period.  I originally thought that it was due to stress that caused irregularity in my cycle,  until I decided to calculate our last intercourse which fell on the week of ovulation." Riley explained.  Nick kissed her temple.  "I realized that the chances of being pregnant were high,  so I bought some pregnancy tests.  All positive,  but I decided to make sure through a blood test.  Now we are here. "

"You mentally panicked, didn't you?" Nick smirked at his wife which resulted in her smacking him. 

"You know I am not good at this stuff. "Riley rolled her eyes.  Nick kissed her  lips momentarily.  "And yet my husband thought I wanted to lose weight. "

"I was not thinking clearly,  alright!" He chucked.  So did she. 

They laughed for a couple of minutes at the absurdity both did. Then it slowly began to died down…little by little…until there was no laughter. There was just an awkward silent between them.

"Should…Should we go with this?” It was Riley who spoke first.

"What?" Nick turned to her with surprise.

“Do…do you want the to have the baby?” She asked him. Nick stared at her with a blank expression. “Nick...you and I’ve been married for two years, and we have a pretty good balance going on. Having a child will change our lives forever, not to mention we would have to adapt and work together for good end results.”

“Do you want to have the child?” Nick asked her with curiosity. He did not answer her question. It just ran pass down his brain. He was curious to hear what his wife had to say, specially considering she was never fond of children. “After all, like you said before, it is something we 

“I’ve thought about it long before this happened.” Riley sighed. She pressed the arc of her nose. “At first my answer was “Absolutely no” then…then I began to give it some thought and run down some hypothetical scenarios if we proceed to have a child.”

“And the results?” Nick asked her with some intrigue.

“There were some favorable as well as undesirable scenarios.” Riley explain. “At the end, I drew the conclusion that it all depended on my feelings and what I would discuss with my husband.” He caressed her cheek. “Which I am doing now, but…I decided to make my mind today. I just wanted to see what you had in mind.”

Then he said it. No hesitation, no second or first thought at all. It was if a primitive sense within him had taken over, yet he did not complain nor he stopped himself. It was a simple and clear answer that came out.

“Yes.” He said. Riley smiled at him. She had the same answer in mind.

After that, they both embraced and shared a couple of kisses, that was when Nick’s mind began to wonder about his future role as a father. That was pretty much the point where everything started, well slowly as he and Riley went to bed to get some rest. Now, there he was lying awake while Riley snuggled in her sleep with him, mostly for the warm his body produced, as calm as ever. Did she ever have the same doubts as he did?

Well, Riley’s childhood was far different from his. Her parents were not around as much, but at least she had good parental figures to look up to as she got older. Nick, in the other hand, was stuck with a father that refused to try to understand him, and a mother who pushed him to be more like his father. That’s where part of his doubts came. How was he supposed to be a good father figure to his child if he didn’t have the people to actually put a great example to him. 

Well, he would have to figure out things on his own for now. He still had nine months to go and supporting his pregnant wife in the process.

“I brought you more chicken soup, Riley Daly!” 

Mortimer Handee, the leader of the handeemen, and Daisy Danger were one of the first few people in Nick and Riley’s close circle to find out about their future baby, besides their parents. Both did not hesitate to pay the couple a visit and check on the mother-to-be. Daisy, of course, was the most excited between the duo. The Southern Belle was taking care of Riley at every moment she could. She was constantly reminding her to take time to rest, and gladly prepared any weird pregnancy cravings her friend had, which this time was some homemade chicken soup.

“Aww I am sure that babe will grow up to be just as smart and beautiful like its mother, and creative and talented as it’s father.” Daisy beamed as she gently massaged Riley’s belly, while she ate her soup. Nick couldn’t help but chuckle at Riley’s quick flinch with a hint of obvious annoyance.

Nick could already tell that in a matter of months, he’ll have to refrain his wife from attempting to rip the hands off the people constantly trying to touch her baby bump.

“I am both happy and surprised about the news.” It was Mortimer who spoke as he fixed his monocle. He gave Riley a quick pat on the shoulder. “I have no doubt that both will do a great job!” Then he narrowed his eyes and gave the couple a playful serious glance. “Yet, I am surprised that both of you did not discuss it prior before the news.”

Mortimer, in the other hand, was more calmed about the whole pregnancy thing. He, of course, congratulated the young couple, but also raised his concerns and disapproval at both for not discussing the subject before Nick got his wife pregnant. Still, Mortimer gifted them some books about parenting, and did his best to refrain Daisy from driving Riley insane with her overall excitement about Riley and Nick’s future baby. He also found Riley’s responses quite hilarious, and hoped that the scientist infamous bad temper would be under control as she grew her baby bump.

As for Nick, both of his friends constantly talked about how happy he was to be a father, and how he was probably the most eager about the baby. It was true, he has happy about forming a family with Riley, but there was that thought of doubting himself as a father. Nick has done his best to push those negative thoughts aside as the days went by. It was probably normal for expecting fathers to be quite nervous about fatherhood, and Nick was in fact reading and learning as much as he could about it.

Still, why did he have that feeling that he was never going to be good enough for his child?

“Nick, are you alright?” Nick glanced at his wife and friends staring at him. Riley took one last taste of her now finished plate before talking once more. “You are paler than usual, did something happened?”

“Everything is great, Riles, everything is great.” Nick nervously chuckled before massaging his wife’s shoulders. “Just a lot of work to be done around the art studio, that it all.”

“Alright then…” Riley said leaning into his touch. There was some suspicion in her voice, but mostly concerns. Nick will talk about his thoughts to her later, until he figure out what the hell was going on with him.

Daisy and Mortimer hanged for a while, helping  Nick and Riley plan which room they  would choose for their future baby. Focusing on the neutral colors, the possible decorations of the nursery, where the crib would be placed, and the furniture were things that kept Nick’s intrusive thoughts from reaching in. Riley did not bring their previous conversation back, as she was more focus on organizing her future visits to the doctor, and her first ultrasound, so both could meet their baby for the first time and perhaps their sex and finally agree on their future baby’s name.  

Riley’s tendency to be stubborn,  hotheaded,  and overall protective of her ideals was something Nick never thought he could be thankful for. Of course that Riley have been working with that side of herself,  but they were moments where those traits shined. Choosing their babies name, was no exception at all. Riley’s bad temper happened to be quite helpful for Nick to avoid intrusive thoughts, as she constantly made clear what she wanted her child to have a scientific name involved. Nick wanted to go with meaning and something poetic for his child. Small petty arguments broke between them, which often ended in both agreeing that they were not going anywhere. 

They ended up choosing a list of possible names to name their children. Funny enough almost half of it was crossed down since they were not up for their liking.

“I never thought  naming a child would be this hard.” Riley took an annoyed sigh as she closed a book she was reading. Nick chuckled at her reaction. “My parents told me that they saw my name in a book and they thought it was fitting for me. What about your parents?”

“They named me after some long death family member.” Nick laid next to her on the bed. Riley pressed her body against his for more comfort. “He was called Nicholas with CH, so It was not the same to become Nickolas the second.” Riley chuckled.

“That sounds as if you were royalty."Riley commented as she gave him a humorous look. "Prince Nickolas the second. Sounds weird."

"Well,  that would make you Princess Riley Raquel Nack.” Nick retorted. Riley let out a laugh. He gently stroked her cheek. “It fits you quite well.”

“Do you think your family had royal blood?” Riley asked with curiosity. Nick pursed his lips in a pensive expression. 

“My mother suspected the Nack’s probably were. I believe they rose from poverty.” Nick explained. “That’s probably why the Nacks focused on selling boats, you know the family business”

The business that Nick did not part take in much to his father’s discontent…

“Nick umm…”It was Riley who shifted from his thoughts. 

“Mmm?”

“My parents called me they insisted in visiting tomorrow.” Riley casually said. “My mother lost it when she found I was pregnant, so she decided on visiting us.”

“Oh” He said. Riley cuddled closer to him. “So the in-laws are visiting.”

“Yeah…”She said. “So…did you talk to your parents about our future baby?”

“I haven’t talked to them ever since our wedding. “ Nick commented rather bitterly. Riley pursed her lips in response.

“I…I see.” Riley muttered. “Sorry about bringing the subject.”

“No, no, no. You’re fine, you’re fine.” Nick let out a long sigh. Riley placed her book on her night stand before turning back to her husband. She wrapped her arms around him and pressed her head against his chest. Nick smiled at her.

“Feeling better?” Riley asked him.

“Yes. Nothing makes me feel better than cuddling with my wife.” Nick muttered. He placed a kiss on her temple before combing her long orange hair. “So…umm bringing the mood up a little,  how is the pregnancy doing?”

“Much better. I feel less nausea, but I often visit the bathroom quite often.” Riley chuckled as she explained. “It’s a normal thing according to my research in pregnancy. I’ll be slowly entering in new phases and having different behavior according to each stage of our baby's growth.”

“That means you’ll be starting to grow a bump.” Nick smirked. Riley gave him a quick hit on the chess. Nick winced though she didn’t hit him that hard. “OW! I’m not saying that is bad. Quite the contrary, you will look adorable as a fully pregnant woman. Art and life has so many sizes and colors, genders, orientations. I love you in every shape or size.”

“You will adore to see me annoyed with people constantly running their disgusting hands around my belly to feel our child, don’t you?” Riley retorted quick  a mocking grin. Nick had to suppress the urge to roll his eyes. 

Leave it to Riley to destroy a poetic moment with facts. 

“Well, yes.” Nick said in as a matter-of-fact tone. “I’ll savor every single day of your pregnancy, and I’ll enjoy having you cuddled in my arms and…BLOWING RASPBERRIES AGAINST YOUR BELLY!”

Then in the speed of light Nick moved down up to Riley belly, he made sure she was laying in a comfortable position before putting his head against her belly and blowing some good raspberries causing her body to twitch due to the tickling

“NICK!” Riley yelped before breaking into laughter. “T-THAT THAT TICKLES HAHAHA!” she yanked Nick’s head, who gave her a smirk as a response. She ran her hands down his brown hair. “I love you, my flamboyant idiot.”

Nick moved himself up to be once again at the same level as Riley. He gently turned his wife over to the side and embraced her. His hands gently rested against hers as he kissed her shoulder.

“I love even more, my temperamental weasel.”He muttered.

They laid there for a couple of minutes before changing their clothes to get back to bed and sleep. As Nick buttoned up his pajamas, he stared at his wife wearing a turquoise night dress as she laid under the covers. He was already noticing the little shift into her slender figure. He smiled at the sight and briefly thought about how would she look in a couple of months with a more fully developed pregnancy. Riley definitively would remain as beautiful as ever, but Nick could think about hundreds of poses that could highlight her features and her pregnant body.

“What idea just came up into your head?” Riley asked him with a smirk, noticing he was staring at her. He finished buttoning up his pajama’s shirt.

“Just a thought about painting your pregnant body, inspired by the Renaissance and baroque art movements, laying perfectly in the garden while a red curtains provide you with coverage, but there is a clear view of the child you're carrying.” He explain while laying under the covers. Riley stared at him with some interest. “But I believe that taking a picture for reference it’s far better. You’ll need as much as rest and comfort. I don’t want to overwhelm you nor our child with my inspirations.”

“I do love the idea.” Riley said as she move a little closer to Nick, who wrapped his arms around her waist. “I could use some distractions knowing I won’t be able to use my lab as much due to the safety of our child. Plus, helping you with your work would keep my mind busy, and not to mention I can give you more ideas.” Nick fought the urge to laugh.

“Like what?” He asked with some interest. Riley let out a yawn.

“I dunno, like one of those pictures you see pregnant women take. You know, like those stock photos on the internet that screams we're expecting. "

Nick stared at her with a wide grin. That was something Nick would prefer to shoot himself over than to actually do. 

"Or a painting of our child,  or something. " Riley yawned before placing her head on Nick's left shoulder.  "Anyways,  good night to you… " She muttered before closing her eyes.  Nick gently stranded a hair behind her ear before turning the lights out. 

He slept well, shutting every intrusive thought as he held his wife close. 

Chapter Text

When Nick woke up the following morning,  Riley was already gone.  She was a morning bird,  so he was not surprised that she woke up before him.  So,  he got out of the bed and directly went to take a shower and got dressed up.  He made their bed as neatly as possible before rushing to the kitchen to make himself some coffee.  He stopped at the familiar figure of his wife sitting rather casually while talking to someone

"Ah Nickolas!" An elderly woman with blue eyes greeted him, causing Nick to yelp.  Her hair was a graying red brown, with some hints of natural roots growing over. She was no other than the nosy as ever Dr. Dorothea Ruckus,  his mother-in-law.  "There is the father of our future grandchild!"

Riley stopped her conversation to turn to him and smile.   It was then when he noticed she was talking to her father,  Manfred Ruckus,  who gave him an acknowledgement nod to greet him. 

"Umm,  Dora, glad to see you! "Nick gave his politest smile as he gave his mother-in-law a side hug. "Looking young as ever! You do look more like Riley's sister than her mother. "

"Aren't you a peach?" Dora laughed as she thanked him for the compliment.  "It's on the genetics,  of course.  Now,  please do take a seat,  I was warming some pastries we brought for breakfast!"

Knowing it was better to savor his mother-in-law’s good mood than to fall victim to her bad temper, as one day he found out at the wrong day and wrong time. The young artist took a seat next to his wife, his father-in-law gave him a quick glance before focusing on his cup of coffee he was carrying. Manfred was more passive and calm, in comparison to Dora Ruckus, yet Nick found that he could be passive-aggressive through his behaviors. Thankfully, Fred (Manfred) took a liking of Nickolas as soon after getting to know him. Still, Nick got the hint that his father-in-law could be quite protective of his daughter through his passive-aggressive behavior. 

Sometimes Nick was thankful that Riley was clear, though terrifying, about what she was upset with him, rather than keep her silence but made ominously clear that she was upset. A passive-aggressive Riley was something Nick did not wish to deal.

“Here’s your coffee, Nickolas!” Dora said as she handed Nick a nice cup of coffee. Nick held the urge to remind his mother-in-law that she could just use the short version of his name. “The pastries will be ready in five minutes. Now, do tell me how you and my dear baby are feeling right now about the pregnancy.” She said as she took a seat next to Fred as she crossed her legs. 

“Yes, I am sure they are also doing fine, Dora. So glad you asked that first…” Fred remarked. Dora gave him an annoyed glanced before turning to Nick.

“So, how are you two doing this lovely morning?” Dora asked in a soft but clearly annoyed tone. Fred rolled his eyes in response. “I’m sure you two must be exhausted from all the planning.”

“We’re certainly are, Mother.” Riley said with a dimmed smile. Her good mood was starting to fade at the not so subtle arguments of her parents. “We’re currently adapting to these new changes, and slowly preparing  upon the arrival of our child.”

“I am sure everything will go down smoothly.”Manfred commented. Dora gave him a spiteful glance, which Fred ignored. “So, when is the ultrasound?”

“Just two weeks from now on.” Riley explain as she took a sip of her water she had laying on the table of their living room. “I’m very eager to see my child for the first time.”

“How about you, Nickolas?” Dora asked the young artist. “Are you excited to meet your child?”

Nick was baffled at the question his mother-in-law made. Was she implying that Nick was not as happy to meet his child as Riley was? Or was this another of her weird psychiatric games she adored to pull on both Riley at him.

Whatever it was, Riley and Manfred were not as happy with her sudden question. However, Nick,  just wanting to keep the mood pleasant, answered the question as polite as he could. “Well, I certainly am, Dora. Of course that I’m a bit nervous, but that is common in soon-to-be fathers.”

“Umm, quite right, Nickolas.” Dora responded with a rather mischievous smile. Nick held back the urge to gulp, knowing he had caught himself in Dora’s nosy tendencies.

Thankfully the oven ran, which called immediately the attention of Riley’s parents. Both elders parted from their seats and walked directly to the kitchen. Nick turned over to see Riley, who was already frowning and growing red with frustration. Nick casually took Riley’s hand, which caused her temper to ease a little. Frustrated, his wife pressed her body against his. Nick kissed her temple and began to rub her arm up and down in comfort as he could hear her breath slowing down. 

They sat there for a couple of minutes, while Manfred was probably fighting over Dorothea’s behavior in the kitchen. Nick tried to apologize for what happened a few minutes ago with Riley’s mother, but his wife didn’t see to want to talk about it. It was most likely due to the stress, or the fact Dora couldn’t spend one minute before trying to see what the hell did her daughter was up to through psychology. Dora wasn’t always into people’s noses, but according to Fred, she often had a strong intuition about things which prompted to be meddling in things she had no business it.

That was  a thought that generated fear over Nickolas Nack. What crazy intuition did his in-law noticed on him. Was he not was excited to be a father as his wife was? What if he didn’t want to become a father? What if he said yes just to satisfy his wife? Many questions and thoughts started to ran down into his head. He knew that he was nervous and was fighting intrusive thoughts about not being a good father for his future child, but more importantly, he wanted to be there for Riley during her pregnancy.

She’ll be needing him to be by her side, and taking care of him.

Thankfully, Dorothea behaved more pleasantly the rest of the morning after she returned from the kitchen with Manfred. At that time, Riley cool down enough to formally address her mother without adding bitter remarks, or spiteful comments. They enjoy their breakfast in peace, and their conversation shifted in the future adjustments, No feeling involved, and no conversations about doubts. It was just what plans did they had, like were they planning of throwing a gender reveal party (which all agree was pointless and annoying), or doing a baby shower for their child. 

Just things about materials needed for their future child, and how would they arrange themselves.

It was clear that Manfred convinced Dorothea not to bother Nick nor Riley about their internal conflicts. That was probably why she suddenly stopped asking those types of questions, and just conform to smile and casually add comments in based what the conversation was heading to. Nick could take this a sign of things going much better, but he knew Dorothea quite well based on Riley’s stories and some interactions he previously had upon meeting his in-law. Dorothea, just like Riley, was not easy on giving up, but she was rather more astute and casual to get that she wanted to hear.

Seeing her all smiles, and not bringing her previous conversation was an alarm for Nick. It was more than obvious Dora was just preying on the perfect opportunity to strike. He was not wrong when Dora approach him once they were alone, as Manfred was busy with Riley building an armchair (which was a gift from their part for the pregnancy.) Nick was never really the type for building things other than art, and Riley could easily comprehend Ikea instructions. He knew it was better to let her wife and her father be, so he opted to make some chamomile tea for them (as it was Riley’s favorite), it was then when Dora caught him with an expressionless smile.

“So, Nickolas, how are you feeling about becoming a father?” Dorothea asked him as she entered the kitchen. She took a cloth and started to clean the counter of the kitchen. “You did mention you were nervous, weren’t you?”

“Well, yes.” Nick said as he turned the heat down from where the kettle was placed on the oven. Dora’s blue eyes stared at him, almost piercing him. “Like I said before, it is probably normal to be nervous about being a father, specially being a good father to your future child.”

“And do you think you will be an awful father?” Dora asked with some interest. Nick became silent. 

He was afraid of becoming a bad father, but did he actually think he would be a terrible father?

Taking his silence as an answer, Dora’s smile faded as she stared at him fiercely while she said in all seriousness. “Yeah, I thought you didn’t think about it as well.” Nick quirked an eyebrow at her. “As a psychiatrist and a mother myself, it is normal to be nervous about changes in your life. We all react differently to those changes according to our personality, and that it where I noticed you were rather…rather passive about my Riley’s pregnancy.”

“How…How so?” Nick asked with some confusion over what point Dora was trying to make.

“Nickolas, you tend to be passionate and energetic when you respond to changes. Either positive or bad, you tend to be quite emotional.” Dora explained.

“Well, I have always been more inclined into the artistic side of thin-” 

“Exactly!” Dora interrupted his explanation. Nick held back the urge to express his discontentment due to his curiosity taking over. “Nickolas, you are not being as emotional as you should be. You are being quite calm about such a big deal and it is not like you.”

Well, forming a family with the love of his life was something to be overexcited about, yet Nick first response was having negative thoughts about himself. Self-doubt was not unusual, but shouldn’t he be more eager to take on a new challenge? 

“Well, my first response was supporting Riley…but also having deprecating thoughts about myself.” Nick confessed as he turned off the heat of the oven. Dora stared at him with a pensive expression.

“Nickolas, did you have a rough relationship with your parents?” Dora asked him with some curiosity. “I remember Riley mentioning something about a complicated relationship with them, but I want to make sure the information was correct.” 

“Well, I do have a rather tense relationship with my Father and Mother. We haven’t talk much after my wedding. Well, we haven’t talked at all for years. We got into a big argument long before I joined the Handeemen. Family business and me following my advocation.”

“Do you believe your response is connected mostly to your father?” Dora asked him.

“Sorry?” Nick asked her with some confusion over why she jumped off to talk about his father.

“You mentioned your father first.” Dora commented as she placed the cloth away. She casually leaned against the counter. “Do you happen to have the toughest relationship with him?” Nick nodded. “I see…. Nickolas, I cannot be certain about what are the specific triggers of what is going on with your mind, but I am sure it must be stemmed from your childhood.”

“So…are you suggesting that I take therapy with you?” Nick asked her. He tried to hide as much his discontent over just giving his already nosy mother-law more gossip.

“Maybe with another therapist, but I want you to talk about this with Riley.” Dorothea said with a stern but oddly maternal tone. “I know my daughter too damn well, and I can tell when she’s worried about you.”

“I was intending on talking things with her once I figure out what has going on with me.” Nick explained as he turned to a nearby cabinet to retrieve some teacups. “I wanted to be clear and understandable to have a more agreeable conversation.”

“Very lovely that you wanted to make things clear. It’s very noble from you, you cannot keep Riley wondering what is going on with your silence anymore.” Dora scolded him. “Riley is your wife, and she holds the right to help you out on the relationship. Don’t keep her waiting any longer and tell her how YOU are feeling. I suggest that you do it rather privately, so both can get in touch much better and not get Riley overwhelmed by my intrusion into her life.”

Nick was about to comment about why Dora didn’t bother to sit Riley and made them talk, but his attention was caught up by his wife at the door. She was wearing a concerned expression as she glanced back at forth at him and her mother.

“Is…Is everything alright?”Riley asked him. Nick gave her a reassuring smile before turning to the tea.

“Everything is alright, my dove.”He said as he turned over gently holding a cup of tea. “I made your favorite.”

Riley stared at him blankly as she received the cup from his hands. She took a seat in the living room as Manfred entered the kitchen to join them. Nick gave his father-in-law a cup, then proceeded to join them in the living room in an eerie silence.

—--

“Remember to just talk to your wife like a normal being, Nickolas.” 

That was the same thing he told himself over and over while he waited for Riley to return. His wife went out with Daisy for some shopping after their lunch with her parents. Nick was invited to come along, but he had work to do in finishing up the script for his theater group’s next production at Dr. Boulevard-Jones performing arts theater. Riley, though she wasn’t a big fan of theatrical stuff, wished him the best and recommended him some great sites for his research before going off with Daisy. Her tone of voice was soft and neutral, so it was hard for Nick to see if she was still thinking over what did he spoke with her mother. 

So, Nick decided to focus on finishing his script about a puppet man falling into madness due to falling in love and desiring a puppet woman who he seems to run into but never got a chance to talk. Riley found the idea of constantly meeting the same stranger randomly to be less scientifically probable, but like the concept. Hopefully if he was able to finish his draft, he could work on some revisions with Riley as a way to ease things up once he discussed with her everything that happen on his conversation with her mother about their future child.

Still, Nick was rather a more emotional individual in comparison to his methodological wife. There would be a greater chance from his part, that the conversation would turn up fragile and quite sentimental. So, he wanted to not overwhelmed Riley with strong emotions, knowing her tendency to repress herself and her emotions, and often getting stressed for not being good at handling it. Not to add her pregnancy…

“You’re already overthinking everything, Nick.” He berated himself as he shook his head. He stated at the screen of his computer. “You concentrate on your work, so the quicker you finish, the more time you will get to work your feelings out.”

It wasn’t as if he got all the time either to finish. His due date was just around the corner, but knowing himself, Nick would probably be doing some last minute changes, altering some dialogues, and all other type of stuff. Riley suggested that he finished his first draft some time before he had to submit it for a second revision, so he could make changes without worrying to not be able to turn in something he wasn’t satisfied. Not to mention that if he didn’t finish, Riley would probably scream at her lungs, probably after trying to change the subject due to feeling overwhelm, which would make it more stressful to Riley and Nick’s ears.

So, he sat there typing and deleting words while his mind was on his wife. The usual.

It took him about an hour and a half to finish off the last few sentences before stress and writer’s block finally caught him over, which prompted him to raise from his desk and check some of his books and old works for inspiration. He took out a couple of short stories from numerous authors, as well as his own, and some of his favorite thrillers to draw some inspiration from. He put them all neatly in a file and he was about to raise himself up when he noticed a peculiar old, tarnished, and now chirping due to probably a lot of usage, jewelry box sitting alone in a corner of his private library, eating dust.

It was more likely that the box was his than Riley’s. First things of all, Riley was never the type to wear jewelry due to lab procedures, and her disinterest in wearing it on a daily basis. Secondly, Riley was more than careful with her valuables, so the state of the jewelry box would be much better under Riley’s care. Thirdly, and last, the jewelry box was colored in a dirty turquoise with golden flowers decorating it. That was one of the main colors of the Nack’s mansion, and the pattern was wildly used for the furniture. Taking this reason, there was a greater chance that it was one of his belongings.

So, he took the box to his desk, and gave it a good clean with his swipes, and then open it. Just as he suspect it, the box was his, and he could tell it by the timely old picture of his late Grandmother “Opal Nack" in her golden days.  He put the picture to the side next to the box as he lurked in it to see what else was there. He found some collectable cards that used to belong to his grandfather Kris,  some toy soldiers of his,  and a yellowish crumbled up paper plane,  the latter being what caught Nick's attention.  

He gingerly took off the plane with curiosity and some slight familiarity from the box.  He was sure he had seen it before somewhere from when he was a young boy, maybe when he was 8 or 6. Anyways, he gently unfolded the plane with curiosity. To his surprise, the plane was a drawing Nick made years ago turned into a plane. Nick furrowed his eyebrows at the drawing. It was a stick family in fact. There were turned into a plane probably because they were traveling, Nick had that faint memory of his younger self running around his nursery, pretending that the plane was flying around taking the family to their supposed destination.

He smiled at the image of  his young self playing around with what little time he had. Although, he was not sure what exactly prompted to specifically draw a family. So, he put the drawing to the side and continued to search in what the box contained. He found some old stamps from different locations around the states, a deck of cards box containing some pictures of his grandparents, some old postcards his grandmother left him, and…the family crest of peacocks and ferrets. He now remembered why all those items were in a peculiar box, and…the stem of everything….

Kristopher and Opal Nack were not exactly soft or fun around a young Nick, but they did complain that Leighton was being unfair and tough on Nickolas himself, which made the young boy glad that at least someone disagreed on Leighton’s keeping Nick from having an actual childhood. Of course that his grandparents agreed on Nick’s education with tutors and stuff, but they did argue that Nick should have more time to play and take good breaks from his lessons. 

Sadly, Leighton never really listened to them, much to Nickolas disdain.

Well, at least they gifted Nick some timely pictures they owned, and told him a couple of stories about their family and life. Nick always look forward to those, since his father never talked about his childhood, and it was interesting to hear the story being each item. Like the empty deck of cards being part of a Poker game Kristopher had with the army, who were at one of the boats celebrating the president’s birthday. Or the stamps being part of the letters his grandparents sent each other, or the postcards containing a funny family story that Opal loved to send.

Each small gift, always made Nick wondered if one day he could tell those type of histories to the family of his own. So. out of his hyper imagination and eagerness,  he began to put every gift his grandparents gave him in an old jewelry box he rescued from his mother throwing in the trash,  and also stacked some things related to the stories.  It was going to be his time capsule for the future generations,  so he could pass down the stories he heard years ago.  Just keeping the so-called tradition he adored. It was nothing big,  it was just a young boy fantasizing about a fun future,  and taking his imagination of what the stories he was told were. 

One day,  however, his fantasy and little adventures will come to an end… 

 It was a late afternoon in June,  Nickolas was in his study working on the assignments left for him for the day. He was bored as ever,  and the weather looked like a lovely day to play outside,  yet Nick had to conform to staying indoors studying.  He was slowly losing his concentration and wanted a little break.  Knowing that he could get in big trouble for heading out,  Nick settled on playing on his study.  He sneaked back to his room and retrieved his jewelry secret box.  It was the only way he could get out without actually leaving, so he opened it and started to inspect each item one by one. He ended up settling on the post cards and the stories within them. 

One particular post card with lovely mountains caught his attention.  It was the story of a mixed-up vacation his grandparents and their nephew had. Originally, they were going to travel to some tropical islands, but their airplane broke down forcing them to land in a small island known for its big mountains. The family found themselves enjoying the place, so they decided to take their vacations there instead. It was a fairly simple story, but Nick found himself adoring it. It was probably over the fact that his grandfather was piloting the plane that caught his attention.

So, he drew the family and made it a plane. Then, he made the foolish mistake of wanting to be a child. He started running around the place carrying the plane, pretending to fly like his grandfather did. It was a simple game, but a grave mistake once his father arrived. Nickolas was mid “fly” when his father arrived. He was carrying a stern expression as his footsteps became heavy as he walked up to Nick, and snatched his plane. 

“What on earth are you doing Nickolas?!” He asked as he glanced at the plane with a sneer.

“Just playing, father...” Nick lowered his head as he spoke in a soft tone. 

With disapproval, his father examined the plane, and momentarily undone it. He glanced at the drawing of the family. “Lollygagging I see and wasting paper…” He muttered as he handed the plane back to Nick, who quickly folded back to its original state.

“I was recreating one of the adventures Grandmother Opal told me through a postal she sent.” Nick explained putting the plane to the side, and taking the postcard out of his box. His father snatched with narrowed eyes.

“You keep these?” His father asked him with discontent. Nick awkwardly nodded his head. His father threw the postcard to the side without a care and turned to the jewelry box. “Nickolas, what are you doing with that old worthless jewelry box? I thought Miriam throw it away years ago…”

“I…I save it father.” Nick confessed His father took the box. His breath was starting to hitch, and his hands clutched violently the box. “It was too good to be thrown away-”

“Is this what you do when no one is watching you?” His father asked as he threw the box to the ground, leading all the content spread. “Collecting crap, and wasting your time instead of doing homework? I’ll have this box placed back where it belongs…”

“Father don’t!” Nick pleaded. His father gave him an icy glance.

“Do. Not. Speak. Back…” His father hissed. Nick straightened his shoulders. 

Nick tried his best to hold his tears as his father called upon a maid to throw the box away. After the box was taken, his father ordered him to clean the mess on the floor. Nick bitterly picked up everything and organized in a nice pile that he placed on his desk. 

“Give me a good reason about why I should let you keep this junk?” His father asked him as he gestured the gifts from his grandparents.

“They were part of my memory box. I-I want to be able to tell my stories for future family when I grow up. Just like my grandparents do.” Nick explained. His father raised his eyebrows and stared at him rather humorously, almost as if Nick told him the most hilarious joke he ever heard.

“Do you think you’ll be a good father?” His father asked him with a slight green. Nick did not respond. “I hardly think so, if you asked me. You are far too unfocused, soft-hearted, weak, and don’t even have a strong avocation. How can you be a good father is you’re a weak link.”

Nick stared at his father speechless as he took every gift his grandparents gave him and handed to his Nana, who arrived to check on them. Then Nick was told to finish his homework, and go to bed early. No dinner of his disobedience, and as a punishment he was not allowed from reaching his gifts that his grandparents gave him. Nick did not complain nor cry knowing that it wouldn’t do anything to get what he wanted back. So, it was best to go to bed, as sadness took his hunger, and try to sleep in for the night. His thoughts were filled with ranging sadness and nothing more.

Eventually he would wake up in an early morning to find his box there, as Nick remembered how far his memory went. His Nana rescued the box from the trash and cleaned the best it could. It was now on the state Nick found it, holding everything but his airplane. The airplane he made as on his Nana’s hands. He didn’t remember what time it was, but it was pretty early in the morning, but his Nana was there.

"Nana?" His younger self asked. The Middle aged woman placed her index finger on her mouth and shushed him.

“Be quiet now, my boy.” She whispered  as she handed him the airplane and then the box. Nick took it and glanced at her confused. “I cannot let him private you from dreaming. I just cannot let him, son.”

Then He looked at the box and quietly clutched the train. He remembered doing that.

“Nana…” his younger self cry. The elder woman whipped away his tears. “Father-”

“I know…” His Nana said as she let out a long sigh Then she embraced him. “I know my boy….I know…”

Then hours later, his Nana handed him the family crest. She only said that his grandfather send to him before going to serve him some breakfast.  Nick hid the box far in his room, and acted as if yesterday was just a bad dream. Slowly repressing it, refusing to acknowledge until it was locked away far in his memory….until years later, it would be unlocked by himself…

Nick clutched the crest as tears ran down from his face. His heart ached as if a million needles stabbed him. His body trembled as one hand ran down from his hair. He sobbed hard as he dropped to his desk. The pain was unbearable, and it spread from his heart to every part of his body like a fucking virus.

That was it. That was fucking it. All his reactions stemmed from the cruel and heartless words from his father….

How could he be a good father to his child if his own father still haunted him?

“Nick…” Nickolas rose himself from the desk. He stared at Riley staring down at him. She was pale as a ghost and her tri colored eyes were filled with terror. Without any word she rushed to his side and embraced him. Nick wrapped his arms around his wife without second thought and started to cry uncontrollably while his hand clutched tight his crest.

For the next hour, Nick was on the bed with Riley. He was resting on her chest as she gently caressed his head. His breath was hitching, his heart pounding widely. He said nothing but cried in his wife arms. Riley told him to breathe in and out before guiding him to the bed. She was there beside him, comforting him and holding him tight as he slowly calmed down. She cleared his tears and kissed his nose. Nick held her tighter, causing her to respond with another kiss.

“Everything is alright now.” She muttered as she combed his hair.Nick stared at her before caressing her cheek. “How are you doing?”

“I’m doing much better than before.” He muttered. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t.” His wife said. “Don’t apologize. You did nothing wrong. Now…do you…you want to talk about it?”

“Yes…please do.” Nick muttered.

So, he told her everything he remembered about his memory, the conversation with Dorothea, and how he found the box. Riley listen to every word he said. Silently listening to everything he said without an expression or a comment. She did hold Nick’s hand tight as he spoke. It was her way of telling him she was there for him as he opened up about what went down with his father until he finished. Then, she stared at him and said.

“That son of a bitch…” She hissed. 

“Yeah…” Nick muttered. He then let out a bitter laugh. “Crappy parents setting up situations…he…he…”

“I…I knew your father was a dick but….not that far from a bastard.” Riley muttered. Nick nodded. “I cannot believe all this happened. Well, I’m not surprised that my mother involved herself once again in our private life, but…you know…your…your father and the memory box.”

“I….I can’t exactly remember why I brought it with me.” Nick confessed. “I hid it in my room to avoid getting Nana, may her soul rest in peace, and I in trouble with father. I suppose I just happened to found it and store it with all my stuff when I moved to my studio.”

“It’s the only hypothesis I see in that situation.” Riley commented as she moved a strand of hair from Nick’s face. “Either way, you would remember what happened.” Nick nodded. “I’m… I’m really sorry about that…”

“Don’t be.” He reassured her. “My father was always like that, so don’t feel bad.”

“No, I have reasons to be upset and concern about you and the dick of our father.” Riley protested. She sat on the bed and crossed her arms. “My husband was fucking mistreated by some rich asshole, and you expect me to be ok with that?”

“What? No!” Nick stared at her with furrowed eyebrows as his eyes widened. “I’m not saying that you should ignore it. I just don't want you to-”

“To feel bad for you? To get stressed?” Riley confronted him. Nick immediately became quiet. She knew him too damn well. “Well, I will. I may be pregnant, but that is no excuse to ignore my husband. Nickolas, you just unlocked a repressed memory that has been plaguing you unknowingly. How can I not worry about you?”

“I…I…I just didn’t want to overwhelm you…” He confessed as he held his wife hands... “You are carrying our child. That means that you’ll have to be preparing for delivering the life formed within your wonderful body. You’ll be having to put through fucking Daisy driving you insane about preparations and your pregnancy, and having a bunch of- MMPH!”

“Sometimes I forget that you are just an overthinker.” She kissed him before pressing her forehead against his. “I appreciate you worrying about me. I really do, but you also matter. Yes, technically I’m the one carrying out the actual child, but this is a work between the two of us. The product would not be fully completed if the equation is not balanced.”

Then she released her hands from his grasp and gently cupped his face as she gently smiled and said. “Besides, I could not ask a better father for my child. I’m a hundred percent sure that you’ll be a great father, Nickolas.”

Before he could protest she gave him a deep kiss and muttering within kisses. “We are on this together, ok?”

“Ok.” He muttered before wrapping his arms around her waist as their kiss deepened more and more.

Then, they let their worries aside and focused on each other, wanting just a moment for themselves from all the pain and bad memories.