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Bobby has always been interested in what people had to say, and the little things. So, as a Captain in charge of a fire station meant he was always surrounded by tips, stories and odd bits of information that sometimes proved unexpectedly useful. All of this which he would use to help others in some way.
Today had been one of those days, Buck had showed him a tik tok video that had stuck with him ever since. In the tiktok, a pregnant woman, who was struggling with the weight of her belly, was given a moment of relief when her husband lifted her belly from behind, taking the weight off her back. It was a simple gesture, but the woman's reaction had been one of profound gratitude and relief.
Athena was pregnant and as her pregnancy progressed, her belly grew heavier and the strain on her back became more evident. It was more difficult for her to do things around the house and Bobby noticed the way she winced when she tried to find a comfortable position or how she got out of bed each morning. It made him feel hurt because she was carrying everything, and he couldn't do anything about it. He hated seeing her in pain, and wanted to do something that could ease her discomfort even if it was a part of life.
The thought of the tiktok had stuck with Bobby throughout the day. He wanted to try it on Athena and he couldn't wait to get home, hoping it would provide her some comfort.
So as the hours went by, and his shift ended, he drove home. As of now, the two of them were preparing for bed. Bobby entered the bathroom as she finished brushing her teeth.
Athena looked up from the sink and caught his reflection in the mirror. She smiled and her eyes were filled with exhaustion and love. “Hey baby.” She said softly.
Bobby smiled back at her. He hesitated for a moment because the idea had popped into his mind. He wondered if this was the right time to try it, but seeing her slightly tired face, he knew that today was like no other, so he decided this was the moment.
He walked up behind her, his tall frame towering over her small frame. He pressed his chest against her back, feeling the warmth and the slight tension in her muscles. Slithering his hands around her waist, he gently kissed the side of neck, right at the spot where her hairline ended. Athena closed her eyes and sighed, a small contented sigh escaping her lips.
“Hey.” He replied, his voice gentle against her ear. “How was your day?”
“It was good, May and I went shopping for more baby clothes. Then we came home, and I spent all day in bed.” She stared at his deep brown eyes through the mirror. “How was yours?”
“It was good, standard. We had a few fires.”
Athena gave him a soft hum in reply. They stayed like this for a few moments, feeling the intimate connection of their closeness. Then Bobby said,
“You know, I was wondering if I could try something on you.”
Athena’s brow furrowed slightly in confusion, but she trusted him. “Okay.” She said, turning her head slightly to look him over her shoulder, her eyes full of curiosity and love.
She gave him a nod for him to continue and slowly, with careful and deliberate movements. Bobby slid his hands down the swell of her belly. He positioned his hands underneath, feeling the firm, round weight of their baby girl.
With a deep breath, he lifted, supporting the heavy mass that had been causing her discomfort.
He felt warm when he saw her reaction. Athena’s eyes widened in surprise, her mouth forming a silent “oh” as the pressure eased, as her back easing a bit.
“Oh baby.” she breathed, her head falling back against his shoulder as a wave of relief washed over her. Her entire body seemed to relax the tension melting away as if a weight had been physically lifted from her shoulders. She felt light, like she was floating above water. Everything was lifted momentarily by Bobby’s strong capable hands.
His heart swelled with love and pride. “Does it feel good?” He asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Athena chuckled, closing her eyes, leaning fully into her husband's arms. “It feels amazing.” She murmured. “Don’t ever stop, baby. Don’t ever stop.”
A huge grin spread across Bobby's face as he watched her through the mirror. Seeing her so relaxed, so content, made him feel like he was doing something truly special. He held her there, feeling the lift they had created together. Joy was all he felt and he knew she felt the same way. The rooms was quiet except for the sound of there breathing, the intimate silence wrapping them up like a warm blanket.
“Thank you.” Athena said after a while, her voice soft and filled with gratitude. She knew Bobby well enough to realize that this was a trick that was shared to him today. If he had known about it before, he would have been doing it every day and night. “Who gave you this idea?”
Bobby chuckled, a low, affectionate sound. “Buck showed me a tiktok.” He admitted, his lips brushing against her ear. “He knew that you have been having back pain, so he showed him the video when it came up.”
Athena smiled, a gentle laugh bubbling up. “Social Media is really becoming useful these days… but anyway, thank Buck for me.” She said, feeling more comfortable and light than she had in weeks. She let herself go, savoring the moment, the weightlessness, the feeling of being held and supported by the man she loved.
They stood like that for a long time, the bathroom was a sanctuary of calm and comfort. It was so intimate, which they both loved, being together. Bobby felt a slight strain in his arms, but he didn't mind. The relief on Athena’s face was worth every second of effort.
Soon, after what felt like an eternity and a blink of an eye. Bobby knew they had to go to sleep and that he had to let go.
“I’m going to let go now.” He whispered, preparing her for the return of the weight.
Athena groaned softly, a sound of protest and acceptance. She didn't want this to end, this moment of relief but she knew she had too. “I know you feel good, baby.” Bobby said. “We can do it all day tomorrow since I have the day off.” His voice full of promise.
“Okay.” Athena agreed reluctantly, finding the comfort of tomorrow.
Slowly, Bobby lowered her belly back down. Athena winced slightly, her body adjusting back to the weight. She turned around to face him, her eyes shining full of love. Leaning in, she pressed a tender kiss to his lips. “Thank you.” She whispered against his mouth.
“Of course, I love you.” He said simply.
“I love you too.” She replied.
They then released each other's embrace and finished getting ready for bed, the quiet routine of brushing teeth and changing into pajamas now infused with a deeper sense of connection and love. Athena’s back still ached, but the memory of the relief Bobby had given her and the relief of tomorrow, made it more bearable. What even made it more bearable, was the thought of seeing their baby girl soon. To raise her together. She couldn't wait for more.