Archive of Our Own ^beta

It was morning in the Lemtov household. Alexander was still getting used to being a parent of a young toddler who was about two. Being married to the Russian had its moments. Not even a year after being together, you already got pregnant.

On top of that, you were also expecting another little bundle of joy in the next three months.

You managed to feed the toddler what little food was left on their plate, as the rest was a mess on the highchair’s table tray. After getting the child cleaned up, they protested being held, so you let them down, their tiny legs carrying them across the room and to a closed door.

As the child’s hand reached for the door, Alexander stopped them. “Ah, ah, my dearest one, not a place for you to go,” he spoke gently, his hand taking the toddler’s hand into his own. The child pouted before returning to their mother. His outfit was more domestic rather than the usual flair he wore. It was still fashionable, but not overly so.

You chuckled. “Why, what’s in there?”

Alexander leaned in close, his breath against your ear. “Well, my darling, I never did get rid of those statues like you told me to,” he admitted.

“Oh...” Your face is warm from blushing; those statues. He had an artist carve those statues of himself. They were a bit much, but you secretly liked them.

He smirks, pulling you in for a kiss. “Storage, at least until the little ones grow up and move away,” he adds.

“Ewww!” the toddler squeaks at their parents' kiss.

You chuckle against his lips. “And how’s my lion of love doing?” you ask him.

“Must you ask? I have everything I want, and more,” he answers, his free hand moving to your stomach. Despite your condition, there was still a hint of desire and contentment when he was like this.

You smile, giving him a peck on the cheek, his stubble tickling your lips. “I’ll clean up here.”

Alexander shakes his head. “No, I’ll clean up. You need to sit down and rest. I insist, and I’ll handle the little one,” he says.

“Are you sure?”

He nods. “I am. You do so much around the home already, I can do my best and help out.”

“Alright, knock yourself out,” you tease, going to sit down on the plush couch.

The next few hours are filled with him trying to wrangle an energetic toddler and balance the housework that you did. It was even more daunting than performing a song for a live audience, or so he thought. Part of him wishes he had hired a nanny the day his first child was born.

You alternated between phone and laptop time, watching various movies and television shows. Part of you wondered how Alexander was handling things in the meantime.

Dinner came and went. He was a decent cook and managed to make something for the two of you. Bath time was a wet mess; he was soaked as the child splashed away happily in the tub. Once he got the toddler ready for bed, they squirmed, wanting to walk to their bed. Alex let down the child, keeping an eye on them as they went along. The child soon stopped a moment before turning around. Alex raised a brow. “What’s wrong?” he asks.

The toddler’s face began to strain. He finally figured it out after a minute. “No,” he says. “No, no, no, please no. Don’t,” he half-begged as the child soiled their fresh diaper. Alex sighed, scooping up the toddler and carrying them back to the changing table to put on a new diaper.

Afterward, he carried the tired child to their bed and tucked them in. Alex smiled. “Goodnight, my little one,” he spoke softly, leaning in to kiss their forehead as the child drifted off. He stood up and turned off the light before tip-toeing out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind him. Alexander returned to the master bedroom and collapsed into bed, exhausted. He pulls the covers over himself, settling in.

Feeling the bed dip with his weight, you carefully changed positions in bed to protect your stomach. “How’d everything go?”

“Well, I made it,” he answered calmly, though you could tell Alex was at his wit’s end.

“Could you do it again for the next few days?” you ask.

He sighs, an amused smile on his face. “I will find us a nanny, but she must be perfect,” he states. “Only the best for my family.”

You smirk. “I’m glad you’re finally seeing things my way, my love.”

Alexander leans in, capturing your lips in an affectionate kiss. “Goodnight, my dears,” he says, voice warm. He caresses your stomach before stealing another kiss, his hands wandering lower.

“Alex?” you whisper.

His blue eyes sparkle with mischief. “Feeling up for it tonight?” he asks.

Despite your delicate condition, Alexander was always careful and made sure you were alright during sex. You nod. “Sure, knock yourself out."

He nods, pulling the sheets over both of you.

Later on, you were exhausted but happy. He held you as close as he could, despite your belly being in the way. "Goodnight, my love," Alex spoke softly.

"Mmm, goodnight," you murmured. "I love you..."

"I love you too," he replied, and the both of you eventually drifted off to sleep.