Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Clan Kase’s house, Friday December 29^th 2034, 8:04am

Grace pulls up in the driveway. “Here we are, home sweet home.”

Sirque and Cobra look out their windows, noting the house’s simple yet pleasant nature. “Nice house.” Cobra notes.

“Thanks.” Grace smiles as she gets out of the car. The two ex-felons then get out of the car as Victoria and her children exit. As they looked at the house, they still couldn’t believe it. They got out of prison and had a chance to live normal lives, and someone was giving them a roof over their heads despite not knowing them. They were thrilled to begin anew. They were both wearing the clothes that the courthouse provided for them. Sirque was wearing a red T-shirt over a white long-sleeved t-shirt with tan khakis and white sneakers while Cobra was wearing a black short sleeved button-up shirt over a dark gray long sleeved shirt along with blue jeans and black convors. 

“Come on you two, let’s go.” Grace smiles as she unlocks the door and heads in. The two head in before Victoria and her kids and look around the living room. Sirque was impressed with how lively the room was while Cobra noted how lived in it felt.

“What do you think?” Victoria asks as she sits down on the couch and bounces David up and down on her knee.

Sirque smiles. “It’s, calming.” She notes in a soft voice.

Cobra nods. “Yeah, it’s a soothing atmosphere.”

Victoria smiles. “Yeah, it is.”

As she bounces David, Sirque notices and gets excited. “I forgot to ask, who is this little paquet de joie (bundle of joy)?” She gushes.

“He’s my son, David.” Victoria smiles. “I brought him home in January.”

“OH HE’S SO CUTE!” Sirque gushes.

Victoria chuckles. “You can tickle his belly if you want.”

Sirque’s smile grows then she tickles David, making him giggle; and her heart melt with how cute he was. “Merci. How old is he?”

“Almost 1 ½ years old.” Victoria smiles. “He’ll be 2 in July.”

“Pale lady.” David says, noting Sirque’s skin tone.

Sirque tickles his belly again, making him giggle and her melt even further. “He’s adorable.”

Cobra looks at the baby, a smile forming on her face as her heart tingles from how precious he looked. “You got a point.”

That got a snicker out of Victoria. “Alright, I’m going to go put him down for a nap. After I’m done, I’ll help show you two your new room.”

Sirque and Cobra nod as Victoria gets up and takes David upstairs. The two former felons then sit on the couch as they wait. Trina then comes in and sits by Sirque. “Do I call you two by Ms. or your first names?” She asks.

Sirque smiles. “Whatever makes you comfortable, Trina.”

“Ok.” Trina nods. “So, any interesting hobbies?” She asks, trying to break the ice.

“Well, I play the kazoo while Amy plays the harmonica.” Sirque shares.

Cobra smiles. “Yeah, we make a great two-girl band.”

“Cool.” Trina says with a slight smile. “So, how’d you two become friends anyway?”

Cobra’s smile turns heartfelt. “We, bonded.” She says. “It just, happened. We started caring for each other and became friends.” She gushes before giving Sirque a small kiss on the cheek.

“Oui.” Sirque gushes, feeling emotional from Cobra’s story.

Trina can’t help but smile at how wholesome their friendship was. Her mom then comes down as Grace walks to her, then the two face Cobra and Sirque. “Come on, we’ll show you your rooms.” Grace smiles.

Cobra and Sirque’s room

Victoria and Grace walk the two to their room as Trina follows. It was a simple guest room that was spruced up. The bed was twin sized with gray sheets accompanied with white snowflake designs. The walls were painted pale sky blue, with the room being accompanied by a big two-person dresser and a TV. It was simple, but good.

“I love it, thank you Grace.” Sirque smiles.

Cobra then puts on a small smile. “It’s great, thanks.”

Grace smiles and nods. “I’m glad you like it. I have to go to work, so when Victoria goes to work around 10, you’ll accompany her and her kids.”

The two nod. “Understood.” Sirque says.

Grace happily nods. “Have a good time, you too.” She says before heading out of the room. Sirque flops backwards on the bed, smiling from how soft it was.

“Amy, you gotta feel this!”

Cobra shrugs then flops back on the bed with Sirque, noting it was VERY soft. “That’s nice.” She says as she closes her eyes and smiles.

Victoria smiles. “Glad it’ll suit you. We’ll leave you two to get settled.”

Victoria and Trina then leave the room, letting Sirque and Cobra get the feeling of the room. “Ames, this is magnifique!” Sirque lightheartedly laughs. “I think we’re really going to love it here.”

Cobra nods. “Yeah, I think we are.”

Best Buy, 10:28am

Sirque and Cobra stay by Trina as she walked David around the store. Since Victoria was working, it was Trina’s responsibility to supervise them. “So, do you go to college?” Sirque asks, trying to make conversation.

“Yeah, I actually go to SFIT.” She smiles. “Got accepted in the summer.”

“That’s impressive.” Cobra notes.

Trina’s smile grows a bit from the compliment. “Thanks.”

“So, what’s it like being a big sister?” Cobra wonders.

Trina’s smile warms with her heart. “It’s one of the most wonderful things in the world.” She gushes in a soft voice. “I like being there to guide him, and to love him.”

Cobra smiles from how heartfelt the programmed-to-be-17-year-old robot’s words were. It was touching to see how much she cared for her brother.

“So, what are you two going to do all day before and after community service?” Trina wonders, since they’d have a lot of free time on their hands.

Sirque thinks about it with her hand to her chin. “Well, we could do chores to help around the house.”

“My mom and aunt would appreciate that.” Trina says with a smile.

“Then we could relax when we can.” Cobra smiles.

“Sounds like a plan.” Trina says as she checks on David. He was looking around the store, so curious about everything. This made Trina smile.

Home; living room, 8:40pm

After dinner, which Victoria made and outdid herself on, the chef then sat on the couch and bounced her son on her knee with the houseguests sitting on both sides of her. She notices Cobra’s smiling expression as she watched David be cradled; which Victoria identified as baby fever. “Amy, would you and Celine like to take turns holding David?”

Sirque smiles while Cobra is a bit taken back. “Are you sure?” She asks, partially feeling like she hadn’t earned it.

Victoria nods with a smile. “I trust you two enough to hold my son.” She assures them.

Cobra thinks about it as she looks at her left arm with worry. “What if I scare him?” She worries, fearing her robot arm would scare the infant.

Victoria gives her an assuring smile. “I’m sure it won’t.”

Cobra thinks about it, then nods. “Alright.”

Victoria carefully hands Cobra David, then the 65-year-old woman carefully holds him. She sees him look back at her and giggle; making her legally senior citizen heart melt. She couldn’t help but smile and how innocent he was. “He’s so, innocent.”

David then looks at her robot arm. “Robot.” He says, pointing at Cobra’s left hand. Cobra status stiff for a moment, before giving him a smile. “Yep, I have a robot arm.” She says in a friendly voice.

David then giggles. “Robot lady.”

Cobra smiles. “Yeah, robot lady.”

“Looks like David likes you.” Victoria smiles.

The “robot lady” then lightheartedly chuckles. “I guess he does.” She gushes. “Celine, it’s your turn.”

Sirque nods as Victoria carefully grabs David and puts him on Sirque’s lap as the acrobat carefully held him. “Hi David.” Sirque smiles.

“Diamonds.” David smiles as he points at Sirque’s eyes, making her chuckle.

“Merc- I mean, thank you.” Sirque smiles, appreciating the compliment.

Victoria can’t help but smile at how well her houseguests were getting along with her son. She was starting to trust the two more and more.

Sirque and Cobra’s room, 11:34pm

After cleaning up the kitchen, the two got ready for bed; with the pajamas Victoria and Grace lent to them. Sirque was wearing a black t-shirt with red-flannel pajama pants and pink slippers. Meanwhile Cobra was wearing a white tank top with matching pants along with pale pink slippers.

As Sirque gets into bed, she can’t help but smile. “Today was an amazing start to our new lives.” She gushes.

“I couldn’t agree more.” Cobra smiles as she gets into bed. “Can’t believe we’re sharing a bed again.”

Sirque shrugs. “Makes sense, since this room isn’t that big.”

“I don’t mind, I just didn’t expect it.” Cobra points out.

“Well, at least we have a normal bed again.” Sirque smiles, making her friend feel more happy.

“Yeah, that’s amazing.” Cobra says. “And I can’t wait for what the future will bring.”

Sirque smiles and then plants a kiss on Cobra’s cheek. “Good night Amy.” She says in a soft voice. “Je vous aime (I love you).”

Cobra’s smile turns heartfelt. “I love you too, Celine.”

The two then face opposite ways as they drift off, happy with how today turned out, and ready for the rest of their lives.

Chapter Text

Living room, Saturday December 30^th 2034, 9:48am

Sirque decided that she and Cobra needed some bonding time with Grace and Victoria, so she brought them all to the couch; while Trina kept David company. “So, what’d you guys wanna talk about?” The acrobat asks with a great big smile.

Victoria, Grace and Cobra look at each other then back at Sirque. “Dunno.” Victoria shrugs.

“How about hobbies?” Grace suggests.

Sirque smiles. “Sounds great.”

“Well, I read comics and novels, and I play with LEGOs.” Victoria brings up.

Sirque smiles as she pulls out her kazoo. “I play the kazoo and sing.” She gushes.

“We sing too.” Victoria smiles, gesturing to herself and Grace.

“Indeed.” The 58 2/3^rds year old dean smiles.

Sirque’s smile grows. “So does Amy.”

“…Well.” Amy smiles with a slight embarrassed blush.

Victoria lightheartedly chuckles. “We should have karaoke night one of these days.”

Sirque and Cobra’s eyes gleam up at that statement. “That’d be great!” Sirque gushes.

“It’d be fun.” Cobra smiles.

Grace smiles. “We’ll work on a day for it then.”

Sirque silently squeals as Cobra shows her excitement with a smile. “Thank you.” The 65-year-old  amputee says in a soft voice.

“No problem.” Grace assures her. Sirque couldn’t help but smile since the bonding was going great so far.

“So, any interesting facts about yourselves?” Victoria wonders, trying to expand the conversation.

Sirque perks up. “Well, I’m autistic, my height is about 6 feet, and I draw.”

Victoria’s eyes widen a bit with surprise. “You’re autistic as well?”

Sirque smiles and nods. “Oui. I told Amy when she defended me from a mean guard. That moment helped me realize she was my best friend.”

Amy gets a heartfelt smile. “It hurt to see her suffering, and it wasn’t just empathy. Eventually I realized she was my best friend as well.”

Victoria and Grace had heartfelt smiles on their faces, feeling touched from their story. “That’s sweet.” Victoria says in an enlightened voice.

Sirque nods. “It was one of the best days of my life.” She gushes, before remembering something. “I didn’t know you were on the spectrum as well.” She says with a curious smile.

Victoria nods. “Yeah, all the women on my mom’s side are. I had a lot of support growing up.”

“Me too.” Sirque smiles. “My mom was so caring and understanding.”

“It’s good that we both had support growing up.” Victoria smiles. “It can be hard at times.”

“Oui.” Sirque notes. “It was nice not being alone.” She smiles.

Victoria’s smile warms. “It was.”

Cobra’s heart gets warmer from the touching moment shared. She was glad that Sirque and Victoria had bonded over something meaningful, and that now Sirque had someone else to talk to about being on the spectrum.

“So Amy, any interesting facts about yourself?” Victoria asks.

“Hmm?” Amy says, being pulled from her thoughts. “Oh, right. I’m an amputee.” She says, raising her prosthetic left forearm. “I have burn marks on my right arm, and I jog.”

Victoria perks up. “Me too.”

“I have a usual exercise routine as well.” Grace notes. “And I do nature hikes.”

Cobra’s smile perks up. “We should do one.”

“Agreed.” Grace smiles. “We’ll work on that.”

“It’s a date.” Cobra notes.. “It’s, nice to find common ground with you two.” She says with a smile. “I like getting to know you.”

The heads of Clan Kase get heartfelt smiles on their faces as they face Cobra. “It’s nice getting to you know you two as well.” Victoria says.

Grace nods. “I think it’d be nice for us to try becoming friends.” Her smile then grows a bit. “It’d be nice to have you two as friends.” She says with heartfelt sincerity.

Cobra and Sirque’s eyes widen a bit as their hearts warm, and as Sirque gets a big warm smile on her face. They couldn’t believe the women they once fought against and antagonized actually, wanted to be friends with them. Sirque then pulls them into a heartfelt hug. “We’d love that too.” She gushes, a bit teary eyed.

Victoria and Grace return the hug, noting how warm and emotional it was. “You’ll fit in great around here.” Victoria smiles. “There’s a lot of love around here.”

Sirque’s heart warmed at hearing that. Cobra considers joining the hug. “Oh why not?” She shrugs with a smile as before hugging them as well. The four all felt the warmth of the hug, and couldn’t wait to become friends with each other.

Chapter Text

Bite of Italy, Monday January 1^st 2035, 6:44pm

“Celine, make sure to chew love.” Cobra tells her friend; who was eating like a vacuum cleaner.

Sirque stops and regretfully nods. “Sorry Amy.”

Today Clan Kase and their house guests went out for dinner. And Sirque forgot her table manners while munching down pasta, sauce and beef.

“It’s ok love.” Cobra assures her friend with a small smile. “Just try to remember next time.”

Sirque nods. “So, you two enjoying dinner?” Victoria asks with a small smile.

“Yes, thank you Victoria, and Grace.” Cobra smiles.

Sirque nods. “Merci.”

“Glad you like it.” Grace says between bites. “So, any pla-“

“David just eat the eggplant.” Trina asks her brother, who was sitting in a high chair as his sister tried feeding him.

“It weird!” David says, shaking his head rapidly.

Trina sighs. “David, it’s healthy.”

David crosses his arms angerly. “You eat.”

“David that’s not fair. I don’t eat.” Trina points out.

Her brother then gets a smug grin. “I know.”

Trina scrunches her face is annoyance. “Trina I’ll take care of it.” Victoria tells her daughter, then the two switch seats. “David,” Victoria says with a smile as she holds a fork with eggplant. “Wanna eat some eggplant?”

“NO!” David states.

“Pleeeaaassee?” Victoria begs in a fwiendly voice.

“NO!”

“I’ll make you fried fish when we get home.” Victoria promises.

David straightens up with a big excited smile. “Eggplant.”

Victoria chuckles then starts spoon-feeding him eggplant. “Does David have trouble with new foods?” Sirque wonders.

Trina nods. “Oh yeah.” She bluntly states. “He’s one picky eater.”

“Indeed.” Grace slightly laments. “He’s young true, but still a very picky eater.”

“So, why fish?” Cobra asks, noting it could be an acquired taste.

Trina shrugs. “He has a specific taste I guess.”

“Maybe we could help him become less.. picky.” Sirque suggests.

“That’d be nice.” Trina smiles.

Victoria feeds David the last of his eggplant. “Good job, David.” She encourages him with a smile. “You’re getting some fish tonight.”

David gets all excited. “Yay!”

Cobra chuckles. “He gets excited easily.”

“He is turning 1 ½ soon.” Victoria humorously remarks.

 “Fair point.” Cobra snickers.

Sirque can’t help but smile at the conversation the five of them were having. It felt like she and Amy were part of their family, and she loved that.

Chapter Text

Home; living room, Friday January 5^th 2035, 8:48pm

“So what’d you get for question 4?” Trina asks.

Karmi checks her textbook. “Hydrogen.”

“Aw man, I got Krypton.” Trina groans, making Karmi laugh. The two decided to study for school together at her house. It was nice spending time with Karmi, since the two didn’t hang out alone too often.

“Don’t worry, we still have some more time to study.” Karmi assures her friend, making her smile.

“Thanks Karms.”

The two then go back to their textbooks. “So, what’s it like having two more aunts in the house?” Karmi wonders.

“It’s great.” Trina smiles. “They’re really kind. Sorta like aunts.”

Karmi chuckles. “That’s good. I know how much you love your aunts.”

“Yeah.” Trina turns the page. “David loves them too.”

“It’s nice that David has such a big family.” The 18-year-old bio-tech major says with a warm smile. “Like, a REALLY big one.”

Trina’s smile turns warm as well. “Yeah, I’m glad he has so many people there for him.”

Karmi pulls out her phone and checks the time. “Wanna take a break?”

“Sure.” Trina smiles as the two of them close their books. “What’d you wanna talk about?”

Karmi thinks about it. “What are they like anyway, Celine and Amy?”

“Chummy, and they really value each other’s friendship.” Trina smiles, appreciating how great their friendship was.

“That’s, sweet.” Karmi says before lightheartedly chuckling.

Trina nods. “Yeah, I really admire how loving it is. They also remind me of my mom and aunt Rebecca, with their small kisses of affection.”

“That sounds really nice.” Karmi smiles, gushing a bit. “And, so loving.”

Trina happily nods. “It really is.”

“I’m, glad to have lots of loving friends.” Karmi gushes in a soft heartfelt tone. “It was hard in the beginning, but then Ari helped me, she and Hiro. Then my life got more, full of love.”

Trina’s smile turns even more heartfelt. “Mine too, and I’m glad you’re one of my friends.”

Karmi gets a bit teary eyed then pulls Trina into a friend/side hug. “Me too.” She says before giving Trina a small kiss on the cheek; making her friend feel warm inside, prompting her to nuzzle her head in Karmi’s neck a little.

“This feels nice.” Trina lightly gushes. “The loving comfort.”

Karmi smiles. “It does.”

“I, understand now why my mom likes this.” Trina lightheartedly chuckles. “My heart feels tingly.”

“Mine too.” Karmi smiles. “I feel so, calm and happy.”

Trina nuzzles her head a bit more then rests it on Karmi’s shoulder. “We should do this every now and then.”

“Agreed.” Karmi smiles.

As they sit there hugging, they think about what to talk about. “So, how are things going between you and Hiro?” Trina wonders.

Karmi lightheartedly chuckles. “Well, we’re almost ready to start dating.”

“That’s great.” Trina says, making Karmi blush a bit.

“Well, it’ll still be a while; around later this year.” Karmi points out. “Ari’s going to be excited though; she really ships Karmiro.”

Trina snickers. “Karmiro?”

“Her idea.” Karmi lightly laughs. “It’s our ship name.”

“It’s cute.” Trina notes.

Karmi nods. “Thanks. And yeah, we’re almost ready.”

“You two would make a cute couple.” Trina gushes, making Karmi feel happier.

“Thanks.” The bio-tech major gushes. “I really like him.”

Trina nuzzles her head a bit more. “I know.” She knew how her two friends felt about each other, and it was cute. “So, what now?”

Karmi nuzzles her head against Trina’s. “We stay like this for a little bit more then go back to studying.” She smiles.

“Good idea.” Trina gushes softly, admiring how good physical affection felt.

Chapter Text

Home; living room, Sunday January 7^th 2035, 8:10am

“David give it back!” Trina says as she chases her brother around the living room; since he was holding her beanie. However her brother just giggles and says “No!”

Meanwhile Victoria chuckles from the kitchen as she cooks. She enjoyed seeing her children play. “David sweetie, give your sister back her hat.”

David stops, then begrudgingly gives Trina back her beanie.

“Apologize.”

David sighs. “Sorry.”

Trina slight smiles and puts her beanie back on. “I forgive you. Let’s go watch TV.”

David smiles then the two head to the couch. Meanwhile their mom is glad the problem was over. “How goes breakfast?” Grace asks as she walks up to her friend.

“It goes.” Victoria snickers. “It’ll be done soon.”

“Good to know.” Grace notices at her niece and nephew watching TV. “So, how are the kids?”

“David was a bit rowdy, but I took care of it.” Victoria assures her friend.

Grace smiles. “Good job.”

“Thanks.” Victoria lightly snickers. “I’m glad I’m raising them right.” She lightly gushes. “I love them so much.”

Grace pulls her into a side hug. “I know.” She says before giving her a small kiss on the cheek.

As Victoria cooked, she thought about her kids, then briefly remembers one of the last times Ms. Luz visited for her social worker visit. She then remembers the part about when asked if she could support a third child. She overall could, but for some reason she now dwelled on it more than before; and she didn’t know why.

“Tori, what’s wrong?” Grace asks, noting her friend’s conflicted expression.

Victoria snaps out of it. “Sorry, just confused.” She says, a bit shaken up. “About why I’m dwelling about something.”

“About what?” Grace wonders.

“When Ms. Luz asked if I could support a third child.” Victoria shrugs in confusion. “I don’t know why, but I started thinking about it and now I can’t shake it.”

Grace brings her hand to her chin as she ponders. “That’s unusual.”

“I know.” Victoria says. “But I can’t shake it.”

Grace thinks about it. “It might be deeper then we think.”

Victoria shrugs. “Maybe.” She wanted to know WHY she was pondering on it, and she was determined to find out.

Victoria, Trina and David’s room, 1:23pm

Victoria sits on her bed and fixates on her current dilemma. Why was she so hyper fixated on that line? It had no importance anymore. And why does it feel so important?

“You ok, Tori?” Sirque asks as she checks on her friend from the doorway.

The 44-year-old teacher-in-training shrugs. “I dunno.”

Sirque comes in and sits with her friend. “What are you thinking about?”

“About why I’m so focused on Ms. Luz asking if I could support three kids.” Victoria says, annoyed from trying to figure it out. “I don’t know why I can’t stop thinking about it.”

Sirque thinks about it. “Well, what’s it like?”

Victoria takes a deep breath. “Like, I feel conflicted about something but I don’t even know what.”

“About what Ms. Luz said?” Sirque asks for clarification.

“Yeah, but why?” Victoria wonders, feeling desperate.

Sirque examines what Victoria said. “Why you’re thinking about being able to support three kids?” She breaks it down.

Victoria nods in annoyance. “Yeah.”

Sirque then gets a realization. “Why you’re thinking about having three kids?”

“Ye-“ Victoria freezes as she realizes what she was thinking about. “It was never about Ms. Luz.” She mutters in shock.

“Oui, it was about you wanting another child.” Sirque says with a smile.

Victoria then starts crying a bit. “I must sound really greedy.” She laments, noting she already had two children; with her son not even being two yet.

“Not necessarily.” Sirque assures her. “Why do you want another child?”

Victoria sniffles. “I, like caring and nurturing them. Trina and David would have another sibling, and I would love have an additional person to care and love.” Her voice breaks with a small smile.

Sirque pulls her into a hug. “You’re not being greedy, you just want one more person to love.” She says with a smile.

Victoria returns the hug. “Thanks, but what will Trina and David say?”

“Overall, they’d love having another sibling.” Sirque says with a warm smile.

Victoria’s smile grew as her heart tingled; knowing her friend was right. “Thanks, Celine.”

She then carefully breaks out of the hug. “I have to go tell the others.” She notes as she heads downstairs.

Sirque joyfully nods. “Go get ‘em, tigresse.”

Living room

Victoria heads to the living room, where her kids and other two friends were sitting. “Tori, is everything alright?” Cobra asks, noting her friend’s determined expression.

Victoria nods, then walks over to her kids and gets down on one knee as she puts a hand on each of their shoulders. “Kids, mommy has a big announcement.”

Trina gets slightly worried. “What is it?”

Victoria takes a deep breath, then looks at her children with a big smile and teary eyes. “You two are getting a brother or sister.” She says in a happy and motherly voice.

Trina and David’s eyes widen in shock. “What?” Trina asks in disbelief; not angered, she just had trouble believing it.

“I’m going to work on adopting another child, then they’ll be your new sibling.” Victoria elaborates, her heart tingling from happiness. “It’s not because you two aren’t enough; it’s because I want to expand my love and make our family bigger.”

Trina absorbs what she’s hearing, as does David. “New sister?” David asks, wanting to know more.

Victoria lightheartedly chuckles. “Maybe, we’ll see.”

“I’m getting another sibling.” Trina smiles, getting teary eyed. She was excited at the thought of it.

Victoria smiles. “Yes. Grace, is that ok?”

Grace thinks about it, still surprised by the revelation. “Well, they’d have to live in your room; but besides that, of course.” Grace gets a heartfelt smile.

Victoria then pulls her friend into a heartfelt hug. “Thanks, Grace.” She gushes with heartfelt warmth.

“Congrats, Vic.” Cobra says in a warm tone.

“Thanks, Ames.” Victoria smiles.

David is still thinking about what he just heard. “What happens now?” He wonders.

Victoria warmly smiles as she breaks her hug with Grace and looks at her son. “We’ll research agencies, the requirements, and stuff like interviews, then at some point I’ll get a possible match and talk to them before anything else. Then we’ll work on finalizing everything, then you and Trina will have a new brother or sister.”

David thinks about what his mom said, well the words he could understand. “A sister?” He wonders.

Victoria warmly chuckles. “That’d be nice, but it’s too early to know. Either way, I love you guys so much, and I’ll love all three of you equally.”

Trina’s smile gets warmer. “I know, mom. And I’m excited.” She says, a bit giddy.

Victoria notices her son’s neutral expression. “David?”

David thinks about it, then gets a small smile. “ ’nother sister.” He gushes, making his mom’s heart warm.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Victoria promises him. She was ready to raise another child and give them the love they deserved.

Chapter Text

Home; table, Wednesday January 10^th 2035, 7:58pm

Today, Trina was drawing with David, Sirque and Cobra at the dining table. It was going great and she was having fun. “Alright, here’s mine.” She smiles as she puts down her pencils and shows everyone her drawing of Plankton.

“Looks good, Trina.” Sirque smiles.

David giggles as he points at it. “Plankton!”

“Thanks guys.” Trina says, feeling a bit flattered.

Sirque finishes her drawing and shows it to the others. It was a very accurate drawing of Cobra, making Cobra flattered. “Looks good, love.”

Trina is still in awe. “That’s REALLY good.”

“Merci girls.” Sirque blushes.

David finishes his drawing and shows it to everyone. “Mommy.” He says, pointing to his crude crayon drawing of Victoria.

“Good job David.” Trina smiles, noting that it WAS recognizable as their mom.

Cobra finishes her drawing and shows it to the others. It was a simple drawing of Big Ben. “Well?” She asks, a bit nervously. “I’m not that good at drawing.”

Trina lightheartedly chuckles. “It’s good Aunt Amy.” She assures her.

Cobra smiles. “Thanks I-“ Her brain then comes to a screeching halt as she realizes what Trina said. “What did you say?”

Trina’s smile gets heartfelt. “I consider you and Celine my honorary aunts.” She gushes in a warm tone. “Since you two got here we’ve gotten SO close. I love you both.”

Cobra and Sirque start getting teary eyed. They had only been there for like 10 days, and now Trina considered them as part of her family. It, warmed their hearts. “Thanks Trina.” Cobra smiles warmly.

“We’d love having you as our niece.” Sirque smiles. “And, we’re honored.”

Trina then gets up and pulls the two women into a big hug, which they warmly return. Sirque Celine and Cobra Amy couldn’t believe it; they were brought into a family. And they were going to work hard to deserve it.

Chapter Text

Home; table, Friday January 12^th 2035, 12:58pm

“David please eat the carrots.” Victoria begs, dreading the fact they were going through this AGAIN.

“NO!” David says, slamming his fists against his highchair table.

Victoria uses her free hand to scrunch her face. “David, come on.” She groans.

David shakes his head. “CARROTS GROSS!”

“David, please sweetie.” Victoria begs warmly after unscrunching her face.

“NO!” David says, making his mom annoyed.

“David please.” She asks, very desperate.

David shakes his head. “NO!”

Victoria groans and puts her face on the table. Celine then comes by, noting her friend’s familiar expression. “Again?”

Victoria slight nods from the table. “He’s REALLY picky.” She mutters.

Celine looks at her nephew, who had an upset expression on his face. “May I?”

“Knock yourself out.” Victoria mutters. Then Celine grabs the spoon and plate and stands in front of David. “David, please eat it for your auntie Lin.” Celine asks with a warm smile.

“NO!” David slams the table again.

“S’il te plait.” Celine asks.

“Huh?” David asks, dumbfounded by the new words.

Celine chuckles. “It means please in French.”

“Oh. NO!”

“David, I’ll play with you right after if you eat this.” Celine promises with a big smile.

David then gets all excited and moves around in his chair. “Carrots please.”

Celine warmly chuckles as she starts feeding David his carrots. Victoria then sits up and looks at the two; impressed that Celine got him to eat. “Good job, Lin.” She smiles, feeling thankful for her friend’s assistance.

“No problem.” Celine smiles. “I love him.”

Victoria’s smile gets a bit warmer. She knew that David being a picky eater was a big problem, but she was glad she’d have help with David’s habit.

Chapter Text

Home; living room, Wednesday January 17^th 2035, 7:51pm

Victoria couldn’t believe it. She was about to head out to receive her teaching degree. After a year of hard work, she could finally begin a teacher. Her eyes got teary from joy just thinking about it. She fixes her jacket as she prepared to leave with her family. Her daughter then hugs her warmly.

“I’m proud of you mom.” Trina says lovingly, making her mom’s heart melt.

“Thanks Trina.” Victoria smiles. “I’ve waited a long time for this day, and honestly; I’m exhilarated for it.” She gushes.

Grace smiles as she enters the room. “I think we should be going.”

Victoria nods. “Agreed.”

Victoria then takes the hands of her children, then heads out with her friends; ready for the next step in her career.

San Fransokyo Community College, 8:34am

Victoria sat in front of Wendy’s desk as her family waited in the student desks behind her. As the teacher/children’s show host worked on her laptop, Victoria’s heart pounded in her chest. She was worried that all her hard work wouldn’t pay off.

Wendy then pulls something out of her desk and hands it to Victoria with a warm smile. “Congratulations Victoria, you’re now qualified and eligible for teaching jobs.” She says in an enthusiastic tone.

Victoria’s eyes widened as she grabbed her diploma. She couldn’t believe it. “I passed.” She says, getting teary eyed. Then her family comes from behind with smiles of joy.

“Congrats mom.” Trina smiles as she hugs her mom.

 Celine and Amy pat Victoria’s right shoulder. “Congrats love.” Amy says.

Celine nods in agreement, proud for her friend. “Bravo.”

“Welcome to the world of educating others.” Grace says enthusiastically. “It’ll be nice working with you.” She says as her smiles warms.

Victoria gets a big joyful smile. “Thanks guys.” She says, her voice low due to her happy tears. “I’m, really happy that I can be a teacher now.” She gushes softly with great emotion. “I can’t wait to start.”

Chapter Text

Home; living room, Saturday February 24^th 2035, 9:28am

Victoria nervously taps her foot as she waits on the couch for her phone to go off. Today was when she’d hear back from the adoption agencies so she could begin the process. So, she could adopt another child. She was SO scared that the results would be negative, but she was excited at the thought that she’d get good results, getting the opportunity to be a mother of three.

But, her family was there for her. Trina and Grace were sitting on either side of her, ready to comfort her or support her, no matter the outcome.

*BZZZT* Victoria anxiously grabs her phone and picks up. “Hello?” She asks, voice trembling with fear.

“Ms. Kase, we’ve reviewed your application, and approved of it.” A male voice formally says. “We’re working on some matches for you right now.”

Victoria’s eyes start watering with joy, as she felt immensely overjoyed. “Thank you, sir.” She gushes, being unable to contain her heartfelt praise.

“We will get back to you within a week.” The worker says. “See you then.”

Victoria smiles. “See you then.” She gushes before hanging up. She then pulls her friend and daughter into a warm hug. “We did it.” She quietly says, overjoyed with love.

“Congratulations, Tor.” Grace says warmly with a loving smile.

Trina’s smile is very heartfelt. “I’m going to be a big sister.”

Victoria was very happy that her family would grow again. Her heart was warmed and tingling from all the excitement. She wanted to tell people.

9:51am

“What’s the good news, Tori?” Rebecca asks as she enters the house.

Victoria can’t help but smile from joy. “I got approved. I’ll be getting matches soon.”

Rebecca smiles greatly as her eyes gleam. “Tori that’s wonderful!” She pulls her friend into a hug. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks.” Victoria gushes. “I’m, SO HAPPY!”

Home; Victoria, Trina and David’s room, 10:24pm

Meanwhile back in San Fransokyo, Victoria and her family were working on adjusting her room to accommodate another bed. The bed would go by the window, since there wasn’t really any room. But at least her next kid would have a room to sleep in.

“Am I getting a brother or sister?” David asks as he watches his family adjust the furniture.

Victoria warmly chuckles. “I don’t know, but probaly a sister.”

David smiles, enjoying the thought of another sister. Then his family finishes adjusting the room, taking a moment to admire their work.

“Looks good, wouldn’t you agree?” Amy smiles.

“Yeah, thanks girls.” Victoria smiles, feeling proud of the work they did.

Celine can’t help but smile. “I can’t wait for our family to grow.”

Trina smiles then pulls the five into a warm hug. “Me too.” She gushes. Everyone was so happy for the new addition to arrive, and they couldn’t be happier.

S.H.I.E.L.D  Base, 10:28am (1:28pm in New York time)

Yuriko looks through files at her desk when her phone goes off. “Hello?” She asks after picking up.

“Ri, I’ll be getting matched up soon.” Victoria gushes with heartfelt joy. “I’ll be adopting a third child soon!”

Yuriko’s eyes gleam with joy. “I’m happy for you, sis!” She smiles.

“Thanks. Gotta go, more people to tell. Love you.”

“Love you too.” Yuriko smiles as she hangs up and resumes working. A familiar co-worker walks up to her, noting her giddy expression.

“What’s going on, Ri?” Her friend asks. She was a middle-aged fair-skinned woman with dark brown eyes and raven black hair with a red streak through it. She wore a white dress shirt under a black business-skirt attire.

Yuriko looks at her with gleam. “My niece/sister is close to adopting her third kid.”

“Congratulations.” The woman smiles with warmth.

“Thanks Victoria.” Yuriko says, feeling so happy for her sister.

*WEEEEE* The two look up as they hear the alarm. “What’s that?” Yuriko asks, getting anxious from the alarm.

Victoria looks at the ceiling with great worry. “Something bad.”

Director Fury’s Office, 10:34am  (1:34pm in New York time)

Yuriko and Victoria rush into Fury’s office, spotting him facing the wall with worry. “Everything alright, Director Fury?” Yuriko asks.

Fury sighs with grief. “No, Agent Sato.” He turns around and faces the two agents. “One of our, operations, went wrong.”

The two coil back with worry. “What happened?” Victoria asks.

“We gave Agent Romanov a task in order to fully deflect to SHIELD.” Fury states. “One of our, DIRTY jobs.”

Yuriko winces, knowing what he meant by that.

“She was assigned to eliminate Dreykov, to end the Red Room.” Fury shares. “But something went wrong.”

Yuriko and Victoria’s pupils shrink at the mention of Dreykov. The Red Room was where little girls were kidnapped and trained to be assassins. It was a horrible, inhumane place; and where Natasha grew up.

Fury sulks a little. “Romanoff told Agent Barton to detonate the bombs, with Dreykov’s daughter inside.”

The two women’s eyes shrunk further as their hearts dropped.

“The two survived, but we don’t know where.” Fury elaborates. “Antonia had nothing to do with him, but Romanoff thought they wouldn’t have another opportunity to do the job.”

“….I don’t believe this.” Yuriko mutters in heartbreak.

“Clint didn’t know, Natasha just told him to set them off.” Fury tells her, not wanting Clint to be blamed for Natasha’s.. horrible choice.

Yuriko starts breathing a bit heavy, worrying Victoria and Fury. “Ri?” Victoria asks, very concerned.

“How could she?” Yuriko says, quietly and coldly.

Victoria coils back a little in shock at her friend’s tone.

“HOW COULD SHE DO THAT?!” Yuriko yells with angry tears. “ANTONIA IS A CHILD!! I KNOW DREYKOV’S A HORRIBLE MONSTER BUT ANTONIA DIDN’T NEED TO SUFFER!!” She says, breaking down into tears and sobs into Victoria’s shirt as her friend holds her close.

“I know, Ri. I know.” Victoria says, closing her eyes in sadness.

“Our men are looking for them as we speak.” Fury assures them. “Dreykov will not get away.”

Yuriko sniffs. “I want to help Antonia.”

Fury nods. “Alright, I’ll notify you as soon as we find them.”

“…Thanks.” Yuriko slight nods. “Let’s go Victoria. I need to sit down.”

Victoria nods, then the two leave the room; leaving Fury to his thoughts.

Break room

 Victoria holds her friend as she sobs. “How could she?” Yuriko chokes up.

“She thought she had to, but that doesn’t make it right.” Victoria says, with a heavy heart.

Yuriko sniffs. “I can’t believe she..” She sobs harder into Victoria’s shoulder, who pats her back to comfort her.

“Me neither.” Victoria closes her eyes in grief. Natasha would have to answer for this.

*BZZZT* “Hand, Sato. We found them.” Fury says over the intercom. “We’re assembling the strike team, COME ON!”

The two women look at each other. “You ready, Ri?” Victoria asks.

Yuriko confidently nods with a look of determination. “Let’s go save that poor girl.” She says, hoping they got there before anything happened.

Poland, Sunday February 25^th 2035, 3:46am  (Sat. Feb. 24 12:46pm in San Fransokyo time)

Melina walks back and forth in the base. She stood at around 5’6 and was fair skinned with blue eyes and raven brown kept down in a ponytail. She wore a padded Black Widow uniform.

She had heard that there was an attack on Dreykov and Antonia, and was ordered to await them. She was worried about Antonia, worried about the extent of her injuries. Whatever Dreykov wanted, it better have been important.

Then, the two come in through the door, with Antonia crying. Dreykov was a 5’8ish middle-aged(ish) portly fair-skinned man with dark brown eyes and medium silver combed back hair. His face was covered with stubble and black square framed glasses, and he wore a simple black business suit without a tie.

Antonia on the other hand, was a fair-skinned 9-year-old girl of average height. She had blue eyes and dark brown shoulder length hair kept down along with a school uniform. She also had burns on the right side of her head, 1^st ish degree burns to be exact and her right iris being paler due to the burns. She had gotten the injuries from the explosion.

“Antonia!” Melina says, her Russian accent amplified by her worried emotions as she crouches down and hugs her. “Are you ok?”

Antonia sniffs. “Yes, thanks mama.” She says in a low, shaky voice, with a Russian accent like her mom and father.

“What happened?” Melina asks, prompting Dreykov to scoff.

“Your eldest daughter did this.” He spits with venom, making Melina’s heart drop. “To kill me.”

“…No, it can’t be.” Melina says in disbelief.

Dreykov nods. “Yes, but she failed. And now I have a job for you to do.”

Melina looks up at Dreykov. “What is it?”

“Are the control chips ready?”

Melina nods. “Yes, but they’re untested.” Dreykov wanted to transition out the normal Black Widow conditioning for chips implanted into the brain. They’d make the assassin obey any commands given; but they’d be conscious and aware of their actions.

“I have your test subject.” Dreykov states, looking at Antonia and making Melina’s heart drop.

“NO.” She pleads.

“Antonia has photographic memory, making her the perfect choice.” Dreykov explains. “She'd be the first in a line of new Black Widows. She'd wear a special armor, which would hide her ugly face."

Melina’s pupils shrink further. “Ugly?” She spits with venom.

“Da, Natalia made her ugly.” Dreykov elaborates.

Melina’s anger was pent up enough. “Antonia, leave the room please. I need to talk with your father.”

Antonia nods then runs out of the room as her mama stands up and looks at Drekov; starring daggers at him. “I won’t let you hurt my daughter.” She spits at him.

“OUR daughter.” Dreykov clarifies. He was her biological father while Melina was her mother through honor and law. Melina had spent a lot of time with Antonia throughout the years, and since she needed a mother figure Dreykov let her adopt Antonia, so the two share custody.

Melina scowls at him. “I won’t let you hurt another one of my daughters.” She says with tears rolling down her face. “I failed before and I won’t again.”

Dreykov scoffs. “What are you going to do then?”

Melina makes a defensive pose. “Stop you from getting to her.”

Dreykov laughs heavily. “Oh please. I oversaw your training.”

“You couldn’t fight a high school bully.” Melina scoffs, noting Dreykov was out of shape, and had never been in a physical fight in his life.

“Well, we’ll see.” Dreykov smirks, pulling out a switch. “This will call backup. They will defeat you, then I’ll upgrade Antonia.”

“NEVER.” Melina hisses.

Dreykov laughs, then presses the button, making Melina wait for the inevitable. To her surprise, no one comes. “Where are they?” Dreykov asks, pushing the button over and over again. Then, the doors bust down and a bunch of armored men and women rush in and grab Dreykov. Then Victoria Hand and Yuriko walk up to Dreykov with angry looks on their faces.

“You’ve lost Dreykov.” Yuriko hisses. “You’re going to jail.”

Dreykov stares daggers into the two’s eyes. “Like you could hold me.” He scoffs.

Yuriko’s gaze gets angrier. “We will.” She states. “You’re going to jail for what you’ve done.”

Dreykov scoffs as the agents take him away, leaving Melina looking at the two women with a look of relief but worry. “Thank you.” She says warmly. “He was about to put a chip in our daughter’s brain.”

“You’re welcome.” Victoria states, being angry at the revelation. “But I’m afraid you’ll have to come with us due to you aiding Dreykov in running the Red Room.”

Melina nods. “I know, but what about my daughter?”

Victoria and Yuriko look at each other with great concern. “Well?” Victoria asks.

“We can’t take her, it’s too dangerous.” Yuriko laments. “Even with the safehouses.”

Victoria nods. “Agreed, but what do we do?”

Yuriko thinks hard about it, then sulks as she looks at Melina. “You’ll have to give up Antonia for adoption.”

Melina’s eyes widen, then she nods. “I understand.” She says with tears in her eyes and throat. “I’ve, done horrible things. And I have to face the consequences."

Yuriko’s heart goes out to her, since she had to give up her son as well. “She’ll be cared for. You can say your goodbyes once we get back to HQ.”

Melina nods, then the agents take her away. Yuriko cries, feeling such empathy for Melina. Victoria then pulls her friend into another warm hug, knowing she needed comfort.

S.H.I.E.L.D HQ, 11:34am (2:34:pm in New York time)

“Paperwork’s ready.” Victoria says, handing the documents to Yuriko as the base traffic passes them. This was the paperwork for Melina to give up custody of Antonia.

Yuriko sulkingly nods. “Thanks, Vic.”

“I know it’s hard, but it’s the best for Antonia.” Victoria says, with grief that the poor girl had to be separated from her mom.

“I know, but it’s hard since I’ve been through this.” Yuriko sulks. She then heads off, knowing what came next. She enters a break room, where Melina was spending time with Antonia. With a heavy heart, she hands Melina the papers. “It’s time, Melina.”

Melina sulks and grabs the papers. “Mama, what is she talking about?” Antonia asks, confused.

Melina looks at her daughter with a heavy heart and sad eyes. “Your mama has made mistakes.” She chokes up. “Helping your father with his horrible crimes. I must be punished, which means I can’t look after you. I, have to give you up for adoption.”

Antonia’s heart sinks as her eyes get teary. “Please no.” She pleads.

Melina nods then pulls her daughter into a warm hug as she cries. “I’m sorry Antonia.” She sobs. “But I messed up, now I have to make up for it.”

Antonia buries her head in her mom’s shirt. “I don’t want to leave you.” She chokes up.

“I know.” Melina cries. “But it’s for your benefit.” She says before kissing her daughter’s head. “I love you so much.”

Antonia sobs more. “I love you too.”

 Yuriko can’t help but cry too, her heart aching from the pain the two were going through. Melina then signs the papers, her heart breaking. “It’s done.” She chokes up, handing Yuriko the papers.

“I’m sorry.” Yuriko chokes up as she takes the paper and heads out, leaving the two together for their last moments together; which they were spending hugging each other warmly.

Chapter Text

San Fransokyo Adoption Agency, Sunday February 25^th 2035, 6:20pm

Victoria sits in front of a room door with one of the workers while she herself was dressed in her usual dark blue business suit with a skirt. They stood outside an interview room, since today; they had matched up Victoria with a possible child.

“Ms. Kase, Antonia has been through a lot.” The worker explains. “Her father was becoming abusive, and her mother couldn’t care for her due to prison. And, she was almost killed by her sister.”

Victoria’s pupils shrink in shock, since she couldn’t believe the poor girl had gone through that. But she nods. “I understand.”

The worker smiles, then opens the room and enters with Victoria. It was a cozy interview room with three chairs and a table. The worker sat at the chair by the wall while Victoria sat at the table, facing Antonia. The child looked so scared, so sad; it hurt Victoria’s heart.

“Antonia, this is Victoria Kase.” The worker tells Antonia. “She’s here for an adoption interview.”

Antonia nods, then looks at Victoria. “Hi.” She waves in a low, shy voice.

Victoria gives her a small smile and a wave back. “Hi Antonia, it’s nice to meet you.” She says in a soft and friendly voice. “Would you like to ask me any questions?”

Antonia sluggishly nods. “Do you have a family?”

“Yes.” Victoria smiles. “I live with three of my friends and my two adoptive children.”

“What’s your house like?”

“A painted lady house, two stories with a basement and attic.”

“Do you have any pets?”

“My friend Grace has three dogs.”

“Do you have a job?”

“I work at Best Buy, but two of my friends are there to watch my toddler son while I work and my teenage daughter’s at college.”

Antonia takes a deep breath, then looks at Victoria with sad eyes. “Will you always love me?”

Victoria nods, her heart hurting from the sadness on Antonia’s face. “Always.” She promises with great warmth.

Antonia gets a small smile, her heart feeling a bit of warmth from the woman’s sincerity.  I think she might be the one.

San Fransokyo Courtroom, Friday February 28^th 2035, 4:58pm

“Ms. Kase, why do you want to adopt Antonia?” Judge Saito asks.

Victoria straightens her dress coat as she faces the judge. “Your honor,” She says with great warmth. “I want to give Antonia the love and care she deserves and needs. She needs proper care, a normal life. And, I want to give it to her.”

Judge Saito thinks about it. “You may be seated.”

Victoria nods then sits down with Grace. This was nerve wracking. Antonia was sitting at the table across from their left, and Victoria was so scared she wouldn’t win custody. She really wanted to give Antonia a loving home.

Judge Saito gets everyone’s attention with her gavel. “Ms. Kase, I approve of your request.” She says with a warm smile. “You are hereby awarded custody of Ms. Dreykov.”

Victoria’s heart melts with glee as her eyes fill with happy tears. She pulls Grace into a warm and happy hug, glad she won. Then Antonia runs up to her and hugs her, being glad she’d be with such a kind and caring woman and her family.

Outside San Fransokyo Courthouse, 6:39pm

The three walk out, with Grace holding the signed adoption papers in her folder. The three of them were thrilled that everything had worked out. Antonia Dreykov was now officially Antonia Kase; since Antonia wanted to change her last name due to the pain her father caused her.

“Victoria, can I ask you a question?” Antonia asks her new adoptive mother.

Victoria smiles. “Of course, sweetie.”

“…Is it ok if I don’t call you mom?” She asks, feeling guilty about asking such a possibly horrible question. “I don’t know about it, and I still have my mom.”

“Of course, Toni.” Victoria assures her with a big, warm smile. “Whatever makes you comfortable.”

Antonia smiles, feeling glad she wasn’t doing anything wrong. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” Victoria says with a loving voice. “Now, let’s go to your new home.”

Antonia nervously but somewhat confidently nods. She was glad that although she couldn’t be with her mom, she had a new loving family to care for her. She wasn’t sure about what would come next, but she knew she wouldn’t be alone.

Chapter Text

Home; living room, Friday February 28^th 2035, 7:05pm

“And, we’re here.” Victoria smiles warmly as she and Grace show Antonia her new home. Antonia looks around, noting the rustic and, pleasant atmosphere. It was calming, and felt safe. She then notices four people on the couch watching tv, who then notice someone came in and look at her.

“Everyone, meet Antonia Kase.” Victoria gushes proudly. “The newest addition to our family.”

Trina and David get up and walk over to Antonia, making the girl a bit nervous. Trina then gives her a warm smile and offers a handshake. “Welcome to the family, Antonia.” She says in such a friendly voice. “We’re happy to have you.”

Antonia hesitates for a moment, but eventually shakes her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” She says with an awkward smile.

“Nice to meet you too.” Trina gushes before breaking the handshake. Then Antonia notices David’s confused glare.

“You’re our new sister?” He asks.

Antonia nervously nods. “Yes.”

David smiles then hugs her. “Sister.” He gushes, making Antonia’s heart melt. She couldn’t believe she was accepted so, suddenly. She then returns the hug.

“Bonjour.” Celine says as she and Amy walk up to her and get down on one knee to be at eye level with Antonia. “I am Celine and she is Amy, we are Trina and David’s aunts.” She says with a warm smile.

“Nice to meet you, love.” Amy says, extending her left/robot hand to Antonia, who then shakes it.

“Hello ma’am.” Antonia says nervously. “Nice to meet you two as well.”

Victoria walks up to Antonia. “Would you like to see our room, sweetie?”

Antonia nods, then the two head upstairs. Trina was so happy to have another sister, and so was David.

The Kases’ Room

“And, we’re here.” Victoria says in a friendly tone as they enter. Antonia looks around, noting the room was, sorta cramped. Victoria’s bed was across from the door, with Trina and David’s beds across from it while her bed was by the windowsill. “What do you think?”

“It’s nice.” Antonia says in a low but positive tone. “Thank you.”

Victoria smiles then stands in front of her and gets down on one knee to be at eye level. “Antonia, I want you to know you will always be loved here.” She assures her in a serious and heartfelt tone. “You’re my daughter and I love you. I know adjusting will be hard, but I’ll be there for you; we’ll be there for you.”

Antonia nods, thinking about what she just heard, then pulls Victoria into a hug. “Thanks Victoria.” She gushes in a low but happy tone. “I love you too.”

Victoria’s heart melts a little, making her teary eyed with joy. She knew that Antonia may not ever think of her as her mom, but she was glad that she could be there for Antonia, and that Antonia would have someone there to love and care for her.