Chapter Text
I'm hunched over the toilet, retching while Brain is next to me. As soon as I'm done, I sit up. He whines and gently wipes my mouth with a slightly damp paper towel before handing me a glass of ginger ale.
"Thanks, Brain…" I mumble as I take the glass and sip from it.
Fidget opens the door and just stands there. Behind him is Digit, "Are you okay, Commander?" Digit asks, "You've been in the bathroom for a really long time.”
“Yeah. The lieutenant's getting really worried about you." Fidget adds.
I freeze at the mention of my partner. "Um... well, I'm not feeling good so..." I trail off, “Must be breakfast…”
"I know what you mean," Fidget says, "I hate the smell of bacon!"
"Fidget, you don't have a nose..." Digit mumbles.
“Don’t worry about me,” I reassure them, “I’ll just grab a quick cup of coffee and—”
Brain interrupts with a scolding bark.
Digit looks at me suspiciously, “Are you really sure you’re okay, Commander?” He asks as he eyes the glass of ginger ale in my hands. “It’s a little early to be drinking ginger ale, isn’t it?”
“Um…”
Thankfully, Brain barks at the Gadgetinis to leave.
“Okay, okay! We’ll go!” Fidget says, throwing his hands up before backing up and running downstairs.
Digit looks at me with concern in his eyes, “Just make sure you come downstairs when you’re ready, commander. The lieutenant's waiting.” Then, he follows Fidget downstairs.
As soon as they’re gone, I sigh. “How am I gonna tell Gadget, Brain?”
Brain whimpers sympathetically and places a paw on my leg.
I smile at him and pet him, “You’re right, Brain. I should just tell him.”
Brain smiles and we leave the bathroom, making our way downstairs. Soon, we see the Gadgetinis in front of the television watching Totally Spies. Digit notices me.
“Lieutenant Gadget! The Commander’s here!” He calls out, then he gives me a side-eye as if to say “I know something’s up”.
Gadget’s sitting at the coffee table, reading the morning newspaper with a cup of coffee and a bowl of cereal in front of him. He looks up from the newspaper and smiles at me, “There you are, darling! I was worried sick!”
“Yes… Sick…” I say, remembering the morning sickness as I put the glass on the table. I look at Brain, who motions for me to tell Gadget. I look at my partner, “Gadget… can we talk for a moment?”
“Of course!”
“Alone… It’s important.” I say nervously as I reluctantly place a hand on his shoulder.
Gadget’s smile falters. “Oh… well. Okay.” He stands up and follows me until we go to the kitchen, “Is something wrong, darlin’? The cadets told me that you haven’t been feeling well this morning.”
I cringe, knowing that he knows. Then, I sigh and look at my partner, “Gadget, do you remember when you talked about our future together?”
Gadget ponders for a moment before he smiles, “Of course! That was the day you and I became life partners!”
"Gadget," I say, taking his hands in mine, "I'm pregnant."
There's silence until Gadget finally speaks up. "Wowsers…" He breathed, "I'm gonna be a daddy?"
I nod, not saying a word.
Gadget’s eyes light up and he pulls me into a hug, “Oh, sweetheart! I’ve never been so happy in my life! I’m gonna be a daddy!”
I’m surprised, but I smile and return the hug.
Suddenly, there’s a squeal from the living room. Gadget pulls away and we look at the culprit. Penny and the Gadgetinis appear in the doorway. Penny has a look of guilt on her face while Fidget, Digit, and Brain are behind her. Brain has an unreadable expression on his face while the Gadgetinis are looking and Gadget and me with curiosity.
"I… We might've eavesdropped, Uncle Gadget. We’re so sorry." Penny says in a guilty tone. She looks up at me, with excitement in her eyes, "But is it true? Am I really gonna get a younger cousin?"
Brain looks directly at me with a proud smile on his face. No one else notices as they’re still taking in the news.
“Yes, Penny! This family is gaining an additional member!” Gadget happily proclaims as he wraps an arm around my waist and carefully places a hand on my stomach. Suddenly, he gets an idea, “Wowsers! I need to get the word out!”
Soon, Gadget rushes over to the phone and excitedly dials before waiting. "Good morning, Chief Quimby!" He says cheerfully.
"What is it, Gadget?" Chief Quimby groans.
"Chief, I'm happy to report that my partner and I are expecting our first child!"
There's a pause before the chief clears his throat and speaks up. “Well, I'm happy to hear that, Gadget. Congratulations.”
Fidget looks at me, “So, that’s why you’ve been late to breakfast recently! I thought you were sneaking out of bed late at night to grab some snacks.”
“The lieutenant’s a light sleeper. He would’ve noticed the commander get out of bed at three in the morning.” Digit reminds him.
Gadget returns to the kitchen with a smile on his face, “I just broke the news to Colonel Nosehair. He was so excited for us that he passed out!” He pulls me into a hug and kisses my cheek. “I love you, darlin’.” He whispers in my ear. I smile and kiss the back of his hand.
“Uh… Lieutenant?” Fidget speaks up, “Shouldn’t we look after the Commander?”
“Oh, right!” Gadget says. He gently leads me to the coffee table and holds my hand as I take a seat.
“Gadget, I’m not delicate.” I say, trying to hold back a laugh.
“Sugar, you’re currently in your first trimester,” Gadget says, helping me get settled in, “And as your life partner and the father of our child, it’s my job to look after the both of you and ensure your safety. And don’t worry about breakfast, I’ll take care of it.”
I kiss him on his big nose, “Thank you, my love.”
“Uncle Gadget,” Penny speaks up with excitement, “Is there anything we can do to help?”
“Slow down, Penny!” Gadget says, “For now, you and the cadets can help me make breakfast for the commander and provide emotional support.” He looks at the Gadgetinis, “Cadets, you can search the internet for recipes to relieve the commander’s morning sickness.”
“Got it!” Penny says as she starts to follow Gadget and the Gadgetinis to the kitchen, but stops near me. “Can I?” She asks shyly.
I nod, and Penny gently places her hand on my stomach. “Hi, little baby.” She coos, “It’s your cousin Penny. I can’t wait to meet you soon!”
Brain appears and places his paw on my stomach and smiles before he nuzzles his head against it.
“Er… Penny? A little help here?” Gadget calls from the kitchen.
“Sorry, Uncle Gadget! Coming!” Penny calls back as she rushes into the kitchen.
I smile and pet Brain, grateful for such a supportive and loving family.