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Chapter Text

The Starr Lounge buzzed with chatter and laughter as brawlers relaxed after a long day of battles. The dim glow of neon signs flickered against the walls, and the air carried the scent of Cordelius’ strange mushrooms, mixed with the sweet aroma of Barley’s latest concoctions. It was a rare moment of peace in Starr Park—a place where fights were the norm, and rest was a luxury.
Rosa stood near the corner, nervously twisting a vine between her fingers. She had fought in countless battles, faced off against the toughest brawlers, and held her ground against the chaos of the park. But this… this was different. Her heart pounded against her ribs as she tried to find the right words.
“Hey, Rosa!” Pam’s voice cut through the noise, warm and strong as always. “You’ve been standing there like a cactus in the desert. What’s up?”
Rosa swallowed hard. She had thought of a hundred ways to say it, but now that the moment was here, words tangled in her throat. Then, looking around at her makeshift family—from Bibi balancing her bat on one finger to Poco strumming a lively tune—she took a deep breath.
“I… I have something to share.”
The room quieted. Even Edgar, who had been leaning aloofly against the wall, flicked his gaze upward from beneath his hood. Fang stopped mid-air while showing off a new kickflip, nearly landing on Gus, who yelped in surprise.
Rosa’s voice wavered only slightly as she spoke. “I’m pregnant.”
For a moment, silence hung in the air, thick and heavy. Then, in an instant, the room exploded with cheers.
“No way! Rosa, that’s amazing!” Meg practically bounced over, her excitement bubbling over.
Emz, caught off guard, nearly dropped her phone. “Girl, what?! Oh my gawd, you’re gonna be a whole mom?” She quickly snapped a photo of Rosa, already typing out a new post.
Pam threw her arms around Rosa, her laughter warm and full of joy. “Another little sprout in Starr Park! Oh, Rosa, this is wonderful!”
Poco grinned, plucking at his guitar and breaking into an upbeat tune. “Looks like we’ve got a future brawler in the making!”
Belle leaned back with a sly grin. “Guess we’ll be hearin’ some lullabies in the park soon.”
Bibi nudged Rosa playfully. “Hope they inherit your toughness—maybe I’ll have a new sparring partner in a few years.”
Even Buzz let out an excited honk from across the room. “Dude, that’s radical! Starr Park’s first official baby brawler!”
Only Edgar remained quiet. He crossed his arms, his expression unreadable, but Rosa caught the flicker of concern in his eyes. When the excitement settled a little, he finally spoke. “You still gonna fight?”
Rosa placed a protective hand over her stomach, her determination unwavering. “I’ll fight smarter,” she assured him. “But don’t worry, Edgar. This baby’s got the toughest mama in Starr Park.”
Edgar exhaled, nodding slightly, though he didn’t look entirely convinced.
As the celebration continued, Rosa let herself relax, soaking in the love and warmth of her friends. Despite all the madness Starr Park had thrown at her over the years, this was one of the few moments where she felt truly at peace.
But deep down, she knew—this was only the beginning of a new battle. A battle unlike any she had faced before. Raising a child in Starr Park… it wouldn’t be easy.
And yet, as she glanced down, imagining the tiny life growing inside her, she smiled.
She was ready.

The celebration in the Starr Lounge eventually died down, leaving behind empty glasses, confetti, and the lingering hum of Poco’s last tune. Rosa sat alone at a corner table, absentmindedly tracing patterns in the condensation on her glass. The initial excitement had settled, replaced by the weight of reality pressing against her chest.
A baby. In Starr Park.
She had faced countless opponents—unstoppable tanks, unpredictable tricksters, relentless sharpshooters. But this? This was an entirely new kind of fight.
She sighed, rubbing her stomach. “What have we gotten ourselves into, little one?”
A chair scraped against the floor. Rosa looked up to see Edgar dropping into the seat across from her. His usual aloofness was still there—arms crossed, hoodie pulled low—but his eyes held something else. Worry.
“You okay?” he asked, voice quieter than usual.
Rosa hesitated before giving a small shrug. “Yeah… I think so. Just thinking.”
Edgar studied her for a moment, then exhaled sharply. “You know it’s not gonna be easy. Starr Park’s no place for a kid.”
She met his gaze, unflinching. “I know.”
“Do you?” He leaned forward slightly. “We fight every day just to survive here. What happens when—” He hesitated, eyes flickering downward. “What happens if Starr Park decides it doesn’t want this kid around?”

Rosa’s fingers curled against the table. She knew exactly what he meant. Starr Park had a mind of its own—rules that didn’t always make sense, forces that operated beyond their understanding. She had seen fighters disappear, only to return… different. And some never returned at all.
“I won’t let anything happen to them,” she said firmly.
Edgar shook his head. “You say that like it’s up to you.”

Silence stretched between them, heavy and unspoken. Then, Rosa reached across the table and placed her hand over his wrist. It startled him—Edgar wasn’t used to contact—but he didn’t pull away.

“I’m scared too,” she admitted. “But I have to believe we can make this work. That I can give them a chance at something better.”
Edgar looked down, his fingers tightening slightly before he pulled his hand back. “Just… don’t get reckless.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “You’re not just fighting for yourself anymore.”
Rosa smiled, small but genuine. “I never was.”
Edgar stood, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Get some rest,” he muttered before disappearing into the shadows of the lounge.
Rosa sat there for a while longer, her hand still resting over her stomach. The doubts were still there, curling like vines in the back of her mind. But amid the uncertainty, something else was taking root.
Hope.
No matter what Starr Park threw at her, she would fight. For herself. For her baby.
And she would win.

Chapter Text

The sun had barely risen over Starr Park, casting a golden glow over the chaotic yet oddly charming landscape. Vendors called out their daily deals, Leon was already pranking unsuspecting brawlers, and the distant echoes of battles rang through the air. But in the heart of the park, inside a cozy garage littered with spare parts and half-finished gadgets, Pam wiped the sweat from her brow.

“Whew! That oughta do it,” she muttered, tightening the last bolt on a mechanical contraption that buzzed to life. Sparks flew for a moment before the Machine settled, humming steadily. “Jessie’s gonna love this.”

She stood back, proud of her work. Tinkering had always been her way of unwinding, but lately, she’d felt more exhausted than usual. The wrench seemed heavier in her hand, and even her usual determination couldn’t shake the dull ache in her bones. Pam brushed it off—after all, she wasn’t one to complain.

“Morning, Mom!” Jessie burst into the garage, grease stains smeared across her hat. “You’re up early! Is that the new part for my turret?”

Pam grinned, ruffling her daughter’s unruly red hair. “Sure is, sweetheart. Stronger, faster, and tougher than ever.”

Jessie’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “You’re the best!”

Pam chuckled, but before she could respond, a wave of dizziness washed over her. She stumbled slightly, grabbing the workbench for support.

“Mom? You okay?” Jessie’s smile faded, her hands reaching out in concern.

“I’m fine, pumpkin,” Pam insisted, though the color had drained from her face. “Just… been workin’ too hard.”

But the nagging thought stuck with her. The exhaustion, the nausea, the occasional fluttering sensation in her stomach—it all added up. Pam had a feeling, but she needed to be sure.

A short while later, Pam found herself standing in front of Barley’s café. While the robotic bartender served drinks with clockwork precision, the café also stocked some practical supplies for brawlers—first aid kits, tonics, and even the occasional pregnancy test.

“Morning, Pam!” Barley greeted in his ever-cheerful tone, sliding a steaming cup of coffee across the counter. “The usual?”

“Not today, sugar,” Pam replied, trying to keep her voice casual. “Just need to grab a little somethin’.”

Barley’s mechanical eye blinked as Pam quickly snatched up the box and tucked it beneath her arm. “Well, best of luck with… whatever that is!”

Back home, the garage was quiet. Jessie had run off to test her upgraded turret, leaving Pam alone. She paced nervously, staring down at the small plastic test.

“Alright, Pam. You’ve been through plenty worse,” she muttered, trying to steady her hands. “You’re tough. You’re strong. And whatever this is… you can handle it.”

Minutes passed like hours. And then, the result appeared.

Two lines.

Pam blinked, her heart pounding. She was pregnant.

The realization hit her like a wave—joy, fear, disbelief, and overwhelming love all tangled together. She thought of Jessie, now 11 years old, growing into a fierce and brilliant young brawler. And now, a new life was on the way.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but a smile broke through. “Well, looks like we’re gonna have another little scrap to love.”

Her hand instinctively rested on her belly. She didn’t know what the future held, but one thing was certain—this baby was already part of her world.

And she couldn’t wait to meet them.

Chapter Text

The sun was barely peeking over the horizon, casting soft shadows over Starr Park as the brawlers began their day. But for Melodie, the usual rush of adrenaline that came with preparing for another battle didn’t come. Instead, she felt a dull ache in her stomach, one that had been lingering for a few days now. It wasn’t the usual exhaustion from sparring—it was different.
Her hands shook slightly as she adjusted her toolkit, trying to ignore the wave of nausea that kept threatening to surface. The constant fatigue, the dizziness, and the odd fluttering sensations were starting to get to her, and she knew deep down it wasn’t just stress or overwork.
She’d had her suspicions for a while, but she hadn’t wanted to acknowledge them. She didn’t have time for this. She had battles to prepare for, her reputation to uphold, and a life in Starr Park that didn’t leave room for surprises.
But now, as she wiped her hands on her pants and set down the wrench, the thought refused to leave her mind.
“I can’t keep pretending,” she muttered to herself, staring down at the half-finished project in front of her. “I need to know.”

Later that morning, Melodie found herself standing in front of Barley’s café, the usual crowd of brawlers gathered inside for their morning fix of coffee and supplies. It was always bustling, the faint hum of excitement filling the air. But today, her heart was pounding in her chest, each step heavier than the last.
Barley gave her his usual warm grin as she entered, sliding a fresh cup of coffee her way. “You look a little pale, Mel. Tough night?”
Melodie gave him a tight smile. “Just a little tired, Barley. Need something else today.” She glanced around the café, her eyes briefly landing on a small, discreet shelf in the back. The pregnancy tests.
Barley didn’t notice her staring, too busy checking on another order. But she knew what she had to do. Her hands felt clammy as she grabbed the box and tucked it under her arm, then headed to the counter.
Barley raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment, his mechanical eyes blinking as he rang her up. “You sure everything’s alright?”
“Yeah,” she said quickly, “Just need a little peace and quiet.”

Back home, the weight of the test in her hand was almost suffocating. It felt too final, too real, and yet, it was the only way she could put an end to the anxiety that had been growing inside her. She stared at it for a long moment, feeling every heartbeat thrum in her chest.
What was she supposed to do with this information? What did it mean for her, for Draco, for everything she’d built here in Starr Park?
Her fingers trembled as she set the test down on the counter, taking a deep breath before stepping away. She didn’t want to look at it. Didn’t want to face it.
But eventually, she couldn’t put it off any longer. Her eyes fluttered closed as she reached for the test and slowly, almost reluctantly, turned it over.
Two lines.
A sharp breath caught in her throat, and her knees buckled slightly. The ground felt a little further away, like she wasn’t entirely in control of her body. Her stomach turned, not from nausea, but from the realization.
She was pregnant.
The news hit her like a ton of bricks, each emotion flooding her at once. Shock. Fear. Confusion. And in the midst of it all, something else. Something she couldn’t quite name. Hope, perhaps. Or maybe it was just disbelief.
Melodie placed her hand on her stomach instinctively, but the thought only made her feel more vulnerable. She didn’t know how to handle this. She had fought her way through countless battles, faced down the most dangerous brawlers in Starr Park, and survived against all odds. But this—this was a different kind of fight.
And yet, she wasn’t sure if she was ready for it.
The door creaked open.
Draco entered, his presence immediately filling the space with warmth. He glanced at her, his usual carefree grin faltering when he saw the test in her hand. His eyes softened.
“You okay?” he asked, his voice unusually gentle.
Melodie didn’t trust herself to speak, her mouth dry and her words caught in her throat. She simply nodded, holding the test out to him.
Draco took it from her, his brow furrowing as he looked at the result. The silence between them stretched, heavy with the weight of what she had just told him without saying a word.
“I… I don’t know what to do,” Melodie whispered, feeling the fear and uncertainty welling up inside her. “I’m not sure I’m ready for this. We’re in Starr Park, Draco. It’s chaos here. What kind of life can we give a kid?”
Draco set the test down gently and moved closer, his hand resting on her shoulder. “We’ll figure it out. Together. We’ve made it this far, haven’t we?”
But Melodie couldn’t shake the fear gnawing at her. “What if it’s not enough? What if I can’t do this?”
Draco took a deep breath, his hand still on her shoulder as he bent down to look her in the eyes. “We don’t have all the answers. But we’ll have each other. And that’s more than enough to start.”
For the first time, Melodie’s walls cracked just a little. She felt something stir inside her—a spark of hope, something to hold on to as they faced this new chapter of their lives. Maybe, just maybe, they could do this together.

Chapter Text

A few days passed,The sun had just begun to rise over Starr Park, casting long shadows across the open spaces where brawlers were already preparing for the day. The usual hum of activity filled the air, but for Rosa, the excitement of the day felt distant. Instead, her thoughts kept returning to the little life growing inside her, a life she hadn’t planned for, yet somehow couldn’t ignore.
She stood at the edge of the park, her hand gently resting on her stomach as she watched the others go about their business. There was no easy way to tell Daniel, no simple way to explain that their lives were about to change in ways they hadn’t expected.
As if on cue, Daniel walked over, wiping his hands on his shirt after a long morning of tinkering with mechanical devices. He grinned when he saw her, his face lighting up in the way that always made her feel a little lighter.
“Morning, Rosa. How’s it going?” he asked, his voice warm.
Rosa took a deep breath. “We need to talk,” she said, her voice softer than usual.
Daniel’s smile faltered, a concerned look crossing his face. “What’s wrong?”
Rosa hesitated for a moment, the words caught in her throat. She had always been so sure of herself, but this was different. This was real. “I’m pregnant,” she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.
For a long moment, Daniel didn’t say anything. His expression shifted, his eyes wide with surprise, and he took a step closer to her.
“Wait… what?” he asked, as if trying to make sense of what she had said.
“I’m pregnant,” Rosa repeated, her gaze dropping to the ground as she rubbed her belly. She wasn’t sure why she felt so nervous about it. She and Daniel had talked about the possibility, but this was different from any conversation they’d had before.
Daniel stared at her for a long time, the weight of her words settling in. Then, without saying another word, he stepped forward and pulled her into a hug, his arms wrapping around her tightly.
“Wow,” he whispered. “This is… this is incredible.”
Rosa let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. She felt a wave of relief wash over her, and she allowed herself to sink into the embrace. “I don’t know what to do,” she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “I never expected this. I don’t know how we’re supposed to raise a baby here, in Starr Park.”
“We’ll figure it out,” Daniel said, his voice filled with conviction. “I know this place isn’t perfect, but we’ve made it work before. We can make it work for this little one too.”
Rosa pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a mixture of gratitude and worry. “Are you sure? I don’t know what this means for us. For our future.”
Daniel smiled, his hand gently cupping her cheek. “We’ll take it one step at a time. We’ve got each other, and that’s all we need.”
Rosa felt a small, hopeful smile tug at the corners of her lips. “I guess we do,” she whispered.

Meanwhile, across the park, Pam was working in the garage, trying to keep her mind occupied. She’d spent the morning fixing up a few gadgets, but her mind kept drifting back to the pregnancy test she’d taken a couple of days before. The test had confirmed what she’d suspected—she was pregnant again.
It was a surprise, but not one that she felt unprepared for. After all, she had Jessie, and she knew what it took to raise a child in Starr Park. But this time, there was something different. A sense of anticipation that made everything feel like it was shifting beneath her feet.
“Mom!” Jessie called, rushing into the garage with a big grin on her face. “Guess what?”
Pam turned to look at her daughter, trying to hide the nervousness that threatened to overwhelm her. “What’s going on, pumpkin?”
Jessie practically bounced with excitement. “I finally finished the new turret! It’s even better than the last one!”
Pam grinned, her heart swelling with pride. “That’s my girl. You’ve got skills.”
Jessie’s grin faltered as she noticed the distant look in Pam’s eyes. “Mom, you okay?”
Pam hesitated for a moment before she spoke, knowing this was the right time. “Actually, sweetheart, there’s something I need to tell you.”
Jessie tilted her head, concern written across her face. “What’s wrong, Mom?”
Pam took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “You’re going to be a big sister.”
Jessie blinked, her eyes wide with surprise. Then, her face lit up in pure joy. “What? Really? I’m gonna be a big sister?”
Pam laughed softly, her nerves easing a bit. “Yep. You’re going to have a baby brother or sister.”
Jessie jumped up and down with excitement. “This is awesome! I’m gonna teach them everything!”
Pam couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, we’ve still got a little time before that happens, but I’m glad you’re excited.”
“Of course I am!” Jessie said, her smile wider than ever. “We’re gonna have a new member of the team!”
Pam’s smile softened as she gazed at her daughter. She was glad Jessie was so excited, but there was still so much to figure out. Would everything really be okay? Could she handle raising another child in a place like Starr Park?

Elsewhere in Starr Park, Melodie and Draco sat together in the quiet of a small corner of the park. Melodie had told Draco the night before about her pregnancy, and though Draco had been surprised, he had also been supportive. Still, Melodie felt the weight of it all pressing down on her.
“I don’t know how to do this,” she said softly, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. “I thought I had my life figured out, but now… this?”
Draco looked at her, his expression gentle. “We’ll figure it out, Mel. You’re not alone in this.”
“But Starr Park…” Melodie whispered, shaking her head. “It’s not a place for a baby.”
Draco’s hand found hers, squeezing it reassuringly. “I know. It’s not perfect. But we’ll make it work. We’ll find a way to give our baby the best life we can.”
Melodie looked up at him, searching his eyes for any sign of doubt. She found none. Instead, all she saw was determination and love.
“Together?” she asked, her voice trembling.
“Always,” Draco replied.
For the first time since the news had sunk in, Melodie felt a small spark of hope flicker inside her. Maybe they weren’t as unprepared as she had thought. Maybe they really could do this together.

Chapter Text

A few months had passed since the big announcements, and in Starr Park, life had continued to hum along as always. The park was a chaotic, vibrant place—filled with brawlers, gadgets, and an energy that never seemed to stop. But there was something different now. The news of three pregnancies had spread quickly, and with it, the air around Starr Park had shifted. A subtle undercurrent of excitement and uncertainty ran through the usual hum of activity.

The conversations that once focused solely on the next brawl, a new gadget, or the latest fight strategy now included whispers of impending parenthood. Brawlers were already speculating about the babies—what they would be like, whether they’d inherit their parents’ skills, or whether Starr Park was truly the place for children. Some were supportive, others cautious, and a few couldn’t help but gossip.

As Rosa walked through the park, she could feel it—the tension in the air, the quiet stares, the hushed murmurs as she passed by. Some were curious, some unsure, and some were just plain excited. After all, this was Starr Park—nothing was ever simple. But the truth of it all hadn’t really sunk in for Rosa until now. She had known for months that she was pregnant, but the reality of it was just beginning to hit her.

Her thoughts, always busy and analytical, seemed to be on a loop. Could she really raise a child here? Was it fair to bring a baby into such a dangerous, unpredictable environment? Rosa had been a fighter all her life, but this was different. This was a little person she was responsible for—someone she would have to protect, guide, and love. It was a daunting thought, but somehow, she couldn’t bring herself to regret it.

She stood near the entrance of the park, her hand resting gently on her belly as she watched the other brawlers moving about, preparing for the day’s training and sparring. Some were talking in groups, others were focused on individual tasks. It was business as usual, but the tension still hung in the air, unspoken.

“Hey, Rosa!” A voice called out, pulling her from her thoughts. It was Pam, walking toward her with Jessie trailing behind, her daughter practically bouncing with excitement.

Rosa smiled as she saw them approach. “Hey, you two. How’s everything going?”
“Good, good. Just getting Jessie started on some new turret designs,” Pam said with a grin. “She’s been obsessed with them lately.”
“I’m gonna make the best turret ever, Mom!” Jessie said with a grin, her excitement radiating. “It’s gonna be like a super turret, but better!”
Pam laughed, shaking her head. “She’s got big ideas, but we’ll see if they actually work.”
Rosa couldn’t help but chuckle at Jessie’s enthusiasm. It was hard to imagine her as a big sister, but Jessie was growing up fast. “She’s got the spirit for it,” Rosa said. “And the talent, too.”
“Thanks, Rosa!” Jessie said, beaming.
Pam’s smile softened as she looked at her daughter. “She’s got a lot of energy. It’s going to be interesting when we add a new baby to the mix.”
“Yeah,” Rosa replied quietly, her hand instinctively moving to her belly. “I’ve been thinking a lot about that lately.”

Pam looked at her, her expression turning serious. “How are you holding up?”
“I don’t know,” Rosa admitted, her voice quieter. “I’m excited, but I’m also scared. I mean, this is Starr Park, Pam. It’s not exactly the safest place for a kid.”

Pam nodded, her gaze thoughtful. “I get it. I do. But you’re tough, Rosa. And you’ve got a lot of support here. We all do.”
Rosa smiled faintly, feeling the weight of Pam’s words. It was true. Despite everything, despite the doubts and fears, they weren’t alone in this. They had each other.

Before Rosa could say anything more, Jessie tugged on her arm, her face lighting up. “Oh, I almost forgot! I finished the turret design I was working on! You have to see it!”

Rosa raised an eyebrow but followed the excited girl to the makeshift workshop where Pam had set up a table for Jessie’s projects. As they approached, Rosa noticed several new designs for turrets scattered across the table, some with little notes scribbled on the side.

“This one’s my best idea yet,” Jessie said, proudly pointing to a large, complex design. “It’s got all sorts of extra features! It can fire faster, and it’s got a bigger shield, and—”
“I’m sure it’s amazing,” Rosa said with a soft laugh, looking over the design. “You’re going to make an engineer out of me yet.”

Pam smiled, her eyes flicking to Rosa with a knowing look. “You’re lucky to have her, Rosa. She’s got a heart as big as her ambition.”
Rosa smiled back, the weight of her worries lifting for a moment as she shared a quiet bond with Pam. “I know.”

Just then, a figure approached, and Rosa looked up to see Melodie walking toward them, Draco at her side. They both seemed deep in conversation, their expressions serious.

“Hey, you two,” Pam called out, giving them a warm smile. “What’s going on?”
Melodie stopped in front of them, a tired but determined look in her eyes. “I just wanted to check in. I know we haven’t talked much about… the baby. But I’ve been thinking a lot.”
Draco placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “We’re both thinking about what this means for us.”
Rosa gave them a sympathetic smile. “It’s a lot to take in.”

Melodie nodded, her hands resting gently on her stomach. “Starr Park isn’t the easiest place to raise a child. I hear the whispers… ‘She’s not ready.’ ‘She’s too young.’ ‘She won’t be able to protect the baby.’” Her voice cracked slightly, betraying her frustration. “I’m not sure I am ready. What if something happens? What if this place isn’t the right place for a baby?”

Pam stepped forward, giving Melodie a supportive hug. “You’re tougher than you know, Mel. And you’ve got a lot of people here who care about you. You’re not doing this alone. None of us are.”
Rosa nodded in agreement. “Exactly. We’re in this together.”

Melodie smiled faintly, comforted by the support of her friends. “Thank you, both of you. I’ve been feeling so alone with all this, but hearing you say that… it helps.”

Draco gave her a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll figure it out. We always do.”
As the conversation continued, other brawlers wandered by, offering quiet words of encouragement and support. Some simply gave Rosa, Pam, and Melodie a knowing smile, while others stopped to chat, sharing their own experiences with raising kids in Starr Park. It wasn’t always easy, but it was clear that the community was stronger when they supported one another.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the park, Rosa felt a renewed sense of hope. The road ahead was uncertain, but she wasn’t facing it alone. She had friends, she had family, and above all, she had Daniel and the little one growing inside her.

Maybe Starr Park wasn’t the perfect place for a baby, but it was their home—and together, they would make it work.

Chapter Text

After a while, Life in Starr Park had always been chaotic, but lately, there was an unusual energy in the air. It wasn’t just the usual tension of brawlers training, upgrading their gadgets, or settling rivalries—it was the anticipation of something entirely new. Three pregnancies in Starr Park had sparked a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and endless speculation.
While most brawlers had never imagined babies being part of their world, the reality was settling in. And for Rosa, Pam, and Melodie, the weight of it all was becoming more real with each passing day.

Rosa sat on a worn-out bench near the battle arena, one hand resting on her belly. She had always been in tune with her body—years of studying botany, nature, and even combat had made her hyper aware of every movement. But now, something new was growing inside her. Someone.

And that someone was strong.

“Whoa,” Rosa muttered as she felt a particularly powerful kick. She placed her other hand over the spot, feeling another sharp jab. This little one’s got some fire.
Daniel, who had been standing nearby, leaned over with a smirk. “That’s my girl,” he said proudly. “Already showing off.”
Rosa rolled her eyes but smiled. “Or she’s just impatient, like her dad.”
Nearby, Pam was watching the exchange while resting in a lounge chair. Jessie sat beside her, excitedly sketching something in a notebook.
“You feel her kicking a lot?” Pam asked, stretching her arms.

“All the time,” Rosa admitted. “Like she’s trying to brawl already.”
Pam chuckled. “Mine’s different. Steady, strong, but not as wild. Feels like… I don’t know, like a foundation.”

Jessie piped up without looking up from her sketch. “Maybe he’s gonna be a tank, Mom! Super strong, like you!”
Pam ruffled her daughter’s hair. “Maybe, kiddo. Maybe.”
Just then, Melodie walked over, looking exhausted but determined. Draco followed closely behind, arms crossed.

“I don’t feel mine kicking as much,” Melodie said, rubbing her belly absentmindedly. “But when I do, whoa, it’s like a full-on explosion.”
Draco smirked. “Sounds about right.”
Melodie sighed. “I keep hearing people whispering about me not being ready. That I’m too young, too reckless.”

Rosa gave her a knowing look. “I get it. People have been talking about me too. But we don’t have to listen to them.”
Pam nodded. “Trust me, nobody’s ever really ready. But we’ve got each other.”
For a moment, there was silence as they all reflected on that truth.

Suddenly, Rosa gasped.
“Ow—okay, that was a hard kick.”
Almost at the same time, Pam winced and placed a hand on her belly. “Okay, that was weird. I felt something too.”
Melodie’s eyes widened. “No way… I just felt one too.”
The three exchanged glances.
“No way,” Draco said. “Are they—?”
“Fighting?” Daniel finished, raising an eyebrow.
Pam smirked. “That’d be fitting.”
Melodie groaned. “Oh no, what if mine is already winning?”
Rosa laughed, rubbing her stomach. “Guess we’ll find out in a few months.”

After a few weeks, Word of the pregnancy trio had spread, and as expected, Starr Park’s brawlers had started contributing. The problem? The gifts were… less than practical.
Jessie, always the inventor, had the biggest grin on her face when she presented her latest creation to Pam.
“Tadaaa! The Battle Stroller 3000!”
Pam started. “…It has a turret, Jessie.”
Jessie beamed. “I know! Isn’t it awesome? You never know when a baby will need protection!”
Pam sighed, rubbing her temples. “Sweetheart, we’re not putting a turret on a stroller.”
“Fine,” Jessie huffed. “But at least let me add spikes—”
“Jessie.”
Meanwhile, Nani had given Melodie a robotic nanny prototype. It was sleek, metallic, and terrifyingly efficient.
“This unit is designed for optimal infant care,” Nani explained in her monotone voice. “It will ensure a 99.8% survival rate.”
Melodie blinked. “…What happens to the 0.2%?”
The robot whirred. “Calculating.”
“NOPE.” Melodie shoved the bot away.
Emz, despite pretending she didn’t care, had dropped off a set of ridiculously stylish baby outfits. “Ugh, like, I guess you guys needed someone with fashion sense to step in,” she said, flipping her hair.
Mortis, however, had the worst idea. He proudly presented a tiny coffin.
“For naps!” he insisted.
The horrified silence was deafening.
Pam shook her head. “Absolutely not.”
“But it’s so dark and cozy!”
Rosa sighed. “Mortis. No.”

That evening, Rosa sat on the couch, absentmindedly rubbing her belly. She had just started to relax when—
Sharp pain.

She sucked in a breath, gripping the armrest. It wasn’t unbearable, but it was sudden and real.
Pam noticed immediately. “Rosa?”
Another wave of discomfort rolled through her. Rosa winced.

Daniel was by her side in an instant. “Is it time?!”
Melodie shot up, eyes wide. “Oh gosh, should we—?!”
The room erupted into chaos. Brawlers ran in different directions, some searching for blankets, others looking for water.
Jessie, determined to help, yelled, “I’ll get the Battle Stroller!”

Pam groaned. “JESSIE, NO.”
After a few tense moments, the pain faded, and Rosa let out a breath. “It’s okay. It was just Braxton Hicks.”
“…What?”
“False contractions,” Pam explained, rubbing Rosa’s back. “They’re normal. A way for the body to prepare.”

Daniel exhaled, clearly relieved. “Jeez, Rosa, don’t scare me like that.”

She smirked. “No promises.”
Melodie shook her head. “If that’s just practice, I am not ready for the real thing.”

Draco put an arm around her. “You will be.”

Later that night, the three moms sat together outside, watching the stars. The chaos had settled, leaving only the hum of night sounds.
Melodie exhaled. “I still can’t believe this is happening.”

Pam nodded. “Yeah. But it is.”
Rosa rested a hand on her belly, feeling a soft movement. “No matter what, we’ll figure it out.”
Pam smirked. “We always do.”

Melodie hesitated before finally whispering, “I just… I don’t want to mess this up.”
Rosa reached out, placing a hand over Melodie’s. Pam did the same.

“You won’t,” Rosa said firmly. “Because we’ve got each other.”
And in that quiet moment, with the future so uncertain but full of possibility, they knew one thing for sure—
Their babies would never be alone.

Chapter Text

Starr Park was buzzing more than usual—and not just because of the news surrounding the expectant brawlers. A literal buzzing sound had started echoing near the gadget lab, sending curious glances in that direction.
Bea emerged from her workshop, her helmet slightly askew, her hands covered in grease, and a swarm of tiny bee drones hovering behind her. She looked tired, but satisfied.
"I did it," she said softly to herself, then cleared her throat and looked up. "I mean—ahem—I think it's finally ready!"
Inside the nearby lounge, Rosa, Pam, and Melodie sat together, half-exhausted, half-amused as Jessie babbled on about her idea for a turret-crib combo.
Bea cautiously approached, holding a small handheld device in one hand, and flanked by two of her hovering bee drones.
"Um… hi," Bea said shyly, waving.
"Bea!" Rosa smiled warmly. "We haven't seen you in months."
"I've been working… a lot," Bea admitted, rubbing the back of her neck. "And I wanted to do something helpful. So I made this."
She held up the device proudly. "It's called the BeeBot Monitor! It tracks vital signs and movement from a safe distance using calibrated bio-frequencies. Totally noninvasive. It can even detect fetal kicks!"
Melodie blinked. "Wait, really?"
Bea nodded, growing more confident as she spoke. "I figured, you're all worried about how things are going inside… and well, science is kinda my thing. So if it helps you feel safer… I'd be happy to show you how it works."
Pam leaned forward with curiosity. "That actually sounds… useful."
Bea's bee drones beeped softly, and one of them hovered gently over Rosa's stomach. A soft pulse of light scanned the area. Rosa watched, skeptical at first, until the device in Bea's hand chirped—and then a small screen displayed a gentle heartbeat rhythm along with a glowing dot where the baby was kicking.
"Oh!" Rosa gasped. "That's her!"
"Stable heartbeat. Strong kick detected," BeeBot said cheerfully.
Melodie immediately stood up. "Me next! Please!"
One by one, the brawlers took turns letting Bea's bee drones scan them. The feedback was always gentle, affirming, and calming.
Pam wiped away a tear. "You don't know how good it is to see it like that. Thank you, Bea."
Bea blushed. "I just wanted to help. I didn't think I'd be much use with… you know… the whole mom thing."
Rosa reached out and took her hand. "You're more than useful. You're brilliant."
Jessie, watching intently, clapped her hands. "Can you teach me how to make one?! We could make a BeeBot stroller!"
"Maybe we can modify the Battle Stroller 3000!" Bea suggested.
Pam groaned. "As long as there's no turret involved…"
The group burst into laughter.
As the sun dipped low, Bea sat beside her buzzing bots, finally feeling like she was part of something bigger. Maybe she wasn't expecting a baby—but that didn't mean she couldn't be part of the future taking shape in thier future.

Chapter Text

Life in Starr Park had always moved fast—brawls broke out in seconds, gadgets malfunctioned with dramatic flair, and drama unfolded before anyone could blink. But for Rosa, Pam, and Melodie, things were shifting. Their bodies were changing, their routines slowing. And a new instinct had taken hold—nesting.
Rosa stood in the middle of her small living quarters, hands on her hips, scanning the room like a general preparing for battle. Books on botany lined one wall, while small potted plants filled the window sill. Normally, she liked the clutter. It felt lived-in. But today, it just looked… wrong.
"This is a mess," Rosa muttered, grabbing a stack of old magazines and tossing them into a recycling bin.
Daniel peeked his head in from the hallway. "You've cleaned this place twice already."
"I missed things. Dust. Clutter. Chaos," she replied, grabbing a cloth to wipe down a shelf that already sparkled. "This baby deserves a clean, calm space."
Daniel held back a chuckle. "You're nesting."
Rosa paused, blinking. "That's a thing?"
"Apparently. Pam warned me this might happen."
Rosa rolled her eyes but didn't deny it. "Well, I can't stop. I need everything perfect."
Meanwhile, in Pam's workshop, the scene was even more intense.
"Jessie!" Pam called, lifting a crate of tools and setting it aside. "Can you make sure those wires are sorted by voltage? And label them!"
"Yes, Mom” Jessie said, sorting through a chaotic bundle of cords with impressive speed. "But aren't these for your turret prototypes?"
"They were," Pam admitted. "Now they're in the way. I'm converting this corner into a nursery space."
Jessie blinked. "You're putting a baby in a workshop?"
"I'm putting a safe crib in the safest part of the workshop," Pam corrected. "With air filters, hazard sensors, shock absorption, and zero exposed wiring."
Jessie grinned. "Cool! Can I help build the crib?"
Pam smiled proudly. "You bet."
Across the park, Melodie stood staring at her room like it had personally offended her. It was modern and stylish, with framed posters, a keyboard, and a chaotic pile of stage outfits in one corner. None of it said "baby."
"I don't even know where to start," she whispered.
"You want me to burn it all down?" Draco offered half-seriously from the doorway.
Melodie sighed. "No. I just… I don't want to lose who I am. But I also want my kid to have a better start than I did."
Draco walked in and put a hand on her shoulder. "Then start with one thing. Something soft. Something safe."
Melodie stared at her spiky, glittery throw pillows and winced. "Right. Step one: maybe not these."
Later that afternoon, the trio met up again—this time at the community lounge near the edge of Starr Park, where softer activities like chess and tea-drinking (courtesy of Byron) occasionally happened.
Bea was already there, sipping chamomile and fidgeting with a honeybee-shaped charm she wore around her neck. She looked up and gave them a small smile.
"Hey."
"Bea!" Rosa greeted warmly. "Glad you could join us."
Bea nodded. "I've been meaning to check in. I'm not pregnant or anything," she added quickly, "but… I've been thinking about what it all means."
Melodie raised an eyebrow. "Thinking about babies?"
"Thinking about the future," Bea clarified, a little shyly. "I guess seeing you three going through all this… it makes you wonder if there's a life here beyond just fighting."
Pam nodded slowly. "That's exactly what we've been asking ourselves."
"I've started building a hive garden," Bea continued. "It's for pollinators mostly, but I keep thinking… maybe it could be more. A place for calm. Growth."
Rosa beamed. "That sounds beautiful."
Bea looked down. "And maybe one day, if I ever… you know. Have a family of my own. I want something gentle to offer them."
Melodie rested a hand on Bea's arm. "You're already doing more than most."
Just then, Emz strutted into the room holding a package. "Okay, okay, listen up—new delivery!"
Pam braced herself. "If it's more baby sunglasses, I'm going to scream."
"Nope," Emz said with a smirk. "This is for Melodie."
Melodie blinked. "Me?"
Emz handed her the package. Inside was a soft, handmade baby blanket with musical notes embroidered into the fabric. Melodie stared at it in stunned silence.
"I… you made this?" she whispered.
Emz shrugged, her usual aloofness slipping. "Whatever. Don't get mushy. I know we're not besties, but like, babies are cool. And you're doing something brave. So… yeah."
Melodie stood and gave her a quick hug. "Thank you."
"Ew. Okay, no touchy. That's enough feelings for today," Emz muttered, turning on her heel and walking out, phone in hand.
The others burst out laughing.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting Starr Park in hues of gold and lavender, Rosa leaned back in her chair and exhaled.
"I think we're going to be okay."
Pam nodded. "We're building something bigger than we ever thought possible."
Melodie smiled. "And not just strollers with turrets."
From a nearby table, Jessie looked up. "Wait, did someone say turret stroller again?!"
"No, Jessie," the three women chorused in unison.
Bea chuckled, pulling her bee charm close to her heart. "You know… I think Starr Park might just be changing. A little."
"And maybe that's a good thing," Rosa said.
The four women sat in comfortable silence, watching the stars peek through the twilight sky. The future was unpredictable, maybe even chaotic. But for the first time, it felt like they weren't just surviving Starr Park.
They were shaping it.
For themselves. For their children. For everyone.

Chapter Text

The days in Starr Park had started to feel heavier. Things were changing, and no one could pretend otherwise. As the time for the babies’ arrivals drew nearer, the usual hustle of life in the park seemed to fade into a backdrop of uncertain anticipation. The once fast-paced brawls had shifted to quieter moments—moments that allowed the brawlers to pause, reflect, and, sometimes, overthink. And that’s exactly what happened today.
The community lounge felt more like a meeting space than ever. It was where the expectant mothers—Rosa, Pam, and Melodie—often gathered, each of them working on their own personal tasks, but today, the air was thick with unsaid words, shared glances, and the weight of the overwhelming changes they were all facing.
Rosa had arrived first, her usual confidence dampened by the exhaustion in her eyes. She had a stack of books in her arms—everything from “Botany for Beginners” to “Baby’s First Steps,” as well as several potted plants that she was attempting to rearrange. The small living quarters she had called home were now suffocating with items, clutter, and the very real weight of motherhood that had been steadily settling on her shoulders.
She didn’t know why, but the growing sense of anxiety made her feel like she was running out of time. Time for what? She couldn’t say. But it was there, gnawing at the edges of her thoughts, as she meticulously arranged the potted plants along the windowsill for what felt like the hundredth time.
Pam arrived next, still dressed in her work gear, her hands stained with oil from a recent round of gadget tinkering. Her ever-present smirk was replaced by a more serious expression today, a reflection of her internal conflict. Unlike Rosa, she didn’t feel the overwhelming need to organize, but there was a pressure that hung over her as well—one that she had been trying to ignore by burying herself in her workshop.
Melodie showed up last, her steps more measured than usual. She had spent the morning contemplating how she was going to balance her music career with motherhood, but for the first time, the thought of performing no longer excited her. She wanted to be there for her baby, but she also didn’t want to lose herself in the process. Standing in the doorway, her hands clutching a small envelope, she watched the others with a faraway look in her eyes.
“Hey, you’re finally here,” Pam greeted, throwing a glance toward Melodie and then to Rosa, who was still standing by the window, lost in thought.
Rosa didn’t immediately respond. She had heard them enter, but her mind was far away, still tangled in the stress of her own worries. She had been trying so hard to make everything perfect, but it was starting to feel like she was spinning her wheels.
Melodie sighed as she walked in, the envelope still clutched in her hand. “What’s going on? You all seem… off.”
“I’m fine,” Rosa muttered, her voice carrying an edge of frustration that she hadn’t meant to show.
“Are you sure?” Melodie asked, taking a seat at the table. “You’ve been in here rearranging things for hours.”
Rosa didn’t answer, her gaze still fixed on the room that she felt was closing in on her. She could feel the tension building in her chest, the weight of the moment pressing down. She couldn’t hold it in any longer.
“I’m just… I’m scared,” she blurted out. “I don’t know if I’m ready. I’m trying to make this place perfect, but I’m failing. Nothing feels right, and I don’t know what else to do!”
Pam raised an eyebrow. “You’re scared? You’ve been acting like you’ve got everything under control, Rosa.”
Rosa snapped, the floodgates opening. “You think I’ve got it under control? You think I don’t see you hiding behind your workshop, Pam? You think that building a Battle Stroller 3000 is going to make you feel prepared for what’s coming?”
Pam’s eyes widened, the sudden attack catching her off guard. “Hey, I’m not hiding. I’m doing what I know best. I’m building. I’m preparing. I’m protecting!”
“Protecting?” Rosa retorted bitterly. “You can’t protect them with gadgets, Pam. You can’t protect them from the changes that are happening to us—to me. And don’t even get me started on you, Melodie.”
Melodie froze at the mention of her name. “What about me?”
“You’re not even here, Melodie,” Rosa shot back, voice dripping with frustration. “You’re out there, performing, pretending like nothing is changing. I can’t do that anymore. I can’t keep running like it’s business as usual.”
“I’m not pretending!” Melodie snapped, standing up suddenly. “You think this is easy? You think I’m not scared, too? I’m terrified, okay? But I’m also trying to figure this out. I’m trying to keep some piece of who I was while also being a mom.”
Rosa’s anger boiled over. “You think you can just hold on to your career like it’s nothing? Like you’re still the same person you were before? You can’t. You just can’t. You’re not the same, and neither am I. I’m losing myself in all of this, and I don’t know what to do!”
Pam was now standing, her fists clenched, her voice tight with unspoken anger. “We’re all losing ourselves, Rosa. But we’re all doing the best we can. And if that means getting lost in our work, then so be it. If I can’t fix the world, at least I can fix something. At least I can control that.”
“You’re not in control of anything,” Rosa shot back, her voice quivering with emotion. “You’re just… running away from it all.”
Melodie stood, her gaze shifting between Pam and Rosa as the words continued to fly. The anger was palpable, and for a moment, she just wanted to walk out, away from all of it. But she didn’t. Instead, she took a deep breath and tried to bring calm to the chaos. “Okay. Enough. We’re all scared, all of us. But shouting at each other isn’t going to help. We need to stop fighting and actually talk.”
Rosa shook her head. “You don’t get it, Melodie. I’m trying to make everything perfect for this baby, and I keep failing. It’s like I’m running out of time, but I don’t know what to do about it.”
Pam took a step back, her shoulders sagging slightly. “Rosa, I get it. I really do. You’re trying to prepare for something that’s huge. Something we can’t control. But we’re all in the same boat. You’re not the only one trying to get everything ready.”
Melodie’s voice softened, her hands held out in an attempt to bridge the gap. “Rosa, we’re all just doing our best. We might not do things the way you think they should be done, but we’re all trying to figure it out. We just… we just need to stick together, okay?”
For a long moment, there was silence. The tension hung heavy in the room, but as time passed, the anger seemed to dissipate, replaced by the heavy weight of realization. Rosa wasn’t alone in her fears—neither were Pam nor Melodie. The fact that they were all struggling, in their own ways, was a truth they couldn’t ignore anymore.
Rosa let out a slow breath and sank into the chair, her fingers tracing the edge of the table. “I’m sorry,” she muttered, her voice barely audible. “I just… I’m scared of failing.”
Pam walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder. “None of us are going to fail, Rosa. We’re just going to figure it out—together.”
Melodie moved closer, resting a hand on the other shoulder. “We’ve got this. All of us.”
The silence was different now. The air was thick with understanding, with the realization that they couldn’t face this alone. Together, they might not have all the answers, but they had each other—and that was enough.
As they sat there, their heads turned toward the window, watching the sun dip below the horizon, they knew that the road ahead was going to be full of challenges. But as long as they had each other, they would face whatever came next—together.
And maybe that was the greatest preparation of all.

Chapter Text

The sun had barely risen, yet Starr Park was already humming with the quiet energy of a new day. But beneath the usual sounds—the chirping of birds, the distant clang of brawlers sparring, the faint hum of gadgets being tested—there was a different rhythm pulsing through the park. It was a rhythm marked by stillness, reflection, and the slow, steady weight of waiting.
Inside their shared quarters, Rosa sat cross-legged by the window, her fingers brushing over the delicate leaves of a small garden shed nurtured these past weeks. Tiny sprigs of lavender, baby ferns, and a few stubborn violets peeked through the soil. It was meant to be a sanctuary—a little haven of calm for her and the baby she carried. But today, it felt incomplete, like a half-finished song missing its melody.
Her eyes traced the outline of a freshly sprouted seedling, but her mind was elsewhere. The garden was growing, but so was her anxiety. With every passing day, the shadow of what was coming grew longer, stretching over her thoughts and settling deep in her chest. She wondered if the sanctuary she’d created could hold more than just plants—could it hold the hopes, fears, and unknowns of motherhood?

In the workshop on the far side of Starr Park, Pam’s hands were a blur of movement, twisting wires and tightening bolts. The Battle Stroller 3000 sat half-finished on the bench before her, surrounded by smaller gadgets she’d been designing for the nursery: a mobile that played lullabies, a self-rocking cradle, a temperature regulator. Each device was born from a mixture of determination and doubt.
She wiped a smear of grease from her brow and leaned back, watching the machines with an unfamiliar sense of detachment. The thrill of invention—the spark she’d always relied on to push through tough days—was dimmer now. The mechanical world she controlled with precision felt smaller somehow, less certain, compared to the wild, unpredictable journey ahead.
Her thoughts drifted to her childhood—a patchwork of quiet solitude and loud explosions, of learning to fix things alone. Could she be the kind of mother who didn’t have all the answers? Could she balance the impulse to build and protect with the need to simply be there, without a blueprint? The question unsettled her more than any malfunctioning gadget ever had.

Melodie sat on the park bench near the bandstand, guitar resting on her lap. Her fingers strummed absentmindedly, plucking at strings without real purpose. Music had always been her refuge, the place where she found herself fully alive, but lately, even the sweetest melody felt out of reach.
She thought about the show she had turned down last week—a performance that could have boosted her career, secured her place in the spotlight. Normally, the decision would have been a no-brainer. But now, the idea of being on stage without the comforting thought of her baby waiting for her gnawed at her. The music that once ignited her spirit now echoed with a hollow loneliness.
Melodie closed her eyes, breathing in the cool morning air, and let herself feel the bittersweet ache. She was caught between worlds—one foot in the music she loved, one in the life she was about to enter. Could she find a harmony between them? Or would one always drown out the other?

Elsewhere in Starr Park, the other brawlers noticed the shift too. It wasn’t just the quiet moments or the smaller gatherings—it was something deeper, something unspoken that hung over the community like a gathering storm.
Jessie bounded into the lounge, her eyes wide with excitement, clutching a bundle of colorful plastic rings. “Hey! When are the babies gonna be ready to fight? I’m thinking maybe we should start training them early—get ’em in shape for the next big brawl!”
Her attempt at lightening the mood brought only strained smiles from Rosa, Pam, and Melodie. The playful enthusiasm felt out of place against the backdrop of their growing fears.
Pam sighed and shook her head. “Jessie, this isn’t a game anymore. They’re not just little brawlers. They’re our babies.”
Jessie’s smile faltered, but she nodded, understanding that some things were bigger than the battles they usually fought.
Across the room, Byron, leaning against the doorway with his usual calm demeanor, offered a quiet word of wisdom. “Patience is its own kind of strength,” he said softly. “Nurture isn’t about rushing—it’s about being there, steady and steadying.”
Even Emz, who was often sharp-tongued and distant, surprised them by quietly handing over a small bundle wrapped in soft fabric. “For when you need a break,” she said, her voice softer than usual. “Sometimes even the toughest need a little softness.”

Later, Rosa found herself wandering through the park, her sanctuary feeling too small for the thoughts racing in her mind. She came across a cluster of younger brawlers, caught up in a petty argument over some trivial game. The noise pulled her back from her spiraling fears.
Without thinking, she stepped forward. “Hey, hey—what’s going on here?”
The brawlers paused, surprised by her calm, steady presence.
“It’s just a stupid game,” one muttered.
“Then what’s the fight for?” Rosa asked, her voice gentle but firm.
The group exchanged uncertain looks, the tension easing.
Rosa smiled softly. “Sometimes, the things we argue about don’t matter as much as the people we’re with. You don’t have to have all the answers to make things right. You just have to be present.”
As the younger brawlers nodded and dispersed, Rosa felt something shift inside her. She didn’t have to control everything. She didn’t have to be perfect. Being there—that was enough.

Back in the workshop, Pam was testing a new prototype for the self-rocking cradle when a sudden glitch sent it swaying wildly, knocking over a few tools and startling her.
She laughed, a little breathless. “Well, that’s not exactly what I intended.”
After tidying up the mess, she adjusted the machine again, this time letting it rock more gently. Watching it sway softly, she thought about how life itself was unpredictable. Sometimes things broke, sometimes they worked in unexpected ways.
Maybe motherhood would be the same—messy, imperfect, but still beautiful.

Melodie sat with Bea under a large oak tree, the afternoon sun dappling the ground around them. She confided in her friend, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I want to keep singing, keep performing, but I’m scared. Scared I won’t be the mom my baby deserves if I keep chasing the spotlight.”
Bea smiled warmly, her wings catching the light like a tiny halo. “It’s okay to want both. You don’t have to give up one for the other. Life isn’t about perfect balance—it’s about mixing things up and finding what works for you. Sometimes you have to dance to a new rhythm.”
Melodie nodded slowly, a flicker of hope kindling inside her.

That evening, a quiet hush settled over the quarters. The three women gathered in the lounge, the soft glow of lamps casting warm light on their faces. The day’s reflections had brought them closer, and the unspoken fears were finally beginning to find words.
Rosa shifted uneasily, placing a hand on her lower back where a dull ache had been growing through the afternoon.
“Are you okay?” Pam asked, noticing the tension.
“I don’t know,” Rosa admitted. “It’s probably nothing, but… it feels different.”
Pam’s eyes softened, and she pulled out a small device—a gentle massager she’d designed. “Try this. It might help.”
As Rosa let Pam work the device over her back, a shared vulnerability passed between them. Pam’s own fears about motherhood—about losing control, about being enough—were no longer hidden behind her gadgets.
Melodie sat nearby, her gaze distant but full of empathy. “I’m scared too,” she said quietly. “I don’t know if I’m ready. But maybe that’s okay.”
The three of them exchanged tired smiles, the weight of their fears eased just a little by the simple act of being together.

They talked late into the night, sorting through what still needed to be done: gathering supplies, planning for the birth, figuring out how to get through the unknown. The differences in their approaches became clear—Rosa’s desire for order, Pam’s reliance on preparation, Melodie’s wish for balance—but they were bound by a shared truth: none of them had all the answers.
“I don’t know if I’m ready,” Rosa confessed. “But maybe none of us ever really will be.”
“That’s what makes it real,” Pam said with a small smile. “The unknown. The surprises.”
Melodie nodded, her voice steady. “But we don’t have to face it alone.”

Outside, the stars blinked into existence, tiny pinpricks of light scattered across the sky. The trio sat together by the window, watching the night unfold, feeling the quiet hope that had been missing for so long.
Bea appeared quietly, joining them with a soft hum. “Life’s a bit like a hive,” she said gently. “Unpredictable, full of surprises. But there’s sweetness in the chaos—because you’re never alone in it.”
Rosa, Pam, and Melodie shared a look—a look of understanding, of solidarity, of growing courage.
Whatever was coming next, they would face it—together.
And maybe, just maybe, that was the greatest growth of all.