Pregnancy Arc — Chapter 4: "Baby Shopping Was a Mistake." 🛒👶
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Jay made one simple suggestion.
"One quick baby shopping trip."
That was it.
That was the sentence that destroyed everyone's peace.
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Because apparently—
Keifer Watson treated baby shopping like preparing for war.
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The Store Disaster Begins
The second they entered the baby store—
Keifer transformed.
Completely.
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"We need this."
Jay blinked. "That's a stroller."
"Yes."
"We already picked one."
"But this one has suspension."
"…Why would our baby need suspension?"
"In case of rough terrain."
Jay stared at him.
"…Where exactly is the baby going? Mount Everest?"
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Meanwhile—
Section E had somehow joined the trip.
Against Jay's will.
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"WHY ARE THERE SO MANY TINY SOCKS?" Blaster cried emotionally.
"Because babies have tiny feet," Yuri answered patiently.
David held up a tiny hat.
"…This could fit on an orange."
Cin looked genuinely invested already.
"We need educational toys."
"The baby isn't even born yet," Felix replied.
"Early development matters."
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Keifer vs Budget
Jay looked at the price tag on a baby crib and almost passed out.
"…Keifer."
"Hm?"
"Why does this crib cost more than my first apartment?"
"It's safe."
"It better raise the baby too."
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Keifer ignored her completely while adding more things to the cart.
Baby blankets.
Baby bottles.
Three different baby monitors.
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"WHY DO WE NEED THREE?"
"What if one breaks?"
"What if YOU break?"
"That feels aggressive."
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The Name Argument Returns
Everything was peaceful for exactly six minutes.
Then Keifer saw a baby name book.
Big mistake.
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"For a boy," he started again confidently, "Watcher still sounds strong."
Jay almost dropped a baby bottle.
"YOU ARE STILL ON THAT?"
"It has meaning."
"It sounds like a child that appears in horror movies."
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Blaster immediately joined in.
"No wait, let him cook."
"NO," Jay snapped instantly.
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Keifer flipped another page thoughtfully.
"…What about Atlas?"
Jay paused.
"…Okay that's actually decent."
Keifer looked deeply offended.
"So Watcher was the problem?"
"Watcher was a threat."
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Meanwhile Jay grabbed another book dramatically.
"My turn."
Keifer sighed carefully. "I'm scared."
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Jay smiled proudly.
"For a girl… Stardust."
Silence.
Complete silence.
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David slowly sat down on a nearby chair.
"I can't do this anymore."
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"Stardust?" Keifer repeated.
"It's cute."
"It sounds like a horse."
Jay gasped dramatically.
"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND ART."
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The Emotional Moment
At some point—
the chaos separated slightly.
The others wandered off arguing over toys.
And Jay sat quietly testing a rocking chair.
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Keifer stopped when he saw her.
Because suddenly—
she looked softer.
Calmer.
One hand resting gently against her stomach.
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"You okay?" he asked quietly.
Jay nodded slowly.
Then looked around the store.
Tiny clothes.
Tiny shoes.
Tiny futures waiting everywhere.
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"It's starting to feel real," she admitted softly.
Keifer sat beside her carefully.
"…Yeah."
A pause.
Then Jay laughed quietly.
"I still can't believe we're responsible for a whole human."
Keifer looked at her.
Then smiled faintly.
"That kid is going to be stubborn."
"That's your fault."
"No," he corrected immediately. "That's definitely yours."
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Jay leaned against him softly.
Comfortable.
Warm.
Home.
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Then—
a tiny kick.
Jay froze.
Keifer immediately looked down.
"…Again?"
She nodded slowly.
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Without even thinking—
Keifer placed his hand gently against her stomach.
And there it was again.
Small.
Tiny.
Real.
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His expression changed instantly.
That same soft look again.
The one he tried hiding.
Failed hiding.
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Jay noticed immediately.
"You're emotional again."
"I'm not."
"You literally have tears in your eyes."
"There's bright lighting."
"We're in aisle seven."
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She laughed softly.
Then leaned closer.
"…You're going to spoil this baby."
Keifer didn't even hesitate.
"Absolutely."
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Meanwhile… Section E 😭
"GUYS," Blaster yelled from across the store.
Everyone turned.
Blaster held up a tiny baby tuxedo dramatically.
"WHAT IF THE BABY COMES OUT FASHIONABLE?"
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Yuri closed his eyes.
"We need to leave."
Immediately.
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And somehow—
between the chaos, the terrible baby names, the emotional moments, and Keifer nearly buying an unnecessary robotic crib—
this became one of their favorite days.
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Not because it was perfect.
But because it was theirs.
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END 👶🛒🤍