The weeks following the pregnancy reveal were some of the gentlest we had ever known.
Elena was officially on rest. Dr. Voss had been very clear — no high-intensity missions, no pushing her powers to their limits. The baby was healthy, but the early stages were delicate, especially with her superhuman physiology. She accepted it with surprising grace, though I could tell she missed the thrill of flying at full speed. Instead, she spent her days resting, reading, and slowly preparing for the new life growing inside her.
I took on more solo missions to keep the world safe while she stayed home. Nothing too dangerous — just the everyday threats that still popped up even in this fragile peace. Bank robberies, gang activity, the occasional powered criminal trying to take advantage of the post-Riftmaster chaos. I handled them quickly and efficiently, always thinking of Elena waiting for me.
This morning started like many others now.
I woke up in Elena's house (we had started spending most nights here), her head on my chest, one hand resting protectively over her still-flat stomach. I kissed her forehead gently, careful not to wake her. She stirred anyway, smiling sleepily.
"Morning, husband," she murmured.
"Morning, beautiful," I replied, kissing her again. "How are you feeling?"
"A little nauseous, but okay. The baby's saying good morning too, I think."
I placed my hand over hers on her stomach. "Our little one. I still can't believe it."
She smiled — soft, radiant. "I can. I feel… different. Stronger in a new way."
I made her breakfast in bed — scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, herbal tea instead of coffee. We ate together, talking about baby names and nursery ideas. She laughed when I suggested "Nova" if it was a girl.
"Only if we want her blowing up the house by age three," she teased.
After breakfast, I suited up for a solo mission. A group of armed robbers had taken hostages at a jewelry store downtown. Nothing world-ending, but people needed help.
"Be safe," Elena said, kissing me deeply at the door. "Come home to us."
"Always," I promised.
The mission was straightforward. I dropped in from above — violet energy flaring as I disarmed the leader with a precise pulse. The others tried to fight back, but I moved with controlled strength, cuffing them quickly and freeing the hostages. The civilians cheered as police arrived.
"Thank you, Loverman!" one woman shouted. "Tell Thick Chick we're thinking of her!"
I smiled under the mask. "I will."
I flew home as fast as I could, suit still on. Elena was waiting in the garden, wearing a loose sundress, looking peaceful as she tended to some flowers. She looked up when I landed, her face lighting up.
"You're back early."
"Couldn't stay away," I said, pulling her into my arms. I kissed her slowly, hands resting gently on her waist. "How are you two?"
"We're good. A little tired, but happy."
I looked after her the rest of the day — making sure she rested, bringing her water, rubbing her feet when she complained they were swelling. She teased me about being overprotective, but I could see she loved it.
"You're going to be an amazing dad," she said softly, watching me bring her another pillow.
"And you're already an amazing mom."
That night, the pull between us became impossible to ignore.
We made love in our bedroom — slow, passionate, full of love and wonder. I took my time undressing her, kissing every inch of her golden-tan skin, lingering on her stomach where our child was growing.
"I love you both," I whispered against her belly.
Elena pulled me up, kissing me deeply. "Make love to me, Alex. I need to feel you."
I slid into her slowly, eyes locked on hers. She was so warm, so welcoming. We moved together — deep, emotional thrusts, her legs wrapped around me, nails gently scratching my back. "Yes… just like that… I love you so much…"
Her purple aura flared softly around us as she came, pulling me over the edge with her. We held each other tight afterwards, breathing in sync, my hand resting protectively on her stomach.
Above Earth, something lingered.
High in orbit, a small, dark rift flickered open for just a moment — a single silver eye watching the planet below before it closed again.
But for tonight, we were safe. We were together.
And that was enough.