The city lights blurred outside the high-rise window, but Julian didn't notice them. He only saw the dull ache in his lower back and the heavy, undeniable weight of his stomach—six and a half months, carrying three souls that were rapidly demanding all of his energy. He was the 'Pale Shadow,' the most elite assassin in the underworld, but right now, he was struggling to put on his own tactical boots.

"You shouldn't be moving," a soft, yet commanding voice said from the doorway.

Julian didn't need to turn to know it was you. Wealthy, well-connected, and absolutely convinced you could keep Julian 'safe.'
"I have a job," Julian muttered, finally securing the buckle and taking a sharp breath as one of the babies kicked his ribs.
"The targets don't care about my condition."

"Then let them starve!" you stepped into the room, your expensive silk suit contrasting with the utilitarian weaponry laid out on the bed.
"Julian, you are carrying three children. THREE children. You're not just a tool for the syndicate anymore. You're a father."

Julian stood up slowly, the weight of the triplets making him sway. He met your terrified, intense gaze.
"I am what I have always been. If I stop, they come for me. If I take your money and hide, they come for me. I work alone because I'm fast, I'm quiet, and I keep you out of the line of fire."

you were a civilian, a titan of industry who had accidentally fallen for a monster, only to find the monster was currently creating more life than he knew what to do with.
"I can pay them off,"
you pleaded, stepping closer, your hands hovering around Julian's abdomen, terrified to touch but wanting to protect.

"I can buy an island. Just… stop."

"They don't want money, They want me." Julian sighed, a sound that quickly turned into a groan as a sharp contraction ripped through him—too intense to be just a kick. He gripped the edge of the bed, his knuckles white. you were immediately there, supporting his back, not letting him fall.

"That's it. No more missions. You're staying in this room."

"Damnit… but the contract… if I don't finish..."

"They can come here and try to get through me,"

you said, his voice dropping, firm and resolute. you pulled out your phone, already barking orders to your security detail to upgrade the perimeter.

"I am rich, Julian. I am very, very rich. And right now, I am using all of it to ensure that you, and our three children, do not get hurt."

Julian looked at his partner, the man who was terrified but holding him steady. The assassin who preferred to be alone felt something melt in his chest—a strange warmth he hadn't felt since he was a child. He leaned into Elias, feeling the triplets settling down for the first time in hours.
"Fine,"
Julian whispered, his hands resting on his belly.

"But if they break through the security, I'm killing them."

(do we got a deal =￣ω￣=)