Page 65 of Crocodile Tears
“We’re having a baby who’ll probably get enhanced abilities from both our reptile genetics, which could make pediatric appointments interesting.”
Cal keeps staring at the test like it contains classified intel.“A baby with crocodile and Gila monster bits.”
“A baby with super healing, enhanced senses, and maybe temperature control.”I pause while thinking through more considerations.“Also, a baby who’ll grow up thinking tactical ops and science experiments are normal, which should make school interesting.”
He sets down the test carefully and starts looking around our jungle camp like he’s recalculating security for new variables.“Do we need to baby-proof the ammo?Are babies affected by specimen chemicals?Should I research bulletproof cribs?”
“Cal, you’re treating pregnancy like a military mission requiring specialized gear.”
“I’m treating pregnancy like the most important assignment I’ve ever gotten, which means preparing for every possible scenario.”He pauses while obviously running tactical calculations.“Do babies shed skin like adult shifters?Will we need scaling lotion?What if the kid develops venom?”
I stare at him with my expression reserved for students who ask creative questions about biochemistry.“Cal, you’re asking if our baby will need tactical skincare.”
“I’m asking if our baby will need special care that isn’t in regular parenting books.”
I nod slowly.“That’s actually reasonable, though I doubt baby guides include sections on enhanced healing or temperature stuff in shifting infants.”
He pulls me close while still processing impending parenthood and apparently planning defensive strategies around theoretical baby gear.“How do you feel about this?”
“Scientifically fascinated, emotionally excited about parenting with someone who gets my complete weirdness, and practically worried about juggling careers with baby stuff.”I pause while considering more variables.“Also slightly terrified of Red’s reaction to our pregnancy news.”
“What kind of reaction?”
“The kind involving emergency baby shower planning, tactical diaper bags, and matching onesies saying ‘Future Scientist’ and ‘Tactical Toddler.’”
Cal’s face shifts to dawning horror.“She’ll want baby photos for her success wall.”
“She’ll want to document our reproductive achievement as proof her matchmaking works.”
“That’s terrifyingly accurate about Red’s approach to client pregnancy.”
“It’s evidence-based prediction about Red turning major life events into Romance Expected marketing.”We laugh together and then watch the sunset while processing that our complicated relationship just got way more complicated.A baby adds issues that go beyond career coordination into territory requiring long-term commitment and keeping someone else alive.
“Should we tell Red?”he asks while stroking my arm in ways that make my scales shimmer.
“Eventually, but once Red knows, she’ll probably charter a helicopter to deliver baby shower material and show up with detailed infant care plans including tactical considerations and scientific enrichment.”
“She’ll want to throw the shower here.Won’t she?”
I grin.“If we’re still here, she will.”
Cal grins while wrapping his arm tighter around me.“So, we keep this between us until we’ve figured out how to handle parenting with our current setup?”
“We keep this secret until we develop plans for raising a potentially enhanced shifter kid in places that combine research with tactical ops and visiting relatives who specialize in romantic interference.”
He squeezes me gently.“Practical as always.”
“Someone has to stay organized when we’re both prone to improvisation and Red shows up unexpectedly with relationship supplies.”
The jungle sounds continue while we hold each other and think about a future that keeps getting more complex and wonderful.Our relationship evolved through surveillance, kidnapping, tactical extraction, and jungle research to become something neither of us expected but both desperately wanted.
“This wasn’t the normal civilian life you thought you wanted,” I say while watching fruit bats start their evening hunt.
“This is better than normal.This is real, challenging, and perfect for two people whose genetics don’t support conventional relationships.That apparently includes reproductive outcomes requiring creative parenting approaches.”
“This accommodates both our natures, both our work, both our need for adventure most people would call insane, and both our tendency to overthink simple stuff until it becomes complex operational challenges.”I sigh with satisfaction.
Cal grins as he adds, “Plus, we’ve got a found family including matchmakers, research assistants, protective parents, tactical support, and emergency casserole delivery.”
