stress mounting | emblan

It had been nearly three months since Ember Lynn had moved in with Dylan and, to be honest, there had been more than one occasion where she had thought it may not have been a good idea. She knew it had nothing to do with Dylan's cleanliness, but Ember had bee sick with some sort of stomach bug for weeks now and it was really killing her vibe. She wasn't taking work as seriously as she should and was cranky most of the time, at least that's how it seemed. It wasn't until last night watching What to Expect when You're Expecting that it occurred to Ember Lynn that she hadn't had her period in a while.

She hadn't said anything to Dylan at the time and now that she was leaning over the kitchen counter watching the second hand on the clock tick by, that she was thankful he was teaching today. When the two and a half minutes had passed, she let out a heavy breathe. Dylan was supposed to be home any minute and she needed to know what was happening and dispose of the evidence before he showed up. She raced into the bathroom and closed her eyes tightly as she picked up the at-home test. She opened one eye to see the result.

Her heart didn't know whether to leap for joy or just stop beating all together. For someone who planned every second of her day, this was not at all what she needed. Two little pink lines formed a plus on the test, confirmed what was simultaneously her worst fear and her greatest hope. Without even breathing, Ember Lynn ran outside and threw the test into the ocean, willing the waves to take it away along with the results. What was she going to say when Dylan got home?

Dylan was beaming from ear to ear when he got home. His lessons had all went well and his students had been better than normal. All-in-all he had had a great day. Now he was getting to go home to the most stunning woman on the island, which he still couldn't get over three months later.

"Em? He called, walking into the house. Her shoes and bag were by the door, which they normally werent. She worked late hours, much later than he did. He beat her home by hours most nights.

Spotting her quickly, he walked over and kissed her on the cheek. "Evening love. What brings you home so early?" He asked, mildly concerned. Laying his briefcase down on the table, he made quick work of takin of his jacket and tie before sitting at the bar to talk to Ember Lynn.

Ember Lynn was sitting on the couch staring at her lap. There were so many thoughts racing through her head, first of which was how to tell Dylan. He needed to know. He deserved to know. But what if the test was wrong? What if she went to a doctor and it came back negative? That was something she would never forgive herself for. Besides that, there was no way she could tell the people of Concordia about this. It would hurt her in the elections. Was that even what she wanted any more? She couldn't work those long hours with a baby, could she? Maybe she could...Oh, it is all just so confusing.

The sound of Dylan coming home was an unfamiliar one. She didn't even bother looking up for fear he might notice her red-rimmed eyes and wonder what was wrong. She would have to go to a mainland doctor. Some teenager with a healing power wouldn't cut it. She would need a legitimate OBGYN. All these considerations made her suddenly realize that, disregarding the reality they live in, Ember Lynn was more than ready for this child. She was old enough, she had a very well established boyfriend that she would have married ages ago if only he would ask, she wasn't some teenager stuck at a Camp, she was a well-paid Chancellor and a good role model. She could do this. Could Dylan?

She smiled and said quietly, "Oh no reason, just nothing going on at the office today." She said in a smooth voice that was almost too uninterested. It wasn't Emmy-like at all, "How was your day?"

Walking over to te couch, Dylan frowned as he noticed her bright red eyes. Why had Ember Lynn been crying? Had he done something wrong? Was she sick? A million questions plagued his mind as he sat down beside her and reached for her hand. "Emmy, love? Is everything alright?"

Studying her face, he could see the stress and anxiety etched into her features. His good day could wait until he figured out what was on her mind. Opening his arms, he invited her in for a hug while he waited for a reply.

Ember Lynn stared at Dylan for a moment, contemplating her many options. She could come out and say it. It really should be too hard to say two little words. Somehow the more attractive option seems to be to brush it off as nothing. Ember leaned into his arms, burying her face in his shirt. Apparently, she decided on just staying quiet...

She leaned in to him for nearly five minutes of complete and calming silence. Without saying any words, she pulled away and placed his hand on her stomach, tears swimming in her eyes. She didn't know how he would react but she knew he would immediately do the respectable thing. Dylan is way too good a person for her, she knew it.

"Don't be mad at me." Her voice cracked under the pressure of her words.

"Em..." He whispered, his mind trying to work through the meaning of what she had just said and did. He...they... a baby? Was she really saying what he thought she was? He could see that she was being honest, and he could see that he was correct. He was going to be a father.

"Are you sure? When? How?" He stammered out, moving closer to her as he did. Never once did his hand leave it's place on her stomach. "I couldn't...I could never be...why would I be mad at you?" He demanded as a grin finally started to push it's way through the shock. He still couldn't quite wrap his head around what was happening, but he knew that this was what he wanted more than anything. Wrapping his free arm around Ember Lynn, he pulled her close enough to kiss her on the forehead.

His calm reaction was the best thing she could have hoped for, and for some reason sent her over the edge. She pressed herself into him until she was flush with his chest, listening to his heart betray his calm demeanor on the outside. Tears were staining her cheeks for the second time that night and she just started to sob. And for the first time since before the Battle at Camp Half Blood, Ember Lynn Hadley let go of all of her stress, all of her pain, and all of her issues, and simply cried. Had it really been five years since she cried?

She loved the feel of Dylan around her, protecting her from the world beyond their front door that might overwhelm her if they knew. What would happen to her? Right now, she found herself not caring, "Thank you." Ember Lynn was overtaken by gratitude and, not pulling away from Dylan even for a second, kissed the crook of his elbow, "I'm not sure when, I need to make an appointment with a doctor on the mainland. Would you like to come?"

His heart was breaking for Ember Lynn by the time te sobs subsided and she finally spoke. All he could do was rub her back and murmur soothing words into her hair. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. Just say when."

Briefly, Dylan thought about a small blue box tucked away in his office. He didn't think ember would be quite able to handle that new stressor yet, but soon. His new little family needed to be made official before a little one could arrive.

"Come on, love. Let's get you somewhere more comfortable. You look exhausted." He started, taking in Ember Lynn's disheveled state. "Unless your intending to sneak off to the mainland tonight."

Ember wiped her nose unceremoniously with the back of her hand and laughed, "Don't think I didn't considerate." She said in a voice dripping in complete exhaustion. Suddenly the bed seemed like a good idea. She stood up and stretched, sighing as she felt her back pop. She had been sitting there for longer than she thought.

She reached out from her side and took hold of her boyfriend's hand, "Come to bed with me, baby." She said sweetly, pulling close to him and planting kisses along his jawline. She could feel his stubble under her lips and it made her smile. Taking him by the wrists, she tip-toes backwards over the floor towards their bedroom, as if asking if he was willing.

Pulling himself off of the couch, dylan allowed Em to lead him to their bedroom. Closing the door behind them, dylan pulled ember Lynn close to kiss her softly on the lips. "I love you, Ember Lynn Hadley." He whispered into her ear before guiding her to the bed.

*we're just going to fade to black on my end now k thanks bye*