Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

To say Ricky and Nini were close was an understatement.

You couldn't find one without the other even when they were at their homes a lot of the time. Those two were practically inseparable, and they proved that by being friends for well over 20 years. The moment they spoke in kindergarten, they both knew that they'd be in their lives forever.

But they didn't realize just how dedicated they were to that statement until life changing news affects the both of them.

~

The autumn night breeze came through Nini's cracked kitchen window as she poured herself and one of her closest friends, Kourtney, another glass of wine. The wine was meant to celebrate a special occasion, but it ended up being for comfort after a shitty day at work. Nini hums at the taste of the cheap blackberry wine.

"Maybe that should be your last one, Neens."

She scoffs, waving her off. "I haven't had too many."

"Four glasses is quite a bit, especially when you have work in the morning."

"The night is still young, Kourt! Besides, it's roughly 9 p.m. I go to bed at 12 most nights."

"Sounds like you have insomnia."

"Shit, I might, but at least I don't have to be at work until 9:30 a.m."

"True, but wine drunk sneaks up on you, and I rather you not have a hangover on Tuesday morning."

Nini leans her head back on her couch. "Ugh, you were supposed to be drinking with me as we bitch about me not getting the promotion I totally deserve, not be my mom!"

Kourtney holds her hands up in surrender. "Fine, you're right. Feel free to bitch all you'd like."

"So, as I was saying earlier, the guy who ended up with my damn job was some fresh out of college nepo-baby who has literally no idea how my company works. Like, who hires a rookie for a management level job when two other competitors who've been with your company are more than qualified. Hell, I wouldn't have even been mad if Shelley from HR got it over me. Just anyone but this Chet guy."

Kourtney grimaces. "Ew, his name is Chet? I've literally never met anyone sane that was named Chet."

"And he's not! He's very immature and dupable, and he asked me how Microsoft Outlook works. I blame the patriarchy, nepotism, and misogyny for this, especially since this isn't the first time my boss has hired an unqualified man over an overqualified woman. Maybe this is what I get for choosing a job in STEM."

"Hiring someone who is supposed to be the supervisor of information security analysts when they don't know how Microsoft works is crazy the more that I think about it."

"Exactly! I've worked there since I was 19 and got rewarded with the same position 6 years later with maybe two or three raises." Nini takes another gulp of her wine.

Kourtney smirks. "I know what would make you feel better."

"Oh yeah, what?"

"Ricky."

Nini was taken aback. "Why the hell are you bringing up Ricky?"

"Well, he knew you were turned down, which means he'll definitely try to surprise you with something to cheer you up some time tonight."

"How do you know that?"

Kourtney gives her a knowing look. "Oh, come on, Neens. He's never not comforted you when you were upset, even if it was something small. Remember the time you complained about stubbing your toe when you were on the phone with him, and he rushed to your house to ensure you didn't sprain it?"

"Yeah, he was very overdramatic about that."

"And let's not forget when you actually did injure yourself by breaking your finger two years ago after getting it slammed in the door, and he refused to leave you alone in your house for a week. He wouldn't even let you pick up your purse."

Nini chuckles at how caring he was. "Maybe he is a little overprotective of me, but it's a way of showing he cares. That's bound to happen after being best friends for damn near 20 years."

Kourtney lifts a brow. "Yeah, sure...best friends."

Nini scowls at her with a faint smile. "What was that?"

"What was what?'

"That insinuation."

"Hm, don't know what you're talking about." Kourtney says feigning innocence as she sips her wine.

"Go ahead and say it."

"I won't say anything except...use protection when he comes over." Kourtney winks at her, making Nini blush.

Nini shoves Kourtney's shoulder. "Shut up! You know we're just friends!"

"Uh huh, and this just friend of yours also used to be the object of your desire for a solid three years of high school. Let's not forget his name was all over the hearts you drew in your notebook."

Nini's face became more crimson at the mention of her silly high school crush on her best friend. "It was just a stupid phase! I'm past it now!"

"Yeah, right!"

Nini put down her glass as well as Kourtney's just to strike her in the face with a decorative pillow. Kourtney retaliates by doing the same, which leads to a pillow fight. Their fight ends when she hears her doorbell ring in her condo. Nini stands up and straightens herself up. Kourtney makes a smug grin, having an inkling on who it may be.

"Geez, I wonder what person would stop by at 8:55 p.m. with no warning."

Nini stuck her tongue out at her before walking to her door. When she opens it, a familiar head of curls greets her. Her smile reaches her eyes when she sees her best friend with a bouquet of flowers and a DVD in his hands.

"I heard about you not getting the supervisor job. That totally blows, Neens. You worked so hard for that. Want me to kick this Chad dude's ass?"

"It's Chet, but Chad is a douchey enough name that I'll accept that."

She brought him into a hug, and he held her the best he could with all the materials in his hands. She breaks the embrace and smiles up at him. "Come in. You can leave the flowers on the counter."

"Yes, ma'am." As he enters her abode, he perks up when he spots Kourtney on the couch. "Hey, Kourt! Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude on your hangout. I had no idea you were over."

Kourtney waves him off. "No worries. I need to go anyway since I have to get up at 6 a.m. for a girl's sweet 16 hair appointment."

Nini pokes out her lip in a pout. "Ah, I hate to see you go so soon. I was just winning our little pillow fight."

"Pst, I was totally kicking your scrawny ass, munchkin."

"I expect a fair rematch the next time I see you."

"You got it, Salazar-Roberts."

On her way out, Kourtney winks at Nini and makes kissy faces, drawing hearts in the air. Nini chuckles under her breath as she flips off her other best friend. Kourtney just snickered as she closed the door behind her. After Nini locks her door, she turns around to see Ricky already starting to pop the popcorn on the stove since he knew she was old school about her snacks. He also managed to put in the "When Harry Met Sally" Blu-Ray DVD in her player and let the movie stay on the menu.

She rubs her hand gently on his back as she grabs two mugs. "I'll make hot chocolate from scratch."

"No one makes hot drinks like you do."

"Well, when you worked at Caribou Coffee for three years in high school, you learn a few tricks here and there."

"True dat." He reaches down and pecks her cheek, making her smile as her face turns red.

They prepared their dishes in comfortable silence. When they were done, they placed the mugs of hot chocolate on the coffee table in front of them and put the popcorn in between one another's laps. He presses play and scoots over so he can wrap his arm around her shoulder. She leaned into him so that they were cuddling, loving the warmth and solace he brought her.

***

Two small children run throughout the common areas of the Redonovich household as the adults sit in the living room eating their hors d'oeuvres and sipping handmade cocktails Ashlyn made. Ashlyn and Red invited all their friends to catch up on each other's lives since their schedules have kept them apart as a group for well over two months.

Gina smiled as she watched her little boy play with the Redonovich's little girl. "I can't believe I haven't seen Gracie since Mason's 4th birthday party! How is she handling the 1st grade?"

Ashlyn beams. "She's doing great! Only problem she has is that she doesn't really socialize, so it's nice to see her playing so well with Mason."

"Well, they have known each other since my boy was born, so it checks out that they're comfortable with one another." Gina says.

Kourtney shakes her head. "I still can't believe four of y'all are married with kids already. I expected that to happen more in our early-30's."

EJ chuckles as he pulls his wife of three years closer to his waist. "Yeah, Gina and I didn't intend to have kids this early in our marriage, but she's just so hot I couldn't keep my paws off of her. Then again, I also didn't expect to propose the same year she graduated college, but here we are."

Ashlyn smiles at her husband. "Red and I knew we'd get married soon after college. We didn't even want the whole wedding shebang; we just went straight to the courthouse and bought this quaint house we'd been saving up for since high school. Though I wanted to start having kids in my late-20's, mine came a little sooner than planned. Not like we mind; we love our little Gracie!"

Kourtney sips on her cocktail. "I'm happy for you guys, but I can't imagine having a baby right now. I'm still doing the whole dating thing at 25."

Nini smirks and nudges Kourtney. "There's nothing wrong with dating at this age. Also, what happened to that Howie guy? He seemed interested in you."

Kourtney blushes. "We're playing the long game."

"Are you doing that thing where you pretend you're not interested even though you are?" Nini asks.

Kourtney fiddles with the end of one of her curls with a smirk. "Maybe."

Nini groans. "I told you to stop doing that!"

"You're not my mom!"

Nini shakes her head as she crosses her arms over her chest.

Ashlyn clears her throat. "Speaking of being a mom..."

That caught everyone's attention.

Ashlyn looks over at Red before continuing. "Red and I are trying for another baby!"

Everyone gasped and instantly congratulated them.

Ricky was the first to speak. "Congrats to you guys! I'm sure Gracie will be happy to have a sibling."

Red pats his wife's hand. "Ashlyn and I are excited too, but we've been having fertility problems for some reason."

"But it won't stop us from having another kid! I'm super motivated to have a second one since Red and I hated being an only child."

Nini lifts a brow. "So, what are you guys gonna do?"

Ashlyn bites her lip gently. "Well, we decided to go to a fertility clinic, and I already made my follow up appointment for this Wednesday at 1. I'm gonna be so nervous doing it alone."

Gina was alarmed by her last sentence. "Why the hell are you doing it alone?!"

"Red is unable to get out of work, and the clinic is booked until December! I don't want to wait that long."

"Why didn't you ask one of us? I'm sure someone is available." EJ says.

"I didn't want to assume you guys were free. I mean, look how long it took for us to come back as a group. We all are engulfed in our adult lives."

Nini walks over to Ashlyn and rests her hand on Ashlyn's shoulder. "Not when it comes to major stuff like this. I would be more than happy to join you."

"Really? Don't you have work?"

"Work can kiss my ass right now. They screwed me, so I'm using the PTO I still haven't used to come support my longtime friend."

Ashlyn tears up a bit. "Awe, Neens. That means the world to me." She brings Nini into a hug.

Gina pours some more of the cocktail into her glass. "I believe this moment deserves a toast."

EJ tops off his glass. "I second that."

Everyone takes turns filling up their glass to their liking before lifting it in the middle.

Ashlyn smiles brightly. "To my husband and I starting a new chapter in our lives and to Nini for being the best friend a person could ask for."

"Cheers!"

The group of friends stay at the Redonovich's residence for a few more hours before they start to slowly leave the premises. The Caswell's left first since it was almost Mason's bedtime, Kourtney left an hour after them since she had work, leaving Nini and Ricky alone with the couple. Ashlyn and Nini were talking amongst each other as the men hung out at the pool table.

Ricky hits the red striped ball and misses the hole. "It's still so weird seeing you be a responsible person."

Red smirks. "What, how?"

Ricky shrugs. "You're a parent now! That's hard to wrap my head around sometimes."

"I've been a parent for a few years now, bud."

"I know, but it's hard to believe that not even ten years ago you still thought fart jokes were funny, and now you're a fucking dad."

Red chuckles. "You know, I still think they're pretty funny."

Ricky shakes his head, a small smile evident on his face. "Of course you do. Maybe I spoke too soon."

"At least my kid thinks they're funny."

"Well, yeah, she's in elementary school."

"Your point?"

"You're stupid."

Red strikes one of his balls into the hole before setting the pool stick on the table. "Hey, I've been thinking..."

"That's a first."

Red rolls his eyes playfully. "Any who, I was thinking of who I'd make the godfather of my children."

"I thought your parents were already the godparents."

"Yeah, they are, but Ashlyn and I realized it wasn't the smartest move. We only did that because we were panicking when we couldn't think of anyone when we had Gracie, and my parents were offering. Then, we thought logically after discussing the baby we're going to have and knew we should probably choose a younger couple to take care of our kids. Parents typically die before you do, so why worry about sticking your kids with someone who might die sooner when you can choose someone who probably isn't?"

"Wow, that's a little grim, but I get what you're saying."

"What I'm getting at is: would you want to be the godfather of my kids? I know that's a lot to ask, but I trust you more than anyone else I know besides my own parents and my wife."

Ricky was stunned by the offer. "Red, I'm- I'm really touched. What makes you think I even have the ability to take care of children?"

"I've seen the way you act with Mason and Gracie when you're babysitting or catching up with them, and they both adore you. You working with children at that fancy private music school you work at helps too."

Ricky rummages through his hair. "Wow, I'm so honored dude. I'd love to be the godparent, but that's a lot to do on my own."

"You didn't think Ashlyn and I would leave you high and dry, did you?"

"Um, yes?"

Red laughs, lightly nudging Ricky's shoulder. "We're gonna ask for Nini to be the godmother so you have some help."

Ricky's heart skipped a beat at the mention of co-parenting with Nini. He doesn't even know why his body reacted like that. "That sounds great. We'd make you two proud, and I'm sure she'd love to."

"Great! Ashlyn will be thrilled to hear you agreed. You just need to sign some forms, and we should be good."

"When will you guys ask Nini?"

As if on cue, they hear screaming from Nini as she says something about babies and parenting. The guys knew what happened without asking.

Red smiles. "Something tells me she's on board."

"Yeah, I think so too."

Ricky wraps his arms around his friend and pats his back. "For real though, I'm so honored to be the godfather. If something ever happens to you and Ash, I promise Nini and I will go above and beyond for your kiddos."

"I know you will, bud. Hey, maybe this whole parenting talk will finally get you and Nini to get together!"

Ricky releases him and chortles. "Leave it up to you to ruin the moment."

"You and I both know you will never stop loving her no matter how many times you claim you don't."

"I liked her once in middle school, and you haven't let it go."

"And you also liked her that time in 5th grade, freshman year of high school, senior year, the summer leading into sophomore year of college–"

"Alright, alright. I get it. Maybe I've been into her a few times all throughout my life, but that doesn't mean we'll end up together."

"Sure, pal."

Ricky flicked Red's forehead, which only seems to fuel his childish teasing. Nini comes sprinting in with a huge smile plastered on her gorgeous face. "You heard the news?!"

Ricky grins back at her. "Yep, we're godparents!"

Nini nods before running up to Ricky and jumping on him. He catches her and spins her around. When he sets her back on the ground, she goes to Red and hugs him too. "Thank you so much! I literally cried when Ashlyn told me."

"I can tell. You have smeared eyeliner on your cheeks."

Nini lets go and pecks Red's cheek. "Is it weird that this made me excited for the fertility clinic? Like I get to see the whole process of my god child being born. What an honor this is."

"You're very enthusiastic; I feel like you're planning to kill Ashlyn and I to ensure you actually are the parents."

"I have so many things to buy for Gracie and the next baby! See you next time, Red!" She hugs him and Ricky one last time before exiting the room.

Red stares at the spot Nini were just standing in. "You know, she never denied my statement."

"Lock your doors, buddy."

"Will do. Speaking of locking my friends out, I've gotta kick you out since my kid needs to go to bed, and I'm drained as hell."

"No problem. Are we still going to the billiards with EJ next week?"

"Duh, I'm wiping the floor with you two bitches."

"You're on."

They do their handshake before Red escorts him to the front door. Ricky kisses Ashlyn on the cheek and gives Gracie a goodbye hug before hopping into his car. On the way home, he couldn't stop the smile that grew on his face at the thought of raising a child with Nini.

***

"I feel so fucking ridiculous for being so nervous about this appointment."

Nini consoles Ashlyn by massaging her back as they wait for her turn in the lobby of the clinic.

"You have nothing to worry about, babes. I'm here to make sure you are as cool as a cucumber."

"Well, I'm more anxious than ever. No wonder it's called a nervous system."

"First of all, great pun. Second of all, everything is fine! Want me to sing for you again?"

"I can't take another ABBA cover right now."

"Damn, I thought my rendition of "Waterloo" was pretty solid. Ricky seems to enjoy it."

"Well, I'm not a man who wants to get in your pants."

"I'll let that slide since you're in distress, missy."

Ashlyn sighs. "Sorry, I'm being dramatic for no reason."

"I don't mind. I signed up for the drama! It's still better than working under that fucking moron, Chet."

"I bet it is. Fuck Chet."

"Yeah, fuck Chet."

"Ashlyn Redonovich?"

Ashlyn shoots up from her chair, startling Nini. "That's me."

"Follow me, please."

The two girls start approaching the hall, and the nurse gives Nini a look. "Only family members can join."

Ashlyn locks arms with Nini. "Don't worry; she's family."

The nurse shrugs and allows Nini to follow them to the examination room. "She can stay until the doctor comes in. After that, she needs to sit back in the lobby."

The two women agreed to her terms before the nurse shut the door of the small room. Ashlyn sat anxiously on the examination chair. She tapped her feet together as she bit the skin off her lips. Nini combs through Ashlyn's hair in hopes of it soothing her.

"Honey, you'll be okay. I'm sure there's nothing wrong with your eggs."

"What if there is though? I know it's not Red since we already checked his sperm. I must be the weird one!"

"Let's not jump to conclusions before the licensed person tells us what's going on."

"Good point."

Another minute goes by, and the doctor finally comes in. "Oh, hello ladies. I wasn't expecting another person in here. Are you her wife?"

Nini giggles. "No, but I'd be the luckiest woman in the world if I was! I'm just here for moral support."

"That's sweet, but unfortunately you can't be in here unless you're family."

"I was told. I'll just wait in the lobby."

Nini kisses Ashlyn's forehead before going back to her spot in the lobby. Nini played on her phone for the next 30 minutes before Ashlyn came out. Nini rises from her seat and walks with a purpose when Ashlyn wasn't showing emotion.

"So, what did the results say?"

Ashlyn slowly forms a smile. "My egg count isn't low or damaged! I'm just stressed!"

Nini squeals as she hugs her. They both jump up and down like teenage girls in the middle of the clinic, but neither minded all the stares.

"I told you that there was nothing to sweat over!"

"Apparently not!"

"Shit, all this egg talk almost makes me wanna check on mine even though I don't intend to have kids anytime soon."

"Why not check? You never know."

Nini shrugs. "Meh, I don't know. Seems like a waste of money when you're not actively trying."

"Eggs don't wait for you to be ready, hun. Whether you want them now, later, or even never, you should always check."

Nini pondered on the thought of taking an ovarian reserve testing. She knew she wanted kids one day, so it wouldn't hurt to get examined. "Well, I do have the whole day off."

"See when the next appointment slot is. Maybe they'll have one for today."

"Fuck it, why not?"

"Thatta girl." Ashlyn taps Nini's ass as she goes over to the receptionist.

"Excuse me, miss. Are there any slots for an ovarian reserve test today?"

The middle-aged woman checks her computer and smiles. "Someone canceled their appointment an hour ago for a 2 p.m. slot if you want to take it."

"Sign me up."

The receptionist gives her paperwork to sign while she books Nini's appointment. Ashlyn gazes at Nini's paperwork with a smile.

Nini was amused by how giddy Ashlyn was. "Does reading my family's medical history get you excited?"

"Yes, very!"

When Nini was done, she handed her clipboard over to the receptionist. "Good timing. The nurse just informed me you were ready to be seen."

"Oh cool!" She turns to face Ashlyn. "I'm going in."

"Good luck!"

"I don't need it. I'm sure I'm fine."

The same nurse from earlier invites her into a room and tells her the doctor will meet with her soon. Nini kicks her feet as she waits for her test. The same doctor walks in and is taken aback by her once again.

"Well, looky here. Your friend must've convinced you to do one for yourself, huh?"

"Something like that."

"We're happy to see you. It's my understanding you want an ovarian reserve test, correct?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"We test your blood and do an ultrasound for this process, which will take under 30 minutes. We can start with your blood."

"Sounds like a plan."

A few pokes in her vein and a very cold ultrasound later, Nini was already done with her examination. The doctor cleans up the remaining gel on Nini's stomach before disposing of her gloves. "You're all set, Ms. Salazar-Roberts. Your results will be sent to your patient portal within a week. It generally comes sooner than that though."

"Looking forward to it. I'll see my way out."

Nini meets up with Ashlyn in the waiting room. Ashlyn holds Nini's hands. "I'm so ready for your results."

"Why are you more excited than me? I don't even want kids at the moment."

"Because I just am! How cute would it be if our kids grew up together in the same grade? We can have them do matching outfits for Halloween, and they could look out for each other at school. You know how these kids are nowadays."

"You're getting ahead of yourself. How about we focus on the initial reason we were here and celebrate that?"

"Fair enough. Let's get mimosas!"

"Now that's what I call celebrating."

They interlace their fingers as they depart the facility, excited for whatever the future had in store for them.

~

Nini was in the middle of brushing her teeth as fast as possible since she woke up 15 minutes late for work. In the middle of her morning jam playlist, her phone rudely interrupts her by alerting that she received a notification. She snatches it from the counter to see who had the audacity to ruin her listening experience, but she calmed down when she saw it was from the clinic's patient portal.

She already knew it was her results without reading further into it and decided to check it out later. She saw they were calling, which she found peculiar. Her mouth was too full to answer, so she waited until they left a voicemail. She spit out her toothpaste and started gargling her mouthwash as she listened to the recording.

After she heard the first few words, she felt her heart drop. She gagged on the mouthwash in her mouth and was forced to spit it out. She replays the results numerous times before she lets it seep in.

"We detected a very low egg count. If you intend to reproduce, we strongly consider treatments as soon as possible as the chances of pregnancy are slim. Please contact our facility anytime between 8-5 Monday to Fridays."

Nini gripped the ends of her bathroom counter as she felt her whole world crumbling down. How could this be? What did she do to deserve this? What the hell was she going to do with this information?

She didn't even register the tears falling down her face until it splattered on her trembling hands. She steadily sits on the tiled floor and hugs her knees to her chest as she allows herself to bawl her eyes out, not knowing what to do with her life.

***

Kourtney watches as Nini paces around her living room. She's normally good at finding solutions to her problems, but this one was a bit out of her field. How does one comfort their friend who likely won't be able to have children unless they start now?

"Neens."

Nini didn't stop walking aimlessly around her condo as she spoke to herself. Kourtney couldn't even decipher the words she was saying.

"Nina!"

The sound of her legal name being yelled broke her trance. "How long have you been on my couch?!"

"Thirty minutes. You literally invited me over and let me in."

Nini holds her head in her hands as more tears come. "Oh my god. You're right; I might be losing my mind, Kourt."

Kourtney rushes to her side and loops her arm around NinI's waist. "You're not losing your mind; you're just in a state of shock. I will help to the best of my ability, but this is definitely something you're gonna have to make a decision on by yourself at the end of the day since it's your body."

"I don't even know what to do with my broken body!"

"You're not broken!"

"Yes, I am! What kind of healthy woman can't get pregnant?"

"Many healthy women are in the same boat as you."

"If I had some pre-existing condition, at least I'd understand why this is happening to me. But nothing is wrong with me! I'm just an empty vessel! Doctor said it could just be my genetics. Not like I can track down much of my gene pool since I'm a sperm donor baby."

"Oo, a sperm donor could be a solid option!"

"I thought of that, and it's not really how I'd want to raise a kid. Even if the dad is remarkable with great genetics, it'll still be just some random dude I chose. I want my kid to have two active parents."

Kourtney pets Nini's hair. "You wouldn't be alone, sweetie. You've got one hell of a support system."

"I know, but you and I both know it's not the same as having a partner. I wouldn't even bother the Caswell's and Redonovich's since they have their own children to worry about. You and Ricky have your own lives too. I don't expect you guys to be my beck and call."

"But it might be a while before you find a worthy partner."

"I'm aware, which is also why I'm stressed! I want to have it with a man I can trust enough to be a good partner and dad, but I don't have nearly enough time to crash date since the doctor said I presumably will not be able to have kids by the time I'm 27. That's less than two years, Kourt!"

"Have you considered a surrogate?"

"Yes, but I can't afford one. Plus, if I only have one chance to have a child, I want to experience childbirth. They say some treatments help you raise the chances of pregnancy, so I went ahead and told them I'd book my appointment for my first IVF treatment when I find a man I deem deserving."

"Those can get pricey."

"I know, but what else am I supposed to do?"

Kourtney held Nini in her arms as she cooked up some ideas to help her with this dilemma. A light bulb went off in her head, but she wasn't sure how Nini was going to react to it.

"Okay, hear me out..."

That made Nini meet her eye. "What is it?" She says between sniffles, wiping her snot on her sleeve.

"What if...you look for contenders of being the father of your child in your inner circle?"

Nini went still in Kourtney's arm as she stared at her with a blank expression. Kourtney didn't know how to take this reaction since she couldn't tell if it was a good or bad one.

"Did you seriously just say that?"

"Well, you don't have many options, babe! And it doesn't help you're being picky. Beggars can't be choosers. I'm sorry Neens, but you are one hell of a beggar right now!"

Nini breaks away from her embrace as tears continue to leak from her eyes. "Fuck, you're so bad at comforting!"

"I'm sorry, but the truth is needed just as much as consoling in this scenario since there's a ticking clock."

"I'm drained. I think I'm going to bed. I'll see you later, but thanks for coming over on such short notice. I didn't mean to drag you into this hell hole."

"It's fine. What are friends for? After all, you've seen me have worse breakdowns over small things, so we're even."

Nini gives her a weak smile. "Please lock the door behind you. I'm too emotionally exhausted to even walk that far."

"No problem. Have a good rest of your day."

When Nini was left with the company of herself, she started spiraling as she repeated Kourtney's last suggestion. It was such an insane solution; she could never see anyone giving up their life like that on a whim. That's too big of a favor for anyone to ask on the spot. Her lip quivered as the latest set of tears kissed her cheeks. She's never felt so impotent in her life, and all she wanted to do was to ball up under her comforter and fade away.

***

A month came and went, and the cruelty of time was still against Nini. Despite what she preferred, she researched some sperm donors since she knew her options were limited. There was no way she'd find Mr. Right by the end of the year, so she may as well find a suitable donor and hope all went smoothly. After the 20th potential donor started showing red flags, Nini decided to quit her quest for the day before she became more devastated and defeated.

The only friends that knew of her situation were Kourtney and Ashlyn. She asked them not to tell others since it was embarrassing to her, and she didn't want the pity since it'd add fuel to the fire. Though they were ignorant to her source of misery, they could sense something was eating at her. She didn't laugh or smile, even when something that traditionally got a chuckle out of her occurred. She rejected hang outs more often. When she did bother to show up to the few she did, she'd be on her phone a lot. They all knew it was something extreme and wasn't job related, but all of them failed to guess the right answer.

Though all of them were concerned, no one was more worried than Ricky. He knew he had to be tactful about his approach since she was less likely to come out of the house unless it was mandatory.

Nini was sulking in her room when she overheard her front door open. She instantly sat up and grabbed her phone. She reached under her bed and picked up a baseball bat Ricky gave her years ago. She leisurely tip-toed to her bedroom door to peek at who entered her home. Her guard went down the moment her eyes laid on her best friend.

"Ricky what the fuck, man? I could've killed you!"

"But you didn't."

She rolls her eyes and tosses the bat to the side. "What do you want, and how'd you get in?"

"You gave me a spare, remember? Also, ouch. Someone has quite the tude."

Nini sighs as she runs her hands down her face as a poor attempt to wake up. "Sorry, I just wasn't in the mood for guests."

"Yeah, I've noticed." He looked at the common areas of her condo and saw dishes stacked up in the sink, laundry overfilling her basket, and papers all over the floor. "Is there anything you'd like to talk about?"

"I have nothing to say to you."

"Really? Because it's obvious you need a friend."

"If I needed a friend, I'd reach out."

Despite her harsh words, he steps over all the crap on the floor to get closer to her. "What's with the hostility? You're never this irritable unless something bad happens, so just tell me, Neens. I hate seeing you suffer in silence; it kills me inside."

When she gazed into his sincere eyes, she couldn't hold it back anymore. She burst into tears and rested her head on his chest. He held her as close as he could and moved his hand up and down her back as she cried her heart out. They stood in the middle of her condo for five minutes before she finally settled down. He got her a tissue box to clean herself up and wiped some of her stray tears away. When she was finished, she avoided eye contact by looking at the floor.

Ricky cups her face and softly moves her head so she sees his face. "I'm getting you out of here. You've clearly been cooped up in this place too long. It can't be healthy."

"I don't know, Ricky..."

"Come on; it'll be good for you. I'll drive."

"Where would we go?"

"It's a peaceful place that I know you'll adore."

Nini knew it was fruitless to try to stop him from forcing her outside. He always knew when it was best to press her buttons when she was being stubborn, and this was one of those times.

"Let me get dressed."

He smiles as he watches her drag her feet to her bedroom. She comes out in an All Time Low hoodie he gave her his senior year, black sweats, and vans. "If I'm underdressed, you're gonna have to deal with it. You're lucky I'm even going out."

"I'll take what I can get." He joins hands with her and grabs her purse for her before they leave.

He drives ten minutes down the road from her place and parks in a mostly vacant parking lot. She immediately knew where they were.

"You took us to our cherry blossom tree?"

"Of course. It always seems to cheer you up."

He opens the passenger door for her and takes out a large blanket from the backseat, throwing it over his unoccupied shoulder. He guides her to their usual spot and places the blanket on the ground for them to lay on. They both rested on their backs as they looked at the sunrays seeping through all the blossom covered branches, reveling in the tranquil environment.

He knew it was best to let her talk first rather than pry, so he stayed silent and enjoyed the view until she wanted to speak. He was starting to lose faith that she'd tell him today until she said something under her breath.

"What was that?"

Nini stared lifelessly at the tree above her. "I'm envious of this tree."

Ricky couldn't have premeditated those words. "Um, why is that?"

"This tree can create life with no problem. Look at all the flowers it birthed."

He sat up on his elbow to look at her. "I'm sorry; I don't follow."

"I can't have kids, Ricky!"

"What? What're you talking about?"

Nini sits up and glares at him. "I can't have kids unless I start popping them out right now, but I can't do that without a sperm donor or doing it the natural way! I don't want some random dudes' kid in me, but what choice do I have! My biological clock is essentially non-existent. And I don't want some stranger carrying my baby either! Fuck all this shit! Why do I have to be burdened with such a huge decision like this at my young age? How the fuck am I supposed to find someone who's willing to give up their entire life right now so that I can have a baby? No one! That's fucking who, and I can't even blame them!"

Her eyes welled up again, and she averted from Ricky out of shame. A few minutes later, she feels his hand on her upper thigh but doesn't amuse his presence.

"I'll do it."

She stops crying and glances at him. "What did you just say?"

"I want to be the father of your child if you'll have me."