I'd Choose You

It was still early in the afternoon. Tobias never came home this early. She swallowed.

Curse her luck.

Just upon her first step into the living room, she could already hear Tobias rushing toward her. Mimi paused and stared at the man across from her. The menacing and cool glint in his eyes revealed the truth—his emanating rage, though he hid it well. His hair was in disarray—no doubt due to running his hands through it in exasperation.

"Hello," Mimi laughed clumsily. She walked to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. He followed her. "You sure are home early."

Tobias's gaze darkened, growing deeper as he assessed her words. After what seemed like an eternity, he spoke.

"Where did you go?" Tobias said, face expressionless, but his voice so menacingly soft. He stepped closer.

Mimi poured herself a cup of water and sipped, taking her time. She looked up at him and giggled.

"Did you miss me that much you skipped out on work?"

"Where did you go?" His voice was so ominously quiet that Mimi immediately silenced and stood rooted in her spot. He was leaning on the counter now; arms crossed over his chest.

She looked nervously down at the edge of the counter, running her index finger along the edge again as he stared at her. Finally, she gave in with a sigh. "I just went out to eat something. It was only for a few minutes."

"You could have asked someone else or me to buy it for you." His voice was quiet. Too quiet.

"I know. I know." Mimi sighed again. "I just wanted some air, its stuffy being inside all the time."

He frowned. "I told you; no matter the problem, you should call me. What if something happened to you? To the both of you?"

Despite the concern in his tone, Mimi couldn't help but frown. She understood his concern over her safety and the baby's, but she could never fathom the depth of his fear. She set the cup down on the counter with a sharp sound and turned to the tall, overbearing man.

"Tobias. I know you mean well, but I'm not a child. Yes, I am pregnant and in a delicate state, but you can't dictate me like this!"

"Dictate?" Tobias's eyebrows raised, exasperated, as her face remained resolutely straight.

"Yes! You're controlling, overbearing, and hovering! It's irritating!" Mimi glared. "I may have been reckless in the past, but I'm not so irresponsible to put myself or our child in harm's way. I'm not even a mother yet, but I care just as much for this child as you do."

Tobias was shocked, speechless even. He regarded her, but his expression was unreadable. He blinked a couple of times before sighing helplessly.

"You're right. I'm sorry."

Mimi pursed her lips. "Don't think that's enough to appease me."

His eyes softened, and he reached up to caress her face. "I'm sorry. Okay?"

Her brows furrowed. "Still not enough."

Chuckling, he reached for her hand and pulled her into an embrace, and she willingly fell into his arms. He buried his head in her hair and inhaled.

"I'm sorry. I just...I'm worried." His voice choked with concern.

Mimi sighed and patted his back. "I know you are. But you'll just have to deal with your fear in another way. You also need to trust me more. I promise you. I love our child just as much as you."

To her surprise, Tobias fell silent. Before she could ask what was wrong, he spoke.

"Mimi...when our child is born...will you love them more than me?" He said quietly, clearly disconcerted by his own words.

Stunned, Mimi could only blink. She hadn't expected such a question from him. Not to mention his tone. It was so childish. However, hearing how pitiful he sounded, she answered seriously.

"I can't lie. I don't know if I'd love our child more than you. They haven't even been born yet."

Unknown to her, Tobias's heart throbbed at her words. He hugged her tightly, seeming uncertain, processing his thoughts. He closed his eyes and swallowed. When he opened them again, they were dark, full of disquieting thoughts.

Finally, he spoke. "...I can tell you when they're born...I'd love you more than our child." He whispered, his voice hoarse and low. "If I ever had to choose between helping you or our child...I'd choose you over them in a heartbeat."

"Tobias..." Mimi's eyes widened with shock.

Tobias was quiet, no longer able to say anything else.

It made him sick to admit it. But he meant every word. Although, he wasn't doing it for her...but himself.

Because a world without her; he wouldn't be able to live in. The mere thought made his eyes sting.

"Hey," Mimi crooned. She pulled away and cupped his face in her hands. He gazed at her, blinking away his tears.

"I'm here. We're both here." She whispered.

Tobias's eyes brimmed with tears again.

"It's okay." Mimi gave a crooked smile, her voice soft. Her thumbs wiped his cheeks, but tears still flowed.

She pulled him into her arms and held him for the longest time as the sun washed over them, soothing them both. She let him rest into her chest. Occasionally, she kissed his hair, but she never let go. She just rocked him gently.

On the couch, Mimi settled in the V of his legs, leaning against his chest. Meanwhile, Tobias moved his hands gently along her round stomach.

"I'm sorry." His voice was hoarse.

Mimi raised her head from his chest. "You don't need to apologize anymore. You're forgiven."

"I know you did. But not our child. I don't think they'll forgive me." His fingers caressed her stomach so gently, as if in apology.

Recalling his words from before, Mimi pursed her lips. She could imagine how guilty he must have felt to admit that. Considering the type of caring man he was, he wanted to give equal love to their child.

Although it seemed his thoughts differed.

"You know...there is nothing wrong with loving me more." She said softly, hands clasping his. "If anything, I think it's good that our child will be around parents who love each other so much. Don't you think?"

Tobias stilled, his eyes not leaving hers. He opened his mouth to say something but pursed his lips upon feeling a fleeting emotion that crossed his face.

He seemed to be thinking, processing her words as comfort or truth. Either way, his mood seemed to lift.

Mimi giggled, pulled his head down to hers, and kissed his lips. He was hesitant to reciprocate, but as her tongue met his, his body stirred against her.

"No," He whispered against her lips, and pulled back. "You should rest."

His face was serious. Damn, he meant it. Mimi pouted as she snuggled deep in his embrace. Tobias smiled and kissed the top of her head.

His gaze was filled with warmth. He said in a low, yet solemn voice, "I love you, Mimi."

Unable to hold back the curl on her lips, Mimi closed her eyes.

"I love you too."