-3 -

Patrick's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when he heard Robin's words. Sure, he had to be dreaming. Maybe it was because he was still getting used to the fact that Robin was pregnant--- with another man's child. For the first time in his life, he was speechless. Did he hear Robin's words correctly?

"Robin, what did you just say?" Patrick asked, running his hands over his temples.

Robin sighed as she really didn't want to repeat herself, but knowing Patrick, he probably thought he was hearing things or something. She licked across her bottom lip, something she did when she became nervous. Not even sure what was going to happen with them, she became scared of what he do or even say.

"Patrick, I never meant for this to happen, but when I overheard you talking to Leo both times--- once in the locker room and then the other time at the hub, I got scared. The way you said it, I didn't want to ruin your life," Robin said, avoiding eye contact with him. "You're with Leyla and this baby would only tie you down."

Now, he was in complete shock to hear those words leave his lips. He felt like a fool right now and he just wanted to punch himself. Because of him and his selfish ways, Robin was only trying to protect him, but he knew he had to do the right thing. It just wouldn't be right. It explained why he felt such a closeness with Robin ever since he found out the truth of her being pregnant.

This had to be why he noticed something was different about her.

She glowed even more than he could ever imagine when he saw her hand move to her belly where their child was growing inside of her. He could see it now--- their daughter bouncing giddily as she filled the house with laughter, having her mother's dark hair and mesmerizing eyes. But she would have his dimples, which would make any boy's heart break.

"I don't even know what to say," Patrick said, still in awe, looking over at Robin when he pushed her chin up. "This explains a little bit, though."

"What do you mean?" Robin asked, shifting her body a little bit, and she leaned back against the side of the bench.

"I don't know how to explain it but I felt like I should be there for you. And not more than just a friend, either Robin! The way you looked--- I can't really explain it but I felt like I should help you out."

"I hope I haven't ruined your life. I mean, with us not being together, you don't have to even be there for this child---"

"Now, wait a minute, Robin," Patrick started, looking over at her as a sigh left his lips. "I may not want kids but that doesn't mean I am going to abandon this child. Surely, you aren't going to keep me from this child."

"Patrick, all I am trying to do is for you to not feel like this is some responsibility. I knew there was something going on with you when Cassius pointed it out that you ARE carrying my child."

"I'm sorry, Patrick, but you made it clear that you didn't want children," Robin stated, sliding her hand onto her knee, rubbing her belly with her other one. "I know this isn't what you wanted but I want you to know that this is NOT some ploy to trap you in my life. Not many people know about you being the father, actually."

"Who knows?"

"Well, Liz and my Uncle Mac," Robin said with a blush.

"Surely, you want to tell people who the father is, right?"

"God yes!" Robin exclaimed and she blushed. "I'm sorry but I rather have you as the father of my child than some man I don't know. It would have been something I would've done when I wasn't pregnant. Now that I am, I want to tell the entire world that we're going to have a baby."

Patrick laughed a little nervously and he looked at her. He could see the hope and freedom in her eyes.

"Don't be sorry, Robin. You're carrying a Scorpio-Drake child. Everyone should know. Besides, this child of ours is going to be a looker," Patrick replied, being confident as he looked at her.

"Patrick, aren't you mad… scared… nervous? All of the above?"

Patrick simply nodded his head. "I am terrified, Robin. I am not going to lie. I never expected to become a father, but the thing is, if anyone were to have my child, I am more than delighted that it's with you."

Hiding her face in her hands, Patrick simply moved them away, and placed her hands on her belly.

"You're going to look amazing being pregnant with this child inside of you."

"Patrick," Robin sighed, her emotions getting the better of her. "I don't even know what to say. I honestly thought you were going to yell or scream at me, blaming me for ruining your life."

"That would be very immature, Robin. I need to be a better person," Patrick said, moving his hands out of her hands, and then moved a strand of hair from her face.

"So, um, when's your next appointment?"

Robin was in definite shock. He seemed like a completely, different man. "You, um, you want to go?"

"Of course! This is the new generation of breaking hearts, Scorpio," Patrick replied with a grin on his face.

"Oh gee," Robin said with a roll of her eyes and she just smiled over at him. "You really aren't mad at me?"

"No Robin, I'm not mad. What I am is terrified. I am scared that I am going to damage this child the way that my father treated me when my mother died. I don't want to do that," Patrick admitted with a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck out of nervousness.

"And how many times do I have to tell you that you're not going to be?" Robin asked, looking at him. "I mean, I kind of understand where you're coming from, Patrick, but I wouldn't have told you if I thought you wouldn't even be a decent father. That's just the thing. You are! You're going to be the best father this child could even ask for."

Patrick sighed, rubbing his temples, and he looked away from her. "I don't even know what to say to you. You've told me so many times but it's becoming a reality, Robin. What if I fail this child like I've failed you?"

Robin was in shock as she looked at him. "Patrick, you've never failed me. I mean, sure, I am upset that you didn't want children, but some men just don't think this way…"

"I'm just so terrified of what this child will think of me. What if this child resents me when they get older?"

"They won't. I've seen you take care of children, Patrick, and you're so wonderful."

"Robin, you're missing the point. They're not mine! They don't go home to me. That's what I am scared of. What if--- one day I go home and you're gone, Robin?"

When Robin heard the words leave his lips, she suddenly knew what was bothering her. It made sense now and she closed her eyes.

Patrick Drake was scared of becoming a single father. How was Robin Scorpio going to get him to believe that he would become a wonderful father?