Uh... hi. Mia here. Dad said I should introduce this one, 'cuz it's about me. *nervous laughter* I'm not sure what to say about this... Though Pa said that M wants me to just to say hi and stuff, so... hey.

Here we go, I guess!

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Kevin rubbed his tired eyes, squinting at the broken pocket watch in front of him. He couldn't really remember the last time he had slept. He figured it was three nights. He also couldn't remember eating... though he didn't feel hungry. No, his stomach was in knots and his head was pounding, which kept him from those two very important tasks.

Something was ringing through his head, tormenting his mind for the last four days. He could still perfectly remember it, though he had tried really hard to block it out.

The woman turned to them, her smile excited. "You've been accepted! The baby that has been selected for you will be born any day now. After she is born we have to give her mother twenty four hours to change her mind, of course, but the risk of her taking the child back is very low. You'll have to be available anytime in the next eight days to come get her, okay? I'm not going to waste any time between her birth and getting her to you, because I know you've waited long enough."

Kevin had grinned so large it hurt, but he didn't care. He was so excited, and he wasn't going to hide it. As soon as the woman left the room to grab some paperwork, he hugged his husband tightly, who had a grin to match his.

"We're going to be dads! Ohmigod, I can't wait! What do you think she'll look like? Her mom's Hispanic, right? And your father was half Hispanic, so she'll probably look like you!"

The dark haired man smiled, having gone through all of this in his mind hundreds of times. He really hoped she looked like him. He wasn't sure why, but he thought it would make it easier for her. Of course, if she didn't, he wouldn't mind. He was far too elated to worry about that kind of thing. She was coming, and she would be home soon.

Four days ago. Since then, Kevin had nearly lost his mind with, fearing the mother would take the baby back, or the adoption agency had changed their mind, or Edd had called them in and told them to forget it because he didn't want to have a baby anymore-

Ring! Ring! Rin-

"Hello?" Kevin asked eagerly, his whole body shaking.

"Salutations!"

"Oh," Kevin said, putting his head on the desk, his body deflating, "hi Dee. How are you?"

"Not nearly as disappointed as you are right now. I suppose that means you haven't been contacted?"

Kevin sighed. "Nope. How is dad holding up?"

The doctor laughed. "Better than you, I'm sure, but not by much. He's going to wear a hole in the carpet if he continues to pace like this." the man let out a small sigh, hoping that the agency would call today, as the Barr men were simply going out of their minds. "Well, I don't want to take up any more time than necessary, in case they call. I know you already know, but your father demands that I remind you to call him as soon as you know the verdict, alright? And, if nothing else, try to get a little bit of sleep, okay? Doctor's orders."

Kevin smiled. "Sure thing." He hung up the phone and rubbed at his eyes, getting up to find Edd. They had barely even spoken for two days- they were both so nervous they couldn't concentrate on anything. He strolled into the kitchen, then the bedroom, finding Edd in the front room, his knees pulled up as he sat in deep thought. Kevin joined him, and Edd pulled him into his arms protectively. Kevin looked up at his husband, smiling faintly.

"You look awful," he said honestly, tracing the circles around the man's eyes. "When was the last time you slept?"

The man shook his head, wide eyed. "I do not know."

"What if they keep her?" Kevin asked quietly, voicing his fears. His husband shook his head, tightening his grip.

"That's highly unlikely. They gave us eight days, remember? She may not even be born yet."

"I can't wait any longer. I'm going to lose it."

"No you're not. You'll wait as long as it takes. You want this baby more than anything in the world."

Kevin smiled. Edd was right. They would get their baby, no matter what it took. They were going to be dads, and that was that. He closed his eyes, relaxing. It wasn't long before he and his husband drifted to sleep, overcome with exhaustion and relief.

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"Pumpkin."

Kevin groaned. It couldn't be morning yet, could it?

"Pumpkin!"

Kevin moaned in annoyance, too tired to be awake.

"Kevin Thomas Barr Vincent, get up!"

Kevin sat up, the ringing phone and Edd's yelling making his head hurt.

Ringing phone.

Ringing. Phone.

"Oh my heck- pick it up!"

Edd silenced the ringing by answering the phone, his voice calm despite his entire body shaking with nerves.

"Hello, Eddward here."

Silence. The man's face lit up in a grin and he looked over at his husband who was staring at him with wide eyes.

"Yes, he is, one moment."

Edd pressed a button, the air filling with static as he put the phone on speaker.

"Okay, he can hear you."

"Kevin?" The woman's voice questioned.

"I'm here!"

There was a moment of silence.

"She's seven and a half pounds and waiting for you at the hospital."

"Oh my god. Oh my god. OHMYGOD!" Kevin yelled, falling off the couch as he tried to get up. Edd grinned openly, his famous gap on full view. Edd grabbed his husband by the shoulders, pulling him up and to the bedroom, cradling the phone between his ear and shoulder as he talked to the social worker. He set Kevin down on the bed, hanging up as he grabbed his jacket.

"Ohmygod. We're going to parents. Are we ready for this? Can we handle it? Should we be parents? I don't know anything about kids! I don't know anything about little girls! What if she gets a boyfriend? What if she breaks her legs? What if she wants to be a stripper? What if she hates me?!" Kevin asked, panic setting in. Edd handed him a pair of shoes, kneeling in front of him with a stern expression.

"We are having a baby. That's final. She's going to be funny, and beautiful and smart. And she's going to love you. Now put your shoes on!"

.

They were rushed into an empty hospital room, supposedly next door to the birth mother. They had decided, since the woman so clearly didn't want the child, all communication would be unavailable, and it was a closed adoption. The woman had been given twenty four hours for the child, and she had agreed to proceed with the adoption. The social worker woman had put them in the empty room and told them to wait while she grabbed the girl from her mother. Kevin could barely breathe, and he was near hyperventilating. Edd was also a mess, nervously pacing and tapping on everything as he waited. Honestly he just wanted to punch something, or run, or just freak out-

The door opened and the woman walked in, a small yellow bundle in her strong arms. Kevin jumped up, running over to her. The woman grinned, pulling back the blanket on the baby's face and carefully setting the girl in the ginger's arms. He half laughed and half sobbed, feeling her warmth in his arms.

He looked at her for the first time- and the what he noticed was her curly black hair. It was thick, it was dark and it was beautiful. She had long eyelashes, rosy cheeks and big, dark eyes. Edd had walked over and Kevin grinned at him, turning so he could see her better. The taller man's eyes became wide and he stared, transfixed on the little bundle in his husband's arms. Both said nothing, though there were tears in the smaller man's eyes. Kevin held her out, inviting the swimmer to hold her.

Edd's hands were shaking so hard he was afraid he would drop her. But he wanted- no, needed to hold her. He slowly wrapped his arms around her, pulling the blankets flush against his chest. The baby stirred, crying out softly in her sleep. He smiled at her, his heart leaping in his chest. It was then that something occurred to him, and he looked at the baby. She was his now. Theirs. He had everything to gain, and everything to lose. He hadn't felt that way in a long, long time. He pressed a kiss to his baby's head, taking an oath in his mind.

I solemnly swear to love you. I will never be the kind of parent I had. I will teach you, love you, and keep you safe, so help me God. I will never abandon you, hurt you or cause you to feel unwanted. You are the most beautiful thing in the world. From this day on you are totally, completely mine and I will cherish you from now until I die.

And he meant every word.

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Amelia Renea Vincent was her name. She was, in fact, the most beautiful girl on the planet. (just ask anyone- her dads, grandads, uncles or cousins) She was vibrant, she was graceful, she was happy and she was as quick as she was scheming. She was feminine in every way- sometimes redefining the term altogether. She was known for her bright smile, unruly dark locks and quick feet.

Kevin was seriously injured in a motorbike accident when she was two, so he was put on medical leave and did his best to raise her during that time. He would wheel around the house with her on his lap, doing chores and cooking meals. She was really good at getting into trouble and often left her dad exhausted. When Edd would get home, he would carry his husband up the stairs and let him sleep, taking over the duty of caring for the young girl.

Even as a baby, Mia was seriously attached to Eddward. He would put on a sling, sticking her on his back while he worked, humming softly until she would fall asleep. He loved to hear her quiet breathing, and feel her heartbeat. He later often wondered if this time they spent together was what bonded them so well.

When Kevin was able to walk again, and both parents were involved full time in the raising of their little girl, she began to get into trouble. They could tell she would be a heart breaker, but they didn't think it would be right after she turned three. She climbed on everything, broke whatever she could get her hands on, and could outrun most of her peers. She got along great with her cousins, especially Josh. She loved dolls, princesses, kung fu and anything that involved the color red. She had a melodic laugh, a piercing cry, and an attitude to boot. Edd thought it came from Kevin.

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"Hello, Kevin Barr Vincent here."

"Mr. Vincent? This is Holly Ere, the principal at Weston Elementary School. I'm calling in regards to your daughter, Amelia."

"Oh no. Is she okay? Is she hurt or something?"

"No, Mr. Vincent, she's alright. But we would really like you to come down here and have a little conference with her and I. I'm afraid Amelia is in a bit of trouble. Is there any way you and your-er-husband could come down here right now?"

Kevin sighed, running a hand through his hair. What had Mia done? She was such a nice girl- had she been peer pressured? Did someone frame her? Was she being bullied-

"Mr. Vincent?"

"What? Oh! Right, of course. I don't know if my husband can make it- he's at work right now- but I'll be down there as soon as I can."

"Very good. We'll be waiting for you, then."

Kevin called Eddward, who was lucky enough to be between house visits.

"Mia got called to the principal's office."

"For what?"

"I don't know. I'm about to head down there right now."

"Do you need me there?"

KEvin bit his lip. "No, if you're busy that's okay."

"I can be done after this. I won't be there for the meeting, but I can meet you at home."

"Okay."

"Pumpkin?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't get over-excited. One visit to the principal's office won't be the end of the world."

"I know that, I just-"

"I know. Don't worry. Alright?"

"Yeah, okay. Good luck at the visit."

"Love you."

"Love you too."

Kevin hurried to the school, parking in the visitor spot and going directly to the principal's office. He was ushered in, where he was met by the principal, who was calmly seated behind her desk, and Mia, who was on a chair next to the window. The principal was a rather short, sturdily built woman with a short haircut and a thing for dramatic power suits. She was a kind, but firm woman that Edd had been very impressed with. Kevin, however, thought she was a bit too business-like to watch over an elementary school.

While the woman looked calm, Mia did not. She had her feet up on the chair, her muddy knees pulled up. She had her arms crossed and an angry scowl on her dirty, tear stained face. Her pink shorts and white polo were dusted with dried mud, her once neat ponytail almost falling out of her hair. She didn't even look at her dad when he walked in, just sniffled loudly when he sat beside her.

"Ms. Vincent, would you like to explain to your father why you're here?" the woman asked, getting an angry shake of the head from the young girl as a tear slipped down the side of her face. Kevin turned to the principal, who sighed.

"It seems Amelia was involved in-and possibly started-a fight today on the field during the lunch recess," she explained, getting a horrified expression from her bright haired father.

"A fight?" he asked, the words barely registering.

"Indeed. Some of the students said there was a verbal dispute between Amelia and another girl, ending with a fight. It seems that your daughter was bitten and scratched on her arms, and she punched the other girl in the jaw. Neither are seriously hurt, but disciplinary will be taken. For now, however, I am excusing Amelia to go home and get cleaned up. I will expect her to be back tomorrow with an explanation and a cooperative attitude. Is that agreeable to you, Mr. Vincent?"

"Yes, of course. Thanks," Kevin said, standing and holding a hand out to his little girl. She took his hand, but stared at the floor, sniffling. They walked out of the office together, a million thoughts racing through the man's head as he lead his little girl to the car. She was in sixth grade, for crying out loud! She was way too young to be starting fights! Why would she?

She got in, buckling herself. He got in the car as well, taking a deep breath. He wasn't going to lose his cool. He promised Edd he wouldn't freak out. He forced himself to take a few large breaths, not knowing what to say. While Mia was high strung and had a temper, he'd never seen her get physical with anyone.

He was so lost. The car ride was silent, save for Mia's sniffling. Finally, as they pulled up to the car, Kevin looked back at her, speaking sternly.

"Let's go inside and talk," he said. She didn't respond, but left the car. She followed him to the kitchen where he put her up on the counter, going to fetch the first aid kit. It was a large box that Edd had kept from his old him, and both he and Kevin knew it's contents well. He wetted a cloth and began to carefully take the dirt off her face.

"What happened, Mia?" he asked, watching as her eyes flitted about unhappily. She shrugged, pouting.

"She made fun of me. I got mad," she explained quietly. Kevin's heart sank.

"Did you start the fight?" he asked, moving the cloth down to her scraped arms. She nodded, and he sighed. Edd was going to go ballistic when he found out she hit another kid. He had been very strict about that kind of thing, and for good reason. They'd never had a problem with it before, but-

"Daddy?" Mia's voice was thick and tears welled in her big, dark eyes. He put the cloth down, meeting her gaze.

"Yeah?"

"Why don't I have a mom?" she asked, her voice shaking.

Oh God. Kevin thought, panicking. I'm not ready for this. She's not ready for this. What am I supposed to say? How do I tell her this kind of thing? What if I mess up? I need Edd here. He'd know what to say. Damnit it Edd, why didn't you come with me?!

"All the other kids have moms," she whispered. The words broke her father's heart.

"Is that why that other girl was making fun of you, Mia?" he asked, already knowing the answer.

"She said I was weird for having two dads. She said only weirdos don't have moms," she admitted, her voice cracking, tears continuing to fall from her eyes. Kevin clicked his tongue, quickly wrapping his arms around the small child. He patted her head as her shoulders shook, closing his eyes forlornly.

"You're not weird, princess. That's silly. C'mon, now," he said, moving so that they were at eye-level with each other, wiping the tears from her cheeks.

"Mia, baby, sometimes people hurt other people because they don't understand them, or they're afraid. We can't blame them too much, because they just don't know what to do. Is that girl always mean to you?"

Mia shook her head. "We used to play together sometimes."

"Exactly. Sometimes people do things they shouldn't because they don't know what else to do. Papa and I love each other very much, and isn't going to change because someone doesn't like it, okay?"

She nodded, but still looked distraught. He knew this was coming, and he had tried to avoid it for so long, but it was time he had this discussion with her.

"I know you want a mom, princess. And I'm sorry you don't. But there a lot of people out there who don't have moms. And there are people who don't have dads! Some people, like Papa, don't have either. And is Papa weird?"

"No," she said, shaking her head. He smiled. "Besides, would you give Papa or me up to have a mom?"

She shook her head seriously, as if he were actually offering. He laughed, standing straight and kissing the top of her head.

"Good. We wouldn't trade you for a mom either."

When Edd got home, Mia told him what happened. He was upset, but he handled it better than Kevin thought he would. He and Mia had a long talk, in which he told her there would always be people who didn't like that she had two dads. He also explained that sometimes, she just had to be the bigger person and walk away. He was very firm about it, but he spoke with patience. Later that night, after Mia had gone to bed, Kevin turned to his husband and ran a hand through his ginger hair.

"We're going to have to tell her everything one day," he said solemnly. Edd just nodded.

"I didn't think she'd be made fun of at school," he said sadly, crossing his arms over his stomach. His husband looked at him with a flat expression.

"Of course she would be. Everyone is, at some point. If not for us, then for how she looked, or how she spoke. In fact, I'm glad it's about us. If she was made fun of for something she did, she might start doubting herself."

He had a point there. Still.

"What if she gets bullied?" Kevin asked, both of them knowing it was very much a possibility. They hated to talk about such a subject, but given the circumstances, it seemed necessary. Edd took off his hat and shook out his hair, and Kevin noticed his fingers shaking as he held the black cloth in his hands.

"Then we stop it," he said darkly, putting his hat back on, and his dog tags jingled with the motion. He had two of them, one with the letter K, and one with the letter A. The small silver pieces were his prized possession, just after the people they represented.

Edd would interfere if necessary.

So there.

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Mia again. I wasn't bullied much, though people made fun of my homo dads a lot. I didn't do much about it, since Pa would have my head for it. After a while, I learned just not to care about it anymore, y'know? If people didn't like me having two dads that was their problem.

So screw 'em. Not literally, though. Don't do that.

Anyways. Send in your drabble prompts if you dare!

Much love,

Amelia Renae Vincent