Man, it's been a whirlwind! We have winter storms in my area and our power went out for a few hours. It just popped back on and it's a good thing cuz I'm at 56% on my phone. I was updating all my stories anyway cuz I care.

Anyway, things are about to get bumpy. Like real bumpy. But the good news is that after those chapters is pure fluff until the end. Well maybe not PURE fluff. But you'll still feel nice and cosy. I promise.

NOTE: Esprilla's is like a combination of Freddy's Smashburger, 5Guys and In-n-Out Burger. It's the best place in Italy to get an old fashioned American burger and shake.

So as always, enjoy and review!

NJPNJPNJP

"I'm so glad we're doing this!" Mercedes sipped her milkshake.

"Eating?" Marcy raised a brow.

"No!" Mercedes scowled. "Out together! Just the four of us!"

"Whoo."

Quinn laughed at Marcy's dry tone and Mercedes's pout. "Esprilla's is great. I'm glad you were having a craving, Marce."

"Me too." Laura swirled her curly fry in Esprilla's special sauce. "I thought I'd have no more cravings but I'm seriously hungry."

"That'll last for a while yet." Marcy snorted. "After I had the twins, I craved chocolate."

"Did you have chocolate in the convent?" Laura frowned.

"No. That's a healthy reason why it sucked."

"Beatings. Lack of chocolate." Quinn hummed.

"I said healthy, not only."

Quinn giggled. "It sucks that I'm the only one not pregnant again."

"Hey!" Laura snapped. "I'm not pregnant!"

"You literally just gave birth."

"I'm still not pregnant." Laura sniffed as she smacked Marcy's hand.

Marcy stuck her bottom lip out with a frown. "You can't hit me! I'm pregnant!"

"I swear it was just so you could vex me!" Laura gave up the extra long curly fry.

Marcy brightened. "Get pregnant, genius."

They all stared at her.

"You, Pinkie!" Marcy turned her head to indicate Quinn sitting next to her in the booth.

"Me?!" Quinn drew in a quick breath.

"Yes, you!"

Quinn gaped like a fish out of water.

Mercedes couldn't help but giggle. "I think you've killed her."

Marcy pinched Quinn's arm.

"Ow!" The blonde held her flesh. "Why would I get pregnant?!"

"You do realize you're not fifteen anymore, right?" Marcy drawled.

Quinn narrowed her eyes.

Marcy smacked her lips and rolled her eyes. "You love Zilla, right?"

"Yes."

"You're older, in a steady, stable relationship together and you know for a fact that you have support."

"I had support with Beth but I still gave her up." Quinn pointed out.

"You were young. You were going through stuff. But it still worked out because Shelby's a great mom and you do have a relationship with Beth. The point is that you're ready to be a mom now. There's no excuse or reason in the world not to.

Plus, it could help fix that tiny part of Puck that still hates you."

"What?!"

"Marce!" Laura snapped.

"You gave away his child without considering his feelings because you saw her and him as a mistake. He might not acknowledge it and might be mostly over it but it's still there like a festering wound, waiting for a real fight so it could erupt like a throbbing pimple in the middle of your forehead on class picture day." Marcy shrugged.

Mercedes turned green. "Imagery, Marce."

"She might be right." Laura hated to admit this. "You really hurt him with that. Mercy told you that countless times. He could have a redo. The new baby wouldn't replace Beth but would heal a part of him he didn't realize was bleeding."

Marcy pointed to Laura. "Boom."

Quinn made a face. "But I asked him to impregnate me again senior year and he refused."

"Because he has sense…?"

"What?!"

"Q, you were still in high school. Plus you were spiraling like a honey baked ham. You clearly needed help and getting pregnant again was not going to help."

Quinn was quiet.

"We'd all be pregnant together." Marcy nudged her shoulder.

"I'm not pregnant!" Laura shouted. People in the busy restaurant looked over and she blushed. She lowered her voice but didn't change her message. "I'm not pregnant!"

"Get pregnant again." Marcy rolled her eyes.

"Why on Earth would I do that?!"

"To get it out of the way, first of all. You only want three kids so you should want them stair step and out of the way so you can live the rest of your life without that pain."

Mercedes giggled. "I'm so scared for this."

"Are you panicking?" Marcy frowned.

"Yeah." Mercedes twirled the red straw in her glass.

"Good. You've been paying attention."

Laura gave her a look. "Marcy!"

"Did you or did you not break Marc's favorite finger?!"

Laura threw herself back.

Quinn chuckled. "I would get to have him be my slave."

"I don't think you can tell a Jewish guy to be your slave outright. It ain't a good look." Marcy warned.

"I'm not racially insensitive. He'd be my indentured servant."

"Literally the definition of slave…"

Laura, Mercedes and Quinn giggled.

"Hey! Let's go shopping."

They looked at her like she was crazy. "What?!"

"Come on." She pleaded. "We're already having a guilty pleasure lunch. Might as well go shopping."

"You want to go shopping?" Laura reached across the table and felt her little sister's forehead.

Marcy rolled her eyes with a deep breath. "Yes!"

"For what?" Quinn didn't believe it.

Marcy looked downright sinister as a creepy smile overtook her features.

MMC

Mal headed towards the kitchen for juice boxes. He'd been serious about making up time with the twins and hoped his continued efforts would curb their naughty streak (hint; it hasn't yet).

He passed by the foyer and heard keys in the front door. Whoever was opening it was having trouble so he went to help. "Marce?"

"Hi!" Marcy beamed.

"What is that?" He knew.

"What is what?" She knew.

And he knew she knew and knew she knew he knew. "What is that you're holding?"

"His name is Scotch. Don't be rude." She sniffed.

"You said we had enough animals. You didn't want Sabrina. You didn't even talk to me before you did this."

"I didn't talk to you about him either." She moved and the large white dog behind her sniffed Mal and growled.

Mal moved back. "Two?! Two dogs?! C'mon, Marce!"

"I love them!" She hugged Scotch to her chest.

Barking sounded and the two in the doorway reciprocated.

"Oh no…" Both humans murmured.

Secret, Shaggy and Smith were in the foyer in seconds flat and were all over the two new dogs. The puppy, Scotch was afraid and tried to turn into Marcy but the white dog bared his teeth.

"No, no, Sully." She stroked his head. "These are your brothers."

"Sully?" Mal raised a brow.

"Sullivan is a very respectable name." She sniffed.

"Are they at least housebroken?"

"About that… I know I got on you about Sabrina but I don't actually know where any shelters are." She admitted sheepishly.

"Marcy!" He whined.

"I got you something, too." She pouted.

"You got me an animal?"

"Uh huh." She twisted side to side.

"What'd you get me?"

She set Scotch down and ignored him hiding behind her legs. She went to the bags by the door she had set down to open it and picked up a small container with an orange top with white handle. "Tada!"

"What am I looking at?" He was lost.

She held the clear container up to her eyes and tapped it gently. "Oh! There it is! It's a gecko!"

"What?!" He laughed.

"Yeah!" She held the container out.

He took it and peered inside. He loved lizards. "Alright! Hey, little guy!"

Marcy waited for him to bond a few more seconds before coming up behind him and wrapping her arms around his middle. "Are you still mad at me?" She used her baby voice.

He sighed. "Next time talk to me before getting another dog. Please?"

"Okay, I promise."

"Actually promise. Not that sarcastic promise where you'll do the exact opposite immediately."

"Hey!"

"You do that!"

"I deserve these dogs!"

"You have dogs!"

"You got me pregnant!"

He didn't even know how to fight that. "Please at least get a housebroken one. I will find a shelter for you."

She squeezed him. "I promise."

"Thank you." He turned in her arms and hugged her back. When he leaned down to kiss her, she was already on her toes. "You wanna name it?"

"How about Socrates?"

"What's with you and "S"'s? I'm sure when Mickey asked you to name Sabrina, she didn't mean for that."

"Sabrina is an awesome name! Aubrey Hepburn did spectacular in that movie and Sabrina: the Teenage Witch was the best! If Sabrina was a boy, I would have totally named her Salem!"

"Yeah, whatever." He kissed her again. "Socrates it is."

"Can you help me with my pet supplies and books?" She widened her eyes and stuck her bottom lip out.

"Sure- books?" He raised a brow and looked at her suspiciously.

"So we might have frequented a few bookshops before going to the pet shop?" She looked guilty.

"Marce, you don't need any new books!"

"Shut up! Yes, I do!"

He groaned.

"Just help me before Laura gets up here."

"Where is she?"

"Downstairs, working up the courage to bring her new pet inside."

"What is it?" He frowned.

Marcy smirked.

MMC

"Hey?" Mike opened the door. "I came as soon as I got your text. What's up?"

Mercedes clapped. "I got a bunch of new books!"

He stared at her but she added nothing else. "Mercy,-"

"But that's not all! I also went to the pet store." She nodded.

"What'd you get?" He was wholly suspicious.

She grinned and pointed.

He followed her finger. "The door?"

"Yeah." She climbed off her bed and took his hand to lead him out. They went back downstairs and she led him to the sunroom. "Tada!"

He looked over the space and touched briefly on a tank before moving on. His gaze snapped right back. "What is that?"

"You know what it is." She knew she'd made him very happy.

He was speechless.

"Mikey? Say something." She was getting worried.

He licked his lips. "You bought me a snake?"

"Yes."

"You bought me a snake?"

"Mikey!"

He shook himself. "How? You're terrified."

"Marcy knew she was probably making Mal angry with Sully and Scotch so she bought him a lizard. I just figured that you love snakes and I love you. I have both Harmony and Ozzie; you deserve a companion as well."

He was touched. "Thanks, Mercy. I love it."

"But it has to stay in its tank and in this room. The store said they like sunshine."

"You won't be eating in this room anymore, will you…?"

She pouted.

He kissed her quickly. "It doesn't matter cuz you're the most amazing fiancée in the world!"

She giggled and leaned against him.

He held her tightly until something went off in his head. "Who's Sully and Scotch?"

MMC

"Hey?" Marc came into the room with Quad in his arms. "Where've you been?"

Laura stared at the dresser where a plastic container sat.

"Lady? Laura. Laura!"

She shook herself but still eyed the dresser. "What?"

"What are you staring at?" He set an awake but quiet Quad in his bassinet and faced where Laura was looking. "Is that a frog? Did Mike scare you with one and you had to catch it? I'll kill him-"

"No. I bought it."

He looked at her sharply. "You bought it?!"

"Yep…"

He noticed her intense stare. "So you're looking to get over your phobia?"

"No, no."

"Then-?"

"I bought it for you."

"Me?"

"You boys like these things. I wanted to buy you something. Mercy and Marcy bought Mikey and Mal pets. Us girls got pets for Christmas. I wanted to buy you something." It came out as one long sentence.

He smiled and sat on the bed by her. He took one of her cold hands in his and stroked the back of it slowly. "Thank you."

"No problem." It was actually a big problem but she was (barely) holding it together.

"Want to take a nap?" He wanted her to relax.

"Un uhn." She shook her head.

"Come on. Nap with me."

She blinked, her brain trying to pay attention to him and watch the devilish frog in unison. "Huh?"

"Nap with me. Quad's quiet."

She turned to him, her fear's spell broken. "I am a bit tired."

"That's right. Lie down." He pulled on her.

She slowly laid across his chest. "Did you meet Sully and Scotch yet?"

"Sully's a Siberian husky mixed with an actual grey wolf and Scotch is a Dalmatian. I saw. Secret's not happy."

"I don't think he understands her bringing all these other things into the house. He tried to eat Sabrina a few times while they were on their honeymoon."

Marc laughed. "I know. He was Tom and Jerry-ing it."

She smiled and relaxed against him.

"So Marcy got two dogs and that lizard for Mal, you got this frog-"

"Prince." She interrupted.

"Huh?"

"His name is Prince."

"Who?"

"The frog. His name is Prince."

"Why?" It took him a while to ask as his mind had trouble comprehending the information.

"I have Princess and they're made for each other like we are."

He eyed the bunny on another dresser then the frog. "But…-?"

"They're made for each other. Prince and Princess."

"Okay." He readily agreed.

She smiled and snuggled into him. "Let me tell you what Mercy got Mikey! If you think I'm being brave, you should see her!"

MMC

Quinn brushed her new kitten's fur with a silver brush. "You're so pretty, Oliver. Yes, you are."

Fluffy sat on the opposite side of the bed and glared at her new orange tabby brother.

A knock sounded at the door and Puck stuck his head in. "Hey? Mike just showed me his snake and I can say this without sounding hobophobic but I'm glad it wasn't his penis."

Quinn smiled. "Come in."

"Ah! Mama said you got another cat." He came in and shut the door.

"Yup. Marcy named him. You remember Oliver and Company?"

"Nope!" He jumped on her bed.

"It's a great movie. We should do movie nights again."

He shrugged lightly as he looked over the feline. "He could probably fit in my hand."

"You have big hands."

"Yeah, I do."

She pushed at his shoulder. "We need to talk."

"Shit!" He flopped back.

"Don't curse." She hit him. "It's nothing bad. We just need to have a serious conversation about our future."

"Our future? I thought you didn't want to get married right now?" He turned to face her.

"I don't." She admitted. "I think in a year or so, getting engaged wouldn't be a bad thing. We'd have about a year long engagement."

"Then what's up?"

"What would you think of having a baby?"

His eyes widened. "Are you telling me you're pregnant?!"

"No! No. Wait, how does that make you feel?"

He was completely confused. "I- uh… I don't know?"

"Come on, Puck. Honestly. Do you want to have more children?"

He stared at her, thinking. Mostly thinking how beautiful she looked uncertain. "Yes."

"You do?!" She lit up.

He smiled. "Yeah."

"Maybe we can start trying to have another baby?"

"Now?! I thought you said you didn't catch baby fever from your sisters?"

"I know." She laid against her pillows. "I said no and I meant some of it. I didn't want to be pregnant for the wrong reasons again but I did feel left out. Again."

"Because when you were pregnant the first time, nobody else was?"

"Actually Marcy was but we're not going to get into that." She chewed on her bottom lip. "We're so close and I wanted to share in this experience with them. Especially Mercy. We do everything together."

"That sucks. To be left outta something with your sisters. You really think this is a good step for us?"

"We're in love, we're stable, we're older with steady income. We're at a good point in our lives where wanting this isn't selfish and shortsighted."

He smiled. "Alright."

"Is that you agreeing with me?" She didn't want to get her hopes up.

"Yeah. Let's do it. Let's have a kid. On purpose!"

She laughed and threw herself on him. "Yay!"

Next time on This Life I Lead… Quinn tells her family about trying for a baby and Marcy leaves suddenly.