Let me know what you think! Trigger warning for mentions of abuse.

"You want another scoop, babe?" Jay offered, extending the bowl of stir fry to his girl, "Dr. Hsu said you've gotta eat more now that you're eating for three."

"Mm," Erin replied, pointing to her plate. "Yes please. You want more Noodle?"

"I'm full," Piper replied with a smile, "It was really good."

Jay beamed. Both of his girls were doing infinitely better. Piper's cough had almost dissipated, and his little bug was sleeping soundly throughout the night. She'd been back at school for a full week and was back to being more animated and excited to talk about all she was learning. Erin also had far more energy after reaching her second trimester, and was also feeling much more like herself.

"So good," Erin praised, scooping another bite into her mouth, "Your babies love your cooking, babe." She rested a hand on her growing belly.

"When are you gonna give them names?" Piper asked excitedly, "Soon?"

"Well, we need to find out if they're boys or girls," Jay said, bringing one of his hands to Erin's stomach and rubbing lovingly, "Or one boy and one girl."

"Oh," she replied, "So we're just gonna call them Baby A and Baby B til they come?"

Erin chuckled and ran her fingers over her stomach. "For now," she said, "Do you want to help us come up with names though, Noodle? You're pretty creative."

A smile spread on Piper's lips. "Really?"

"Absolutely," Jay grinned, "And I already emailed your teachers about you coming with us to a doctor's appointment in a few weeks to see the babies too."

"Wow," Piper gushed, "Are they moving around in there?"

"Soon," Erin promised, "The books say I should start to feel them kicking and moving in the next few weeks." She gave her partner a smile, "Jay tries to talk them into kicking every night, but they haven't listened so far."

"I'm the only kid who listens to you," Piper teased, earning an exaggerated groan from her father figure, "Don't worry, I'll teach them."

"Thank you, kiddo," Jay chuckled, "I think Erin and I are going to need all the help we can get."

"Will said he would help, but only if you name the baby after him," she said, "I told him it would be too confusing."

"I don't know if the world can handle another Will Halstead," Jay said dryly, "We can barely handle one." He rubbed Erin's stomach gently and smiled when she stifled a yawn, "You want to head to bed while I clean up the kitchen, babe?"

"I think that's the cutest thing I've ever seen," Jay murmured when he opened his bedroom door. Erin was lying on her left side, per Dr. Hsu's instructions, but what was adorable was how Piper was lying beside her big sister, sound asleep. Erin was running her fingers through Piper's hair as the child snoozed against her baby bump.

"It is, right?" Erin lifted her head off the pillow to meet her partner's watery gaze. "She was trying to convince the babies to kick but fell asleep like this." She swallowed the lump in her throat. All three of her babies were safely tucked in her embrace. It was everything she'd ever wanted and more.

"She's world's sweetest little human," he mused, leaning down to press a kiss to the side of Erin's head, "She brush her teeth?"

"Yes dad, tops and bottoms," Erin replied, "She listens to everything you say, babe. The most well-behaved ten year old to ever exist."

"She is such a good little bug," Jay said, reaching over his fiancé to stroke Piper's cheek, "I'm going to change and then I'll bring her to bed."

"I wanna keep her," she replied quickly, "Please, Jay?" Erin reached up to run her fingers through his hair, "I know what the parenting books say but I just really want her close tonight."

"I can't say no to you, can I?" he chuckled, kissing the side of her head again.

Erin shook her head. "Not when I'll have two Halsteads tap dancing my bladder in a few weeks," she replied, bringing her nose to the top of Piper's head, "She's so comfy."

He smiled. "Whatever you need, babe. I'm just going to brush my teeth."

When Jay returned, ready to climb into bed, his heart soared. Erin was dozing against her pillow, their little bug cuddled up further against her baby bump, her head just beneath Erin's chin. Piper's sweetness when it came to caring for Erin filled him to the brim. Their little girl was by far and away the sweetest and most empathic child they'd ever met, and Jay found himself thinking about how lucky he was every single day.

"C'mere, babe," Erin said, reaching her hand over Piper when she felt the mattress dip, "Babies want to be closer to their daddy. All your babies."

Jay scooted closer and pressed a kiss to the top of Piper's head. His little bug let out a content breath. "She's perfect," he breathed, "Our first baby." He brought a hand to Erin's tummy, "Did these babies kick for their mommy?"

"Nah," she murmured, "I bet you they kick first for Noodle though. She's everyone's favorite."

"Jay?"

He turned from the stove to meet Piper's expectant gaze. "What's up kiddo?" he asked, offering smile. His little bug had been on the quieter side after he picked her up from school. After a week and a half of receiving happy after-school greetings from his little bug, the slightly withdrawn and quiet child in his backseat had alarm bells going off in his head. Jay had shot off a series of concerned text messages to Erin and felt his little girl's forehead several times before bringing her home early. Piper had promised she was feeling okay, but his dad instincts were telling him that something was wrong.

Erin had also picked up on the fact that Piper was slightly off after coming home early following Jay's frantic texts. After informing her boss of her pregnancy, and the fact that she was carrying twins, she was given even more flexibility to work from home when she needed it and was sending emails from the kitchen counter while Jay prepared dinner.

Piper took a deep breath. "Do you ever hit Erin?"

Jay nearly dropped the spoon and Erin sucked in a breath. "Never," he said as quickly as he could. He flipped off the burner to focus on his little girl. "I would never hit Erin, kiddo. Or you. I would never hurt either of you." He swallowed, anxiety filling his stomach. "Did I do something to make you think-"

"No, no," Piper rushed out, "I-I know we're safe."

"I wouldn't hurt Jay either," Erin piped up, placing a gentle hand on her sister's arm, "Or you."

"Violence is never a good way to solve things," Jay said carefully, "Nobody deserves to get hurt." He tilted his head to the side, trying to get a read on Piper, "Is someone hurting you?"

She shook her head. "Not since I got to live with you," Piper told him. She drew in a nervous breath. "You guys said that I could come to you if I need help, right? And you wouldn't get mad?"

Jay and Erin nodded in unison. "We are always here for you, no matter what," Erin said, her heart fluttering with anxiety. She tucked some of Piper's loose hair behind her ear. "Is there something you need help with?"

Piper nodded slowly. "Do you remember my friend Griffin, from school? He was my partner in science class last year, and we have some classes together this year."

"Mm-hm," Erin nodded, exchanging a look with her partner. Jay was practically death gripping the kitchen island at the thought of someone hurting his little girl. "Is he hurting you?"

"No!" Piper shook her head adamantly. "He told me at school today that his dad was hurting his mom. He didn't mean to say anything but we were reading this book in English about a boy who finds a dog who got hurt and he said that his dad does that to his mom sometimes." She swallowed, "And he didn't tell me this, but I think his dad is hurting him too." She met Erin's worried gaze. "I-I didn't know if it was just normal but because you and Jay never hit me I thought-"

"You did the right thing coming to us," Jay said gently, "Nobody should be getting hurt in Griffin's house. Not him, and not his mom."

"I don't know how to help," Piper said sadly, "'cause I promised that I wasn't going to put myself in danger anymore."

"You did the right thing," he repeated, "Erin and I can talk about it and see what we can do to help, okay?"

"He doesn't wanna be taken away from his mom," the little girl insisted, "I-I told him 'bout the time I got taken away from Mrs. Hill when Mr. Hill was hurting me and he said he didn't want people to know because otherwise his mom would be sad." Piper swallowed, "I don't want that to happen to him too."

"We're going to figure it out," Erin promised, rubbing Piper's back gently. She could see the turmoil brewing behind her partner's eyes. Piper's story about Griffin was incredibly similar to his own. "Maybe we could have Griffin over for a playdate, what do you think? Then if he feels comfortable talking to Jay or me, we could take it from there? His mom emailed me a few days ago and mentioned that Griffin and you were working on a history project, right?"

Piper gave a small nod. "We work on it during recess. 'cause Griffin said his dad doesn't like it when people come over." She swallowed, "And I didn't want to go."

"That's alright," Erin soothed, "I'll email his mom and see if maybe he could come over here? And then we can figure out next steps okay?"

"I emailed Elizabeth," Erin said when Jay crawled into bed beside her. She put the book down that she was reading, "She's actually got a later meeting tomorrow, so it works out. One of us can pick up the kids from school and bring them here to work on the history project."

"I can do it," Jay offered, "I don't think I'd be able to focus on work anyway." He turned to his partner, "Plus you have that Tuesday meeting."

Erin nodded. "Talk to me, babe."

Jay blew out a breath. "I'm just so glad she came to us," he said thickly, "Instead of trying to handle it herself." He exhaled again. "She trusts us, and that's huge."

She nodded in agreement and shifted over to him in bed. "But?"

"I hate that she knows what it's like." Jay dragged a hand over his face. "I mean, I knew when I met her. Hell, she knew when she met me but hearing her talk about it makes me want to-"

"Drive your fist into a wall?" Erin supplied, "I know. I get it, babe. I'm so glad they're in jail. Well, except for Bunny. God only knows where she is."

Jay nodded. "I want to know what book this English teacher has them reading too," he said, "I know you emailed about us getting the heads up in case there would be anything triggering and that book certainly sounds like it is."

"I already emailed that new teacher while you were telling her a story," Erin assured him, "I also emailed the principal too. I know classic literature is important or whatever but she could have had a total meltdown."

He kissed the side of her head lightly. "I like Mama bear Erin," he teased, bringing a hand to her tummy, "I always knew my girl was feisty, but Pipes has really brought out the protective side of you, babe."

"Nobody messes with our kid," she replied, settling against him, "But these kids are certainly messing with me." Erin pulled up t shirt she'd worn to bed, "Stretching out all of Daddy's t shirts."

Jay chuckled. "I'm okay with that," he insisted, stroking her belly lightly, "Daddy already bought new t shirts which will fit Mommy better that are in the washing machine." He kissed the top of Erin's head, "I'll take care of all my kids. I promise."

Jay was doing his best to act normal.

He'd pasted the largest smile he could muster on his face when he picked Piper and Griffin up from school. His little bug was doing her best to be excited about the history project that she and her friend were going to be working on, but she also very clearly understood the undertones of their playdate. Jay was proud beyond words of his kid.

After getting Griffin and Piper set up with a snack at their kitchen table, Jay needed an excuse to call Erin. His girl had sent several text messages that he'd left unanswered while he made sure the kids had a healthy snack, and he knew her overprotective mama bear heart was in overdrive.

"I just need to give Erin a call and grab some milk from the fridge outside," Jay said lightly, "I'll be right back, okay Pipes?"

"Okay," Piper replied, dipping her apple slice into peanut butter. "Erin's having two babies," she said proudly after swallowing a bite, "That's how come Jay calls her so much."

"Two?" Griffin widened his eyes, "Wow. You're going to have two little brothers or sisters?"

"Or one of each," she replied, "But Erin and Jay said that it doesn't matter as long as both the babies are healthy."

"I always wished that I had a brother or sister," Griffin said, reaching for another apple slice, "But-" He gasped when his hand knocked into a glass of water that toppled onto the table.

"Oh!" Piper exclaimed when the water splashed all over the kitchen table, "Oops."

"I'm so sorry," Griffin rushed out, immediately reaching for a napkin, "I didn't mean to."

"It's okay. Didn't get me," she replied, "I'll just get some paper towels." Piper frowned when she realized they were too high up on the kitchen counter for her to reach. "Or we can wait for Jay. It's just water."

"I don't want you to get in trouble," Griffin said worriedly, glancing down at the water on the kitchen table, "I don't want you to get hurt."

Piper paused. "Jay doesn't hurt me," she said softly, "Even when I spill. He wouldn't hurt you either." The little girl looked at her friend worriedly when he still appeared skeptical, "Really."

"What's going on, Pipes?" Jay asked when he came back into the house, "You guys want more apple slices?"

"We spilled some water," Piper said, "But I can't reach the paper towels."

"Did you guys try to go swimming?" he joked, grabbing the roll of paper towels, "I know it's still nice outside. Maybe some time we should do another slip n' slide, what do you think?"

Piper giggled but then stopped when she saw how nervous her friend appeared. "He's not mad," she said softly, "Jay doesn't get mad at kids."

Jay nodded in agreement. When he locked eyes with the young boy, he suddenly felt like a kid again. He recognized that same fear, anxiety and shame behind Griffin's eyes intricately. He saw it when he looked in the mirror growing up, and on bad days, he could still see it in his reflection as a thirty-something.

"I was the one who spilled the water," Griffin said, his voice wavering slightly, "It wasn't Piper's fault."

"I'm not mad at all," Jay promised, speaking as gently as he could, "And I would never hit either of you." He offered Griffin a smile, "I promise, Grif. Really."

Griffin managed a small nod but shrank back when Jay reached over to wipe the table. "I won't hurt you," Jay said thickly, pausing his motions. He looked over to his little girl, who was just staring at her friend, knowingly.

"Do you get hit at home?" Piper asked Griffin, "Is that how come you're worried?"

"I-I'm not worried," Griffin attempted, forcing a small smile, "I'm okay."

Jay nodded slowly. "If anything's happening at home, you can tell me. Or Piper," he said carefully, "And we can try to help."

"Jay's job is keepin' kids safe," Piper told him, "Jay found me and keeps me safe." She looked up at him with a smile.

"I-I don't want to leave my mom," he said worriedly, "I don't want to talk about it."

"That's okay," Jay tried, sinking down to meet the little boy's eyeline. "We don't have to talk about it." He offered a small smile, "But I do want you to know that if you ever need anything, you can tell me." Jay reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet to remove one of his business cards. "That's my phone number, right there. If you ever need anything, you let me know."

Erin's heart was aching.

Watching her partner put on the bravest face he could muster while she and Griffin's mom chatted by the front door was nearly excruciating. Jay was seated at the kitchen table with both kids, helping them put the finishing touches on the history report. She knew it was all he could do not to shake Elizabeth by her shoulders and ask why she wasn't leaving her husband. It was on the tip of her tongue as well, but Erin also knew what it was like to be Elizabeth.

Granted, she didn't have a child of her own when she was with Charlie. She was a child. But she knew was it was like to be unable to leave. She knew the fear of the unknown, the risks, everything. Elizabeth was a kind and lovely woman. She loved her son fiercely and by all accounts, was a good mom. A good mom trapped in a bad situation.

"I'm so sorry, you should be off your feet," Elizabeth said, "And we should be going."

"I'm alright, don't worry," Erin assured her, glancing to the kitchen table, "I think they're almost done. I think it's the best history report fifth grade has ever seen." She offered a smile to Jay, Piper and Griffin.

"You should get off your feet though babe," Jay called over, not taking his eyes off the popsicle stick he was helping Griffin glue to the project.

"What a good dad," Elizabeth praised, swallowing thickly, "Your kids are very lucky."

Erin nodded. "Actually uh, Elizabeth, while Jay's helping Piper and Griffin wrap up, maybe you could help me grab a bag of groceries from the car?"

"Absolutely," she said, "I'll be right back, Griffy."

"Mom," he groaned, "Really?"

"Erin calls me Noodle," Piper offered, smiling widely at her big sister, "There are worse nicknames."

"Thank you," Erin said when Elizabeth lifted the bag from the backseat of Erin's car, "Jay's a stickler about me lifting things these days since there are two little Halsteads in here." She pointed at her stomach, "But uh, my real reason for asking for your help was because I wanted to talk to you about something kind of serious." She drew in a breath when Elizabeth looked at her curiously. "I um, I don't know how much Griffin has told you about Piper," she started, "But um, Piper's my younger sister. Our biological mom had me pretty young and uh, her pretty late."

Elizabeth nodded. "He mentioned that Piper calls her parents Erin and Jay."

"She uh, she was in foster care for nine years," Erin continued, "Turns out our biological dad was into some pretty bad stuff and Piper got bounced around a ton, and was in fourteen different foster homes." She took in another breath, "And uh, when I was fifteen, I actually went to live with another family. A cop took me in after pulling me off the streets." Erin managed a tiny smile, "So um, all that to say that Piper and me, we've both been in some tough situations. And Griffin the other day saved Piper from getting taken away from us at school. He recognized that she was in danger, and I cannot thank you or him enough for saving my little girl."

Erin cleared her throat, "They're friends and I know that they talk. We've been working with Piper on trust and allowing Jay and me to help when she needs things and the other day, she brought up something that Griffin had mentioned to her at school. About his dad."

Elizabeth drew in a sharp breath. "Erin, I appreciate what you're trying to do-"

"I'm not trying anything," she rushed out, "I just wanted you to know that I've been there. And I get it. And uh, Jay, he gets it too. And if you need anything, you or Griffin, we can help. Jay works for CPD and-"

"Thank you," Elizabeth cut her off, "Really. But we're okay. Griffin's fine." She gave a smile, "And really, we should be getting out of your hair."

Erin exhaled heavily when she sank beside Jay on their couch. Jay had busied himself vacuuming their living room after dinner, and both of his girls recognized his need to just decompress. Piper agreeably settled in bed and fell asleep rather quickly after Erin tucked her in.

"What's going on in your head?" Erin asked, rubbing the back of Jay's neck gently, "How can I help, babe?"

"I just saw myself," Jay managed, drawing in a heavy breath, "He was so afraid, Er. And I used to be him. I still am him, in a lot of ways."

She nodded, continuing to dig her fingers into her fiancé's tightly coiled muscles. "I never wanted to have friends over," he choked out, "Because I was scared that my dad would come home and take out his frustration on me." Jay's voice cracked, "And I didn't want anyone to know, because I didn't want to leave my mom either."

He swallowed. "His mom is just like mine," he managed, "She…she didn't want help. She's a good mom but she doesn't realize what staying with that scumbag is doing to her kid."

"I know. I know," she soothed, "It's so hard, babe. It's so hard to see it when you're in it."

"I-I didn't even think," Jay stuttered, "Er, I'm sorry, you've-you've-"

"Hey, hey, look at me." Erin stroked his cheek gently, "This isn't about my experience."

"But people hurt you before." Jay's voice cracked again, "Nobody protected you when you were a kid. Nobody protected Pipes. And Elizabeth is letting-" He stopped, sob rising in his throat.

"I know." Erin brought her hands to his cheeks, "We did what we could today, baby. We both know that we have to tread carefully, and we just have to hope that Elizabeth recognizes it sooner rather than later."

"What if she never does?" He looked at his partner, tears swimming in his eyes, "What if that kid turns out like I did?"

Erin shifted on the couch and stroked Jay's cheeks lightly with her thumbs. "You are an incredible man, Jay Halstead," she said thickly, "You are strong and passionate and the best man I've ever known. Any kid that turns out like you would be so lucky." She kissed his forehead gently. "These two kids, and our kid upstairs, get to grow up having the best dad in the whole world."

He sniffed and brought his hands to her belly. "I love you," he whispered, "My angel."

"Erin?"

"Hm?" Erin lazily opened her eyes. She'd accidentally fallen asleep on Piper on their couch after another long day of work. "Sorry, sweetheart. What did you say?"

Piper threaded her tiny fingers through her big sister's hair. "You didn't want me to let you fall asleep," she reminded her gently, "I was just making sure you were awake. 'cause you didn't want to be asleep when Jay gets home."

Erin nodded sleepily. Jay was working late and she'd already heated up some chicken and spinach dish that Jay had prepared in advance. He was incredibly serious about her protein intake, and so pasta or French toast for dinner was not an option. "I didn't mean to fall asleep on you," Erin murmured, "But you are the comfiest little bug."

Piper smiled and continued to stroke Erin's hair. "Can I tell you something?" she asked, almost nervously.

"Of course." Erin sat up to meet Piper's gaze. Every time her little girl wanted to talk, Erin wanted to be all ears. "What's going on, Noodle?"

"I'm getting worried," she said softly, "About Jay."

Erin raised her eyebrows. "You're worried about Jay?" She swallowed when Piper gave a nod. "I know his job is dangerous, but-"

"I'm not worried about his job," Piper rushed out, "I don't think he's sleeping that much." She grasped her hands together. "I think he's worried a lot. About you, and the babies. And about me. And work and other stuff too. He checks on me at night when you're still sleeping, and I don't think he's having nightmares, he just wakes up." Piper looked at Erin worriedly. "I think he needs a break."

Her gaze softened. Her little sister was incredibly in tune with her partner. If she was being honest, Erin had been thinking the same thing. Jay was always up before her and she usually fell asleep before him. He was somewhat busy at work but after Piper had pneumonia and with the two little Halsteads growing in her belly, she could tell that her fiancé was wearing thin.

"I think you're right," Erin mused, stroking Piper's cheek gently, "You're an observant little bug too, huh?"

Piper gave a shy smile. "I pay attention," she said seriously, "That's how come I know."

Erin nodded, continuing to run her fingers through her little girl's hair. "You are the sweetest," she praised, "And I agree. I think Jay needs a break too." She paused. "What do you think we should do?"

The little girl thought for a moment. "Remember how I told you guys about how Mrs. Allison and her husband went on vacation before Drew came?"

"Mm-hm," Erin murmured, "That's a very sweet idea Noodle. But we don't want to leave you." She kissed the top of Piper's head. She was approaching her sixteenth week of pregnancy, and the books had mentioned a 'babymoon', but she and Jay had both agreed that after Piper had been so sick, leaving for any overnight period of time was not an option.

"I would be okay," Piper promised, "I know how to cook and I could walk to school."

"Woah, woah," Erin said, pulling back slightly, "Sweetheart, if Jay and I ever went away for a few days, we wouldn't leave you alone. We wouldn't do that." She shook her head, "There will always be someone around to take care of you. That's a promise. We have Will and Hank and Hailey and lots of other people who love you."

Piper nodded in understanding. "We could ask Will to stay with me," she offered, "I know you guys would come back. You could take Jay up to Wisconsin so he could sleep, 'cause he always sleeps better in the fresh air."

Erin's heart just about melted. Her little girl really was the sweetest child. "Wisconsin is our family place," she said slowly, "I don't think we'd want to go up there without you. But maybe we could find another place in the country where I could take Jay for a night."

"Or two nights," Piper said, "Jay's so tired. And I think you are too."

She kissed Piper's head again. "I love you more than anything, baby girl," she whispered, "and Jay does too. You are the sweetest kid on the planet."

Piper snuggled in closer to her big sister and placed her small hand on Erin's baby bump. "You're the best mom," she replied shyly, "To me and the babies."

Erin swallowed the lump in her throat. Hearing Piper reference her as her mom never, ever got old, and it always filled her heart a thousand times over. "I'm trying my best," she managed, "I love that I get to be your mom, Noodle. And Jay loves being your dad, but you're right. He has been a little tired."

"You could surprise him," Piper suggested, rubbing Erin's tummy gently, "That way he can't say he's too busy or too worried 'bout being away from home. I bet Hailey would help you."

"I bet she would," Erin replied, reaching for her phone, "That gives me an idea. I think a surprise is perfect." She looked down at her little girl. "Are you okay to keep a secret from Jay for a few days?"

Piper nodded adamantly. "I know best friends are supposed to tell each other everything, but I think I can make an exception."

Babymoon up next!