Standard Disclaimer.

---

prologue

"Hello."

"Hunter?" The blonde instantly recognized the slightly panicked voice on the other end. "Hey… It's Sadie… Um, I really need to talk to you…"

Hunter snorted. "Aren't we talking right now?"

"This is serious. Meet me at that bar near your place… around nine thirty, okay?"

"Yeah… I'll be there."

--

Hunter stood at the edge of the solid oak bar, looking around anxiously. From the current time on his watch, he noticed that Sadie was terribly late. After calling the bartender for another drink, he saw her make her way hastily through the crowds.

As she finally reached him, she flipped her caramel hair and rested her arms on the bar.

"So… what did you want to tell me?" The bartender returned with his drink, and he sipped from it cautiously, his eyes never leaving the woman.

"I'll say it straight out…" Sadie looked away as she whispered out. "I'm pregnant..." She fidgeted with her bracelets as she continued, her brown eyes refusing to look into the pale sapphire ones. "… And I'm sure that it's yours."

Hunter stood in shock as the shorter woman continued to speak. "… I'm getting an abortion."

The Thunder slammed his glass against the bar, causing the woman to jump. "There is no fucking way I'm going to allow you to kill that baby." He glared into her worried dark orbs. "If you don't want it, fine, I'll take it…" The ninja ran a hand through his wild hair.

"How far along are you?"

Sadie spoke softly "Half way through second trimester." The blonde sighed as he continued "… Why didn't you tell me this earlier?"

"I just found out a few days ago and-"

"Don't bullshit me, I know you noticed in the first month."

Sadie found her arms circle around her stomach. "At first I didn't plan on telling you… I wanted to keep it… But now, I just don't want to be reminded of you…"

Hunter frowned as he finished off his drink. "You would tell me this when I'm in a decent relationship." The Thunder grabbed the shorter woman's hand as he hastily made his way through the crowds. Sadie patiently followed him, making sure not to walk too fast.

They made it out of the building and stood next to the entrance, waiting for the right things to say. Finally, the disgruntled blonde decided to break the silence.

"We'll pretend to be together, only to save face… But understand… I make all decisions about the baby."

She nodded slowly as he slung an arm around her shoulders, walking away to his apartment.

--

three months later…

Hunter cradled the sleeping bundle in his arms as he stood at the bus station. "So… she's ready?" Sadie nodded as she placed the diaper bag next to the Thunder's feet. She stroked the little girl's cheek with her hand. "… Goodbye little Gabriel."

The blonde frowned at the sight of Sadie's luggage. "… You're not staying in Blue Bay Harbor?" Sadie shook her head, and readjusted her shoulder strap. "There is nothing for me here." She turned to her luggage, and picked the black bags.

"… I wish you luck, Hunter. And hopefully, we'll never meet again…"

The blonde sighed as he watched the little girl squirm in the pink blanket. He grabbed the diaper bag and threw it on his free shoulder as he turned to go back home.

"I guess it's just you and me…"

end prologue