Every smile she sees kills her on the inside.

A part of Kristina understood that the news of her pregnancy would spread like wildfire. TJ told Molly, who told their mother, who told Sam, who told Dante, and it continued onward from there. Now, a week or two after the procedure, she sits on a chair in her mother's house, and all she wants is for her morning sickness to keep her in the bathroom.

But she stays put.

"You're pregnant," Nina breaks the ice, clapping her hands together. Kristina dons an uneasy smile in response, "I'm so happy for you."

"We all are," Sonny grins.

"How do you feel?" Sam asks, gently grabbing Kristina's hand.

"I feel okay. Kind of nauseous, but okay."

"That'll be gone before you know it."

"I hope so."

"If it's constant," TJ begins, "just let me or Amy know. We'll get you whatever you need."

"Thank you."

"And if you ever need some advice, you have Mom and I," Sam follows with.

"I appreciate it."

Sonny continues the thread, "And you know you have Dex and I-"

"I know," Kristina cuts him off immediately, "I'm glad I have the support system that I do."

"Speaking of," Dante clears his throat, "where is Dex?"

"He has the day off," Sonny answers. Kristina winces internally.

"Oh, Krissy," Molly cuts in, taking a seat on the coffee table. She takes her sister's hands in her own, "I couldn't be more grateful for you."

Kristina forces her toothless smile.

"Just think," Molly then addresses the rest of the group, "In nine months, you'll all get to meet Baby Davis-Ashford."

"And that's exciting," Sam responds, "but until then, the focus is on the woman carrying them. And whatever she needs, we'll get her."

"Of course!"

Kristina watches on as her family mingles with one another, dread building in the pit of her stomach. She subconsciously rests a hand there, covered by her casual black floral dress.

"Hey," Sonny scoots closer to her as the party moves elsewhere, traveling to the dining table, "you okay?"

"Yeah, um," Kristina looks at them, watching as they fill plates with mountains of Italian food, "just…taking it all in."

"Do you want some alfredo or lasagna? Or maybe some chicken piccata-"

"I'm not hungry," she snaps quickly, composing herself immediately afterward, "I appreciate that you and Olivia cooked, though."

"Well, it's a big day for you, for Molly, for the whole family, really."

"Yeah…I just…didn't think it warranted a party."

"Mhm," Sonny hums, gently holding his daughter's hand, "all this…baby talk is overwhelming you, isn't it?"

"A little bit."

"Let's talk about something else, then," Sonny looks around before leaning in, "I have some updates on your center if you want to hear them."

"Absolutely."

"Great," Sonny reaches into his blazer and pulls out a brown folder. Kristina pulls the metal band up, opening the flap and looking inside. She pulls out one of the documents, pouring over the small text and large photos. She does the same with the three other sheets inside.

"4563 Quartz, 875 Vanderwaal, 322 Maple," she reads them off, "These are really solid buildings, Dad."

"I know you're going to have your hands full with the pregnancy," Sonny responds, "so if there's anything I can do to make this easier on you, I'll do it."

"I…I really appreciate it," Kristina beams, "though you do know I have the final say on everything."

"I know."

"Quartz has a lot of room, but Maple has an industrial kitchen…"

"Vanderwaal is a mix of both," Sonny pulls the middle document from her grip, showing it off. The two-story structure is an off-white stucco with windows outlined in black. Its size rivaled that of the already established Youth Center, with lush flowers dotting the cobblestone pathways, "It used to be this…upscale high school until it ended up being abandoned."

"Not anymore. I think you've sold me on it," Kristina takes the form from him, "I mean, look at it! At least thirty rooms for kids to stay in, a robust kitchen, open spaces for recreation, it's got everything I could possibly need."

"I can make the call if you'd like."

"No, let me," she pulls out her cellphone, "It's going to be my business, after all."

"Whatever you want to do," Sonny grins before getting up and walking towards the dining table. He grabs a plate and takes some piccata. He sees a flash of short brown hair in his peripheral vision.

"So," Alexis clears her throat, crossing her arms, "what were you talking to Kristina about?"

"Her future," he answers.

"Is her future related to this idea you had back when we met at Kelly's?"

"It is. Kristina's going to start her own business."

"Oh…" Alexis nods slowly, eyes wide and head dipped down. Sonny gives her a confused look, "I see."

"What's the problem?"

"Nothing. I just thought she was happy at Charlie's."

"She is, but I talked to her and got her to consider something beyond bartending."

"And you pitched her the idea of her own business," Alexis says, "And this business is…?"

"Well, uh, it's not exactly a business," Sonny gestures in circles, "more like a…a service."

"Which is?"

"A youth center."

"A youth center," Alexis repeats, "You're putting her in charge of her own youth center."

"What, you don't think she can handle it?"

"It's not that…I'm just not sure she can do so much at one time. She's pregnant, and the stress that comes with something like that-"

"I know, I know. I'm playing support to her about it; she gets the final say," he glances at Kristina, who was still on the phone, "She just picked out a building and is making a call to the real estate agent."

"With what money? Yours?"

"Why not? If I can help move things along, I will."

Alexis sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. Sonny scowls at her in response.

"Look," the woman says, "I'm glad you gave Kristina something to think about with her future, and that you're helping her with it, but it seems like too much."

"What seems like too much?"

Alexis swiftly turns around to see her daughter standing there, an eyebrow raised. She forces a smile while Sonny stares on.

"Oh, um," Alexis looks between them, "your father was telling me about your…center."

"Oh," Kristina notes, "Let me guess: you don't approve."

"I do approve."

"Then what's the problem? I know you have one."

"The timing. I mean, you're pregnant and starting something like this up takes a toll-"

"Dad's helping me. Mom, I know things will be stressful, but I'm an adult and I can handle it. I'll be fine."

Alexis opens her mouth to speak but swiftly closes it soon after. She sighs through her nose and claps her hands together, "Okay. You're right, you're an adult, and if this is what you want to do at this moment in time, then I support you."

"Thank you."

Alexis opens her arms. Kristina smiles and embraces her, her grin wider as she felt her mother kiss her forehead. The woman then walks away, grabbing a plate of her own.

"So?" Sonny asks, hands in his pockets.

"I have a meeting with them next week," she beams, "and I hope you can be there."

"Absolutely."

She looks out at the food that's left, hearing faint conversation from the kitchen. Her stomach growls; she rests her hand on it again.

"You okay?" Sonny whispers.

"Yeah," Kristina responds, "the food looks good."

"Have some," Kristina nods at his words before taking a plate into her hands. She scoops some lasagna onto it, grabbing a fork and napkin. Sonny joins her, taking some piccata.

"Mm," she takes a forkful into her mouth, "Olivia outdid herself here."

"Well, you know her. She wants to give the best quality she can provide."

"Yeah," she licks her fork clean, "I should make a plate for Dex-"

Sonny raises an eyebrow when she cuts herself off, "What's the matter?"

She gulps as memories of their night together flashes in the back of her mind, "Um…nothing. I just…thought that he'd be here, but you gave him the day off instead."

"I thought it was fitting," he shrugged, "it's his birthday today."

"It is?"

"He's turning 27."

"Oh," her response is melodic, "I should give him a call and wish him well."

"Go for it," Sonny gently grabs her shoulder, giving her a warm smile before walking into the kitchen. Kristina takes her plate of food back towards the living room, putting it down on the coffee table and taking a seat on the couch. She pulls out her phone; the device rings a few times.

"Hello?"

"Happy birthday to you," she sings gently, "happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Dexter, happy birthday to you."

"Aw, my full name and everything," his giggle tickles her ear, "Thank you. How did you know?"

"I just knew."

"Your dad told you?"

"Don't ruin the fun!" she teases, "But really, happy birthday. How are you celebrating?"

"Not sure. I might go out to The Savoy and just get completely wasted. Or I could splurge on dinner at the PC Grill."

"You have that kind of money?"

"Don't ruin the fun!"

Kristina laughs, pulling her legs up onto the seat. Her cheeks are flush, "I wish I could celebrate with you."

"I mean, you can. We could do something together if you're up for it."

"Sure, we can lock ourselves in your apartment and do nothing but watch TV."

"That's not as bad as you think."

"How so?"

"We'll be doing it together."

"Aren't you sweet?" Kristina somewhat forces her grin. Guilt suddenly fills her mind, existing at every corner. She feels the words slowly trickle up her throat, "Hey, um, there's something I should tell you."

"What is it?"

It sits on her lips, dangling off the edge. Every single part of her screams, a surface-level urge pushing her to spill.

She takes a deep breath, and the words fall away, "The procedure worked. I'm…I'm pregnant."

"Oh, congrats!" Dex asks, "That's great! How do you feel?"

"I feel alright."

"I'm glad. Have you told your family?"

"Uh, yeah, I did. They…put together a little party to celebrate it. Sorry you weren't invited."

"That's okay. Maybe you can save me a plate…y'know, if anyone cooked anything."

"I'll absolutely do that. Consider it my birthday gift."

"Only if you deliver it yourself."

"How else would it get to you?" she responds, the faint sound of footsteps behind her.

"Krissy," Molly asks, causing Kristina's head to whip around, "are you okay?"

"Yeah," she says, covering the device's speaker, "I'm just on the phone."

"Oh, sorry, didn't mean to interrupt."

"No, it's-" Kristina flattens her lips, "it's fine. I'll join everyone in a second, okay?"

Molly nods at her before re-entering the kitchen. Kristina sighs, "Sorry about that, it was Molly."

"That's okay. You should be with your family anyway. I'll see you later…?"

"You absolutely will."

There's a knock at the door just as the phone hangs up. Dex gets to his feet, dressed in a navy T-shirt and white plaid pajama bottoms. Josslyn dons a smile as he opens the front door.

"Hey," she says, walking past him. Her pink mini sundress somewhat flows in space.

"Hi," he replies, joining her on the couch.

"A little birdie told me your birthday is today."

"Care to tell me who?"

"What, you didn't want me to know?"

"Not necessarily. I just haven't really told anyone; it's just something I'm used to since I've celebrated my birthday alone for years."

"Well, not today," Josslyn shakes her head, "and for the record, Michael mentioned it in passing. He also said that Sonny gave you the day off, which was the smartest decision he's made in a while," she dons a smirk, "It'll just be you and me today. Is there anything you want to do?"

"Well, there's not much we can do. Going out in public risks us being exposed to Sonny."

"Yeah…but it's your birthday. We should do more than just sitting here and watching TV. How about a nice meal? We can go to the PC Grill, I can pay for everything. Plus," she wraps her arms around his shoulders, "once we finish our meal, we can come back here for some dessert."

"That sounds good," he grins as they kiss one another. He pulls back and gets to his feet, "I'm going to change and then we can go."

It doesn't take long for him to pick out his outfit: an all-black ensemble. Josslyn whips her head around and smirks when she sees him rejoin her in the living room.

"Ooh, la, la," she purrs, "very sleek and sexy."

"Why, thank you," he laughs, "Let's get going, shall we?"

There's something that scratches at the back of Dex's mind as Josslyn drives them to the restaurant, a sort-of call to get his attention. He already feels a slight sense of worry being out of his house with her, and he prays that Kristina's party is anywhere else almost as much as he prays that she's there. The mix of hope and worry follows him into the building as they claim a table and eventually place their orders: chicken piccata and chicken alfredo.

"Have you been here before?" Josslyn asks, opening her menu.

"...Hm?" Dex hums, snapping back into reality, "What?"

"You okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, sorry. I was just lost in thought, that's all."

"About what?"

"Nothing worth talking about."

"You sure?"

"Yeah. What did you ask me?"

"Have you eaten here before?"

"Oh, um, no. Have you?"

"I wish," she laughs, looking down, "The chicken alfredo looks good."

"Yeah-" the sound of a phone buzzing cuts Dex off. He pulls the device out of his pocket, eyebrows raised at the message on the screen.

From: Kristina (12:42 PM)
Got you some chicken piccata
Dad said you really like it :)
When should I come over?

"Who texted?" Josslyn asks as their plates arrive. She then gives him a look, "Don't tell me it's your boss."

"Uh, no," Dex responds, pressing on the screen.

To: Kristina (12:43 PM)
Out of the house rn
I'll text you when I'm there

"Then who?"

"It's not important."

"So it's none of my business," she snaps, "okay."

"Joss," he gives her a confused scowl, "come on."

"No, really, I get it. I wouldn't tell you who I'm texting either," she avoids his eyes, taking a forkful of food into her mouth, downing it with water.

"I don't want to fight."

"I don't either," she frowns, "but you not being upfront with me upsets me. I'd tell you who I was talking to if you asked, so just tell me."

"Okay," he sighs, his chicken piccata untouched, "It was Kristina."

"Of course," Josslyn scoffs, rolling her eyes, "She just can't stop bothering you, can she?"

"She's not bothering me."

"Can't it wait?"

"It can," he clicks his phone off, a hint of defeat in his tone as he finally takes a bite of food. It's still somewhat warm, "and it will."

"Good," she finishes her plate, "now, back to us. How does it feel to be a year older?"

"No different than the year before."

"Really?"

"Yeah," he wipes his mouth, "I mean, birthdays are important, but it's just a day. I don't think of myself as wiser or stronger or smarter just because I got older. That all comes with experience."

"I see. I kind of get that, but I mean, it's one chapter of your life ending and another beginning. That's not important to you?"

"I don't idolize my birthday like that."

"But that's half the fun of it," Josslyn frowns before somewhat shaking her head, her voice low and soft, "I'm sure if Kristina felt this way, you'd agree with her…"

"I'm sorry," Dex's tone is harsh, "can you repeat that, please? I couldn't hear you."

"I didn't say anything."

Dex gives her a knowing look.

"...Ugh, fine," she rolls her eyes, "I said that you'd feel different if it was Kristina saying what I said to you."

"Okay," he sets his fork down, "Joss, I don't want to do this. We're in public, at risk from Sonny catching us, and you want to spend our time together fighting about your sister rather than enjoying a nice lunch. This is why I didn't want to say anything about the text; you'd get mad and want to fight about it."

"Wow," she shakes her head in disbelief, "you really think I'd be petty enough to fight with you over Kristina?"

"You've said some mean things about her, you're upset I'm her bodyguard. Forgive me if I'm a bit apprehensive to talk about someone who clearly upsets you."

"Well, it's too late, because we're talking about it," she throws her cloth down on her plate, "What does Kristina do for you that I don't do?"

"Don't do that-"

"No, seriously, what makes her so freaking important? She's your friend? You're just doing your job because she's Sonny's biological daughter?"

"We already went over this-"

"You do know she's on the side of a criminal, a man who had no issue absolutely ruining his family, right? And you still want to be friends with her? You hate Sonny! He tortured you over nothing and left you to die from a gunshot wound!"

"That has nothing to do with her-"

"Oh my God," Josslyn rests her hands on her cheeks, shaking her head, "Dex, come on, you're smarter than this. There are two sides in this feud, and you two are on opposing ones. You're here to take him down, to serve him the justice he deserves. Don't let Kristina harass you into believing otherwise."

"Joss, stop. Seriously."

"Not until you come to your senses. You're off-the-clock, you have no reason to speak to her, and yet you still are. I'm the one that matters here, not her, and you need to let this…hold she somehow has over you go. She's not worth the investment, and it actually shocks me that you're giving someone like her the time of day like this-"

"Enough!" The sound of Dex's fist slamming against the table surface shuts her up immediately. Josslyn sucks her lips in, a jolt of electricity running up her spine as she stops herself. Dex's glare is sharp and cold, easily cutting through her.

"Enough, okay?" he says, his tone firm and frustrated, "That's enough. We're here to have lunch and enjoy each other's company. We should just focus on that."

"Whatever," Josslyn mutters, drinking the last of her water. Dex finishes the rest of his piccata in silence, finishing off his own drink. The check arrives soon after, and the couple ends up back in Josslyn's car, the drive to Dex's apartment just as quiet. Eventually, after a few minutes or so, Josslyn pulls into an open parking spot at the complex. They sit in silence for a moment, staring ahead at the building.

"Do you still want to come up?" Dex asks. Josslyn glares at him, her mouth closed. He sighs through his nose and opens the passenger door, stepping onto the asphalt. He bends down to look at her, "Text me when you're home, okay?"

More silence.

Dex shuts the car door and steps onto the sidewalk, watching Josslyn back out and exit the complex parking lot. He turns and walks into the building, pulling out his phone and shooting off a text as he makes his way to his apartment.

To: Kristina (1:13 PM)
I'm home now
Come by whenever you're ready to :)

A number of minutes pass before he hears a knock on his front door, presently watching TV on the couch. He pauses the program to1 open the door. A bright smile exists on his face as Kristina stands before him.

"Happy birthday!" she grins, holding up a bag of food. She steps past him and sets it down on the coffee table. Dex shuts the door and approaches her.

"Glad you could make it," he says, "I hope I didn't interrupt the party or anything."

"You're good," she waves him off, "It was pretty much over when you texted me again."

"Was it fun?"

"Um, yeah, I'd say so. The food was great and being with my family was great, but I just didn't think my pregnancy warranted a party."

"It's pretty big news."

"But party-worthy news? I don't think so," she shakes her head, "But I shouldn't talk your ear off about this. It's your day today, and that's where my focus should be."

"No, it's okay," Dex pulls her into a hug, his cheek against the top of her head, "but thank you."

"You're welcome," she holds him tightly, rubbing his back. She tries to pull away, but is unsuccessful, "You okay?"

"Not really," Dex finally lets her go, the pair sitting on the couch.

"What's wrong?"

"Today just…hasn't been great."

"What happened?"

"I…had a fight with someone."

"Oh, that sucks. I'm sorry," she takes his hand in hers, "You shouldn't be upset on your birthday."

"Yeah…"

"I'm willing to listen if you want to talk about it."

"Uh, I'd rather not. Like you said, I shouldn't be upset on my birthday."

"Okay," Kristina nods, looking at the bag, "did you want some of the piccata?"

"Um, no, I'm not all that hungry," Dex gets up, taking the bag into the kitchen and setting it in the refrigerator. He swiftly returns to the sofa and sits back down.

"Well, what TV shows do you want to watch?"

"I was watching this," he presses play, where two detectives resume discussion on the case at hand, "It's not bad."

"This is Youngbloods," she asks, a smirk on her face, "It's kind of new, but yeah, it's pretty good."

"Well, then," he throws an arm around her shoulders, cuddling her against him, "let's watch."

Time melts away the longer they watch the show, going between the discovery of a second body to one of the leads talking with what Dex assumes is her love interest. As he watches them, he feels Kristina's head land on his shoulder. He turns to look at her, his face soft.

"Mm," she hums, "what?"

He doesn't respond, leaning down to capture her lips with his own. They stay still for a moment or two before their lips push against one another. The noise from the television fades into the background, with him eventually pulling her onto his lap. He swallows her moan, holding her still.

She pulls back, eyes closed, the tip of her nose against his as a hand rested at the back of his head. Her words are gentle yet husky, "Do you want to do this?"

His eyes are closed as well, his heart swelling at her question. He wraps her arms around him, hands clasped together and resting at the small of her back.

His response almost completely matches hers: "Do you?"