Chapter Thirty Five

Soifon was seated on the hospital bed, engaging in conversation with Erin while they patiently awaited news regarding Soifon's discharge from the hospital. The topic of discussion revolved around their future plans. 'What will you disclose to Voight?' Soifon inquired as she leaned her head on Erin's shoulder, receiving a tender shoulder rub in return.

'I am uncertain,' the brunette confessed with a sigh, retracting her arm from her partner's touch and clasping her hands together in her lap. 'Regardless of the decision I make, I am confident that he will support me.' Soifon gently placed her hand on top of Erin's. 'I am also here for you, and perhaps venturing into parenthood will be an enjoyable experience,' the raven-haired woman expressed with a smile.

The brunette chewed on her lip as she pondered the thought. 'That is a possibility, but what if I am inadequate as a mother? You are aware of how my biological mother was,' Erin whispered, twiddling with a pen.

Soifon brought her hand on top of her lover's, while her other hand caressed the brunette's face. 'Please do not think that way. Bunny made her own mistakes and it has no bearing on your abilities as a parent,' the tranquilized raven-haired woman reassured.

Turning Erin's face gently with her fingers to make her meet her gaze," Soifon spoke in a soft tone, "You need not fear becoming a mother simply because of your own mother's shortcomings. Strive to exceed her and emulate the nurturing qualities of Camille, who was a loving mother to you." She leaned in and placed a tender kiss on Erin's lips. "I believe you will be an exceptional mother."

Still smiling, Erin responded as they separated, "And as I mentioned before, you won't be alone in this journey. I will be by your side for as long as you need me." She hugged Erin, and the brunette reciprocated by wrapping her arms around Soifon's neck.

Resting her nose against the nape of Soifon's neck, Erin whispered, "Thank you." Soifon embraced the brunette, wrapping her arms around her waist. "I will rely on your assistance more than anything."

The raven-haired woman looked up as the door opened, catching Erin's attention. With a greeting, they both said in unison, "Hello Will." The curly-haired man stopped by the bed where the two women sat and inquired, "How are you both doing?"

Erin quietly expressed her dissatisfaction, stating that things could be improved. She gently pulled away from Soifon's embrace to give her full attention to Will, the doctor, who was handing Soifon a clipboard and a pen. Will assured them that they would be fine with a warm smile.

Soifon received the clipboard and pen, cautiously hoping that she would be allowed to leave the hospital. As a young woman, she had developed a dislike for hospitals due to past experiences.

Will confirmed that she could leave, but mentioned that both Soifon and Erin would need to take it easy until they fully recovered. He advised them not to engage in strenuous activities, especially for Erin who had injured ribs.

Both Soifon and Erin expressed their disappointment at the thought of having to sit around doing nothing, but quickly brushed it off. Soifon finished signing the discharge papers and looked at Will, asking him how long they would have to take it easy.

"Erin, I recommend that you engage in desk duty for a few days, and Soifon, I strongly advise you to err on the side of caution and observe desk duty for a few weeks. It is imperative to prevent any potential reopening of your stitches," the doctor stated firmly, ensuring his seriousness was evident to both individuals.

Soifon displayed a frown upon hearing the doctor's recommendation, as she disliked the thought of being unable to carry out any activities for several weeks. Nonetheless, she could only nod in acknowledgment. Conversely, Erin released a sigh of relief, as she realized she would be able to resume regular work after a few days.

"May I still participate in cases while being pregnant?" Erin inquired hopefully, directing her gaze towards Will. "Certainly, but it is crucial that you do not exert yourself. Once you enter your third trimester, you may need to switch to desk duty if you choose to proceed with the pregnancy," Will calmly suggested. "However, I will provide you with a few options for obstetricians, granting you some time to contemplate your decision."

Soifon and Erin exchanged glances, then redirected their attention towards Will. Erin exhaled deeply, ultimately breaking into a smile as she pondered this decision. She did not wish to punish the baby for what had occurred.

Soifon observed the smile that adorned her lover's face, prompting her own smile to surface. 'I have made up my mind,' the brunette replied, briefly glancing down before meeting Will's gaze once again. 'The consequences were not the baby's fault, and I believe it will be both enjoyable and challenging.' Soifon couldn't help but smile as Erin spoke.

With a smile," I have decided to keep the baby,' Erin declared. Although she hadn't initially desired a child, she anticipated that circumstances would change, and she was prepared to embrace it.

The raven-haired woman embraced Erin in a hug. 'Alright, I will send you the necessary paperwork for finding baby doctors,' Will informed them, rising from the chair. 'I will leave you two ladies alone and allow you to depart. Also, Soifon, don't forget to schedule a check-up appointment in a few weeks to ensure you are cleared for strenuous activity.' With these words, he exited the room.

'Thank you, Will,' Soifon expressed her gratitude as she reclined on the bed, holding Erin in her arms.

Erin's P.O.V*

"You should attire yourself," Erin whispered as she turned to gaze into Soifon's azure eyes, who reciprocated with a smile and sat upright. "We shall depart from this place," Erin said while assisting Soifon in standing up, leading her towards a sizable bag of clothing that she had requested Ashley to procure, whilst tending to Soifon at the hospital.

Passing the bag to Soifon, who accepted it, Erin inquired, "May I assist you in removing your garments?" The brunette wore a slight smirk, particularly relishing in her lover's blush. "…I am capable of undressing on my own, thank you," Soifon stammered, returning to the bed.

Erin couldn't contain her laughter at Soifon's response. "Oh, why not? I could expedite the process for you," the brunette teased, observing Soifon discard the hospital gown and place it on the bed, then proceed to retrieve a bra and put it on.

The raven-haired woman adjusted her undergarments and proceeded to don a striped t-shirt and a pair of black jeans, doing her best to disregard Erin's playful remarks.

Once Soifon had finished getting dressed, both women exited the room, only to be surprised by the arrival of Voight and Justin. Erin warmly greeted her foster father and brother with a smile, as they exchanged hugs. 'Are you guys leaving?' Voight inquired, stepping back from the two women.

'Yes,' Erin responded, 'Will informed us that Soifon is cleared for desk duty, but I will be able to return to the field in a few days, while Soifon has to wait a few weeks.' Voight nodded in understanding, suggesting that they take some time off until they feel ready to return to work, emphasizing that he doesn't want them to pressure themselves.

'Would you mind giving us a ride since we don't have our vehicles here?' Erin asked jokingly, causing laughter to fill the room. 'Plus, there is something you two need to know,' Erin added, glancing away nervously.

Voight kindly offered, 'Certainly, you may inform us about anything during our journey to your apartment.' He then inquired, patting Erin's arm, 'Is something amiss, kiddo?' As he fetched the bag from the bed and carried it for the women, who were being tailed by Justin, he pulled Soifon into a side hug and cheerfully greeted her, 'It's delightful to see you after such a long time.'

Soifon replied, 'Indeed, it has.' While the two conversed, Erin glanced at Voight and suggested playfully, 'Why don't I narrate the incident to you in the car, and you can assess if everything is fine, along with sharing my news.' She playfully nudged Voight's arm and inquired, 'Did you mete out punishment to Ace and Jack, or did you go easy on them?'

Agreeing with the proposal, Voight accompanied them to his truck after Soifon and Erin retrieved their belongings from the front desk. Erin declared, 'Let us return home,' as she wrapped her arm around Soifon's neck, eliciting a giggle from the raven-haired woman. 'Indeed, let's,' they both concurred, climbing into Voight's truck and fastening their seatbelts.