Sorry this is a little late.

Chapter 8

As Romeo walked home, he thought about how he would tell his dad. He never expected this to happen; they had used fucking protection. Why didn't it work? Romeo was so angry with himself for thinking they were ready for sex. She agreed, but he had brought it up first. Romeo was so distracted that he didn't realize he was at home until he heard one of his neighbors yelling. Once he had stopped daydreaming, he took a few deep breaths and went inside his house.

After Romeo walked in, he saw Macao and Wakaba sitting on the couch and watching a football game. The lacrima screen was so loud that they didn't hear him come in, so he just stood there and watched them for a few minutes. His dad was drinking beer and cheering for his team, and in a few minutes, Romeo would break his heart. He knew his dad would be disappointed and was scared to tell him. He almost chickened out and headed to his room when Wakaba noticed him.

"Hey Romeo, when did you get back?" asked his dad after Wakaba nudged him.

"A minute or so ago," said Romeo.

"Well, you wanna watch the game with us?" Macao asked his son.

Romeo shook his head, "No, not right now, Dad. I actually need to talk to you about something… alone."

"Can it wait till after the game?" Macao said, slightly frustrated as the commercials ended.

"No, it's important," said Romeo.

His dad turned to Wakaba. "Romeo and I are gonna step into the kitchen. Keep up with the game for me."

Wakaba nodded.

They walked into the kitchen, and Macao spoke, "What's so important that you have to tell me in the middle of the game?"

Romeo turned away from his dad, hiding his shaking hands in his pockets, and said, "Something big. I messed up, Dad. I made a huge mistake, and I know you're gonna be pissed, and I'm sorry, but I didn't think this would happen." Romeo began.

"Romeo, what are you rambling about?" Macao asked, annoyed.

"Dad, Wendy's… pregnant," he said as he turned around, his shoulders tense in anticipation.

Macao's face scrunched up in ager and frustration as he turned towards their living room and looked at Wakaba, "Can you give us a minute?"

Wakaba nodded, knowing his friend would explain what was going on later. Before walking outside, he paused the lacrima screen and walked out with a cigar in hand. As soon as Macao heard the door shut, he spoke again, "Are you serious, Romeo?" Romeo didn't answer, knowing it would worsen things if he did. Macao continued, "I thought you had sense enough to know not to have sex! Did y'all even use protection?"

"Yeah, we did, Dad. I had a condom, and Wendy is on the potion." Romeo explained and decided he would attempt to defend himself. "I'm really sorry, Dad. We didn't plan for this to happen. I know you're mad, but I already feel bad enough. I was an idiot to think that we were ready. Hell, both of us were idiots! You probably hate me right now, and I'm sorry."

Macao sighed after listening to Romeo. "Did she tell you tonight?"

His son nodded.

"I'm assuming since you're still alive, Natsu does not know?" Macao asked.

Romeo nodded again.

Macao sat down at their kitchen table and stared up at his son. "I'm not happy about this, and you are grounded until further notice, but I will support you. I'm your Dad; I'm always gonna be here for you. I love you no matter what. There is nothing you can do that would make me hate you. That does not mean I'm gonna baby you in this, though; you made an adult decision, and now you must face the adult consequences."

Romeo nodded as Macao stood up and hugged his son.

After pulling away, Macao said, "I love you, Romeo."

"I love you too, Dad," said Romeo.

"Now go to your room and get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning."

Romeo started heading to his room when Macao said, "Also, you're helping Cana clean the house for two months."

Romeo groaned, which made his dad laugh. "Really?" he complained.

Macao nodded, and Romeo went to his room.

That went better than he thought it would. He probably deserved worse. As Romeo laid in bed, he thought about Wendy and the baby. How was he supposed to care for Wendy and a child when he couldn't even make mac and cheese? He stared at the ceiling, thinking about what he could do to be worthy of taking care of his new unplanned family.