Right, so excited to start my brand new Frary story. It's based on teenage pregnancy so do read at your discretion! I had originally written this plot for another fandom, but I found it perfect for Frary. It kind of mirrors the life they would have had in the usual Reign universe, as monarchs married and had children during their teenage years. I just wanted to put a modern spin to that and see how they would adapt to being modern teenagers in the late 20th/21st century. I haven't exactly got a century thought of, but it's modern in terms of that.
Enjoy! :)
Mary stares at the two tests intently. She questions herself, a half-smile playing on her rosy lips as the idea starts to grow on her more. Well, sort of because the half of her lips that aren't quirked is laced in uncertainty and anxiety.
Blonde? Raven? Blue? Brown? A perfect mix?
A sigh escapes her lips and she nervously bites her bottom lip. She's accepted a place at one of the country's most prestigious universities and she is on her way to becoming something worthwhile.
Something better. She is better. Better than her mother, her late father James Sr and her brother, James Jr. She is in a relationship with someone who loves her so much, who worships the ground she walks on. She has friends who adore and love her as well, a pretty envious life for some...
And where exactly does a baby fit into all of that?
Mary takes her phone from the side of the sink and searches for Francis's name in her recent contacts. For the past three years, they have maintained a long-distance relationship, having been friends since childhood.
His father knew her father and a few of her friends' fathers. They all went to the same university and ended up in the same secret club or something. It was gracious of the Valoises to entertain Mary and her friends at their villa in Calais every year.
Wealthy people thought alike.
But Mary's family's wealth has decreased somewhat over the years since her father died nine days after she was born from a car accident. Her half-brother doesn't know how to manage money, having blown through most of his trust fund by age sixteen.
Mary is smarter, only using the money to fund her education and paying for needed necessities. Sometimes she does stupid things like give her mother some money to fund her alcohol and designer drugs addictions.
"Francis?" She calls out, closing her eyes when she hears the tone pick up.
"Mary, how are you?" He asks, a smile audibly heard.
Mary smiles a little. "Can you visit Scotland any time soon?"
"Why, what's up?"
"I just have to see you face-to-face," she tells him, playing with the tap by turning it off and on. "I miss you."
Francis tuts lightly. "Mary... I've got to sort out some stuff with things related to university inductions. Oh, I got accepted, by the way! I can't wait to see you on our first day at Oxford."
"I think I'm going to defer," she says softly. "I'm considering putting forward a medical reason."
"What?" He breathes out in shock. "Mary, are you sick?"
"In a way," she says. "Look, just fly out for me? Please?"
He sighs. "I'll see you tonight if your family are out?"
"They are," she confirms.
Her mother stays at her uncle's house most of the time and her brother has his own place nowadays. He prefers to stay away from her and although she's hurt about that, it does release any tension when they reunite seldom.
"Alright, I'm booking my flight right now. Bash wants to come, is that alright?" He replies.
She nods. "Sure," she mumbles. "Kenna has a few guest bedrooms."
"What? Her parents will accept that? A random guy in their home?"
Mary chuckles. "Number one, they know Bash already, they like him! Number two, she doesn't live at home anymore."
"Wait, since when?" Francis asks, surprised.
"Since she also got into Oxford and her parents had stopped renting out one of their properties in Oxford..."
"Ah."
"She needs help moving some things and I'm sure Bash will be perfect for some heavy lifting manual labour," Mary teases, rolling her eyes when she hears Bash make a noise of displeasure. "I mean, that is if he wants to come."
"He will," Francis quickly says. "Might as well put him to use. Earn his stay."
"Shut up, Francis!" Bash says, making Mary giggle.
She shifts on her feet. "Anyway, I can't wait to see you. I've missed you a lot."
"I've missed you too," Francis tells her. "I'll be properly moving to England very soon. I'm looking through properties with my parents, they haven't decided on one that they both approve on. Might need to crash at Kenna's for a bit after term starts."
Mary nervously chuckles. "Hmm, you might. I think she's already got the rooms on lockdown for Lola, Greer and Aylee though. She has a bedroom spare."
"What about you?" Francis asks her.
Mary can't afford a place on her own, but after receiving those test results... "As I said, I'm deferring. I'll tell you all about it when you come this night."
"Should we just meet in England then?"
Mary blinks in slight unexpectedness. "Oh, right sure. I guess it makes it easier to start planning where to live and stuff as well as Bash helping Kenna out. Yeah, I'll meet you guys at Heathrow?"
"We'll land by quarter to eleven this night," he informs her. "See you around then if you can get a flight out?"
"Definitely," Mary whispers. "See you later. I love you."
"Love you too, my love."
He hangs up before she can and she turns around to face herself in the mirror. Her hands grip the sides of the marble sink and she blinks tears away, shaking slightly as she inhales deeply and exhales just as deep.
She leaves the sink and goes to book a flight.
...
By quarter to eleven, Mary finds out that the flight landing from Paris, France is delayed. She heads outside, sending Francis a text message that he'll get when he and Bash get off their flight.
Just as she is about to slip her phone into her pocket, Kenna starts to call and she answers it with a bright smile.
"Hey! I've made it!" She says into the phone. "Are you nearby?"
"A few minutes or so out," Kenna says. "A little bit of traffic."
Mary clicks her tongue, stuffing her hands into her light jacket. She feels hot in the warm, night air. "That's fine. The flight from France is delayed a while."
"Okay, I thought I'd be leaving all of you standing there waiting like idiots!" Kenna says, laughing slightly. "I'm almost there, actually. About to-"
Mary looks up and sees the familiar white Range Rover pull up and she waves, wheeling her tiny suitcase over just as Kenna stops by the curb and gets out to help her take her suitcase.
"Hi!" Kenna says, quickly hugging her. "Get in. Let them know that I'll circle around a bit so I don't get a ticket."
Mary nods and gets in, sending Francis another text as Kenna slams the boot shut. She gives her best friend a grin when the woman gets inside and starts to drive off just before a car behind them presses their horn.
"So impatient," Kenna chastises, rolling her eyes. "I know, not my usual everyday outfit but you did call me unexpectedly."
Mary bites her lip in amusement, staring at Kenna's velvet, deep purple pyjamas and purple fluffy slides. "You look great."
"Think the guys will notice?" Kenna asks her, grinning. "You look good yourself. You're glowing."
Mary falters, waving it off. "Just fewer carbs," she says. "And more protein."
"It's working," Kenna tells her.
Mary quietly thanks her, feeling the urge to throw up. She swallows it down and sees the screen of her phone light up with a text message from Francis. She smiles widely, quickly replying.
"You can go back. They're here - didn't need to go to the baggage collection," Mary says, fixing her hair and checking her make up in the mirror.
Kenna gives her a cheeky wink as she rounds the roundabout and heads back to the arrivals area. She sees Mary take a few breaths in and out, placing two hands onto her stomach.
"Nerves?" She asks her best friend.
Mary turns to her. "Yeah. So many, you don't even know. We haven't seen each other since the first week of August. Henry really wanted a family holiday so Francis and I didn't see or talk much during the holidays."
"Oh, right. No wonder you've been moody," Kenna says lightly. "Loverboy was nowhere to be found!"
"Shut up," Mary whines lightly back. "There they are!"
She points towards the doors where Francis looks around in confusion and Bash's eyes are trained on his phone. It makes her laugh, leaning over to press Kenna's horn to gain their attention.
As Kenna parks, Mary undoes her seatbelt but is stopped by her friend.
"My car, my guests. I want that five-star," Kenna teases Mary before getting out of the car.
Mary grins when Francis heads over and spots her. She puts the window down just in time for their lips to meet in a sweet kiss. Her hand cups his cheek and she pulls away with a small smile.
"Hi," she breathes out.
"Hey," he whispers back. "We should probably go before we hold up the whole queue of cars waiting."
She nods and undoes her seatbelt before getting out of the car. It confuses Francis, but she opens the backdoor and gestures for him to get inside.
"Bash can go in the front," she explains. "I want to cuddle with you."
"Ah," Francis says with a grin. "Okay."
He gets inside and she goes in after him, closing the door behind her. She does her seatbelt and waits until he does his before taking his hand and squeezing it tightly. She then shuffles so she leans into his side and closes her eyes, inhaling his scent.
"Right, everyone inside and belted up?" Kenna asks, getting inside as Bash takes the passenger seat.
"Yes, ma'am," Francis replies, making Kenna laugh.
"Okay. And yes, I know I am in my pyjamas," Kenna says, rolling her eyes when she catches Bash's gaze. "It's Mary's fault. I wasn't expecting to be driving an hour here to pick you three up this night. Now, I've got to spend another hour getting to my home. The things I do for my friends..."
Bash smirks. "Aren't you using me for manual labour though?"
"Uh..."
"I think a lift should suffice as payment," he tells her, making her blush slightly.
"I guess so," she mumbles, smiling to herself. "Right, since you're shotgun, choose a good radio station."
Bash turns to Francis and Mary before turning to the radio control. "I know exactly what to put on."
...
The second Kenna opens her front door, Mary rushes to the toilet and throws up, footsteps immediately following after her. She's already been here before, only once to check out the rooms and choose one, but now she won't have a need for it.
"Mary," Kenna says, kneeling down beside her. "Are you okay?"
"I ate some bad food," Mary lies, rubbing her head.
Kenna helps put her hair in a hairband, rubbing her back afterwards. "Do you want a drink?"
"Yes, please," Mary says softly, getting up to wash her mouth out. "Thank you."
"No problem," Kenna tells her. "I'll sort out the guys as well. Take your time."
When she's done brushing her teeth again, Mary joins them in the open plan living area and kitchen. She takes a seat beside Francis and leans forward to collect her water from the coaster on the coffee table.
"So before you came," Kenna starts. "I was explaining the sleeping arrangements. You see, the only bed I have set up is yours, Mary, so you and I will have the bed this night and I'll need help setting up my bed in the master bedroom tomorrow morning. The boys can take the sofas for now."
"Right," Mary mumbles. "Good idea. We need a girls' chat anyway."
She turns to Francis and gives him a smile, kissing his cheek. She wants to tell him as soon as possible, but it's late ad they are all tired since it's past midnight. She decides that she will tell Kenna first.
Her best friend keeps secrets to the grave and she will hopefully give her some decent advice. Especially as Mary's deferring for a year to focus on the changes to her body and life overall. If Francis wants the baby that is.
Subconsciously, she places a light hand on her stomach and bites her lip in thought. No one seems to notice as Kenna tells Bash and Francis what she has planned for the house and furniture. Glancing down at her hand, Mary places it on Francis's knee instead and gives him a smile when he kisses her cheek this time, whispering a quick, "I love you," into her ear.
It makes her feel gooey inside. She feels gooey and happy and she lets out a stupid smile, leaning her head on his shoulder as her eyes meet Kenna's warm ones, smiles on both their lips. Her eyes draw to her handbag on the table and then nervously flicker over to Francis.
She studies him, watches as he laughs at something Kenna says which makes her best friend roll her eyes. He seems so happy, so relaxed and she puts it down to spending time with her and their friends.
A part of her believes that he won't take this well, he's already got his life planned for the next ten years. Those years involve her and children, even getting married within the next five years as well. Will he mind doing the children part first?
"I'm feeling tired," Mary tells them. "Kenna, should we head to bed? I did practically drag you out of it in the first place."
Kenna nods and places her scrapbook down on the table and gets up. "Well, there are four family bathrooms," she tells Francis and Bash. "Choose one to your liking if you need the bathroom and we'll see you later on."
She heads up the stairs first, leaving Mary turning to kiss Francis on his lips. She pulls away with a smile and cups his cheek, rubbing it gently. She feels at peace whenever he's by her side and now, she's happy he's around.
"Goodnight, Francis," she whispers, kissing him again and getting up. "Night, Bash."
"Goodnight," Bash says, getting up to head to the bathroom.
Mary looks down at Francis as he takes her hand and says, "Goodnight, my love."
She grins happily and retrieves her suitcase and bag before heading upstairs to meet Kenna in 'her' bedroom. It's the second-largest bedroom, the first being the master bedroom and Kenna's bedroom.
"My brothers got lazy," Kenna explains. "They did your bed and assumed that it was my bedroom. We'll rectify that in the morning."
"Kenna," Mary calls her name, shutting the door behind her. "There's something I need to tell you."
Kenna furrows her brows but sits down and nods. "What is it?"
Wringing her hands, Mary slowly makes her way over to her friend and whispers, "I'm pregnant."
"Oh my God."
...
"Oh. My. God," Kenna says again quietly, eyes wide as she shakes her head in disbelief. "Mary-"
"Before you say anything else," Mary quickly cuts her off quietly. "Francis doesn't know yet. I found out before I called you."
Kenna lets out a curse and swallows deeply, her brown eyes meeting Mary's. "Are you okay?"
"I am," Mary says, shrugging. "I think so. I've already planned this out. I am going to defer-"
"What if Francis doesn't want this? The baby?" Kenna asks her.
Mary sighs, sitting down beside her and covers her face. "I don't know. But I kind of want to have this baby..."
"But you're on the pill," Kenna states in wonder and shock.
"Remember that food poisoning from that weird restaurant we tried when Francis visited earlier in August?" Mary asks her.
Kenna nods. "I do."
"It must have been then. I threw up a lot that day."
"Oh."
"Yes."
"Right."
"Hmm."
"A baby."
"I know!"
Kenna gets up and starts pacing. "Where will you live? How will you support yourself? What are your mum and brother going to say?!"
"You think I haven't thought of that?" Mary asks her, shrugging hopelessly. "Will you help me?"
Kenna nods. "Of course," she tells Mary, kneeling down before her and taking her friend's hands. "I'll help you. You can stay here if you want."
"Thank you," Mary says, her voice breaking. "I hope Francis takes it as well as you are."
"Well?" Kenna repeats. "Babe, I am freaking out inside because I am barely able to look after myself let alone a baby! Mary!"
"Kenna, you're worrying me!"
"I'm sorry," Kenna says, sighing heavily. "We only turned eighteen at the beginning of the year. We may be legal adults, but in all honesty, I am still sixteen at heart."
Mary laughs. "Going around and snogging all the boys and girls in our year?"
"Hey, don't knock it until you've tried it, Little Miss 'I Am Solely Committed To One Blonde Guy For The Rest Of My Life, Kill Me Now'."
"Kenna!" Mary scolds lightly.
Kenna grins cheekily. "I'm happy for you. You'll be a great mum."
"Will I really? I haven't exactly had the best role model..."
Kenna shrugs indifferently. "Marie de Guise is not important. You are, this baby is... I'm here for you both."
"Thanks, Kenna. I'd like to keep it a secret for now, even after I've told Francis... I just want to get past that thirteen-week mark," Mary says. "I've read up on when to tell people."
"Talk to Francis first," Kenna tells her. "But I understand. Don't worry, your secret's safe with me."
...
Later that morning, Mary bites her lip in thought as she makes breakfast. She looks up and sees that everyone is still pretty much asleep except her and Kenna who hides away upstairs until the food comes out.
Mary swallows her nerves down, rubbing her non-existent bump absentmindedly as wonders how Francis will take it. He's wonderful and he will obviously take the news wonderfully. Right?
"Does someone smell burning?" She hears someone ask groggily.
Mary gasps and looks down to see the bacon blackening by the second. She quickly turns the stove off and opens the backdoors before the...
The alarm goes off and she hears three collective groans of displeasure, giving the men a meek smile as she brings the frying pan over to the sink.
"Sorry," she apologises, rubbing her head. "My head's with the fairies."
As Bash attempts to turn the alarm off, Francis comes over to take over in dealing with the burnt food. He sends her a smile, letting her know that he isn't as annoyed as she thinks he is.
Mary studies him as he works, realising that he's topless and she bites insides of her cheeks. "Were you feeling hot?"
"Huh?"
"You're not wearing a shirt," she states.
Francis smirks. "Admiring my body, are we?"
"Shut up," she replies, laughing slightly. "I wanted to make breakfast. As a 'thank you' for Kenna and well, since you guys are here... I'm so sorry for disturbing your sleep especially after we got here really late."
"It's fine," Francis tells her, nudging her shoulder lightly. "Why don't I take over and you take a seat?"
She scoffs. "Is that a way to nicely let me know that I am a bad cook?"
"Well-"
"You're right," she cuts him off, smiling brightly. "I'm so sorry, guys."
"Oh, no one's dead," Kenna says, heading down the stairs. "What a shame."
Her eyes meet Mary's and Mary sends her a pointed look, turning to face Francis.
"Well, since breakfast is a bust, why don't we find something to eat outside, Bash?" Kenna asks, turning to Bash.
Bash steps down from the dining chair and turns to Kenna. "Alone?"
"Yeah."
"Why?"
Kenna frowns a little. "Because I also intend to utilise the chance to buy some drawers and dressers?"
"And...?"
"I need help?" Kenna rolls her eyes playfully.
Bash tuts. "I would, but... I think I'm busy right now. Trying to, you know, save our eardrums and all."
"Please?"
"Was that so hard?" Bash teases her, putting the dining chair back in its original spot. "Give me five minutes to get ready."
Kenna crosses her arms as he passes her and she resists the urge to smack him lightly. She turns to Mary and gives her a warm smile.
"Do you want anything?"
"I'm good," Mary quickly replies.
"And you, Francis?" Kenna asks. "I know you love that restaurant that isn't in France. I can get you something from there?"
Francis places a hand on his heart. "You're so kind. If you don't mind, I'll text you my order."
Kenna giggles when he turns away from her, her eyes landing on Mary again. She mouths, "Tell him," to her and turns, heading back upstairs to get her shoes, coat and handbag.
As Francis deals with her failed breakfast, Mary wraps her arms around him, placing her cheek on his back. She closes her eyes and tightens her grip slightly, his own hands squeezing her smaller hands.
"You're more cuddly than usual," he states, returning to washing her dirty dishes. "I guess some of this is salvageable."
"Like what?" She asks.
"The baked beans. You can't burn baked beans unless you're insane," he tells her, handing her the tin. "And the sausages are nearly done. There's some toast in the fridge. It isn't that bad of a sort of breakfast - a partial full English."
She nods. "I guess. Let me just quickly use the bathroom and I'll be right back."
She shuts the door behind her and throws up, just managing to get to the toilet in time. She feels awful but she sucks it up and takes a deep breath in before releasing it out. She hears the front door shut and she gets up, flushes the toilet and fixes herself in the mirror.
Washing her hands, she picks up a new toothbrush and scrubs her teeth clean, getting rid of the acidic taste in her mouth. She can't even go an hour without wanting to empty her stomach contents, but that was the beauty of pregnancy.
When she's done, she smiles, placing two hands on her stomach and rubbing it. She doesn't know how to explain it, but she adores this baby already. It's something from her and the man she loves and she'll be a better mother than hers ever was.
"Mary, Bash and Kenna left!" Francis calls her from outside the bathroom.
Mary leaves the bathroom and gives her boyfriend a bright smile. "Hey, do you want to play some football after?"
...
It's cold outside, but Mary only wears a light sweater as she kicks the ball towards Francis. She giggles when he tries to attempt a few tricks before admitting that he can't really play football as good as his brothers.
"I'm more of a Rugby kind of guy," he reminds her.
"You?" She asks, doubtful. "With your asthma and a million other medical issues?"
Francis raises his hands up in defence. "I admit, I was benched quite a lot."
Mary chuckles before going up the stone steps to sit at the patio area. She waves him over and he kicks the ball towards the end of the garden before heading up to meet her.
"I remember you saying that we needed to talk. About you deferring because of a medical reason?" He asks, raising an arm over her shoulders. "Mary, what's going on?"
Her eyes flicker to his and she inhales deeply before saying, "I'm pregnant."
"Wh-What?"
"Francis, I'm pregnant."
"Are you sure?"
"One-hundred per cent sure," she says quietly. "I took two tests and-"
She's cut off by Francis hugging her tightly, his lips pressing against the side of her head as he starts laughing. She's confused, slightly alarmed and a bit freaked out by his reaction. It's way better than she expected.
"Okay," he breathes out, pulling away. "I know it's earlier than we planned, but... Wait, aren't you on the pill?"
"I am. I threw up that time we went to the seafood place," she explains.
"God, Mary," he says in wonder, placing a hand on her stomach. "A little you or me... I can't believe it."
"Well, believe it," she says, a smile gracing her lips in relief. "This baby is coming to meet us in eight months."
Francis kisses her softly, cupping her cheeks. "This is like all my Christmas wishes come together in one present."
"You're so goddamn cheesy," she whispers, eyeing his lips.
"I know," he replies, tears springing to his eyes. "I'm going to be a dad. Oh my God, we'll need somewhere to live. The baby will be walking before we know it and-"
"One step at a time, Francis!" Mary cries out, giggling as her own tears slide down her cheeks.
He looks towards the backdoor. "Should we go inside? It's getting a bit cold and I don't want you to catch anything."
She nods and they get up. Just as she's about to head inside, he gestures for her to get onto his back. She looks at him incredulously, but he's persistent and it humours her.
"My pregnant girlfriend shall never touch the ground again," he says dramatically. "Introducing your new chariot - my back."
Mary rolls her eyes, getting onto his back as he stands up with ease. They used to do this as children, having stopped piggybacks and horse rides when they were pre-teens.
"Remember when I sprained my ankle?" She asks as they go inside. "When we were ten and went to the beach?"
"Oh, that was a lovely day," Francis replies, grinning. "You and Kenna buried Bash in the sand and wouldn't let him out until he promised to stop ruining your sandcastles."
"We were fooled sadly," Mary says lightly. "He ruined all fifteen that we made after."
She presses a kiss on his shoulder and he turns his head to purse his lips. Rolling her eyes playfully, she presses her lips against his and pulls away before he can deepen it.
"Should we cook dinner or something?" She asks him. "I'm feeling proactive."
"Oh," Francis starts. "Cooking dinner and being a mother? You are a superwoman! Although, we should see what your options are regarding Oxford and what will happen within these next twelve months."
Mary sighs and nods. "We should. But later because I want to spend some time with you. Before we have a baby wake us up at ungodly hours."
"I can't wait for that. Long mornings and short nights..."
A wave of unease settles at the bottom of Mary's stomach and she gets off Francis's back when they get to the living room. She gives him a wry smile, shaking her head slightly.
"Don't you think that we're... Too young?" She asks. "I mean, I love this baby already even though it's practically a bundle of cells, but... I can't help but think-"
"If we're rushing into this too quickly?" He finishes for her. "I understand. Your mum wasn't the best of mums and all mine did was bubble wrap me my whole life. We'll obviously have different parenting styles, but it doesn't matter because we love this baby."
"So, you think we're ready?"
Francis nods, cupping her cheeks. "I think that even though this was unexpected, it was meant to be. I love you so much, I am ecstatic that you're pregnant with my baby. Our baby."
Mary sniffles. "I was scared that you'd leave me."
"Don't be silly. I'll never leave you. Especially not over this! This is wonderful for us," Francis tells her. "We can make things work... I'll always be with you, there's no other place I'd rather be."
Mary presses a kiss against his lips and sighs happily. When they pull apart, she lays her head on his chest and closes her eyes, inhaling his scent. He smells amazing, more so with her heightened sense of smell and it makes her beam. She has all of this, now and forevermore...
"Want to get married?" She whispers, opening her eyes. "Just... elope?"
Francis gently pulls her head away from his chest and studies her eyes. "Yes," he replies, just as quietly. "God, yes."
