Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Lately, it’s always the same case.

A perfectly healthy kid on paper. Nothing glaring. No infection, no clear toxin, no common allergy. But they show up sluggish. Vague aches. Some dizzy, some nauseous. A few with minor coordination issues. One little girl was slurring her words just enough to terrify her parents.

Monica keeps seeing them. And she keeps seeing the same name on the intake forms under ‘after-school activity’ This new, polished, very modern health program called WholeKid+.

Their brochure is in her hand now. All bright colors, leafy logos, and phrases like ‘immune balance’, ‘cellular reset’ and ‘whole child recalibration’ There’s nothing illegal in it. But there’s something wrong. She feels it.

Which is why she’s in Dr. Webber’s office.

He's mid-scroll through the chart she gave him, brows furrowed behind thin glasses. His coffee is still steaming. Monica’s pacing.

“These kids are fine until they go there. And their parents aren’t worried because the place markets itself like some elite health haven. They’re giving out supplements that aren’t even FDA cleared”

Dr. Webber doesn’t flinch. He’s calm as always. Sometimes infuriatingly so.

“Dr. Beltran, I’m not saying you’re wrong. But you’re making a leap here. There’s no clear causality”

“There’s a clear… connection” she snaps

 “There’s no documentation. We need to talk to toxicology. Wait for a second opinion. Maybe flag it but it’s not-” He sets the tablet down and folds his hands. “We’re a hospital. Not a public health agency. We treat what comes in. We don’t investigate wellness centers”

“They’re hurting kids”

“But we can’t prove it. We open the hospital to a potential lawsuit that we can’t afford right now” he says evenly “The parent need to denounce it”

Monica’s chest tightens. She doesn’t even know what she expected him to say? You’re right, go kick the door down! She’s not stupid. But she is furious.

Still, she keeps her voice level. “Okay. Thanks for the time”

She turns to go, and Dr. Webber adds gently, “Be careful, Beltran. I know how you get when it’s about kids”

She smiles. Not the nice kind.

Proof.

That’s what he said, whether he meant to or not. Proof.

She just has to find it.

Only one problem.

She needs to get in and she doesn’t really have a… way to do that.

Amelia’s office is tucked between the MRI suite and a supply room. It’s barely wider than her desk. She still hates it a little, but hey, no one bothers her here.

So when there’s a soft knock and then Monica peeks her head in, she blinks in surprise.

“Wow” Monica says, stepping inside and looking around with exaggerated wonder. “I’ve never been in here before. This is... cozy”

Amelia narrows her eyes. “You don’t have to be polite about it. This is a closet”

“No! I like it” Monica grins, walking inside, looking around. “It’s very… peaceful. It’s nice. ”

Amelia knows something is up. Monica is not one to care about working spaces or decor. Still, it’s been a few days since they last had a moment alone, and… it’s nice, actually. Monica’s presence makes the room feel less stale. She hasn’t realized she missed her until just now.

Amelia gestures for her to sit. “Okay. What’s with you?”

Monica hesitates. That’s already a red flag. Monica Beltran is usually more confident than this.

“I need a favor” she says. “A big one”

Amelia leans back. “Okay. Do you have a consult?”

“Technically... no” Monica says. Then, fast: “But I do need you. And I might need… your kid. I know-how-that-sounds”

Amelia straightens. “You need Scout?”

“Sort of. Let me explain” Monica sits forward, elbows on her knees. “There’s this new place…WholeKid+? Have you heard of it?”

Amelia nods slowly. “That’s the one with the ads all over the city. Yoga mats and smiling seven-year-olds”

“Yeah. That one” Monica exhales. “I’ve had five kids this month alone who’ve been through their program. All of them came in with weird symptoms. Neurological stuff. Nothing huge, but enough to scare their parents. And the only thing they all have in common is that program”

Amelia crosses her arms, the mood shifting. “And you want to investigate it?”

“They won’t let anyone in unless you’re part of their intake process” Monica explains. “Every kid has to go through a parent-child wellness consultation before they start. That’s the only way in”

Amelia is already shaking her head. “No”

“Just hear me out”

“I am” Amelia says, steady but firm. “And I’m sorry but I don’t want to expose Scout to something you’re actively suspicious of”

“I wouldn’t put him at risk” Monica says immediately. “We wouldn’t do the program. Just the intro. No food, no supplements. We stay for the interview, I get a look around, I take a couple samples, and we’re out. Twenty minutes. Tops”

Amelia doesn’t answer right away. She’s staring at the floor, thinking. Not because she doesn’t trust Monica’s intentions, but because this is about Scout.

Monica keeps going, softer now. “I wouldn’t ask if I had another option. But this can get worse and someone has to do something. Kids are getting hurt”

Amelia looks up. Her face is unreadable. “I- I would need to be there”

“Of course! We can- we can go together” She offers casually, but she stammers a little at the thought. Going together as… “You and me and… Scout. Co-parents! Right? We could play it out. You could… be the overprotective, skeptical one. I’d be the supportive wellness nut. Scout just has to sit there and look adorable”

Amelia exhales. The same thought is crossing her mind. Her brain is wandering places. So they are going to what? Play family? She gets why it’s just- she and Monica toget- pretending to be together? With Scout… the tree of them… together… acting like a family… toget-

“Dr. Shepherd?”

She knows Monica wouldn’t put Scout in danger. She knows how hard this must have been to ask. And the thought of helping her to protect other kids pulls at something deep.

“And it would be just an interview…”

Monica nods, already halfway to grateful. “We would never leave him out of our sight. I will abort mission if anything even touches him”

“If anything even touches him that place won’t be a problem anymore because I’m burning it down”

“I’ll bring the matches” Monica offers with a smile.

And Amelia knows already that she’s going to say yes.

The next morning, they both ask for the rest of the day off.

Amelia handles it smoothly. Just a vague ‘personal errand’ and a promise to be reachable if needed. Monica, on the other hand, gave Dr. Webber a tight-lipped ‘it’s fine, just something community-related’ that he clearly didn’t buy but didn’t push.

Monica already made the appointment at 11.

So when they walk toward the hospital daycare, Monica tries to act normal, like this isn’t the strangest, most nerve-wracking favor she’s ever asked of someone she has very confusing feelings for.

They stop just outside the door, and Amelia glances sideways, her mouth twitching before she opens the door “I’m not telling Link about this until we’re back”

He’s sitting cross-legged on the alphabet mat, coloring with intense focus, a little tongue sticking out at the corner of his mouth. One of the nurses speaks “Scout, mama’s here” and he turns…

And Monica is gone. Absolutely obliterated.

Scout is just… beautiful. Blonde hair, those blue eyes that cut right through you. He beams when he sees Amelia, drops his crayon, and runs straight into her arms.

Amelia lifts him easily, holding him with the kind of natural warmth that shouldn’t do things to Monica’s chest but absolutely does. Amelia presses a kiss to his temple and murmurs something Monica doesn’t catch, and then turns to introduce them.

“Hey bud, this is Monica. She’s a friend of Mommy’s”

Scout looks at her with open curiosity. No shyness, just that cute smile and Monica feels her throat tighten.

“Hi Scout” she says, somehow keeping her voice steady. “I need a big favor from you today. Your mom said you’re really good at helping”

He nods like it’s obvious. “I help with the laundry”

Monica laughs. “Even better. This is gonna be easier than socks”

Amelia chuckles, brushing a strand of hair from Scout’s forehead. And Monica…god, she can’t stop looking. It’s not just the cuteness, although that’s part of it. It’s the way Amelia holds him. The way his little hand curls at the collar of her shirt like it’s the most normal thing in the world.

There’s just… love. Everywhere. And Monica’s heart doesn’t just speed up. It kinda gets louder. Like it wants her to hear something she’s too afraid to name.

She still manages to function. Smiles. Engages. But it takes everything.

Amelia says her goodbyes and then they walk out of the daycare. “We’re going to visit a place today, and I need your help pretending something. Like play pretending. It’s like a game”

He tilts his head. “Game of what?”

Amelia hesitates and swallows. She stays focused on Scout because she just can’t look at Monica, not with what she’s about to say. She’s walking right next to them and she can practically feel her warmth “Family… like. You know like daddy has Jo, and auntie Mer has Nick. But it’s a game. It’s just for today”

“It’ll be fun” Monica says. And her eyes flick to Amelia’s before she can stop herself. “Just for today. You, your mom, and me.”

Scout looks perfectly fine with that. “Okay”

Amelia continues “We’re going to see these people… and we have to act like the three of us are a family, and they’ll ask questions and you just have to go along with it, right?”

“How do we win?”

“Uh…” Amelia looks at Monica.

“If they believe it. That’s it! And then if we win… we all get as much ice cream as we can eat!”

Scout giggles excitedly at that “We’ll win!”

“That’s right! You are the smartest kid I’ve ever met, you know? We got this” 

“And she works with kids every day that’s no small compliment” Amelia adds playfully.

“True” And then she says it. Before she can think better of it, it slips out. “And you have the most beautiful blue eyes” Monica murmurs. “Just like your mom”

Amelia blinks. Her cheeks flush pink.

Scout blinks too, then turns and stares at Amelia’s face like he’s trying to compare in real time. “You don’t have my eyelashes”

Amelia laughs, looking away, clearly flustered. “That's because you also have your father's good looks"

Monica is smiling too, but inside she’s dizzy. Not in a bad way. Just… overwhelmed.

"Oh come on" She scoffs. "You know that face is mostly you"

Amelia chuckles shyly "It was a team effort"

Monica just keeps smiling.

God, what am I doing.

Pretending to be a family. With Amelia. With Scout. There’s this… part of her, not loud, but clear, that is whispering:

You want this.

She swallows it down. 

“Okay,” she says, a little too brightly. “Let’s go on a mission”

And the three of them head out together. A picture, if you didn’t look too closely. Like they’ve always been like this.

Like maybe they could be.

Chapter Text

Amelia pulls into the parking lot, shifts the car into park, and for a moment, neither of them moves. They just look at each other.

It’s a little awkward, not in a bad way… but because it feels so easy. Like they’ve been doing this forever. Morning errands, family trips. The drive here was… domestic. Comfortable. Scout had been chatting the whole way, bubbling with excitement about their super secret mission, and sneaking in subtle checks about the promised ice cream.

And Monica was just so good with him. She has a way of talking with kids that makes them open up and trust her immediately.

Amelia has seen it before, of course. In the hospital. But watching her with Scout? With her kid? It feels different. It’s heartwarming in a way that hits much deeper.

Monica turns in her seat, facing Scout in his car seat. “We’re here! Remember, this is a super secret, super important mission. And if we do this right, we’re going to help a lot of kids”

Scout’s eyes go wide, locking on Monica like she’s just given him the most important task in the world. “Okay” he says, sounding all solemn and brave.

Monica’s lips curve into a smile, but she narrows her eyes in mock seriousness. “Now, they might say things that sound weird, or like they’re going to make you do stuff. But none of that’s going to happen, alright? We’re just pretending. We’re going to make them believe we want to learn what they’re offering. Your mom and I will be with you the whole time. You don’t have to do anything”

Scout nods like serious little soldier.

Monica leans back, glancing at Amelia. “And I gave them a fake name, by the way. Just in case. Didn’t want this circling back to Grey Sloanl. Dr. Webber was already annoyed when I even brought it up”

“I’m sure he was thrilled” Amelia deadpans.

And then Scout pipes up again. “Do I get a fake name?”

Monica blinks. “Uh… do you want one?”

Scout’s face lights up “Buddy!”

“Buddy?” Monica repeats, caught between confusion and amusement.

“He’s recently dropped Bluey” Amelia explains, her smile soft and fond “and switched to cats. Because we have a cat. He figured Bluey is a dog, and apparently now that’s a deal-breaker” She shakes her head with a mock sigh. “Now it’s SuperKitties all day, every day”

Monica stares at them. She can’t help it.

This little exchange, this casual, ordinary conversation about cartoons and cats… it shouldn’t make her feel anything except maybe mild amusement. But it does.

Scout is so smart and so effortlessly sweet. The way he looks at Amelia, so sure and loved. The way Amelia talks and listens to him like he’s the most important person in the world. Monica’s not sure when her heart got louder, but it has. She can practically hear it.

And now she’s about to walk into a building to pretend this is her life.

Pretend to be part of this little family. 

Pretend.

And then just go back to an empty apartment with boxes she hasn’t finished unpacking.

She clears her throat and puts the smile back on. “Alright, Buddy, it is!”

Scout beams.

Amelia glances at her, her own smile flickering with something Monica can’t read but feels too much of. “Ready?”

Monica exhales. She’s not sure she is.

The WholeKid+ facility looks exactly how Amelia expected and everything Monica loathes.

Too white. Too clean. Too many inspirational quotes in cursive vinyl. It’s somewhere between a spa and a tech start-up, with leafy walls and a soft acoustic playlist in the background. Scout holds Amelia’s hand, swinging their arms as they step inside, and Monica’s already scanning the whole plac.

They meet a woman at the reception with super white teeth and super blond hair and just a charming demeanour.  

“Hi I’m Maria Wolf. I have an appointment at 11, I’m here with uhm…”

Amelia nods “Emilia… Wolf” she says as she turns to look at Monica  “This is our son, Buddy”

“Oh my god, aren’t you the cutest boy?” The woman says, then she looks at them “Nice to meet you. You look like a wonderful family and we’re happy to have you here to start your journey at WholeKid+. You can wait right here, and if you want anything to drink, or any snacks for our little Buddy-“

“No thanks” Amelia says quickly and offers her a smile “We’ll just wait here”

“Of course” The woman smiles back and takes the phone to announce them. 

They go to a nearby couch. The reception area is huge and they see another family waiting, with their kids playing at a small play area across the room. Scout fixates on it like he wants to go join them, and Monica quickly picks it up.

“I think we can wait here, and after we leave we could go to a park” She offers as if she’s reading his thoughts “It’s gonna be cooler than that, with more kids. Remember that we’re on a mission?”

Scout smiles and nods eagerly. He looks so focused and excited about their super important, super secret mission.

It doesn’t take long before another woman shows up.

She’s wearing a sage-green brazer and just white pants and blouse, and approaches with a smile that could cut glass. “Welcome! You must be the Wolf family. I’m Claire. We’re so excited to have you start your journey today at WholeKid+”

Monica almost chokes at the mention of their fake family name. But Amelia acts like a pro. She just smiles and says, “That’s us”

Scout pipes up immediately. “These are my moms. I’m Buddy”

Monica’s heart does something it has no business doing. Amelia just gives her a side glance.

“Hi Buddy! It's so nice to meet you! Look at those blue eyes!” she exaggeratedly places her hands over her heart as they walk. She’s already launching into her pitch as she leads them down a hallway lined with motivational posters about potential, health, and future greatness.

“At WholeKid+, we believe every child has untapped potential. Whether it’s in sports, arts, or academics, our programs are designed to nurture those talents early. Who knows? Maybe you have a little Olympian in your hands!”

Amelia fake-laughs. “Yeah, what if, right?”

Claire doesn’t notice the sarcasm. Monica leans into it with a wide-eyed smile, giving Amelia a playful nudge. “She’s just skeptical. I’m the enthusiast in the family.”

Claire beams. “Well, that a perfect balance between you two”

Monica’s squeezing Amelia’s arm now, keeping up the act, and Amelia’s trying not to crack up because the physical contact feels way too natural.

They’re led into a consultation room. Small, but sleek, with a round table, a tablet already set up, and a tray of starter supplements on display.

Claire starts going over the nutritional program, talking about personalized vitamin regimens, detox drops, and their proprietary NeuroBalance formula. She tries to make it sound harmless enough to make Monica’s stomach twist. And she can tell that Amelia is already on high alert too.

“These supplements are designed to enhance cognitive focus, reduce behavioral imbalances, and optimize neural pathways for learning readiness” Claire explains “we hope to get ahead of any attention disadvantages, anxieties or learning problems so many of our babies have these days”

“Oh, so you have kids?” Monica asks.

“I do not” Claire smiles “But I assure you, I care just as much as any mom would.

Amelia squeezes Monica’s hand under the table. Everything sounds like a red flag. And it’s kinda hard to hide it from her face.

“So. Neural pathways, huh?” Amelia says. “That sounds intense”

“It’s all natural!” Claire chirps. “And micro-dosed for gentle recalibration”

Monica plays her part, all excited. “That’s fascinating! Isn’t it, babe?” She nudges Amelia’s leg under the table.

Amelia clears her throat. “Oh, totally. Recalibration. Love that”

Claire keeps asking about Scout’s habits. Does he struggle with focus? Is he sensitive to loud environments? How does he perform in structured vs. unstructured play?

Amelia takes the lead and answers clinically, keeping it neutral.

And then the conversation shifts to the family life. Monica is caught off-guard when Claire casually asks how long they have been together.

Amelia speaks “Eight years”

Monica blurts, “Six-”

The pause is unbearable.

Monica laughs nervously, latching onto Amelia’s hand. “We got married six years ago. Sorry I think I misunderstood the question. We were together before that… of course…”

Amelia’s mouth twitches a little, but she tries to smile “Time flies!”

Claire doesn’t seem to notice. But Monica does notices the hand. How warm it feels. How Amelia hasn’t let go.

“And how old is Buddy?”

"Five. Six in a couple months" Amelia replies “Yeah we figured it was time to get married and start a family. You know when it’s the- the- right person-“ She stammers a little because she notices the way Monica’s hand shakes. There’s a tiny bit of pressure.

And Claire just keeps asking her questions. They paint a picture of a perfect family, and it feels believable. Claire seems convinced.

Hell, even Monica could be convinced of this just by listening to Amelia talk about their family and their son.

At some point, she excuses herself with a polite smile. “Mind if I use the restroom?”

Claire points her down the hall, cheerfully oblivious.

But Monica doesn’t go to the restroom.

She slips past it, down another corridor marked as Staff Only.

Sure, She needs to actually find something to have real evidence against this place, but she also needed to walk out for a minute. Maybe they are playing these parts a little too convincing. It doesn’t feel great to know she has none of that. She spent so much time working for a marriage that lead nowhere, hoping for things to get better, being miserable. 

Now she’s in a new city, with barely any friends-

Well, Amelia counts as a friend, right? She agreed to do all this. She’s been there for her before.

Monica shakes her head and tries to focus on the mission. 

She’s looking for something that explains the neurological symptoms.

Soon she finds a ‘NeuroBalance Recalibration Room’. All sleek glass and soft ambient lighting, with yoga mats, and… strange devices mounted in the walls.

At first glance, they look like air purifiers. But they’re not.

Monica finds a maintenance panel slightly ajar. Inside, she sees electromagnetic frequency emitters. It looks like cheap, unregulated tech that’s supposed to ‘stimulate cognitive focus’ with low-level electromagnetic fields. But they’re unshielded, turned up way too high and probably blasting kids with levels that could easily cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness. Exactly the symptoms she’s been seeing.

But she needs to take pictures for Amelia to take a look. She’s probably going to know more about this.

There's also a stack of unlabeled supplement sample kits on a shelf. Monica snaps more pictures.

Suddenly, a voice nearby startles her.

“Excuse me. Can I help you?”

A staff member. 

Monica flips a smile, playing innocent. “Oh! Gosh. I got lost on the way to the restroom. Could you help me?”

The staffer frowns. Not convinced. But Monica speaks again “My family… is waiting for me with Claire. We’re trying to enroll our kid in the program. This all looks… really impressive. We’re so excited to get a spot in here”

The man exhales, but he seems to be more receptive now. “Just follow me”

“Thank you! You’re a life saver!” She grabs his arm and keeps playing dumb.

The staffer guides her to the restroom, and Monica just goes in to check the pictures she took before heading back to the office.

Claire is still talking. Amelia’s been hearing her, sure, but it only gets more and more irritating. The lies, and the tone.

“And that’s why our NeuroBalance boosters are so essential” Claire says, her voice all sweet “They’re designed to gently enhance prefrontal cortex activity, helping children unlock their optimal potential. Especially at Buddy’s age, when the brain is still so plastic-”

“That’s not how plasticity works” Amelia cuts in, sharper than intended.

Claire’s smile freezes. “Oh, I know, it can sound too technical for parents, but we’ve seen so many moms just like you, worried because they read an article or two and get overwhelmed. But it’s important to trust people who specialize in these things”

Amelia’s grip on the armrest tightens “Oh you specialize on this? Are you a neurologist?”

Claire almost scoffs “I’m not. But we have dedicated professionals”

“Anyone with a degree in neuroscience?”

“Mrs. Wolf… I think that being a mom you-“

“I’m a mom, but I’m also a neurosurgeon”

Claire blinks. It’s the slow, condescending blink of a woman recalculating how she’s going to dismiss you. “Well, of course you’re an expert in… brains” she says, as if that isn’t the point “but this is a more holistic approach. We’re addressing wellness, not just clinical terms-”

“Neurological wellness is clinical” Amelia snaps. “And what you’re selling here isn’t holistic. It’s pseudoscience. Worse, it’s dangerous pseudoscience you’re pushing on parents”

Claire’s smile is no longer friendly. “Mrs. Wolf, I think perhaps this program might not be the right fit for Buddy-”

“That’s Dr… Wolf, for you” Amelia seethes, about to go full scorched earth, when Monica walks back into the room.

She catches the scene in an instant. She’s heard the argument through the door, and now Amelia is standing, flushed with restrained fury. Claire has her lips pursed and is radiating smug authority.

And Monica feels it. The sheer conviction rolling off Amelia.

And God, it’s just hot.

Claire turns to Monica, attempting to rope her into this mess. “I’m sorry, but I feel this level of disrespect isn’t aligned with our community values. Perhaps you should discuss it with your wife if this is really-”

“No, we’ve discussed it” Monica says, stepping beside Amelia without hesitation. “And we agree. This place is nothing but a shameless cash grab preying on parental fear, dressed up as wellness. It’s dangerous, it’s unethical, and it’s not a match for our family. Just like it shouldn’t be for anyone’s family”

Amelia feels the words hit her square in the chest. Our family. Even if they’re blowing up their covers, Monica is still sticking to this. The family part. She holds out her hand for Amelia to grab it and she does. Like they’re in this together, no matter what.

Claire’s composure shatters. “I’m calling security” she says, reaching for her phone.

Amelia doesn’t wait. She lifts Scout into her arms, his little hands automatically clutching her shoulder. Monica’s grip tightens on Amelia’s free hand.

“We’ll leave on our own, thank you very much” Monica says with her voice cold and composed “We want nothing to do with this place”

And they just turn around and leave. Hand in hand.

They march past the security desk, and Amelia’s heart is hammering. Not just from adrenaline. But from Monica’s hand, still clutching hers. From the heat of it. From the way they’re walking together like a real unit. Some of the staff just stares, but they keep going.

They reach the parking lot and hustle toward the car. Monica swings the back door open and they manage to put Scout into his seat, buckling him in with shaky hands. 

They drive out of there quickly. Not thinking. The adrenaline still running. The second they drive away from the building, the tension snaps.

Amelia looks at Monica.

Monica looks at Amelia.

And they burst out laughing.

Full, breathless, adrenaline-fueled laughter. Like they can’t believe they just did that.

“Oh my god! Oh… my god. What did we just do?” Amelia says in a high pitched voice “We’re not… not spies. What the hell was that?”

“I think we could make pretty good spies” Monica says, still chuckling “Like damn, Shepherd that was…”

Amelia waves a hand. “I blew it. I was supposed to play the role and I lost it!”

“No!” Monica says, suddenly firm. “That woman deserved it. She needed to be shut down. And that?” She almost says that was hot, but redirects. “That was… inspiring.”

But she’s still thinking it. Hot.

Seeing Amelia defend kids like that, no filter, no diplomacy. Just fierce, raw passion. It did things to Monica.

And they look at each other again. Something different crackling between them.

Before Amelia can respond, Scout’s voice pipes up from the back seat. “Did we lose?”

Amelia glances at him through the mirror. “No, honey! We didn’t lose. I don’t think we lost. Did we lose?”

Monica twists in her seat, flashing Scout a grin. “We didn’t lose. We got exactly what we needed. The mission was a success. We’re going to protect a lot of kids. Just like Buddy would!”

Scout beams, proud as ever.

“And you know what a successful mission earns?” Monica adds and her eyes twinkling. “Ice cream! Because you, Agent Scout, were incredibly brave today”

Scout’s already nodding, but then he asks, “And the park?”

Monica doesn’t miss a beat. She opens her mouth with a gasp like she just got the brightest idea ever “How about ice cream in the park?”

Amelia’s shaking her head “Monica, you don’t have to”

“I want to!” Monica says it softly but with no room for argument. “Scout was brave. And you were… you were amazing” She smiles, big and bright and so genuine it’s almost disarming. 

“You both deserve a good day. We all do. Let’s make a day out of it!”

Amelia doesn’t have a defense for that. How could she, when Scout’s in the back seat cheering, and Monica’s looking at her like she means all of that?

This isn’t a family.

It isn’t.

But… it feels like something.

And Amelia can’t tell if that thought scares her more, or if it makes her want to lean into it.

She turns in the next corner.

“Alright. Ice cream in the park it is”

Chapter Text

They’ve barely made it a few blocks from that cursed place before the silence in the car turns into small talk. It’s just light conversation to kind of ignore the adrenaline still buzzing between them.

Since moving to Seattle, Monica hasn’t really had the time to explore beyond her commute and the grocery store. Amelia’s not from here either, but she’s been in this city long enough to make a decent enough guide.

“This is nice” Monica says as the buildings shift from industrial blocks to tree-lined streets. “Never been out here”

“You should. It’s one of my favorite areas” Amelia replies, pointing out a few small shops and an old brick café. 

“Maybe I just need a good city guide” Monica teases.

“You got one today. Sort of. Near the park is quieter. But it’s nicer in the fall, though”

“Everything’s nicer in the fall” Monica says with a little laugh.

That laugh lingers, like an inside joke neither of them has told yet. Amelia catches Monica looking once or twice, their eyes hold for half a second too long before one of them breaks it with another comment about the city.

They pass a square where food carts are setting up for the lunch crowd. Monica’s eyes light up. “You know… it’s actually about time for lunch. We could grab something?”

From the back seat comes a small, wounded voice. “What about the ice cream?” Scout’s says sounding heartbroken.

Monica twists around to face him “I haven’t forgotten, I promise. But right now, it’s lunchtime. Aren’t you hungry?”

Scout crosses his arms, the beginnings of a pout forming.

Monica tilts her head. “Okay, close your eyes for me. Would you?”

He hesitates but obeys

“Now listen really carefully…” she says in a whisper, leaning in a little. “You’re gonna hear something… the hunger monster”

Her hand darts forward, tickling his belly, making him squeal and thrash with helpless laughter.

From the driver’s seat, Amelia just watches. The way Monica’s voice softens. The patience. The playfulness. It’s so effortless for her. She has the ability to turn a brewing tantrum into giggles in under thirty seconds.

And it hits Amelia a little too hard. The fact that this could be something she could have. This could be what she wants. Monica, Scout, her. Like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

But Monica had closed that door months ago. They are friends now. Today’s just been… weird. And she needs to stop picturing white picket fences. The moment they walked out of that facility, the farce was supposed to be over.

Her thoughts are interrupted by Monica’s voice: “Would you like that?”

Amelia blinks “What?”

Monica smiles innocently. “Hot dogs in the park!”

Amelia hesitates. “I don’t know, I’m not- the junk food…”

“Mommy, pleeeease” Scout begs.

And then Monica has the audacity to grin and echo “Come on, Mommy. It’s one time”

Amelia shoots her a look but knows she’s already lost. “Fine” she sighs.

About 20 minutes later they make it to the park. The late-summer sun is warm on their shoulders. An it’s a perfect day, which isn’t that common with the usual Seattle weather. Maybe it’s a good thing that Amelia gets to do this today. It’s been a long time since she got to just spend the day like this with her son. The air smells like fresh-cut grass and grilled onions from the food carts lined along the path. Monica comes carrying a tray with three hot dogs and drinks.

Amelia rushes to help her. It feels… a little too normal. 

After everybody gets their food, Amelia tries to pull out her wallet. “At least let me-”

“Nope” Monica simply says, passing her a napkin. “I owe you one. And Scout, too. This is on me”

“You don’t-”

“Come on, it’s nothing. Let me” She flashes a smile and Amelia doesn’t really have anything else to say, she just shakes her head. Scout is already nibbling the edge of his hot dog, ketchup clinging to his fingers so she crouches to give him napkins and clean him quickly.

They start walking, Scout stays between them but a step ahead. Amelia eats too quitely, with her eyes scanning the trees overhead. Monica notices.

“You’re awfully quiet, which is not very you” she says, glancing at her. “You okay?”

Amelia hesitates. “Yeah. Just thinking”

“About what?”

“About… all of that back there. Wondering if we made too much noise”

Monica slows a fraction, turning toward her. “Hey. You were amazing in there. I already told you. I meant it. And I really wanted to thank you. You didn’t have to do all this. And I know that asking you to bring Scout along was a lot, and I wont do that again. But I really appreaciated it. I think we did a lot of good today”

Amelia’s mouth curves, but she doesn’t quite look at her. “You think so?”

“I know so” Monica says. “And to be honest… you surprised me back there. The way you held your ground so… sharp and passionate” She pauses, a flicker of something in her tone. “Honestly, it was kind of…” She stops herself, looking away toward the lake.

Amelia’s eyes narrow slightly, curious, she shoves Monica lightly, biting her lip a little “Kind of what?”

Monica’s lips twitch like she’s trying not to smile. “Let’s just say I was impressed”

That draws Amelia’s gaze fully. There’s a beat between them. The sunlight catches in Monica’s brown hair and eyes, and it almost make them look golden, with the faintest smile tugging at her mouth. Amelia feels the charge of it before she can name it.

“Mommy! Look!”

Scout’s voice cuts through, pointing toward a playground just off the path with slides and swings and a few kids hanging from monkey bars.

“I’m almost done!” he says with a mouthful of bread and ketchup.

Amelia’s gaze lingers for a few seconds before she focuses on Scout. They find a bench right in front of the playground and Scout shoves the last bite in his mouth and lets his mother clean him before he bolts toward the climbing frame, his laughter already blending in with the other kids’.

Monica leans back as she watches him climb the rope ladder. “He’s fearless”

“He isn’t constantly thinking about all the worst possible scenarios, but the most fun ones” Amelia says “So I guess it’s good he’s more like his dad in that way”

Monica smiles, then glances at her. “I’m sure you can be fun”

Amelia takes a sip of her drink and tries to hide a smile “So what’s next with the evidence you got?”

“I’ll talk to Dr. Webber. But I’m sure the Seattle Times will also find this very worthy of publication. We’re taking them down” She adds and she looks more serious. 

And Monicas determination does things to Amelia. “I’m sure you will”

Monica looks at her “We will”

Their hands brush on the bench between them, barely, but it’s enough to make the air feel suddenly thick. Amelia pulls her hand back, clearing her throat. “‘I’m not sure how Link will take this when I tell him, but Scout actually had fun today. And… everything worked out”

Monica nods, watching Scout now teetering at the top of the slide. “He’s great, you know”

“I do” Amelia says proudly.

“So what’s his favorite ice cream?” Monica asks suddenly.

Amelia laughs a little. “You really don’t have to do all this. I can take him to get his ice cream. You got a day off today, I’m sure you have better things to do”

“Hey I made a promise. And I want to” Monica says. She looks over earnestly “This is… honestly, the most fun I’ve had in a long time. It’s been a great day. I like spending time with you- with… both of you.”

That draws a chuckle out of Amelia, and Monica tilts her head and speaks again “What?”

“You spend one day with my son and you’re already falling for him” Amelia says with a hint of sadness in her voice and then she looks away.

Monica smirks. “Maybe I am. How could I not? He’s a great kid”

Amelia shakes her head, but that sad smile remains “I… dated someone, not too long ago. And the first time they spent a day with Scout, they broke up with me that same night” She looks at Monica “They said it suddenly got too real”

Monica’s smile fades, replaced by something sharper. “Wow. That’s… an asshole move” she looks down “I’m sorry-“

Amelia huffs out a humorless laugh. “It’s okay. I mean, they didn’t really want kids in their life. And I knew that. I don’t know what I was thinking, but I’d really fallen for them, so… maybe I was hoping it could work somehow. I know how it sounds”

Monica’s voice softens “Did they know about Scout from the start?”

“Yeah” Amelia says after a pause, her hands tightening slightly in her lap. “We were working together on a project, and I told them that I had a son before we- Maybe that was on me. I should have walked out of that apartment when they told me they didn’t want kids”

“You were in love” Monica says, more a statement than a question, and Amelia nods.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bore you with this”

“No. It’s okay. If you want to share, I’m here to listen” Monica leans closer a little, and their hands brush again.

Amelia looks at her “Well, there’s not a lot more to share. They broke my heart. And then, months later, they came back saying they missed me… and I just-” she exhales slowly “I took them back” She shrugs “Only for them to break my heart again. For the same reason. That one is actually on me”

“No” Monica’s voice sounds firm, almost upset “All of that is on them. It’s okay to not want kids. But they knew you had Scout. They shouldn’t have led you on like that. And they sure as hell shouldn’t have come back just to hurt you more because of their own selfish needs” she sounds angrier at the end.

Amelia glances over, startled by the force in her tone. Monica’s golden eyes are locked on hers, and they look so intense.

For a moment Amelia just sits there, letting the weight she’s been carrying for so long shift just a little. It’s strange. Talking about it doesn’t twist the knife anymore. It doesn’t hurt. It feels… lighter. And talking to Monica feels easy.

She realizes she’s been holding Monica’s gaze too long, and yet she doesn’t want to look away.

It’s Monica the one that breaks the eye contact first, and Amelia could almost swear she’s blushing a little “Was this… recent?”

“About two years ago” Amelia nods “I- I think it took me a long time to recover from that one, but… I think it just doesn’t hurt anymore”

“Hmm” Monica offers her a warm smile “I think that actually deserves some celebratory Ice cream”

That makes Amelia actually laugh, and Monica starts thinking that might be her new favorite sound in the world.

Time slips without either of them really noticing, watching Scout dart between the swings and the climbing dome, his voice carrying in bursts of laughter. And the conversation feels like it could go on forever.

When Scout finally barrels over, flushed and sweaty, they start to gather up their things. On the way out, Monica keeps her promise and steers them toward a little ice cream stand by the park gates. Scout presses his face to the glass with his eyes going wide as the vendor scoops his pick, and Monica can help but grin at the sight. 

From there, none of them feel like going straight home. They stop at every little storefront Amelia glances at. They wander the streets, window-shopping and laughing over strange antiques and ridiculous hats as they finish their ice creams.

It’s… perfect. Something out of a movie Amelia wouldn’t have believed she could be in.

When they finally make it back to her car, there’s that moment… standing by the doors, none of them quite ready to say goodbye. It’s  a little awkward and a little cute and filled with small, unnecessary delays. They both speak at the same time.

“Hey-“

“Listen-“

Amelia laughs, then gestures toward the driver’s side. “Listen, I have to drop Scout at Jo’s house, but I can drop you after that, if you want- I mean…you didn’t bring your car…”

“Oh…yeah. Yeah, that sounds great. I appreciate it” Monica says quickly, maybe a little too quickly. Neither of them calls it what it is: an excuse to stretch the day a little longer.

They’re a few blocks away when the dashboard screen lights up with Link’s name. Amelia answers on speaker.

“Hey, uh…sorry” Link says, his voice a little rushed. “We’re running late. I had a consult that ran longer and Jo is feeling a little pain so… we’re okay, we’re just gonna check in with OB”

Amelia glances at Monica, then back at the road. “It’s okay, I’m not there yet. I’ve still got Scout with me, we can wait for you”

“I’m sorry, thanks for understanding” Link replies.

“Come on” Amelia replies with an easy smile “I’m happy to spend more time with him”

From the passenger seat, Monica just… looks at her. She stares like she’s seeing something she hadn’t fully let herself notice until now.

When the call ends, Amelia glances over. “I’m so sorry. I’ll just drop you off now before I go back to Jo’s-”

Monica hesitates. Her lips part, then close, like she’s weighing something. But she manages to get it out in the end “Or… I could keep you company”

Amelia opens her mouth to protest, but it’s halfhearted.

“It’s still early” Monica continue with a shrug “and this beats going back to an empty apartment…” hen she pauses and closes her eyes as realization hits her “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to keep hijacking your whole day. I can just-”

“No” Amelia shakes her head before Monica can finish. “I… we would like that. Wouldn’t we?”

Scout nods eagerly from his seat.

Monica steps inside after Amelia, her eyes immediately sweeping the vaulted ceilings, the gleaming kitchen, the enormous wall of windows spilling in the late-afternoon sun. “Wow” she murmurs, turning in a slow circle. “Is Lincoln… rich or something?”

Amelia chuckles, shaking her head as she closes the door. “Nope. This is Jo’s place. She had a divorce a few years back and… well, she got this out of it. Honestly? She deserved every penny. I’m glad she’s found happiness again”

“And good real estate” Monica adds, nodding toward the skyline view.

“That too” Amelia says with a smirk.

“So… it’s not weird between you guys. You seem to have a really good relationship with Lincoln, and you like Wilson”

“Yeah” Amelia smiles “They have one of those love stories. Knew each other forever, took them their whole lives to find the right time… and Link and I… I love him more as a friend and as Scout’s dad than I ever did as something else. Also took us some time to realize that”

Monica nods.

Then Amelia glances at Scout.

“Oh” Amelia says, her tone apologetic. “I should probably get him into the shower before he glues himself to the furniture. He’s… all sticky. I’m sorry, I’ll just-”

“It’s okay” Monica cuts in, leaning casually against the counter. “Maybe… I can help with dinner?”

Amelia blinks at her, caught off guard. “You don’t have to…”

“Don’t even start” Monica says, holding up a hand with mock sternness. “I’m sure they have something in their fridge other than gold bars. And I make a mean grilled cheese”

The protest dies in Amelia’s throat, replaced with something warmer “Okay… thank you. I’ll be quick”

As she takes Scout upstairs, the boy tilts his head at her. “Are we still playing?”

Amelia frowns slightly. “Playing what?”

“Playing family” Scout says matter-of-factly, like it’s the most obvious answer in the world.

Amelia stutters for just a second. “No, no… Monica’s just a good friend of Mommy’s. She’s being nice because we helped her today, that’s all. And you were amazing today, you know?” She leans down and grabs him in a big bear hug and kisses the top of his head.

Scout accepts the explanation easily enough, launching into a story about the playground instead. But as she takes him to the shower and washes the dust and grass from his hair, Amelia can’t shake the words from her mind.

By the time Amelia and Scout come back down, the smell of buttery bread fills the air.

They eat together at the big dinning table. And Scout seems to have decided Monica is the funniest person alive. Amelia catches herself watching them, her heart twisting at how quickly he’s warmed to her.

After dinner, they migrate to the couch. Scout snuggles between them as “Zootopia” plays on the big TV. But Scout had a big day, and halfway through the movie his head starts to drop. By the time the bunny cracks her first case, he’s fighting to keep his eyes open. Amelia exchanges a small, knowing smile with Monica before she speaks “I’m going to put him to bed”

Amelia walks back down the stairs, smoothing the front of her sweater. The ssounf of running water reaches her from the kitchen, along with the clink of plates.

She rounds the corner and finds Monica at the sink with her sleeves pushed up and her hair falling forward as she stacks rinsed dishes into the drying rack.

“You really didn’t have to do that” Amelia says for like the 10th time today. But she smiles fondly.

Monica glances over her shoulder “It’s fine” she pauses for a bit, finishing with the last plate, and then she turns to look at Amelia “I… I really had a great day”

Amelia leans against the doorway, arms crossed loosely. “You didn’t have to do all that you did”

Monica shrugs, looking down “It’s nothing compared to what you did…” She falters for just a second, then adds “…for the- for the kids”

It’s not just gratitude hanging between them now. it’s that sharp, unspoken awareness that’s been simmering all day. The air feels heavier, and Amelia’s pulse suddenly begins to sound in her own ears.

Monica clears her throat and blurts “I was thinking about your ex…”

That interupts Amelia’s train of thought. She tilts her head, eyebrows lifting. “…Okay?”

A faint blush rises in Monica’s cheeks “Just… what you said earlier. When they met Scout… and they couldn’t see-” She sighs, and it almost sounds like she’s hurt herself. She meets Amelia’s eyes with a softness that makes her chest ache “…how great you are. And now it’s just their loss. I hope you really know that. You’re great… you and Scout and…”

She doesn’t get to finish. Amelia starts walking and soon closes the small distance between them to kiss her.

It’s sudden, and maybe a little too bold Amelia’s hands cling to Monica’s shoulders and it starts with just their lips pressed together. But then Monica exhales sharply against her lips, she’s startled for only a fraction of a second before her hands come up to cup Amelia’s face, fingers sliding into her hair.

The kiss deepens almost immediately. It’s slow but searing, and Amelia steps forward until Monica’s back bumps the counter. Monica’s grip tightens, pulling Amelia closer as their mouths part and their tongues meet.

The sound of it… it’s wet, desperate, and it echoes faintly in the kitchen. Amelia’s breath catches when Monica lets out a tiny, involuntary moan against her mouth.

They break just enough to breathe, foreheads touching, lips brushing in between soft gasps, only to find each other again, and the heat keeps building. Monica’s hands trail down from Amelia’s hair to her arm… then to her waist… then lower, cupping her firmly and pulling her in until there’s no space between them, only shared  warmth and want.

Amelia is just about to press closer when…

The front door opens.

They tear apart quickly, breathing hard, lips swollen, hair mussed. Amelia stares at Monica for a heartbeat too long before snapping herself back to reality and moving toward the living room. She’s… really not thinking and still not fully out of that haze.

Link’s voice fills the air, cheerful and oblivious and with Luna in his arms “Heyyyy, Amelia!”

Jo’s there too, juggling a diaper bag.

Monica steps in a beat later, her posture casual but her face still flushed.

Link’s eyes flick between them, brows lifting. “And… Beltran?”

Monica clears her throat “I was… I was helping,” she says, voice slightly uneven. “And Amelia helped me today so… maybe I should- I should just go. Nice to… see you”

It still sounds like she’s catching her breath. She sidesteps toward the hallway, eyes avoiding Link and Jo and then heads for the door.

Amelia stays rooted for a few seconds, pulse still pounding, until her brain catches up. “Wait-” she blurts, following her.

Behind her, Link and Jo exchange a look that’s far too knowing for Amelia’s comfort.

They step out into the hallway. The penthouse door clicks shut behind them, cutting off the murmurs inside. For a moment neither of them knows where to start.

“I’m-” Amelia begins “I’m sorry…”

“Amelia…” Monica interrupts gently “maybe you should stop apologizing. Especially when you don’t do anything wrong”

The way she says it is light but certain, and it makes heat rise in Amelia’s cheeks.

“That was…” Amelia starts again, this time more tentative.

“Something I should have done a long time ago” Monica finishes for her with a smile.

Amelia can’t help mirroring it. They both stand there, a little sheepish, a little giddy.

Monica glances down the hall like she’s trying to ground herself. “Maybe I shouldn’t have done it at your ex’s house with your kid upstairs…” She winces playfully. “But… I do hope it happens again. If you… I mean… I’d really love it if you still wanted to go out. Not to fight sketchy corporations, but… dinner. Nice dinner. A date.” She’s fully aware that her speech skills are probably not too fluent, but it’s a decent attempt, given that she hasn’t done this in so long.

Amelia bites her lip, the warmth in her chest spreading fast. She echoes Monica’s words from earlier “Today… was, honestly, the most fun I’ve had in a long time”

Monica’s smile brightens immediately. “So… is that a yes?”

Amelia doesn’t answer, she just grabs Monica’s jacket lapel and pulls her in for another kiss. It’s swift, hot, stealing both of their breaths.

“That’s a yes” she murmurs against Monica’s lips before letting go.

Monica is practically glowing now, grinning all goofy. She walks backwards a few steps, but her eyes never leave Amelia. “See you tomorrow?”

Amelia watches her and nods until the elevator opens, her heart pounding for a whole new reason. She’s still in a haze when she goes back inside, opening the door to find Link and Jo clearly mid-scrambling away from it.

She arches a brow. They both try for innocent faces, but it really doesn’t work.

“Okay?” Jo asks, her tone loaded. “What was that?”

Amelia heads straight for the couch, scooping up her purse and jacket, trying to be as nonchalant as possible “Like Monica said…she was just helping”

“Monica? Helping with what?” Jo fires back. “Smudging your lipstick?”

Amelia instinctively brings a hand to her lips.

Then Link speaks amusedly “Did you just bring a girl to my place?”

Jo smacks his chest “Our place, and I fully approve, just so you know”

Amelia freezes just long enough to know her blush is betraying her “I didn’t do… that. Scout is literally upstairs. He’s sleeping”

“Did you guys like spend the day together?” Jo sounds more and more excited.

Amelia just sighs as she starts walking back to the door “I promise that whenever there’s something to talk about… you’ll be the first to know”

“What about me? I also want to know” Link adds, because of course he does.

Amelia just slings her purse over her shoulder and heads for the door. “I actually need to talk to you tomorrow, you’re probably not goin to like it, but I think we’ll laugh about it later…”

“Amelia?” He frowns.

“Byeee” And then she’s out.

Amelia exhales as the elevator doors close, her back pressing lightly against the wall. Her tongue brushes over her lips. She can still taste Monica, still feel the press of her body, the warmth of her hands all over her.

And if today was even a glimpse of what all of this could be, then she can’t wait to see the rest.