Summary: A protective husband. A stubborn wife. One unexpected separation that tests patience, love, and a whole lot of attitude. Quarantine, But Make It Cute is a witty, tender glimpse into what happens when care comes wrapped in chaos and affection. 💕
Warnings: ⚠️Mild language and teasing banter. ⚠️Light domestic argument (playful, not serious). ⚠️Fluff with hints of emotional vulnerability.
Word Count: 600+.Author’s Note: Hello, my sweet lovelies! It’s that time of year again! Your girl is celebrating another year around the sun, so I had to drop something for my babies.💖 The assigned vibes has nothing to do with the fic and everything to do with my birthday/mood right now.💖
You stood there frozen, looking at your husband, dumbfounded, waiting for him to say it was all a weird joke. Unfortunately, the words never came.
“So what you’re saying is… you’re evicting me from my own house?”
Your arms are folded, belly protruding just enough to serve as a physical reminder that you’re carrying his baby, something you know he’s obsessed with but refuses to get all soft about. Rio, standing in front of you like he actually thinks he can win this argument, shrugs, lips twitching in amusement.
“Nah, mama. Just temporarily relocating you. For your safety.”
Your safety. Like you’re not a fully grown woman who’s been handling herself long before he ever waltzed his irritatingly fine ass into your life with that damn smirk and infuriating charm. You tilt your head, unimpressed.
“For my safety?”
“Mmhm.” He leans against the doorframe, looking entirely too pleased with himself. “I can’t have you falling sick and miserable, yeah? Ain’t good for our little one.” His voice drops a bit at the end, eyes flickering toward your belly with that stupidly fond look he swears he doesn’t do.
You narrow your eyes. “So your solution is to kick me out?”
He grins. “No, relocate. Temporarily, of course. Genius, right?”
It’s not. It’s ridiculous. But the worst part? You know he’s not going to budge. And judging by the way your luggage is already sitting by the door, along with your favorite snacks, fuzzy socks, and, oh, this sneaky man! He even packed that lavender-scented pregnancy pillow you love? Yeah. This was planned in detail.
“How long am I being exiled?” You place a hand on your hip.
Rio rubs at his jaw, considering. “A week should do it.”
“A week?”
“Doctor said rest is key, and I don’t rest when you’re around, mama.” His grin is slow, deliberate, but the rasp in his voice tells you it’s not just for show. “You don’t let me.”
That is not your fault.
“That sounds like a ‘you’ problem,” you deadpan, but he just chuckles. “You’re not even sick, Christopher. The kids are, my babies need me,” you worry your hands in irritation.
“Nah. Sounds like a ‘get your pretty ass to that nice little Airbnb I booked’ problem. Mick gon’ drive you and be at ya beck and call ’til it’s all clear to come back. Me and these germy minions gon’ be good. I got grams coming to help out.”
You groan, throwing your head back. “I hate you.”
“Mm, love you too, mama.” He kisses your forehead before you can stop him, lingering just enough for you to feel the warmth of his lips before he pulls back with that knowing look.
And damn it, you should be mad. Should stomp your foot and demand to stay. But between the way he’s looking at you, the genuine concern behind the cockiness, and the fact that, okay, fine. You really don’t want to catch anything while pregnant. You sigh.
“You’re gonna miss me,” you taunt, grabbing your bags dramatically, Mick removing them from your grasp to place them in the trunk.
He smirks, opening the door for you. “Not with all these FaceTime calls you’re about to force on me.
“You'd better answer every single one.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
You pause at the passenger door, narrowing your eyes. “I will be annoying the hell out of you.”
He laughs, leaning in like he’s about to whisper a secret. “That ain’t nothin’ new, mama.”
You gasp, smacking his arm, and he just chuckles, looking so damn smug.
“Go on, now,” he murmurs, voice softer. “Gotta take care of you both.”
And that’s the part that gets you, every time.
So yeah, you let him win this round. But only because he’ll suffer more than you will. And you will be calling all the time, both out of nosiness and loneliness.
Fair’s fair.
Please be sure to comment, love, and reblog my sweet lovelies! I hope you enjoyed this short and sweet fic. I'll be tagging a few of my love bugs below.💕
Summary: Rio and the reader navigate the delightful chaos of family life while juggling six kids, a doctor's appointment, and grocery shopping. Through tender moments and playful banter, the couple's love shines amidst the everyday challenges of parenting, showcasing the beautiful messiness of their unconventional family.
Warnings: Mild language. Family dynamics and parenting themes. Situations involving children and chaos😆. Light humor and romantic moments🥰. Some references to past relationships/blended family dynamics. In other words, nothing serious😆.
Author’s Note: So, it’s ya girl’s birthday tomorrow and I wanted to treat my babies. Let’s celebrate with some much-needed Dad(Husband)!Rio. We’ll treat this as if it’s a birthday cake and I’m sharing the deliciousness with my lovelies, my babies🥰💜. I missed you all🥹🫶🏾. Also, no pressure, but to know me, is to know I love books. If anyone is interested in sending your girl some birthday book mail–hit my inbox and I’ll share my Amazon Bookish Wishlist with you🤓📖.
Word Count: 1,100+.
Music Inspo💜:
The minivan, lovingly nicknamed "The Chaos Chariot" by Rio himself, rumbled to a stop outside Dr. Patel's office. Six sets of eyes, ranging from wide and curious to sleepily blinking, stared back at you. Rio, the perfect picture of calm and confidence, swaggered to the driver's side. His eyes met yours and deep chocolate orbs accompanied by a sexy smirk admired you for a moment. He watched you look down shyly and squirm, as you pretended to rummage through your purse. He loved that even after years of being together, he still gave you butterflies.
He chuckled lightly and opened your door, greeting you in that sexy rasp, “Hey, mama.” Rio palmed your thigh, giving your lips a light peck. “Let me get that for you,” he gestured toward the diaper bag and matching mommy satchel. You handed him both, eyes sparkling with a hint of laughter as he slung them onto his shoulder.
He grabbed your hand helping you down from the minivan. Rio bent at the waist to connect his lips with yours once more, pulling back you felt his breath fan over your lips as he spoke, “Go get checked in. I got my little goons, mama.” Still wrapped up in his scent and husky tone, you slowly nodded and turned to head inside. Your husband took a deep breath, preparing himself for the madness. His fingers clutched the back door handle, as he slid it open, "Alright, mis bebes, mi vida, let's get this done."
Bless her eternally optimistic soul, Dr. Patel greeted you with a bright smile that could rival the sleekness and shine of Rio's meticulously maintained Mercedes (parked discreetly a few blocks away). Wrangling six kids into the waiting room was an art form you mastered over the years. Eight-year-old Amina, currently sporting a head of questionable purple hair dye courtesy of her older sister Marianna, who didn’t ask permission and in turn, was grounded until further notice, was a whirlwind of boundless energy. Thankfully, baby Luca, still blissfully oblivious to the world, slept peacefully in your carrier.
While you negotiated a temporary peace treaty between Amina and the boy who "stole" London’s toy car (spoiler alert, it was under the couch), Rio watched Marcus, his son from a previous relationship. Unlike the teenage angst you sometimes expected, Marcus was a quiet, sweet, and helpful teenager. Today, he sat patiently reading a book, occasionally glancing up to offer a reassuring smile to his younger siblings.
Dr. Patel, used to the organized crazy of your family, efficiently ushered you in one by one. Marcus, ever the responsible one, volunteered to go first with Ravi, distracting the rambunctious toddler with a game of peek-a-boo while you wrestled London out of her shoes. Rio, his usual relaxed self, watched the interaction with a hint of pride softening his features. Later, during Luca's checkup, Rio's stoicism melted away as the doctor cooed over his chubby cheeks. A small, genuine smile tugged at the corner of his lips, a sight rarely seen outside your home. Each child took their turn being looked over, some receiving mandatory vaccinations. Every child was showered in praise. You were fairly certain Dr. Patel had a soft spot for all of your children. Who could resist those sweet little faces?
Grocery shopping was a logistical nightmare but you were a seasoned veteran. Your meticulously planned list, organized by category in your notes app, was your weapon against the grocery store's mayhem. Rio, channeling his inner strategist, divided the aisles and troops.
"Baby, that’s way too many boxes of cereal," you insisted, raising an eyebrow at Rio as he tossed them into the cart with a wink.
"Just keeping the snack acquisition specialist happy, darlin’," he replied, his voice a low rumble that sent a delicious shiver down your spine despite the fluorescent lighting and screaming children. Marianna, ever-observant, wrinkled her nose.
"Eww, gross! Do you two have to be so lovey in public?" she complained.
Rio chuckled a deep sound that made your heart skip a beat. "Just making sure your mama knows she's appreciated, princess," he countered, leaning down to kiss your forehead. Amina along with London, never ones to miss out on the action, squealed and demanded a forehead kiss too. He obliged, and you rolled your eyes playfully at the interaction.
Marianna, the self-proclaimed "snack-quisition specialist," continued to navigate the chip aisle with laser focus. Marcus, ever the team player, tackled the produce section with military precision, carefully selecting the ripest fruits and vegetables. Meanwhile, you kept a watchful eye on Ravi, who toddled around like a gleeful wrecking ball, occasionally attempting to "accidentally" knock over displays with a mischievous giggle.
The checkout line stretched into eternity. Baby Luca, your newest addition, decided this was the perfect moment to unleash his lungs. The symphony of cries, bickering over candy bars, and Rio's muttered threats to ditch the entire cart made heads turn. “Mama, you’re worn out. Y’all can just go wait in the car. I’ll bring the groceries.” Just as you were about to melt into a puddle of exhaustion and accept, a warm hand reached for yours. It was Marcus, his usual shy smile replaced with a determined glint.
"Here you go, baby bro," he said, handing a bottle to Luca, who instantly quieted down. Your eyes filled with thanks and a bit of shock. Marcus shrugged his shoulders and continued, “I packed an extra bottle just in case. You looked busy running around, getting us all together. I figured it wouldn’t hurt, ma.” You smiled, fighting back tears. Marcus’ attention shifted toward Rio who was making a beeline for Ravi, who had slipped through his legs and tried to wander off. The eldest child chuckled, shuffling over to his dad, who was battling the wiggling toddler. “Here, Pops,” he assisted, handing a juice box to Ravi. With juice in his grasp, he stopped fighting his father and was mesmerized by the colorful packaging. A wave of warmth washed over you. These moments, fleeting and unexpected, were the glue that held your crazy, chaotic family together.
With the shopping complete, you piled back into the minivan, the air thick with the sweet smell of victory (and possibly a rogue diaper). Rio insisted on taking half the gang in his vehicle. “Maybe you can get a little peace, mama. I’m leaving the two oldest and baby Luca with you. I’ll take the ones that be wilding the most,” he insisted, as he referred to the middle children.
“They get it from you,” you joked, unable to stifle a giggle.
As Rio weaved through traffic, the setting sun casting an orange glow on his face, he knew this wasn’t the life he imagined. But each of your faces popped into his mind and his heart warmed with a mix of love and joy.” In the quiet moments between grocery meltdowns and doctor's appointments, there was a love so fierce, so unexpected, it warmed even the most guarded corners of Rio's heart.
Hope you enjoyed it my sweet, beautiful lovelies. Please be sure to reblog and comment💜. Oh yeah and…
