You're Out, Daddy novel (Natasha and Kenneth)

Entering the laboratory, Thalia pushed the door open and stepped inside. She found Spencer at his desk and without realizing his mood, she went straight to the point, asking, "Did you bully our dear Anthony?" Seeing Thalia enter, Spencer quickly regained his composure. He looked up at her and forced a smile, asking, "What's up?"

"What's going on? Did you pick on Anthony?" Thalia walked over and stood beside him, her tone playful as she asked.

The man arched a brow. "Me picking on him? Is that even possible?"

"Why is it impossible?"

"Do you really think I would dare to do that, especially with all the people here - his dad, mom, younger siblings, and his dad's friends? And most importantly, you're here too. I'm not that foolish or tired of living," Spencer retorted.

Thalia seemed pleased by his response, leaning in and playfully hooking her fingers under his chin. "You're right," she said, "the most important thing is that I'm around. As long as you know that." Spencer looked at her, managing to force a slight smile onto his face.

"But what's with Anthony? His eyes are all red as if he's been crying," said Thalia, her eyebrows furrowing in curiosity.

"Are you sure he's been crying and not just tired?" the man asked in return.

Thalia turned her gaze toward him as she heard his voice.

"Eyes can turn red from crying, from lack of sleep, or even due to certain eye conditions-"

Before Spencer could complete his sentence, Thalia swiftly covered his mouth and interjected, "Nonsense about being sick. Anthony is perfectly healthy; he's not sick at all."

Spencer gently removed her hand and regarded her as he commented, "Don't you think you're becoming a bit too attached to him?"

"He's a part of Darknetz. What's wrong with showing concern? Plus, he's Nat's son, which means there's a double reason for me to care," Thalia responded, as though it was the most logical explanation. Then, a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes as she continued, "But wait, are you feeling jealous? That can't be, he's just a kid..."

Spencer didn't immediately answer her question. Instead, he gazed at her intently and asked, "What if there came a day when you had to choose between him and me? Who would you choose?"

Hearing the question, Thalia rolled her eyes at him. "I won't choose."

"What if you have to?"

Thalia quickly dismissed the idea, asserting, "That's not even a possibility. I can't imagine a scenario where I'd have to make such a choice!"

Understanding the complexity of the situation, Spencer nodded and dropped the topic, not wanting to upset or trouble her any further. "All right," he replied softly.

Thalia's curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't let go of the question. She gazed at him and inquired, "Why did you suddenly ask that?”

"I was just asking."

Thalia's tone carried a hint of annoyance as she responded, "Who brings up such matters without any reason?"

However, Spencer gazed at her and said, "If that day ever comes, I hope you'll choose Anthony."

Taken aback, she asked quizzically, "Why?"

"Choose him. You won't regret it!" Spencer enunciated each word.

Thalia scrutinized him, sensing that his words held deeper implications. She maintained direct eye contact, her expression complex. "What makes you think I won't regret it? You can't predict how I'd feel in that situation."

"My intuition tells me you won't," was the man's response.

"But if I lose you, my life would be meaningless," Thalia said to him, emphasizing her every word.

Those words struck Spencer, leaving him momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected to hold such significance in her life.

Trying to lighten the intensity of the moment, he replied, "You managed just fine all these years when we were apart. You'll keep doing so in the future, won't you?"

"The reason I've been able to live well is that I believe you're still out there in this world. It's the thought of finding you that keeps me going, Spencer. Every effort I make is fueled by the hope of reuniting with you... If I were to lose you, I'd have no family left in this world. I'd be utterly alone for the rest of my life. Isn't that as good as being dead?" said Thalia.

Spencer's gaze sharpened, fixed on her, as if grappling with her words. His lips parted slightly, and after a prolonged silence, he finally responded, "We're born alone into this world, and we depart from it in the same manner. No one is exempt from that reality."

Thalia's expression tightened. "Don't lecture me about lofty principles. I might not have grasped the concept of loneliness when I was born, but I've come to understand it since I entered this world, and I'll comprehend it when I leave as well. So, I don't want to be alone, Spencer... I can't bear it."

"Spencer, I'm putting my words out there for you. If you ever dare to leave me again, don't expect me to come looking for you, and I'll never find it in my heart to forgive you," she continued.

Spencer had words on the tip of his tongue, but they remained unspoken, leaving him in a speechless state. As he struggled with his response, Thalia, feeling an unexpected surge of anger, turned and walked away.

Seeing this, he immediately reached out to grab her.

"Thalia."

She stood there, unmoving.

"I promise you," Spencer assured. Thalia turned her head upon hearing his words, stealing a glance at him. Observing her earnest expression, he added, "I'll do as you say."

Thalia found herself momentarily puzzled by his words. From her perspective, it seemed like Spencer had given in to her wishes. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she spoke. "I'll hold you to your promise, then."

The man nodded.

Thalia's laughter filled the room as she embraced him tightly. Nestling against his chest, she resembled a playful, affectionate young woman, her countenance radiant with happiness.

After a brief pause, Spencer hesitated no more and gently rested his hand on hers.

With her head on his chest, Thalia recalled something and lifted her gaze to meet Spencer's eyes. "Last night... I fell asleep," she began.

The man lowered his gaze to look at her.

"You didn't even bother to wake me up," Thalia grumbled, pouting.

"I couldn't bear to wake you, for you were sleeping so soundly."

Even though there was a hint of reluctance in Thalia's demeanor, she didn't say anything further as the man was simply considering her best interests.

She held him tighter, smiling as she said, "It's okay. We'll have plenty of chances in the future."

Looking at the person in his arms, Spencer's eyes were filled with complexity.

Just then, Thalia suddenly remembered something and released him from her embrace. "I can't stay here chatting with you, I need to go check on Nat. I'll come to find you later.”

As she was about to leave, Spencer's brows furrowed slightly, and he called out her name softly, "Thalia."

Thalia turned around, her expression innocent as she asked, "Hm? Is there something else?"

Spencer appeared to want to say something, but after a prolonged hesitation, he finally managed to speak, "Would you like to grab something to eat before you go?"

Thalia's laughter grew even more joyful at his suggestion. "I'm not hungry. Besides, I never really eat much in the morning." She paused, her tone a bit uncertain. "I might just be imagining things, but I feel like I've gained a little weight since I've been spending time with all of you."

Spencer looked at her. "You're not fat."

Thalia's smile bloomed like a radiant flower. "You've certainly learned how to sweet talk," she remarked with a laugh. “Okay, I'm leaving now. I need to go check on something; otherwise, I won't feel at ease.” Without waiting for Spencer's reply, she headed directly for the exit.