Congratulations for your 1000 followers! 🌟 I only discovered your blog now and I really liked the drabble you wrote with a MC who can't give a child to Nobunaga. But what if she could? Like how the Devil King would react when his beloved tells him she is pregnant or how is he acting during the pregnancy/labor? I would love to read something about this since I have a soft spot for Nobunaga too and I find this situation so sweet ❤️
Thank you for your support! I tried combining both suggestions. In case anyone was wondering, Kippoushi is Nobunaga's childhood name. Anyways, I hope you enjoy it!
Mai had always been aware of the changes in her body. Despite remaining in the Sengoku era, she had learned to keep track of her monthly cycles as they came and went. Except, one day, it didn't come on time. Her worry only grew as the days went by with no sign of blood in sight. She was sleeping more often than usual, and her lack of appetite was beginning to turn heads in her direction. It didn't surprise her that Nobunaga would want answers. She sat before him across his desk, her legs tucked beneath her with her hands folded neatly on her lap. While she sat serenely, Nobunaga fixed her with a hard stare and a frown that displayed his displeasure.
"What is going on with you? You refused to see Ieyasu today. Who else must I bring to check up on you?" Nobunaga inquired.
Mai sighed. "I do not need a doctor, Nobunaga."
He slammed his hands on the desk causing her to flinch. "You refuse to eat, you're constantly bed ridden, and you've been caught hurling on more than one occasion. If you aren't sick, then tell me what is wrong with you?"
Mai grimaced. She looked down weighing her options. Then again, Nobunaga had every right to know. She needed no medic to tell her what she knew already. She was a woman. She took a health course in school, and had many conversations on the topic with her mother when she was younger. Mai knew exactly what was going on with her. She stared back at Nobunaga's impassioned, carnelian gaze. Above all else, he was worried for her and her well-being.
Everything is going to be okay, she thought.
Mai cleared her throat, hooking a lock of hair behind her ear. "I guess I should just tell you."
"Tell me what, Mai?" Nobunaga pressed.
"I think I might be pregnant."
Mai couldn't recall if there ever was a time Nobunaga looked absolutely stupefied. Part of her wondered if she had broken the Devil of the Sixth Heaven, and she had a need to go over and poke him to make sure he was still with her. Mai didn't expect for Nobunaga to suddenly leap over his desk making her yelp in surprise. Just as she fell back, she was being yanked up and being pressed firmly into his chest.
"Nobunaga?" She squeaked out feeling his powerful arms wrap around her tightly.
"You're pregnant," he uttered in a shaky voice.
Mai gently held onto him, unmoving, listening as he choked back a sob. They remained holding onto each other for a while in the still night as the candle light cast a warm glow in the tenshu. There was no one to disturb them. This moment was theirs for as long as it needed to be. Nobunaga had ensured no one would interrupt them in their private moment. Mai was so thankful for his decision. Her own fortitude began to chip away as she felt him crumble in her arms.
Nobunaga pulled away from her blinking the obvious tears from his eyes. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"I'm sorry. I wanted to be absolutely positive. If we were in the future, trust me, I'd be rushing to tell you."
"I see," Nobunaga murmured. He stared down at her abdomen finding no significant change despite wishing to see a swell against her clothes. "I suppose it is too soon to tell."
"I worry something could happen. That's why I stopped going out. I'm sorry about not eating much, though. There are days I can't stomach food. Which is why I've been looking into alternative recipes I'm hoping Masamune can help me make so that my stomach doesn't get too upset. I've always heard the first three months are the toughest, so if I get unbearable, please forgive me."
"You fool," Nobunaga laughed. He placed a hand on top of her head. "Scream. Cry. Get angry. You are free to do as you please. I will be here to take care of you every step of the way. No matter what it is that you want, I will give it to you. I will work hard so that you and our child are left without anything that you desire."
"I don't want to impose," Mai replied.
Nobunaga hooked an arm around her waist drawing her in. "I am at your will."
"Oh you," she murmured, reaching up to wipe away at the wet streaks on his cheeks. "Can we both agree that I'm unable to join you in battle, at least?"
"My lucky charm deserves her well earned rest. Stay healthy for our baby."
"I will also work hard to deliver our baby safely," Mai vowed.
Nobunaga tilted her head back a bit, leaning in as their mouths angled in a crooked kiss. Their nervousness, their fears, and their worries all melted away with just a single kiss. They held each other lovingly placing their hopes in the future for their new arrival. They would work hard to build the peaceful world they so desired for their child. Nobunaga and Mai couldn't wait to welcome their baby into the new age.
Nine months later, amidst careful planning and preparation, Azuchi Castle became abuzz with the arrival of the young master. Where the lady would usually be alone tended only by the midwife and two servants, Nobunaga never left Mai's side. He let her rest comfortably on his lap, her legs propped up by impromptu stirrups her ninja friend, Sasuke, had fashioned for her. It was a far cry from the commodities of the delivery rooms in the hospital, but with Nobunaga holding her hand and supporting her upper half, Mai had nothing to fear.
With the rise of a new day, Mai delivered a healthy baby boy. She slumped against Nobunaga as they watched their son wail and move about in the midwife's arms.
"Congratulations, my lord," the aging woman cried. "He's got a good set of lungs on 'im."
Tears flowed from Mai's eyes. "Thank goodness. My little Nobutada."
"Nobutada?" Nobunaga repeated.
"That's right. You must promise me that will be his name when he comes of age."
"What do you suggest we name him now?"
Mai hummed. "How about… Kippoushi."
"You silly woman," Nobunaga chuckled, brushing aside her matted hair.
"What? I think it's a cute name," Mai said with a wink.
"His name will be Nobutada," Nobunaga affirmed.
Mai giggled. Once their baby was cleaned and Mai taken care of, they were both left alone with their baby finally in Mai's arms. Mai was pleased to see a head full of black hair. She couldn't stop touching the baby soft hair styling each wisp into small curls.
"He looks just like you," she commented.
"Really? I think he took after you," Nobunaga said.
Mai smiled. "Maybe the both of us. I would like it if he grew up with the same open mind as you."
"I want him to have your nobility and sense of justice."
"Minus your hot temperedness."
They both laughed. The baby stirred in Mai's arms and she was quick to rock him back to sleep. For such a small baby to come out of her, Mai was thankful she was able to deliver her first child safely. She wanted to shower her son and all her future children with so much love. She couldn't wait to get started. She looked back at Nobunaga meeting his own tender smile. They shared a quick kiss before returning their attention back to the baby.
Nobunaga reached over placing his hand on top of hers as it cradled their son's head. "Nobutada, how would you like to rule the world with your mother at my side?"
"Don't you think it's too early for that?" Mai asked.
"Not at all. As long as I always have you two, I know my ambition will come true," Nobunaga answered.
"Well then, you can count on me and our kids to always be there right where we belong."
Nobunaga kissed Mai's head. It wouldn't be an easy road, but their future was certain. With the arrival of a new day and new life, both Nobunaga and Mai knew that their dream would soon be a reality.