Prompt for @queeniedear.
#42 - “I’m pregnant” for Wing and Nuo
He crept through the house, not wanting to turn on the lights. Nuo had left the one near the front door burning for him but he didn’t need it. He knew where he was going. Past the twins’ room and he peeked in; both of them sound asleep, Iris’s thumb firmly lodged in her mouth and Orchid’s butt straight up in the air. He smiled, backing out silently, leaving the door open a crack so they could hear them if they woke up.
Nuo was already in bed, of course. It was late. Rose was in her little crib on his side, wrapped up in blankets the way she liked to be. She squeaked in her sleep and stirred; he froze for a moment, waiting for her to settle back down before going into the bathroom, softly closing the door so he could get ready for bed without waking her.
He eased himself into bed but Nuo woke up, of course. She always did.
“Sorry, honey,” he murmured. “It’s late. Go back to sleep.”
“They figure out what the problem was?” she whispered, snuggling back into him. He put his arms around her.
“Yeah, one of the transformers blew. They jerry-rigged it for now, we need some parts before we can do a permanent fix. Eun is going to make some calls tomorrow.” She smelled good, a faint mix of her perfume and breastmilk, and he pulled her closer.
“I called the healer today.” He frowned, trying to sit up. She clutched at his hands, tugging him to keep him where he was. “Don’t worry, everything’s fine.”
“Was it one of the girls?”
Rose squeaked again and they both stilled, listening in the darkness until they heard her snuffle and shift, quieting. Nuo squeezed his hands.
“The girls are fine.” She sighed. “I just needed him to confirm it for me.”
“Confirm what?” he asked, but he thought he knew. She’d already done this twice, after all. He recognized the signs by now.
“I’m pregnant.” She took in a deep breath and it came out wavery, the way it did when she cried. It was rare, Nuo crying, but it happened. He kissed her cheek, hugging her.
“Oh, honey. It’ll be fine.”
“I know.” She was definitely crying now. “I just...I’m so tired, Wing. I am so tired. And the idea of doing all this again?”
He turned her towards him, kissing her gently, his hand creeping to her belly. “I know, honey. I know. I’m sorry. I thought we’d be okay if we just took the herbs, but obviously not.” He blotted at her eyes with the sheets. “Listen, I’ll go in and have the healer do the procedure they do so this won’t happen again. Okay? I know it’s too late now, but anyhow. For later.” He smoothed back her hair, already trying to slide out of her braid.
“Are you sure? We can still use the herbs, at least until this one is born. What if she’s another girl?”
He shook his head, forgetting she couldn’t see him. “No, Nuo. We’re done. This will make baby number four. Four’s a perfect number.” He pulled her close again. “And if I’m honest with you, I’m used to girls by now. I’m kind of hoping she’s a girl.” He smiled in the dark.
“You sure? You don’t want a boy?”
He turned her carefully back over, spooning into her. “I’m very sure. If it’s a boy I’ll be happy. If it’s a girl I’ll be happy. So long as you are making it, I’ll be happy.” He kissed her once again. “I am happy, Nuo. I know you’re tired and I know how hard this will be on you and I hate that part. But a baby is good news. I know you were worried I’d be upset but honey, I’m not. I’m really not.”
“Foolish man,” she said, and sniffled again.
“Foolish daddy, you mean,” he said, and held her while she cried it all out.