Chapter Text
So, they had told everyone except for Mystery. He had finally gotten back from his trip to Paris with Jelly. They had agreed for a double date at a local hole in the wall Ramen shop. Zoey was feeling extremely tired that day and wasn't sure how long she'd be up.
"Do you think they'll want to stay out late?" She asked.
"No." Baby shook his head, playing on his switch as she laid across his chest. They were laying in their bed, enjoying the afternoon cuddles.
"What time was it we're supposed to meet with them?"
"Ughhhhhhh five?" Baby said, rubbing his face as he tried to remember. "Yeah, and it's at that one Ramen place that is a hole in the wall but slightly fancy."
"I gotta dress up." Zoey whined into his chest, a small chuckle escaped him.
"You don't have to, babe." He leaned down to kiss her head but she pouts.
"But I dooooo. Jelly is going to out dress me like he always does." Baby snorts.
"It's fineee." He pleads.
"No it isn't." She pouted, rolling onto her side, going and poking her belly. "At least my clothes fit right now." She said, he paused his game, laying it down on the base of his neck where Zoey's head was just above as he placed his hand on her belly, soothing over where she was poking it.
"Hey." He said softly, grasping her hand and she looked up at him. "Is it just about Jelly over dressing with you or is it about something else?" He asked gently.
"Oh, defiantly Jelly." She nodded, looking up at him. He read her face, nodding when he deduced it really was just Jelly. He hummed softly.
"Do you want to go find a new outfit?" He asked, giving her fingers a loving graze before a gentle squeeze.
"Why?" He shrugged.
"Cause you deserve it." He pulled her hand up to gently kiss it. "If you don't have the energy, that's perfectly fine too. I was just thinking new duds could cheer you up some."
"I do think finding a new outfit for the party could be fun." She bit her lip, going and grabbing the switch to check the time. "We do have time." She bit her lip.
"We can go to the low-key places?" He ran a hand along her hair, slowly intertwining his fingers in it and enjoying the silky strands falling from his tips. She bit her lip, thinking about it.
"I do also kinda want matcha boba but not from the place." She scrunched her face. "Last time it legit tasted just like grass and I'm not about that."
"So, are we going shopping and boba hunting?" He asked, a smirk dancing across his lips.
"Yeah, okay." She nodded, her fingers dancing across her abdomen. "I'm actually excited for a little bump." He moved the switch completely, going and placing it on their night stand as he moved and shifted to where he could place a gentle kiss upon her belly.
"Yeah?" He rested on her lap, where they were spooning in reverse like a yin-yang symbol. "I think you'll be the cutest thing around. And the sexyist lil mamma around also." He kissed her belly again causing her to giggle and blush.
"Babyyyy." She whined, going and pulling him up to kiss his lips. "I wish I could kiss my belly so you're just going to have to kiss it for me."
"Absolutely." He said between pecks on her lips. "That will be a given." He leaned down, giving it two gentle kisses separated with him whispering "and one from your mama." He leaned back up, cheesing brightly at her making her heart melt all over again.
"I'm totally beyond hope for you, Baby. I love you more than anything." She tackled him, arms wrapping around his neck and lips locking on his causing a chuckle to escape, his own arms wrapping around snugly around his wife's waist. His heart growing in warmth and happiness, a gentle rumble escaping his chest making her giggle, nipping at his lower lip. "I love it when you purr."
"I know you do." He kissed her upper lip, his lower one firmly in her teeth. "As much as I want to lay here and make out with my wife, she needs to find two outfits."
"Two?" That caught Zoey off guard, releasing his lip and tilting her head to the side like their cats.
"Yup." He leaned them up, kissing her lips in the process. "One for the party, and one for tonight." He smirked. "Did you not think I was serious about you finding an outfit so Jelly won't out dress you?"
"You said it was fine to not-"
"I know, but I was saying to me it's fine. Do don't it for me." He pecked her lips. "Do it for yourself or else you'll be in a tizzy all night." He leaned forward, nibbling on her chin slightly.
"Ugh, okay fine." She relented, enjoying the feeling of his teeth nibbling along her jaw. "Then you're right and we should get ready."
"I knew it." He chuckled, backing away and placing a light kiss upon her lips. "Let's go find you some clothes." And with that they got ready, leaving their apartment hand in hand as they always did. Together the couple walked down a few streets to their favorite vendor of boba, grabbing their usual. Taro for Baby and Matcha for Zoey. After posting a cute photo of them two on her socials, they headed on down the road to where Baby was going to take her shopping.
It wasn't a place Zoey frequented, only coming occasionally with Baby when he wanted to treat her to new outfits. Apparently the Saja boys had been going there for months for their respective partners and the crew at the shop were really respectful and low-key. Baby greeted the store with their usual canter, smiling and waving at the ones that usually helped them. By the end of it, Zoey was in a sparkly green halter top, and a black mini skirt that was a nod back to the one the new honmoon changed from the Idol Awards set up. The halter had a gentle design down the sides of it, the stitching was impeccable and the material was silk against her skin, giving it a rest from the itchy applicable.
"This is sooo comfy!" She exclaimed, stepping out of the dressing room to show it off to Baby. "It's so soft." She shimmed in it, letting her arms rub against the sides. "Look! No itchy!"
"Good." Baby smiled up at her, stars in his eyes. "I didn't want you be uncomfortable, so I thought that material would work great."
"It does, I'll have to come here soon." She sent him a look and he nodded.
"Already planning on it." He chuckled. "So, did you see the suggestions for the party?" He tilted his head.
"Yeah," She bit her lip, looking back into the dressing room. "I'm not sure about them."
"Alright. I just kinda suggested some things for them to prepare. Feel free to look around." He waved his hand out. She nodded, looking around before walking over to him, extending her hand. He obliged, happily standing up and having her lead them around the store, him carrying both of their drinks. "Whatcha thinking?" He asked gently.
"Something more pastel maybe?" She bit her lip, looking around. "Can they embroider things?" He looked over at one of the attendances, asking that question.
"Oh absolutely." She nodded, coming over and talking to them. "We can customize pretty much anything in the store. There's only select few items that we are not allowed to while in the store. After you purchase them and leave the store, you are free to do whatever you wish to them." She explained and Zoey nodded, thinking about it.
"So you could put music notes on anything?"
"Moreless, yes." She nodded and Zoey looked at Baby, grinning happily.
"I have a idea!"
"I'm here for it." He chuckles, leaning over to kiss her cheek.
"You don't know what it is." She playfully furrowed her eyebrows,a smirk dancing across her lips.
"No, but I trust you." He shrugged his shoulders, a easygoing smile on his lips.
"Oh, perfect." She said before clasping her hands together with a cackle. "You can sit back down!" She grabbed the attendants hand and dragged her through the store, pointing at things and explaining her vision. Laughing softly, Baby took a sip from his drink, getting one of the passion fruit poppers and exploding it in his mouth as he sat back down with their items. It felt like 15 minutes later, his drink was almost gone when she came back, her arms full of things and her smile almost feral.
"Matching outfits?"
"You know it!" She giggled, going and dispersing some in a second dressing room for her before going back into her own. The trail of laughs and giggles leaving his wife made his heart sky rocket. He'd be willing to wear pretty much anything for her at this point. He got up, heading into his dressing room as she entered hers. They shifted the clothes off of their bodies, putting on outfits that Zoey had chosen for them. Baby's first one was a long sleeve shirt that felt like butter upon his skin with a warm golden sweater with green designs all over it. He pulled on the pants she had paired with it and stepped out of the dressing room, his gaze looking in the mirror before switching to her dressing room as she exited.
She was wearing a crop top that was the dark shade of green upon his sweater, a fishnet long sleeve underneath that rested just above her belly button. Her shorts were the same color as his pants but were ripped slightly above the hem. She smiled at him, doing a twirl so he could see all her sides. The back of the shirt had a heart cut out where the fishnet mirrored identically.
"What do you think?" She asked, looking in the mirror at them both.
"I'm comfortable." He nodded, shifting his sleeves so the two lined up just right, cuffing the sweater on the outside with the long sleeve underneath. "Why'd you go so cold look for me but so hot for you?" He asked, raising a teal eyebrow at her in the mirror.
"Didn't mean to." She smiled shyly. "Just grabbed them cause I liked them." She reached up and touched his shirt. "It's so soft."
"It is." He nodded. "But for the party, I don't want to wear long sleeves."
"Noted." She nodded with a determined face. "Okay, try the green set on next." She said with a cheeky smile, running back into her dressing room before he could stop her. Sighing, he followed through, wondering what green set she was talking about. When he entered, he looked and frowned. This green was NOT going to match his hair. At all. This was quite possibly the worst green for his hair and of course Zoey grabbed it.
"Babeee." He whined softly, shucking the intertwined top layers off, placing it on the bench before grabbing the t-shirt she had grabbed. The pale mint green contrasted awfully with his hair. It was a pastel mint green that made him think of baby vomit. Groaning, he changed his pants, stepping out of the dressing room with a pout. He turned his back towards the mirror, not really wanting to look at the travesty she had put him in. The pale white linin pants she had put him in wasn't too bad, but the material did scratch his skin in a unpleasant way. He was ready to get out of this outfit.
"What do you think?" She popped up next to him, making him look at her outfit. The t-shirt was mostly plane, but it had a few cutesy animals on it in various costumes. The skirt was a bit more poofy than he expected, pale yellow meshing nicely with the green shirt she had on. It was the same color.
"Your outfit is amazing. Precious and cute like you." He pointed to his hair. "This is atrocious with my hair. Please do not make me wear this." He begged, avoiding the mirror at all cost.
"Really?" She looked him up and down, pouting. "Yeah, okay. I can see that. What do you think of the pants?" She asked.
"They are itchy." He stated simply. "Color is good, but they are itchy." She nodded, touching them before sticking her tongue out and wiping her hand on his shirt to remove the texture ick.
"I'm so sorry."
"Can I change now?" He begged, whining a little as he stayed so very still. "I want to come out of my skin." He grumbled.
"Yes please, I'm so sorry." He pecked her cheek as he streaked to the dressing room.
"No worries, now we know." He shucked them off as soon as he was on the other side of the curtain. "Your skirt and shirt combo was cute." He pitched his voice so she could hear it.
"You think?" She hummed happily in the mirror. "Cause I was trying to think of colors that aren't exactly attached to babies just cause it's not a gender reveal. Ya know?"
"Makes sense." He nodded, but she didn't know to see. Baby shifted through some of the clothes that are left in the room, deciding to throw on a muted yellow sweater vest that was short sleeves, sliding a short sleeved fish net on first, the arms going almost to his elbows where the shorter sleeve shirt stopped midway down his biceps. Arching an eyebrow, he looked at the choice in the mirror and shrugged, it wasn't that bad. The pants he slid on had holes in the knees and were comfortably tight. Yeah, this was more like what he enjoyed.
Stepping out of the dressing room, he was much more chipper. He felt comfortable and not like he wanted to yank all his clothes off if they touched him. He surveyed his outfit in the mirror, nodding happily before Zoey joined him, her shirt was a lovely yellow like the skirt a moment before, green going around the hem line and neck line to separate the color splotches. In between the color meeting was a warm brown line that brought the color form her eyes out.
"Oh you look lovely." He stated with a smile, eyes dancing and drinking her in. "Also, I really like this one." He turned around so she could get a good look at him.
"Good! I also matched with the fish nets here." She demonstrated where her high rise shorts ended, both up top and below, fish net bands spread out casting a lovely balance from the pale blue shorts. She was a bunch of colors all mixed together but it worked. "I was thinking, maybe them embroidering music notes along here." She traced the hems of their shirts, pointing out the parts she envisioned.
"I can get behind that." He nodded, a gentle smile crossing his face. "Are you comfortable in yours?" He asked, his fingers tracing along her waist band of the high wasted shorts.
"Yeah, it's actually very comfy." She nodded, smiling.
"Wonderful." He leaned down pecking her lips. "Would you want these to be our outfits for the party?" He asked gently.
"Mmm." She tapped her chin, observing them in the mirror. "Maybe! I like the color pallet and how it's more neutrals than gendered."
"Sounds good to me." He gave her hands a squeeze. "Did you want to change here or change back at the house for diner?" He tilted his head.
"Back at the house." She smiled up at him and he nodded.
"Alright, let's head back then." He tapped her waist gently before separating from her, his fingers trailing off of her as he went. They ended up stepping out of their respective rooms at the same time, placing the no's on a rack while carrying the chosen items to the counter. He had finished his drink but she hadn't so he was holding what was left of her matcha.
"Hi, so I have questions about the embroidery." Zoey started the conversation with the attendant that was assigned to them. They talked back and forth about how Zoey wanted the end product to look and they paid before leaving with her new outfit for tonight and his new long sleeves.
"Didn't think you were getting anything." She glanced in the bag as she took her matcha.
"What can I say?" He shrugged. "I loved what you picked out and it was super soft. Why not?" He arched an eyebrow, happily swinging their hands between them.
"Okay fair." She giggled, skipping beside him slightly before leaning against his arm, the sun casting warm glows upon them as it started to set. "We have what? A hour til we meet them?"
"Give or take." Baby nodded, glancing down at her.
"Mmmm no shower." She bit her lip, plotting her makeup and hair for the night. He hummed along, letting them get lost in their thoughts as they arrived back to their building, hitting the elevator button and being sent up to their penthouse. "What are you wearing tonight?"
"Not sure." He responded honestly. "Thought about maybe the new tops I got today."
"But we wouldn't match as well." She pouted causing him to chuckle.
"Okay, I'll look to see what matches with you." He pulled her hand up to kiss it.
"Kay!" She said happily, skipping off the elevator and leading towards their bedroom. "Thanks again for my outfit."
"Of course." He chuckled. "You don't have to say thank you. I love getting you things."
"Yeah?"
"Why is treating you so hard for you to understand?" He pulled her against him, making her look up at him. "I want to shower you with gifts on top of my love. Does it bother you?"
"N-No." She shook her head, blushing. "I just don't want you to think you have to."
"How long have we been together?"
"About seven years."
"And how long have we been married?" He arched an eyebrow.
"Almost three." She stated, blush starting to rise.
"And now we are expecting a baby. Don't think I'm not going to spoil them rotten and not you." He bent down nuzzling her nose with his. "I love you and I love giving you things. Just accept it, I'm going to shower you with love in all the ways possible." Zoey blushed under his words, mind swarming with the notion that this was her life.
"Okay." She whispered, her eyes watching him as he looked down at her. She leaned forward to kiss his lips gently. "No promises I'll ever fully accept it."
"I'm not going anywhere, so you'll be stuck with me." He chuckled, going and kissing her nose. "We should start getting ready." She nodded and headed to the bags that they had bought, taking her outfit out and starting to change. Baby went to his closet, shifting through the clothes before removing a black polo with similar green stripping. "How about this?" He asked, showing her.
"Perfect." She positioned her boobs in the top, making sure everything was where it was supposed to be. "What pants are you wearing?"
"Thought about black denim." He shrugged, eyeing the polo before shedding his clothes and pulling it on, leaving the buttons unbuttoned.
"Yeah?" She glanced over. "The green pants would be too much, wouldn't it?"
"I don't have any that match either shades." He responded honestly and she nodded.
"Okay." She glanced over. "Hmmm. Khaki?" He pouted.
"But I don't wannnnnaaaaaa." He dragged out causing her to laugh.
"Fine, fine. Then go ahead and wear those then." She gestured to the pants he was holding. He nodded, changing into them but almost falling over as Lilly ran through causing him to make a squeaking sound.
"Lilly!" He fussed but went down and scratched her head causing a purr to erupt from her. "I don't want to break you." He kissed her head before standing up, looking over at Zoey with a smile. "Lookin good." He nodded.
"Thanks." She blushed but went over and kissed his lips. "You lookin good too." She winked before heading over to the bathroom where her vanity was. He leaned against the door watching her as she applied some simple makeup.
"I only do because I have you." He dragged out, watching her.
"Lies." She rolled her eyes as she put on her lip gloss. "Alright. Minimal effort. I'm ready." She got up, heading over to him.
"Almost. Forgetting something." He pointed down to her bare feet.
"Oh yeah." She headed over to her closet, getting some platform shoes that matched the ones he was wearing.
"You're in a matchy mood." He commented, tilting his head as he popped a sucker in his mouth.
"Yeah, I want them know you're mine." He held up his left hand where his wedding band was.
"I mean, this is a good sign."
"But still. Do you not like matching?"
"I never said that." He defended, popping his lollypop out and offering her a lick. She popped it in her mouth before leaving the room causing him to whine as he followed, flipping the lights off. "I don't mind matching with you. Just curious as to why you're obsessed with it." He reached over and grabbed the stick and she let go, letting him pop it in his mouth.
"Cause it's fun." She shrugged a shoulder gently.
"It is." He nodded, going and feeding the pets as she grabbed her clutch. "So, are we telling them while we're eating or?" He looked over at her as he scratched their black cat's head while he ate.
"I'm not sure." She bit her lip. "What do you think?" She tilted her head.
"Maybe we see how the conversation goes and see from there?" He suggested.
"True." She thought about it as she waited by the door, him finishing up making sure all the pets were fed. "Should we have a code word?"
"I mean, we did pretty well communicating silently with Abby." He shrugged, snagging her hand as they left their apartment and entered the elevator.
"True." She bit her lip and he gave her a comforting squeeze.
"Don't worry. We'll figure it out." He kissed the top of her head. "I know it."
"Yeah." She sighed, thinking about it. They rode down the elevator in silence, going and getting in the private car to drive them most of the way. Once they arrived, they got out, looking around wondering if Mystery and Jelly had already arrived. "Right on time." Zoey said, checking her phone for the time.
"Yeah, so they should be here soon." Baby said, draping his arm across her shoulders and pulling her close to him. He was obsessed with touching her right now. He just wanted her close, letting his subconscious know that she was there and everything was fine. It was the last of their friends they were telling and it was the one she originally liked before him.
Before, that's never really been a issue. Yet there was a strange nervousness between them. He wasn't jealous, per-say. He was more... worried. No, that wasn't right either. Mystery had always been the one to get the girls. Everyone overlooked Baby with how young he was. That was until Zoey. And Zoey didn't even like him first. It hadn't really dampened their friendship. Mystery and Romance were two of the Saja Boys that Baby was closest with. So why was he so nervous about telling Mystery that Zoey was pregnant? It wasn't like Mystery would steal her from him. Right? The evil voice snuck up and he tried to ignore it. Yet, that fear was persistent.
"Oh! There they are!" Zoey pointed as Mystery and Jelly rounded the corner, hands between them swaying effortlessly. "See, Jelly did dress up." Zoey nudged Baby with her elbow.
"Hey guys." Baby nodded, they both approaching in front of the door. Mystery nodded as Jelly shyly waved.
"Hey." He spoke softly, almost timid. It made a lot of sense that they were together.
"Shall we go in?" Zoey asked, always the one to break the ice when needed amongst the four of them. Baby opened the door, letting Zoey and the other couple enter the place. They were quickly lead to a table and menu's placed before them. "How was the trip?" She asked, glancing over the menu.
"It was amazing." Jelly said. "I've never seen so many flowers!" He gushed. Mystery smiled slightly as he flipped over the menu. "We also tried different wines and cheeses."
"Did you find any you liked?" Baby asked, arching an eyebrow as he read over the menu.
"Eh. Turns out I'm not a fan of wine." Jelly chuckled awkwardly, a faint blush dancing across his darkened skin.
"Me neither." Zoey shook her head. "I've never really figured out why but it's just so gross to me." She stuck her tongue out in a disgusted look.
"More for Romance and Mira." Baby chuckled, shaking his head.
"Anyone that thinks they need to drink in order to have fun clearly hasn't had fun sober." Mystery broke in, his voice slow like a snail.
"Possibly." Baby shrugged. "I guess it depends on the people and their circumstances."
"Yeah, I can get behind that." Mystery nodded, closing his menu and folding his hands on top of it.
"What are you guys getting?" Jelly asked, looking at the menu still.
"I think I'm leaning towards musubi." Zoey said with a smile, relaxing into the chair as she placed a hand on Baby's thigh, feeling clingy.
"Probably the spicy fish and shrimp ramen." Baby said, moving to look at the boba menu. "You guys going to get drinks?" He looked over the menu.
"Oh yeah." Zoey nodded, leaning her head on his shoulder to read the menu with him.
"Oh, I did like that matcha last time." Jelly nodded. "I think they even have grass jelly here." He said excitedly, looking at another drink menu. "Mmm yup. That's what I'm going to do."
"I probably won't." Mystery said simply.
"Greetings, are we ready to order?" A employee came up with a notepad to take their orders. They relay off their orders before relaxing as they walk away.
"So tell us more about this trip!" Zoey said excitedly. "I've never been to Pairs."
"It's alright." Mystery shrugged, his hand moving to place his hand on Jelly's thigh.
"I enjoyed it." Jelly sent a look to Mystery. "The food was amazing. Never had anything like most of it before." He nodded. "So it was a yummy experience on that part. Except for the wine."
"Fair enough." Zoey nodded. "How are the corrisonts?"
"Legendary!" Jelly clapped happily. "Definitely prefer them over the baguetts. Those are too hard for me." He shook his head.
"They are rather hard." Baby nodded, reaching down and placing his hand on Zoey's. "I never understood that." Mystery shrugged.
"Mystery actually suggested us bring you guys back some chocolate. It's back at the apartment." Jelly said with a smile. "Some of the fancy stuff."
"Oh, you didn't have too!" Zoey exclaimed.
"It wasn't anything." Mystery shrugged. "We brought wine back for Mira and Romance. So it's just things we found for whoever."
"Sounds good." Baby nodded, watching the place around them as his eyes tracked their drinks being made. He wanted to be sure that Zoey's was safe for her.
"I got this stunning dress!" Jelly spoke excitedly, sliding out his phone and pulling up a photo to show Zoey. She gushed over him with it. The deep navy blue sparkled in the light lovely and it hung off his frame just right. Zoey and Jelly talked about it for a bit, Mystery watching them as Baby watched Zoey's drink still. Finally, it was heading over to them and placed among those that got drinks.
"Thank you!" She said happily, diving right in. Baby took a sip of his own, just enjoying the moment. He wasn't going to lie to himself, he was getting antsy about telling them. He wanted the good news to be out already. But also, it was public. He wasn't sure if Zoey wanted it to happen or not with others possibly over hearing.
They idly chit-chatted bout this and that and nothing in between. Their food came and they happily dug in. Halfway though her meal, Zoey wasn't feeling the best. She recognized what was about to happen and quickly excused herself. Baby watched her go, concern etched on his face. He looked at her food then his own. His didn't have any kimchi so maybe it was just the baby not wanting to eat that.
"Is she alright?" Jelly asked, concerned as he held his bite midway to his mouth, round eyes looking to where Zoey disappeared.
"Possibly." He frowned, eyes trained on the area waiting for her to come back. Everyone sat in silence until she returned, all three of them tracing her way back to the table.
"So sorry about that." She blushed, going and taking a drink.
"You alright?" Baby asked gently, keeping his voice low. She looked up at him and nodded.
"I don't think I'll be able to finish this though." She pouted.
"Do you want to get something else?"
"Actually the dumpling soup sounds fantastic." Baby nodded, flagging down their person so that they could order the fix, asking for them to be able take what was left home. "Thank you." Zoey whispered, blush filling up her face.
"Of course." He leaned over kissing her forehead.
"You alright?" Jelly asked, his eyes wide.
"Yeah." Zoey smiled weakly at him. "Don't worry."
"You rushed off pretty quick." Mystery commented, everyone pausing when her soup was placed before her and she sighed.
"Yeah, just...." She glanced at Baby and they shared a silent conversation. "Sometimes the baby changes their mind." They looked at Baby who snorted.
"Not me." They looked back at Zoey confused.
"Uhhh. I'm pregnant?" She held her hands up as she shrugged her shoulders.
"Oh my goodness!" Jelly exclaimed, covering his mouth. "Congratulations!"
"Congrats." Mystery smiled, nodding at the both of them. "You two are going to be great parents." He said softly.
"I hope so." Zoey bit her lip, scooping up a dumpling and eating it happily.
"You will be." He nodded determined. "You two deserve it, your so sweet together that you'll be formidable parents."
"Thanks, man." Baby smiled, nodding and trying to not blush at that. "I hope so. It's nerve wrecking." He rubbed the back of his neck for a moment. "It's been interesting so far."
"I can imagine." Mystery chuckled softly. "It's a major life change."
"For what it's worth," Jelly started having everyone look at him. "I agree. I think you'll be fantastic parents. It's palpable how much you two care for each other." He smiled gently, his eyes starting to shimmer with tears. Baby and Zoey exchanged a smile, sweet eyes and their feelings for the other etched on the faces. "Awww, see!" Jelly reached over, slapping Mystery's chest probably harder than he intended as tears began streaming down his face. "I love you guys together." He sniffled, wiping away some of the tears, but not much was stopping it.
"Thank you." Baby said, his smile warm as he looked at the other couple. "I appreciate it." He glanced at Mystery, considering his bandmate. "You know, I never thought I'd really get this opportunity and," he looked over at Zoey, taking her hand after she took a drink causing her little chipmunk cheeks from the boba to blush. "The more we tell more people, and it sets in even more, I am realizing just how much this opportunity is truly a miracle."
"At least we know it's possible." Mystery said, gesturing int he air towards Zoey. "We know Rumi. So there's also no telling if other demons in the world have had children with humans as wells. Much less, if it was mutual like with you guys and Rumi's mom." He lightly touched on the darker side of their kind.
"Yeah. I'm really glad Rumi is proof. Especially after learning her mother died not during childbirth." Baby let go of Zoeys hand to wrap his arm around her shoulders, draping his body towards her. "That honestly was a great relief to me."
"You thought she died due to childbirth?" Zoey asked, looking up at him.
"I honestly didn't know, and when that was revealed it made it easier to think of us in the future. Now the future is here." He pecked her head before looking at the others. "At least we aren't going in it completely blind."
"Do you think the woman that raised Celine will be helpful?" Mystery's voice was slightly rough, keeping it quiet so others didn't overhear.
"I would rather not talk to her." Baby shrugged.
"We've forgiven her, mostly." Zoey patted his hand that was on her shoulder.
"You may have, but I haven't." He shoots her a look and she just nods.
"Well. Have you two thought of a theme for the nursery?" Jelly asked, taking a large bite of his food.
"Honestly? Besides using pastel colors, no." Zoey shook her head.
"We've not even really gathered much things."
"Lies." Zoey giggled, kissing Baby's chin. "We have a cradle and a dog bed."
"For me?" Mystery questioned, if they could see his eyebrows they'd be furrowed.
"No, silly." Zoey shook her head. "For Woofy and our other dog. Though, Woofy has taken up residence in there." She laughed, smiling fondly at their dog.
"Yeah, that's right." He nodded. "So, no, not for you." Baby snorted. "Why do you still play into that?"
"I don't, others keep putting me in that box." Baby nods.
"Yeah, I get that."
"Will you two become more public with your relationship? Or, like, tell the fans you guys are actually married now?" Jelly asked looking between them.
"You know, I've not thought of that." Zoey looked over at Baby who took a slurp of noodles.
"I mean, I wear my wedding ring all the time." Baby held up the said hand from Zoey's shoulder. "So I'm sure there is some speculation of us already being married."
"True, but we've never out right said that."
"What, do you want the party pictures to be posted along the lines of revealing we've been secretly not so secretly married for three years to the public but privately the celebration of the baby?" Baby asked, looking at her. She tilted her head, mulling over the thought of it.
"I mean, we could." She smiled slightly. "We can definitely discuss it more." She nodded, patting his thigh before taking a spoon full of her soup.
"Fair enough." He nodded, going and taking a sip.
"See, effortless communication." Mystery gestured to Baby and Zoey who both had mouths full and looking like chipmonks when they looked at Mystery and Jelly.
"We recently hung out with Abby, Mira, and Romance." Jelly explained, sighing in exasperation. "They are still going though it."
"I'm surprised Romance let Abby go along." Baby said honestly around his food.
"Right." Mystery nodded.
"They seriously need to have a conversation like adults." Jelly rolled his eyes. "Like, Romance needs to get off his high horse. Why is he being so territorial? They where a throuple. Throuples get messy. And The fact that Abby's called us drunk before bawling about how he's not only lost the love of his life but his best friends is getting exhausting." He throws his hands in the air. "What does he want us to do? Ya know? Like sure, I'll be there for him. But at times he's cutting into our time." Jelly gestured between him and Mystery.
"Right! I totally get that!" Zoey sat up, nodding her head. "The other day Abby appeared and didn't let anyone know. I was walking around in a long shirt and undies!" She groaned, placing her face in her hands. "It was soooo embracing."
"Like, we got boundaries, my dude." Jelly nodded empathetically.
"Wait, when was this?"
"When you were giving Lilly her bath. I think." Zoey furrowed her eyebrows. "When Abby found out about the bet."
"Oh, the one about you or Rumi getting pregnant first?" Mystery asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Yes, that one." Zoey frowned. "How long has this bet been a thing."
"Since you two started dating basically." Mystery shrugged, going and taking a small bite.
"That's so ridiculous." Baby groaned, resting his head on his arm against Zoey's head.
"Dang. And that you all remembered this for five years?" Zoey arched an eyebrow. "Do you think Rumi and Jinu know?"
"Not unless Mira or Abby told them." Mystery shook his head.
"So who all was in on this bet?" Zoey asked.
"It was between Mira and Abby. Romance and I both were there when the bet was created but that's it." Mystery explained, finishing off his food.
"Huh." She looked over at Baby who was eating the remains of his soup, removing his hand just to hold his bowl and drink the broth.
"Hmm?" He looked at her owlishly, slurping a noodle that smacked against his lips.
"Oh, just thinking about the bet with them." A evil smirk started spreading across her face.
"Oh no."
"Oh yes." She rubbed her hands and looked across the table. Mystery was stone cold as usual and Jelly was glancing around at the others, clearly unaware of what was happening. "Let's make a bet."
"Zoeyyyy." Baby groaned, setting down his bowl as he looked down. "I don't think that's a good idea."
"You haven't even heard what the bet was!"
"It has something to do with Mira, Abby, and Romance. Right?" He checked, looking over at her with a arched teal eyebrow.
"I mean, duh." She rolled her eyes, the evil smirk never leaving her face. "If they have the freaking audacity to bet on when me or Rumi were going to get pregnant, then I think we should be allowed the same privilege." She huffed, crossing her arms.
"You want to bet on them getting pregnant?" Romance asked, his voice dull but chin dropped ever so slightly.
"No, god not." Zoey shook her head and hands. "No. Something with them, obviously. But not that. That's not something that should be betted on." She resisted touching her abdomen. "No, I was thinking about maybe them sorting themselves out, something with their dynamic."
"I could see that." Jelly nodded, resting his thin hand on his pointed jawline. "Just what exactly."
"Is this a good idea?" Baby groaned, going to finish off his drink.
"I was being betted on carrying a child. So I don't see why not."
"No scorn like a pregnant lady." Mystery mumbled so low she barely caught it but she did send a evil glare his way causing him to chuckle.
"Okay, fair point." Baby pointed at him, nodding.
"Why aren't you upset about it?" Zoey arched an eyebrow at Baby who in turn gave her a dull look.
"Cause there is nothing serious about them." He sated plainly. She had to reluctantly agree but still didn't like it.
"I'm going to get Mira back one of these days." She pouted, crossing her hands.
"Oooh, we can make a bet about if this pregnancy party will have Abby trying to steal the attention or not." Jelly suggested, pointing his finger towards Zoey as he waved it about in the air.
"It's Abby so probably." Zoey nodded, rubbing her chin. "I mean, it's who he is."
"Yeah, okay. But stealing your guys' thunder with trying to get free therapy from literally everyone at the party." Jelly specified.
"God that would be so annoying and so him." Baby nodded. He glanced over at Zoey who gave him a look causing him to chuckle. "What?" He shrugged his shoulders, releasing his hold on his chin to gesture towards Jelly. "He isn't wrong."
"No, but we also introduced Abby and Bobby too." She pointed out.
"Oooh that could be dangerous." Mystery piped in. "But like, in a good way." He tilted his head to the side.
"Exactly!" Zoey pointed at Mystery that time, jumping up in her seat slightly. "That's what I'm saying!"
"We don't want Bobby to do damage control at our party." Baby rubbed his nose with his index and thumb.
"No, I don't either." Zoey shook her head. "But if he's spent time with Abby," She started, hoping her husband could figure out where she was going with the idea.
"Then maybe he's had a chance to talk some of it out and sort through his feelings?" Baby realized, his eyes widening. "Ohhhhh. Okay." He nodded, finger gunning at Zoey. "I can get behind that logic."
"So, are we going to make this bet or not?" Jelly chuckled, smiling at Zoey.
"Okay we are on." He reached out and shook Zoey's hand. "I win, you make me a craving."
"Deal. If I win, you let me help clean your apartment."
"You can do that without the bet." Baby snorted causing Jelly to sigh.
"Okay fine, I make or get your guy's food for a week."
"Cravings an all?" Baby sat forward now, arching an eyebrow with a smirk.
"Of course." Jelly amended. Baby reached forward and bounced Zoey and Jelly's hands up and down once more.
"Sweet." He smirked, sliding back against his chair. "We should get you a to-go container for that." He nodded towards Zoey half eaten soup.
"It's so goooood." She reached for her spoon but Baby took her hand, going and kissing it.
"I do not want you getting sick on the way back home. We took the car, remember?"
"You getting motion sickness?" Jelly asked.
"Well." Zoey bit her lip and glanced at Baby. "Sorta? I don't know if it was morning sickness or what but after I went somewhere in the car the other day I got like really sick when I got to my destination." She shrugged.
"So just to be on the safe side, I'd rather you eat it when we got home." He leaned over to kiss her head, her hand still in his as he gently massaged it.
"You two are super cute." Mystery smiled. "I can cover dinner if you guys want to head out when we get the bowl."
"You sure? You don't have to."
"My treat." He smiled, placing a hand on his chest. Baby and Zoey exchanged a look before looking back at Mystery.
"Thanks man." Baby smiled, giving the other man a nod. "It's appreciated."
"I know you'd do the same for me if the roles were reversed." He explained and Baby nodded at that, a smile on his face.
"This is also true." He snorts.
"So, think of it as a thanks in advance." Jelly winked for Mystery causing everyone at the table to chuckle. They secured to-go container and placed both of Zoey's meals left over in a bag before they exited the shop, hugging both Mystery and Jelly with another round of congratulations. Zoey and Baby left, hand in hand while Baby's other hand held the car keys and leftovers.
"That was nice." She hummed. "It went better than I thought it would." Baby nodded in agreement.
"I think it did go much more smoothly than I thought."
"It was nice of him to pay." She said softly.
"Yeah, but that's Mystery for ya." Baby chuckled, kissing her head.
"And he did have a point." She looked up at him with a smile. "We would've done the same thing.
"Yup." He popped the p, the toothpick in his mouth rolling tot he other side. "Which is why I let him take it as a win." He explained as they finally got to the car and got in. The ride back to their place was silent, Zoey watching the city and Baby mostly watching her. When they arrived, she was asleep and he chuckled at that. Gently setting the food on top of the car where he could access it easier, he reached down and scooped her up, careful not to hit her head as he removed her from the car.
Shutting the door with his foot, he adjusted his grip to be able to hold the food in one hand before getting the key's ready to unlock their part. Finally, he carried her inside the building, her head rested gently against his shoulder where he could feel her breath dancing across his skin. A smile softened his face, thinking about the human he held close to him both physically and emotionally.
"I'll protect you and our child with my dying breath." He vowed while he was in the elevator, kissing the top of her head gently. Upon arriving, he was able to get inside relatively easy, maneuvering around the two dogs that greeted him. Setting the food bag on the counter, he headed towards their room. Once inside, he got her to lay on the bed, going and turning on a soft lamp so that she wouldn't be too disturbed or awakened.
"Mmmm." She hummed in her sleep, eyes trying to open and he couched down before her, kissing her head lightly.
"I got us home. I'm going to put you in your pajamas. Okay?" He spoke, unsure if she was awake or not. Her head gently nodded and she threw her arms above her head causing him to chuckle softly, a small smile on his face. He went about unzipping her top, slowly shifting the halter up and over her head, making sure it wasn't getting caught in her earrings. Once it was off her head, he tossed it towards their laundry bin, not caring if he missed.
Reaching up, he unclasped the larger hoops, setting them aside to put away in a moment. He lightly kissed her head, going and kissing down her neck. Sitting back, he admired his wife, brushing her hair gently out of the way.
"Hurry up so you can cuddle me." She threw her arm down, mostly asleep til her hand caught his, giving it a squeeze.
"Do you want to take your pants off or?" He asked, giving her hand a kiss.
"Mmmm you." She managed to kick off her platform shoes with some difficulty but he helped her undress the rest of the way. Going over, he grabbed one of the easier pajamas to wear, stripping out of his clothes to put on his shirt, deciding to just sleep in his boxers that night. Upon arriving back to the bed, he sat down beside her, gently coaxing her up and shimmying the top over her head. A gentle 'ah' escaped her as the soft fabric rested against her skin.
Turning, he angled their bodies so that he could slide her shorts up and over her legs, his hands resting on her belly where he gently rubbed it. Placing a kiss upon her head, he laid her down and slid out from under her, going and kissing her belly.
"I'll be bed shortly."
"Mmmkay. I want cuddles." She stated, making grabby hands for him. In response, he placed her turtle pillow squishy in her arms, going and putting her hoops away before stepping back into the kitchen to save the leftovers. After making sure the dogs and cats had ample water, he topped off the dry food and turned the lights off.
"Come on. Time for bed." He scooped up Lilly who had been following him around, her eyes tracing his every move. She purred as he carried her to his and Zoey's room, happily leaping off and walking on the dresser until she jumped on bed, rubbing against Zoey's foot she had stuck out of the blankets.
"Baby?" She mumbled, rolling over and hitting the bed on his side.
"I'm right here." He chuckled, sliding into bed beside her, pulling her body against his and becoming the bigger spoon when she rolled back over. "Goodnight my love." He whispered, kissing her head.
"Mmm night." She sounded so much more chipper as she snuggled into his arms. Baby smiled to himself, kissing her head again and inhaling her scent. She didn't just feel like home, she smelled like it to. She had became his home and he was perfectly fine with it. He had no direction before becoming one of the Saja Boys, before meeting up with Jinu and the others. But now, his life had a direction. Especially with a child on the way, it had a meaning. Sure, it had a meaning with Zoey. Promising to be with her til death. But something was different about being a father to a child. Something that rooted him even more to the world.
Biggest question was, how long do they live?