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“Tadaomi? Are you okay in there?” Gakushu asks, knocking on the bathroom door.
“Yeah, I’ll be right out.” Comes the croaky reply. There was a scuffle as Tadaomi pushes himself up from the floor and flushes the toilet. He trudges wearily out, fixing Gakushu with a tired gaze.
Gakushu frowns. “You look terrible.”
With a groan, Tadaomi leans against the wall. He runs his hand over his clammy forehead. “Thanks.”
Gakushu takes hold of Tadaomi’s arm and starts tugging him towards his bedroom. “Come on. I’ll make you some tea.”
Tadaomi sighs heavily. “You know tea isn’t some miracle cure, right?”
“It is in this house,” Gakushu shrugs, “Besides, you need to keep hydrated.”
“It’s not even caffeinated.” Tadaomi grumbles.
“You’re pregnant, of course you’re not having caffeine.”
“Ugh. Don’t remind me.” Tadaomi complains, pressing a hand to his still queasy stomach.
Gakushu pushes open the door to the main bedroom and Tadaomi slumps onto the bed, crawling over to his side of it.
“Don’t you have plans today?” he asks.
“Not til later.” Gakushu says.
“Did your dad put you up to this?”
Gakushu grins. “Yeah. To be fair, you look like shit so I can’t blame him.”
“Don’t be a brat. I’m too tired.”
“Hence why I’m staying with you.”
Tadaomi huffs, tucking his legs under the covers. “I don’t need a babysitter, you know. I’m not about to keel over just because I’m a little under the weather.”
Gakushu rolls his eyes. “You’ve barely left the house in 3 weeks, the morning sickness has been so bad.”
Tadaomi glares at him, even as the bags under his eyes ache as proof of Gakushu’s point.
Gakushu chuckles. “I’ll go make you that tea now.”
Tadaomi slumps against the pillows, drawing the covers up to his shoulders. “Thanks.”
“Don’t fall asleep while I’m gone. There’s nothing worse than waking up to cold tea.”
“Mmm…”
Tadaomi is sipping his tea when Gakuhou returns home. The purple eyed man stretches across the bed, wrapping his arm around Tadaomi’s shoulders. Tadaomi leans his head against Gakuhou sleepily.
“How’re you feeling?”
“In need of caffeine.”
Gakuhou sighs fondly. “Is there any chance you’ll stop complaining about your inability to drink caffeine any time soon?”
“No.”
Gakuhou huffs into Tadaomi’s hair.
“You know it’s kind of ironic that your whole thing is high achievement, but your kid is against me doing anything productive.”
A heavy sigh escapes Gakuhou. “The morning sickness isn’t better?”
Tadaomi shook his head. “It’s still rough, but I’m okay.”
“We’re going to talk to your doctor about this tomorrow. There might be something she can give you for the nausea.”
“Hopefully. It would be nice if I could enjoy breakfast again.”
“Or leave the house.” Gakuhou adds.
“Or leave the house.”
Tadaomi’s phone vibrates quietly on the bedside table. He exchanges for it and opens up a text from Irina.
Hey, stranger. We missed you at the meet up.
Tadaomi nestles into Gakuhou’s side. The taller man’s hand settles on his still flat but softening stomach as he types out a response.
The morning sickness is still kicking my ass. I’ll try and make the next one though.
There was a short pause before his phone pings with a reply.
You’d better. The kids really missed you and it’s getting really hard to make excuses for you. They refuse to believe you can get sick.
I can’t. Tadaomi types back. Being pregnant isn’t an illness.
It might as well be, given you can’t even be in the same room as me without puking your guts up.
It’s not my fault you wear so much perfume.
Bastard.
Tadaomi puts his phone back on the bedside table and turns his head into Gakuhou’s chest. “Are you doing anything else today?”
Gakuhou idly runs his hand through Tadaomi’s hair. “No. I’m all your now.”
“Great. Your son wouldn’t let me nap earlier and I need sleep.”
Gakuhou glances over to Tadaomi in the passenger seat. The shorter man stares resolutely out the window, arms folded across his chest. It’s not enough to hide his pale face and confirms to Gakuhou that his husband isn’t feeling well.
“Do you want a break?”
“No. I’m okay.”
“We’re making excellent time. You don’t have to worry about being late.”
“No, I-” Tadaomi’s voice hitches, “I can get through a half hour car ride.”
Gakuhou sighs and pulls into a nearby car park. Tadaomi scowls but hastily climbs out of the car. He leans against it, taking deep breaths.
“I was in the air force, and I never felt sick at anything, but as soon as I get pregnant, I get more motion sick than the octopus. What the hell?” he grouses.
Gakuhou rubs his shoulder blades sympathetically. “Everyone reacts differently to pregnancy. Gakushu’s mother had incredibly mild morning sickness but suffered from cramps.”
Tadaomi nods in acknowledgement but groans, raising the back of his hand to his mouth. He swallows back a thick wad of saliva to mutter, “Gum.”
Gakuhou sighs but reaches into the car and pulls a packet of gum from the glove compartment. Tadaomi snatches it and shoves a piece into his mouth.
“I wish you had a healthier way of coping with the nausea.”
“I will punch you.” Tadaomi hisses.
“I apologise.”
Tadaomi grunts, pressing his hand to his churning stomach. “I hate this. So much.”
Gakuhou hums, rubbing Tadaomi’s back.
“I think I’m alright,” Tadaomi says, “We should get going.”
“Very well. Let me know if you need to stop again.” Gakuhou says as he unnecessarily helps Tadaomi back into the car. Tadaomi just huffs grumpily. Gakuhou rubs his knee sympathetically.
They manage to make it to the hospital without needing to stop again. Tadaomi manages to contain his balk at the sight of it. Since marrying Gakuhou, he’d slowly become accustomed with the extravagant wealth, but he still feels out of place here. The private maternity hospital is the best in the area, so it was only natural that Gakuhou insists on it. As Gakuhou is the more experienced in pregnancy and parenting, Tadaomi is happy to comply. He’s still more than a little overwhelmed by the whole idea of pregnancy in general. After they confirmed the pregnancy, they had visited the hospital and Tadaomi had nearly completely freaked out, just feeling so out of his depth.
As if reading his mind, Gakuhou wraps an arm around Tadaomi’s waist. “Try to relax.”
Tadaomi groans in frustration. “I can’t relax. This is insane.”
“Tadaomi, it’s alright. I know this is a huge change for you.”
Tadaomi nods. He sucks in a deep breath as they enter the building and are directed to their doctor’s office. As they sit on the plush chairs outside to wait, Tadaomi is sure the only thing keeping his legs from shaking is his military training. Then again, maybe if he wasn’t in the military, pregnancy wouldn’t be such an alien concept.
The name on the door reads Suda Kumi, OBGYN. They’d met her once before during their initial visit, but Tadaomi isn’t exactly trusting.
It only takes 6 minutes for the door to open. Suda Kumi is a small woman with straight brown hair tied back into a pony tail and warm green eyes. She looks harmless, but Tadaomi knows better than that.
“Asano?” she asks.
Though he’ll refuse to admit it later, Tadaomi freezes. Gakuhou, in stark contrast, smiles broadly. “That would be us.” He squeezes Tadaomi’s hand and tugs him up.
Dr Suda ushers them in with a smile and they sit across the desk from her.
“So,” she says to Tadaomi, “How have you been recently?”
Tadaomi shrugs. “Not great. The morning sickness has been really bad. When I wake up, I’m almost completely out of action and my sense of smell is really sensitive, so any strong scents usually make me vomit. It’s… inconvenient.”
Dr Suda hums contemplatively. “I can prescribe anti-nausea medication to help.”
“That would be much appreciated.” Gakuhou smiles, squeezing Tadaomi’s hand.
“Have you been experiencing any other symptoms?”
“I’m mostly just tired all the time. And my chest is sore.” Tadaomi grudgingly admits.
Dr Suda nods. “I’d suggest going to bed earlier to help with the fatigue.”
Tadaomi nods, though his face remains impassive and blank.
“You’re at 8 weeks gestation, correct?”
“Yeah.”
“Are you still working or planning on working during your pregnancy?”
“I’m taking some time off until after the baby’s born. Then I’ll go back in.”
“And you’re working for the Ministry of Defence?”
“Yeah. I’ll be starting as an instructor for the air force after my leave is over.”
She smiles. “Would you like to see your baby now?”
Gakuhou grinned and Tadaomi felt his eyes widening.
“Please.”
Dr Suda gestures for them to follow her into a side room. Tadaomi obediently lies down on the examination table and rolls his shirt up, while Dr Suda sets up the ultrasound machine.
“This gel is a little cold.” She warns before spreading it across his stomach.
Tadaomi forces himself not fidget, focussing on the weight of Gakuhou’s hand on shoulder. Dr Suda presses the wand against his skin and gently moved in a slow circle. Tadaomi and Gakuhou’s eyes fixed on the screen as the image started to form. Dr Suda pointed to the centre of the shadowy shapes at a small bean like blob.
“Here we go.”
“That- that’s it?” Tadaomi stammers. His throat feels thick and clogged.
“We start out so small, don’t we?” Gakuhou chuckles.
“That’s a baby…” Tadaomi breathes in shock.
“Yes. That’s our baby.”
Dr Suda smiles at Tadaomi’s stunned expression. “Don’t worry. It’s normal to be overwhelmed as a first time parent. There’s a lot of changes going on in your body and in your life right now.”
A soft wab- wab- wab sound fills the room.
Tadaomi gasps. His eyes are blurring. Through his full throat, he manages, “Is that?”
“The heartbeat, yes,” Dr Suda laughs, “Shall I print you out a sonogram.”
“That would be lovely, thank you.” Gakuhou says. His eyes are shining in a way that Tadaomi has never seen before.
Half an hour later, Gakuhou’s arm is around Tadaomi’s waist as they make their way out of the hospital, sonogram clutched tightly in Tadaomi’s hand.
“Thank you so much.” Gakuhou murmurs.
“For what?”
“For giving me a second chance. To do this right.”
When they get home- thankfully without any stops- Gakushu immediately steals the sonogram and pins it to the fridge.
“You’re showing.” Gakushu declares as he waltzes into the room.
Tadaomi glances up from his laptop. Gakushu vaults over the back of the sofa to land beside him. Then he pokes his stomach.
“Yep. That’s definitely a baby belly.”
Tadaomi sighs heavily. “Gakushu, what are you doing?”
Gakushu shrugs. “Aren’t I allowed to look in on my step dad and little sister?”
Tadaomi raises an eyebrow. “You know we don’t know the gender and aren’t planning to find out until it’s born, right?”
“I know. I just think it’s a girl.”
“Alright. If you say so,” Tadaomi pauses, pressing a hand to his little bump, “You are okay with the baby, right?”
Gakushu laughs. “Of course.” He sighs wistfully, folding his arms behind his head. “When I was little I always wanted a sibling to play with. Then, to take the weight of my dad’s expectations. It’s a little later than I wanted, but that’s life, I suppose. Besides, you’re a good dad, even if your taste in men is lacking.”
“Uh, thanks, I guess.”
“You’re welcome.”
Gakuhou steps into the room, sitting down on Tadaomi’s other side. He presses a kiss to Tadaomi’s forehead, hand on Tadaomi’s stomach.
“What colour do you want for the nursery?”
Tadaomi snorts in confusion. “What?”
“We could go with a gender neutral scheme, like yellow, or a more relaxing blue if you’d prefer.” Gakuhou continues cheerfully.
“I’m only 3 months pregnant, Gakuhou. Do we really need to work on a room for the baby just yet?” Tadaomi asks.
Gakuhou sighs with a shake of his head. “Preparedness, my dear.”
“I could take care of it, if you want.” Gakushu offers, a sly grin on his face.
“You got to decorate the wedding, Gakushu,” Tadaomi sighs, “Let us have something to do.”
“Fine. Suit yourselves.” Gakushu huffs.
“Just kill me now.” Tadaomi groans, head buried in his hands.
Irina laughs as she pats his shoulder. “Don’t get so bent out of shape. They’re just kids.”
He glares balefully up at her. “If you ever get pregnant, I will remind you of this.”
She laughs again. “Oh, I am never getting pregnant. It would absolutely ruin my figure. Now come on. Let’s get going.”
Tadaomi sighs, opening the car door and climbing out. Hastily, he adjusts his suit to hide as much of his belly as possible. Though his bump isn’t too obvious yet, he was about to walk into a den of trained assassins. None of them missed anything. Especially not their ex PE teacher suddenly gaining a few pounds.
“Relax,” Irina sighs, “You look fine, and besides, you’re telling them today anyway, right?”
“You’re missing the point.” Tadaomi grumbles as they start the hike up the mountain.
“I think the point is you’re scared to tell them because you’re afraid of how they’ll react.” Irina retorts.
Tadaomi splutters indignantly. “No! That’s not it! I just- I don’t know. This whole situation is weird for me.”
Irina hums sympathetically. “That makes sense. But if the kids can accept you marrying the principal, I’m pretty sure they can accept you having his baby.”
Tadaomi sighs heavily. “Yeah.”
Irina fills the rest of the walk with idle chatter. Tadaomi mostly tunes her out. He finds himself several times nearly rubbing his belly and has to snatch his hand away quickly. The last thing he wants to do is draw attention to his situation.
When they reach the building, most of the class is already there. The early September weather is still plenty warm, so they’re spread out on picnic blankets outside the building.
“Professor Bitch! Mr Karasuma!” Kayano calls out, with a cheerful wave and a smile.
Tadaomi nods his head in greeting to her. He and Irina sit down on the emptiest blanket with Takebayashi and Okuda. They briefly pause in their science talk to greet the newcomers, and then they’re right back into it. Tadaomi listens vaguely, though he doesn’t understand most of it. It’s just a good distraction from his nerves.
Irina launches into a variety of conversations, letting Tadaomi have his silence. More students- though they’re young adults now, they’ll always be Tadaomi’s students- arrive. Though Irina doesn’t break conversation, her eyes track each new arrival. Tadaomi clocks on to her plan. Of course, she’s going to wait until the whole class, or at least as many as are coming, and then prompt his reveal.
He gets 56 minutes. Irina makes sure that everyone who would be coming was there and clears her throat to get their attention. There’s a wave of hush as they quiet down. Tadaomi feels sweat bead on his brow as Irina smirks.
“So, Mr Karasuma has some news for you all.” She says. The glint in her eyes makes Tadaomi shiver slightly.
He’s all too aware of all the eyes on him. He clears his throat and forces himself not to fidget. “I- uh, well, I’m…” He takes a deep breath and before he loses his nerve, blurts out, “I’m pregnant.”
There’s silence.
Tadaomi’s heart drops to his feet. Then it shoots back up into his throat as he’s assaulted by gasps and exclamations.
“That’s wonderful.” Kataoka says.
“When are you due?” Yada asks.
“Your baby is going to be so cute!” Kayano adds.
Tadaomi ducks his head, but Irina elbows his side.
“I’m due in March.” He says. There’s another round of awes.
“Have you thought of any names?” Kanzaki asks softly, which Tadaomi appreciates.
“No, not yet.” He says. There’s still a buzzing hum of chatter, but he’s starting to relax a little. He allows his hand to slide onto his stomach to cup the tiny little bump. He expects the round of cheers and this time smiles.
“Do you have a tissue?” Tadaomi asks nasally.
Gakuhou looks up from the kettle as his husband steps into the kitchen, head tilted back and cupping his nose. Gakuhou pulls a packet from his pocket and passes one over. Tadaomi takes it and presses it to his nose.
“Are you alright?” Gakuhou asks.
“Yeah,” Tadaomi grunts, “Just a nosebleed.”
Gakuhou wraps his arm around Tadaomi’s waist and leads him to the living room. Tadaomi chuckles as Gakuhou tugs him down onto the sofa, hand on his belly. Tadaomi leans his head against Gakuhou’s shoulder, still tilting his head down as the blood drips sluggishly from his nose.
“I’m never doing this again.” He grumbles.
“Two children is enough,” Gakuhou agrees, “Although you have significantly more than that, don’t you?”
Tadaomi decidedly does not pout. “They aren’t my kids.”
Gakuhou raises an eyebrow. A teasing smile dances on his lips. “Oh really? None of them view you as a father figure?”
With a frustrated groan, Tadaomi turns his face into Gakuhou’s shoulder. “Shut up.”
Gakuhou laughs and kisses Tadaomi’s head. “I think it’s sweet.”
“Well they needed someone to look out for them. ‘s not like they had a lot of options.”
“I suppose I deserve that.” Gakuhou sighs.
“You did.” Tadaomi confirms.
Gakuhou can’t help but laugh at the blunt response. Tadaomi huffs. He shifts. His hands cradle his belly, and his face takes on a pensive expression.
“Tadaomi?”
Tadaomi’s eyes shimmer as they meet Gakuhou’s. “I think it’s moving…”
Gakuhou sucks in a sharp breath. He sits up and presses his hands to Tadaomi’s belly. He knows he won’t feel anything, but it’s like magnetism, pulling him to be close to his family.
“What does it feel like?”
“Sort of fluttery,” Tadaomi laughs deliriously, “Like butterflies, but not. I don’t know how to describe it.”
Gakuhou pulls him into a tight embrace and presses their lips together. “I love you so much.”
It doesn’t take long for Gakushu to hear about the baby’s movement. He takes to touching Tadaomi’s stomach every time they cross paths in the hope he’ll feel it kick before his father. Tadaomi just shrugs and lets him. Sometimes he worries he’s going soft; then he looks at the definite bump on his middle and realises it’s probably too late for that. He lies down in the middle of the day just to feel the fluttering feeling. He’s seen so much in his life, he needs to know that his baby is alive. Trusting in fate and luck have never been his strong suit.
The baby finally kicks properly two weeks later. It happens when Gakushu is prodding him. Neither of them expect the little thump against Gakushu’s hand.
“Was that- did it actually kick?” he asks, eyes wide with surprise.
Tadaomi grins and pats his belly. “Yeah. Looks like they like their big brother.”
Gakushu smiles back and says quietly, “She.” Then slinks away as he always does when he feels vulnerable. Tadaomi lets him go and walks- he refuses to admit he’s starting to waddle- off to find Gakuhou. Gakuhou pouts when the baby doesn’t kick for him.
Unexpectedly Karma is the first of the 3-E students to feel the baby. Tadaomi doesn’t know exactly how he found out the baby was moving. He has no proof, but he suspects Gakushu’s involvement. He’s sure they keep in contact, even if they won’t admit it.
At 5 months, the baby has really started to kick. The class is meeting up again, this time sheltering from the cold, wet weather inside the school building. It’s nice to breathe some life into the old place every now and then, even though they make sure to leave it spotless.
Tadaomi lounges on one of the staff room chairs that had been dragged into the spare classroom they’re gathered in. The staff room chairs are mildly more comfortable than the classroom ones, which Tadaomi would have been perfectly happy with, but the entire class seems set on pampering him and insisted on dragging the chair over.
The baby delivers an unnecessarily hard thump. He hides his grimace but gently rubs the spot to try and soothe the baby. No one looks like they noticed, except Karma. The red haired boy saunters over with a grin on his face and presses his hand to Tadaomi’s belly.
Tadaomi stares at him, completely stunned. Before he can react, the baby kicks sharply at Karma’s hand. Karma’s grin broadens.
“Guess they must like me, huh.”
Tadaomi sighs. “Apparently. You know it’s polite to ask someone before you touch them, right?”
Karma shrugs uncaringly. “I wanted to feel it before it went to sleep.”
Tadaomi shakes his head. “Just ask next time.”
“I will.”
And from there starts the trend of half the class crowding around him wanting to feel the baby kick. Tadaomi pretends to be irritated by the attention, but he appreciates it really. He keeps careful track of who feels so everyone who wants to has a chance to feel. He’s surprised by how many press their hands to his belly. There’s the expected, friendly lot, the ones who are quite happy to gush about his baby. He’s surprised when Hazama and Itona and Terasaka join the crowd to feel. The grin Hazama gives when she feels the baby move sends shivers down his spine. Itona blinks blankly and Terasaka’s face turns bright red, but Tadaomi appreciates their care all the same.
“What’s your plan for the birth?”
Tadaomi nearly chokes on his tea. That is not a question he expects his step son to ask him. He shrugs. “I don’t know. Go to the hospital and have it.”
Gakushu sighs despairingly. “And here I thought you were supposed to be good at strategy. Anyway, I want to be there.”
Tadaomi chokes on his own breath.
Gakushu sighs again, heavier this time. “You are hopeless.”
“You’re 17, Gakushu, you’re not watching me give birth.”
“Why not? Because it’s ‘inappropriate’?”
“Yes! I’ll be half naked, you’re not seeing that.”
“But I want to see my little sister being born.” Gakushu says.
Gakuhou tuts as he steps into the room. “There hasn’t been a girl born into the Asano family for generations. There is a significantly higher probability the baby is a boy. And Gakushu, it’s about Tadaomi’s privacy.”
Gakushu shoots his father a dark glare and sits down beside Tadaomi. “Sorry. I didn’t think about it like that. I forgot what an ordeal giving birth is.”
Tadaomi ruffles his hair. “It’s okay. You can be the first to meet the baby, alright?”
Gakushu rushes to fix his hair but he smiles. “Thank you. What names are you thinking off?”
Tadaomi shrugs. “We haven’t really thought of any.”
“I think it would be prudent if you chose the name,” Gakuhou says, “Since this is your first time doing this.”
“Oh… are you sure about that?” Tadaomi asks.
Gakuhou smiles. “Of course.”
“It should start with a t though,” Gakushu interrupts, “Otherwise it’ll break the pattern.” He gestures to himself and his father with a slight, disdainful curl of his lips.
“Alright then.” Tadaomi shrugs, rubbing his belly thoughtfully.
The months fly by and Tadaomi gets bigger and bigger. He feels like he has a toaster stuck up his shirt, which he really doesn’t appreciate. March comes. It feels both too soon and a long time coming. His due date is the 20th, but Gakuhou can’t seem to go a day without reminding him that babies don’t stick to schedule. Apparently Gakushu was 2 weeks early, the first of his mother’s prenatal group, an over achiever from birth.
But it’s the 13th.
The two year anniversary of 3-E’s graduation.
Tadaomi has to be there. It’s the only one of their meet ups where everyone attends at once, going out of their way to make it. Sure, Tadaomi is due to give birth in a week, but that isn’t a good enough excuse to miss it. He has to pay his respects to the Octopus after all.
“You’re in no condition to hike up a mountain.” Gakuhou argues.
“Exercise is healthy.” Tadaomi argues back.
“Not a hike up a mountain.”
“Well, think about that next time you open a school.”
“A junior high school. I was not expecting anyone to try to get there while 9 months pregnant.”
“Which isn’t my fault.”
“Tadaomi.”
“Gakuhou.”
Gakuhou sighs heavily and pinches the bridge of his nose. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“No.” Tadaomi staunchly replies.
Gakuhou pulls Tadaomi closer by the hand and sinks into an arm chair. He draws Tadaomi down onto his lap and wraps his arms around him.
“This means a lot to you.”
“It’s the anniversary of the kids’ graduation,” Tadaomi says, “Two years ago, they assassinated their teacher. It’s important, Gaku.”
Gaku sighs and presses a kiss to Tadaomi’s temple. “Very well. But I’m driving you there and picking you up afterwards.”
Tadaomi nods and smiles. “Thanks.”
When they arrive at the foot of the mountain the next day, Irina is waiting for them. She whistles as Gakuhou- unnecessarily, Tadaomi would like to remind everyone- helps him out of the car.
“You’re huge!”
Tadaomi arches an eyebrow, folding his arms over his belly. “I hadn’t noticed.”
Irina laughs.
Gakuhou puts a hand on Tadaomi’s shoulder. “Don’t hesitate to call me if you want to leave early. I’ll be nearby.”
Tadaomi rolls his eyes, but he smiles fondly. “I know. I’ll see you later.”
Irina coos and links her arm with Tadaomi’s. She starts leading him up the path and pats his belly. It feels odd; heavier than normal. It makes walking more difficult than it usual does but he resolutely does not show it.
“You’re so cute like this. I don’t know why you haven’t gotten pregnant before now.”
He scowls. “Because nothing about pregnancy is cute. You’ll find out if you ever have your own kid.”
“Aw hell no. I’m only ever going to be auntie Irina.”
Tadaomi shakes his head. A twinge throbs from his lower back. The corner of his lip curls and he pressed his free hand to the aching spot.
“Is everything okay?” Irina asks.
“Backache. One of the many not cute parts of pregnancy.”
Irina grimaces sympathetically. “You’re okay to make it up to the classroom?”
“Yeah. I’m fine.”
“Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl yet?”
“No. We’re keeping it a surprise until it’s born.”
“It won’t be long now, will it?”
“I’m due in a week.” Tadaomi confirms.
Irina whistles. “And you still decided to hike up a mountain?”
Tadaomi shrugs. “It’s an important day.”
“And it’s weird to see you without a suit. I didn’t think you even owned anything else.”
Tadaomi huffs wearily, glancing down at his t-shirt and sweatpants. “Obviously I have other clothes. There’s no way I’m wearing a suit to hike up a mountain with what feels like a 10 pound oven stuck up my shirt.”
Irina snorts with laughter. Tadaomi just shakes his head and sighs.
By the time they make it to the classroom, Tadaomi is wiping sweat from his brow. Irina pats his shoulder good naturedly and gives his belly a rub for good measure. Isogai is the first to see them and waves them over.
“Professor Bitch! Mr Karasuma!”
Tadaomi nods to him.
The young man gestures to a deck chair in the middle of the picnic blankets. “We set this up for you. Hopefully it’ll be more comfortable than sitting on the ground.”
Tadaomi smiles, running his hand over his rounded belly. “Thanks.”
He lets Isogai help him lower himself into the chair. He lets out a soft grunt and sighs, soaking up the spring sunshine.
“We have extra cushions if that would be more comfortable. Just let us know if you need anything.”
Tadaomi chuckles. “I’m not helpless, you know. I may be pregnant, but I can get my own cushions.”
“You are really, really pregnant though,” Kurahashi says, “I don’t know how you managed to walk up here.”
“Because he’s Mr Karasuma. He can do just about anything.” Sugino chimes in.
“Imagine what his kid is going to be like.” Okano adds.
“Especially when you think about who the other father is.” Nakamura muses.
Tadaomi sighs again. He clasps his hands over his belly, tilts his head back and lets the kids’ chatter wash over him.
A long, quiet breath escapes him. His belly feels taut and tense. His back twists with a gripping cramp. His hands clench the arm rests, but he keeps his face blank. Its been 3 hours and this is the 8th of these cramps. Tadaomi’s starting to think Gakuhou might have been right about why he shouldn’t have come out today.
He’s in labour.
He opens his eyes, squinting against the sunlight. He’s in luck. Irina is walking past with a plate from the picnic table they’ve set up. She doesn’t realise he’s not asleep until he grabs her wrist. She covers her surprise well, assassin instinct kicking in.
“I need you to cover for me.” He says quietly.
“Why?”
“Because you’re in labour, aren’t you?”
They both look over sharply. Karma comes to stand beside them, hands on hips.
Tadaomi bites back a groan. So much for subtlety. “Yes. What gave it away?”
Karma shrugs. “Pretending to sleep is a good cover, but no one is that tense when they’re asleep. Your hands have been going white and your jaw clenching ever so slightly ever 20 minutes for hours. That can only mean you’re having contractions.”
Tadaomi sighs and nods.
“Don’t worry. I’m the only one who noticed.” Karma assures.
Tadaomi waves him off, turning his attention back to Irina. “They’re not bad yet, but I want to get off this mountain as soon as possible.”
Irina nods and holds her hands out to help him up. “Come on then.”
Tadaomi puts one hand beneath his belly to heft it up and clasps Irina’s with his other. He can’t contain the grunt of effort that escapes him. Irina eyes him worriedly. He shakes his head and starts waddling away from the group.
“Mr Karasuma!” Isogai calls out, “Is everything okay?”
Before Tadaomi can lie, Karma answers, “He’s in labour.”
There’s a flurry of gasps and exclamations. Several students jump to their feet. Tadaomi hold his hand up for quiet. They fall silent immediately. Tadaomi’s satisfied to know he hasn’t gone completely soft.
“Yes, I’m in labour. No, that doesn’t mean anyone needs to panic. I have several hours before the baby will actually come, but I’m going to leave now so I can get to the hospital. Alright?”
They nod mutely.
“You’re not going down on your own, are you?” Hara asks.
“Of course not,” Irina interrupts, “I’m going with him, so you brats had better behave yourselves while I’m gone.”
“I think someone else should go too,” Yada says nervously, “Just in case something happens.”
Tadaomi is about to protest when Isogai steps forward.
“I’ll go. Its my job as class rep after all.”
“Oh, can I come too?” Karma asks.
“Fine!” Tadaomi says more forcefully than he means too. The attention is starting to really grate on his nerves and he’s acutely aware of the monumental process his body is going through.
No one seems to mind. There’s a chorus of good lucks and other well wishes as he waddles towards the path down the hill, followed by his entourage. Irina jogs to catch up to him.
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine, Irina.”
She nods, but the look in her eyes makes it clear she doesn’t believe him.
He strides on ahead- as much as he can anyway- determined to get as far and as fast as he possibly can. Irina follows just a step behind, his limited mobility helping her keep up. Isogai and Karma are just behind her. They walk for 15 minutes before the next contraction slams into Tadaomi. His breath hitches and he feels winded. He doubles over, clutching his hands to his knees. He tries to breathe through it but drawing air suddenly feels impossible.
“Mr Karasuma?”
He doesn’t have the breath to assure Isogai he’s alright. He feels bad. The kid sounds so worried. The contraction doesn’t last long. The relief he feels as it slips away is enough to make his head spin.
Gulping in air, he straightens up. “I’m okay.” He makes sure to give Isogai a reassuring smile. Of the three, he’s clearly the most unnerved. The kids smiles back and relaxes slightly.
“Shit!” Tadaomi exclaims.
“What’s wrong?” Irina demands.
“I forgot to call Gakuhou.” Tadaomi sighs.
Irina crosses her arms. “Don’t scare me like that! I thought something was actually wrong!”
Tadaomi ignores her in favour of pulling out his phone and ringing his husband.
“Tadaomi? Is everything alright?” Gakuhou’s voice says through the speaker.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Just can you pick me up?”
“It’s earlier than planned. Are you sure you’re alright?”
“Yeah, just tired and… well, pregnant.”
Gakuhou chuckles. “I’m on my way. Do you want me to go to the class to get you?”
“No, just meet me at the bottom. Thank you.”
“Alright. I’ll see you soon.”
He hangs up and puts his phone back into his pocket. When he turns around, Irina is shaking her head at him.
“What?”
“You didn’t tell him you’re in labour.” She tuts.
“I didn’t want him to worry.”
Irina shakes her head again. “You’re impossible.”
She takes his arm and starts leading him further down the path. Karma and Isogai follow obediently. They move slower this time. Tadaomi’s long strides have been reduced to a stiff shuffle. He aches. Dull throbs radiate from his back across his belly and down his legs. It’s wearing him out far quicker than he’d like. Mountain hikes really aren’t an activity he’d recommend for the third trimester.
Karma materialises at his side and kneads his lower back with a fist. “Does this help?”
Tadaomi’s shocked by the contented moan that escapes his lips. He clears his throat sheepishly. “Uh, yeah. Thanks.”
“No problem.”
They’re nearly at the bottom of the mountain when the next contraction hits. Tadaomi lurches on his feet and grabs hold of the nearest tree for balance. He hisses through clenched teeth, trying to even out his breath. Karma kneads deeper into his back and there are hands supporting his shoulders.
He doesn’t know how long it lasts for. The seconds feel like hours and its over in a blink. He doesn’t move for several moments as he tries to get his breath back.
“Are you alright?” Irina asks quietly.
He nods. “Let’s keep going.”
His legs are shaking. A mix of adrenaline and exhaustion, he suspects. Before he can take a step, Karma slides under one arm. Tadaomi blinks and Isogai slides under his other arm.
“Here sir. Lean on us.” Isogai smiles.
Tadaomi smiles back. “Thanks.”
It is easier to walk with the boys’ support. However, not needing to remind himself to take a step leaves his mind open to other thoughts. He’s literally about to have a baby. He’s nowhere near ready for this. He swallows, feeling faintly nauseous with nerves and pain.
“We’re nearly there, sir.” Isogai murmurs.
Tadaomi doesn’t have the energy to reply.
Thankfully, they reach the edge of the forest before the next contraction. Tadaomi is floored by the relief he feels when he sees Gakuhou waiting there. The other man’s eyes widen when he sees Tadaomi draped over his former students. He hurries forward and Tadaomi lets go of Karma and Isogai to wrap his arms around Gakuhou’s neck.
“Hey…” he mutters.
“What’s wrong?” Gakuhou asks.
Tadaomi smiles weakly. “I’m in labour.”
Gakuhou’s eyebrows meet his hairline. “Alright. Let’s get you to the hospital then.”
He turns to Irina, Karma and Isogai and nods. “Thank you for all your help.”
“It’s no problem, sir.” Isogai says.
Tadaomi looks over to Irina. “Hey, can you pick up Gakushu and take him to the hospital?”
She grins. “Yeah, I can do that.”
“He has the address, and he should be at home.” Tadaomi adds.
Gakuhou sets a hand on his shoulders and nudges him towards the car. “Come now. We ought to be going.”
“Good luck, Mr Karasuma!” Isogai calls as Karma waves.
Tadaomi waves back as Gakuhou helps him into the car.
“You are going to be the death of me.” Gakuhou grumbles over the rumble of the engine.
“Sorry?” Tadaomi offers sheepishly.
“Don’t be. I’d rather just get you to the hospital. How are you?”
It feels like a report. That’s nice. Tadaomi can do that. “Waters haven’t broken. Contractions are coming every 20- oh shit-”
Tadaomi breaks off with a low moan. He grabs at the door and squeezes.
“Breathe, Tadaomi.” Gakuhou soothes.
“Shit!” Tadaomi cries.
“Tadaomi?”
Tadaomi shakes his head, still working through the vice like pain. He rubs at his belly. His skin is tight, feeling rock hard, but its comforting. He might actually miss this; having his baby close and safe.
“Are you alright?” Gakuhou asks.
“Yeah…” Tadaomi rasps, “Just, uh, my waters broke.” He stares morosely down at the wet stain spreading across his trousers. “Sorry about your seat.”
“Never mind about that.” Gakuhou says. He reaches across the car with one hand and grasps Tadaomi’s. Tadaomi squeezes it gratefully.
Another contraction builds as they pull into the hospital car park. Its only 15 minutes after the last one and Tadaomi can hear his teeth as they gnash together uncomfortably. He pants harshly, squeezing Gakuhou’s hand with a crushing grip. Gakuhou doesn’t flinch. “Breathe, Tadaomi.”
“Fuck…” Tadaomi moans.
“You’re alright.” Gakuhou soothes.
Tadaomi nods weakly. He slumps as the contraction passes, leaning his head on Gakuhou’s shoulder. Gakuhou hugs him tightly. Tadaomi finds himself melting into the embrace.
“We should probably get going, huh?” He mumbles after a long beat.
Gakuhou sighs wistfully. “I suppose we should. Can you walk?”
“Yes.” Tadaomi scoffs.
Gakuhou smiles fondly as he gets out of the car. Tadaomi pushes his door open and holds his hand out to Gakuhou. Gakuhou grins.
“Ugh. I know, I know. But I hurt just about everywhere, so make yourself useful.”
Gakuhou chuckles and obediently helps Tadaomi haul himself up. Tadaomi groans, rubbing his back with a grimace.
“I think your seat’s ruined.”
“Don’t trouble yourself with it.” Gakuhou says. He wraps his arm around Tadaomi’s waist and leads him towards the entrance. Tadaomi wearily leans against him. He doesn’t know when he became so tired, but he finds himself suddenly exhausted- and he’s nowhere near done.
“You’re doing marvellously.” Gakuhou whispers in his ear.
“Thanks…” Tadaomi huffs.
Tadaomi sighs heavily through the contraction, bracing himself on the foot of the hospital bed. Gakuhou kneads deeply into his back, and he pushes back into the touch. The contractions are growing more intense, but the atmosphere is calmer somehow. Gakuhou has shed his jacket and tie and rolled up his sleeves. Tadaomi’s hair has lost its careful styling, starting to fall into his eyes.
A quiet knock on the door disturbs his reverie. Gakuhou calls for them to come in and Dr Suda steps into the room.
“It’s good to see you both,” She says quietly, “How are you feeling, Mr Karasuma?”
“’m alright.” Tadaomi grunts.
“Your waters have broken, correct?”
Tadaomi nods. Talking is just too hard.
“How far apart are your contractions?”
“15 minutes, for 25 seconds.” Gakuhou replies.
Dr Suda nods. She gently places her hand on Tadaomi’s shoulder to get his attention. Her touch sends prickling shivers across his skin. He hates it but he doesn’t shake it off.
“If you’ll change into this gown, I can check your dilation.”
Tadaomi nods. Gakuhou helps him slowly change and to lie down on the bed. Tadaomi grimaces. Something about the position drives him mad. He needs to be on his feet and moving. Gakuhou’s hand clasps his shoulder and Tadaomi squeezes his wrist fiercely.
“I’m going to check your dilation now, and then you can move again,” Dr Suda says, “Knees up and out please.”
Tadaomi complies. He focuses in on Gakuhou as he feels Dr Suda’s gloved hands on his skin.
“You’re doing so well.” Gakuhou says.
Tadaomi manages to smile as his husband dabs at the sweat beads on his face with a handkerchief. “Thanks.”
“You’re at 5 centimetres dilation.” Dr Suda says.
Tadaomi nods. “Can I get up now?”
Dr Suda chuckles. “Yes. Would you like anything to eat?”
“Probably a good idea. I haven’t had anything since breakfast.” Tadaomi says as he swings his legs over the edge of the bed. “Is there any chance of plain noodles?”
Dr Suda smiles. “I’m sure that can be arranged. I’ll leave you in peace for a little while but press the call button if you need anything in the meantime.”
With that she sweeps out of the room. Tadaomi breathes a sigh of relief. Tutting, Gakuhou helps him to stand.
“You and your noodles.”
Tadaomi shrugs. “Comfort food, Gaku.”
“As long as they don’t give you cup noodles, I suppose.”
“There is nothing wrong with cup noodles. We can’t all be millionaires like you.”
Gakuhou just shakes his head, putting his hand on Tadaomi’s shoulder. “A conversation for another day.”
“It’s a good distraction.” Tadaomi grumbles, even as he feels his will to talk slipping further away. He shuffles forward, leaning in Gakuhou as he begins to pace around the room. Gakuhou resumes his massaging of Tadaomi’s back and the shorter man can’t help but moan.
“Thanks.” He grunts. His face twists into a grimace and he turns to face Gakuhou. Fisting his hands in his husband’s shirt, Tadaomi can only try and breath through the consuming pain. Air whistles past his lips. The sound is strangely comforting. It gives him something to focus on that isn’t the way his insides are grinding together.
Gakuhou’s hands cradle his shoulders soothingly. He stays quiet, letting Tadaomi make his way through the contraction without distractions. Tadaomi appreciates it. He closes his eyes and tucks his head into the crook of Gakuhou’s neck. One hand slides down to his belly. He hopes the baby will still feel his touch, wants it to know it will be okay. Birth is scary for him. He can only imagine how the baby must be feeling.
The door opens quietly, and a nurse comes in with a bowl of plain noodles. She nods to them and sets it down on the table before leaving.
“Do you want to eat?” Gakuhou asks.
Tadaomi nods. Gakuhou helps him sit down on the bed. He perches at the end of it cross legged and starts eating. Gakuhou sits beside him and Tadaomi leans against him.
“Gakushu is in the waiting room.” Gakuhou says.
Tadaomi makes an acknowledging noise.
“He’s apparently not going anywhere until the baby is born.”
Tadaomi huffs a laugh. “That’s Gakushu for you.”
Tadaomi is sure he’s going to break Gakuhou’s hand. If Gakuhou hadn’t had all his martial arts training, he probably would have. Gakuhou doesn’t acknowledge it, just dabs at Tadaomi’s sweaty face with a damp cloth.
“You’re doing so well,” he murmurs, “Just a little while longer.”
Tadaomi pants heavily, throwing his head back against the pillow. From between his legs, Dr Suda taps his knee for his attention.
“You’re fully dilated now. Push when you need to.”
Tadaomi nods. He grits his teeth and pushes his shoulders more upright- just in time for the next wave to come crashing in. Snarling wordlessly, he bears down hard. He’s getting this baby out. It slides downwards inside him, and he nearly grins. Sure, it feels like its going to rip him in half, but he’s so close to the end.
He loses the contraction and takes the moment to breathe.
Then he’s going again.
“That’s it. Keep it going.” Dr Suda says.
“Well done.” Gakuhou smiles, brushing hair back from Tadaomi’s forehead.
The baby is so close to being out. It burns but Tadaomi refuses to back down. He’s faced the Grim Reaper. Giving birth is nothing compared to that. He looks up to Gakuhou and laughs.
“Tadaomi?”
“It hurts,” Tadaomi rasps, “But no one’s dying.”
Gakuhou chuckles and kisses Tadaomi’s bloodless knuckles. “No. No one’s dying.”
“When you feel the next contraction, I need a big push from you.” Dr Suda says.
Tadaomi nods determinedly. He launches himself into the next contraction as furiously as humanly possible. He feels the exact moment the head starts to emerge. His lower half ignites. He won’t back down. He pants and grits his teeth through the end of the contraction and the minute space between the next one.
A feral growl escapes his throat. Dr Suda’s voice is a distant ring in his ears as she tells him the head is born. He pushes again and getting the body out is so much easier he almost laughs. He collapses back against the pillows just as he hears the cry. It’s loud and strong and so full of life.
Gakuhou’s eyes are sparkling with joy as he watches Dr Suda cut the cord.
“It’s a girl!” she declares.
Gakuhou laughs. “You were right after all, Tadaomi.”
“Gakushu’s gonna be thrilled.” Tadaomi croaks breathlessly.
“Would you like to hold her” Dr Suda asks.
He doesn’t even have to respond before she’s passing the tiny red screaming figure into his arms. The smile is on his face before he even registers that he’s holding his daughter. She’s warm and alive and so, so incredible. He's done so much in his life, but she is by far the best.
“Look at you.” he says. He doesn’t recognise his own voice. It’s soft and high, so parental, and full of love. “You’re so beautiful.”
Gakuhou runs his finger down the baby’s cheek. She squirms and whimpers. He chuckles. “That she is. You did marvellously, Tadaomi.”
He kisses Tadaomi’s temple. Tadaomi grins and tugs Gakuhou by the collar to press their lips together.
By the time the afterbirth is delivered- which he finds remarkably easy compared to the baby- the baby is cleaned up and they’re in a recovery room, Tadaomi is fighting sleep. His eyes are leaden, but he doesn’t want to sleep yet. He wants to just drink in a little more of the baby swaddled against his chest. And there’s still someone else she needs to meet.
The door opens. Gakuhou shows Gakushu into the room. The boy is uncharacteristically quiet. He cautiously approaches the bed when Tadaomi beckons him over.
“You were right. She’s a girl.”
Gakushu smiles. “Told you.”
“Would you like to hold her?”
Gakushu nods. Tadaomi gestures for him to sit on the bed and then he guides the baby into his arms. Gakushu smiles. The baby stirs and grabs at his face.
Tadaomi chuckles. “She likes you.”
“I’m her brother. Of course she does,” he turns to the baby, “Oh you’re so cute. I’m never going to let anything bad ever happen to you.”
Tadaomi reaches out for Gakuhou’s hand as they watch the interaction. Gakushu snaps a picture of the baby on his phone at the same time Gakuhou takes one of him. Tadaomi would laugh if he wasn’t so tired.
“What’s her name?” Gakushu asks.
“What’s the date?” Tadaomi asks.
“Nearly the 14th.” Gakuhou replies.
Tadaomi sighs. “Two years ago today…”
Gakushu quirks his eyebrow suspiciously. Tadaomi shakes his head.
“Her name is Takane.”
“Mountain peak?” Gakuhou asks.
“It’s only fitting,” Tadaomi says, “That’s where all this began after all.”