Chapter Text
"A-Yong," said Shaoyou in a low voice filled with warmth as he ran his hand through his husband's messy morning hair. His husband was in a state of bliss after their round of lazy morning sex.
"Hmm baby," asked Hua Yong, eyes still closed as he melted under Shaoyou's touch.
"Did you like your early birthday gift," asked Shaoyou, a playful glint in his eyes as he looked at his husband.
"Yes baby, it was perfect," said Hua Yong rolling to his back, eyes still closed.
"Would you like another one," asked Shaoyou, stopping his hand, which caused Hua Yong's eyes to pop open.
"I want everything from you baby," said Hua Yong as his eyes settled on Shaoyou heavily. Shaoyou raised himself to lay on Hua Yong and plant his head on his chest. Hua Yong hand found its way to the small of his back and began rubbing a lazy rhythm.
Lifting his head to look his husband in the eyes, he smiled warmly and said, "I'm pregnant."
Easily, even with his weight, his husband sprung up on his forearms with eyes bright as shock burnt away the haziness of their intimacy. The warm morning light painted his features making him look so adorable it caused his heart to ache.
A look of awe covered his face as he drank Shaoyou's appearance. "Really Mr. Sheng."
With a singular nod, Shaoyou moved to straddle his husband and reach to the bedside table, grabbing a rectangular box. Handing it to Hua Yong, he relaxed in his husband's lap waiting.
"Positive," breathed Hua Yong, rumbling through the tests. "You took so many Mr. Sheng."
"Of course, I had to make sure a-Yong," replied Shaoyou, wrapping his arms around his husband's neck. He wouldn't tell Hua Yong that the first one came out negative due to it being old and he spiraled thinking he was wrong so that is why he bought so many different tests.
Hua Yong dropped his head in the crook of his neck as he embraced him tightly and mumbled, "Thank you Mr. Sheng. Thank you. Thank you."
As Shaoyou opened his mouth to reply, a singular droplet fell on his collarbone and was followed by many more. His eyes began to prickle as beads of water formed, embraced in each other's warmth they came apart from the love surging in their hearts, from an experience they thought they would never again have.
"Mr. Sheng, it's going to be alright," said Hua Yong, placing a calming head to stop his leg from bouncing. Shaoyou had to scoff at that because Hua Yong was no better, he had been fiddling with his ring since they were in the car.
"I know, it's just nerves," said Shaoyou, connecting their hands.
Dropping his head back against the wall, he closed his eyes and exhaled deeply. The first prenatal visit is a daunting experience, early ultrasounds can miss things and the chances of miscarriage were high. What if it was an ectopic pregnancy. What if he miscarried for hoping for too much in the first trimester?
"eng. Mr. Sheng! Shaoyou!" said Hua Yong in a raised tone. Opening his eyes, he saw the worry etched onto Hua Yong's face as his eyes drifted to see the doctor in front of him.
Clearing his throat, he stated, "I'm okay, just tired."
"Well let's make sure, Mr. Sheng," said Dr. Zhang, as she gestured toward the back.
"Sure," said Shaoyou, letting Hua Yong pull him to their examination room. Shaoyou hopped up on the table, hand clenching and releasing Hua Yong's as he watched Dr. Zhang move about the room before turning to him.
"Due to your medical history instead of a trans-abdominal ultrasound it's recommended that a trans-vaginal ultrasound be done. Are you comfortable with that?"
Nodding, he said, "Whatever you think is best, Dr. Zhang."
"Okay, well I'll let you change, so just stick your head out when you're done," she said.
"Alright," said Hua Yong. He waited until the door shut completely before turning to Shaoyou with a small smile on his face. Closing the distance between them, he placed a singular kiss on Shaoyou's lips.
Smiling into the kiss, he hopped off the table so he could slip on the gown. Handing his clothes to Hua Yong who folded them neatly and placed them on the extra chair before calling Dr. Zhang back in.
As Dr. Zhang moved easily around the room, ensuring everything was prepared, Hua Yong intertwined their hands once again lifting them up to place a loving kiss on his palm. That kiss melted the buzzing nerves under his skin into something quieter and calmer, surer.
Sitting on the stool at the end of the table and slipping on some gloves, Dr. Zhang said, "If you will lay all the way back and place your feet in the stirrups please."
"Of course," replied Shaoyou, scooting to lay properly and spreading his legs to place each foot in their correct hold, he released a deep breath.
"Even though I know your medical history and we already went over it, I'm going to triple check with you if that's alright Mr. Sheng," said Dr. Zhang.
Nodding his head, he and Yong answered Dr. Zhang questions, enjoying how thorough she was. When she was finished she saved the information, and started getting the ultrasound wand ready. As Dr. Zhang covered the transducer in gel, his grip on Hua Yong hand increased as he chose to flick his eyes up and lock onto the ceiling. A warm and gentle answering squeeze was done in return.
"Okay, I'm about to insert the transducer Mr. Sheng. There might be some pressure and discomfort but only for a small second. The gel will be cool at first," said Dr. Zhang, before inserting the transducer into him. He jolted a little at the coolness, but the firm clutch of his husband's hand melted it away. In a methodical push, Dr. Zhang worked the wand into him.
"You're doing great Mr. Sheng," said Hua Yong, rubbing his thumb into his hand. A couple of more minutes passed before Dr. Zhang finally broke from her search.
"I’m about to remove the transducer Mr. Sheng. Again there might be some pressure so deep exhale," said Dr. Zhang. He released a slow exhale as she removed the wand and wiped the excess gel from down below.
Sitting up with the help of his husband, they turned the attention to the screen to the side of them.
"Congratulations it's a blueberry," exclaimed Dr. Zhang, pointing to the screen at a small circle on the black and white image. Leaning forward slightly he zoned in on where Dr. Zhang was pointing. It really was a baby. It wasn't a dream and wasn't wishful thinking that all those pregnancy tests were positive. He was really pregnant.
"I'm really pregnant," he breathed looking at Dr. Zhang.
"Yes, Mr. Sheng and developing nicely. As the image shows, the embryo is a quarter of an inch, or about the size of a blueberry, which means that development is on track. While it is too early to hear the heartbeat, it can still be measured through cardiac activity visualization. See the flicking motion in these images, that is how the fetal heart rate is measured. It was around 120-125 which is perfectly normal during the seventh week. Any questions."
Do you think I will carry it to term? What are the chances I miscarry? Is it truly alright to express my happiness right now?
"When is the next appointment," asked Shaoyou, pushing those negative thoughts to the back of his mind.
"Since we did what is considered an early screening, I'm going to see you every week for two weeks. Then due to your medical history, I'm going to set them for every two weeks until the end of the first trimester, after that we'll see."
"Of course Dr. Zhang," nodded Shaoyou.
"Well before I get too deep into talking, I'm going to let you change back into your clothes." With that she stood and left the room allowing Shaoyou to get dressed with Hua Yong aiding him.
Once again, Hua Yong called for her when he was done, allowing her to inform them of everything they needed to know and answer the questions they had.
"If there is any abdominal discomfort or bleeding call and come to the clinic right away. Even though it might just be spotting, we don't want to take any chances okay. Do either of you have any more questions?
"No you answered all of them," said Shaoyou, turning to his husband. "Do you?"
"Not as of right now," said Hua Yong.
"Well let me go get your printed ultrasounds and information folder, so you can be on your way," said Dr. Zhang, standing up. Shaking both of their hands, she left to get their stuff as they made their way to schedule the next appointment.
As they confirmed their eight week appointment, Dr. Zhang came back with their stuff. "Here you go Mr. Hua. Now Mr. Sheng, you have my number. Any questions or concerns or developments you have at any moment reach out to me immediately okay."
"I will Dr. Zhang, promise," said Shaoyou.
"I will make sure that he does," stated Hua Yong, full of determination.
"Okay then remember to pick up those prenatal vitamins and take it easy," she said emphasizing easy. With a sharp look at Shaoyou, she finished, "I will see you guys at the same time next week."
Nodding in agreement, they shook her hand again and bidded the office goodbye. Walking hand in hand through the parking lot to their car, it felt like the world was brighter, better, warmer. Hua Yong opened the car door for him and he sank into the cushioned seat, hand instantly finding its way to his flat stomach.
A stomach holding a little blueberry, one that would be swollen tight and round in 33 weeks.
Hua Yong started the car and dropped his head onto the steering wheel, eyes looking over at him. With a warm voice full of awe, he said, "We have a blueberry Mr. Sheng. A blueberry!"
A smile broke out on his face at his husband's adorableness. "A developing blueberry with a strong heart rate."
"Yes, a strong heart rate, I love you Mr. Sheng." Hua Yong had turned his body to lean closer into the middle.
"I love you more a-Yong," replied Shaoyou with a teasing smile.
"I don't think that’s possible baby," quipped Hua Yong, hands coming to cradle Shaoyou's face.
"Really," questioned Shaoyou with a raised eyebrow, before their lips connected and they shared a tender kiss.