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“Ah! What if we're two cups of instant noodles in a parallel universe?
One night, the instant noodles were taken out of the cabinet, with a pot of hot water beside them?
Just as the instant noodles were about to be torn open and eaten, they heard a voice.
‘Why are you eating junk food at night again? Are you hungry?’
‘Let me cook some noodles for you.’”
“Mei-senpai! Let me have some instant noodles…. I'm hungry!”
“No, you’re pregnant. It's not good for both you and our baby. And you just had one last week…”
“...don't worry. I'll cook some noodles for you.”
“It's 2 AM! Aren't you sleepy? Please have more rest, Mei-senpai….”
“Don't worry Kiana-chan, I'm no longer sleepy. You can sit there while I prepare your food,” Mei said as she pointed at the dining table.
Kiana has always wondered: Isn't Mei tired for once? She's now a teacher and a mother, and she still cooks for her family like she always did.
Sometimes, Kiana offers massages to her, but Mei will only accept them if she thinks Kiana is not tired.
While Kiana was drowning in her thoughts, Mei walked to the dining table, holding a bowl of ramen, Kiana's favorite. She sat next to her wife as she said, “Food is ready, darling. Enjoy.”
“Mei-senpai, please rest more. You should care more about your well-being….”
“I know. I'll try my best…” Mei says as she rubs Kiana's pregnant belly. She has been two months pregnant by now.
“...but for now, my priorities are you and our baby,” Mei continues as she leans her head on Kiana's shoulder.
“You're still as clingy as ever!”
“And you still talk with your mouth full, as always.”
“Mhmm….”
Kiana will never forget how happy Mei was when she found out that her wife is pregnant.
Kiana revealed her pregnancy on Mei's birthday by hiding several test packs in Mei's birthday gift box, alongside brand new custom plushies of Xentinel • Dawnbearing Crescent Mei, Ba-Dum! Fiery Wishing Star Kiana, and Rice Cake.
When Mei opened the box and found the test packs, she looked confused, as if her face was asking if it was some kind of prank or if Kiana had lost a truth-or-dare game with Bronya.
After finding out that it is real, she was overjoyed that she cried tears of joy, hugging and kissing her dearest, with Rice Cake coiled around the two of them, nudging and binding them closer, keeping them together.
The memory faded as Kiana finished chewing on her food, though it is still as strong as ever. A sudden realization crossed her mind. “Mei, aren't you hungry?”
“No, I'm not.”
“M'kay."
After Kiana finished eating, she went to the kitchen sink to wash the dishes used. However, Mei stopped her, saying pregnancy must tire Kiana a lot, so she wanted to make sure that Kiana is always well-rested.
She even lets Kiana stay at home doing anything she wants, including her favorite things, slacking and playing video games with her sibling-like close friend Bronya. Things have changed, haven't they? Now, Bronya is an overworked woman who doesn't know how to do housework and ends up getting scolded by her wife, who is no other than Seele Vollerei.
After finishing, the couple headed back to their bedroom.
They found Rice Cake who is still sound asleep.
“Do not go to sleep immediately. It can make you feel bloated and worsen sleep quality. Just sit and lean against the headboard for a while. Don't worry, I'll accompany you. We can chat if you want.”
Kiana obeyed as she leaned against the headboard, her right hand on her belly. As Mei sits next to her, she leans her head on her shoulder.
“Mei, in a few months, we'll find out our baby's gender. Aren't you excited?”
“Of course I am. Personally, I don't mind whatever it's going to be. How about you?”
“Me too. I just hope that they're going to be smart and beautiful, just like her mom!”
“Her moms, you mean?”
“But I'm—”
“No, you're smart, Kiana-chan. You're really smart and you always have been.”
“Even if I am, Mei-senpai is still way smarter than me!”
“That's not true. Everyone is smart in their own ways.”
Mei pulls the covers up to Kiana's stomach, suspecting that she might be cold. She leans closer to her, bringing her head close to her belly, kissing it. She gently rested one hand on the belly before caressing it as she spoke, “Once you were born, I hope you'll look more like your mom. Don't you agree, Kiana-chan?”
“But why?”
“Because… I don't know. You're my first and only love. Seeing our baby with a face similar to yours… uh, I think one Kiana is not enough. I always wanted more of you,” Mei replied, not knowing what to say.
She wanted to praise Kiana for her strong determination and perseverance, even when facing tons of difficulties her whole life. However, she doesn't want to make her remember those times again, since too much stress may cause even more discomfort, especially during pregnancy.
“I’m not sure if I fully understand what you meant but I get it. However, I also want more of Mei-senpai. I hope our baby will share both of our features equally. I don't mind if they ended up looking like me more, though! As long as Mei-senpai is happy, I'll be happy too.”
“Haha, thank you….”
“And Rice Cake is finally getting a sibling! I wonder how our children will interact in the future….”
“Rice Cake will definitely get annoyed if her future sibling is being lazy, or if they steal and hide her snacks.”
“Since Rice Cake inherits most of my personality, I hope for our future child to inherit more of your personality! Especially your calm and mature demeanor.”
“Anything is fine. I wish your hopes and wishes come true.”
“Oh! Do you think they will have a strong liking for chips and instant noodles too? Or if they would like to steal and snitch food whenever they get the chance?”
“Kiana.”
“Hehe.”
After more bits of light, quiet conversations—not wanting to wake their snake daughter up—an hour or more has passed. To the lovebirds whose souls cross stars, it had only felt like 15 minutes.
“Mei-senpai… it's getting really late. Shouldn't we go to sleep? You look very tired.”
“I guess so, Kiana-chan.”
As they laid in bed, Kiana caressed her wife's face, staring at her. “I would love to see more of your vulnerable side.”
“Am I not being vulnerable enough?” Mei gently spoke as she held Kiana's hand.
“No… I just—”
“—I just think that you're still keeping… some things to yourself. I don't want you to end up like I did in the past.”
Mei paused. She remembers. Everything.
But she won't let history repeat itself.
“I know. I understand. From now on, I'll be more open and vulnerable. Especially to you, Kiana-chan.”
“I'm glad to hear that. Remember that you'll always have me. I'll be the shoulder for you to cry on, no matter what you face, Mei-senpai.”
“I will. You'll always have me too, Kiana-chan.”