The Unexpected III

Title: The Unexpected III
Chapter 15 - It's Getting Closer
Word Count:8114
Rating: R
Fandom: FAKE
Pairings: Ryo/Dee
Warnings: Yaoi, Male/male, MPREG, AU If you don’t like, don’t read! Cursing, mature themes, graphic insinuations of violent death, torture and violence.
Disclaimer: FAKE is not mine. We have Sanami Matoh for giving us Dee, Ryo and the rest of the 27th precinct characters and for respecting her characters unlike certain TV writers. Any OCs appearing in this fic are mine.
Summary: Ongoing preparations for the big date.
Beta by my most wonderful partner in crime, Grace_Musica.


June 30, 2006

Ryo had to go back to work once he had all the gifts in the house, with help from Bikky and a neighbor, and after assuring that Dee was sleeping. He got home just in time to convince Dee to get dressed and barely made it for Dee’s appointment for his now weekly exam with Vince.

Bikky did not go with them, having a party to go to that night with Carol, held by one of the girls he knew from the teen group.

Dee still was overcoming setbacks because of the attack, having to go through the rest of the pregnancy with strict restrictions he would not have had otherwise at that point in pregnancy. While Vince categorized it as a high-pregnancy, he was glad to see that exams showed little cause for serious concern. Vince still watched just in case, but the only concern he had was Dee’s blood pressure. Ryo had been taking Dee’s blood pressure three times a day over the week, and when they arrived at Vince’s office, Ryo provided the results. Vince noted a few spikes that were reason for concern, but also pointed out that it was good that by the next reading it had gone down. However, it still was not low enough for Vince to relax. There was still a chance of preeclampsia, or baby stress. While he did not want to scare the couple, he still had to make sure they were prepared should Vince have to suddenly have to perform an emergency c-section at any time.

He launched right into how important it was for Dee to continue following the nutrition guide he was given and to obey the restrictions and limitations with no exclusions. Despite concerns over Dee’s blood pressure, Vince was satisfied that Dee was no longer in any danger to going into early labor. He did warn Dee on the possibility of false labor, or Braxton Hicks, which was more likely because Dee had already gone into labor. He assured Dee and Ryo it would not be of any danger to Dee or the baby, but it still might be as painful as a normal labor. The only inconvenience was for Carriers there was no way to tell it apart from actual labor, and for them to get Dee to the nearest Carrier birth center, preferably the one they had chosen for the baby to be born in. He also instructed that he should be contacted too, so he could meet them wherever they went to.

For females, the most telling way of determining false labor from real labor was water breaking. With Carriers, since there is no natural birth canal for the baby to be born through, there is no water breaking. With women, checking if she was dilating also determined if labor was false. Again, that was not the case with Carriers. Only after undergoing stress tests on the uterine lining using ultrasound audio could it be determined if labor is real. One of the main reasons labor was avoided in Carriers and c-sections were scheduled in hopes of before it happening was the stress on the uterine lining. If a man in labor did not get a c-section within a couple of hours after going into labor, the uterine lining would burst. The liquid containing the baby would seep into the Carrier’s bloodstream. The lining would quickly break down, leaving the baby inside the Carrier’s body without any of its protection. Shortly after, both the baby and father would die.

They were still not cleared to have sex. Vince wanted another week for assurance that early labor will not set in before giving the go ahead. He told them that if he did, they would still have to take it slow and easy. Vince hoped he could give them the all clear soon. He knew Dee well enough that he suspected that sexual release would help him further relax, which would help in lowering his blood pressure. A private session with Dee revealed that for a while he just had the urges but no erections. That had changed in the last couple of days. Dee was disappointed that they would have to wait another week, but was forced to agree with Vince’s reasoning. When he was in labor the day Ferguson attempted to kill him, it was frightening. The labor itself was painful, but it was overshadowed by the fear of the baby being born before her time.

Vince concluded the private session by increasing Dee’s hormone treatments for breastfeeding. He was pleased with development so far, and laughed at Dee’s relief in admitting he did have fears of growing something like breasts, especially with the added weight gain. All in all, he just ended up looking more developed and wider across his chest, like he had been working out.

“Of course,” Vince stated, running a professional hand across Dee’s hard, defined pecs. “It’s all internal and as should be. Looks like all the extra weight is only the baby belly. You’re almost as defined as you were all along. No additional body fat on your back, hips, legs or chest.”

Dee laughed nervously, rubbing his bump as Vince went back to writing in Dee’s record. “So what you’re saying is I’m going to have a spare tire to get rid of once the baby is born.”

Vince raised an amused eyebrow. “You might look pregnant for a while longer until you start losing the weight. Not nine months, but well, you’ll still have a bit of a pooch there. Now, didn’t I warn you about all those extras you decided to ignore me on?”

Instead of looking perturbed, Dee looked up at Vince with a smirk. “So tell me, Doc, how much did you have to lose after having your kids?”

Vince blushed slightly. “Well, yeah I speak from experience. You and me, we’re much alike, and I see you realize that.”

“I’m a detective, I get paid for figuring out things, but this was too obvious.”

“Fine. With Jason, I had to lose 12 pounds. I learned my lesson somewhat the second time around, but not completely, obviously. I had to lose 21 pounds with Hannah.”

Dee laughed harder. “So I know who to go to as a friend asking for tips to lose weight. Especially after I lose all these crazy cravings. I know I have a sweet tooth and love fast food as much as fine dining, but seriously, I feel like I’ve lost control.”

“In some ways, maybe you have.” Vince patted Dee on his shoulder and handed him his shirt. “But I think that’s the past. You’ve been doing pretty well for the last week.”

“Not without incident, and I do look forward to whatever treats I am allowed.”

“Yes, I know. Ryo called me just to make sure you were okay. I assured him that your vitals that he read to me over the phone and that you were calm, it was okay.”

“He still kept a close eye on me, well closer eye than usual,” Dee said.

“Of course he did. Because he loves you. And he loves your daughter. It hurt him to deny you, but the only thing that kept him from beating himself up with the guilt was knowing that he was keeping you and the baby safe. Of course, you had to go and scare the shit out of him for just doing what was right.”

Dee looked down, ashamed. “Yeah, I did act like a king-sized brat. Ryo said it was the hormones speaking, and he was probably right. Then I felt guilty and upset for how I acted.”

“Hormones again,” Vince interjected.

“True, but no excuse.” Dee took a deep breath. “Thankfully, together I got over it.” He smiled warmly. “Because Ryo does love me. And I love him.”

“You don’t have to convince me.” He handed Dee a packet. “I’m going to call in the new prescription, but this will keep you for tonight and tomorrow. Just make sure you pick it up by tomorrow for Sunday. I’ll see how they are working when we meet again next Friday.”

“We just had a talk about my hormones going haywire and you’re increasing my hormone treatment?” Dee asked after he glanced at the paper.

“I’m just worried that you won’t be ready by the 18th. You might have to go the first week or two with the baby strictly on formula. By increasing the dosage, I’m hoping to prevent that.”

“I’d prefer to be able to feed the chibi for at least her first couple of months, but if needed, we do have a couple of cases of formula thanks to the baby shower at work earlier today,” Dee said with a chuckle. “Only Ryo, Mother and Elena know that I’m planning to breastfeed. I never got around to telling the guys at work. Even if Dana’s husband is doing it and so far the guys haven’t been too grossed out over it.”

“You’ll tell them only if you feel comfortable. We want you to be able to pump too, so that not only Ryo can feed her if he’s alone with the baby, but you can always whip out a bottle when there’s others around.”

“Yeah. True. I’m just hoping my hormones don’t get crazy again.”

“Call me if you feel a significant change in your moods.”

“Sure. So, are we done here?” Dee asked.

“For this week.”

“Ryo has Thursday off, so we’re wondering if the next appointment could be then, so we can go in the afternoon?”

“I think I have a couple of openings for that afternoon. Check with Elle on the way out.”

“Will do. Thanks again, Vince.”

“My pleasure. See you next week.”

“Hopefully we won’t need to see you before, except as a social call.” Dee grinned as he stood up and let his shirt hang down, making sure the seams were lined up right. “Later, Vince.”

“Good night, Dee.”

“I’m ready to go home, have a light dinner and call it a night. It’s been a long day. Fun, but long.” He winked and left the office.


July 1, 2006

When Ryo woke up that next day, it was to an empty bed. Ryo had a good guess where Dee might be and sure enough, found him sitting on the daybed in the nursery, going through the various bags, boxes and baskets, and sorting all the gifts in piles of like items. Packages of diapers were on the floor next to the daybed, along with the baskets.

Quietly he stood in the doorway watching as Dee opened a package, pulling out a patterned pink pair of diaper pants, grinning widely. He dropped the packaging next to him and held out the little cotton diaper before his extended belly. “Look sweetheart. This is from Auntie Sea Hag. We’re going to try to keep you away from those nasty plastic diapers. And this is such a pretty pattern too. You’re going to be the best dressed little girl, even in just your diapers.” He grinned and his free hand rested on his belly. “You like it, don’t you?” he cooed.

“I don’t blame her,” Ryo quietly said, so not to startle Dee.

Dee smiled as Ryo entered the room. “Should we tell everyone else to hold off on the diaper part for disposable diapers?” Ryo asked. “I think we just need liners and the refill pads, eventually.” He stopped to softly kiss Dee as he took the pink diaper from Dee’s hand and sat next to him. Placing his other hand on Dee’s belly, he leaned down to kiss the bump. “Good morning, Koko. Are you and Daddy having fun looking at all your gifts?”

Dee lifted another package that had the same type of diaper but instead of one colorful one, there were three off white ones. “We still have your family’s shower next week. I’m afraid of what we’ll end up with by then.”

“Both families, I understand, along with friends. Grandmother got with Julie and they both decided that you don’t need a ton of showers. So just one big one.” Ryo wrapped an arm around Dee’s waist and leaned against him. “Then we’ll have the furniture. Barry made himself available on Sunday to help us finalize this room.”

“Eighteen more days,” Dee sighed, rubbing his belly. “I can’t believe it.” He picked up another package that had white undershirts. “We’re going to have Koko with us in eighteen days.”

Ryo kissed Dee’s cheek, smiling warmly. “Yes, we are.” His smile turned impish. “So we better enjoy the peace and quiet while we have it.”

“We have peace and quiet?” Dee asked, amused. “Did you forget we have Bikky?”

“Bikky will seem quiet once Koko gets her lungs. At least he doesn’t wake up in the middle of the night screaming for food.”

“No, he doesn’t. Just every other hour of the day,” Dee quipped.

Ryo laughed. “As I keep saying, he’s your son.”

“Hey!” Dropping the package of shirts, Dee grabbed Ryo and pulled him closer. “Now I want a proper morning kiss.” He pressed his lips against Ryo and started to kiss him.

They ended up with Dee laying across the daybed, with Ryo hovering over him as they continued to kiss. That’s how Bikky found them when he charged into the room.

“Stop that!” he admonished, crossing his arms as he stood inside the room.

“Oh, get over it already,” Dee snapped, keeping his arm still around Ryo to prevent the older man from moving away.

“Why should I when it’s so much fun teasing you two?” Bikky laughed. “Anyway, I’m hungry. What’s for breakfast, Pops?”

Ryo groaned and shared one quick kiss with Dee before pulling away, despite Dee’s hold. “Didn’t I teach you how to make your own?” he asked.

Dee chuckled. “We were discussing hungry kids at inopportune moments?” he asked slyly.

Ryo rolled his eyes. As he stood up, he stated, “You’re lucky that Dee needs to eat and I’m getting a little hungry too.” He went over to Bikky ruffling the boy’s hair, noting the smug look on his face. “So I’ll get the cereal out. But you’ll have to pour your own milk in it.”

“Cereal?” Bikky exclaimed. “I want eggs, bacon, hash browns and….”

“So do I, kiddo, but Ryo won’t let me have any,” Dee said, sitting up and pulling down his tank top.

“How about pancakes and fresh fruit?” Ryo asked as he went past Bikky.

“That’ll do!” Bikky exclaimed.

“Me too!” Dee called out, laughing.

“Give me fifteen,” Ryo’s voice drifted into the room from down the hallway.

Bikky looked at all the gifts. “I still can’t believe how such little things can take up so much room.”

Dee chuckled as he slowly stood up. “Big piles of little things, Biks. I don’t think we’ll have to buy much for the baby. Which is just as well.” He walked over to his son and dropped a hand on Bikky’s shoulder. “Being that we’ll have a new baby and school costs for you next year.”

“I don’t have to go to private school,” Bikky said.

“I know, Biks. But I think that one school we’re going to look at this week is just what we all want. It’s not posh and fancy so you won’t be uncomfortable, and the majority of the students are from Carrier and/or gay families.”

“I’m going to miss my friends,” he said.

“Well, where were your friends when you got jumped, huh?”

“It’s not their fault. They didn’t know.”

“I know, Biks. What I mean is you can’t be with someone all the time, and Ryo and I want to send you off to school not fearing you getting hurt, or worse. As if you’re not enough of a trouble magnet; no need to push it.” As they left the room, he continued, “Besides, some of your friends at the orphanage go to different schools. And then there’s Lai and Lass, and….” Dee glanced over to his son. “Dammit, when the hell did you grow again?”

Bikky laughed. “I’ve been up to your shoulder all year.”

“Crap. Before I know it, your sister will be going to high school and you’ll be taller than me. How is this fair?”

Bikky laughed as they walked through the den. “It’s not. You and Ryo keep saying how life isn’t fair at times.” He stuck his tongue out at Dee.

“Why you little…” Dee teasingly started to threat, as Bikky ran off. He started to run after the boy, but quickly remembered he shouldn’t. “One day, after I have this baby, I’m going to make up for all these times.”

Bikky was laughing as he stood in the dining room. “Until then all you can do is… waddle. Like a duck.” He started to laugh more. “Like a penguin!”

“Now listen here, Brat!” Dee exclaimed as he entered the dining room, and watched as Bikky ran into the kitchen. “Ryo won’t save your ass from getting whooped when I get there.”

“When you get there,” Bikky called out. “Penguin!”

“Bikky!” Ryo yelled. “Leave Dee alone. Now take this.”

“Ryo!” Bikky complained.

Dee started to laugh. When he entered the kitchen, he found Bikky standing at a counter, mixing the pancake mix, while Ryo poured Dee a cup of tea. On the breakfast bar was Ryo’s favorite mug, filled with coffee that Dee had put on when he woke up while he waited for his tea to steep in the teapot. He made enough tea for several cups, while he made a full pot of coffee for Ryo. Bikky would also have a cup of coffee with breakfast. It was something that started over the last few months, but Dee and Ryo realized he was at that age. Both men had been drinking coffee long before that age.

He took the mug from Ryo and glanced back at Bikky, making a face. “Make sure there’s no air bubbles in there, now.”

“Shut up, Dee,” Bikky grumbled.

Sitting down on a stool at the breakfast bar, Dee smirked, his eyes on their son. “Oh, so it’s Dee again, huh?”

“Yeah, whatever… DAD!”

Ryo shook his head, knowing Dee had a point about peace and quiet in their home.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Barry came over after lunch. Not long after, Elena and Rick arrived. Elena escorted Dee off for a day of pampering, despite Dee’s weak protests. The spa for Carriers came recommended by Vince, who agreed that a day of relaxing, massages and skin treatment would be good for Dee’s well being and his continued health until the baby was born. When they were done with the spa, Dee was to go with Elena to her house in Sands Point. Later that evening, Ryo and Rick were to join them.

With Dee out of the house, Ryo, Barry, and Rick changed into old clothes, and then emptied all the gifts out of the nursery, along with the daybed. They worked on painting and putting up the wallpaper that Barry had picked up on special order that week. It was best that Dee be away from the paint fumes and the adhesive for the wallpaper. Ryo was to spend the evening with Dee at his aunt and uncles’ home, and for most of the next day. Barry was to return early the next day to put up the border on the painted walls. That way, by the time Ryo and Dee returned home after the barbeque dinner, Dee should not be affected by fumes. Unknownst to Dee, Barry planned to also install an air unit in the living room, so Dee would have another room to be comfortable in as the weather started to get warmer.

Dee and Ryo had decided to paint two walls in the nursery a light pastel purple color. The border that was to run halfway on the wall had a vintage style print to it of alphabet blocks, carriages, baby shoes and bottles in pink and blue, along with some pastel purple and mint green. The wallpaper they picked had a more modernistic feel of washed out stripes broken by dots in pink, blue, purple and light green.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

July 4, 2006

For years, Dee’s idea of a perfect way to spend the 4th of July when he did not have duty was to walk around the street festivals being held in Manhattan, a picnic in Battery Park, and if time permitted, to take the ferry over to Staten Island and back. After dinner, which would consist of something brought from a booth or at the food court at Pier 17, it would be time to head uptown to the 23rd Street ramp onto the FDR Drive. In the evening, the FDR Drive would be closed down to traffic from 34th Street and the rest of the stretch south, so people could bring chairs and blankets and set up to have the best view in Manhattan for the 4th of July fireworks. Dee and Ryo would always take Bikky and Carol to watch the fireworks from the FDR Drive, and sometimes they were joined by Mother and the children from the orphanage, with help from the workers at the orphanage.

Things had to be different this year. A month before Ryo was nervous about going onto the FDR Drive, along with the crowds, with a very pregnant Dee. Originally, they compromised. They were not going to walk too much, but do some of the street festivals, with an extended picnic in the park, allowing for Dee to rest up. They were to get home with time for Dee to take a nap, and then would pack up a picnic dinner to take with them, along with chairs to watch the fireworks from the FDR Drive.

Sean Ferguson changed those plans for them.

There would be no street festivals for Dee that year, and going to the FDR Drive was out of the question. Dee was resigned to watching the fireworks on the new plasma TV, since the living room was now air conditioned thanks to Barry. Then Ryo got a phone call from Estelle the week before, saying she had spoken to Dee and he sounded disappointed that they would not be able to spend the Fourth of July the way they usually did. She had invited Ryo, Dee, and Bikky to spend the later half of the day on their yacht. Ryo had actually forgot that his grandparents owned a yacht, and remembered July Fourths as a teenager spending the day on the yacht as they cruised around Long Island before getting back to the New York Harbor in time to drop anchor in a good spot to watch the fireworks. He surprised Dee while they were over at Elena’s, saying they were going to have dinner with his grandparents and Elena and Rick, then watch the fireworks from the harbor. He added that Mother was also invited as it was an informal family function.

Being that he had the day off, Barry and Julie came over in the morning. Leaving Bikky in charge of keeping their children entertained, the adults spent the morning in the nursery as they started to organize items where they were designated by Ryo. The day before Dee had started to work on putting the nursery together only for Ryo to suddenly show up at home in the middle of the day. Bikky had ratted him out; when Dee did not appear to be listening to Bikky saying Ryo would not like him moving things around, especially with his weight limitations, the boy left the room and called Ryo. Dee did not get much done, being he knew his restrictions and after doing a little, would find himself resting on the daybed for a while. Ryo promised Dee that soon they would have everything put away and ready for collecting the next load of gifts at the family shower. Ryo was hoping that the rest of the furniture would also finally come into the nursery.

They broke for a long lunch break, and then worked for a short while before Dee was in need of a nap. When he woke up later in the afternoon, he found Mother in the den, sitting in her favorite chair, working on her sewing. Not long after, Ryo came home and they got ready for the evening. Estelle had sent a car to pick them up and take them to the where the yacht was docked on the west side.

Dee lounged in the leather seats in the air conditioned stretch limousine, as Ryo poured sparkling cider into crystal wine glasses. He handed one first to Mother, then to Dee, Bikky and Carol.

Dee grinned as he held out his glass for a toast. “To your grandparents for saving the 4th of July. Because I don’t care how high tech, how well the picture definition is or how big the TV screen is, it’s not the same as being there.”

Ryo smiled as he sipped from his glass. “I completely forgot this is how they spend the day.”

“This is so neat, Ryo,” Carol said, obviously excited. “The only other time I got to ride in a limo was for your wedding.”

Sitting next to Carol across from Ryo, Dee and Mother, Bikky looked smug as he sipped his cider. “Lai thinks he’s all that with all his fancy stuff. Lookit us, Carol.” He laughed, but then looked serious. “I know your grandparents are rich, Pops, but how rich are they?”

Dee gave Bikky a crooked grin. “Enough that me and your Pops know that we really don’t have to worry about you kids not having what you need over the next few years, at least.” He took Ryo’s hand in his. “But we also decided we’d rather not touch the money unless we have to.”

“That’s not right,” Bikky protested. “You mean that we’re rich too?”

“It is right,” Ryo stated. “That’s not my money. It’s my family’s. Including my parents’ money, once Grandfather got their assets unfrozen. But it’s not really ours. Not yet. It’s there if we really need it, but we’re not going to start paying all our bills out of it, or find another place to live. We did spend more on the car and all the extras, but your aunt and uncle went half with us on it and we realized that having something like that is more a necessity than a luxury. We’re also paying the insurance and for the parking space from the money, but that’s about it.”

“So you’re going to let all that money go to waste?” Bikky looked confused.

“Despite the family share I received for a wedding present plus what I recently inherited from my parents’ estate, we’re more than comfortable, but not close to what my grandparents are,” Ryo explained.

“As for wasting it,” Dee cut in as Bikky started to open his mouth for another protest, “I don’t think we are. Because you and Koko are already guaranteed college and trust funds. If we decide to have another child in a few years, we need to make sure we could provide the same. And at the end, whatever we have will be split up among you kids to do whatever you want with it. The less money we spend now, the more you’ll get in the future.”

Bikky immediately looked upset and put down his glass. “I don’t want a whole lot of money in the end ‘cause that means you both will be gone.”

Dee quickly, but clumsily, moved to sit next to Bikky, placing his arm around his son and pulled him close. “There’s also the trust fund, Biks. We don’t have to die for you to get that. All you need to do is enter college.” He kissed the boy’s blond hair and hugged him. “It’s okay, Bikky. I know it was scary not too long ago, but it’s over now. Okay, kiddo?” With his face buried in Dee’s shoulder, Bikky nodded. “We’re going to be okay. In less than three weeks, you baby sister will be here and we’ll all be too busy marveling in a new life to think about bad things like that. Matter of fact, I prefer to think about the good things now. There’s too much to live for. Starting with you.”

Ryo nodded in agreement as he watched Dee comfort their son. It was best for Dee to handle it, since Bikky was still shaking off the scare of almost losing Dee. It was getting better. Dee seemed to have put it all behind him first, deciding he needed to concentrate on the baby and making sure he got the pregnancy through to the date of the c-section. Ryo had not had that nightmare for almost a week, which was the longest yet. He was hoping to never have it again. Bikky was still coping, but he was also doing much better than when it had first happened.

When they arrived at the pier they were to board the yacht on, Bikky had forgotten about family wealth, his mind on more important things than money – family.

Estelle and Franklin were waiting pierside, along with Rick and Elena when they arrived. Together the group boarded the yacht. Ryo found it amusing as he watched both Bikky and Dee’s jaws hanging as they took a tour while the ship pulled away from the pier and set a course for the harbor. They ended up sitting in the parlor, which was luxurious and richly appointed with black leather couches and cherry wood furniture. The walls were covered with red and gold brocade covering and trimmed with more cherry wood. The first course was served while they sat in there. Dee sat on a couch next to a porthole, so he could see the city as they went toward the Statue of Liberty as part of their dinner cruise before finding a place to drop anchor for the fireworks show.

After dinner, everyone went out on the deck. Jazz music was playing, and Dee and Ryo could not resist getting up for one dance, joining Ryo’s grandparents. A few songs later found Ryo and Dee cozy on a padded seat for two, watching Bikky and Carol attempt to dance, with Elena helping them out.

The music changed to the official simulcast for the fireworks as everyone gathered to watch the show. Dee had to admit he had a far better time that evening than they would have on the FDR Drive. After the fireworks, Dee had one more dance with Ryo before he started to yawn. Estelle suggested that Dee go down to one of the staterooms for a nap.

They kept the ship out for another hour, until Ryo ended up waking Dee, telling him they were back at the pier and helped him from the yacht to the waiting limo. They were dropped off first, with assurance that both Mother and Carol would also get door to door service. Despite his nap, Dee went right to bed when they got home, but as Ryo spooned him from behind, holding onto Dee, the sleeping man’s body felt more relaxed that night than it had in a long time.

It was no surprise to Ryo that the next day’s blood pressure readings were lower than usual. Still not where it should be, but better than it had been. Ryo was learning how to be thankful for the little things.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

July 6, 2006

Everything was still going well during Dee’s exam. His blood pressure had been going down the last two days, and Vince was happy with the results during the exam. He put it down to Dee’s change in nutrition that was finally making a difference. Dee seemed more relaxed and excited than anything else after the baby shower and seeing the nursery ready for furniture, along with the gifts they already received in their places in the built in organizer closet Ryo had Barry build. Dee had taken to sitting on the daybed in the room until he had to get back to the air conditioning. The nursery was not hot, at least not to Ryo and Bikky, but Dee’s metabolism was going crazy; sometimes he would even break out in a sweat while in an air-conditioned room.

Vince approved a little indulging during the family baby shower, but to still use caution. After taking a look at the stubborn set of Ryo’s face, and fearing the part-Japanese man would end up making Dee, and in turn himself, miserable by overseeing what Dee could eat, the doctor admitted that he would be there on Saturday, along with David, as they had received invitations from Ryo’s grandmother. He assured Ryo that he would watch Dee, and stop him from indulging too much or on something he should absolutely not have. To the doctor’s surprise, Ryo hugged him tightly, thanking him.

Dee was still on restrictions. His limit for being on his feet was unchanged. Vince raised Dee’s limit on lifting to 5 pounds. Vince was happy with the change in Dee’s hormone dosage, and had to endure Dee’s complaining about his nipples becoming more sensitive than ever, and it had been bad enough, especially in the last two months.

“I swear, my clothes, the shower, even fuckin’ air!” Dee ranted as he sat shirtless on the exam table. “And then Ryo has this habit of running his fingers there and well, shit… it shoots down to other places that I can’t do a damn thing about, except stand in a freakin’ cold shower and endure the water hitting them while I’m trying to alleviate other problems.”

Ryo was blushing slightly as he had never given thought to what he was unwittingly doing to his pregnant husband. He should have guessed. Dee’s nipples were more sensitive during the pregnancy, and Ryo did read up on the treatments to enable breast-feeding. That in itself was still a sensitive subject to Ryo, but he never brought it up. That was Dee’s prerogative; he decided when he first found out, and stayed firm on continuing to let it be Dee’s choice. It was the only area of the pregnancy that Ryo felt locked out from, but it was nothing compared to when Dee would be able to feed their daughter, and he would be pushed to the side. Still, Ryo knew he should have been more sensitive to Dee’s needs, including the pregnant man’s sensitivities.

“I’m sorry,” Ryo muttered.

Dee stopped his ranting to take Ryo’s hand and pull him closer. Reaching up to kiss his cheek, he said, “Don’t be. I’m not saying I want you to stop. I’m just saying I hate that it sometimes has to be so sensitive it fuckin’ hurts. Especially when it goes down to other regions.”

“But still –“

Dee stopped the rest of what Ryo was going to say by covering his mouth with his hand. “No buts. It’s not you.” He sighed as he rested his head against Ryo’s arm. “This was my decision to breastfeed, so I guess I should suck it up, huh?” He gave Ryo a shy smile, which Ryo found he had to force to return.

Vince tossed Dee a small plastic packet.

“What’s this?” Dee asked, looking down at it.

“Nipple covers,” Vince replied. “Self-adhesive, but they don’t stick to the skin as much as band aids, so taking them off does not defeat the purpose of wearing them. Put them on when you’re wearing shirts and they decrease the friction. They also provide the same benefits of the massages you should be doing in order to prepare in producing milk. Which I know you’re not doing.”

“I’m not doing them because it fuckin’ hurts, dammit! A slight touch to them makes me either quiver into a blob of jelly or hurts like fuck. Now you want me to put these on and expect it to stop?” Dee was opening the packet as he ranted and pulled out one of the small round covers that were in a material much like moleskin. His eyes went wide and his face matched the horror in his eyes. “I AM NOT WEARING PASTIES!” he exploded, his face turning multiple colors of red.

Rather than getting embarrassed with Dee, when Ryo saw his ranting husband’s face, he burst out in laughter. “Oh Dee,” he laughed, wishing he had a camera. He had seen Dee in various stages of embarrassment through the years, and even more during the pregnancy, but he had never seen Dee this red before. “It’s not like you never did before,” he chuckled, giving Dee a wicked grin and winked.

“Yeah, well….” Dee looked down at his lap, his eyes avoiding the packet he still held in his hand.

Vince stifled a chuckle. “Okay, and you went how long bottoming, Ryo?” he had to ask.

“This was after… in the early part of Dee’s pregnancy when we dared to indulge in a little… um yeah,” Ryo paused, realizing how much he was divulging to someone other than Dee. “Role play,” he finished weakly.

At least it made Dee laugh as he hugged Ryo to him again. “And I’d do it again once we’re able to.” He kissed Ryo lightly on his mouth. “But…” he held up the little cover pad before Ryo’s face. “It doesn’t have sequins.”

Ryo started to laugh. He took the cover from Dee’s hand, and then the packet from the other and tucked the single cover in with the others, carefully resealing the bag. “I’ll make sure he uses them,” Ryo said to Vince while still staring at Dee.

“There’s a two week supply there. That should cover the rest of this pregnancy.” Vince studied the two men, especially Dee and upon realizing that the pregnant man was once again calm, he came to a conclusion. “I guess I got to see one of those hormonal attacks just now?”

Hanging his head, Dee nodded. “Yeah. Usually Ryo finds a way to take the steam outta me, but sometimes…. Well, you know about the other week.”

“A couple more weeks, Dee,” Vince assured him. “We are less than two weeks before the big day.”

“Eleven days,” Dee replied excited, squeezing Ryo’s hand. With a warm smile, Ryo nodded.

“Since we have you down for 2 pm for check in on the 18th, that leaves us with one more exam between now and then. And I do believe it’s all downhill from here. You’re hitting 35 weeks. We have your blood pressure down almost to normal levels for pregnancy. Because you’re off your feet as much as possible, I’m guessing there’s less swelling of the ankles?” He glanced down toward Dee’s legs. “They look fine today.”

“Once in a while, but Ryo tends to them when it happens, including enduring my moaning and bitching over it.”

Ryo shrugged with an impish grin. “Dee has always bitched and moaned about everything, so why should pregnancy be any different? I knew that about him when I accepted to move in with him.”

Dee’s jaw dropped as Vince and Ryo broke out into laughter.

Kissing Dee’s nose, Ryo said, “Oh Dee, you know I love you.” With a fond smile he rested a hand on Dee’s inflamed cheek.

“I’m betting you love doing that to him,” Vince ventured.

“All the time,” Dee agreed, nodding.

“Before I was the one who would blush at everything,” Ryo said.

“A long time ago,” Dee reminded him. “Then he stopped.”

“I got used to you,” Ryo joked. “But this one? It took a lot to get him red. But ever since he got pregnant, it’s so easy. I don’t have to try too hard. Besides,” he grasped Dee’s jaw between his forefinger and thumb and lifted Dee’s head to grin down at him, “he’s so damn adorable when he does.”

“Ah geez,” Dee muttered, feeling himself heat up again.

“Okay, that’s enough for this session. You can put your shirt back on, Dee. Ryo, step away from Dee before you do something here you might regret. Now to rehash, keep on the nutrition plan and we’ll allow some leniencies come Saturday for the baby shower. Keep taking those hormone pills and remember to massage, Dee. Ryo, step back more, he’s doing it again.” Vince chuckled while Ryo let out a playful growl, causing Dee to blush even more. “Definitely a hormonal type of day. Speaking of, it’ll take a while for them to leave the body completely, I should remind you both, so just because Dee has the baby doesn’t mean they will automatically stop. Post-pregnancy could be worse for a week or two than during the pregnancy, because the hormones sometimes flare up in a major burst before going away. With breastfeeding, some of them will hang on longer, because you’ll have to continue a modified treatment until you are ready to stop. So it’s not over yet, Ryo. With Carriers it’s worse, but we do have the extended hospital stay and one of the reasons is to control the hormonal bursts. There was a time when the rate of post-pregnancy Carrier suicides were high, until the hospital stay was extended beyond the traditional 3 – 5 days.”

Both men nodded, having read about it in the information packet they were originally given, along with the various books on the subject they had bought and read since.

Vince watched as Dee buttoned the few buttons on the upper half of the pink and purple pinstriped light cotton sleeveless shirt and pulled up his cargo pants more comfortably under his swell. Dee walked over to Ryo, who put an arm around his husband.

“All in all, we’re in good shape. 11 days until we meet at the hospital to say hello to your baby girl,” Vince concluded with a smile.

“I can’t wait,” Dee replied, grinning widely as Ryo rubbed small circles on the small of Dee’s back. The action, Ryo had learned, not only helped calm him, but helped with lower back pains.

“Can I see you earlier in the week for our last check up before the following Tuesday?” Vince asked.

“We have off on Tuesday and Wednesday,” Ryo replied.

“I believe we have room Wednesday morning. Check with Elle,” Vince said.

“Will do,” Dee replied.

“Now, one final thing and then I’ll let you two go,” Vince said as he walked with them to the door.

“What’s that?” Dee warily looked over to Vince.

With his hand on the doorknob, ready to open it, Vince grinned at them. “If you promise me no acrobatics and to take it slow and easy, it’s okay for you to resume sexual relations. However, if you feel pain, or if something doesn’t seem right to you, I want you to call right away.”

Dee hugged Ryo and kissed his cheek. “We’re going to have some fun after we send Bikky out for the night.”

“Just remember, slow and easy,” Vince warned with a laugh. “I’ll see you at the shower on Saturday.”

The two men said their goodbyes and went down the hall toward reception.

Vince smiled as he went about to clean up and prepare for his next patient.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

July 7, 2006

The night before, they had decided to wait. They decided that Friday night would be the night to rekindle the physical side of their relationship. While Ryo was expecting it when he got home from work Friday evening, he was not expecting what he walked into.

The apartment was quiet, except for some soft jazz music playing. All the lights in the living room were off, and candles were lit on the tables and end tables. On the coffee table sat a bouquet of flowers that Ryo did not notice before and an envelope against it.

“Dee?” Ryo asked as he wandered into the living room. He noticed his name on the envelope in Dee’s handwriting. Smiling warmly, he lifted it to take the card out of the envelope. His smile grew as he read Dee’s note: Ryo, I know that I’ve been a bastard at times, and put you through crap you don’t deserve. I want you to know that I love you, and having this baby is the best thing in my life, other than the day you told me you loved me. Our wedding day is pretty much up there. So is the day we met. What I’m saying is I’m glad you came into my life, and I’m so glad I got pregnant, because having your child is the only natural way to show you just how much I love you. I can’t wait for tonight. Forever Yours, Dee.

Ryo fingered the petals of a sunflower, smiling, his eyes wet. He took a deep breath and headed into the dining room. “Dee?” he called out, “While I appreciate the gesture, I hope you haven’t been on your feet all afternoon?” He entered the kitchen to find Dee, dressed in shorts and a sleeveless shirt standing by the counter. He noticed platters on the breakfast bar and the rice cooker was by one of the stools. One of their wooden hangiri* tubs with a paper fan was set before the stool, along with a makisu* bamboo mat used for rolling maki* sushi.

He moved behind Dee, wrapping his arms around his husband’s waist and held him close. “I hope there’s no raw fish here. Two more weeks, Dee. I swear we’ll go out and have all the sushi you want after you have Koko.”

Dee leaned against Ryo, smiling as he grasped Ryo’s hands and settled them on his bump. “No raw fish. Tuna salad, broiled eel, oysters and egg omelet. And I picked up the egg omelet and the eel already cooked and just needed heating on the way home. We also have California vegetable rolls. Along with some cold wheat noodles and miso soup.”

“You haven’t been standing here too long, have you?” Ryo asked, kissing Dee’s neck.

Dee dropped his head with a sigh, giving Ryo more access, knowing they did not have to stop like too many times in the last couple of weeks. They were both looking forward to that night. Ryo continued to kiss his neck, nipping at the juncture of shoulder and neck, causing Dee to whimper slightly. “I just stood up five minutes ago,” he finally replied, his voice quivering. “I made all the maki* rolls over there.” He indicated the place by the stool.

“Oh?” Ryo asked, his lips moving closer to Dee’s ear. “Didn’t it get hot in here?” He nipped on an earlobe.

Again, Dee whimpered and Ryo could not help but grin. He loved that he was able to reduce Dee into a puddle of quivering goo if he wanted to. He intended to that evening and was just giving Dee a small preview of what was to come later.

Dee shook his head. “Rice, rice cooker. Eel, microwave. Noodles didn’t take long and then I had to cool them. It’s just about done now.”

“I’ll help you bring it out to the living room,” Ryo said.

Dee turned in Ryo’s arms, and groaned in frustration when the baby bump came between them.

Ryo grinned at Dee. “I can reach over that. No problem.” And he did. With much practice over the months, Ryo became an expert on getting around the baby bump. Dee’s mouth met his halfway as they kissed. Ryo’s hand ran up and down along Dee’s back. “Mmm… you know, I think I’m going to miss feeling our baby girl between us like this.” He smiled lovingly at Dee, meeting his husband’s green eyes. “I love you, Dee. I love that you’re doing this and soon we’ll have a daughter. I also know how much you love me whenever I look at you, and will do the same every time I look at our baby.”

Dee returned the smile. “I take it you read the note?”

Ryo nodded. “Yes. I did. I love you too. I love you so much.” He closed the distance between them again. When they broke apart for air, Ryo hugged him close again. “Shall we eat?”

Dee grinned. “We’re going to need the energy.”

“Oh yes. We are.” He slapped Dee’s ass. “Come on, gorgeous.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Additional Notes:
hangiri tub - a wooden tub used for making sushi rice. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hangiri
makisu mat - woven bamboo mat used for rolling maki sushi http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makisu
makisushi - rolled sushi http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makisushi

Also my wonderful beta made a note that I should link you guys up to the pattern of the wallpaper I have in mind for the nursery. So, because she asked, here it is: http://s436.photobucket.com/albums/qq85/totally4ryo/My%20LJ/?action=view¤t=wallpapers_2067_922981577.gif.
The striped one, you'll have to just imagine, but it has the same washed out watercolor look.