I'm new here. Hello. This woke me up this morning and wouldn't let me go. It wrote itself, really.

I figure I needed to share it. I give it freely.

Ain't Nothing But a Family Thing

The arrangement made years ago, we have no choice. Making a dynasty to rival Kennedy, more power than anyone needs.

I see your face and I know. I know and you don't, your green eyes only as warm as the sun on a cold day. My plain brown ones could never hold them.

But I know. Scanning your face, almost overly sharp jaw, eyes slightly misaligned, and I know.

First sight. If you suspect, you never let on. I make sure you never suspect. This isn't mutual, it's business. "Ain't nothing but a family thing," someone once said.

The news. We need an heir. We've compromised, living our separate lives together. Our families need proof. Proof that the arrangement is successful. The business model works.

I imagine the child has your eyes. As green as a fir tree - the slight hint of blue up close.

I smile and pretend. You smile, but your eyes are hesitant. I know.

The stage is set. "I've never..." "It's okay. Just relax." Shaking nerves. You use your fingers and I've never felt like this before.

The determination on your face changes and I can't place it - tender? Sorry?

You slowly push in and it hurts. Tears, your thumbs wipe them away. You shush me gently, '"it won't hurt for long," and it doesn't.

One night you stay. I wake up surrounded by warm, sleepy man. Your nose buried in my hair.

You mumble, slightly slurred and deepened by sleep. But all I hear is my name.

I turn slowly in your arms, ignoring the nausea that is beginning to plague my days. I know. Soon you will as well.

I kiss your chest to wake you fully. "I have news." Your greens blink down at me. "It worked."

"What?" I grab your hand and place it low on my belly. It's still slightly flat, but not for long.

Wide greens and crashing lips. The taste is different. But not physically. Smiling greens meet misty browns and I know.

This child won't be the only thing that will be loved.

This is my firstborn. Please be gentle. Thank you to Dooba, for helping me make this readable. She's smarter than me. Don't let her tell you otherwise.