-Start Chapter-

"Are you sure it's safe?" Komui stared down with a pouty face at the strings in his hands.

"I swear to god Komui it's a maternity corset, just like the ones I've been wearing for the past month and a half and the ones thousands of other pregnant women have worn and are still wearing throughout all of Europe. This is what it was made for- now just pull on those strings like you're trying to rescue a drowning child from a raging river." Theria hissed, grabbing onto the bed post. "Lenalee did it every morning you were off doing who knows what. If she can manage, so can you."

"We don't have these in China. Can't you just wear Chinese clothes for a while? Just for seven more months..." He pleaded.

"Komui, I promise, it's perfectly safe. If anything it's an extra layer of protection with the whale bone and the metals in the stays." She reasoned. "Besides. Your not one to talk about the practicality of Chinese fashions. It's not like I don't know about foot-binding."

"We're not rich enough for foot-binding," He mumbled like that made it any better, but by the sharp pinch she felt suddenly at her waist she knew he had consented.

"There," she announced, letting go of the bed post once she had waited long enough for him to tie off the lace. "Now was that so hard?"

"Yes."

She sighed. "Look, I get that you're concerned, but I don't think we're in any position for me to be causing scandals by going out without a corset. Until Miranda or Lenalee get back from their missions, this is your job now."

He took her hand in his own, now decorated with matching platinum gold rings, though hers was embellished with three small emeralds. "I don't like hurting you," he said, only half joking.

She shook her head. "Silly man. If all you did was hurt me I'd be with you all the same." She reached out with her free hand to cup his cheek. "And it's not. You're insane, you're demanding, you're claustrophobic, you're over-protective and you're ridiculous and that's exactly the way I want you to be." She pinched his cheek jokingly and added with a small smile, "Well, maybe you could be a bit less claustrophobic."

"Why would I do such a thing?" He feigned hurt. "Do you have no care for my displays of devotion?"

"Pah!" She snorted. "Maybe you could start by going a day without trying to carry me somewhere."

He gasped horrifiedly. "Never!"

"Hm," She clicked her tongue with a smirk. "But you're required in the lab all day today. You can't carry me anywhere."

"Oh can't I?" He grinned evilly at her challenge.

"No..." She said cautiously, taking a preemptive step back. "You can't."

"Except that you are not dressed, and we just so happen to be on the opposite side of the room from the closet."

"GOD DAMMIT," she futilely attempted to sprint to the closet door before he could catch her, only to find herself almost immediately swept up bridal style. He spun across the room in a sweeping circle and, without putting her down, allowed her to choose a dress, before carrying her back out and setting her on the couch, her alternating between scowls and laughter all the while.

"You owe me so many papaya once this little guy/girl is out, you know that, Komui."

"YOU CAN HAVE ALL THE PAPAYA YOU WANT, SHOULD I HAVE TO SCOUR THE WHOLE WORLD IN SEARCH OF IT."

"I freaking better!" She smiled, giving him a quick peck on the cheek before setting out to the cafeteria for a small mountain of breakfast. "See you tonight!" She called over her shoulder.

"Of course!" He called back.

-1-1-1-

"The Noah have breached the perimeter! They're entering the main building! The ark gate is currently impassable! Communications with other facilities are down! All non-combatants make their way to the underground shelter!"

"What the hell are you doing here, Tyki Mikk!?"

-End Chapter-

AN: Oh no, Theria! THERIA YOU ARE LITERALLY HALF-BLIND, PREGNANT, AND WEARING A PADDED BUSTLE SKIRT THERE IS NO WAY FOR THIS TO END WELL FOR YOU IF YOU TRY TO FIGHT HI- Oh well, she won't listen to me anyways. As I write this I notice more an more that Theria has a mind of her own.

So how do you guys think the Noah will feel about their precious 14th's pregnancy? The Earl and Road in particular? I feel they'd be either over joyed (or you could even say over... Joyd.) (I'm so punny.) or filled with rage and hatred. One of the two, not sure which yet. Opinions?

All opinions are awesome actually, even negative opinions (though less awesome). Reviews make my little heart SIIIING. Thank for reading, review or not though. I hope you enjoyed, and thank you for your time :)