Thank you my darlings. You're all so lovely, as per usual. I can't believe that after this we'll only be one chapter from the end!

I've loved doing this, and as its nearly over, I reiterate my previous invitation. I always love hearing requests from you guys, so keep them coming.

Guest, Poppy, Bex, Lexi - Merci for your beautiful and supportive reviews.

Additionally, I was really quite touched by everyone's concern for little Kevasty (I'm not calling the baby that by the way!) but I assure you the baby is sadly fictional so I'm sure it'll be just fine.

Although, the beginning of this chapter became slightly darker than I expected - sorry!

Lastly, for those of you who aren't Checkmate readers (why not?) Then just so you know, the bold reflects a time jump, if it isn't obvious. :)

Chapter Four

Kevin tossed unconsciously as his mind dragged him deeper into his dreams. In his sleepy illusions, Dynasty smiled brightly, beckoning him closer. The soft, off-white blanket in her arms wriggled, a gentle gurgling escaping from the opening, balanced in the crook of Dynasty's elbow.

Kevin reached out, stepping towards Dynasty but stumbled suddenly as the hospital fell swiftly into darkness.

He waved his arms in the shadows, grasping blindly until his hands fisted around large expanses of cotton.

He twisted frantically, the fabric growing damp until the slimy liquid oozed between his fingers. It dried to a flaking crust upon his skin but soon became wet again as Kevin's hands roved across the material. He clutched it tightly, despite its slick surface as consciousness came to claim him, heaving him from the darkness and forcing his eyes open.

Kevin gasped and wiped away the sweat from his face with his shirt.

As he lowered his hands, he was assaulted by the tangy scent of metal and something equally pungent that he couldn't place.

The quiet, steady whoosh of Dynasty breathing did little to assuage Kevin's fears as his foggy thoughts began to clear in recognition of the odor.

Kevin steeled his nerves hastily before flicking the switch of his bedside lamp and bathing the bedroom he shared with Dynasty in a faint yellow glow.

"No," Kevin breathed as his scarlet tainted hands began to shake.

In his struggling, Kevin could see that he had discarded the duvet, revealing the darkening pool creeping from beneath Dynasty's hips.

"Dynasty," Kevin called, grasping his girlfriend's shoulders tightly.

He shook her firmly.

"Dynasty, please, wake up."

Slowly, Dynasty began to stir. A low, defiant grumble ripped from her throat as she rubbed her sleep deprived eyes.

"Kevin, it's cold," Dynasty croaked, squeezing her eyes shut again the glare of the lamp.

"Dynasty, please," Kevin pleaded, tears welling in his eyes and clogging his throat. "We need to go now."

Dynasty frowned wearily before opening bleary eyes. She studied Kevin in bemusement, roused to a state of moderate alertness by the glistening wetness that coated his dark eyelashes.

Kevin shook her again, however less violently this time and watched her gaze flicker frantically as she focused her attention on his bloodied hands.

"No," she gasped, echoing Kevin's own anxious outburst.

Dynasty sat up swiftly and her eyes widened tragically.

Kevin stared numbly at her broken expression, his urgency fading until only a dull agony existed in his chest.

However, his assertiveness returned in a rush of horror as Dynasty's frightened screams broke the hideous silence that had fallen upon the flat.

"No offence, but what the hell do you mean by 'minor bleeding?'" Dynasty snapped, crushing Kevin's fingers in a grip like steel.

"I mean, Miss Barry, that small amounts of blood are to be expected with your condition."

Dynasty shot an angry glance at Kevin before forcing herself into a sitting position with Kevin's help.

"We were never told this was likely," Kevin said.

The nurse shifted uncomfortably, pressing a short, dull blonde strand of hair back into her stubby ponytail.

"My condition?" Dynasty hissed through gritted teeth.

Her cheeks flushed with barely contained fury and Kevin rubbed soothing circles on the back of her hand.

"Placenta previa," the nurse stated simple, nodding as though this might calm Dynasty's frustrations. "A small amount-"

"A small amount! Would you like to see my bed sheets?" Dynasty interjected. "Go on then, when was the last time you had one of these 'small' bleeds?"

Kevin placed his free hand on Dynasty's shoulder.

"Dyn," he whispered soothingly but Dynasty disregarded his comment with a dissatisfied glare.

The nurse raised her eyebrows at Dynasty.

"I don't have any children myself."

Dynasty's long, chestnut lashes flickered to the floor as Dynasty studied the nurses clunky shoes, figure shrouding attire and lank, cropped hair.

"Can't exactly say I'm surprised," she sneered venomously. "No experience; no opinion."

The nurse opened her mouth indignantly to reply but Kevin sought his opportunity to interfere.

"Maybe we should talk about this later," he suggested.

"I think that would be best," the nurse muttered, scowling darkly in Dynasty's direction as she hurried from the room.

Kevin didn't speak as he climbed onto Dynasty's bed. He tilted his head disapprovingly.

"Don't you dare, Chalk," Dynasty warned, pointing a thin, taloned finger at Kevin. "I have been scared half out of my mind, sedated for half a day and not once have I even been assured that the baby is okay!"

Dynasty crossed her arms, as best she could, furiously over her rounded stomach.

"The baby's fine. And I know; I've been with you the whole time."

Kevin raised Dynasty's hand to his lips and kissed her lightly.

"Well, I'm glad somebody's being kept up to date!"

Kevin's eyes grew wide as Dynasty's head twisted abruptly towards the stern voice that had disturbed their privacy.

With steaming spectacles and blotchy cheeks, Daniel Chalk stepped away from the open doorway and allowed it to swing closed with a sharp slam behind him.

He dropped his rain soaked hold-all unceremoniously onto the pristine white floor of Dynasty's hospital room and eyed them each with shock and disappointment.

"I was going to tell you," Kevin stammered.

Dynasty's lips parted in surprise, followed by her hand lashing out at Kevin's chest.

"Kevin, how could you not tell him?"