Chapter 4
Disclaimer- I own nothing!
"Morning Eric, no Alan? Ronald came up to him in the office surprised to not see Alan at his desk.
"No, he took the day off. He didn't sleep well last night. I should really be with him but he didn't want me to. I asked his mother to keep an eye on him though."
"That's good. It's a shame your parents said that. Mine are hoping she gets pregnant so they can get a grandchild. Though I don't see that happening too soon. I have a better chance of getting a ring on her finger than a child out of her."
"If you settle down demons will attack us." Eric joked.
Seeing William step in the room both separated to get back to work.
Alan sat in his kitchen holding a cup of hot tea between his hands. He was surprised to see his mother show up before yet he was grateful she did. He wanted to talk to someone about what happened. He loved Eric and he appreciated everything he did but he felt terrible that he fought with his parents.
"I don't remember that photo of you two on the wall."
Looking over his shoulder he saw a picture of him and Eric. Eric had his arms around his chest to hold him close, both had giant smiles on their faces.
"Oh. It was on the mantle in the living room but I moved it to in here."
"When was it taken?"
"Right before I found out I was pregnant. Our mutual friend Ronald took it for us, well took it for Eric. I'm not a fan of it."
"He really loves you."
"He does. He gave up his family for me. I love him to but I can't help asking myself if I'm worth it."
"He must think so/"
"Maybe I should tell him I want marriage. Then maybe his parents won't hate him and they won't tell me my child will die."
"Alan you must know that they have no truth to their words. Your baby will be fine. If you don't want marriage then don't force yourself to. That's not a reason to marry."
"Deep down I know your right but I can't stop thinking that this is my fault and I need to do something, whatever, to make it right. He made things right and I just seemed to make it worse."
"You just wanted to have everyone be a family. You didn't know his parents would react so harshly. None of us did."
Coming home Eric was pleased to see Alan out of bed, dressed and looking much better than this morning. He talked to Alan's mother for a little while before she headed home. Curling up together on the couch Alan laced his hands with Eric's.
"Am I worth it?"
"Alan." Releasing their hands he grabbed his shoulders and looked into his eyes.
"Just answer my question, please."
"Of course you are. You are the most important person in my life. I only want you. I would give up everything and anyone if keeping them mean I would lose you."
How did he get so lucky to end up with Eric? He had been with someone before he joined the society but somehow they ended up together. Two totally different people somehow fell in love and that love only seemed to grow stronger every single day.
"I hope I can live up to your expectations. I will do my absolute best to never make you doubt your choice to be with me.
"Your already are. You don't have to do anything. I love you exactly as you are. Alan you are worth it because hearing you ask breaks my heart. You shouldn't have to."
"Eric, Iā¦thank you." Wrapping his arms around his neck he brought himself closer gently bringing their lips together, yet pouring his love for him from them. As he went to pull away Eric placed his hands on the side of Alan's face to have their lips join again.
Time spent together was always nice, especially now when they had this moment. Carrying Alan in his arms to their bedroom they gave themselves to each other. They were making their own promise to be by the others side for as long as they both shall live. They needed no rings, no vows, no ceremony just each other and their love. This time though they weren't slow, they weren't careful not to hurt the other. Fingers dug into backs and lips left marks. Yet, this was what they wanted. They were telling the world that they were together and nothing or no one would change that.
After they laid together, Eric's hand placed gently under Alan's abdomen. He couldn't wait until he could feel the baby moving. Hearing Alan tell he believed he could the other week made him jealous and excited for the day he could too.
"I hope you continue to love me even after I am huge."
"I'll probably love you even more."
"My appointment is coming up. We can learn the sex of the child. Part of me doesn't want to know. I like the excitement of waiting. Unless something your making needs it that is. I don't want to ruin your plan."
"No I don't need to know. The thought of waiting doesn't sound that bad."
Resting his hand on top of Eric's they stayed as they were until exhaustion was ready to take over.
Three day weekends, how rare. Alan took off Friday for his doctor's appointment just because it was easier. He had to go for some testing before the actual appointment so he told William he needed off and then he was off for the weekend. Both of them were glad to have it off so they could start getting things ready for the nursery. They had already gone out together to look for a paint color and found one good for either gender. Not having a day off though Eric had painted it one night after they had eaten so the room would be ready for when they bought things.
Waiting for Eric to show up at the doctor's Alan tried to wait patiently. He couldn't wait to see how big his son or daughter was now. Only twenty one weeks to go, unbelievable. Seemed like only yesterday he found out he was pregnant.
"Alan, I'm sorry I'm late." Seeing Eric run up to join him he had him sit.
"Don't worry you're not more than a few minutes if even that. I haven't seen my doctor yet."
"Work was nuts, between the reaping and the paperwork. But I'm all done so our plans can stay the same.
"Well that's good."
"Alan Humphries, the doctor will see you now." Standing together they walked hand in hand into the office.
After having the normal examine done and learning how much he weighed now Alan sat back to wait for the fun part.
"Before I begin I must ask, do you want me to tell you the sex of the baby?"
"No please, we decided to wait until the delivery to find out. Is it possible though to still see the baby on the monitor?"
"Oh of course it is" rolling the gel over his abdomen both watched and waited as their child came on the screen. They loved this, they loved seeing how big their baby had gotten. They watched as their doctor started with their baby's feet and moved up. Getting to their reproduction region she used her pinky finger to cover the area. Seeing all was good she moved up further to show the arms and body before seeing the head.
" Eric look they are sucking their thumb."
Eric said nothing but held Alan's hand slightly tighter. He couldn't find his voice at the moment, these moments always got to him.
"Any movement yet? Your baby seems to be doing well, right on track."
"A little. I've been feeling them but I don't believe Eric has." Looking over at Eric he noticed he was in his own little world again.
"No, I haven't but I can't wait. Should we be?"
"Most do around this time. If you don't in a few weeks I would came me and come back in. It may just be a position thing and less a health issue but it helps to be safe."
"Okay. We will keep an eye on things and let you know."
"And if you are interested Mr. Slingby if you place your head on his abdomen you should hear the child's heartbeat. You may also hear movement."
"I had known but I hadn't tried yet. I shall try though."
"Yea Eric loves all of that."
After the appointment they met Alan's parents for dinner. They wanted to see how things were going with the son and grandchild.
"We don't want to know the gender until they are born but the doctor told us she hid the gender in all the photos." Handing the envelope to his parents he watched as they looked them over.
"We know you both have your own plans but your father and I would love to buy something for you guys or the baby or both."
"Mother, we don't want you guys to spend tons of money. I still appreciate the pillow but that was more than you should have.
"We could do toys or clothes, or essentials. We just want to do something."
"We are grateful and of course you both may help." Eric kicked in before Alan could voice how he really didn't want them to overdue it. Happy with that they went on to order and talk about other things.
That night Alan laid in bed reading while Eric was in the garage working on the crib. Seeing him come into the room he put the book away so they could relax together. Eric changed and climbed into his bed bringing Alan closer.
"You're not ready to fall asleep are you?"
"Go ahead, I know you've wanted to all day." Resting against the pillows better Eric waited patiently until he was comfortable before moving his shirt just up enough so he could rest his head on Alan's stomach. Watching Eric in awe and bliss Alan ran his fingers through his hair.
"You're so lucky. It must be so nice to hear the baby."
"I could get you a Doppler so you can listen any time."
"We'll see. I heard they can get pricy."
"What do you think baby, should we get mommy something so he can hear you? And when do I get to feel you? I can't wait. Mommy says I'm lucky I get to hear you but he can feel you."
"We need to start thinking about names and delivery. The doctor told me to think about classes and how I want to deliver.
"Next weekend we can do that if you want."
"Sure. I don't feel like doing too much at once." They went silent for a little while so Eric could hear the baby better. This moment was nice for both of them, it was special and meant a lot for different reasons. "You better be this amazing once they are born. I mean in nighttime feedings, diaper changes, all of it." Alan whispered.
Eric shot his head up and brought his hand to where his head had just been as Alan brought his hand down as well. They laced their hands together as they felt their child kicking.
"Hi there little one. We are right here. I'm your dad and I am so happy to finally feel you."
"Did he kick you?"
"He did." Eric looked over at Alan with a giant smile on his face. He could have been bruised and still would be smiling knowing it was from their child. "He is already so strong."
"This is nothing, give him a few more weeks"
"God, I can't wait for them to arrive. We still have so long to wait."
"Just so they can be as strong and healthy as they should be. I have a feeling the time will go back fast enough."
"I know but I am still excited for them."
In the morning, after breakfast they showered and got dressed so they could head out. They had created a list of things they needed during breakfast so they could start. This was what they had been waiting for. There were a few shops that were known for baby supplies. There was so much out on the market, more than they had thought.
"So what do we need furniture wise?"
"Dresser, I've got the crib covered, oh and changing table we need."
"Let's do that first and then go from there." Finding the section that held those items they stopped at all the different selections. Who knew there were these many choices? Most were the same design just in different colors. Still they looked at everyone looking for the one they both agreed on, the one that was perfect for their child.
Finding a set they both fell in love with they bought them and set them in order to be shipped to the house. Seeing it took longer than they hoped they stopped for lunch before going to the next store for clothes, toys, and other essentials. They didn't have to worry about money too much since they had been saving some aside from the beginning. They had figured it would be easier to get the supplies at once and they had decided to wait until now so that fund could only grow.
"What's next?"
"Everything. But I think clothes or towels should be best."
"We can do that. What's that thing they say is best for newborns? You know they suck on it?"
"A pacifier?"
"Yea! That's it! We should get those too."
"Sure that's a good call." Alan couldn't get over how animated Eric was over this. Sure he hoped for a baby but he was so excited, so willing it made himself smile harder. It made the symptoms he felt easier to deal with seeing Eric like this.
Both knew they over did it on supplies yet knowing it was for their baby it didn't seem so bad. Together they had picked out clothes, towels, blankets to swaddle in, toys, a portable bassinet rocker for them if they had trouble sleeping. With more bags than they had hand space for they slowly made their way home for the night. Tomorrow they were going to finish up with the bigger items. Items they would have shipped just for convenience. Once home they made a quick dinner before Alan turned in for the night. He was exhausted. Carrying around an extra fifteen pounds all the time took its toll on you after a while.
Eric stepped into the bedroom doorway and stopped just to watch Alan sleep. He as on his left side cuddling with that total body pillow. Their baby nestled on top and was being gently rubbed by Alan's right hand as he slept. Seeing the man he loved, the man he adored, the one he fell to his knees over for, sleeping and twenty-one and a half weeks pregnant with their first child made the pride in himself only grow. He loved both of them so much and took so much pride in the fact that he was going to be a father. A father to Alan's baby no less it made this seem like a dream. He thought he was dreaming when Alan agreed to go out with him and now look at them, getting ready to start a family together. Quickly changing for the night he climbed into bed and laid close behind Alan. Dropping an arm behind his they rubbed the baby slowly as they kicked, both consciously and subconsciously. Grabbing Alan's hand within his own both fell asleep with a smile on their faces.
Eric rolled over feeling Alan get out of bed. The even wasn't too uncommon knowing he had to use the bathroom more because of the pregnancy. Not thinking too much about it he fell back to sleep. Rolling back over a little later he noticed Alan wasn't in bed yet. That was strange. Opening an eyes he noticed the bedroom door was still open, Alan wasn't coming in the room and there was a light one down the hall. Opening both eyes he sat up, grabbed his glasses and got out of bed.
"Al, what are doing up so early?" Coming into the kitchen he saw Alan with his head in the fridge looking for something. Hearing Eric's voice he pulled his head back.
"Did I wake you? Sorry. I woke up wanting something to eat."
"What do you want?"
"Ham, cheese, and bacon omelet."
"I'll make it for you."
"No go back to bed. We both shouldn't be up at this ungodly hour."
Coming behind him he wrapped his arms around him and kissed his neck. This had always been Alan's weakness.
"Sit, I'll make it for you. It's the least I could do for you. I brought up having a baby yet you're doing all the work. Let me help." Whispering in his ear he felt him melt and give in.
"Fine, but know that I didn't ask you too so don't go telling everyone that I woke you up at two am because I was craving food."
"Never. Now sit." Escorted to a chair he sat down and let Eric get to work.
"Did I do good?" Watching Alan take a bite he saw him nod.
"You did thank you."
"No thank you for not craving something crazy."
Letting him eat he sat and watched until he was done so he could clean up and bring Alan back to bed. Eric waited until he was comfortable again before climbing in behind him. Bringing his arm back around the way it was before both slept with a hand on the baby. Alan fell asleep easier than he had before feeling Eric so close. He could feel Eric's love pouring through him. He felt so honored to bed loved by him. Not everyone would wake up at two and voluntarily make food for him. What he already knew, Eric loved him and was glad to have been chosen by him. He was beyond lucky, he would never take him for granted. He hadn't before but he wouldn't start that was for sure.
