Author's Notes – I know I already did one on pregnancy, but there are so many clichés that one part isn't enough to devote the entire subject on it. Don't worry though, I'll make sure that if there are any more segments (not that I have anymore planned at the moment), they'll be spread out.
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(Prompt: The 'Oops' Pregnancy)
Rinoa had slyly called both Selphie and Quistis to come to her and Squall's apartment for a 'jeans emergency', saying her favourite pair no longer fit and that she needed them to help her pick out another pair destined to claim the title of favourite. Fortunately, both had finished grading this year's batch SeeD exams so they were both free to accompany her. Little did they know the pair of pants were still perfectly fine, the claim that they wouldn't fit wouldn't be true for a couple more weeks or so.
As good as their collective words, both women arrived at 2 o'clock sharp to meet up at her house before going to the local mall. Rinoa cordially ushered them in without saying a peep in regards to what she was wearing at the moment. As expected, the fact that she kept mum on the subject didn't ultimately matter in the grand scheme of things.
"Rinoa, weren't those the jeans you were talking about on the phone?" Quistis asked. Rinoa gave them a cheeky nod.
"So...why did you call us if they're fine, Rin?" Selphie chimed in, "We would have still came if you asked if you just wanted to go shopping."
"Well, see the thing is that they're fine now, but..." Rinoa demurely hinted, twisting her eight-year old wedding band on her left ring finger. "...they might not be for long."
Selphie frowned. "Aw Rin, if you're worried about getting out of shape, we could always help."
Rinoa had to smirk when Quistis took it upon herself to place a hand on the petite brunette's shoulder. "Selph, I…don't think Rinoa meant it that way." the blonde mentioned, looking at the raven-haired woman for further reassurance. When Rinoa gave her a confirming nod, Quistis continued. "I think she's trying to tell us she's going to have a baby."
Selphie's jaw dropped. "Oh my Hyne, no way! You don't even look pregnant!"
"Actually, I've just...been careful with what I've been wearing." Rinoa bashfully explained. "We've haven't been telling anyone because we wanted to make sure that Squall would be able to tell Cid himself instead of hearing it through the grapevine. We don't know how he'll react so…we just wanted to play it safe."
"You two are both in your late twenties and have been married a long time; it shouldn't be that much of a surprise." Quistis offered.
"Well," Rinoa began, "he might fall out of his seat if he knew that this wasn't an 'oops' pregnancy."
"A what?" Selphie blurted out.
"An 'oops' pregnancy." Rinoa reiterated. "You know, when people get...too caught up with the moment and then they learn that they're expecting a couple of weeks after."
The brunette did a double take when her words fully computed in her head. "...You mean this wasn't a surprise to either of you?"
Rinoa shyly smirked. "No, this wasn't a surprise. Squall and I were trying for a baby."
Selphie's brows disappeared into her hairline. Even Quistis looked like she was caught off guard as well. "Nothing against you Rin but... 'Squall' and 'trying for a baby' in the same sentence doesn't exactly sound like him." the former of the two added.
"I know, I know...I can see why you say that but truth is that...he's been wanting to really settle down for quite sometime and it seemed about time anyway." she said with a soft chuckle. "Cid's finally seems to be easing up Squall's workload."
Both of her friends hadn't said anything in response, opting to look at each other for a brief moment before Selphie shouted, "My God Rinny, this is sooo exciting! You're gonna be a mommy!"
Before she knew it, the brunette essentially tackle-hugged her.
"...Easy, Selph," Rinoa said, "-you're going to crush me and the baby if you squeeze any harder."
"Oh, sorry." she mumbled. "I'm just so excited for you, being the first out of everyone and all. Do you know the due date?"
Rinoa was happy to oblige and answer to the first of Selphie's many questions. It would be a miracle if they ever hit the mall at a decent time.
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After a tiring day of shopping, Rinoa finally set down her bags on the bedroom floor. Squall was in the corner, working on some kind of paperwork at his lamp-illuminated desk. He didn't seem to take notice of the noise she'd made coming into room so she walked over to him. Slinking her arms around his neck, she barely heard him drop the pen he was holding before feeling his own arms reaching up for her. She slipped a 20 gil bill into his hand.
He swivelled his torso to face her with one of those rare smirks of his. "...Can I say I told you so?"
"No, you may not." she pouted. "I still can't believe that after all these years; they'd still think the only way we'd get pregnant is if you knocked me up."
"Just let it go Rin, I'm not that offended." he told her. "…Besides, it's kind of distracting when you're looking at me like that anyway."
Rinoa playfully swatted him with a devilish smirk. All that mattered was that she loved this man — why should she care if no one believed her when she said that their baby was planned?
