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"If we don't tell people ASAP, Juuzou will, promises be damned," Touka warns.
"I know." Kaneki pinches the bridge of his nose.
"I say we tell Tooru and Urie first, because Tooru can't leave his apartment and it might cheer him up," Touka suggests, swinging her legs as she pulls on her sweater. "And then we tell my brother and Hinami, and Yomo. And then everyone else."
Kaneki nods.
"Don't worry; I can and will kick their asses if they decide to be hypocritical and try to kill you," Touka says, hopping to her feet.
He rolls his eyes. In truth, Kaneki didn't sleep much last night, with his mind vacillating between a sunny trampoline of excitement and a black cliff of complete terror. "How's the nausea?"
"On and off, but I still haven't actually gotten sick."
"Mind if Saiko and Shirazu join us at Urie and Tooru's?" Kaneki asks as he texts. "They won't want to be left out."
"Sure. Your old CCG babies are getting a sibling." Touka winks.
Kaneki snorts. He likes the line, though, and by the time Saiko arrives at Urie and Tooru's with a fun video game she insists on setting up to play with Tooru despite Tooru's skepticism that it will actually help lower his blood pressure, Kaneki decides to use it. Two stuffed cats sit on a chair in the bedroom.
"Takeomi and Yoriko brought them over," Urie admits begrudgingly.
"And it was nice of them," Tooru adds.
Touka sighs as she studies Kaneki.
"How are you feeling?" Saiko asks.
"Swelling's gone down a bit. I think." Tooru frowns. "I kind of just want to have the kids already, but also I'm worried, so." He twists the sheets on his bed as if he regrets sharing that much. His eyes flicker to Urie, no doubt hoping Urie changes the subject. Green curtains flutter against the window, opened to the spring air.
"You're going to be a great father, Tooru," Touka says.
"You really think so?" Tooru's mouth falls open.
"Yeah," says Touka. "Because you've learned you can't do it all on your own."
"Sometimes."
"But you're making progress there," Touka insists. "And I'll get Kaneki to spoil your twins. As a grandfather should."
Urie cracks a smile, his hand running through Tooru's green hair.
"Actually," Kaneki says, heart thumping. "As my original—kids—more or less, how do you feel about having a sibling?"
"Huh?" Shirazu frowns.
"A much younger sibling," Kaneki clarifies.
"No way!" Saiko screeches, leaping to her feet. "No way!"
Tooru shakes his head, beginning to laugh. A flush creeps through Kaneki's face.
Urie rubs his face. "Is this for real?"
"Kaneki asked himself the same question all last night," Touka confirms.
"Hey!" He shoves her.
She catches his hands. "It's true."
Shirazu shakes his head. "Congratulations."
"More playmates," Tooru muses, tracing his stomach.
"Actually, since the two of you have—you know, walked this road," Kaneki says. "I was wondering if you'd be willing to give us advice."
Urie grins. "I'd love to."
"Um, why is everyone here?" Touka queries as she and Kaneki slip into :re.
"Because you took a day off and everyone thought you must be dead, sis," Ayato teases as he crouches onto the floor. "C'mere, Ryouko."
Hinami lets go of their daughter's hands, and she hesitates, taking a step before she wobbles. Hinami catches her.
"It's early for her to be walking, isn't it?" Yomo asks. "I read about it."
"She can't really walk," Ayato admits. "Just a step here and there. Someday. Probably sooner than we'd like."
Amon rocks his son in his arms, Akira laughing with Kimi, who holds a sleepy Mie and gives Kaneki a smirk.
"So," Kaneki says as he and Touka slip into a booth. Yomo leans against it as Hinami gathers Ryouko and slides in the other side, Ayato next to her.
Can we keep the initial conversation down in volume? Touka wonders. Mie starts to cry. Oh, perfect.
"We have—to tell you something," Kaneki says nervously.
"If you're asking our permission to marry her, it's a given," says Ayato. "So long as you don't elope like Kuki and Tooru."
"I can give him my permission myself," Touka snaps. Hinami snickers.
Kaneki glances at Touka. "Well—"
"I'm pregnant," Touka cuts in. Sorry for the humble pie you're about to eat, Ken.
Ayato's eyes bulge. Yomo narrows his, and shakes his head. Hinami claps her hands and squeals, upsetting Ryouko.
Kaneki swallows, looking up at Yomo. Her uncle blows out his breath and looks back at them with a smile. "I trust you. I trusted my sister when she had you, Touka. You two love each other just the same way that Hikari and Arata did—but with a better world around you. Both of your parents—they'd be proud." He shakes his head, grabbing his phone. "Uta's not going to believe this."
"Um, excuse me?" Ayato blurts out. "I'm supposed to be the loser, remember? You two were supposed to be married before you even—hey, how can you even have a kid? If she's a ghoul—"
"Kimi thinks it'll make it," Kaneki ekes out. "I'm—sorry I yelled at you when you and Hinami were—I was wrong."
"It wasn't planned, was it?" Hinami ventures.
Touka shakes her head. "I'm only five weeks. It's pretty early."
"This many unplanned pregnancies is weird," Hinami says, a frown on her face. "But I am happy for you—think about it, Ayato, Ryouko's going to have a cousin and—"
"Yeah, yeah," Ayato says, slumping back.
Hinami glowers at him. Touka rolls her eyes.
A smile spreads across his face. "Congratulations. I'm looking forward to having a niece or nephew. And a godbaby."
"You get the first one; I'm the godfather!" proclaims Juuzou as he sweeps over.
Silence crashes over the entire café. Touka blanches.
Hide leans across the counter, drumming his fingers. Touka hasn't even considered anyone as the godparent besides Hide.
"Kaneki and—Touka?" ventures Akira. "Are you—"
Kaneki nods, wrapping his arm around Touka's shoulders.
Amon lets out a laugh, his son asleep in his arms. "Congrats, Eyepatch."
"Congratulations!" shrieks Shio. Hsiao shakes her head as Aura gapes and Higemaru grins. Seidou looks stunned.
"No way!" yelps Naki. "We're gonna be fathers together!" He runs over and grabs Kaneki in a hug, swinging him around. Miza laughs, wrapping her arms around her baby bump.
"Well, clearly this solves what you were arguing about," declares Tsukiyama, his hands spreading out. "I will be godfather." He frowns. "I wonder what your baby would taste like."
Nishiki growls.
"Hey!" Karren snaps at Nishiki, her own belly almost out to her knees by this point.
"The heir to the throne," Tsukiyama muses.
Kaneki shakes his head, and Touka has the feeling they agree on this. No matter what, their child will have to be involved in the politics of their world by nature of who their parents are. But as much as they can, Touka hopes to protect them. She squeezes Kaneki's hand.
Yomo snorts and holds out his phone to them. Uta's texted.
Touka's pregnant, isn't she?
"He can make the baby a mask," Touka grouses.
"I honestly thought you all might chastise me," Kaneki admits. "I haven't been—the best at—"
"You've been worried," Akira cuts in. "Just like we're all going to worry about you guys. But you've also supported us, so we'll support you. We'd do that anyways."
"Because you're the king!" sings Naki.
"Because you're our friend," cuts in Hide.
"Not good?" Tooru guesses when Kimi takes his blood pressure.
"It's gone up," Kimi confirms. Urie groans, leaning forward with his head in his hands. The swelling's been getting worse over the past few days, and he knows Tooru's so uncomfortable he can't sleep at night.
"The good news is," Kimi says. "You're thirty-six weeks today, Tooru. You've done really well the past month, but I'm getting concerned about the strain on your body, as well as on the babies."
"One more week, right? That's what you hoped for?" Urie questions.
"To be frank, I think we should induce labor now," Kimi says. "I don't want to worry you, Tooru, but I'm uncomfortable risking this anymore. Your blood pressure's reached the point where I think you're at serious risk for eclampsia. There are still risks with delivering babies this early, but it's late enough that I think the risks of keeping them in there any longer are far more dangerous."
"What are the risks?" Urie demands, reaching for Tooru's hand. Tooru's shaking.
"The most serious one is respiratory distress," Kimi says. "Which is why I want to take you to the hospital, because almost all babies with that problem at 36 weeks will be fine."
Almost all… Urie's mind whirs. What if we're the ones whose babies aren't okay? What if we're those statistics?
"If it were my child," Kimi says, her eyes wet. "I would do it. The risks to your own body and to your babies are quite serious if you want to wait another week, Tooru."
"Today?" Tooru ventures. "You'd want to do it—today?"
"If you agree, I'd say we throw you in a car and take you to the hospital right now, and I'll induce labor as soon as we get there."
Tooru meets Urie's eyes, already nodding. "Okay."
Kimi lets out her breath. "I'll call the hospital. And a car."
I'm meeting my son and daughter in—a few hours. Urie clutches his face. "You okay?"
Tooru nods. "I'm scared."
"Me too."
Tooru gulps. "I'll text Karren. You should text Shirazu and Saiko, and Hsiao, Aura, and Higemaru."
"On it." Urie taps out a message. Hey, Tooru's BP has gone up to the point where Kimi thinks we should induce labor today. We're heading to the hospital. Feel free to tell people.
Saiko responds almost immediately. Are you both okay?
Nervous.
"Hospital agreed to give you a room," Kimi announces as she sweeps into the room. "And Takeomi will be giving us a ride to the hospital."
"What?" Urie shouts.
"Kuki might have blood pressure problems now," Tooru offers weakly.
Kimi scowls at Urie. "You need to keep it together. He's the closest one to us with a car."
Closest… it's that serious, Urie realizes. Just what was Tooru's blood pressure? He nods. Even if accepting help from Takeomi chafes at him, he needs to forget about it. Because Takeomi is not nearly as important as his husband, his son, or his daughter.
"I'll be monitoring you throughout labor," Kimi informs Tooru. "If I see anything worrisome, I might have to do a c-section, but I think if we induce you today we can avoid that."
Tooru nods. Urie leaps to his feet, scrambling for Tooru's bag and light coat and helping his husband into the garment. The sweatpants can stay; Tooru should be comfortable. Labor can take awhile, from what his friends have said.
"Takeomi's here," Kimi says.
Urie tosses the keys at Kimi. "Lock up." He picks Tooru up.
"I can walk, Kuki!"
"I know." I just like carrying you. Even pregnant, Tooru's body fits perfectly in Urie's arms.
Tooru rolls his eyes and leans his head against Urie's shoulder. The sun glitters down on them, sparkling on several muddy puddles. Urie sidesteps them. Takeomi sits in the front seat, sunglasses on. He waves.
Ugh. Urie manages a nod as he helps Tooru into the backseat.
"How're you feeling?" Takeomi greets Tooru.
"Headache," Tooru admits. "And we're both pretty nervous."
"Yoriko says to tell you she's excited for you."
Urie's hand cups Tooru's head. Kimi lets herself into the front seat, and Takeomi takes off.
"Drive carefully," Urie manages.
"I will," Takeomi promises. "We've got precious cargo."
"People," Urie corrects. Tooru stomps on his toe.
"Right," Takeomi agrees. Cars and street signs whiz by. Urie's heart starts to pound as they wind their way towards the hospital. His phone lights up with well wishes, first from Kaneki and then Touka, Hinami, Tsukiyama, Juuzou, Higemaru, even Aura.
They all care. A lump grows in Urie's throat. What's the matter with me?
"Two more babies to add to Goat's second generation," Takeomi says. "It's exciting." His voice sounds awfully vulnerable.
The pressure in Urie's chest lessens. A smile spreads across his face. "Be careful," he warns. "Unplanned pregnancies seem to be contagious."
Takeomi laughs, a bit uneasy, but when he glances over his shoulder to see Urie smiling, he grins too.
"Eyes on the road!" Urie barks.
"Good luck," Takeomi says, somber as he pulls up at the hospital.
They thank him as Urie carries Tooru inside. Kimi runs ahead. Within a half an hour, they're set up in a hospital room with a sunny window. A rainbow splays across the sky. "Look," Tooru says. "It's a good sign, isn't it?"
Urie nods as Kimi hooks Tooru up to an IV. "Pitocin," she explains. "It should start your labor." According to a sonogram, both twins are head down.
Saiko arrives, as Kimi says it will take hours to work, and Tooru and Saiko play more of that video game while Urie watches and chews the skin off his lips. Shirazu appears and but sits silently next to Urie. After about seven hours, as dusk settles outside, Tooru starts to shift.
"Are you having a contraction?" Urie asks. Saiko whirls around.
"I—maybe," Tooru says. "It felt—like a cramp."
"Are you ready?" Shirazu asks Urie, his voice quiet.
Urie meets Shirazu's eyes and sees no judgment, just compassion. Urie swallows, and shakes his head.
"It's okay," Shirazu reassures him. "I'm—really excited for the two of you."
Within another hour, there's no doubt that the medicine's working, and Kimi ushers Saiko and Shirazu out of the room. Banjou appears, as do several of Kimi's doctor friends. They slip in and out as Kimi monitors Tooru's body and the babies' heart rates.
Tooru's face scrunches in agony. Urie wipes the sweat away, tries to keep him calm.
"You're doing great," Kimi encourages. "You're almost fully dilated. I'm going to have you start pushing soon. You're almost there."
"I'm going to die," Tooru gasps out.
"No, no you're not," Urie snaps. I need you.
I've thought you might be dead too many times over. I love you.
When Kimi tells Tooru to start pushing, he's panting for air. A cry emerges from Tooru's lips as Urie helps him bear down.
"You're doing great," Kimi repeats.
"What would doing bad look like?" Tooru rasps.
Kimi chortles. Urie laughs, because at least he's joking.
When an infant's scream rips through the air, Kimi laughs. "You have a baby girl."
They place the baby in Urie's arms, and she's screaming, so tiny, but alive and beautiful and bloody and her hair's purple like his. She's small enough to fit into one of his palms.
Tooru moans again, even as Urie shows her their daughter, and then Kimi's shouting instructions, and Urie turns to see his son slipping into the world. But this baby doesn't cry, and his skin's mottled with purple and blue.
"Oxygen!" Kimi barks.
Respiratory distress, Urie remembers. He feels frozen.
"What's happening?" Tooru cries out.
"It's okay," Kimi assures Tooru as one of the other white-coated doctors slips a miniature oxygen mask over their son's nose and mouth. "He's going to be fine."
"He looks like you, Tooru," Urie manages, tears leaking from his face. Green hair and all. Both of their babies have darker skin like Tooru's too.
"Oh no," Tooru whispers, and Urie presses their daughter against his chest, and then Tooru's crying too, but for once there's no despair with it.
"We're going to give your son some oxygen for awhile, and admit him to newborn intensive care," Kimi says. "I'll stay with him. He will be fine, Tooru, Kuki, we just need to make sure he'll keep breathing."
When Urie and Tooru are taken to see him in his incubator, more tears fall. He's so small.
He's going to be okay.
Tooru looks up at Urie, their daughter asleep in her arms, and Urie leans down to kiss his head. We did it.
We have our family.
Up next: Fruit-chan picks a victim.