Chapter 21: Night Pains
-Later that same night-
(Orihime's P.O.V)
Oh Kami the pain. I don't want to wake Coyote for it. If I do he'll freak out. Plus if it's braxton hicks again I'd have worried him for nothing. Okay I am gonna go take a warm bath maybe that will ease the pain. If that doesn't, maybe get something to eat. If the pain doesn't stop, I gotta wake him up.
(Third P.O.V)
Orihime moved out of the bed slowly. A sharp pain hit her back and then flew around to her front wrining a squeak of pain from her. She covered her mouth, squeezing her eyes shut and trying not to wake up Starrk. She moved as quickly and quietly as possible to the bathroom to draw a hot bath.
As the tub filled the jolts of pain came more consistently and stronger, more painful that before. Orihime gripped the sink so hard her knuckles were turning white. It took a tremendous effort just to get her clothes off but once she did she slowly lowered herself into the water. Another pain surged forward and made her gasp, the water sloshing slightly as her body jerked.
She tried but just could not relax and the water wasn't lessening the pain. Giving up she exited the tub, wrapped her robe on and headed to the kitchen to get something to eat, hoping the food would distract her from the pain.
Just as her hand took hold of a jar containing red bean paste an excruciating contraction tore through her body causing her to drop it. The crash of glass corresponding with her scream of pain woke Starrk up and within seconds he entered the kitchen to see what was wrong.
Moonlight streamed through the window and all he could take in what his mate with covering her mouth and doubled over in pain while on the floor there appeared to be a puddle of blood. Starrk felt all the blood drain from his face.
"Oh Kami," Orihime's pained voice brings his attention back to her face, "Coyote.. Help. It. HURTS!"
Orihime gritted her teeth, barely able to stand any more but Starrk remained frozen to the spot in shock. It was her next blood curdling scream that snapped him into action and he barely caught her before she collapsed to the ground.
Moving on auto pilot he laid her on the couch before rushing to their bedroom to drop his gigai and grabbed her bag. He shonido'd back to his love and picked her up in his other arm.
"It will be alright my love. Don't worry, just breathe. Hold on alright? Just hold on princessa," he said adamantly.
"You will be fine. You both will be fine." He's not sure if he's saying that to reassure her or himself more as he rushes to the shop.