Chapter 16
"Good morning", a smiling nurse greeted Coma as he opened the door to the small clinic.
"G-good morning", he answered nervously, holding open the door for Rouge, who stopped in right behind him, looking slightly worse for wear since he had ushered her here without cleaning up properly.
"Oh dear, what's wrong?", the nurse asks as she heads over towards them, clipboard in hand. Coma had already guided Rouge to a bench to sit down, anxiously fluttering around her to make sure she was comfortable. The nurse wanted to coo at the sight.
"Um, she's been feeling sick the last few days, she has to throw up every morning, sometimes also during the day."
Rouge nodded.
"Sometimes even the smell alone of my favorite foods make me nauseous.", she added miserably, "Maybe I'm allergic…?"
"Oh dear, would you like some water then? The doctor is busy with a patient right now, but we can slot you in right afterward, dear."
The nurse quickly went to fetch some at Rouge's nod and returned only moments later, cup in hand along with a small bag she handed to Coma.
"If she feels sick again", she explained.
"T-thank you.", he said gratefully, eyes quickly flitting back to Rouge.
'He is such a sweetheart, worrying for her like that. Lucky girl', the nurse thought in amusement before quickly leaving them to each others' company.
Coma fussed with the bag in his hand and crouched down next to Rouge, talking to her in quiet tones.
"Feeling a bit better?"
"Yea… luckily. I mean I knew the nausea would be a lot worse today but… ugh", Rouge complained.
Coma gently reached up and tucked a stray lock behind her ear before he answered.
"It'll pass, just endure it for a little longer. We can do something to alleviate the symptoms starting today."
"Alright… now hand me that bag"
He quickly did so, rubbing soothing circles on her back as she retched once more.
Soon, there wouldn't be anything left in her stomach to retch up anymore…
The sound had summoned the nurse once more. She was hurrying to their side with another bag and some more water.
"Oh dear", she commented as she saw the teary expression on Rouge's face as she threw up the leftovers of last night's dinner.
She crouched down on her other side, murmuring instructions to breathe slowly, and took away the bag so the smell of vomit wouldn't induce another bout of nausea.
"Just swirl the water around in your mouth to get the taste out. Good, you'll be fine soon."
Rouge did so, spitting the water into her new bag as she was done and drinking a little to try and soothe her burning throat.
"You're doing well. The doctor is free now. Do you think you can go in?"
Rouge shook her head no. She was feeling slightly dizzy and was honestly convinced she'd fall or crash into something and hurt herself.
"It's ok, I can carry her", Coma volunteered before the nurse could suggest a wheelchair or something.
"Please", Rouge said as she raised her arms in invitation.
He gathered her up bridal style, her arms wrapped securely around his neck as the nurse watched on with a slightly opened mouth. The man didn't look strong but was apparently strong enough to sweep his lady off her feet.
Amusement and appreciation dancing in her eyes, she chose not to comment and only silently led the way.
The doctor awaiting them was a balding man in his 50s and had permanent dark circles in his eyes. He had a friendly smile on his face and his eyes crinkled as he saw the unlikely duo make their way towards him.
Rouge hid her face in Coma's neck in embarrassment at his knowing look.
"Place her down here", the doctor said, pointing to a bench that was up against the wall.
He nodded and did so, sitting her down and shaking the doctor's hand in greeting.
"So, whom do we have here?"
"H-hello. I'm Coma and this is Rouge."
They exchanged introductions and Coma got to repeat her symptoms one more time while Rouge continued sipping her water, trying to suppress her nausea.
The doctor's eyebrows raised as he looked between the two, a certain suspicion growing inside of him. He'd have to make sure, however.
He quickly got his stethoscope and first examined Rouge's breathing, took her pulse, and carefully felt her stomach area in several places.
Finally, he sat back and looked at the couple once again, a serene smile on his face.
"Rouge, have you been sexually active recently?", he asked bluntly, already 90% sure of his conclusion.
She choked at the question, not having expected him to ask so directly and Coma blushed furiously, all the while patting her on the back to help with her cough and decisively not meeting the eyes of the doctor.
The doctor was openly amused at the two.
"Yes", Rouge finally managed to say, a blush spreading on her face at the admission.
"I see, as expected. I am already mostly certain about the cause of your condition, but I'd like to ask you for a urine sample to make absolutely sure."
"W-what is it, doctor?", Coma asked nervously even as Rouge nodded readily.
"Oh, if what I suspect is correct, then it isn't a bad thing, no need to fear.", the doctor appeased the distraught soon-to-be father before him.
Not 30 minutes later the test result was apparent, and the doctor called them back into his office.
"Congratulations", he stated with a smile as they were both seated before him, "You're pregnant, dear"
Rouge looked at him with mixed emotions, she had apparently suspected it already. Coma on the other hand had gone perfectly still, staring at him with wide-eyed shock.
"E-excuse me?", he asked faintly.
"In a few months, you are expecting a child. Congratulations."
Coma looked stunned as he stared at Rouge, as if seeing her for the very first time.
"A baby… ", he repeated robotically.
The rest of their visit to the doctor passed in a blur. Coma paid the fees and absentmindedly pocketed the information brochures and pamphlets the nurse handed them as they left the office. The door had only just closed behind them when the nurse squealed loudly and gushed at the amused doctor about how cute that couple was and how adorable their child was bound to be.
The doctor on the other hand only forced himself into a sad smile in response. She was correct, of course, but… he recalled the recent happenings in town and could only hope their happiness wouldn't be destroyed.
With a tired sigh, he got back into his office, the burden of what he may soon have to do resting heavily on his shoulders.
Rouge and Coma decided to take a short rest on the beach before continuing the plan.
Rouge sighed quietly as she watched the waves gently lap at the shore and retract back, almost hypnotized by the sight.
"I feel really bad about this…", Rouge quietly confided.
"I know", Itachi answered serenely, "but it is necessary. He'll have some peace of mind then."
She nodded and breathed in deeply, with her eyes closed, enjoying the salty sea breeze.
"Let's go", she said quietly.
"Hn"
Leisurely, hands intertwined, they made their way towards old Ross' stall.
The man greeted the couple with joy, though slight worry could be seen on his face. They had to cancel some plans the day before due to Rouge's condition so he was quite anxious to find out what was going on.
"Uncle", Rouge greeted, "could you ask a friend to man your stall for a little? We… have some news."
Ross had already asked a friend who ran his own stall with his wife to help out for a little today, so arrangements really didn't take long. Before even 10 minutes had passed they had led him to a public seating area, where they set down on a bench, Rouge in the middle.
"Rouge", Ross asked anxiously as they sat down, "What's wrong? Will you be alright? Is it serious?"
"Ross", she interrupted with a fond smile, "It's nothing bad. It's good news actually. Usually anyhow"
"Huh?"
"Uncle, I'm pregnant."
"Huh?"
"Coma and I… we're expecting a baby!" She demonstratively took Coma's hand into hers and squeezed it tightly.
Ross looked at the interlocked hands and from Rouge to Coma with wide eyes, mouth agape in surprise.
"You… her… what…?"
He started spluttering, uttering threats under his breath, a scary aura was spreading around him. Itachi sweat-dropped. He could even sense some killing intent.
Coma didn't seem to notice though and just stared at Rouge's smile, seemingly transfixed.
Ross really couldn't stay mad at the lad with a silly expression on his face like that and only sighed.
"Congratulations.", he offered weakly.
"Thank you!", she said brightly.
"But Rouge, the timing…", he said worriedly. It really wasn't a good time to be pregnant right now. 8 women had disappeared, or as he had recently come to know, been taken away by the Marines. Not to get him wrong, he didn't think they'd do anything to those women but…
"I know", Rouge smiled sadly, "But it's already happened. We don't know what they're looking for exactly, but I want to believe they'll let me return once they realize I don't have it. I mean I only even met Coma after they already started searching, so…"
"Yea… yea, you're right. Probably looking for some pirate's spawn", Ross cursed under his breath. Once again, those damned cockroaches were putting a member of his family at risk.
"What are you going to do?", he finally asked.
"You've always taught me that the Marines are on the side of justice", Rouge said quietly, prompting Coma to continue.
"Yes, also, I've gotten to know a few of them over the last few weeks. I don't think they're bad people. So, Rouge and I discussed it and decided to tell them ourselves. Tell them the whole situation. Who knows, with the timing being what it is, they may not even want to take Rouge at all, and if they do, then I hope since we came forward, they'll let me come along."
Ross wasn't aware but the Marines already knew about Rouge's pregnancy by now. Itachi was aware that the local doctor had been bound to inform them about any pregnancy cases he discovered and one of them, a petty officer named Kuzan, if he identified the man correctly, was currently listening in on their conversation, hidden behind a corner acting like he was merely smoking. He had nearly given himself away earlier in his surprise at whom he was listening to.
Ross watched the two of them with a complicated expression on his face.
"You…", he started saying but shut his mouth once more. It was true after all.
"Okay… Yea, okay. Let… let me know what they say", he finally said.
""We will, uncle/sir!""
"Do you need anything? How do you feel? I still have some stuff from when my son was a toddler, do you want any of them?"
Ross couldn't help but start fretting once more, excited and happy for the couple now that his worries had been addressed.
"That would be lovely actually!", Rouge said, "You should look for them after you close up today, there's no rush."
"Ah, I'll definitely close early today then and bring them over! I'll be there waiting for you when you finish your talk with the Marines!", he said cheerfully. The stall wasn't as important as that kind of occasion after all.
"I'll look forward to it then", Rouge said fondly, "Oh, right. I locked up today so… here"
She handed her house key to Ross, so the man didn't have to wait for them outside.
"Take care, yea?"
"We will, you too, OK? Don't hurry too much?"
"Fuck, lad! Of course I have to hurry! You think I can stay still in my stall after news like that!?"
Rouge giggled at that.
"Stay safe then.", Coma said, trying not to show his own amusement too much.
With one last wave, the three parted ways once more, Ross skipping back towards his stall and the couple heading towards the harbor to look for a Marine.
It didn't take long for them to spot one, in fact, it was the same one that had listened in on them earlier. He was a really tall guy, just a few cm short of 3m in height. He had a slim yet muscled body, lean like that of a swimmer. His hair was black and curly, cut to chin length, and fanned out at the tips. His tanned skin spoke of countless hours spent in the sun. He had only talked to the man a few times, but he was nice enough.
"Oh, Coma! Hey!", he greeted, unable to quite keep a weird look off his face.
"Oh hey! How are things going?"
"Not bad, not bad at all. So, this is the missus then? Nice to meet you!"
"Ah, yea, this is Rouge."
Come squeezed her hands and introduced her with a shy smile.
"I finally get to meet the lady you keep raving about today, huh? Are you feeling better, Miss?"
"Oh? He talks about me a lot? And yes, I am feeling better right now, thank you"
"All the time, this lo-"
"Aaaah", Coma hurriedly interrupted the conversation, "Actually, we were wondering where the Captain was at the moment?"
"Che… spoiling all the fun", the Marine complained under his breath, "I was just heading over to report, you can come along if you want. He usually calls it a day around this time."
"That sounds great, thanks."
Guided by the chatty petty officer, they made their way onto the Marine vessel, Coma making sure to help Rouge board safely.
He greeted the few officers they encountered on their way, seemingly happy to see them in their natural environment for once, not the bar.
It didn't take long for them to reach the correct office, where they were asked to wait for a bit while their guide reported.
"It shouldn't take long", he promised, feeling bad at leaving the couple standing outside.
"Don't worry about it", Rouge reassured him kindly.
He nodded and briskly knocked on the door.
"Come in"
He did so, closing the door behind him before he saluted.
"Kuzan", he acknowledged, "At ease. Anything to report?"
"Sir! There is just one thing… I overheard Coma and his lady talking to her relative by chance earlier. Apparently, she has become pregnant. Since they trust the Marines and our targets seem to have become an open secret, they decided to talk to us directly and ask what to do…"
He then reported the conversation word for word.
The expression on the Captain's face was unreadable.
So, there were still citizens who believed in them to this extent, huh. He closed his eyes with a deep sigh. Sometimes… sometimes, he really hated executing the orders he received. This time though, this time he hoped he could finally reward the trust they were given.
"Alright, send them in", he said.
The petty officer did so, a soothing smile plastered on his face. He hadn't yet been dismissed, so he remained in the room.
"Good evening, Coma and lady friend", the Captain greeted casually.
"Good evening, Captain Zena!", Coma greeted with a smile, "This is Rouge, I've been telling you about her. Rouge, this is the Captain I've told you so much about."
"It's a pleasure, Captain. Coma talks highly of you. I hope we aren't disrupting your work."
"Not at all. The pleasure is mine, Rouge. It's good to finally be able to put a face to the stories we've been told."
They exchanged a few more pleasantries before the Captain finally decided to get to the point.
"So, what did you look for me for today? We'd have met in a few hours anyhow. It must be something serious."
"Ah, you see, we got some news today we decided we needed to share. After all, it's become apparent to everyone that you've been investigating something in regard to pregnant women. We aren't sure what and honestly, it's none of our business if you haven't decided to officially announce it. You see, we weren't sure how to proceed since we just got the news that Rouge has fallen pregnant and wanted to cooperate if you need us to. That's why we're here today."
The Captain raised his brows at Coma's directness. Apparently, the shy man had enough trust in him to open up like this. He felt warm at the thought.
"Aa, well, first of all, congratulations on the good news.", he said, smiling at the happy expression on the other man's face.
"I'll need some more information to decide on how to proceed from here. Is that fine?"
"Of course"
"Then, do you know roughly when you conceived?"
"Well, we first met around… "
The Captain took around 30 minutes to record down everything he needed to know and then clapped his hands in satisfaction.
"Great. I'll just need to report to my superiors. We'll know what to do in the morning. Until then, I'll have to ask you to stay aboard."
"Oh, I see. Honey, are you alright with that? How do you feel with the rocking?"
"Oh, don't worry. I'm fine at the moment", Rouge smiled, only a little nervously, "There's no telling how it'll be in the morning though."
"Not to worry, since we were prepared to transport someone with child we can provide some soothers for your stomach if you need it."
"That's great, thank you, Captain! Then, is it alright if I go to pack a few things? Just clothing and such", 'Coma' asked.
"Ah, that should be fine. Just be back in an hour."
"Thank you, I'll be quick."
With a last nod, the Captain dismissed them, asking the petty officer to keep an eye on them and gesturing at him behind their backs to follow Coma when he went ashore.
Kuzan nodded his understanding, saluted, and led the couple towards their temporary quarters.
"Congratulations", he quietly said. He was really happy for the shy man.
""Thank you""
"Here we are", he said finally, "It's not much but there's a bunk bed and a shower unit, as well as enough place for a few changes of clothes as well as a small storage area for personal belongings. It's usually used by recruits but…"
"Oh, don't worry, that's plenty already. Thank you for letting me stay with her.", Coma said.
"Ah… it's what we should do."
"Then, Rouge. Wait for me here, alright? I'll be quick. I also need to let Ross know not to wait for us. I kind of feel bad, the second time in two days we have to stand him up…"
"Well, he knew this may happen today but… well, greet him from me too"
While they had managed to spend a lot of time with the man the last month, she still felt bad for making him wait for them like this only to cancel again.
"I will"
With that, he leaned forward, took both of her hands, and gently placed a kiss on her forehead.
"You should rest early. I'll take care of everything"
"Alright, then be safe. I'll take a shower and wait for you."
'Coma' smiled at her fondly and reluctantly let go of her hands. He waited for her to close the door before turning to leave.
"You two are really sweet together", the Kuzan commented teasingly, "It's almost disgusting"
"Hey, jealousy doesn't suit you, you know?", Coma teased back lightly
"Oh, fuck off, I have my own girl waiting for me at home, I'll have you know!"
"Huh…", the skepticism was nearly visible it was that apparent.
"Why you…!"
"So, where are you headed?", Coma swiftly changed the topic before the officer could decide what to do to him in revenge.
"I figured I'd lend you a hand before heading to the bar.", the man said with a sigh, deciding to just let it go. He was kind of glad he actually got Coma to tease him back. Perhaps the man had become bolder now he got the good news.
Surprised, he turned around.
He nodded gratefully.
"An hour would be cutting it a bit close alone, thank you."
"Don't mention it. Lead on!"
They chatted the whole way throughout town.
"Oy Coma, you do know we left town like 500m ago, right?"
"Ah, we live kind of remotely. Rouge likes it since she can concentrate on her studies better and it's quiet."
"Hoo, that makes sense."
When they reached the house, Kuzan whistled in appreciation.
"Nice place", he said, "Cozy."
"It is"
They headed in, only to be greeted by Ross' figure jumping up from the kitchen chair.
"Coma! Welcome back, did everything…?"
He spotted the Marine behind Coma before he finished. There was no sign of Rouge.
Ross' heart sank.