Hello again! Another chapter is here. Balaurs returned home and Agatha needs to undergo an examination. Contacting old friend though might not go very well...

In the last chapter we finally got the vampire babies as we all wished. Thank you for the reviews you left and all the kudos. I hope you will enjoy this chapter as well …

CHAPTER 19

Back at home

The room is filled with nervosity and a well-obvious tension. As promised, Balaurs returned home the day after Dracula found out that wonderful news and even though, he was not excited at all when Agatha announced him, that she needs to contact Mike Sparks as well, he had to nod and agree.

- Why the hell does he need to know? - he didn't understand at all. - Those are my babies and I am not very keen to share this news with that idiot man who obviously doesn't like vampires. -

- He dislikes only you, Vlad. - his wife rolled her eyes and started unpacking the suitcases, trying to avoid his disagreeing grimaces.

- And loves you … - eagerly (and surprisingly), Vlad Balaur joined her, demanding direct reaction: -… yeah and I am sure he will jump from joy when he finds out that you are carrying my children. - it´s been only 32 hours since he found out, however he constantly talks about his offspring and all the changes that will affect their future ... positively.

- Oh heavens, Vlad. - she took his white shirt from his hands and threw it to the pile of clothes that should have been washed. - Don't be so jealous and conceited. How many times do I need to explain to you the kind of relationship I have with Mike? -

- I am not sure he understands it. - like a child, he ostentatiously sat down on the small bench in the laundry room and pursed his lips in slight offense. Agatha just sighed and leaving the growing pile of dirty clothes, joined him on the bench.

- Anyway, I am pregnant and this cannot be kept secret for a long time. - if our children are going to be stubborn just like him, I have something to look forward too ... that was the first time she formed a specific imagination of two little kids with their features and the exact same expression which Vlad put on his face. - I need as well someone to oversee the course of pregnancy … - and the only reliable and qualified person is doctor Sparks.

- And now he is specialist in that field as well? - even the idea that he should be a regular part of their lives in the following months, caring for Agatha during her/their pregnancy and do all the regular check-ups squeezed his inactive stomach from disgust. Agatha just rolled her eyes and shook her head in negative.

- Not him, but his mother and she will be there as well. - this confused him even more.

- So why does he need to attend the meeting at all. - if it was upon him, he would limit the contact with him to a necessarry minimum.

- If you listened you wouldn't need to ask the 2nd time. He will notice it sooner or later, everyone will! It´s already obvious even though the two of us were so blind and did not notice it at all. -

- I did. - Agatha raised her eyebrows high not completely persuaded. - Fine. Missed the pregnancy and 2 heartbeats part and didn't want to alarm you … I like those extra curves … - again that sheepish smile crawled to his face and softened that preceding grimace of irritability.

- You won't save it. - nevertheless, she smiled and her mood changed back to a calmer level. - Anyway, be prepared for tomorrow or stay at home, if you don't want to meet Mike or Liz. -

And that basically changed his approach and he disagreed further only silently. His disagreement though returned as soon as he noticed Mike with the exact same grimace of hostility resting on his face. And not only that. Today another member of the Sparks family joined them and that one looked at him in a very similar way, full of prejudices, even though they never met before. All his charm was useless, that older woman with greyish blond hair and cold piercing blue eyes didn't hide her dissatisfaction with his presence. That was noticed by Agatha as well.

- I will simplify the introductions, since you both know about each other's existence. - Agatha begins, sensing the hostility immediately. Turning to Vlad, she takes in a deep breath: - Liz, this is my husband Vlad Balaur. - and back to the uncomfortable-feeling woman. - Vlad, this is my dear friend, Elizabeth Sparks. -

- Nice to meet you, Mrs. Sparks. - he extends his hand towards the older woman with a charming smile, playing on his lips. Doctor Sparks hesitates for a while, giving a quick glance to her son as if to ask for an advice if it is even a good idea to accept the friendly gesture. Of course, this doesn't remain unnoticed. - No worries, I don't bite. - definitely still hesitating, Elizabeth Sparks gives in, and in order to keep a polite impression and avoid shame, accepts his hand in a good-mannered nice to meet you hand-shake.

- Now that all of us are introduced properly, we can continue. - Agatha sighs. Now the harder part comes. Mike nods.

- When you contacted me and mom that you need to see us, Agatha, you just said it's an urgent matter. Of a medical nature. - stepping closer to her, completely ignoring Dracula's look of disapproval, he asks with a concern in his voice. - Regarding you? -

-Yes. - Agatha nods, though looks immediately at her female friend. - Well, I will need mostly you, Liz. - she turns to the woman that even though caring deeply for her, furrows her precisely shaped, thin eyebrows. She doesn't quite understand what she and her medical specialisation can do for her immortal friend. - but I wanted to announce it to you, Mike, as well. Personally. -

- And it was needful to announce it with your husband? - it´s rude to ask, though he doesn't care right now. Life was much easier without that ancient vampire in Agatha's life. - No offence, Mr. Balaur. - he eyes him, with a little provocation …

- Offence? Oh, you cannot possibly offend me, doctor Sparks. Don't worry. - Count Dracula offers him an amused, teasing smile in return, though a hint of anger can be spotted by the experienced eye of his Countess. - I can understand your … Ehm … I suppose abashment in my presence? - he even purses his lips in a contemplating manner.

- I would not call it abashment ... - younger doctor Sparks protests immediately, wanting to show his fearlessness when facing the legendary vampire. Agatha though doesn't need them fighting, she is sure Mike would lose dramatically and they need him on their side so to say ….

- Not to waste your precious time, - she steps in. - I would like to proceed to the reason of today's meeting. - she rather interrupts the pissing contest.

- That would be the wisest, certainly. - Elizabeth agrees. - So, what is the matter, Agatha? How can I help you? - the vampiress sighs, suddenly lacking the determination she felt a moment ago.

-Well … - she looks at Vlad … if only he could turn the time and postpone this meeting to the point of the revelation being already sorted out. Proud husband and soon-to-be father takes this as a hint to continue and thus he proudly announces:

- We are expecting. -

- Expecting? - the Sparks repeat in unison with the same puzzled tone of the voice and identical frown of misunderstanding. Agatha nods and with last sigh, decides to reveal it as well.

- I am pregnant. - at first, heavy silence spreads in the room. Confusion follows. Disbelief. Anger ...

- You are what?! - now the blonde man has had it enough. His tone of voice is not calm at all. - You cannot be serious! - he almost spats, eyeing once Agatha, once Vlad and then his mother, whose jaw drops as well.

- Impossible! You are ... - Elizabeth doesn't dare to say it. Apart from the obvious eternal youth, in her eyes, Agatha has always been a regular, though highly interesting and fascinating, human being, her friend, her colleague, a flawless doctor …

- Yes, Agatha and I are vampires, however the pregnancy is already confirmed. - Agatha remains speechless, even though she expected a very similar rection, she certainly didn't assume that it would affect her so strongly. Dracula rather takes the lead. - WE have ultrasound pictures and a nice DVD with 2 loud heartbeats. Miracles happen. -

- Miracles? - more like unforgivable curses and mistakes in Mike's eyes ... - There are 2 of them?! - Mike Sparks behaves like a pain in the ass today, scolding them. - God have a mercy. -

- Mr. Sparks, I advise you to return back to the polite behaviour of a professional and Agatha´s friend. - temper raises in Dracula's veins as well.

- It surprised us too, but as Vlad said, I would appreciate if you calmed down, Mike. - finding her voice again, Agatha cautiously eyes the reaction of both men. It´s too tense here and the room is small.

- How long, Agatha? - Elizabeth interrupts the fiery discussion with an obvious concern, looking at Agatha´s abdomen. In that loose, falling dress, it´s not noticeable.

- 10 weeks, approximately but I hoped that you would check it and determine if I wasn't mistaken. You must understand that I haven't visited an ob-gyn yet. -

- Then there is still time. - that man really has no shame today and interrupts the conversation even though no one asked him about his opinion.

- Time for what, may I ask? - Dracula knows well what that mortal is indicating and even that idea infuriates him. Agatha frowns as well, Elizabeth sighs …

- To prevent a catastrophe. -

- Are you trying to hint that an abortion should take a place?! - Dracula's voice is icy and if it could kill, that man would be dead instantly. - Allow me to say, Mr. Sparks that we don't care about your opinion in this case and if it was upon me, you wouldn't be even invited today as this is none of your business. - the angry frown is repaid with a mockingly clever grimace. Dracula already clenches his fists and for the first time since he gave up his murderous life-style, has unstoppable lust to break all the vertebrae of the man standing within the reach.

- This is the most humane solution. Those are beast this world really doesn't need. - beasts?! How dare he?

- You are walking on a very thin ice, Mr. Sparks. I warn you. - it´s really hard to keep his temper and will to kill him on a leash. It almost looks like the mortal man wants to provoke an attack to show Agatha what or who did she chose to live with.

- That's enough! - Agatha spats, the level of rage increasing in her as well. Not even once did she consider this option. Both men look at her, not knowing whom she addressed. - No one will call my … children … monsters! Or dictate me what to do! If you call them beasts, you are calling me like that as well. I am their mother, Mike! Heavens, their hearts at least beat, mine is still. - it's been 3 days since the concerning revelation of her current medical state and she is slowly coming to terms with it ... not feeling only fear from uncertainties ...

- But you still don't know what will be out of them, Agatha! What if they will lust for blood the same way, your … - he just throws up his hands in ... disapproval.

- Do you think I, well we, haven't been thinking about it? It's not easy! I am scared … oh. You haven't even idea how much … but damn it, I ... those two ... are mine ... how could I hate them? And I love my husband as well. All of them are part of me, just like I am part of them. My family. - she sighs, averting her face from the blonde in his late thirties. - Do you even have any idea what it is to be constantly alone? Having no one to return to at the end of the day, not even a dog, just out of fear that they will feel disgust when touching my cold skin, freezing on spot from horror when finding out who I am or if even accepting that, dying and leaving me alone once again? - over 100 years she had had only work and that couldn´t fill the emptiness her heart fell. - No, you don't, so stick that idea of ... an abortion to wherever you want and stop treating me like a child or someone I am not. I am a vampire, not a human being like you! - being on the verge of tears, Agatha appreciates when her husband quickly approaches her and takes her into his strong arms.

- Now, I think the best would be, if we can continue with the check-up and discus the course of pregnancy, if you are still agreeable, doctor Sparks. - the caring husband, doesn't fit the popular description of a vampire monster in this very moment. He takes the lead again, being Agatha's peace. - And you, Mr. Spark, I am certain this is no longer your business. Agatha told you what she wanted, you shared your unwanted inion with us, now you can leave. - Mike Sparks can see very well at this time that he overstepped though it's late for the apology. That needs to wait for another time. If there still will be a chance to do it.

- Alright. - he nods. - You know how I see it and that's what you wanted Agatha; I know that. - without waiting for further words, Mike Sparks leaves the consulting room. Two vampires against one human, though the situation is calmer already. Elizabeth Sparks has no further comments, quite understands Agatha's silence and indignation when she heard the word abortion. She is a mother too, after all.

- Can we start then? -the gynaecologist asks with a kinder, softer voice that surprises both vampires.

- So, you will ... stand by me, Liz? -

- Yes. - at the end, Agatha is still her friend … - You have been always there for our family, Agatha. It's time to repay all the good with the same eagerness. Let me examine you and look at your ... little ones. - only now Agatha breathes out in relief and leaves the arms of her husband, immediately feeling better ... not as an irresponsible beast.

-/-

The clouds above the Balaur Manor are heavy and dark. The sky is grey, almost dark. It's been raining since they left the Carfax Clinic. The news and results of the examination brought relief and satisfaction to both of them. All looked normal - human normal. No signs of any abnormalities or unusuality could have been noticed and the heartbeats that Elizabeth Sparks monitored as well, brought smile upon the lips of all three adults present there. 10th week, beginning of the 11th. Just as the young doctor and Agatha herself determined. The visit was though short and Balaurs left the clinic as soon as possible, luckily not meeting Mike again. Rain however brought gloominess again. At first to Agatha's face, now to Dracula's as well. Standing in the kitchen, both are cutting meat in a unison and silence. Apart from the slicing tones and the harmonic sound of rain droplets, the room is completely silent. At least for the human ear, the vampire one can hear the harmony of 2 little hearts. The silence is nevertheless present and not pleasant at all.

- Are you thinking about that idiot man, Agatha? - he asks cautiously, not being able to withstand the silence anymore. - Agatha, just like her husband, stops cutting and placing the knife on the wooden board, sighs with some regrets. That's alarming in Count's eyes.

- I wasn't up until now, Vlad. - although it's only a partial truth, now the events of the previous hours crawl back to her memory even more. - You must understand that for a long time Sparks used to be the surrogate family and only friends that knew who I am … so their approach to the whole situation disappointed me a bit, although I did expect some sort of worries, maybe disagreement but silent one and not that cold and drastic. -

- I am no expert in human relationships, at least not honest friendships and definitely I am not saying you don't need them anymore, since you have me and soon these little two as well. Mr. Sparks is a jealous idiot that risks much more than we do, because losing you even as a friend is much worse than our situation ever could be. - stepping closer, Dracula caresses already lovingly her growing abdomen. - But don't overthink it and trouble yourself with that. It´s useless and not good at all for you or the babies. They can sense your discomfort. - Agatha deeply touched by his words nods and smiles. Listening to his advice, she changes the topic of discussion.

- And where did you get that? - choosing this little detail to focus on, another small smile escapes her lips. Dracula shrugs his shoulders innocently.

- Books. -

- About pregnancy? - the tone of Agatha´s voice is quite doubtful, but her husband nods again.

- Yup. -

- It´s been only 4 days. - and she very well knows that there were no books on his bedside table or in the library, certainly not even in this very room where they spend quite a lot of time.

- Let's say, that I have been interested in this topic for some time already … - Agatha's jaw drops from surprise, but the shocked expression changes immediately when she realises who she has by her side ...

- You wouldn't give up your family plans even if I disagreed, would you? - what else did I honestly expect. Dracula just shakes his head and smiles.

- I always get what I want. -

- Do you? -

- It seems so. - no doubt. Both know that very well. - I have a wonderful wife who happens to be exactly you. Two little Balaurs are on their way. We got our castle and have perfect home here in England too. You allowed me both horses and agreed with the presence of wolves. That´s all I wanted. -

- Lucky you, Vlad. - - Now though, as you mentioned, there are 12 wolves waiting for the dinner already seated in the sun-room. - the entire pack greeted them at the gates yesterday as if awaiting them and knowing they will return. Waving with their tails, it was a nice welcome neither of the Balaur duo expected.

- And I cannot believe, I am preparing it. - commanding them to kill someone was less messy … definitely his hands were clean … most of the time … Agatha though rolls her eyes and rewards him with a beaming smile.

- It´s a welcome party. -

- Yeah, I really hope this doesn't become a regular daily activity. - although he suspects that he would give in to her pleading looks. - Anyway, why do they have to be inside? -

- Because of the English weather. - again, remarks that those are wolfs, animals used to live in every kind of English weather form on his tongue, so Agatha raises her eyebrows and forefinger as well in a well-telling gesture. - No more talks now, Vlad. The quicker we are done with this, the sooner we can enjoy the qualities of our home. - in this very moment, another creature joins them. - See? - Agatha notices it as the first one and taking a piece of meat into hands, lowers herself. - Even Luna came to remind us of their presence and hunger. - the white she-wolf presents her silent opinion with an adequate grimace. As it seems, she agrees with Agatha's interpretation of her words. Defeated Count only sighs and returns back to his work, meanwhile Agatha … with amused look … scratches Luna´s head, observing the grimaces of her husband … who would have said that he will be my source of comfort and happiness …

- TBC -

I just dislike Mike and I believe many of you do so as well. I just had to add a little drama to the story and a small fight for the little ones.

Coming to this point of the story we somehow reached one milestone. Agatha and Vlad are a happy married couple enjoying the life to the fullest. Count Dracula does his best to control himself and get rid of the killing addiction that limited his immortality, even though he never realised that fully. Now there are 2 new additions to his family and both Balaurs will do everything to grant them a perfect life … the possibility to left the story here is thus coming … of course we will get to the point of the little ones´ birth, so the question if you want some other chapter with them growing, or spending time with their parents is here. Let me know. There are some ideas but I know as well, thar not everyone is eager to read a never-ending story