The next two and half years flew by, they continued their relationship in secret. Well, by that point it was the sort of secret most people knew, but no one dared speak of. They made no secret to each of their increasingly divergent paths in life, Dazai had learnt early on that Fyodor's plan had involved finding The Book, and purging the world of all ability users.

He should have left then, but love was a strange thing.

And Fyodor tried, they both did. They knew their love would have an end date, but it didn't stop them from living it to the fullest, whispering promises they knew, by the nature of Fyodor's plan would be broken before long. It was a strange sort of happiness, but neither were willing to let it go.

By then Fyodor was known to all the wrong people, he had moved out of his apartment and into a disused office space, it had a direct access to the sewers which helped when people came searching. Despite his links to Fyodor, no one bothered asking Dazai where his base was, as no one wanted to talk to the ex-torture officer of the Port Mafia.

When he was skipping work, Dazai would often keep Fyodor company. Since he had a consistent partner for his heats, he had become even more touchy feely, taking any opportunity he could to touch and cwtch Fyodor. Fyodor loved it…most of the time.

"Dazai…Daz-Osamu!" Fyodor ended up yelling. Today Dazai had burst in, distressed and had promptly sat himself on Fyodor's lap, and buried his face in the crook of Fyodor's neck. Fyodor had tried to keep typing but Dazai was distracting.

"What? Hmm you smell so good today." Dazai smiled

"Dazai, I told you I have an important meeting today, you could have texted me the answer to my question."

"But I needed you, that weretiger we picked up the other day's an Alpha, and then I had to get kidnapped by the Mafia and lo and behold Chibi had to pay a visit, and you'd think someone so tiny wouldn't have such a strong scent. It got overwhelming and if someone had bonded with me, this wouldn't be a problem" Dazai finished with a grumble.

"Dazai you know why I won't." Fyodor pulled him closer, his plan was entering its final phase, he didn't want to tie Dazai to an Alpha who probably wouldn't get to see the end of the year.

"Fine,"

"So, when is your next heat? I have to go to Russia to collect my colleagues, it'll take me a month, maybe longer and I don't want to leave you alone at the wrong time."

"It should be in about three weeks, but maybe…today?"

"Today? Hmm that would explain your neediness"

"Hey, I'm not needy" Dazai pouted, pulling Fyodor in for a kiss, as they broke apart Fyodor placed a hand on the back of Dazai's neck

"Yeah, you're getting hot my love. I guess I'll have to cancel that meeting"

"I've already done it," Dazai murmured, fidgeting on Fyodor's lap as the neediness of his heat started hitting him.

"Of course," Fyodor chuckled, "Can you walk to my room?"

"Don't let me go, I need you Fedya." Dazai almost whined

"Okay, okay" Fyodor rested Dazai on the computer table, as he got a safe grip on him. His strength wasn't the best, but he worked out enough to be able to carry Dazai down the few stairs to his bedroom.

Six weeks later and Fyodor found himself in the same position. Dazai on his lap, acting very needy and…afraid?

"Dazai, I have guests" Fyodor sighed, his colleagues from Russia knew of his relationship with the omega, but he had intended on them meeting in a slightly more appropriate manner.

"That's fine, your silver haired colleagues would have found out soon enough"

"Dazai that's not the problem. Why are you even here? I thought you said you had a sick bug, you should be resting."

"I…" Dazai swallowed, this wasn't how this was supposed to go, he had a whole thing planned out, but he'd barely kept any food down the past few days and he had to tell his alpha, the words came out in a rush, "I'm pregnant Fedya."

Fyodor froze

"Pregnant?"

Dazai nodded, afraid to speak.

"Get out." Fyodor pushed Dazai from his lap and onto the floor.

"Why?" the tears started falling as Dazai got up off the floor,

"Leave. I never want to see you again!" Fyodor yelled.

"Fine," Dazai reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper, "if you change your mind, here's the time, date and location of my eight-week scan. The hospital only takes patients who are ability users, and it's on neutral ground, so it's safe." He placed the paper on the computer table, and left.

Dazai had to tell his colleagues at the detective agency about his pregnancy the next day, after he spent most of the morning being sick. He wouldn't tell them who the father was, afraid he'd be seen as a traitor in the coming months. Kunikida and Yosano had offered to take him to his appointment, but the only one he wanted there was Fedya.

The only problem with refusing help was the fact Dazai had to get up at the crack of dawn, to get across town to his appointment. He'd almost asked Kunikida if he could borrow his car, but as the man hadn't forgiven him for the last time he'd driven his car, he decided taking a bus and two different trains was the better idea.

He'd gone shopping for new clothes the day before, his usual outfits too tight and uncomfortable with his growing bump. Getting dressed he wished he'd gone sooner, the trousers had a band to support his bump, and the top covered but emphasised his bump perfectly. Looking in the mirror he couldn't believe he had a tiny baby growing inside him, he should be so happy, but everything was tinged with sadness without Fyodor by his side. He grabbed his bag with drinks and snacks, and left his apartment. He made his way down the street, it was early and there weren't many cars about, so the car parked on the side of the road, with a dark-haired man leaning against stood out. Spotting Dazai the man ran towards him, pulling him in for a cwtch

"I'm so sorry, I can understand if you won't forgive me but I'm here, please Dazai." Fyodor's words rushed together, voice wavering as he tried to stop the tears. "I'm a coward, I should have come to see you sooner but-"

"Fedya, calm down."

"I'm so afraid that I'll accidentally kill our child that…that I freaked out and pushed you away."

"That's it?"

"Huh?"

"The only reason you pushed me away was because of your ability?"

Fyodor had pulled away from Dazai, and was taking in his appearance, he slowly reached out and placed a hand on Dazai's bump,

"You're so big already, you're doing a great job of growing our baby Dazai."

"Answer my question Fedya, if you keep me much longer, I'm going to miss my bus."

"Yes, why wouldn't I be scared Dazai? I've spent my whole life with hands of death, knowing touching a loved one with my bare skin would likely end in their death. You are the thing I love most in this world, and I couldn't live with myself if I killed something our love made."

"Yet you are still looking for The Book?"

"Dazai…." he paused, "look, I'm here, I want to be a part of our baby's life, can we just forget about our work and focus on us?"

Dazai sighed, "Okay, but if you pull something like this again, I will not be so forgiving."

"Thank you."

Dazai pulled Fyodor in for a kiss,

"Now please tell me that car is yours? I've spent the last fortnight being sick and I really don't want to have to take a train"

"Yes, it's mine, there's a nice pancake place near the hospital, I thought we could have some food before your appointment?"

"Sounds good," Dazai smiled, taking Fyodor's hand as they walked to the car.

They walked into the hospital two hours later, both eager to finally see their baby. The doctor performed a quick check of Dazai, pleased with how his body was taking the pregnancy. Dazai settled onto the bed, Fyodor's hand in his, as the doctor started the scan. He took notes as he moved the wand to check from all angles,

"You're definitely eight weeks, and they're both healthy."

"Both?!" Dazai and Fyodor yelled.

The doctor smiled, moving the screen so Dazai and Fyodor could see,

"Yes, two healthy little babies, congratulations. Based on the date of your last heat, you'll be due the beginning of September"

"Autumn babies Fedya,"

"A lovely time of year" Fyodor murmured, still in shock that they were expecting twins,

"I'll see you again in eight weeks, if you have any problems please come straight in, even if you feel silly, trust your instincts. Will you want to find out the gender?"

"No." Dazai replied

"No?" Fyodor asked Dazai

"Nope, we'll be meeting them soon enough, I like the idea of a surprise."

"Okay then," Fyodor smiled, placing a kiss on Dazai's lips.

They left the hospital giddy and excited, each holding a copy of the scan in their hand.

"They look so pretty already Fedya," Dazai smiled,

"Who'd have thought there would be two?!"

"Multiple births are quite common in omega's, I thought you'd know that…" Dazai trailed off, as they reached Fyodor's car,

"Do you have to go back to work?" Fyodor asked

"No, I took the day off, most of my day would have been gone by the time I travelled back anyway."

"Good, I've got a place I want to show you."

Fyodor wouldn't tell Dazai where they were going or why, instead discussing the sort of things he wanted to get for their babies. After driving for an hour (with a stop for Dazai to be sick) they pulled up in a quiet suburb. The houses in the area were detached, and hidden behind bright white walls. They got out of the car, Fyodor pulled a set of keys from his pocket, and unlocking the gate they had parked in front of.

"After you" he motioned for Dazai to go in first, following behind him and locking the gate.

A small path wound from the gate to the bottom steps of the porch, surrounding it was a beautiful garden, full of bright flowers.

"What do you think?" Fyodor asked

"It's nice…how?!" Dazai asked confused,

"I bought up some real estate when I moved over here, you know an easy way to get rid of some money, the places in this area usually sell within twenty-four hours, so it would be easy to get it back. I pay a cleaning crew to come in every quarter, as well as a gardener, as the previous owners had put so much effort in and didn't want it to go to waste. I try to come and visit a few times a year but I'm not very successful."

"It's beautiful Fyodor," Dazai turned to give Fyodor a cwtch,

"I thought maybe we could raise our babies here"

"Really?"

"Yeah, well my place is not baby safe and I doubt your colleagues would like have two screaming infants in the building. Come," Fyodor took Dazai's arms, pulling him up the pathway, "and see what I've been doing."

Fyodor quickly unlocked the door, giving Dazai a second set of keys. They took their shoes off in the entryway, the stairs directly in front of them, Fyodor bypassed them and took Dazai to the back of the house, passing the door to the living room, entering the kitchen, it was a large room, with a wooden table for four in the middle.

"Okay, we'll start here, the kitchen is fully stocked and we've got a washer, dryer in the utility room behind you."

Dazai had gone straight to the window that looked out to the back garden

"Wow the garden is huge, look we've got an apple tree Fedya"

"There's a small vegetable garden too, shall we continue the tour or do you want a snack first?"

"I'm too excited! Show me the living room!" Dazai was grinning, he had never expected his day to take this turn. They went back through the hallway; Fyodor pushed the door to the living room open, the front window was huge and looked out onto the flowers, the settee facing it, a cabinet with a tv was in one corner, and small coffee table in the middle. The remaining walls were lined with book cases.

"There's a stool to go with the settee too, I thought it would make it more comfortable for you as your pregnancy progresses. Of course we can move everything around, but-"

"No, no this is perfect Fyodor" Dazai pulled him in for a kiss, "I need a pee, where the bathroom?"

Fyodor laughed, "Did you have to ruin the moment?"

Dazai poked his tongue out at him, "Yes."

"Bathrooms upstairs, first room on your left if you want to go up first."

Dazai did, and when he was finished Fyodor continued the tour. Much to Dazai's surprise there were four bedrooms. A small room was next to the bathroom,

"That's my office, of course we can share if you need" Fyodor told Dazai. Opposite was another two rooms, "bedrooms, I guess our little ones can have a room each"

"Perfect," Dazai smiled

Fyodor opened the door to the room opposite the bathroom,

"I'll umm buy a second crib, and we can return it if it's not what you like but"

"You really do want our baby…" Dazai trailed off, tears in his eyes as he took in the room, a small crib was in the centre, and a set of drawers with a changing table on top was against one wall. In the corner was a box marked, 'for baby'

"What's in the box?" Dazai asked

"A few picture books and blankets, I didn't really understand the baby clothing or the nappies" Fyodor opened the box, pulling out two blankets, one a pale lilac with a polar bear on the front and one a pale green with a lion on the front, "they were so soft and I could just see our baby wrapped up in your arms in these."

"Fyodor that's so sweet" Dazai pulled him in for a cwtch as he started crying

"There's no need for tears my love"

"They're happy tears Fedya."

"Good. Do you want to see our room."

"Okay,"

Fyodor went to fold the blankets and put them back in the box, but Dazai stopped him, instead placing them over the top bar of the crib.

"There, they're too pretty to be hidden away."

"Of course" Fyodor smiled, pleased he'd done something right for Dazai.

Their bedroom took up the front of the house, two big windows looking out into the neighbourhood. A double bed was in the centre, with wardrobes and drawers against the walls.

"Again, we can move whatever you like"

"No, it's good like this, you've setup a lovely little home Fedya" Dazai smiled, "Thank you"

"Well I know it may take us a while to move in tidy. It is out of the way for your work and mine, but maybe a few nights a week we can sleep over?"

"Sounds good" Dazai smiled.

Dazai's pregnancy progressed smoothly, through sheer luck they were both together the first time the babies kicked hard enough for Fyodor to feel. It was the only time Dazai had ever seen Fyodor cry.

As Dazai passed the three-and-a-half-month mark, they encountered their first big separation since Dazai had told Fyodor he was pregnant. An enemy calling themselves The Guild, had landed in Yokohama, causing Dazai to work overtime, trying to save the city and his loved ones. It was a very long two weeks, culminating in Fyodor receiving a text from Dazai's phone telling him to go to the hospital. The crowd that had gathered to see the Moby Dick fall, made movement through the city difficult, and after a very long hour, Fyodor finally managed to make it to Dazai's hospital room. His work colleagues were nowhere to be seen, but Fyodor guessed they were all tied up in the effort against the Guild. He was greeted by the doctor who had performed Dazai's 8 week scan.

"What's wrong? The babies?" Fyodor asked,

"The babies are fine, well, actually it's nothing to worry about for now. Your partner worked himself into exhaustion, his work doctor told me he's been taking short naps, and by the looks of it not eating enough. He finished the job they had been working on and promptly collapsed. He's resting but I think he's missing you." As the doctor talked Dazai appeared in the doorway

"Fedya?" his hand was on his bump and he looked exhausted.

"Dazai get back into bed!" Fyodor rushed to his partners side, leading him to the bed and tucking him in, never letting go of his hand. "You told me you were eating and resting"

"I was, I just didn't really feel tired or hungry…" Dazai trailed off.

"Your body was probably missing your alpha and manifesting in that way. A few days together and should probably be back on track."

"Are my babies okay?" Dazai asked

"They're still healthy, but they're a bit small. They should have had a growth spurt just in time for your four months scan but the stress you inadvertently put your body through put a stop to their growth. It's nothing concerning at the moment, as they'll probably make up for it when you've rested a bit, but just in case I'd like to put you on bed rest until your due date. Ideally your alpha should be with you at all times, but something with his scent will be okay for a few hours. A slow walk around the house or the garden will a few times a day will do for exercise."

As the doctor talked Dazai had started crying, head in his hands.

"All I had to do was grow my babies and I can't even do that; I'm a terrible parent and they don't even exist yet"

"Oh no Dazai, you're doing great! It was an unexpected circumstance how could we even have planned for something like this to happen?" Fyodor tried to comfort him but Dazai hadn't had many mood swings so Fyodor didn't quite know how to deal with him.

"I know it's scary but your babies are still well within the healthy range, they're just on the lower end and I'd rather be clear with you than lie and tell you all is well. Do you think you'll have any problem taking the time off work?" the doctor asked

"Fukuzawa has already offered for me to take whatever time I need" Dazai replied

"I'm…self employed so there's no problem for me either" Fyodor smiled.

"Perfect, there's not a lot else I can do, as you'll recover better at home with your alpha. I'd like to see you in a week to check how you're doing and then we'll go from there"

They thanked the doctor and he left. A nurse came soon after and discharged Dazai, and they made their way to Fyodor's car.

"Do you need to pick anything up from your agency dorm?"

"Tomorrow, I'm tired I just want to go home Fedya"

"Home it is, I'll let you sleep first then we can eat, how's that?"

"Perfect…sorry for scaring you"

"It's okay, I'm glad your enemy is gone"

"Yeah me too, the weretiger did well, he's finally learning to work with others, even if they hate him." Dazai smiled, almost looking like a proud parent. He fell asleep as soon as they got home, curled up on the settee, claiming the bed was too far away.

The next month was like a dream, the babies quickly grew and Dazai relaxed. He got to spend each and every day with Fyodor, cwtched up with him as they spent their days like they did when they first met. He knew Fyodor was still working on his search for The Book, but with minimal contact with the outside world, Dazai could convince himself their life could stay like this forever.

As Dazai entered his fifth month it all changed. Fyodor's work phone went off and he started spending more time in his office. A week later and the mood in their house had changed, the content happiness was tinged with a sadness. Fyodor could barely contain his glee, what he had worked for, for so long was finally coming to fruition. His colleagues from Russia had finally pinpointed The Book, and the extraction was planned for the following week. He should've felt guiltier that his attention was so split, but The Book was so close to being his.

One week and all ability users would be gone.

Three weeks and his babies would be born.

Unsurprisingly Dazai knew, he alternated between a cold, barely contained hatred towards Fyodor and an undying love. Fyodor almost brought it up, almost broke the unspoken agreement that The Book was no longer mentioned in their house. But a few days before the planned extraction Dazai relaxed, cwtching up to his alpha, almost like a decision had been made.

Fyodor almost wished Dazai had brought it up. Made a fuss and bother than his partners plans were going to ruin their family before it had really begun. He wanted Dazai to stop pretending, to tell him that he hated Fyodor's plans, that their relationship didn't have to have an expiration date. But if Dazai didn't want to fight for their relationship, their family, their love. Why should he?