Leon and Zack left about three hours after arriving. When Cloud returned with his bowl of ice cream, Zack was on the sofa with Riku looking through the folder containing all of the information about pregnancy and fetal development. Leon had joined them, standing near the sofa arm and reading over one of the papers.

As Cloud ate his desert, the three of them came up with a list of questions and concerns to ask Cameron about on Cloud's next visit. He had to admit, they had thought up some good ones that he really wanted to hear the answer to. Plus there were some potential problems he had not thought of.

After they left, Riku went to let the dogs out for the last time for the night. Cloud followed to the kitchen to rinse out his bowl and get some water to take his vitamin. He did not know why but he preferred taking the damn caplets before bed. When Riku let the dogs back in, the silvered one came over and rested his head on Cloud's shoulder.

"I feel relieved and terrified at the same time."

Cloud put his bowl in the drying rack. "Me, too. I'm glad we told them though."

"Yeah." Riku lightly kissed his ear. "And Leon thought of some really important concerns."

"We'll ask about them at the next appointment; which is… next week?"

"I think so." Riku paused. Worrying his lower lip, he cautiously asked, "Is all of this beginning to feel… real to you yet?"

Cloud shifted and Riku raised his head so that the shorter man could turn around. "It's felt real for a while now, Riku."

Aqua eyes cast downward as Riku considered what he really wanted to ask. He hoped that now they had told two of their closest friends, had discussed it with them, Cloud might feel more attached to the pregnancy. Maybe he would ever start truly talking to Riku about the baby. As of now, he still felt awkward saying anything about what he wanted for their child.

"I'm tired."

Riku nodded a bit in agreement. "Yeah, been a long day."

"Come on." Cloud took his hand and led him to the stairs. He knew Riku was unsettled again and wasn't certain about exactly what. He wanted to ask but did not know what to ask.

They entered their bedroom and Cloud turned down the sheets as Riku watched. "Cloud?"

Blue eyes locked onto Riku in mild concern.

Shaking his head, Riku went for the bathroom. "Never mind; let's just go to bed."

He disappeared and a moment later the water came on. Cloud remained still, listening as his husband got ready for bed. He did not know what was causing this sudden tension but he was deeply troubled by it. Things were supposed to be better now that they were telling their loved ones that they were going to have a baby.

Riku brushed his teeth more vigorously than normal. Something was really eating at him and he was not quite sure what exactly it was. He was glad that Cloud had decided it was time to go public about the baby, he truly was. It had been exciting to see Zack's reaction and Leon had been a welcome voice of reason, completely acknowledging the pregnancy and making plans to accommodate for it…

He paused in his brushing as it came to him what was bothering him. Among all of the talk about changes and things that were going to have to be done, there was never discussion about the baby itself. No one spoke of how it was going to affect their lives or the things that would need to be done for the baby's arrival. Their child was still just a thing, something to prepare for like one would a coming storm.

Rising out his mouth, Riku finished up and left the bathroom. Cloud was sitting on the bed and he glanced up as Riku re-entered the room. His lover appeared a little lost; Cloud had his fingers laced together before him and was slumped slightly forward. Riku only brushed his cheek as he passed him.

He then stripped down and got into bed; a moment later Cloud followed suit.

-0—0—

"Morning, guys." Zell greeted them as they approached the fruit stand. Sunday mornings were the best time to come pick out fruit because most of the town did not come out until later in the day to shop. The farmers would have their best selection out for the restaurant owners but did not raise their prices.

"Hey, Zell." Riku returned quietly, glancing over the fruits for sale. Cloud hung back a little, letting Riku handle the purchase. He knew very little about how to pick out fruit or vegetables; he wasn't even sure why he wanted to come with.

"Hey, how do these mangos look to you?" Zell asked with a frown. "They aren't the color I'm used to."

"They're a different type; these are going to be a little sweeter."

"Cool." Zell picked out a few of them. "Good thing I have you Islanders to help with this stuff. Those smoothies of Sora's sell better than almost anything else we got."

Riku nodded idly then looked behind him. Cloud was a little pale this morning but had wanted to come with. It was unusual but not unwelcomely so. Things had been tense between them for a few days now.

Zack and Leon had not shown any sign of knowing that Cloud was pregnant. Everything was exactly as it had been before they were told and Riku was of a mixed opinion on that. He supposed it was better for Cloud this way, however, and therefore did not say anything,

"See anything you want, Cloud?"

His husband ran his eyes over the selection. Food was again sounding horrible this morning. "Strawberries; maybe some kiwi and grapes."

"How about a pineapple?" Riku picked out a few kiwi. "I could grill some slices with the chicken tonight."

"Sure."

Zell glanced between them with concern. It was obvious that he sensed something was off between the couple. He did not ask what but both Riku and Cloud knew he wanted to.

"Well, howdy all." The three turned at Irvine's greeting. "How are we this fine morning?"

Cloud ignored whatever response Riku and Zell gave and rubbed at his forehead. He felt a fainting episode coming on and was determined to fight it back. He refused to pass out again in front of everyone. "Riku?"

The silvered man faced him and frowned deeply. He made the few steps closer and placed his hand on Cloud's arm. "What's wrong?"

"I'm going to go sit for a bit," Cloud stated in reply.

"Okay…" Riku worried his lower lip. Cloud looked weak and he did not want to leave him alone.

"You look like you're gonna fall over, Strife." Irvine noted. "Stomach still bothering you?"

"Something like that." The blond muttered. He really needed to sit down.

"Come on." The tall ex-SeeD threw an arm around Cloud's shoulders and began steering him away. "Riku can finish here and I'll take you to the coffee shop; get them to fix you up what Edea used to make us for belly trouble."

Riku silently thanked Irvine as he and Cloud walked away. Irvine would stay with Cloud until Riku joined them or he was certain Cloud was all right. It was likely Cloud was just having one of his swooning spells and would be okay again pretty quickly; he had not actually fainted since that first time.

"Is Cloud really alright?" Zell asked quietly, regaining Riku's attention. "While he has his good days, he still seems to have some pretty bad ones, too."

Riku smiled reassuringly but there was still worry in his eyes. "He's okay. There's just some lingering side-effects that should be going away soon."

"Good." The tattooed blond added a carton of blueberries to his basket. "Hopefully he'll be back to 100 percent in time for the next security tournament."

The next fighting series was to happen in three months. There was absolutely no way Cloud was going to be able to participate. Though, the mental image of Cloud wielding that enormous sword of his while nearly six months pregnant was hilarious. "We'll see."

"You'll see what, yo?"

Great, Reno. Riku had only seen the man in passing since the day at the healers. He did not want to risk a conversation with him in front of Zell; Zell would pick up that there was something he didn't know and would ask questions.

"Cloud entering the next tournament." Zell replied, paying for his fruit.

"Ah." Reno flicked his eyes at Riku. "Well, it would be better for most of us if he doesn't. Some of us might actually make it into the finals."

"Yeah." The martial artist snorted. "To get our butts kicked by either Sora or Sephiroth."

"True." Reno scooped up an apple. "Where is Cloud anyway?"

"With Irvine in the coffee shop." Riku answered neutrally.

"Well, guys, I'm out of here." Zell half-waved. "If Cloud's up to it, stop by later. I want you to try something for me."

"Sure." As Zell walked away, Riku tensed up. He did not want to be left alone with Reno; nothing against the Turk but he just wasn't up to dealing with him. He would quickly finish up here then go check on Cloud. Hopefully, Reno would not follow.

He selected a package of strawberries and moved to pay just as Reno softly asked, "How's Strife?"

From the corner of his eye, Riku saw Reno bite into the apple and indicate with his free hand that Riku was paying for it. "He's fine."

"You tell anyone else yet?"

Riku paid the farmer his munny and stepped away from the stand. Reno fell into place beside him and munched on his apple. Quietly, Riku informed him that Zack and Leon knew about Cloud.

"Well, that's a good sign." Reno chuckled. "You'll know he's really committed when he tells Tifa, yo. Now that's a conversation I wouldn't mind sitting in on."

Riku remained silent. He knew that Reno was correct; when Cloud finally told Tifa he was pregnant would be the proof that Cloud was completely committed to his pregnancy. Riku had not seen Tifa for several days and did not know if Cloud had either. He wondered how long it would be before Cloud did tell the woman was like a sister to him.

There was a small commotion at the coffee shop and Riku's stomach dropped. He broke away from Reno and nearly ran through the door, pushing past the few people hovering around it. He scanned the shop for Cloud and Irvine, his eyes settling on a gathering in the back corner. He could feel the color draining from his face.

Before he could plunge into the crowd, he heard his name called. He sighed in relief and immediately walked toward a table on the left. He wrapped his arms around Cloud's shoulders and kissed the top of his head, muttering a thank the worlds.

Cloud rubbed his husband's lower back. "I'm fine, Riku."

Reno had caught up by now and motioned with his chin at the grouping in the back. "What's going on there?"

"The lady that bakes the muffins and scones and stuff is selling paper bag pies." Irvine grinned. "Cloud and I got first pick of the apple ones. She said it was only right that the country boys had first dibs."

"Zack will be pissed." Cloud laughed lightly. "He once told me his mom made apple ones all the time."

"Pie in a bag, huh?" Reno looked skeptical.

"It's amazing."

"Guess I should check it out."

"Betty hurry." Irvine advised. "They're goin' fast."

Reno turned on his heel, in the process pausing to pat Cloud's shoulder. He winked at the spiky-haired man. "Good to see you so relaxed again, Spike."

He left them and Irvine lifted an eyebrow at the strange display. "Well, that was odd."

"It's Reno." The blond shrugged.

Riku ran his fingers through Cloud's soft hair. "You look a lot better."

"I feel better. The mix Irvine put together works really well."

"Squall should know how to make it, too." Irvine frowned. "Maybe. I don't know if that would be one of the things he remembers from when we were kids."

"Both he and Zell have been getting a lot of those memories back, especially these past-" Cloud winced a bit and brought his hand to his belly.

Riku felt panic rise within him. "What's wrong?"

The older man's face grew concerned for a moment. He wasn't sure what he just experienced but it was uncomfortable and unsettling. It was like a cramp just about where the baby was. A dull ache remained, similar to the kind when a muscle worked too hard.

"Cloud?"

"It's…just a cramp."

"You sure?" Riku didn't believe him and wanted to demand they go to the healers and have the baby checked out.

"Yeah." Cloud sounded certain and his hand slipped down a bit to where the baby was actually growing. "The muscle just cramped up."

Riku was not convinced. "Maybe we should get it checked-"

"I'm fine, Riku." Cloud snapped out. "I'll tell you if I think something's wrong."

Riku's jaw tensed. He did not want Cloud angry at him and was rather upset at his lover's reaction to his concern. He had every right to be worried; no one knew what was going to happen to Cloud's body as the weeks passed. Even a minor discomfort could be the start of a miscarriage or some other complication. Maybe it was paranoia but better safe than sorry.

"It's over now." Cloud removed his hand from his abdomen. He flicked his eyes up and smiled minutely. "We're okay, I promise."

Riku relaxed some but was still uneasy. He brushed the side of Cloud's face. "If it happens again…"

"I'll go see Cameron." Cloud took his hand and kissed his knuckles. "I won't take any chances."

There was a clearing of throat and both turned toward Irvine. They had temporarily forgotten where they were and more importantly who they were with. Irvine was obviously confused and worried about them; he did not say it but he didn't need to.

"Um…" Riku glanced at Cloud.

Cloud exhaled slowly and traced the edge of the table. "I suppose we might as well tell him. He's going to hear about it eventually."

Irvine's dark blue eyes grew deeply concerned. "Something's really wrong with you, ain't it? I knew you were hiding something."

"Not here." Riku cast his eyes about. "Let's go outside."

The other two nodded and stood. As they left the table, Reno suddenly reappeared and rejoined them. The redhead said nothing but he followed after them and it was clear that he knew they were about to tell Irvine the truth. Both Cloud and Riku were oddly glad he was there.

Outside, the small group walked the few feet away and located an isolated table at the edge of the patio. They took places around it and Reno pulled out a cigarette. At Riku's glare, he smirked. "I know; I ain't gonna light it, yo. I hung around Tifa enough to know the deal."

Irvine lifted a honey-colored eyebrow. "Suddenly you can't smoke around them?"

"Not around Cloud."

"Ya can't what around Cloud?"

The named blond dropped his head against the table. Well, the man had been the first in AVALANCHE to find out he was gay; might as well be the first for this, too. "Cid. Put out the cigarette and sit."

The engineer's face twisted up. "Why?"

"Because we need to tell you something and it might as well be now."

Reno snorted as Cid snuffed out his smoke and joined the group. "You may want to give him some tea and whiskey first, yo."

"I need some tea and whiskey," muttered Cloud. In a louder voice, he addressed Riku. "It's your turn to do this."

The younger half of the couple moistened his lips. He had not expected Cloud to have him do any of the telling. It seemed like some kind of therapy to allow Cloud to keep doing it but he supposed with these two at least, it did not matter which of them said it. Irvine and Cid would not care.

"I guess there's no other way to say this," said Riku. Cloud had both of his hands in his own lap and was studying the table. Apparently Riku was not getting any help from him… That was disturbing.

"Out with it, kid." Reno's tone was unusually gentle despite the demanding words. "Or I'll do it and rob you of your happy moment."

Riku looked at him and saw something he did not expect to see. Reno's eyes were not only encouraging but he seemed to be…happy; happy for them. It was strange and yet very reassuring. Riku found himself smiling in response.

Rather confidently, Riku returned his attention to Irvine and Cid. Beside him, Cloud watched the two's expressions closely as Riku finally spoke. "As crazy as I know this sounds, Cloud's pregnant and yes, with my baby."

Irvine blinked several times. He shook his head and the disbelief was evident in his expression. He gave himself a minute then asked the couple, "What the fuck do y'all do to each other?"

"We don't want the details." Reno declared easily.

Cid appeared to be deep in thought and Cloud was more interested in his reaction than Irvine's. The sharp-shooter and he were not really friends and he really did not care what he thought. Cid, however, was a long time friend and Cloud had a fairly tight bond with him. He had been able to tell things to the older man before anyone else on several occasions.

"Spike," Cid spoke slowly. "I seen a lot of fucked up shit in my time; been through a lot of fucked up shit, mostly due to you. This… this is a fucking new one."

"It's got nothing to do with Jenova or anything Hojo did."

"Ah assumed that, Cloud." Cid thumbed his nose. "This woulda happened a hellava lot sooner if it did."

"How in the name of all the GFs did you get knocked up?" Irvine leaned forward. "You get cursed or something?"

"Actually, he did." Riku took Cloud's hand under the table. The swordsman squeezed his fingers as Riku again explained how they found themselves in their situation.

When he finished, Cid snorted. "Damn, Strife, you sure the hell know how to attract insanity to ya."

"As cursed as he is blessed," murmured Reno, toying with his unlit cigarette.

"Ye knew about this, Turk?"

"I stumbled on the info." Tattooed eyes flicked toward Cloud. "He hasn't told Tifa yet."

Cid gave Cloud a stern look. "She's gonna be pissed if she finds out you didn't tell her first."

Cloud winced; yes, he was aware of that. Tifa was the one person he was most concerned with telling. The woman was little a sister to him and she was protective of Cloud to the point of being overbearing. If he had told her while he was still uncertain about what he wanted to do, she would have torn into him about it. She also was not afraid to voice her opinion, good or bad.

He and Reno were the godfathers of her two boys. While they were wonderful kids and he loved them dearly, as he had Tifa's daughter who had passed away a few years ago, he was still a little aloof with them. Would she call him on that fact? Would she advise him not to keep the baby? She claimed that he and Riku would be great parents but now that there was an actual baby involved…

"She told Leon and Zack about the twins before telling Cloud." Riku noted. "And with Artemis, she told everyone at once."

"Yeah, but you know how she gets when it comes to Cloud."

"I'm telling her next." Cloud informed them, glancing down at his abdomen. "I would have gone to her before the two of you but circumstances had us tell you first."

"So I'm guessing you want us to keep quiet on this." Irvine assumed.

Riku nodded. "For now. Obviously everyone will know eventually but… we're still processing all of this ourselves, you know? Cloud and I haven't entirely come to terms yet."

"But you're keeping it, right?" The tall gunman asked. "I reckon you wouldn't be sayin' nothing unless you were."

"We are," Cloud said the words softly.

Cid thumbed his nose again and shook his head. "Well, I'll support whatever you do. You two have made it through some insane shit so I know you can handle a baby. You'll be better parents than a lot of people I've known."

Tension drained out of Riku and he felt tears forming. He did not have words to express the relief and gratitude that swept through him as Cid's casual statement. This was the first time anything had been actually said about him and Cloud becoming parents. Cid was not focusing on just getting through the pregnancy; he was looking at the entire picture. It was a wonderful feeling to have the man's confidence.

Cloud also felt a bit of relief. He hadn't voice his fears but he seriously questioned his ability to be a parent. He tried not to think about it, focusing solely on the pregnancy itself, but the concern was still lurking in the back of his mind. Sephiroth had addressed it a bit with him but they did not really talk about it. It was more than a little heart-warming to have someone who knew him well say they believed he was capable of being a good parent.

Reno glanced at his phone and sighed heavily. "As much as I'm enjoying this conversation, we've got that security meeting in twenty minutes."

Huffing, Irvine fixed his hat. "Your brother needs a hobby, Riku. Something other than drills and strategy."

"He needs to get laid again, yo." Reno stood, as did Irvine and Cid.

"We better get out of here." Irvine tipped his hat at the Strife couple. "Y'all need anything, let me know."

"Yeah." Cloud managed a small smile. Now that Cid had pushed for it, Cloud knew that he shouldn't put off seeing Tifa any longer. Enough people now knew that the secret would be out sooner rather than later and it was absolutely imperative that Tifa heard about the pregnancy from him and no one else.

He missed the other's goodbyes and was briefly startled when Riku touched his shoulder. He gazed up at his husband and worried his lower lip. Riku's expression changed from concern to understanding and he leaned over to lightly kiss him.

When he pulled away, he brushed the side of Cloud's face with the back of his hand. "Should we call Tifa first or just head over?"

"We can call, but as soon as we do she'll know something us up and demand we come over anyway."

"Well," Riku got up and pulled Cloud with him. "Might as well call and give her the heads up on the way over."

Cloud removed his phone from his pocket and made the call he had been dreading since deciding to keep Riku's baby.