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Title: Morning Sickness
Summary: RH verse. They're just starting to get used to it.
Note: I'm considering this the first time the morning sickness goes to one of the episodes. From farmgirlusa's askbox prompt "it could be worse." Also from skagengiirl's prompt: "Emma had one of her episodes (you know the magic ones during the pregnancy where she gets physically ill) and during this particular episode, she feels so ill and emotional that she actually asks if Graham can stay home from work."

"It could be worse."

Graham raised a brow and sat beside her on the tile. She sighed as her head rested on the seat in order to face him, her eyes glassy. Carefully, he scooted as close as he dared. "I guess," he said uncertainly, reaching to smooth a curl behind her ear.

It had finally started two weeks ago, the illness sending her to the bathroom early in the days and sometimes in the late evening. They were still getting used to it, and she still had banned him from being present during her actual bouts of sickness. At the very least he was now aware enough to come at the end of them, so he wasn't kicked out anymore.

She coughed slightly and turned from him to face the bowl once more. "You don't have to be here," she grumbled under her breath and then spit into the toilet. "It's bad enough you had to hear it."

He shook his head. "Hey, I'm at least half the reason you're on this floor. Let me help."

She blew out a sharp breath, her lashes fluttering. "Not much you can do. You have work in an hour."

"I don't have to go to work, Em," he said stubbornly. "I have 27 days of vacation and unlimited sick leave. Benefits of being a detective." He'd gotten Henry off to the bus stop already this morning, but without a new case there was no reason to be at the precinct before nine. It would probably be the best time to take a day off, when it was between cases like this. In his head, he was already half-way through the call to Miller.

Emma gave him a look. "And this is going to be happening for months. You can't stay home every time I get morning sickness, Graham," she countered.

"Months?" he asked with a wince.

She chuckled and then groaned as she leaned forward. She took a deep breath, and he worriedly hovered over her. After a few beats, she nodded. "Yeah, months. Kid's making a nest and my stomach needs time to get used to it."

"Yeah," he murmured. Cautiously, he tapped her side before he pulled her head down to his lap. He leaned against the wall and let her settle. She swallowed and tried to relax, letting him run his hand through her hair, and he took that as a win. He looked down at her as he pressed his lips together. Her hairline was sweaty, face a little paler than normal and nose red. She nuzzled into him, arms hugging his leg, and he moved to better accommodate her, continuing the soothing motions through her blonde tresses. His other hand moved to cover her stomach almost unconsciously, the disbelief bubbling inside him once more. There was someone in there that they made. He blinked away the awe and finally refocused on her discomfort. "I'm sorry."

A small smile tugged on her lips, even though her eyes were still closed. "Like you said, you're only half the reason," she teased. Her brow furrowed. "You need to get in the shower or else you'll be late."

He still had half a mind to call in, but if she was right and this would be happening for months, he supposed it would be a good idea to save those sick days. Even though they were unlimited, he'd need to get Emilia's husband to write him a note. It wasn't a favor he'd want to use often. "If you're sure," he said reluctantly.

She nodded. "Yeah. Help me up?"

"To bed?" he asked.

She shrugged. "Yeah, sounds good. I'll get some rest, do some work in the afternoon."

He slowly rose, pulling her into his arms with barely a protest on her part as he carried her. "You shouldn't be doing any rundowns, Em."

She rolled her eyes. "Those 'rundowns' paid for this apartment, buddy."

"Emma," he pressed.

She turned her head into his shoulder. "I wasn't planning on going out. I have a couple cases actually repaying me, I'll have you know."

He pressed a firm kiss to the crown of her head and tightened his grip. "Well, good. I've gotten attached to this apartment."

She swatted at him with a snort as he laid her in the center of the bed. "Go earn your keep, Detective."

He brushed his fingertips across her bare stomach and grinned. "What, no sheriff today?" he teased, then made his way to the shower.

He had just stepped into the spray when he heard retching. He peeled back the corner of the shower curtain, finding Emma again over the bowl. He shut off the water and grabbed a towel so he wouldn't drip. He leaned next to her, and she used one hand to try to bat him away as she heaved but, determinedly, he stayed close.

He could feel her whole body tense as it changed into a dry heave; it seemed like her stomach was out of content to emit. It seemed different this time, more violent and painful. The air seemed to crackle with energy, tight and expectant. He pulled her hair back and rubbed her shoulders, unsure what the best course of action would be but wanting to help in any way he could.

After what felt like hours, she was breathing heavily but no longer trying to expel anything. Tears were fresh on her cheeks, and she seemed unbothered or too exhausted to wipe them away. She shuddered, and emitted a low sob as she leaned back against his chest, panting as she caught her breath.

"Emma," he said softly, brushing his hands across her body. "Water?"

She shook her head, and twisted to bury her head against his chest, squirming until her cheek was against his heart. She was shaking, body still tensing at strange intervals he couldn't predict. He held her as gently as he was able, but alarm was building in the pit of his stomach and he had never felt so damn helpless. It wasn't like he had never seen Emma cry before, but something about the rawness of her vulnerability was both humbling and downright scary.

"What can I do, Emma? Anything; just tell me what I can do," he said roughly, scattering kisses into her hair.

She sniffed, hands fisting into the hair at the nape of his neck. "Please … stay?" she whispered.

He all but collapsed into her, pulling her tighter against him. "Of course," he said hoarsely. "I wasn't kidding."

She whimpered softly, and he felt her lips over his pectoral. "I love you … so much."

He cupped her jaw and tilted her head to meet her eye. His gaze scattered over her face, a slow unsure smile settling over his features. "Time for an again?"

She let out a short bark of a laugh that made his body relax in relief. "Yeah," she said and sniffed. "Blame the hormones."

"I love you," he murmured against her lips. "And I love the newbie. But he's gotta learn to settle down."

"Mm," she agreed, then stopped his movement with a firm hand. "Don't kiss me, I taste like morning sickness."

He grinned. "Well, we have all day for that," he reminded. He made a mental note to call Simmons later to bring by the paperwork. "Let's get you a bath instead?"

There was still something distressed behind her eyes. Her palm was pressed firm against his chest, and he worriedly placed his own on top. Finally she gave a quick flash of teeth. "Yeah, okay. Let's get us a bath."

He raised his brows and then nodded. "Done." He nudged his chin into her temple. "I guess I have to get used to the mood swings, huh?"

She huffed, and he felt a pang that it still sounded a little watery. Her hand still hadn't left its place, and a frown started to tug at his lips. After a moment she just rested her head again and didn't have a quip to fire back at him. Mentally, he nodded. Staying home was the right thing for today.

"I'm right here, Em. I'm not going anywhere," he assured.

Her breathing stuttered, and she nodded. "Thank you." She swallowed audibly and finally peered up at him. "This'll be the last time, though. Promise."

He didn't reply. It might be one of the rare instances where she would actually ask for something she wanted, but he wanted to remain in tune with her to know before she asked next time. Instead, he kissed her lips just to see her nose wrinkle in distaste. "I'll start the water."

"Dammit, Graham, give me my toothbrush if you're going to start that!"