Third Month

Red's mother was always on the phone during the first week of November with family relatives, busy planning for the annual Thanksgiving dinner where family, extended, close, or forgotten, got together for one of the best meals Red has all year. He was very excited and was trying to get the word on who was going this year. He was thrilled when his mom told him that his grandmother was hosting, and was going to make her famous pumpkin pie. His grandmother can cook as well as his mother yells.

To his mother's dismay, none of Red's nice-going-out clothes fit him anymore. He didn't think he changed that much, but if some stranger on the street spotted him, they would have guessed he put on some extra weight. His belly was starting to show through some skin tight clothing like thermals and pajama shirts. His button downs couldn't close around the last four buttons. Without any delay his mother set up a date where the two of them would go clothes shopping after school on a Friday before it neared Thanksgiving.

When Red texted the plans to Blue, he claimed he felt offended and left out.

'y cant i see my bf trying on outfits and peeking on him naked in the drssing rm?'

Although flushed, Red mentioned bringing Blue along with them to the mall. The overly fake grin his mother put on made his heart clench.

"Of course! The more the merrier!"

So with Blue kicking up his legs in the back seat of her expensive car, Red and his mother drove to the town's mall, with groups of teenagers and crying children greeted them in bustling crowds.

Red's mother avoided all the hip teenage clothing stores Red usually buys his clothes from to the more "adult and mature" department stores she shops at. 'Because they wouldn't have a maternity section' was her reason. She was right though.

He felt awkward, being amongst heavily pregnant woman in their late 20's and 30's who would glance over at the boy. Especially shopping for outfits that were meant for women. Blue leaned over and whispered in his ear. "Don't worry, they'll think your mom is knocked up."

Red was relaxed until his mother began holding up certain shirts that could pass as a man's shirt to Red's body as a measurement and insisted (in a loud voice) for him to try them on in the dressing room.

With Blue tagging along despite his mother's glares, Red nervously slipped in a stall and stripped down. He took this moment to look at himself fully in the mirror. He never noticed how noticeable the bags under his eyes were, and how he was actually beginning to show. This was the moment when he didn't feel so attractive. His body was changing he was uncomfortable at the thought.

He had only taken off his pants and his shirt when Blue lazily knocked on the shallow door. "Are you done yeeeeet?"

Red smiled and shook his head, reaching for a button down shirt that was made out of stretchy material. "Hush. I didn't even try on my first outfit!"

When he put on the long shirt and dress pants, he backed up as saw Blue's feet and his mother's feet on opposite sides of the door. He heard no talking, so they obviously weren't even looking at each other. He winced when he imagined how painful it is for Blue to be around his mother without him. He tries so hard to get her to like him, but her heart is stone and it will never break.

Red peeked out from the door and shyly came out, blushing and looking down at his feet as his mother exclaimed how wonderful he looked, but he was more afraid of how Blue would see him, and any other person he has to face.

He heard Blue chuckle before he managed a "looks nice".

That wasn't the response he wanted to hear from Blue, but his mother was shoving him back into the stall to try another one on, and the eerie silence repeated itself every time he left. He came out in a girlish outfit that was sizes too big for his tiny stature, his mother would praise him but Blue mostly stood watching with an amused expression.

Red felt stupid and ugly. He knew Blue didn't like it; why else would he not say anything?

By the time he was done, Red's mother announced she would buy all the outfits he tried on, and went on to say she had plenty of around the house dresses he could use from when she was pregnant with him. While Red ran after her to the cash register, a stuttering mess, Blue couldn't help but start laughing hysterically at the idea of Red wearing a maternity dress.

"You won't need some of these now, but after Christmas, you'll be so grateful I took you today."

Making sure his mother wasn't in hearing distance, Blue leaned down next to Red's ear and kissed it teasingly. "Do they sell lingerie for pregnant people too?"

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Red stayed after school one day of the following week because he had gotten a low grade on one of the labs they did in Earth Science, and he was at the nurse the single period they did another. It was "strongly recommended" he come after to finish them. Even though Blue pouted and didn't feel like staying, he gave a long goodbye kiss to Red as he dropped them off at the classroom after the final bell.

He was sitting in his front seat, frowning as he read the questions he didn't understand. He wasn't paying much attention in class...he was getting too many headaches during this period and often left for the nurse or to the cafeteria to get food. The teacher helped him countless of times with hints to help him get the question easier, but Red was still left clueless.

Kids were circling in and out of the classroom, coming in to ask quick questions or to stay to take a test. The door squeaked open and Red heard familiar voice speak up; one that was very gentle and proper.

"Excuse me, I need to make up that quiz I missed yesterday?"

"Of course, Vio."

Red's eyes rolled up and saw his childhood friend garbed in a purple sweater and gray skinny jeans standing by the door with a pile of books in his arms. His clear eyes met Red's from over his glasses and he smiled, almost smirked. "Hello, Red."

The boy grinned sheepishly and wiggled his fingers for a wave as he peeked up from his lab. His friend bowed his head towards the teacher and slipped a seat right next to Red.

"It isn't like me to talk while taking an exam," Vio hushed, pulling out a pencil as he leaned closer to Red, "but we haven't talked in ages. What's up? How's the baby?"

They haven't spoken, but of course he heard of the news. Red smiled a bit and wrote down a random answer for the question he was stuck on. "I'm fine and the baby is healthy. Sorry we haven't talked, I-I've been so-"

"Your answer is wrong."

Red shut his eyes and sighed. He erased his incorrect answer and brushed the eraser strands away. "What is it then...?"

Vio grinned deviously, propping himself up and scribbling his name down in perfect script on his paper. "I can't tell you. You have to figure it out."

Red winced and sighed again. Typical Honors Student. He honestly didn't know the material...time to start writing random answers.

"How's Blue? Vio inquired after he peered up to check that the teacher was facing the opposite way.

"Oh, he's good..." Red smiled warmly; whenever asked about his boyfriend, he couldn't help but feel light and happy. "He's actually excited to be a dad...but of course he's nervous at the same time. We're both going to take parenting classes after Valentine's day and we'll start getting baby stuff..." Red was going to mention Blue getting kicked off the football team, but got a nagging feeling in the back of his mind that Vio would only reply with a snarky comment. He didn't notice that he was idly doodling hearts and swirls on the side of his lab sheet while talking about Blue.

Vio was already halfway done with his quiz, as if he blocked out Red's voice. "Oh? What about school? Are you going to college?"

The boy stopped drawing and slowly looked ahead. He never thought about what he was going to do after the baby was born...he remember his mom briefly mentioning it in the hospital, but neither of them said anything else.

"You know you'll have to go to college visits and chose a proper university suited for you." Vio began filling in his answers to his scantron. How did he finish that quickly?

"U-um, " Red swallowed, eyes wondering over his paper, "I, uh...never...r-really thought about it?"

He couldn't see it, but Red knew for sure Vio was rolling his eyes behind his swift bangs. "You shouldn't wait any longer. You and your mother should go looking immediately."

Vio stood up, his chair squeaking as it was pushed across the floor. As he gathered his belongings and quiz, he smirked with his eyes looking for the teacher and not at Red.

"That should be easy, you wouldn't have to worry about Blue looking for a college."

The honor's student slipped out of the room and left Red agape at his seat before the teacher snapped at him to finish the lab before extra help was over.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Red hasn't been able to hang out with Blue ever since they went clothes shopping. Blue was always saying he was busy, or he was too tired, or he just simply didn't feel like going out. At first it was okay and understandable, but after 2 weeks of the same excuse, Red began to panic. He started getting thoughts-'Is he sick of me?' 'Is he cheating on me?' 'Does he not want to see me?' It wad the only thing Red was pondering every night, making him feel miserable, enough to push him to tears. His constant headaches and nausea didn't help either. Often times, he would focus more on the pain than his work, and his...personal need for touching and attention from Blue only made him feel worse-the fact that he's too shy and that Blue possibly doesn't want him anymore.

Blue was checking his hair in the mini magnetic mirror Red placed on the inside of his locker door; wagging his head to make it messy, or tossing it to the side for the swift and combed look-he couldn't decide. Once he was completely satisfied, he rewarded himself with a charming grin before closing the locker-and meeting face to face with a very pouty Red.

"Shit!" Blue cursed under his breath, actually frightened to see Red suddenly standing there. "Heh, you scared-"

"Do you not love me anymore?!" Red was ready to explode. His tiny fists were shaking, his face was configured in the fiercest frown he could muster, bottom lip sticking out to emphasis his pout.

"Y-you never want to see me, you're al-lways ignoring my texts and calls..!" Red was shaking with anger and had so many thoughts racing in his head-he was more worried about Blue's response than what he was going to sputter out next. "Have I done something wrong? Do you not want to see me? Are you done with me? Is it the b-baby? What did I do?!"

Blue, at this point, was pressed up against the lockers with each step Red took towards him, eyes shot open in complete shock by Red's sudden change in attitude and forwardness. He kept interrupting him, those usually wide and innocent eyes now glaring darkly into his own. It made him feel uncomfortable and a tiny bit frightened.

"Red, Red-RED!" Blue gripped his boyfriend's slim shoulders and shook them enough to shut Red's mouth. He was panting, puffing his fallen bangs out of his narrow eyes as he continued to bore them into Blue's.

"What?" His natural pout reformed on his cute face, his small form still wracking with pain.

Blue took a moment to stare at Red with a cocked eyebrow-uncertain how to respond to his outburst except for-

"What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Next came a very light and unmeaningful whack to the head causing Red to flinch back forcefully and whimper from the small sting that resulted from it. "Ow..."

"I'm not sick of you!" Blue gripped Red's shoulders again, waiting until their eyes met again. "I will never get sick of you! I can't get ENOUGH of your face!"

The next movement caught Red by surprise-Blue pulled him into a rough, squeezing hug that allowed him to cradle Red's head in his hands and kissing the side of his temples, the same spot where he hit Red.

"I'm sorry I've been treating you like this...I-I...I've been...searching."

Red wrinkled his nose, not entirely convinced enough to hug Blue back and return the kisses. "S-searching...for what?"

Blue hesitated before he sucked in his breath, Red feeling his muscles tense.

"Uh...uh, a job."

Red sniffled. He squirmed in Blue's arms and pulled back to look at him. "Just..a job? You were looking for work..where you get paid money...?"

Blue was biting his lip, actually getting anxious under Red's strange gaze. "...Yeah."

Now it was Blue who was caught by surprise.

"I-I-I'm sooo sorry for yelling at you, Blue!" Red threw his arms around Blue's neck, hugging him tightly and securely. "I'm so so so sorry, I promise I'll never yell at you agaaaaain!"

"Red!" Blue's cheeks burst into a bright pink when he noticed a gang of students hanging out by the nearby staircase. "Easy, Red!" but he couldn't help but chuckle at the display.

"You're so cute...I can't stay mad at you."

Once Red was able to regain himself and hold back the remainder of his tears, he stepped away far enough to gaze up at Blue. "Why...were you looking for a job?" All he was thinking was how grateful he was to have such a loyal boyfriend.

"Well, " Blue sighed, "part of the reason why is because I love you," Red giggled at that, "another reason is becauuuuse I wanna show your mom I'm not a useless trash," Red gulped, "and...the last reason..well...I need to have a stable job in time for the kid and all, ya know...I gotta pay for it any everything. I just wanna step up...I know it sounds stupid and all, but-"

Before he could finish, a pair of wet lips landed on Blue's, cutting him off and leaving him speechless until he naturally melted in the kiss.

It didn't last long though, because tears were streaming down Red's face and his chest kept erupting in hiccups to continue on. "Y-you're..you're...that's so sweet of you, Blue!"

If he learned anything from skimming past those pregnancy books Red's mother owned, Blue would guess that his mood swings are kicking in. "Umm...thanks? S-shut up now, you're making a scene..." he mumbled lowly, silently glaring at the onlookers passing by them in the hallway.

Red had calmed down and stayed quiet, reduced to a few sniffles and deeps sighs.

"Sorry I hit you, I didn't mean it...," Blue stroked Red's hair, "and I'm sorry...I ignored you...I wanted to get a job first...then surprise you."

Red only nuzzled his face into a soft navy sweatshirt.

"Thank you," he whispered into Blue's chest as they remained in their hugging positions, "you'll be a great father."

Blue swallowed and closed his eyes, resting his chin on top of Red's head; it made him nervous, but it was pleasing to hear.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

The night before Thanksgiving, Blue surprised Red with his idea of their own "Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner"- some McDonald's take out and the nearby bakery's cheapest blueberry pie. Even if it was set up in Blue and his father's bedroom, which is also their living room, Red couldn't ask for a better surprise from his adorable boyfriend. Since his father has already been passed out on the futon in the television section of the room, Blue and Red couldn't get away with much romance, but Red enjoyed himself, and with a little extra comfort from Blue, was prepared to face his mother's family tomorrow; and for a long 2 hour drive across the state.

And that drive consisted of being forced to listen to his mother's horrible mix tape that he has heard for years now-and her out of range singing along to the songs as well. Not to mention her interrupting the tape after every song to tell Red a story about what happened in the office or what she saw on her way home from work. Poor Red stayed curled up in the back seat, watching over his mother's food contribution to the dinner. His legs were pulled up on the seat, knees to his chest with his chin resting on top of them, his head occasionally pressed to the cold window, autumn scenery flying past his eyes. Poor Red. It wasn't so much the dinner it self he was dreading-it was the impossible idea of what his mother was going to do or say to him once they get there, in front of his entire family.

He hoped not everyone knew about...him. Although the tight and warm sweater vest he had on really helped out his curves, he could only hope they would it as some extra stomach fat. He would not be surprised if his mother told a few people, but knowing his loud mouth family, that secret would be tossed around and turned into a lie like every kid in his school. His family acted like teenagers. Red couldn't seem to get away from this drama.

They pulled up to an old fashioned house-very antic and original, with very few renovations or repairs. Standing by the front porch stood an elderly woman with a matching brown shirt, blazer and skirt that stopped at her ankles; Red's grandmother. She was just as outspoken and sassy as his mother, but her sarcasm can be just as harsh and misleading. But she was the best cook who ever lived, and Red admired that talent.

She embaraced her daughter, and they both laughed loudly, compliments flying back and forth as his mother made her way through the crowd that started by the front door; saying hello and hugging each person that caught her eye. Red was left awkwardly holding the still steaming hot pot of mashed potatoes his mother left him to hold. His grandmother spotted him shuffling up the walkway and her big arms outstretched for an equally big hug.

"My baby boy!" She cackled in joy when she embraced her grandson, Red cracking a small smile. "Hi grandma~" he giggled softly, pulling back to look at her with an innocent grin. Her eyes grinned back through thick glasses and she gave him a hard slap on the shoulder, a little push to get him inside the warm house.

"I hope you've been keeping all the funny business down, you're already expecting one kid!"

Red's smile vanished and he sulked his way past large bodies to get to the dinner table. He was ready to go home.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

The big dinner itself was excellent; everything looked so fresh and delicious to Red, his hormones jumped started and controlled him to take a little bit of everything that was on the table. He had a whole bacon egg and cheese bagel for lunch with a large drink, but he was starving after he left his house. There was the typical joke about him grabbing the most food because of his pregnant needs, hilarious.

On the large line of waiting to serve themselves, Red's clumsy aunt fumbled with the salad tongs and accidentally dripped oil and dressing on the carpet. She was red in the face and apologizing at an amazing speed, but his uncle, her husband, gave her a hand with cleaning it up, comforting her.

"Don't worry about it, honey, it was only a mistake." He chuckled, titling his head towards Red who was in front of her. "Just ask Red, he knows how to handle them."

If it been anybody else, Red would have ignored them completely, but these people were his family. The people he had to see for the rest of his life. He was required by himself to put on that trademark fake family smile and laugh along.

Red didn't sit at the "adult" table. Not because it was full, though. Other aunt and uncles, cousins and family friends ate in different rooms of the house, so there was still plenty room at the dining table. Red thought it would be the smart idea to sit at the kids table with all his baby cousins and second cousins, none of them old enough to have a conversation sit or even talk. He sat in small plastic chair that was a pastel color; the table and other chairs a different pastel shade. The young boy seemed to be picking at his food, but was quickly shoving it in his mouth, savoring each bite.

The babies and toddlers were giggling and blabbing about something funny they made with their food when Red checked his phone. He mentally groaned as his face screwed into a pained look. He had a low battery, about 10%. Of course, he forgot he was busying himself with playing games on the car ride there. He pulled up his most recent conversation with Blue and sent him a new text.

'I miss you... '

It didn't take more than a few seconds for Red's phone to vibrate.

'miss u too. hows ur thanksgivin goin?'

A chorus of laughter came from the dining room, some laughs louder or more high pitched than others but his mother's trying-not-to-laugh voice was heard through the others.

"And then the boyfriend brings him fast food for their 'Thanksgiving' dinner!"

Red's breath got shallow as he hastily typed his reply.

'Good'