AN: I find this chapter really kinda cute...
Aren was humming softly as she walked through the halls of the home she had been sharing with Cross for nearing a year at this point. She was on her way out to do some shopping while Cross was out doing some work. It was still early so she had plenty of time to do her shopping and get back before Cross was to be home. Which was good since she needed to hide what she bought until tomorrow. Link wanted to go with Aren since he was instructed to keep an eye on her for Cross but she refused to take him with her since she was buying stuff for Cross. She was worried Link would ruin the surprise so she couldn't take him with her. Instead on of her very nice and dear friends had come to Ireland to help her.
Kanda and Alma were staying with Cross and Aren since Aren had wanted to see them and needed their help with her little project. Since Kanda was going too Link didn't fight too much about going with Aren shopping. Kanda was quite capable of defending Aren should anything happen. Aren found Kanda and Alma waiting for her in the entry hall of the house. Smiling happily Aren hugged Alma who of course hugged her back.
"Oh look at the cute little princess~." Aren cooed when she looked at Kanda and Alma's daughter Yuki. Yuki cooed back happily as she was sitting in her carrying car seat. She was only three months old so cooing was the best Yuki could do to express joy. Kanda made his usual che sound taking the car keys from Link but internally he was just as in love with Yuki as Alma and Aren were. Yuki was his little girl so of course she had managed to steal his heart. She looked so much like Alma which was perfect in Kanda's opinion, to see Alma there with Yuki, it was picture perfect.
"Lets go guys." Kanda said breaking up the little fan girl party that was going on over Yuki who was just loving all the attention. Alma and Aren followed Kanda out to the car they would be using for the day. Kanda put the stroller in the trunk as Alma put Yuki's car seat in the back seat facing the back of the car for safety. Aren sat in the back with Yuki as Alma and Kanda sat in the front seat. As requested Kanda drove to the mall so Aren could go to the shops she wanted to go to. Kanda actually pushed the stroller Yuki was in as Aren and Alma walked side by side as Aren picked out what gifts she wanted for Cross for their one year anniversary which was tomorrow.
"So how has work been Kanda? I hope Marian hasn't been too hard on you." Aren commented as she browsed around trying to find the perfect items to convey the message she wanted to tell Cross tomorrow.
"So far its been fine. Working at his London office has helped me to get Alma the wedding she wanted, and the dream house she wanted too." Kanda replied picking Yuki up out of the stroller when she started fussing. Aren smiled softly at her friend and his baby girl. Yuki was all smiles as soon as she was in her father's arms.
"Well I'm glad to hear it." Aren replied returning back to her browsing before picking something up off a shelf to show her friends. It was a little card that said 'You make me nauseous! Or is it your baby I'm carrying? Either way, I want to barf & its your fault.' "This is funny. I like it." Aren commented putting it into her basket before moving on. Alma and Kanda stared at Aren and the card before looking to each other.
"Aren!" Alma called while Kanda addressed Aren by her annoying nickname. "Are you pregnant?!" Alma demanded as she quickly followed after Aren. The albino female had told her friends nothing of what she was looking for so of course it came as a shock when they saw what she was getting.
"Hmmmm... Yep~." Aren hummed as she continued on her way to find other cute items wandering into the baby section of the store. Aren was in fact three months pregnant and had known for almost the whole three months but since she had learned about six months ago she had different blood so she ran the risk of having a miscarriage should she ever get pregnant. So she had to get a shot to keep her blood from attacking and killing the baby. She had waiting until she was sure the baby would be fine before telling Cross. After her appointment yesterday she was feeling confident enough to tell Cross about the baby.
"So...how far along are you...?" Alma asked assuming Aren couldn't be too far along since she wasn't showing at all.
"Three months. Three and a half ish actually." Aren replied still humming as she looked at all of the baby toys and clothing. Again Alma and Kanda were in shock by Aren's statement. Both friends at that point just stood back and let Aren binge shop on baby stuff. After Aren was done and paid for all the stuff she wanted they all went back to the car and headed home. Kanda and Alma basically hid in their room since they figured Aren planned to surprise Cross when he got home. She was far too excited not to. When Cross came home Aren was in the living room trying to prepare to surprise Cross but he caught her off guard a bit.
"What are you up to?" Cross asked walking into the living room plopping down on the couch looking rather worn out. Aren stopped what she was doing on the coffee table to walk over to Cross standing behind the couch hugging him.
"I was getting your present ready." Aren explained gently kissed Cross' cheek. Cross looked over his shoulder up at Aren clearly confused. It came as no surprise to Aren that Cross had no idea what tomorrow was. "Tomorrow is our anniversary. But I want to give you your gift tonight." Aren added as she let Cross go walking back around the couch to the coffee table. She picked up the card handing it to Cross letting him take it and read it. Cross had to read it a few times before it finally clicked. He nearly dropped his cigarette out of his mouth as his jaw dropped. When it clicked again Cross quickly put the cigarette out looking up at Aren who stood in front of him smiling innocently.
"Are you sure?" Cross asked as he stood up face to face with Aren. Still smiling Aren picked up a folded piece of paper off the coffee table handing it to Cross. Looking from Aren to the paper Cross unfolded it reading it. "So...wait... how far along are you?" Cross asked setting the paper down looking to Aren again.
"Three and a half months... round about. I've known... But I wanted to wait to be sure the baby was safe..." Aren explained hoping Cross wasn't mad at her for waiting so long to tell him. Suddenly Aren squeaked in surprise as she was suddenly picked up and kissed deeply by her husband. After Cross broke the kiss he carefully set Aren down on her feet.
"So does this count as my gift to you?" Cross asked with a smirk earning a slap to his arm from Aren.
"You can't regift my gift to you." Aren retorted with a huff folding her arms over her chest shifting her weight to mainly one foot giving Cross a look.
"Well... Technically it was my gift to you first if you think about it. You were the one who wanted to get pregnant." Cross replied which made Aren shift her stance and get a slightly concerned look.
"Are you really happy about this...? You said you didn't want kids..." Aren replied recalling the conversation they had had on their honeymoon since he had in a sense brought it up. Cross clearly was taken aback by the question but knew Aren was right to ask.
"What I said then is different than now. After all the time we've been together and how long we've been trying to have a baby... you think I would be unhappy about it?" Cross replied staring down at Aren gently cupping her cheeks in his hands making her look up at him. "I am happy." Instead of saying anything Aren wrapped her arms around Cross' waist hiding her face in Cross' chest. Cross wrapped his arms around Aren holding her close to comfort his wife. Over the last year thanks to Aren Cross had become a much more mature, responsible person. And he really was happy about her being pregnant.
"Do you know what gender it is?" Cross asked gently stroking Aren's hair. Slowly Aren looked up at Cross resting her chin on his chest.
"No. I haven't asked. I was waiting until after I told you so we can find out together." Aren replied with a soft smile. Cross smiled back at Aren gently patting her head.
"Set an appointment and let me know." Cross leaned down kissing Aren on the lips. Aren happily kissed Cross back feeling more calm now knowing that Cross really was happy about the baby. After the kiss Cross led Aren up to their room for the night since it was late. Both had eaten dinner already but separately since Cross had eaten out with some clients while Aren ate at home with Alma and Kanda.
"Are you really pregnant?" Cross asked as both were getting dressed for bed. Aren was only wearing her bra and underwear when Cross looked over staring at her rather flat belly.
"Yes I'm really pregnant. I'm sure it will start to show. I actually work out so... its common that I'm more flat right now since I work out every day." Aren replied in a humorous tone as she put on her night gown after taking her bra off.
"Is it safe to work out while pregnant?" Cross knew nothing of women being pregnant so of course he had to ask. Which made him think of something else. "And what about sex... We've been having sex like every night..." Cross' clear concern made Aren chuckle a little. Walking up to Cross Aren wrapped her arms around him from behind gently pressing her cheek against his muscular back. Cross was only in his loose pajamas so she could feel his bare torso.
"Both are perfectly safe. I asked. He said I can keep working out until its closer to the due date. And sex is perfectly okay. Actually he says its good since it helps me relieve stress~." Aren answered planting a light kiss on Cross' back.
"Good to know~." Cross replied turning around to face Aren picking her up carrying his wife to the bed setting her gently down on the bedding. Climbing onto the bed Cross laid beside Aren on his side with his hand on her stomach. Gently Cross pushed up Aren's night gown to expose her belly again. Leaning over Cross lightly left kisses on Aren's belly making Aren smile. It really looked like Cross was happy about the baby which really made Aren happy. She was excited about the baby but with Cross being happy about the baby made Aren the happiest woman on earth.
