I had intended for this to be the before last chapter. But it isn't. Yes, there's going to be another one. Then, I'll delight you all with the epilogue. More work for me.

I blame the way I ended this one…it just ended up being so much longer than I had expected. And the ending…it was just so perfect, and abrupt.

It's sad isn't it, that it takes this long to write a story? You can thank my March Break for this installment.

I was disappointed after the last chapter, so I'm putting everything into this one. This time, how about leaving positive feedback, ne?

Disclaimer: Nothing.

-Chapter 7-

Bryan understood how truly painful miracles could truly be…

Tala wanted to say something, anything to comfort the only two men in the world who were forced into the crazed swirl of disbelief and overwhelming emotions, but he could not. The silence was the only comfort they had but even it was interrupted by footsteps.

''Daddy! Daddy!''

Tala heard Adrick calling, as the little voice followed the running patter of his feet, soon after. To save Rei from the confused and curious faces of his child, he got up and ushered his son back into the playroom.

Rei had tensed up, but as the still atmosphere regained its composure, he felt strong enough to sit up and furiously wipe at his eyes and tear stained cheeks.

''Bryan, I- I'm sorry…''

''Don't be, Rei. I…went through the same thing.''

Rei was thankful for the words but his gratitude was expressed only by his silence. He hid his face, through his ebony bangs and stared blankly at his legs, as they still quaked. They were both tense and depressed, and Bryan had no idea what to do. He would glance over and see Rei fighting back his tears, and it hurt to watch as his own memories surfaced and stung.

The words out of his mouth were such a struggle, even though he had faced the same dilemma. He had no idea how to comfort Rei, or reassure him. The journey to acceptance was painful. Rei was still too hesitant to take those first steps. And Bryan could not push him, either.

''Are you going to keep the child?'' Bryan finally murmured, as that same question had been addressed to him, once, half a decade ago.

''Of course!'' Rei answered, without any doubt and a shred of confidence. That was a good sign. ''I could never…not when…this is a miracle…I can't just…pretend it never happened.''

Bryan wanted to ask so many more questions, but he knew that this was not the time to make inquiries. His miracle was an accident, an experiment from a cold laboratory with an unexpected aftermath. But Rei's miracle…it seemed to be a cross of fate and genetics, passed down through time.

''Bryan…how did it happen…for you?''

Silver eyes turned and regarded Rei, who was staring at him, with sore tawny eyes, faded but still curious, as they always were.

''I think you should talk to Kai first, and then I'll explain everything. I'd like to know your story as well…''

Rei nodded slowly. He knew that Bryan's tale was undoubtedly painful, and his own was so unbelievable. When his eyes shifted away from the other pair, they rested upon a picture, sitting on the coffee table. It was a recent photo of he and Kai, in France.

The thought of his lover came to mind and the idea of confessing everything…seemed so unreal.

Tala quietly rejoined them then, and Rei looked up to find the redhead smiling.

If Tala supported Bryan, stayed by his side, and still loved him, then Rei had no doubt that Kai would be a great father, as well.

But telling him was still going to be so hard.

From the emotional strain and sudden revelation, Rei was left fatigued and drained. He wanted to head upstairs and burry himself beneath the blankets of his bed, but his guests insist that he stay nearby. Tala fetched him a pillow and a blanket and maintained that Rei should rest on the couch.

After an hour, he was sound asleep in the living room.

Bryan left to play with the children and subtly keep them from running around the house, so as not to wake their host. Tala lingered in the living room for a while, and indulged in the silence that had regained control of the room. He watched Rei for a moment and sympathized with him.

This is going to be so hard for him…just like it was for Bryan. His world must be upside down now, and inside out. It's so much to handle, all at once. He's harboring a miracle and every emotion possible, facing this situation. You have to be strong, Rei…this isn't going to get any easier.

Blue eyes glanced down at the clock, and Tala noticed how late in the afternoon it truly was. They were fast approaching dinnertime and his little tikes would be moaning for dinner soon. He got up and rejoined them in the game room.

Raisa was sitting on her father's chest, grinning down at him, as she had stolen the controller and began waving it around. Adrick then began cheering about his victory over his father. They had double-teamed Bryan into submission. Tala decided to even the odds and before Raisa could see her father, Tala had picked her up from Bryan and began tickling his little girl.

They were all laughing. The sound was peaceful and calming. The fathers were going to need a lackadaisical demeanor, to get through the evening. There was no point in being overly serious, just yet.

Rei woke up abruptly when he heard the doorbell. He tried to get up but with the blankets tangled around his body, moving only resulted in a loud thud. Then, he heard a sudden wave of laughter, and with a groan, Rei looked up from the floor. The twins were laughing at him. His sigh and frown dissipated immediately and a smiled curled onto his lips.

Their parents entered a moment later and their cheers could only indicated one thing.

Dinner was served.

''You guys didn't have to order. I would have-''

Tala hushed Rei and set a plate before him.

''Now, eat and enjoy the peace.'' Bryan added, and of course, there was no room for any sort of protest.

Rei thanked his friends and indulged in the calm atmosphere, while it lasted. His guests purposely kept him distracted and relieved. The children and their joyous faces made certain that Rei's smile would not falter. He even brought them upstairs, and tucked them into bed. When they quietly asked for a nighttime story, he obliged.

Rei lingered in the bedroom for a while, after the toddlers had dozed off. He held the fairy tale book to his chest and wished for his own happy ending. His hand gently pressed against his stomach, as he murmured, ''I believe in miracles…''

By ten o'clock sharp, Kai stood at his front door and unlocked it. He heaved a deep, annoyed sigh and said aloud, as he entered, ''I'm back.''

That damn Yankee, he muttered to himself bitterly as he dropped his briefcase onto the ceramic floor. He did not even want to but it away; the sight of it upset him. He wasted a day in that officer, for nothing.

''Quiet, Kai…the kids are sleeping.''

Kai turned and instantly smiled at his lover.

Rei stood uneasily in the doorway, as his heart raced. Kai hadn't noticed. Instead, he murmured, ''I'm sorry. So sorry…for everything. That stupid Yankee, he wasted my time with empty threats and American bull-''

Rei had stopped listening to the rambles and ranting. Kai did not bother continuing, when an embrace silently forgave him. Rei rested his head beneath Kai's chin and listened to the heartbeat, while his own thumped erratically in his ribcage.

Kai gently kissed Rei's forehead and stroked a hand over his back. He sensed that something was wrong.

''Rei, kitten…are you okay?'' He asked with a resonation of concern.

''Kai…'' Rei's voice was unsure and hesitant.

It would only take a few words to start them down that path together.

Just a few…

They were so close…

Rei bit his lip hard to keep the tears from welling in his eyes. He desperately needed that support and reassurance; only Kai could offer it.

''Kai…do you…believe in…miracles?''

Kai knew this was not the time to hesitate and he carefully chose his words. This evident distress hurt him, as well. He needed to act on instincts. They conveyed his trust more than words ever could. Kai placed a light kiss upon Rei's lips, and in return, they whispered to him, ''I'm pregnant…''

''Rei…'' Sheer confusion and bewilderment laced his tone. What…?

''Kai, I'm really pregnant.'' Rei looked at him and held the crimson depths in a persuasive gaze.

The amber eyes never lied. Ever. They were sincere, just as confused, and anxious.

Kai knew better than to doubt his lover. He would never question years of understanding and trust.

He could only ask one thing, ''But how?''

Rei was not sure how to answer. He took Kai's hand and placed it upon his stomach.

''I'm not sure…I really don't know…that book Rai sent me…it says it says it's genetics…but I don't really understand it.'' The worlds stumbled around in Rei's mouth; they were rushed and jumbled.

''Rei…'' Kai stroked his hand lovingly against Rei's belly and pulled him forward, until they united.

He tried to stand up straight, and strong, but slumped forward and found support in his lover that way, just as Rei had sought the same, in their embrace.

''I believe you.''

Kai did not want to add the painful and doubting 'but'…he could not, even though he thought it.

''I know, Kai…but you need proof. I need proof. I'm still skeptical. I mean…this is a miracle.''

Kai nodded and forced himself to speak, ''That would explain the morning sickness, right? Even if it is surreal…''

He needed to sit. His body could not keep up with his mind. He sat down, in the kitchen and as his mind continued to whirl, his arms acted on their own and drew Rei onto his lap. The stunned feeling was finally sinking in and taking effect. Rei nuzzled his cheek.

They were going to need time, before things would become stable again.

Kai was far from being at ease. He appeared calm for Rei, murmured his undying love and reassured his lover, where as internally, his mind and spirit were in disarray. He could not conclude anything, not without proof. His eyes and ears needed the utmost confirmation. But he still trusted his heart, before his senses.

The shock was overwhelming. However, he trusted Rei, with all his being and believed in his words, despite the rational voice in his head, which screamed about impossibility. If he believed, than logically, even though the conclusion was illogical, he would be a father.

Rei was carrying his first child. Naturally. It was impossible, but it was happening. Rei would never lie; Kai knew that, without a doubt. If Rei had reason, to assume this, and wholeheartedly accept it, then there was no denying it; Rei was pregnant.

''This is so…incredible and…''

''Unbelievable.'' Rei finished quietly.

''No, I believe you, Rei. I trust you. I love you. Miracles…they do happen.'' Kai's arms tightened around Rei's waist.

Rei kept him grounded. He was physically real. And just maybe, a child would join their reality, someday soon.

''Rei, did you…tell anyone? Besides Rai…did he promise to keep it a secret?'' Kai was concerned; it was the natural instinct, which followed in the course of his emotions.

''Rai won't speak. Not until I know for sure…but we won't know, until we go to China.''

''We'll leave in the morning.''

''We have guests you know…''

The threatening silence was fought off by an innocent question.

''…Do they, know?''

Rei remained silent, especially when the words he spoke seemed not only to betray emotionally, but literally, as well. He buried his face into Kai's neck and calmed his anxiety with the musky scent of his lover.

His silence was the answer.

''So you told them?'' Kai stated but he did not frown.

Rei had his reasons.

''I did…they found my book and questioned me. I wasn't going to tell them but…''

Kai wished him to continue.

''But Bryan told me…''

-TBC-

So…how was that? Good? Bad? Not what you were expecting…?

Tell me, please. I'm waiting to find out. You know, since reviews end up determining how I'll plan out the next chapter.