Chapter 4
Disclaimer- I own nothing!
Alan stepped into the office with William at his side and smiled, it was great to be back. As much as he didn't miss all the paperwork and overtime he missed being here with his co-workers. Going into William's office as instructed he was caught up on what he missed. Lucky he didn't have four weeks of paperwork sitting on his desk, his work had been distributed out to the others once they learned he would be out for a while. Getting the new forms for the day he sat at his desk and took another deep cleansing breath. Moving the garbage can by his desk a little closer to him he looked to see how far the bathroom was from him just in case. He was nowhere near done with morning sickness yet and according to the doctor thanks to his condition he could have it longer than most.
"Alan, you're finally back I see." Eric said as he walked over to the others desk. It was good to see him back at the office, meant he was doing well.
"Yep, first day back and I'm ready. I missed everyone."
"And we missed you, so much extra work to do." He teased as he flexed his wrist.
"I'll have to make it up to you one day."
"Holding you too it." Eric joked before heading to his own desk to get started for the day. Since he was the only one that knew Alan was pregnant he volunteered to take up his field work. Eventually the work would probably be split but for now it wasn't that big of an issue.
William stepped out of his office at lunch time happy to see Alan's desk filled. He missed seeing him there, his little ray of light. Coming up to him he asked if he was ready to grab a bite to eat.
"I'd love to but I want to avoid the break and lunchroom for right now. I'm still queasy and I really want to wait and not say anything to anyone yet."
"Haven't people asked you how you are doing?" William asked not believing for a second that his co-workers didn't care. As far as he knew everyone loved working with Alan.
"Well yes but they haven't asked what was wrong, just that they are glad to see me back. I think they believe it was the thorns and that's fine with me. I'm really not up to telling them the truth yet."
"They are going to find out eventually."
"I know, I know but just another week or so, then I'll tell them." Speaking of it though he was starting to feel his stomach churn. Getting up he moved to the go to the restroom.
Eric was walking down the hall back from his collections for the day when he heard someone losing it in the bathroom. Figuring it was Alan he debated going to him. It was nothing against him but caring for him was Williams's job and he was probably with him now anyway. Everyone knew they were together and apparently he was the last to learn of their engagement. Seeing William in his office with the door closed he made a side trip into the restroom, he couldn't just ignore Alan. They didn't work out but he still cared deeply for the other man and couldn't help but want to be there for him. Opening the door he saw the last stall closed and someone on their hands and knees, poor guy. Seeing the stall wasn't locked he carefully pushed it open and knelt down beside him.
"Hey, doing alright?" Seeing the evil look in his eye as he asked he knew that was a stupid question.
"Should I get William?"
Shaking his head he pulled his head away from the bowl for a second.
"He has a meeting. I'm alright. All of a sudden, around lunch I got really bad."
"Can I get you something?"
"Would you mind grabbing my coffee cup and putting water in it for me. And in my desk is a little bottle with pills in it, that too."
"Sure thing, I'll be right back." Standing he left Alan and went to grab what he asked for. When he came back a few moments later he saw he was still sitting against the wall of the stall, that was a good sign.
"Here you go." Handing him both he stopped as Alan went to throw up again. Kneeling beside him he put the cup down and rubbed his back hoping that would help him some. When he was able to move away he took the cup from the floor and took little sips from it.
"Thanks. For your help."
"Don't mention it." Sitting opposite of him the best he could he was glad Alan was in the bigger of the stalls.
"I guess you could hear me from outside the bathroom?"
"Yea, you were pretty obvious."
"Maybe William is right."
"Hmm?"
"He wants me to tell everyone I'm pregnant. I want to wait another week or so but it's kind of hard to hide it when I'm throwing up in the men's room.
"Don't tell them unless they ask." He said with a shrug of his shoulders. "They are your co-workers not your family. You don't have to tell them anything."
"I guess you are right. Thanks." Carefully going to stand Eric got up first to give him some room before staying with him while he rinsed his mouth out.
"Eric. I. Well I need to talk to William about it but, I'm hoping you could be the guardian of our child."
"What?" Uncrossing his arms he was taken aback by the statement. He wasn't expecting this at all.
"You are one of my best friends, and you are a really good person. I feel my child would be in no better hands than yours if something were to happen to us. I know you said you didn't really want a family but,"
"Al, I would be honored but yea, talk to William first." Putting his arms around him he gave him a tight hug. Seeing Alan smile in his arms he couldn't help but smile back. Alan had moved on and he was happy for him but he would always miss and care for him. He knew he lost something great when he let him walk out of his life but he grateful they were still as close as they were.
Hearing the bathroom door open as they moved away from each other both saw William enter.
"I thought I'd find you in here. Are you alright? Should you go home? Maybe it was too soon for you to come back."
"I'm alright Will. I'm feeling better. Eric here was nice enough to grab me my pills."
Looking over at Eric as he put his own arms around Alan, happy he was safe, he nodded. "Thank you for helping Alan. I appreciate it."
"Don't mention it. Since you two are good I'll head back to my desk. Finish up that paperwork." With that he took his leave before William started to think things. Once they were alone Alan took Williams hand, "Do you have a moment? I want to talk to you about something?"
William wasn't exactly surprised by Alan's question, in fact he figured they would talk about it sooner or later. A guardian was something to consider, especially in their line of work, and Eric was one of the better candidates for the position.
"I have no argument against it being Eric. My only concern is would he be able to balance our child and his career."
"Well yes, but that holds true for anyone we pick. And we are talking about if something were to happen to us, which I'd rather never be the case. I want my child in the best hands possible but have those hands never needed."
"This is true." Leaning back in his chair he looked over at Alan who stood at the side of his desk. Really they both should be working but he had just gotten out of a long and boring meeting, he needed some enjoyment in his life right now.
"Alright so then it's settled, when the time is right we will ask Eric to be the guardian of our child." Sitting up Alan moved closer to kiss him.
"Thank you for being so understanding. I do appreciate it."
"Only because I love you."
"I love you too." With another kiss Alan realized what time it was and knew he still had paperwork on his desk. With that he took his leave so they could finish up and head home together. He really didn't want overtime his first day back.
