The sun had set long ago, though neither of the two curled into bed wished to move. Neither of them seemed to wish to sleep either, not as Zero's head was tucked away into Kaname's nude chest. His eyes were closed yet his cheeks were still faintly damp with the tears spilled hours ago. Kaname had his arms intertwined around Zero, holding the pregnant male delicately as if he could break at a single moment. Neither were speaking any longer, they simply wanted to rest... After all, neither wished to bring around the emotional turmoil that had happened hours ago.

But what had happened was not exactly bad either. Of course it probably was not the best timing, after making love before all of this had happened, but it was better than not happening at all. It was obvious that by the way that they held, or rather clung, to the other that things would become better... That they would remain together through whatever life had in store for them ahead. They already had been through so much, too much.

Zero had already covered his body once more, hiding the scars again. Even if Kaname had witnessed nearly every scar that flocked his skin, he still would not be comfortable with them being revealed. Though when they would faintly shift on the bed and his shirt would slip a little, revealing one of many deep scars, Kaname would lean down and delicately kiss the mark before covering it again. His Zero would no longer feel those claws rake into his body, no matter who or what had caused them long ago... He would be forever safe in his arms.

But... they couldn't exactly lay in bed forever, no matter how much Zero wanted to. And their unborn child would make sure they tended to her.

A slow grumble came from Zero's swollen stomach, breaking the silence that had been delicately laced over them. Zero flinched at the sound, pushing his head momentarily into Kaname's chest before he seemed to remember that they probably needed to feed their daughter... Whether blood or food, she wouldn't allow them some peace and quiet, and Zero would rather take hunger than another kick to the bladder she had given him maybe an hour ago.

Kaname heard the sound, though, as well as felt a little shifting against his own stomach. It was amazing just how active she had become in simply a day, but maybe it had simply been Zero's 'layers' that had prevented her from being felt. Now that she was big enough, she was free to do whatever she wished... How long it would take until Zero grew tired of her constant movements would be determined, but as he let out a groan, it wouldn't be hard to guess that Zero's famous short patience would be thinning already.

"God damn it..." Zero grunted softly as he rested his hand down against his covered swell, trying to give it a couple of rubs to calm her. But she would have none of it as gave another prod, further making sure that they would give her food. Another growl of his stomach seemed to add to that thought, and he couldn't help but give a sheepish glance up at Kaname. They needed to get up... and Zero needed to feed his daughter before she attempted to eat him from the inside out.

His sheepish glance was met with a faint smile over Kaname's face, followed by a kiss to the forehead. They needed to get out of bed anyway, he would rather not have Zero's back and hips aching because they stiffened up... "We should get something to eat, then. What would you like today?" Kaname asked as he was the first to sit up on the bed, though nearly had to pull Zero up with him. His back had already gotten sore and it seemed he might need some help loosening it up again... Then again, sex may not have been the best idea yesterday.

"I could cook anything you wish," Kaname added as he pulled himself out of bed, soon walking over to Zero's side and aiding him out from the blankets. Thankfully he had decided to put on pajama pants a few hours ago to remain decent and Zero had put on his boxers... He would much rather have had him wear something warmer but when Zero decided something, it was hard to change his mind. Though a look at Zero's messy and tangled hair couldn't help but give him a bit of a smirk.

Reaching over and trying to flatten the mess, he was met with a few grumbles and even a blush from Zero. They needed to get their moods back up, to put what had happened behind them for now. It was much too sensitive of a topic to speak of now, but maybe in the future he could ask just what had happened to Zero... Not now, maybe not even after the pregnancy is over. He would wait for the right time.

Zero eventually managed to get to his feet, wincing as his hand pressed to his back. His hips were not aching quite as much, giving him hope that he would have a break from them today. The first thing that had popped to his head was, of course, ramen. But after attempting to make himself ramen while he had still been at Cross Academy, and soon getting sick, he knew that it just was too rich for him at this time... There were other foods he couldn't have too, as if the baby distasted it. All he hoped was that he could have a bowl full of ramen after this pregnancy was over.

"Whatever you want, I'm not picky..." What a lie. Most of the time that Kaname cooked him something that was for a much larger pallet, Zero would pick at it after the first few mouthfuls, only to abandon it for junk food in the pantry. It was a waste but Zero just couldn't find what he was craving for... Hopefully they would find it soon or Kaname would have to take out the trash yet again.

Attempting to not add the thoughts that were in his head of Zero's pickiness, Kaname held his tongue and instead quietly helped Zero down the stairs and into the kitchen. It had taken time, but Zero was getting stronger with every day. It was obvious that he had recovered from the sickness that had over taken him nearly a month or two ago when he had not taken Kaname's blood... He could also have a helping of that after supper. But now was the attempt to cook Zero something that he had not tried yet, something he may crave for...

He had it pinpointed to a seafood, even though he was well aware it was not best for the baby. But after catching Zero raiding the fridge and finding shrimp, he found it better that he cooked it in a way that it may benefit the child. Maybe if he attempted some other fish... Something that might have more nutrients... Helping Zero down to sit at the table after pulling up his comfy chair to aid his back, he went straight to work in the kitchen.

Maybe salmon...

Putting the finishing touches on the meal he had prepared, Kaname placed the plate of salmon and jasmine rice before him and stepped back. He had no idea if he would even like what he had cooked but food was food at this stage, he hoped he would like it. He prepared himself, though, for the hunter to immediately snap at him that this was once again a meal too fancy and that he didn't want it...

Kaname wouldn't have to think long about if he was going to like it or not... Because as the pureblood was cooking, the hunter was straining a little in his chair to see what he was making. It smelled so... amazing. Breathing in the scents of the food brought a warm chill down his body, almost making him melt. Damn it, what was he making and why wasn't it in his stomach right now...

Then finally Kaname put it down. Salmon? ...Fuck yes. For some reason, that sounded like heaven to the hunter as he immediately pulled the plate closer to himself and picked up his fork. What happened next may only be a blur to the pureblood, but within a few minutes, the aftermath contained nothing more than the hunter slouched in his chair, happily fed, and an empty plate.

Looks like they found what one of his cravings might be... Resting his hands on his swollen stomach, and of course thinking it was simply baby that made it a little chubbier, the hunter let out a soft sigh of satisfaction. Finally something good happened after he woke up... Things might be starting to look up for them for the day already and all it took was a good meal.

Meanwhile Kaname was stood frozen to the spot, his eyes wide as if they had been watching something utterly confusing. Well, it was confusing. He had never seen the hunter eat so fast, how he managed not to choke himself was beyond him. Normal people tended to do such things, not to mention they swallowed. But not Zero, it seemed like he literally inhaled his food.

"Uh.. Did you want seconds?" There was plenty left in the fridge if need be, the one thing Kaname had ensured when he entered the house again that it was generously stocked with fresh foods. Every week they had good delivered too, sometimes with special orders for Zeros tastes. But at least the male looked happy right now, much different from what Kaname had seen earlier. It gave him hope of course, maybe everything wasn't going to end horribly as he thought.

It didn't seem that he needed to be asked twice as the hunter quickly pushed himself back in his chair, doing his best to get back to his feet while using the table as support. Of course he grunted as he put the pressure and weight onto his back but it wouldn't matter once he got to the fridge... Even if Kaname tried to halt him, though, he seemed to refuse it all the same as he lumbered his way into the kitchen.

At least Zero didn't seem to care all that much about gaining weight... All he knew was that it would look like baby weight instead of his own. Pressing his hand to his lower back while his other hand held his plate, he soon set the plate down onto the counter and raided the fridge. Kaname had been holding out on him... There was a hell lot more salmon where that came from.

Zero attempted to be conservative, at first. He knew that he may want some of this to snack on later, but then again... he was hungry now. But it didn't seem like the hunter could have waited until he got to the table as he leaned his back against the counter and started to eat it straight off the plate. Now Kaname knew exactly how crazy these cravings could get...

It could be scary that's for sure, but at least there was a large supply of salmon. There was plenty he could cook in the freezer if need be. But as the male gorged out on food quickly, Kaname stood back in amusement. It was the first time he had cracked a smile since waking up, something he didn't see himself doing, but here he was thanks to Zero.

"I'm glad you enjoy this, I'll order extra for the next delivery if you like. Perhaps I can cook us a creamy pasta with salmon by candlelight..?" It was a long shot of course, he knew that very well.. But If he didn't ask then how would he possibly get an answer? He would at least know of some of the hunters feelings. Stepping towards the fridge and grabbing out a drink of water, Kaname took several swigs as he waited for an answer, perhaps the nerves were getting to him.. It wasn't often he reacted this way after all.

The hunter had his mouth too full of salmon to answer the pureblood at first, but at least he seemed to be thinking about his offer... Or he was too focused on the fact that he finally had food that pleased him to his heart's delight. Probably a bit of both. Though as he slowly found that he was out of salmon, he let out a sigh and set down the plate in the sink as Kaname started to take a few swigs of water. At least things were settling down...

"...I wouldn't mind," Zero softly grunted as he rinsed off the plate with a little bit of water, but even as he tried, he couldn't hide the slight smirk that was touching his face. So Kaname liked the sappy romance things... At least it was better than nothing. Better than him expecting sex and physical pleasures every night.

Zero was still rather numb over how things were changing... it wasn't like him to just simply let things happen without him saying a single thing about it. But hopefully things will keep this way, to keep them happy and behaving as they should, as a family. After all, as he felt that annoying thump in his stomach when he pressed his stomach just a little too much against the counter, it was obvious their little girl would make them into one eventually...

Wincing at the strength of the kick, the hunter tried to nurse away the hit as he rubbed his stomach softly over the spot in the bottom of his stomach. She knew exactly where to kick and how hard to get his attention...

Watching the hand that gently rubbed away at the males stomach, Kaname stepped over and placed his hand over the hunters, moving his own hand over the sore spot slowly. They would work out, the three of them together happily. After all both males deserved it, they had both led such difficult lives, it was about time they both caught a break.

"Thank you, I'm glad.. If you didn't manage to sleep earlier we can now, I wont mind" Giving the other an encouraging smile, while taking his hand with his free one. Whether Zero wanted to face their relationship or not, Kaname would try and encourage him, to help him make the transition into a couple. Though it seemed that some little quirks the hunter gave away when Kaname touched him was enough of an indicator as to how the young male was feeling towards him. He just needed encouragement.. Perhaps then he would open up to him.

It was years and years of work to build up the barriers around his heart and mind, to hate the vampires that flocked the world... But now he was being told by his own heart that it was time to let someone in. Zero's hand slowed on his stomach as Kaname rested his own palm against his hand. He was delicate with his swollen stomach, just as Zero was... Maybe he truly knew how to be a father after all. Curling his fingers slowly over his stomach to massage away the ache, he slowly started to tug both of them from the kitchen. He wouldn't take down the offer of possibly getting some more sleep... And the yawn from his lips was more obvious.

Their hands still were connected as they walked slow, the hunter and pureblood side by side. It was slow mostly because of the fact that Zero's back and hips were aching at him more than before with the movements... Maybe he would need a little but of medications before he went to bed tonight. It was obvious that the aches were getting worse, not better, as time went on.

It didn't matter if it was slow, the more time he could stay with Zero beside him was the better. After all he would stay like this for an eternity if it were possible. Though eventually that time ended for them as they arrived in the bedroom once more. The sheets were already rumpled from where the hunter had been laying earlier, making their transition all the more quick.

The pair had slid under the covers quickly, Kaname making his was over to the hunters side within moments. He didn't care if the other had scars and a dark past. He had told the male this earlier, he loved him for him, nothing would change that, not even the dark secret the hunter was keeping.

"Sleep well, Zero. If you aren't awake when I am ill allow you to sleep while I cook our meal." Pressing his lips against the others neck, Kaname eventually moved his head above the silverettes. From there his eyes gradually slid shut.

Zero still wasn't sure if he would ever want to find out what Kaname thought of all of this... If he was going to be upset about all of what had happened to him, if he was going to be pushed away from Kaname... The last thing he ever wanted was to be pushed away, not after everything that had happened, everything that had affected him...

He was slow to start pulling himself into bed at Kaname's will, wanting nothing more than to relax his back but knowing it would take some effort to do so. Wincing along, he slowly stretched himself out onto the bed, allowing him to finally rest out... With a sigh he finally laid his head back into the pillow, only to feel the bed rock a little as Kaname slid himself beside him.

Slowly the hunter started to turn his body to slide closer to Kaname's, letting his head rest underneath his chin and let Kaname tuck his arms around him. Though Zero couldn't hold Kaname back... His arms were too busy wrapped around his stomach, his palms pressed to his stomach. He wanted nothing more than to sleep...

But the thumps that started to hit against his hands quickly told him that he wouldn't be sleeping. Grunting softly, his arms tightened over his stomach as he tried to stroke away the pain, but their girl was having none of it. She wanted nothing more than to make sure her mother would do what she wanted, and that did not include sleeping.

"...Fuck you..." Zero softly groaned, wanting nothing more than to sleep away his worries, but quickly scolded himself mentally for swearing at her.

Grimacing at the males obvious discomfort, Kaname stroked across the large lump in an attempt to sooth their daughter. It was useless of course, she wouldn't be soothed by either males touches. With a sigh and pulling himself up from his position on the bed, Kaname glanced down at the male. "Why don't we get you into a bath? The doctor said it would calm her after all"

What other choice did they have? Kaname wouldn't sleep without the other and it was obvious that Zero wouldn't be able to sleep while their child was kicking away. This would only get worse as she got bigger too, something neither would really be looking forward to. So much for them being eager to get her to kick.

Brushing his hands through the silver strands of hair, Kaname smiled gently at the hunter. He wasn't sure if he would want his help but it was worth a shot. They were in a relationship now after all.. Well that's what Kaname had thought. They did make love so it would be expected to think such a thing. But the question was, did Zero?

It was expected... But Zero was still... Hesitant. Sex didn't mean much to him compared to what others would think it would mean. Sex didn't mean you love someone, it means that someone wants your body... Or at least that was what Zero thought. And he couldn't help but frown slightly at the thought of taking a bath. Kaname would want to help him but to see him naked again...

"...I don't know, I think ill be fine. Maybe I just need some water or something..." Zero let out a sigh as he rested his head back down onto the pillow. Kaname could always assume that Zero was too tired to even want to take a bath... It was obvious that he was exhausted and wanted to rest. But then again, lately, that was all that Zero wanted at any time. But he also didn't want to fall asleep in the tub...

Letting his eyes close again, he rubbed against the sore spot that their daughter was beating, usually making him wince out in pain or tighten his hand onto his shirt. Kaname probably thought he was being a big baby... But the doctor had been right about something. The baby was much stronger now the she was feeding on Kaname's blood. It was both a blessing and an annoyance, more so now than before.

He looked drained far more than he should do. It made Kaname slightly nervous. But he was drinking the correct amount of blood from him so perhaps it was just the child that was draining his energy. That tended to happen with pregnancies after all.. With a sigh and another rub on the hunters stomach, Kaname gave him yet another small smile.

"I'll get your drink if you wish. I can also get some massage oils and massage your stomach softly. It might lull our little girl into sleep. Maybe then you can sleep too" It was worth a shot, they didn't really have anything to lose at this point. But Kaname also couldn't help but frown at the fact that the hunter had avoided the bath, as if scared to allow Kaname to see him naked once again.

And even though Zero thought that making love, or.. having sex was something you could do with anyone, Kaname thought otherwise. He wouldn't give himself to just anybody, being a pureblood gave him a sort of pride. His body would not be seen by anyone willing, no. Instead the only one to see him would be the one he loved, Zero Kiryuu.

Given if Kaname ever saw Zero's past, he probably would understand that his thoughts on sex were merely a body touching another body, and nothing more. Zero's eyes were still closed as he pressed his head into the pillow, wanting nothing more than to sleep away his worries and concerns... But it probably wasn't going to happen even for a moment. Not unless they managed to convince their hyper child to sleep...

Rubbing his thumb into his stomach, the hunter finally gave a sigh in response to Kaname's idea. It was worth a shot... It wasn't as if there was anything more that they could do. It was either wait until she decided to sleep to be able to rest or instead find a way to make her sleep first. Kaname could always try to just force Zero to sleep but chances were that it wouldn't be a good idea... Not when he was trying to gain Zero's trust.

"...Go for it," Zero murmured as he felt another hard kick into his stomach, making his body stiffen up by the sharp pain. She was being a bit of a brat inside him today, maybe it had been because her parents had been 'active' before going to bed the night before. She would just have to deal with it... After all, she would only be staying inside him for about three more months.

With a nod the pureblood quickly climbed out of bed. He wasn't sure if this would have any effect on the child at all but to see Zero so tired was something he didn't wish to see. So making his way out of the room and towards the bathroom, Kaname grabbed out the oils he needed and returned to the male on the bed. Part of him hoped he would be sleeping by the time he got back but of course that wasn't the case.

"Alright, lift up your shirt and I'll start." Smiling gently at the make Kaname waited until he did as he was told and began to place the oil on his slightly stretched out skin. He didn't care of course, Zero could look hideous and he would still love him. Not that the hunter would think such a thing.

Before long he had his hands on the large bump, rubbing away gently as he tried to humm a soft tune. It was said children could hear from the womb so maybe singing her to sleep would be enough to do it. Hopefully something would work or neither males would be sleeping any time soon.

Like hell would Zero be sleeping. His eyes were drooping, but the baby inside him seemed to think that sleep was overrated for the pregnant mother... Instead she seemed to be perfectly happy with making her mother as miserable as possible. In fact, she seemed to beating her way into him by the time that Kaname had come back, seen by the way that Zero had stiffened up and had his hand tightened into the mattress. She was being relentless...

It was with some faint relief that Kaname finally came back and slid up his shirt almost immediately. He still hated the stretch marks that were already starting to form... He wondered with a little bit of grief if he would ever return back to his lean body after this pregnancy was over with. Then again, he would need to stop eating salmon and hope that cutting back on food would help. If it didn't... Then who knows what he would do.

Zero at first stiffened up as he slowly felt Kaname's warm hands beginning to light rub into the lump, the smell of the oils flowing into the air that seemed to slightly sooth the hunter. The hunter seemed to be soothed also by the soft hum that his partner was humming, and he wondered at least for a moment if this would be what they would hum to their daughter once she was born...

The soft amethyst eyes watched Kaname as he focused his attention onto his swollen stomach, and surprisingly enough, the movements inside him stopped. Maybe she was being soothed just as much... Though just as he let his eyes close and relaxed beneath Kaname's soothing touch, a strange sensation began to clutch onto his stomach.

Beneath Kaname's warm hands, the muscles that protected the womb started to tighten up, hardening up to where Kaname's fingers wouldn't be able to work loose... Seconds passed as Zero stiffened along with the sensation, and the color slowly started to slip from Zero's face as the tightness continued until slowly smoothing back out.

What... was that.

It was a strange feeling, one Kaname couldn't quite comprehend right now. The stomach beneath him had hardened like a rock for the smallest of moments. Much like a boulder replacing the soft and silky flesh beneath. It made Kaname look up in panic, unsure on what to say to the male. But like clockwork the thought entered his mind.

That was a contraction.

Panic seeped into his gaze as he shot out of the bed, his phone being produced from the nightstand a moment later. This wasn't good, not at all.. Not when they had three months left of this pregnancy and barely anything organized. They didn't even have the nursery ready yet. "I'm calling the doctor, please stay still and try remain calm"

It didn't take him long to look back at the hunters stomach as he called the doctor, itching for him to pick up... It was on the second ring that the doctor's voice came to his ears, a little surprised and asking if there was something wrong. Kaname made no attempt to be gentle... "Zero had a contraction, he may be going into labor, and you need to get here immediately." If this was indeed a contraction then they had to prepare themselves for a baby, not to mention the stress that was to follow after having a premature baby.

The doctor had obviously been surprised, stuttering for a moment before gaining back his senses. He knew just what it meant if Zero was having a contraction... At only six months old, the baby would have a hard time surviving birth... But he needed to give the baby every chance he could. Quickly agreeing and saying that he would be leaving immediately, he quickly hung up. Now it would be a race against time...

Instantly panic boiled into Zero's body as his hand pressed to his now soft stomach, his body though as stiff as stone. A contraction? But it wasn't time yet! They had three more months! She wouldn't be ready, her body wouldn't be ready yet... Nothing was ready! She could die if she was born now, and if she did live, the affects on her tiny little body could be disabling to her entire life!

But just as Zero opened his mouth to say something, to ask if the doctor could stop the contractions if she really was coming, he thought of something. ...It hadn't hurt. Contractions were supposed to be mind-blowingly painful. They were supposed to feel like his body was being ripped out then set on fire. But when his stomach had tightened up...

He had felt nothing.

That couldn't have been a contraction. And as his mind searched for answers, he quickly recalled that it wasn't uncommon to feel 'false alarms'. But if these false alarms occurred too often and were slightly painful, then it could easily be the real thing... "...K-Kaname, maybe we should wait... It might not be a real one," Zero stuttered out as he tried to rub into his stomach, to sooth the quickly squirming baby inside him.

He was hesitant to wait, what if it wasn't a fake? If these contractions were indeed real. If that happened then they would be in a situation they couldn't get out from, one where they wouldn't be able to help their child adequately. It would be a long shot for them.. But pregnant mothers were meant to know their own body so perhaps Zero was right. Though was Kaname willing to risk that?

Looking back towards the hunter with a hesitant expression, Kaname eventually nodded. He wanted to trust that Zero knew best and what better way than to prove it in a delicate situation? So sliding back onto the bed, Kaname eventually placed his hand back on the large bump. It seemed that it might be over, he could only hope..

"If you feel pain at all, you must make sure you tell me straight away. It might be a false alarm but it might also be the real thing. Babies can come early after all" It might be over protectiveness or it may just be worry.. But either way Kaname needed to know the truth from the male.

"But she can't come three months early... She won't be ready," Zero breathed out, worry deep into his voice as the thought of their darling daughter coming early and maybe not surviving the birth plagued his mind. If that would happen, then what would become of them. The loss of the child that brought them together... Would Kaname blame Zero? Had he not taken care of himself enough? Fearing the worst, Zero's slightly trembling hands rested down onto his swollen stomach, trying to rub away his worries...

Minutes silently passed by, broken only by Kaname asking if he felt anything yet, only for Zero to shake his head. But at about ten minutes since the first 'contraction' or whatever the hell it was, the tightness immediately returned. This time the hunter winced as he felt the faintest pressure with the tightening, and it seemed to last a little while longer before finally fading away... It may have been Zero panicking a bit, but that one... did sting...

"...I-is the doctor still coming?" Zero asked with a quivering voice, looking up at Kaname. She wouldn't make it if she was born now. Her lungs, heart, brain, everything wasn't ready yet. Even if she was a vampire, even with Kaname's blood... It was very rare for a child to ever survive if it was 3 entire months early. But they had to give her every chance of making it, to make sure she was alright.

"He's on the way, we have to be careful with this after all.. But if this is a false alarm im going to get everything we need ready so we don't need to stress ourselves out anymore than what we have been" Sighing a little and rubbing after the last 'contraction' Kaname looked up into amethyst eyes with concern. What would they do if they became a family so early?

The pair had only just started out this new relationship and any small thing would threaten to break it, what if the pressure of a family was all too much for them? It would be hard for everyone involved, especially their little girl. It was something he didn't want to think about it he couldn't help it.

"It's going to be alright, we will be alright.. Our child will be just fine" It was as if he was saying this to himself, to give hope that they would be fine. But merely saying this wasn't enough, it was why he grabbed hold of the others hand and brought it to his lips, planting a gentle kiss on the back of the others hand.

The fingers unexpectedly tightened around Kaname's fingers as the tightness began to return back into Zero's body, this time a bit too quick for comfort. What the hell was wrong with him and the baby... If she was coming now, then would she have to be cut out? Would it hurt Zero as much as he though it would? Would he even survive if he lost too much blood? Trying not to whimper or give any hint of his fear, he kept his fingers tight around Kaname's hand until the tightness passed.

It had been longer this time... And the slight pressure was still there. It made Zero squirm slightly at the sensation, as if wanting to shake the feeling out of him by moving around. He wanted to get up and walk around a little bit... But once he mentioned that, he quickly forgot the idea at Kaname's sudden paleness, saying that moving around may only quicken the contractions and the labor, if that was what this was.

Time passed anxiously for them as they awaited for the doctor to finally come back. He must know the seriousness of the situation if Kaname said that Zero may be having contractions... He would know more than anything that it could be deadly if that was true. But as they waited, Zero's hand remained locked with Kaname's as he rubbed his stomach, as if doing his best to convince her that it was better to stay inside of him right now...

Just as Zero feared that another contraction was about to come over his body, the sound of a man starting to rush his way up the stairs came to his ears. Good, he was here... Though he feared that he was in bigger trouble than he thought since the doctor had not even stopped to allow Kaname into the home at all. He at least knocked on the door to the bedroom, saying that he was here to tend to Zero. Now they could get some answers...

What choice did the doctor really have if I were a situation like this? He would deal with the repercussions later if the pureblood was angry with him. For now his mate needed to be seen, and he was sure they were mated.. That thought was only magnified as he was allowed into the room and the two were in the bed together.

But the look on the pairs faces was one that made him get into action quickly. After being told what was happening with the young hunter, the doctor knelt beside the bed and put a few pads connected to wires onto his stomach, linking it up to his laptop. This device measured each contraction and told him whether it was the real deal or not. Hopefully it wasn't the real thing yet, the males passage hadn't even come through yet meaning they would need to have an emergency C section.

That would be hard to explain at the hospital..

After ten or so minutes the silverette on the bed started to tense once more, the pureblood next to him shifting nervously as eyes looked at the device hooked to the others stomach. The doctor stared intensely on the screen as he tapped in a few commands, reading just exactly what the muscles were doing, if they were contracting or simply just tightening... It took a few tense minutes as he made absolutely sure that what he was seeing was correct before he finally looked back to the two, and thankfully, with a faint smile on his face.

"You don't need to worry, you're experiencing Braxton hicks. Its just something your body goes through to prepare you for pregnancy. If this happens again time them, if they are within 5 minutes apart you must call me immediately"

So they weren't going to have her early... A breath of relief finally escaped Zero as he leaned back into bed, letting his eyes finally close as relief washed over his body. He let his body finally relax into the mattress as he stroked his hand over his swollen stomach, feeling the soft movements beneath his palm.

"You little fucker..." Zero sighed as he caressed over his stomach. He wanted nothing more than to finally rest away and try to relax. But after the scare that she gave them, it was obvious that he hunter was going to be much more worried if that ever happened again. If he had another hick anytime soon, he probably would think the worst...

Actually, he probably stayed calmer than Kaname. After all, he had read before hand about all the troubles with pregnancy and hicks were at the top. Now he knew what he was in for... Though he wondered if there was really a large distinction between hicks and contractions, at least at the very beginning... Though with this scare aside, now they at least knew that they needed to get their asses going in preparing for the baby

Kaname gently slapped the hunters arm as he swore at their child, knowing he didn't mean it but wanting to punish him anyway. After all he shouldn't get into the habit of swearing at the girl. But the doctor smiled anyway, ignoring the mini squabble going on before him. He could see the difference in both males faces at the news after all, how much happier they were now that they knew they had more time.

"If that is all then I'll take my leave" At that Kaname turned to the silverette, glancing at him as if asking if he was asking if he had any more questions. He didn't himself, he had asked the doctor earlier or even looked up things for himself. It was a surprise that he hadn't realized about the hicks earlier.. None of it mattered now though, not when they knew Zero was finally safe and they wouldn't have their daughter with them tonight. It would have been nice in a way but neither were quite prepared for something like this, at least not yet.

Zero of course had no other questions that he could think of at the moment... But the moment that Kaname was going to send the doctor away, a swirl of questions would overcome him. Like how would he know a contraction from a hick, what to do to possibly stop contractions if they start too early... But of course the hunter thought of none of this now.

Shaking his head slightly, the hunter instead settled himself back into the mattress to attempt to sleep again. Though the baby inside him seemed to be more than happy to kick away any thought of sleep... Even now she was grumpily nudging against their hands, as if wanting the doctor to go away just so she could scare her parents once more. Hopefully she would let them rest easy at least for the rest of the night...

And almost right on time to make sure that she would be tormenting her parents, Zero's stomach once again tightened beneath Kaname's soft hand, though no pain was felt. All Zero did was groan in irritation as he rubbed away at the tenseness, hoping that she would knock it off soon so that they could all take it easy and get some rest.

Smiling a little through the hunters obvious discomfort, the doctor quickly bowed his head and left the room. From there Kaname started to rub away at the others stomach once again, hoping he would make their child fall asleep. Perhaps so much salmon made her a little livelier than usual. It was something they may have to keep an eye on.

Once the doctor was definitely gone, Kaname glanced up into amethyst eyes with a look of compassion across his face. "I'll stay up as long as you do and do anything you ask of me. I'll keep trying to get her to fall asleep too" With a few more rubs against the others swollen stomach, Kaname once again began to hum a soft tune. It seemed to calm her down last time..

But after a while he quickly leaned down and pressed his lips to the males stomach as if he were in fact giving their child a kick goodnight. It seemed that the kicks were starting to slow down for now, allowing them to relax just a little bit.

The tightness faded away slowly from his stomach, allowing the hunter to find a more comfortable position on the bed. It would only take a few moments for him to get comfortable but then again, it would take even less time for her to disrupt it as well. Though as Kaname slowly massaged into his stomach, and even pressed a kiss to the swell, it slowly made a slight smirk cross to Zero's face as he watched...

It seemed like it was going to take time for them to get comfortable enough for both to sleep. They might as well do something while Kaname was lulling their girl to sleep... Allowing his softened eyes to close, he thought for a few moments before running his thumb against the side of the swell, to where he hoped her head was. "...we still need to think of a name," he murmured, focusing on feeling what he could beneath the surface.

He nearly hoped that he would be able to feel the curve of her head, but all he could feel was the slight muscle that surrounded the womb, to protect it. Maybe it would be best that he couldn't feel it... It would protect her from anything that could happen, from any harm... Though he slowly continued to feel away, hoping.

It was possible for parents to feel some of the child through the stomach. It was another thing Kaname had read about.. There were even cases where you could see a full foot if the child kicked out far enough. That sight would be one the two males would cherish for a long time, how often was it that you saw your child's feet before they were even born?

Zero though had been thinking about other things, things that they should have really discussed long ago. After all if she decided to come early then what would they call her? They couldn't very well call her baby all the time, eventually they would have to come up with something. Luckily for them though she had decided to stay in a little longer, allowing them more time..

"Well, I like Naomi. What do you think? Or is it too Americanized?" He was choosing simple names of course, Zero had told him exactly how he felt on the more fancy ones. He would steer clear of those, he didn't wish to upset a hormonal mother after all..

Zero, on the other hand... couldn't help but think of how disturbing that was going to look. Having a foot push out of his stomach? Wouldn't that get a little gross or weird? But maybe he would feel different when it actually happens... Sighing softly as he listened to Kaname's idea of a name, he slowly rubbed a little deeper into his stomach, hoping that it would help soothe their little girl.

"...Naomi is nice. I like more American names," Zero murmured as he shifted a little bit on the bed. He wondered if he should have asked the doctor when his hips should stop hurting but instead it seemed like it wouldn't matter what he said... His body was going to do the opposite. "...Naomi sounds like a cat name though. My mother almost named a stray Naomi."

A sad smirk found his face at the thought. His mother was truly the most soft hearted person he ever knew... She would frequently plead his father to be able to take in every injured stray or wild animal that she found while hunting. He wondered if she would still be that way if she was still alive...

Kaname nodded his head in understanding, not wanting to bring up the subject of his mother too much. He knew how upset the hunter could get over such a thing and it would be cruel of him to bring it up on purpose. Perhaps one day they would speak of such things, allowing one another to know their pasts. Though Kaname might need a while to explain all of his.

"Alright, then we won't do Naomi. What about.. Sophie?" It was an alright name, though not all that striking. If their little girl wanted to have anything to do with their lines of work then perhaps Sophie wouldn't be the best. He would listen to the hunters opinion on that of course, they both needed to agree on something.

"If you don't like that, was there any in particular you liked? Or were you just wanting to see what I fancy?" Smiling a little as he continued to rub the males stomach, Kaname glanced up at the hunter. They were finally going that step further to choose a name.. This was all happening so fast.

Kaname could write a series on his past life... Zero's life was one that Kaname probably already had memorized. Though the hunter was at least glad that he understood not wanting to have Naomi as a name for their daughter... It would have been much too painful for him to say that name only to think of his mother's soft heart every moment... Letting his eyes slightly open again, he watched as Kaname rubbed his stomach.

He did have such warm, soft hands... They were careful and guiding as they slowly caressed over his stomach, making sure to never make a wrong move that may damage their little girl inside. "...Sophie is a little boring and a little bland. How about something like... Grace or Hope." Zero was hoping for a slightly short name, and one that wasn't overused in Japanese...

His thumb started to slow on his stomach as he focused onto his thoughts, but it seemed like they were trying to put him to sleep as well... Finally he could feel the warmth of sleep coming over his body, the drowsiness that attempted to pull him under... And for once their daughter was behaving underneath her father's steady hand, as if soothed by the touch just as much as Zero was.

"I'm.. Not sure about those names, they don't seem to suit our family so much. Regardless of her last name it wouldn't seem to click with either." That was something else they needed to think about.. What last name would they give their child? Kaname had a suspicion that he wouldn't want to call her a Kuran but Kaname didn't very well want to call her Kiryuu either..

It was going to be hard for them to choose, but didn't children often have the fathers last name? Especially if they were together. Then again what was typical about these two? Nothing. Maybe they could have her be a unique name, maybe theirs mashed together.. It was worth thinking about, after all she would be a new breed of vampire.

After a few moments more of massaging the hunters stomach though, Kaname eventually slid his hands away. She had stopped kicking for now and they seemed to be safe with just talking. Hopefully they wouldn't wake her with the noise they were making.

"Damn..." Zero softly murmured as he felt Kaname's hands slowly slide away from his stomach. It seemed that the names may not work... But Zero was also assuming that Kaname wouldn't shove her in command of the Kuran clan. She was much too delicate to be thrown into the line of work like that... And they wouldn't accept her anyway, as she didn't have 'pure blood' like her father. Hopefully she wouldn't be thrown into that...

Letting his head tuck deeper into the pillow, he tried his best to contain the will to fall asleep right there... But they were trying to think of a name for their daughter. That was more important than a nap. His thumb contined to softly run over the swell as he tried to think of what to call her... "How about..." Zero murmured as he tried t think. There had to be something...

"..Delilah." There. It was sweet, gentle, but it was just good enough to call a possible leader. Zero had actually thought of naming her Sakura, after his mother... But that would simply be too painful to stand. Especially if she ended up looking a bit like her. But Delilah could work. That is if Kaname agreed... Though it was obvious that he didn't want to come close to discussing last names.

"I'm not a fan of Delilah's so perhaps not. I don't wish to cringe every time I hear her name." Kaname was a bit of a flower snob one could say, the fancy and expensive type seemed to be his favorite. That's not to say that if Zero got him something else he wouldn't appreciate it, he would love anything Zero gave him.. But that was beside the point, they were thinking of names not gifts.

"Jasmine is nice if you wish to stick to those types of names" It would fit well with their last names too, something which would prove to be a bit of a pain to fit. Of course if they couldn't agree on something today they still had three months to come up with something, some parents don't even name their children until after the birth anyway.

He had a suspicion that Zero wasn't going to be one of those parents though, he wanted to be prepared, to be ready in every way for this child. Curling himself into the other just slightly as he buried himself into the pillows, Kaname glanced up at the male in waiting..

Jasmine wasn't too bad. Though he couldn't understand why he reused to even give Delilah a chance... It made the hunter softly glare at Kaname for his choice, but that also was more because of a mood swing than anything else. He was still a little cranky at the moment... He wanted his sleep. So grumpily, he pulled the blanket up over his body and tucked it tight.

This would be when his mood would once again shift right before Kaname's eyes... One moment, they were comfortably talking with one another about a name for the baby. And now he was burying himself into the blankets, a scowl over his face. "Whatever, jasmine will work..." Zero grumbled as he turned his head away from Kaname. Maybe they would have to discuss this again a different time. Kaname knew after all that when he got into or of his moods that he would need to simmer by himself for a while... Though he didn't seem to be quite finished at growling at Kaname.

"And start working on the nursery. If she came today, she'd be sleeping in the sock drawer an there's no way in hell that I'm doing that," Zero grumbled as he pulled the blanket over his head. Al he wanted was to relax and rest away, but he had to deal with the fact that they had no nursery to make this better for their little girl if she came soon... This might have been a wake up call.

He was a little taken aback at the sudden mood change but didn't question the males motives. He didn't wish to start another argument, especially after the day they had.. So with a little reluctance he pulled the blanket over himself and gave the silverette a quick kiss on the cheek. He did need sleep and perhaps now that their daughter had calmed down he would get just that.

"I'll start on it tomorrow, I have catalogues I bought earlier for this occasion. We can pick out the colors and the furniture you want, then I can set up everything completely. It will be done in no time." Getting the furniture out of the way would be biggest part and the part they would most likely argue over.. Kaname would want the expensive things while Zero the more convenient.

Though they could agree on a middle ground perhaps, depends on both of their moods.. Hopefully Zeros moodswing would have passed by tomorrow allowing them both to speak rationally about this. But right now sleep was the most important thing, so Kaname allowed himself to sink into the pillows.

But it didn't seem that the hunter was willing to sleep alone on his side of the bed... Slowly the hunter crept his way a little closer to Kaname's side, letting himself rest into the crook of his body. Even if he was grumpy, at least he might be wishing to keep himself warm. Slowly the hunter dropped his head onto Kaname's chest. Hopefully he could eventually settle down and they could sleep... Or at least attempt.

"..good night," he softly grumbled, and he used his way of making sure that anything that could have been kind to make it into a threat. From there he slowly dropped his head down completely and let himself rest and relax... Him and his daughter needed their sleep now that she had finally stopped kicking away. Though soon enough, the hunters breathing evened out... It didn't seem like he would give Kaname a chance to make up or even ask just why his moods were swinging around because...

Zero finally was asleep. His soft breathing rasped sometimes as he would have to adjust his body, making sure that his previous swell wasn't pressed into the bed. But hopefully the softness of the bed helped to keep his baby safe. His hand remained pressed into his stomach, sometimes feeling the soft movements beneath. She was still a little lively... But she was slowly easing herself into sleep. It would let the three of them try to get over this rather eventful day, hoping that tomorrow would be just a little bit easier on them...

Soooo cuuuuuute~ Poor Kaname was so panicked when he thought little baby was coming :3 but it seems that Zero's instincts are still strong~ They're getting closer together, it won't be long now until they finally are together~ Hopefully they can figure out a name for their little one... Though next chapter will be about just how Zero's body is developing along. He is getting tired of his hips being the way they are, after all~

-J

Reviews answered:

First let me say that you all make my day that much brighter when I see you all giving reviews and telling me just what you think of my story~ I love each and every one of them and I thank every one of you who take the time to read this little story of this little family~ It means the world to me!

ben4kevin: Thank you thank you~ And I do love this pregnancy, to make it as real as possible :3

Sake-chan: That won't be revealed for quite a while! Maybe not until the second arc, though the second arc will begin right after the baby is born. What do you think happened to him? I'm giving a few little hints here and there :3

L: I like knowing that someone's there keeping an eye on my writing ;3 I love it~

Winged-Ashes: Update for chu!

kanamexzero fan: You're very welcome :3

irmina: Awwwwwwwww~! Thank you sooooo so so so so much! :3 I'm glad that my writing has an impact and I hope that it will only get better from here~! Zero's past is dark and hopefully you're right and Kaname will tell him he loves him all over again :3

cyhap: Maybe Kaname will return the favor and open up about his past too :3 But hopefully not until after the pregnancy! The last thing Zero needs is a big shocker!