Author's Note:
Hello all! I am back. And with more Hirogo too. Anyways, I received a lot of feedback asking me to continue the story of the soon-to-be parents and while I often fall victim to fan prodding, this one stems from a desire to continue as well. Though, when I began writing this story, I expected it to be about as long as the previous one. That was, however, not the case. This one is far longer and far more in depth (I think and I hope). So, what I have done is I have broken the writing up into smaller, bite-size chunks that are going to be chapters of this story. And every Wednesday (hopefully) I plan to upload the next chapter. I hope you all enjoy and stick around for this one. And yes, there is smut, you just gotta wait a bit for it. Sorry :(
Before I go, I also want to add that I apologize in advance for any mistakes I concerning the topic of pregnancy. I have never been pregnant myself and if you spot any mistakes I make, I do ask that you comment or message me, letting me know where I messed up and how to fix it.
In for five, hold. Out for five, hold.
Breathe.
In for five. Hold. Out for five. Hold.
Breathe.
In for five.
Hold…
Out…..Shit.
"C'mon, Hiro," Gogo soothed, "We need to tell them."
Her hand rubbed against his back, circling in small rotations. Both were terrified. But Gogo knew she needed to hold together, if not for herself then for Hiro. Though the fear she possessed ran far deep. She would be the one to face the consequences if things went poorly. She would be the one to face charges if they were pressed.
She was the one who had everything to lose.
Gogo and Hiro stood before the glass panes of the Lab, darkness exuding behind them like a horror coming for the silent kill. And within the light facing them, just beyond the fogged glass, would either be their redeemer or their devil. That fear, that notion that quakes within them, rattling upon the cages of their minds, possessed three forms. Forms of people they trusted. People they cared about. People they had specifically called to join them deep in the recesses of night.
Those people-Fred, Honey Lemon, and Wasabi-all awaited them and the urgent news just beyond the opaque veil between. And in this moment, Gogo understood how it felt to be Schrodinger's Cat; neither accepted nor hated yet simultaneously both. Neither alive. Nor dead.
But the moment was too long and neither her nor her partner spoke. Neither moved. It was hesitation. Should they open the box? Or was it better to not have the answers? To run? Gogo shook her head. She knew she needed to do this, outcome be damned. If she loved someone, why is it wrong? If that shared love blooms into a beautiful assembly of life, why shouldn't she have it? Cherish it, even?
And, with a deep inhalation of breath, she peered at Hiro before taking the step and opening the doors. It was now she'd know, was she dead or alive?
Entering the bright laboratory, projects of too many students littered about on tables and desks ahead of her-some even on the floor-she spotted Fred, Honey Lemon, and Wasabi talking. It was a rather heated discussion, with Fred once again seeking the impossible to fulfill his comic dreams. Only to be shot down each time by the others. As the door clicked, closed, they stopped. And they turned.
"Gogo, Hiro, please! You gotta help me! They keep saying that a radioactive lion biting someone wouldn't give them its abilities." Fred pleaded, insisting that his comic book awareness and knowledge was legitimate. And scientific.
"I-" she began.
"A lion introduced to radioactive isotopes would not be able to survive!" Wasabi quickly butt in, continuing the argument.
And for a moment, Gogo felt calmed. Her fears ebbing away into the depths of her thoughts.
"Wasabi's right, Fred," Honey Lemon stated, crossing her arms, "But that's not why we're here. Gogo? Hiro?"
Like the Speed Queen herself, the thoughts raced back to capitalize her. And Hiro, who cautiously stepped up next to her, looked just as terrified.
"Is everything okay? It sounded pretty important when you messaged us," Honey inquired. Her concern and care evident in her words and the worried look upon her face. Wasabi and Fred stopped bickering and turned back to face Gogo and Hiro.
"Uh, yeah…" Hiro began, his hands rubbing one another anxiously.
With a deep breath, Gogo knew she needed to be the one to rip the metaphorical bandage off.
"I'm leaving Big Hero 6."
RIIIP!
Honey's face was the first to drop and the one to hurt most. She was always cheerful, always happy to help with enthusiasm. But it was gone for that moment. And then Fred and Wasabi's faces followed.
"What?!" All three questioned at the same time.
"How come? We still haven't found our arch nemesis yet!" Fred cried out.
Hiro turned to look up at Gogo. And Gogo turned to him. A near silent communication, spoken through the eyes and the sounds of deep, trembling breaths. Then she turned back to the others.
"I'm pregnant," she answered.
Silence.
And the fear began to eat away at her. It tore at her chest, clawing, biting and scratching like a feral animal spurred on by ignorant children. Only she could feel it. And she hurt. Despite her stature as the woman who held herself high, no matter what, she was crumbling. And the seconds felt like minutes. Then false minutes became fabricated hours. It was as if, to Gogo, the world had stopped.
Then it started again as a single question was posed:
"Who's the father?" Wasabi asked, arms crossed over his defined torso.
Gogo's eyes screwed shut as she opened her mouth. And she replied, "Hiro."
There were no shocking gasps. No cries of her disgusting nature. Nor sharp pain upon her cheek that followed an even sharper crack.
"Called it! Told ya they were together," Fred cried, triumphant.
Then her eyes shot open. And she saw Wasabi pull out a few slips of money before passing it over with a shocked face. Though she wasn't sure if it was shock over the nature of her future child's father. Or simply that Fred had been right on a bet for once. The best she could do and hope for was the latter rather than the former. But then she saw Honey Lemon's face. It was dumbfounded and judging. This was where Gogo's fear stemmed from, boiling within her.
"Congrats you two!" Fred cheered, a wide smile plastered across his face.
Wasabi smirked, "Yeah, congratulations." Then he walked over to Gogo and Hiro before bringing them into a tight embrace. And he whispered, "Take care of yourself, Gogo."
As they separated, Hiro chuckled, "Geez, you sound as though she is leaving everyone. She's only leaving Big Hero 6. Right?"
"Of co-" Gogo began, only to be cut off.
"Excuse me, but does no one else see the issue here?" Honey finally spoke. Her voice was harsh, the exact opposite of her usual nature.
None of the others replied. They all looked at her as though she had been the one in the wrong. Gogo and Hiro looked at her, saddened. And Gogo felt the pain of her chest constricting, her throat clenching. She shouldn't have opened the box. Honey continued.
"Hiro isn't even an adult yet! And now he's going to be a father?! Doesn't anyone see the problem here?!" Her voice began to raise. Hysterical.
The first one to speak was Wasabi.
"We know, but it doesn't matter. What's done is done." He calmly replied.
"Yeah! And love is love!" Fred blurted out before turning to the soon-to-be parents, "You two love each other, right?"
Gogo nodded, silent. And her hand slowly moved to capture Hiro's entwining fingers.
"Fred's right, Honey. Love is love. And Hiro is older than the age of consent," added Wasabi.
"And that means that he should be a father? He's hardly an adolescent!"
"He gave his consent, Honey. So it is up to him to take responsibility for his actions. Besides, he's far more mature and intelligent than anyone his age. Who else graduated highschool at thirteen and joined college at fourteen?" Wasabi began to tap his foot, his irritation at Honey's blatant disrespect apparent.
As Honey opened her mouth to speak, Fred stepped in front of her, blocking her from Gogo and Hiro. And he spoke, louder than her.
"Sorry about Honey, guys. Me and Wasabi can take care of it. Congrats again. See you guys in class?"
Gogo and Hiro nodded. "See you in class, Fred. And thank you," said Gogo.
"Anytime!" Wasabi called out to them, pulling Honey Lemon aside.
"Oh! If you guys ever need ideas for names, I can help." Fred blurted out. Which earned a chuckle from the parents-to-be.
"Thanks, Fred, but we're not there yet," replied Gogo.
With a nod to Fred and from him, Gogo and Hiro turned towards the doors of the lab. And now standing within the light, they realized the darkness from before was nothing to be afraid of. Regardless of what may lurk within. Hand in hand, they left the building, leaving the growing argument between Wasabi, Fred, and Honey Lemon behind. And they entered the cool darkness, heading for home.
"A-are you staying over tonight?" Hiro questioned as they walked along the sidewalk.
"Yup," Gogo replied, matter of factly.
Hiro simply nodded, a timid smile on his face. "Are you going to sneak out in the morning?" He then asked.
Gogo didn't respond immediately. Instead, she just continued to walk with her boyfriend. Surprisingly, the city of San Fransokyo was quiet. Few cars passed and way off in the distance the sirens of paramedics could be heard wailing. Besides that, it was just them. Beneath the orange iridescence of street lamps that occasionally flicker and flash with age. And their hands never waved from the other's as they passed street after street.
It wasn't long before the cafe was in sight. Just a few blocks away. And each step they took, they neared. With each step, Gogo felt the same fear as before. Alive? Or dead? But she stuck to her guns and continued on.
"We have to tell her, Hiro," said Gogo suddenly.
"I-I know. I just haven't figured out how," he stammered, "I…I don't know how she'll take it."
Gogo lovingly squeezed his hand.
"We can't keep hiding behind her back. I'm only going to get bigger and more noticeable and I won't be able to sneak out all the time."
Hiro nodded, understanding.
"It's better if we tell her tomorrow rather than wait to get caught," Gogo continued. Slowly, she came to a stop and turned towards Hiro. And she looked him in the eyes as she spoke, "No matter what, you'll still have me. And I'll have you. I love you, Hiro."
"I love you too, Gogo."
Though he said it earnestly and honestly, his thoughts and fears dwelled at the forefront of his mind. It's weight upon him wavering his voice and drooping his face. And Gogo noticed. Though, as much as she wanted to help him, to quench his fears, she couldn't. Not when her own matched and rivaled his. Hell, she wouldn't even know where to begin. One hell of a girlfriend she was. Still, she did what she hoped would help, at least a bit. She pulled him close, wrapping her arms around him and letting his head rest upon her chest.
She didn't expect any reaction from him, understanding that his mind had a lot to deal with at the time. But she was surprised when his own arms wrapped around her torso and he pressed his body closer to hers. They remained like this for a short period of time, doused in orange flickering lights, stood in front of businesses and suburban houses closed for the night. Eventually, Hiro pulled away, looking up to her with a wordless 'Thank you.' And he began to walk the rest of the way to the cafe, Gogo's hand still in his own while the other sulked in his hoodie.
A minute later, the pair arrived at the darkened building that was the Lucky Cat Cafe. And, pulling out the key, Hiro opened the door and entered with his girlfriend. It was silent in the darkness. Still. Lifeless. And once more, in the depths of that blackened interior, the shadows called out. They taunted the fears pestering the pair. Urging them to fall away, victims to their own minds.
For all Gogo was worth, she nary fell to the fictitious mimicries. But a hand clutching hers pulled her out of that void.
A lifeline.
And though she wouldn't know it, she was Hiro's as well. A pair deeply entwined, held together and keeping the other afloat. Afloat within a sea of trepidation, panic, hatred, and long hidden sorrow. Vast as the Earth, deeper than eternity.
Soon enough, the darkness parted as, ascending the stairs, flickering grayish-white light flashed. It slipped through the parted door of Cass's room, accompanied by the quieted sounds of old Kaiju films. Yet still, the building felt empty, devoid of life. As Hiro stepped up onto the first stair leading to his room, Gogo jumped.
"Ah!" She cried, startled by a fat bundle of fur suddenly appearing and rubbing against her trademark leggings. "Mochi!" She growled. But the cat didn't budge.
"Meow!" Responded the fluffy cat.
"Shoo!" Gogo lightly nudged Mochi with her foot, "Go!"
Nothing. Well, until Hiro released Gogo's hand to pick up the bundle of fur and carefully toss him away. But, as a cat will do, he quickly shuffled over to the retreating pair. And he nearly made it, before Hiro snatched him up again. Then he walked over to Aunt Cass's room and tossed him in before shutting the door.
With the escape from the overweight cat, Hiro returned to Gogo and they finished their ascent. Overall, the room hadn't changed much. The only difference was the sudden appearance of a few women's accessories upon the desk. Ones that often get overlooked with quick glances. It also helped that they were darkly colored, as the speedster often preferred. Well, besides purple. But the pair hardly spared a look at the room before shuffling out of their shoes and gathering their nightwear to change into.
Hiro's was a simple pair of shorts and an old tee shirt. Gogo's was a flip-of-a-coin between a shirt and panties or a shirt and a stolen pair of shorts from her boyfriend. Tonight was shorts.
After undressing and slipping into their chosen outfits for the night, they shuffled beneath the covers of the bed. They laid on their sides, Gogo spooning Hiro (though she wished it was the other way around) and holding him close. Neither moved and they let the darkness envelope them. The pregnant silence returned. The only sounds were the soft inhalation and exhalation of each other's breaths, asynchronous.
"I grew up in foster homes." Gogo softly stated, the silence broken for a moment. No immediate response came. Just soft, quiet breaths. And right as she thought Hiro may have been asleep, he shuffled and turned to face her.
"What?" His voice was soft, like a child afraid and swallowed in misery.
"When I was born," she began, taking a deep breath, "my parents decided they no longer wanted me. I was too much for them. Six months. That's all it took for them to shift thought and get rid of me. I don't know who they are. I don't want to. I spent years of my life bouncing from foster family to foster family. Some tried to keep a claim over me simply for money. Others, like my parents, decided I was too much. No matter how much I tried, it was never enough. I was too rambunctious or too jaded for their peaceful households. But I still tried.
"The last home I was in, I thought, were the ones. I thought that if I did everything right, they'd adopt me. I was sixteen. I held out hope. Only to be pushed out as soon as I turned eighteen. I was on my own. No family. No friends. Hardly an education. At least, until Callaghan found me in the bot circuits. And he offered me a scholarship. I was living in a place I could hardly afford with the shillings I earned from bot fighting. But after I joined the school, given access to materials I never had before, I managed to find a short job that paid well. I moved to the apartment I have now. I made lasting friendships-a family-with everyone.
"And then you showed up." She wiped her eyes, clearing the tears beginning to form, "You flipped my world upside down. For the better. I became a superhero, getting paid more than I rightfully should have. I fell in love. And now I'm building an actual family. With you. What I'm trying to say is; I never knew my family, but I know they were jerks. You have Cass and she is the kindest, best person I've ever known. I can't tell you how many times I've wished she were my mother. But the point is that I know she'd never leave you, Hiro. She cares about you. And if my hunch is correct, you're really the only family she has left as well. So even if she does get a little upset tomorrow, she'll have your back. I know it."
"Gogo, wow, I….I didn't know." Hiro stammered out, lagging behind slightly. Then, all of a sudden, he pulled her close and whispered to her, "Thank you."
Gogo smiled, a somber smile.
"I love you," he said.
"I love you too," she choked out.
In each other's arms, they remained, tired and drained from the mental olympics they just went through. And eventually, both began to drift to sleep, peaceful in each other's arms. But eventually, Hiro's head shifted on his pillow.
"So you were a bot fighter?" He asked, quiet.
Gogo chuckled and pulled him closer.
"Yup. Not as good as you were, apparently. I can't tell you how many times I patched up Leiko. And you never had to fix your robot once."
"Oh, well, I think it's still cool."
His head dropped back to the pillow and in the silence they slept. As they slept, they dreamt of weirdly absurd things, their future, and the day ahead of them. In the midst of the night, as they tossed and turned, Hiro wound up spooning Gogo. Perhaps it was by her own design. Or purely by accident. It was hard to say.