He bolted awake, a sharp pain had pulled him from his sleep. Ellen was sitting up, arms wrapped around her stomach breathing deeply and groaning.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't know, I just woke up to pain. It feels like I'm being pulled apart from the inside."
She squeezed her eyes shut taking in one more deep breath to try alleviate the pain and just as suddenly as it arrived it was gone.
He pulled the blanket down and both of them froze, staring at her stomach.
"That's not possible…"
She turned to Alastor hoping maybe he had an explanation. Based on his puzzled expression, he was just as lost.
She lightly touched her abdomen, almost afraid she was simply imagining it. Her hand rested on her stomach that was now obviously distended, and not just by a little bit. She couldn't hide it now, not even with the right type of clothing. So much for keeping it secret.
"I suppose nine months is a bit too long a wait for our little one."
She turned and glared. "Not funny."
He shrugged off her comment, laying back down like it wasn't an abnormal thing to just have been pushed through some sort of growth spurt.
"Well we know it's likely more demon than mortal so it could make sense for it to progress faster. Gestation changes based on species."
She didn't seem convinced but asked anyway. "Okay, so what's a deer's gestation period look like?"
"Seven and a half months roughly."
Her face scrunched up. "Why do you know that? You didn't even have to think about it."
"I hunted deer often while I was alive. It's good to know when the does are a bit more skittish. I suppose I've been thinking about it after finding out you were with child."
She shook her head, her gaze back down. It looked so surreal.
She looked at her clothes on the floor beside the bed. She wasn't too sure if they would still fit now. She let out a sigh, figuring she might as well try.
She started with her pants already knowing it was a waste of time. A two inch gap was now present between the button and its hole.
She pulled on her bra and stared at it in defeat. Apparently it wasn't just her stomach that had changed. It looked like her tits had gone up a whole cup size.
She blinked back tears. It seemed stupid to cry over something so trivial. It was just clothes. But that wasn't what upset her, it was the fact they didn't fit anymore. And not just because it was a bit tight, no they were completely unwearable now. She had put in so much effort to hide it and now she was going to have to try and explain how she got pregnant. She didn't have an answer aside from the obvious 'birds and bees' talk.
She pulled off her pants and bra and climbed back into bed scooting all the way over to Alastor curling up into herself the best she could with the bigger baby bump. She could just hide in bed. Maybe until this was over with. Maybe forever. She didn't need to leave the bed right?
He must have seen the whole ordeal because he chuckled lightly as she snuggled in closer to him.
"It's not funny," she pouted.
"You understand that outgrowing certain pieces of clothing is expected throughout this process, yes?"
"That's not the point," she mumbled under her breath. "What am I supposed to do with this?" She waved to her stomach.
"Enjoy the experience?"
She sat up quickly glaring daggers at him. "Don't you dare go on about the 'joys' of motherhood and what a 'lovely' experience this is supposed to be. I am absolutely miserable, no thanks to you."
Alastor sat up and stretched before he turned to her with a soft smile.
"It takes two to tango, ma cherie. Besides…" He pulled her chin up to get a better look at her face, ignoring the angry expression. "...you should be elated, you are positively glowing."
Ellen rolled her eyes pulling her face from his grasp. "Oh cut the shit Alastor. I'm a goddamn mess."
"Alas, you are my mess," he sighed playfully. "Signed, sealed and delivered, unfortunately." He waved the contract up like he was proving his point. His eyes watching her with a wide tooth grin stretched across his face.
She couldn't keep the anger, giving him a stern look that didn't stay more than a few seconds before her smile broke through. "You sure you don't regret getting stuck with this for the rest of eternity?" She gestured to herself.
He took a long moment pretending to mull it over, his eyes watching her for her reaction. When he didn't get a rise out of her he shook his head, a hand waving the contract away.
"I regret nothing. Decisions and choices were made with the current knowledge available at the time. I see no point in looking back at what could have been."
"You really regret nothing?"
He gave her a light nod. "Regret implies that there is something to feel bad or sorry for. Things happen regardless of our choices. Seems a bit foolish to waste time and effort on wishing things were different. We must adapt and overcome."
She raised an eyebrow not believing him. Everyone had regrets, even if at the time the decision was right, no one could control the outcome every time. Surely there had to be something.
"Now, let's get you ready for the day, yes?"
She nodded, though she still wasn't feeling too confident about having to interact with anyone. She couldn't hide in his room forever, even though that's what she really wanted at the moment.
"What would you like to wear today?"
She flipped between something cute or something oversized to hide in. After mulling it over for a few moments she decided she wanted to feel good today, in hopes of pushing past the rough morning so far.
"I think a simple dress would be nice."
"As you wish."
A quick snap had her dressed in a blue summery floral print dress. She didn't like that her belly button had popped though, that made it near impossible to hide. But to her joy, it did make her boobs look fantastic. This would definitely work. She finally smiled, crawling out of bed to get a better look at herself.
He must not have realized the amount of cleavage she now had to display because his cheeks reddened a bit upon finding her as exposed as she was. He was just about to correct it when she stopped him.
"No. These are for me. I want to feel good and this makes my boobies look great."
He looked like he was going to argue, but stopped himself with a huff.
She watched him as he made his way to the bathroom, her eyes had fixed themselves on his tail. She was glad it grew back. She wondered if their kid would have one. She may be a bit jealous if that was the case, being the only one without one. It was just so darn cute.
She turned to find the deer carcass was still on the table just inside the bayou. Nope, there was a part of her that was curious if it still made her mouth water but she didn't feel like indulging that curiosity. She grimaced at the sight.
She took a slow breath silently hoping one one else was awake yet. Would it be easier if she broke the news to everyone separately, limiting the amount of energy she'd have to deal with or simply tell everyone at once; get it done quickly like ripping off a Band-Aid. Probably the latter.
Ellen stood nervously in Alastor's office, trying to pace, but the movement was a little awkward, still adjusting to the added weight and change in her center of gravity. She was grateful she wasn't at the point of waddling yet, but she did have to remove her shoes, her feet swelling causing them to pinch.
Alastor was beyond excited at the prospect of showing her off to the rest of the hotel. He had Charlie gather everyone for a special announcement and he looked like he could barely contain himself.
The image brought a smile to her face. She may hate that he had made her go through with the pregnancy, but now, despite the rough beginning, she was excited that he seemed so over the moon about it all.
She slowly paced around the room, one hand on her back in a lame attempt to null the ache there. It didn't help. Were people going to be mad about this? The last time she and Alastor had kept certain things hidden it resulted in Vaggie almost kicking her out. That definitely wouldn't be a worry now, but she didn't want to be the cause of more trouble.
The baby kicked, a small pain shot up her side. She gave it a disapproving look. It was a feisty little thing it seemed.
The door opened and Alastor's smile nearly split his face simply from looking at her.
"You should be seated, darling. Resting as much as possible."
She waved off the concern. Making her way over to him.
"I'm not answering any questions. I don't have the energy for that and I imagine there will be lots."
He took her arm. "Anything for you my dear."
He kept to her pace, never once stepping out or pulling, as they made their way to the parlor. He paused just around the corner letting go of her arm, a hand gently caressing her cheek.
"You realize if any one of them makes you cry, I will have to tear their soul apart agonizingly slow."
She gave him a disapproving look. He was kidding, she hoped.
"Show time."
He turned and walked out to face the rest of the group, his smile bigger than usual, though most probably wouldn't notice.
She found her hand had magnetized itself back to her bump as she watched and listened, hidden from view.
"I would like to thank you all for gathering on short notice."
Angel raised a hand waving it to get Alastors attention. "Uhhh…we still missin' Ellen."
"Yes, well she will be here shortly. Now I've summoned you all because I have some wonderful news to share, and it's now become quite difficult to keep undisclosed for much longer."
He straightened himself up and cleared his throat before boastfully exclaiming, "we're expecting!"
Ellen pressed her lips together as the silence seemed to stretch on. The room seemed to be stunned silent. That didn't seem like a good sign.
Finally Angel asked. "Uhh. Expectin' what?"
She took a slow breath before stepping out with conviction. She managed a weak smile as she glanced at all the shocked faces. There was a long pause of silence as she made her way beside Alastor. Yeah it was going to be a bit odd trying to explain this, heck even she couldn't really come up with a good way of explaining it and she lived it.
"What tha fuck?"
The longer the silence stretched the more nervous Ellen got. Usually people get excited about this kind of stuff, but now she was starting to feel like she was about to get a scolding, someone yelling if she had thought about the ramifications of having a kid. Which to be fair, she had.
Charlie was the first to break, her squeal of excitement causing Ellen to wince slightly.
"Oh my gosh I didn't think it was possible." In seconds she had flown across the room excitedly bouncing before Ellen. "Can I?"
A small nod and Charlie had not just a hand, what Ellen had assumed, but both hands and her face on her belly.
As if adding to the show, the baby kicked hard, which caused Charlie to squeal again in delight.
"Holy shit, Vaggie come here, it kicked!"
That was enough to get everyone up on their feet.
Angel stood back, arms crossed his chest and an amused smirk on his face, eyebrow raised in Ellen's direction.
"You dirty little liar. You said you were sick."
She smiled back. "I am or was yesterday. Couldn't keep anything down. I'm feeling better today."
"No shit." He moved in, giving her a tight hug whispering in her ear. "You guys figure out that thing yous were arguin' about?"
"Not entirely but I think we're good."
He pulled back, his smile genuine. "Well I expect to be the favourite, not that there will be lots of competition."
Ellen laughed, finally relaxing. They would be okay. "You'll have to take it up with the baby."
Angel leaned down to speak to her stomach. "I'm the favourite. You best remember that. Anythin you're ma and pa say ya can't do, you can do with me."
Ellen giggled. "You realize I heard all that too right?"
"And its da truth ain't it?"
She shook her head before laughing, "I've got my eye on you."
After a quick look at Alastor he leaned in again, lowering his voice so only she could hear.
"Babe, you gotta keep that dress. It makes your tits look so good even Mr prim and proper can't keep his eyes off ya."
Her smile beamed as her eyes shot over to Alastor. His gaze quickly pulled away from her. Holy shit Angel was right. No doubt Alastor heard Angel, his hearing was impeccable which only made it more satisfying to catch the slight pink to his cheeks from being caught.
"Duly noted."
When Vaggie finally approached, Ellen saw Alastor's expression darken. He shifted ever so slightly closer to her, ready to make a move if needed.
She knew Alastor was possessive, she kinda liked that, but now that she was pregnant with his kid she knew he would be even more protective of her. And even though she didn't see Vaggie as a threat, Alastor did. Not that she could blame him.
She hoped her eyes were able to convey that she was okay, she didn't mind. He very easily could have made a scene, but it only would have stressed her out. He wasn't happy about it, but he didn't move to stop her from approaching or reaching out to place a hand on her bump.
Every hand on her stomach was rewarded with a kick. The little guy wanted to be center stage it seemed, much to her dismay.
Chatter quickly filled the room, everyone excited and gushing at the prospect. Once again she and Alastor had seemed to accomplish the impossible. Alastor helped her to a chair where she sat grateful to be off her feet. As the questions started Alastor jumped in to answer them all. She sat back smiling as she watched the room light up with an excited buzz. She basically tuned it all out as hands cycled by touching her belly. It lasted all of twenty minutes before she moved to her feet so she could make her way to the bathroom.
She sat with a sigh.
"Alright little guy, we are going to have to set up some ground rules, if we're going to make it through this." She patted her tummy.
"First. No more puking, I want real food again without having to worry about tasting it a second time. It's never good the second time." She paused thinking about how silly this seemed. Hell seemed to work on the barter system, maybe she could make a deal?
"In exchange you get one more steak." She nodded with conviction. That was something she could probably do.
"Two, and this is a serious one. No more creepy, horror-like, unannounced growth spurts please."
"Three. Stop kicking my organs. It hurts." She scowled at her bump. "I can't even fight back," she mumbled.
She was just starting to push back to her feet when the baby kicked hard to her lower abdomen causing her to groan in pain. Well it wasn't her organs.
It took her a few minutes, but she managed to get herself back to her feet, and to no surprise Alastor was waiting for her by the door.
"Where can I take you next?"
She smiled, taking his arm to help steady herself. The trip to the bathroom was enough to wind her, any further traveling would be slow. She wasn't too excited about the rest of this pregnancy, it was probably only going to get worse.
"Kitchen please. I think a good burger would be amazing right now."
They slowly made their way. He looked down with an amused smile.
"Regular beef I assume?"
"Yes please. But I promised one more steak if this one stopped the nausea and vomiting."
He chuckled. "Making deals with a child? I didn't think you would stoop to such a level. They're hardly trustworthy."
She shrugged. "I've made deals with you." She earned a glare for that one.
"I've always kept my word."
"So maybe the baby is just like their dad. True to their word. I think it's worth a shot."
He rolled his eyes, but didn't reply.
The kitchen was already full of smells and sounds long before she was helped to a chair. Alastor had his shadows start cooking and prepping, lessening the time she had to wait. Angel was right. He really was bending over backwards to make sure she was happy and looked after.
Her food arrived and she couldn't help but notice the bucket that accompanied it. In case her stomach rejected it.
"The meat is a bit rare. I hope it may appease the little one. If not…" He gestured to the bucket.
She leaned forward patting her stomach.
"Remember our little deal, no more puking and you get another demon steak okay?"
Alastor rolled his eyes, shaking his head at the absurdity of it, taking a seat beside her. He leaned down to speak to their child as well.
"Or perhaps you make your mothers next few weeks easier and rest. I do believe you've caused enough of a hassle. What she says goes, so best to get in her good graces now."
She raised a curious eyebrow, her gaze moving to him. "You're making it sound like I'm going to be the disciplinary. I do believe you would be a much more convincing authoritarian seeing as I'm just a plain jane mortal."
He waved a wrist in dismissal chuckling at her comment. "I am one of the most fearsome beings in all of Hell and yet even I find myself compelled to concede to some of your demands. If that isn't terrifying enough, I doubt anything will be."
She smiled up at him. "You really think we can do this."
"You don't?"
"I wasn't too sure at the start."
"There nothing this child could throw our way that we couldn't handle. What trouble could they possibly find that you haven't already pulled me into?"
"Don't challenge the universe, you're gonna jinx it." She finally pulled the food closer to her, taking a big bite hoping she didn't need the bucket.
"Jinx?"
She moved a hand to cover her mouth as she responded, not wanting to wait until her mouth was empty. "Bring bad luck."
He fixed her a glare, likely for the unladylike conduct. "Luck has nothing to do with it."
She swallowed and let it sit for a bit. If nothing happened in a few minutes she was golden.
She gave her stomach a glare before leaning forward just a bit. "You know I should be avoiding raw meat completely. It's not good for me, but you," she rubbed her belly, "aren't giving me much of a choice."
She was rewarded with a kick so hard it brought tears prickling to the corners of her eyes. She wouldn't have been surprised if the outline of a foot appeared on her stomach. "Oof!" That pain was definitely shared to Alastor.
His face turned to a light look of disapproval.
"Now, now. That's not how we treat a lady, much less your mother," he scolded.
She chuckled. Yeah, they would be okay.
AN: So I think I may post an extra chapter this week. (Maybe two) I'm hoping to buckle down a really push the plot along, so enjoy the little breather now because things are going to get CRAZY soon. Looking forward to sharing it all with you guys and hope you're still enjoying where I have taken this.
Cheers!