Risk [An Uzui Tengen Story]

[14] Promise

[Chapter C/W: Strong language, pregnancy, birth, hospitals]

This was a stressful time for both of them to put it mildly, but then again what else does one expect when giving birth? Kohaku and Tengen had arrived only recently at the hospital. Kyojuro came by right after hearing to grab Tamami to watch after her until the baby was born. He promised that he would bring her back to meet her brother after he arrived. The only way that Tengen and Kyojuro were able to get her to go was by repeating that it would probably take a very long time. As a 5 year old with no concept of how children are brought into this world, she was expecting this to be rather quick process, but was ready to leave after arguing for nearly 30 minutes and nothing happening. Kohaku at this point was off in a different room playing the waiting game and fighting through painful contractions. Tengen comes back into the room quickly after Tamami had been taken by Rengoku.

"May be a dumb question, but are you doing ok?" Tengen asks sitting next to her bedside.
Kohaku was rolled over on her side in a near fetal position.

"It hurts..." She mumbles gripping the sheets through a contraction.

The pain starts to subside, and Kohaku releases her grip. And to think that this could go on for hours. She catches her breath and Tengen slides his hand into Kohaku's.

"You're doing great darling. I wish there was more I could do." He says brushing the hair out of her face.

Kohaku let out a slight smile.

"I'm just glad you're here." She says.

It was right after that, that the sharp pains returned.

"Ow ow ow! Damn that hurts!" She says gripping his hand tightly.

Tengen's face looked sympathetic. He knew there was nothing he could do to ease Kohaku's pain, but it wasn't for lack of trying. She still had a way to go before Katsumi was ready to make his appearance.

Every so often, the nurse would come in and check on Kohaku. 3cm, 3cm, 4cm. Moving at the pace of a snail she thought. This might very well be the longest day of her life. The two of them had been at the hospital for two hours already and showing no signs of being ready to push, only more painful contractions.

"This is never going to end." Kohaku says sighing.

"He's sure taking his sweet time." Tengen says also sighing.

"And here I was hoping that I wouldn't be in labor for 24 hours." Kohaku says laying her head back.

"I hope you don't have to be in pain that long." Tengen says stroking her hand.

"You and me both." Kohaku responds.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

By now, Kohaku and Tengen have been at the hospital for 5 hours. Still only at 6cm.

"He's never going to come out. Maybe he doesn't want to. Do you just like it in there so much?" Kohaku says putting a hand on her stomach.

It was well into the night now at nearly 2am. Tengen was doing his best to stay awake, but if it wasn't for the constant contractions, both of them would be passed out by now.

"This is not a flashy way of him to make an appearance. Fashionably late isn't five hours, son." Tengen says sighing.

Kohaku giggles at his comments. She was in surprisingly decent sprits for the constant pain she was in. If it wasn't for Tengen, she'd probably be far worse off. He was very attentive and supporting even five hours into the labor and nearly nodding off here and there.

Another painful contraction came along and Kohaku was gripping Tengen's hand tightly again. He was happy to be the proverbial punching bag as long as she needed him to be.
Though he was still beyond nervous since he wasn't there for Tamami's birth. He wasn't quite sure what all to expect. The nurse came back in shortly after and spoke up.