Zoey Ro'Meave, a Zane-Chan story| preg| (Aphmau)

"Birthday Cake"

KC looked at Zane as he turned the steering wheel. He was driving them to Pierce's birthday party. KC was quickly thinking of ways to excuse herself from drinking. 

Maybe... she didn't like it?

She... was trying to go non-alcoholic?

She had things to do the next day?

She had it!

"Zane-kun?" she asked. Zane made a small 'hmm?' noise. "Why don't I drive home? I want you to enjoy yourself!" she smiled warmly. Zane chuckled.

"Okay, but I won't get drunk, I promise," he said, his eyes on the road. "Thanks for being so helpful."

KC couldn't tell if he was sarcastic, but she didn't care. She knew she couldn't tell anyone else about her pregnancy until Zane knew first. And at a party wasn't a good setting to break the news.

She watched Ein and Pierce's house come into view. Zane pulled the car into their long driveway and parked. KC hopped out of the car, seeing Aaron and Aphmau walking over to them.

"Aph!" Zane said, walking over to her. They shared a brief hug, before KC embraced Aphmau herself.

"Hi guys!" Aphmau said warmly. "I swear, we never get to see each other!" she laughed. KC saw Aaron behind Aphmau. He never really was the social type.

"Let's go in!" KC smiled. As they walked up, they saw Noi's car, followed by Kim's come into view.

"Come in!" Ein said, opening the door, smiling. Pierce was sitting at the table with a party hat on. He looked embarrassed. Everyone knew that Pierce hates making a big deal of his birthday.

Everyone hugged and said their greetings. Everyone was talking, and KC ended up chatting with Kim.

"How's the bakery?" Kim asked. "Noi talks about the recipes, and I can't believe I haven't been yet!"

KC smiled. "Business has been really good. We're getting a lot of customers since we opened in December," she said, trying to get away from small talk. "Excuse me," she smiled, walking over to Zane, who was talking with Aaron.

"... I'm so close to start testing the new medicine," Zane was saying. "Oh, hey KC."

"Hi," KC muttered, holding his arm. He gave her a quizzical look as Aaron walked over to Aphmau, interrupting her and Ein's conversation. 

"What's wrong?" Zane said. "Do you need anything?" he thought that KC had ended her period, but you never know.

KC shook her head. "I was just getting tired of small talk."

"Dinner!" Ein yelled, banging a pan with a spatula. Everyone covered their ears. 

"Stop, Ein!" Aphmau yelled, grabbing his hand. Ein blushed, embarrassed, and started serving everyone.

KC grabbed her plate. Spicy mutton. It was sweet how Ein made Pierce's favorite food. It looked good, considering that Zein was a chef. There were sautéed onions on top, and sweet Mac and cheese. KC took a seat in between Noi and Zane. 

Ein started talking to everyone about Pierce, and giving a toast. After the toast, Ein asked aloud in front of everyone why KC didn't have any champagne. She sighed.

"I'm driving," KC said politely, picking up her fork. Zane looked at her.

"Nonsense!" Ein boomed. "We have extra rooms, and tomorrow's Sunday! You can stay here."

KC panicked. She didn't know what to say.

-

Zane stared at KC. She was itching for an answer. He thought that maybe she wasn't comfortable staying here, so he spoke up to cover her.

"We have to visit my parents in the morning," he said. "I won't be drinking too much tonight. Don't wanna be wasted in the morning," he laughed. The table laughed along with him, and KC whispered a "thank you". 

Zane looked to KC. He had his mask on, so we couldn't really mouth anything, and you can't hear whispers, so he held her hand and circled her palm. 

-

Later in the meal, KC was feeling nauseous. She hadn't eaten a bite. She told everyone she wasn't hungry, but she was. 

(Spicy foods, meat, ad onions are common meals that make pregnant women nauseous)

She decided to eat her mac and cheese, but it was a small portion. Zane looked at her. She knew she'd have to tell him soon, or he'd figure it out on his own. 

Soon came cake time. Pierce blushed through the whole "Happy Birthday" song. Ein made sure to sing the loudest and kiss Pierce after he blew out the candles. KC heard Aphmau whisper to Kim,

"They're so cute! I'm glad they started dating, they're a perfect match!"

KC was also very glad that Pierce and Ein were together. She knew that they liked each other for years, but never said anything. Like her and Zane.

Later in the night, everyone was drunk and music was playing. Everyone danced while Zane and KC sat on the couch. Zane was slightly buzzed, but still very sleepy. He ended up falling asleep on KC's lap. KC didn't mind this, but she was dreading telling him about the baby. She was struggling to find a way to tell him. Should she just say it? No, she had to do something special. But, if she did, then he'd think she thought he wanted it! And she knew that Zane is a sweet guy, but not a kid person. He would be good with kids, but he doesn't want them. KC sat in thought until she noticed everyone going to bed.

She guessed everyone was staying. Pierce walked over to her. "You want help carrying Zane to your car?" he asked, smiling. This was the first time he spoke all night, except to Ein.

"Finally, someone sober!" she laughed. Pierce laughed, too. "Sure, he's asleep though."

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