A Little Twist

Nine

Listening to her breathing, Shu knows she fell asleep. His hand never left her belly. He does notice something different. Is your belly... It seems something happened. Carefully, he gets up and lifts Risa in his arms. This is no comfortable place to sleep. At least not for you. He teleports straight to her bedroom, where he puts her back in bed. 'Reiji.' 

Subaru is closer. Her belly was nicely round. It sticks more out now. 

'What is it?' Annoyed that he was interrupted, Reiji comes into the room. Before his brother could say something, he can see the change. 'What happened?' 

'She said the baby dropped?' She could breathe more. Shu covers her with a blanket. 

How did she end up with you tonight? Reiji doesn't utter his thoughts. 'Anything else?' 

Shu nods. 'She mentioned that the baby could come between now and two weeks.' He catches Subaru in the corner. 

With a simple gesture, Subaru points at the fireplace and that his brother can leave. 

She needs to stay warm. Shu said what he had to say. 

'We're all waiting for the baby.' Reiji knows enough and heads back to his room. I thought I read that it won't be long after the baby dropped. And I'm sure she'll tell me when she's awake. Even if it's later today. 

Subaru signs for Shu to leave and works on the fireplace. When it's on, he turns to Risa. I can't believe you came here a week ago and turned our lives upside down. He gently strokes the baby. Take care of him, Risa. Then he leaves to find Shu. 'The fireplace is lit for her.' 

Thanks. Shu empties his glass. The smell of blood hangs in the air. 'We all need to drink before she goes into labor. There will be blood and we can't have any of us attack her. Especially if she gives birth here.' 

Ayato pops up. 'Are you kidding me?! I prefer straight from the vein. Not from a blood bag.' 

Laito does understand and laughs. 'You don't have much of a choice, Ayato. Don't go saying that you would go to the city because that's impossible. That old man of ours has a familiar somewhere.' 

Of course, he did. Shu places the glass underwater. 'It doesn't matter, you need to drink right before she gives birth. We can't have anyone leave the mansion then.' 

✽✽✽ 

I can't believe I drank this much. Risa puts her hand on the baby and realizes a change. You have dropped, haven't you? Thank you, sweety. Even if I need to go more to the bathroom. Ema warned me about this. She is dressed and finds the clock first. Five in the afternoon. I hope you're awake and up, Reiji. I can't break what I built up with you. She heads to his bedroom and knocks on the door. 'Reiji, are you awake?' 

It takes a moment but the door opens. 'Risa, come in.' Reiji opens the door all the way to let her pass. 'Is there something wrong?' His eyes go to her belly, which seems bigger. 

'I wouldn't say that something is wrong but I checked with Ema. The baby dropped and that is a sign that it won't take long anymore,' explains Risa. 

As I expected, she comes to me to tell me this. 'I was about to make myself a cup of tea.' He doesn't even ask and makes tea for both of them. You deserve this for coming to me as fast as you can. And for trusting me. He returns to the chairs with two tea. 'What does that mean? I've tried to read up about it but there is so much and not every pregnancy is the same. I'd like to hear it from you.' 

Skeptic, Risa eyes her tea and then the man across from her. 

'You deserve it, Risa.' Reiji sips his tea and realizes she hasn't touched her tea. 'I haven't done anything with it.'