Haunted

"I'm not crying" - UNEDITED

Disclaimer: This chapter has not been edited from the original as posted on JBFF. There will be mistakes, typos, continuity problems and other issues.

------------------------------------------

One year later

"Good morning," Maddox rolled over to watch as Brent got out of bed.

"Save those eyes," Brent shook his head but he was grinning.

"Can't help it," Maddox said, his eyes following Brent's perfect - and bare - ass away from their bed. "You are, after all, the sexiest man alive."

"That was so rigged," Brent said. People magazine had voted Brent their Sexiest Man Alive that year and Maddox loved teasing Brent about it.

"No, just the world finally admitting something I've known since we were kids," Maddox said.

"Hmph," Brent disappeared into their bathroom.

"How do you feel today?" Maddox asked, getting up to follow him after he'd heard the toilet flush.

"Like I want to go back to sleep," Brent said.

"Don't worry, I'll wear you out," Maddox smirked.

"Save it, Dax," Brent said.

"Aw, come on stud," Maddox teased. "I may not be 18 anymore but I don't wear out that easy."

"It's our second try, I want to get it this time," Brent said as he put toothpaste on his toothbrush. "I know you don't always get it the first time but,"

"I know, babe," Maddox kissed his shoulder. "Don't worry. You've still got it."

"I hope you're right," Brent sighed.

Maddox kissed his shoulder again and reached for his own toothbrush. He didn't know what to say to reassure Brent that he hadn't already said. They'd just celebrated Emma's second birthday and discovered their first try at their 6th and last baby hadn't gone as planned. But Emily agreed to keep trying so Dax got on a plane when she'd told him it was time and he was home for just 48 hours to help Brent stay...inspired.

Since they'd asked Kylie the first time it only seemed fair to use Emily the second time. And since Emily and her husband were both doctors this time they were able to do the whole process at home. It was easier for everyone that way, even if it was weird for Maddox to hand over a cup of his husband's sperm to his sister's husband.

One month ago, Maddox was sure he'd be coming home to good news but Emily hadn't gotten pregnant so they were trying again. Brent was a wreck, no matter how calm and confident Emily seemed. Everyone tried to assure him it wasn't his fault, that these things just took time.

"Will you please look at our beautiful family and remember we have everything?" Maddox asked. "Don't let this hiccup steal that."

"It feels like more than a hiccup," Brent said.

"It's not," Maddox said. "Just a little speed bump."

"Dax," Brent put his toothbrush down. "If this doesn't work-"

"It will," Maddox insisted.

"But if it doesn't," Brent said. "Can we talk to Libby? Will you do it?"

"B," Maddox took a deep breath.

"Please?" Brent asked.

"What if we go back to adoption?" Maddox asked.

"You know why I want this," Brent said.

"I do," Maddox put his toothbrush back in his mouth. He finished brushing, trying to figure out how serious Brent was. "Okay," Maddox said after he'd rinsed his mouth.