Red Begonias

Chapter 12: Missing a Piece

~Lance’s POV~

Over the next few weeks, I noticed that Keith was a little less… happy with the pregnancy. He frowns whenever I try to touch his stomach and always tries to hide his bump, even if he can’t.

I walk up behind him and wrap my arms around his midsection, resting my hands on his stomach. He looks at me, his indigo eyes a bit dull. He moves my hands away and steps out of my embrace.

“What?” He asks softly, his raven hair falling into his face.

“Nothing baby. I just wanted to cuddle you.” I say, hurt laced in my tone.

“Sorry, I’m not in the mood.” He whispers. I sigh and lead him to a spot to sit down, sitting down next to him.

“Keith, baby, I’m worried about you.” I say, looking into his dulled eyes.

“Don’t be. I’m fine. Coran says the remaining baby is healthy as can be.”

“You might be fine physically. But I know that mentally, you’re not. Please talk to me Keith.” I whisper.

“N-not out here… in our room.” He whispers, looking around. I nod and pick him up carefully, taking him to our room and setting him on the bed. I sit across from Keith and hold his pale hands gently.

“Take your time baby. I’ll be right here for you.” I whisper, looking into his eyes. He takes a deep breath and looks at me.

“I don’t know what to do Lance… I-I feel… incomplete. E-ever since I miscarried our daughter… I-I can’t help but f-feel like I’m… missing a piece or something… I feel lighter… more empty… I-I miss the feeling of them both… It’s weird to be carrying two and then suddenly be reduced down to carrying one… It hurts. The surviving child is less active than they were when they were together…” He pauses to take a shakey breath.

“I can’t even look at myself in the mirror anymore and be proud of my bump… it’s just a reminder that I wasn’t strong enough to stop one of my babies from dying. It hurts so much Lance…” He says, breaking down and sobbing into my chest.

“I know baby… I know… I’m so sorry I wasn’t there to stop Shiro from doing that to you.” I whisper, rubbing his back gently.

“I want her back Lance! I want her back!” He shouts, weakly beating on my chest. I sniffle and rub his back.

“I know baby. I know.” I whisper, holding Keith close as he sobbed harshly. Once his sobs died down, I looked him in the eye.

“Keith, baby. I know it hurts. But it’s not your fault that our baby died. Shiro should have never been allowed to do that to you. I’ll be having a chat with him soon about this.” I say, kissing Keith’s head gently.

“But Keith, baby. Be proud of your belly. Okay? It’s there because you are strong and helping to keep the other baby strong. I know you feel empty but the missing piece is right here baby, you just have to see that.” I say, rubbing his stomach gently. Keith sniffles and nods shakily.

“Wh-what did I do to deserve you?” He asks softly, crying lightly. I smile softly.

“You made me fall head over heels.” I whisper, chuckling and kissing his forehead.

“Now… let’s cuddle.” I say, laying down and patting my chest. Keith carefully laid himself on my chest, laying on his side so he wouldn’t squish our baby. I place a hand on his stomach and one on his lower back, smiling happily. I soon heard a low rumble coming from Keith’s chest and smiled happily.

“Are you… purring Keith?” I ask, chuckling. He blushes and stops.

“N-no…” He says, blushing brightly. I look down at him and rub his stomach gently.

“What’s on your mind baby?” I ask softly.

“Nothing… nothing of importance.” He whispers.

“Anything you think about is of importance.” I say.

“Lance… Have you ever just thought about what our baby will grow up like? Will it be a fighter or just want to settle down? I really don’t want to raise my baby on the warfront.” Keith says softly, rubbing his stomach.

“I don’t know baby… we could just raise the baby in the castle and hope this war ends soon so we can live in peace.” I whisper, kissing his neck gently.

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Chapter 12! This is the last one I have written for now! I hope you enjoyed the book so far!

Luv y'all,
Erin Jaeger