17 Chapter Sixteen

Athena rolled over and looked at Uta's sleeping form. She cupped his cheek and smiled gently. She was terrified of what the doctor told her. She isn't ready for it.

"Come here kitten~"

Uta knew she wasn't okay. This was all so sudden, even him the laid back ghoul was terrified. She sobbed into his chest and all he could do was comfort her. His heart ache and his mind was a maze. He was happy but upset and terrified. What if it a repeat of last time. They decided to go tell all their friends today so. They invited everyone over to their place.

"Come lets get ready they'll be here soon."

Athena nodded and kissed him before getting up. It was harder on her. They cooked food and cleaned up the place before the guests arrived. Renji was first he could tell something was up. Touka was second and she bought them some beautiful red roses. Eto was third, Itori was fourth then it was Kaneki. They spoke and enjoyed the food before Athena and Uta finally felt it was a good time to talk. Uta stood up and cleared his throat cuasing everyone to go silent and look at him.

"First of thank you all for coming at such a short notice. Some of you notice the tenstion in the air on arrival.-"

He held his hand out for her. She took it gentle and stood up next to him. He didn't let go instead sqeezed it gently in his. She took in a shaky breath and smiled.

"- we both have something important to say. Athena and I went to the doctor two weeks ago. She hasn't been feeling well. He took some blood test and told us whats wrong."

He nods at her and she nods back.

"I'm pregnant"

Silence filled the room. Renji stood up and pulled Athena into a hug.

"I'm here for you, the both of you."

"Thank you Renji"

Kaneki was the only one who didn't understand why everyone was being so tense about this. They should be cheering her on. He was beyond confused. Was it hard for ghouls to have children? Then he saw a tiny mask on the wall with a date written beneath it. He stood closer to it and realized there was something written beneath it. He read it carefully and his eyes widen, the situation finally make sense to him. There written under the mask read:

To the little soul that never got to feel the warmth of its parents touch.

They've lost a child before this one. Kaneki now understood why the tenstion was so stiff and silent.

They all stayed until nightfall talking about the baby and how they can help. Giving tips and sharing comforts. It was a sweet and yet gentle night. It calmed Uta and Athena down a bit, knowing that they have people to fall onto.