Chapter 72: Concerns of Rose

*Ziv*

[The next day]

I touched my stomach as it began to hurt again.

"You okay, brother?" Ava asked as she came home from school.

I nodded. "Yeah, just a bit of stomach pains."

She raised an eyebrow. "You don't think Mom might've been right, do you?"

I sighed. "I was thinking of that too. But the pain isn't very intense. It comes and goes."

She crossed her arms and leaned back on her chair. "Okay. But remember to be careful when sitting. You could pop an egg at any moment."

I coughed, almost spilling my coffee.

Ava sighed and began cleaning the table.

"So, what about you? You've seemed a bit sad," I said, grabbing a napkin to help her clean up the mess I'd made because of her.

She lowered her head. "Sou's been acting weird these past couple of days. He won't even talk to Sehun. It's like something happened between them and I'm being left in the cold."

I tilted my head, considering her words. "Maybe they just had a fight. You know how it is with couples sometimes."

"But that's just it," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "I'm not sure if they're still a couple."

I frowned. "Did they break up?"

"I don't know. Neither of them is saying anything. It's like they're both trying to pretend everything is normal when it's clearly not."

I reached out and gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Hey, don't worry about it. If there's one thing I've learned about relationships, it's that they can be complicated. Give them some time. They'll figure it out."

She sighed, a smile slowly spreading across her face. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Ziv."

"Anytime, Ava. Just remember, you've got your own life to live. Don't get too caught up in other people's drama. Even if they are your friends. Being too nosey won't get you anywhere."

She laughed, the sound echoing through the room. "I'll try to remember that."

We sat there for a while, the silence between us comfortable. It was nice, just being able to talk and joke around like this. It made me feel a little less alone.

Eventually, Ava stood up, stretching her arms above her head. "Well, I better get going. I have a lot of homework to catch up on."

"Just remember to take breaks," I reminded her. "Don't overwork yourself."

She smiled, ruffling my hair. "I won't. Thanks, Ziv."

With that, she left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I couldn't help but worry about her. Ava was always so concerned about others, often forgetting to take care of herself.

I just hoped she'd be okay.

I winced as my stomach ached again. It wasn't an intense pain, more of a dull throb that seemed to come and go. I tried to ignore it, focusing on the warmth of the coffee cup in my hands instead.

The house was quiet now, Ava's presence already missed. I sighed, leaning back in my chair and closing my eyes. I just hoped that whatever was going on between Sou and Sehun would get resolved soon. Ava didn't need any more stress in her life.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed, breaking the silence. I glanced at the screen, my heart skipping a beat when I saw the caller ID. It was Mom.

I quickly picked up the call. "Hey, Mom."

"Ziv," she said, her voice filled with concern. "How are you feeling?"

I gave a noncommittal hum. "I'm okay. Just... a bit of stomach pain."

There was silence on the other end of the line, then Mom let out a sigh. "Ziv, you need to take care of yourself."

"I know, Mom," I said, trying to keep the irritation out of my voice. 

"Just... remember to be careful, okay? And get some rest."

"I will, Mom."

After a few more minutes of talking, I ended the call, setting my phone on the table. My stomach throbbed again, the pain a tad sharper this time.

I set down my coffee cup and stood up, making my way to the bathroom. Maybe a hot shower would help with the discomfort.

As the warm water hit my skin, I closed my eyes, letting out a sigh. Was I really pregnant with Seiya's kid?

The thought was both terrifying and uplifting. Seiya and I...we were in a serious relationship. It wasn't just a fling, or a moment of weakness. We were committed to each other. But we were also hunters. If I was expecting a child, I might not be able to fight as much. Well, at least I would be laying an egg. Although, I had to make sure the little one stayed warm. I didn't just want to leave the egg to Mom or Ava to care for. Especially not Ava. She had enough with the whole Sou situation.

I let the water wash over me, trying to clear my head. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop thinking about it. About the potential life growing inside of me. About what this would mean for me, for Seiya, for everyone.

I leaned against the shower wall, letting the water hit my face. I felt a mix of emotions - fear, joy, anxiety, confusion. But most of all, I felt alone. I was in this situation by myself, and I had no idea how to navigate it.

I stayed in the shower until the water turned cold, lost in my thoughts. Eventually, I turned off the water and stepped out, wrapping a towel around myself.

As I looked at myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but touch my stomach. It looked the same as always, but I knew it wasn't. I was potentially carrying a life inside me. And that thought both scared and amazed me.

I sighed, running a hand through my wet pink hair. This was definitely not how I imagined my day would go.

I just hoped that I could figure this out. For Seiya, for me... for our potential child.

My phone suddenly rang again. It was Seiya. He wanted to go on a date.

I stared at the screen, my heart pounding in my chest. A date. With Seiya. Normally, I would've been thrilled. But now, with the possibility of being pregnant hanging over me, I felt a mix of emotions.

I called him back. "Hey."

"Hey, Ziv," Seiya's voice came through the phone, warm and soothing. "I was thinking we could go out and grab a snack."

I swallowed, gripping the phone tighter. "Yeah, sure," I managed to respond, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Great," he said, sounding genuinely excited. "I'll be over in half an hour!"

"Sounds good, Seiya," I replied, hanging up the phone.

I put on some comfortable clothes and started to make my way to the kitchen, deciding to make myself a cup of tea. Maybe it would help calm my nerves.

As I waited for the water to boil, I couldn't help but think about the potential life growing inside of me. How would Seiya react? Would he be happy? Scared? I mean, we were both guys. Even a girl would be uneasy in this situation.

I sighed, pouring the hot water into my cup. This was all too much for me to handle alone. I needed to talk to Seiya. I needed to know how he felt.

When the doorbell finally rang, my heart nearly jumped out of my chest. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. 

Should I tell him? Or wait?

I opened the door, forcing a smile onto my face. "Hey, Seiya," I greeted, stepping aside to let him in.

He grinned, his eyes lighting up. "Hey, Ziv. You ready to go?"

I nodded, grabbing my jacket from the hook by the door. "Yeah, let's go."

I nodded and walked out with him.

He grinned. "Let's get some chilli corn dogs!"

I laughed. "You and your greasy food."

He crossed his arms. "What? They're good."

I rubbed my stomach. "I guess. Although, I would prefer something else. It haven't been feeling good lately."

"Are you stomach issues still annoying you?"

I nodded. "Yeah. I can't help but wonder if this is how morning sickness feels like."

He laughed. "Was I so good that I made you feel like you got pregnant?"

I blushed even deeper, feeling a mix of embarrassment and apprehension. "No, it's not that," I stammered, trying to find the right words. "Actually, Seiya, there's something important I need to tell you."

He continued to smiled. What is it, Ziv? You can tell me anything."

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "I... I might be pregnant."

Seiya's eyes widened in surprise, his mouth hanging open for a moment before he found his voice. "Pregnant? But... how? We're both guys. I know I was good, but I can't impregnate men."

I pouted. "I know, it's unconventional. But Mom told me it was possible for Quartz men to impregnate other Quartz men. The chances are lower than heterosexual relationships, but the likelihood does increase if they do it several times in the same day."

He scratched his head. "How does that work?"

"We lay an egg after three days. Those three days are full of pain. I haven't been feeling well lately, and... I think there's a chance I could be carrying a child."

Seiya's expression shifted from surprise to a mixture of disbelief and concern. "Wow, I... I don't even know what to say. This is unexpected, but... Ziv, I'm here for you. Whatever you decide, whatever happens, I'll support you."

I smiled. Why did I expect anything else? Seiya was a adorable, sweet dork. He wouldn't abandon me.

"Thank you, Seiya. I'm scared, but knowing that you're by my side means everything to me."

He reached out and gently took my hand in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We'll be the best pair of dads in the whole world."

I snickered. "Yeah. That said, I'll be topping from now on, at least until you experience what I am."

He blushed and sighed. "Okay. Not that I mind. Being with you is enough."

"Same," I said, giving him a kiss on the lips. They were greasy, but delicious.