Stuart sauntered into his office at 2:00 sharp like he always did. Double mocha frappuchino in hand, he took his seat at his desk and slid the phone headset on. As usual, his dyed pink hair was finely gelled with the cute lick in the front, his white suit was neatly pressed and the silk pink tie hung perfectly straight, and his fingers paraded their gaudy yet fantastic rings. Stuart took a sip of his frappuchino and turned on his computer. The data base was pulled up, the phone was switched on, and in seconds the line was ringing. Oh, how Stuart loved his job. "Hello, thank you for calling the Adonis Agency. My name is Stuart. How can I help you find your masculine match today?"

Masculine was it?  Conner bit at his lips and suppressed a little sigh, turning over the business card in his hand. The gilded gold lettering flashing in the light with each pass. "Hey there Stuart, my name is Conner, friend of mine passed your agency's number to me, and I'm hoping you can help me out."

"That's what I'm here for," Stuart said in his normally cheerful voice. "Trust me. Your friend sent you to the right place. We haven't made one bad match since we started seven years ago. So tell me, Conner, what kind of name are you looking for? Once you tell me your type, I can find you some matches in our data base here. Plenty of guys to choose from."

Conner smiled, heartened by the cheery voice on the other end of the phone and the boasts it made regarding their excellent track record. Setting the card down upon the counter, Conner paced about his kitchen and ran his fingers through his thick brown hair, trying to dislodge a particularly bothersome curl that kept falling against his brow. "Okay, well I'd like to find someone soft, sweet like. Someone cute, but no cross dressers please. Cute in a guy's way."

"Ah, so we'll be searching through the Sugarplums." Stuart giggled lightly. "That's what I like to call them. All right, do you have particulars when it comes to height, hair color, eye color? American or foreign? Certain interests you might share? Give me as much as you can. I want to set you up with the best candidate possible."

"Sugarplums?" Conner laughed at that softly, but supposed that would be a fitting name for what he was after. "On the shorter side would be good, like less than 5'5". Hair and eye colour don't matter to me, but I guess I do lean more towards Caucasians, foreign or otherwise. On interests, well let's see," he rubbed the back of his neck and hissed through his teeth a little. "I'm kind of a gym buff, but that's really not what I'm looking for in a partner, actually." Been there, done that, didn't much like it, he thought to himself. "I'd like to meet someone who I can talk to, someone clean, and who likes to sit at home and watch bad movies. Oh, and likes animals."

Stuart smiled as he typed all of this in. "You're one of my favorite kind of men, Conner. Not many sweethearts like you left in the world. This agency needs more clients like you." There was a brief pause while he looked through the list that had come up of possible matches. "Here we go. His name is Erik, age 26, just shy of 5'0" with strawberry red hair and pale green eyes. He describes himself as a homemaker of sorts and he baby-sits kittens at his local shelter. Fair warning, Conner, this man has recently escaped from an abusive relationship and he is a father of three. I've been very careful with this one for a while, but I think you might just be what Erik needs."

Conner felt a flash of warmth at the compliment and again tried to brush back that curl. As Stuart gave him Erik's description, his mind already danced with visions of how beautiful and sweet this man must be, and how perfect he was for what Conner wanted. Though he frowned at the last bit of news; of abuse and being a father or three at such a young age. Must have been some tyrant bitch, he thought in a moment of anger, and at that moment was ready and willing to be this man's, whom he had never even met, guardian and savior. "I sincerely hope I can be, Stuart," he replied, calming himself as reason poked in to remind him that he still had to meet this man. "What would you suggest I do for a first meeting?  Would he be comfortable with me coming to his place? I wouldn't mind meeting the kids, if he's okay with that.  Or he can come here, or go out. I want this to go well and you know, make him forget about the bad."

"Well, he just moved into a new group home, for battered males, so it would be best if he came to your place." The smile could be heard in Stuart's voice again. "Erik has mentioned that he is fond of brownies. He is a romantic, so candles, soft music, and silly yet sweet compliments are a sure fire way to make him feel comfortable. Erik is a bit shy, especially after what's happened, but he loves the big teddy bear type and will no doubt open up to you right away. I'll be sure to tell him that the kids are welcome to come along. How does 8:00 tonight sound?"

Glancing over at the clock on the microwave, and seeing that he had enough time to get ready, he smiled and nodded, though of course Stuart couldn't see that. "Sounds perfect, and thanks a lot Stuart. He sounds amazing already."

"I'm sure you two will hit it off great. I'll just need your address to pass on to him. Good luck to you, Conner, and thank you for choosing the Adonis Agency. Feel free to contact us with your success story!"

Conner laughed again, relaying the last bit of information before thanking Stuart again and promising to call back later. Hanging up the phone he sighed, finding himself to be filled with an excitement that hadn't come round in a good long while. A final brush of that stubborn curl and he went off to get himself ready, certain that he had a box of brownie mix stashed away somewhere.

Erik was all nerves on the car ride over. Due to his condition, the home had given him a driver who took him places like the doctor's office or the grocery store, so now he was being given a lift to a man's house for a blind date. Erik knew Stuart didn't tell his clients straight off that some of his candidates were... special cases. Instead he used the code word "father." While this wasn't quite a lie, it didn't tell the whole truth either. Erik was just glad he was only seven months along, but with triplets and small as he was, he might at well look ready to pop. The young man was doing his best to hide the round shape beneath a coat and two layers of sweaters. At least so he didn't scare Conner off right away. Before he even knew it, the car had come to a stop. "Thank you," he said timidly. "I'll call you when I'm ready to be picked up." So Erik hoisted himself from the vehicle and walked as properly as he could up to the front door.

The kitchen smelt of chocolate brownies, as Conner had managed to find the elusive box and make up a batch. He was a little worried that making them from a boxed mix wouldn't be nearly as impressive as having made them from some traditional family recipe, but they'd come out rather nicely; thick and moist and he piled them into a neat little pyramid on the plate just as the door bell rang. "Coming!" he called, and dodged the cat running around his feet, and opened the door.

Conner took up much of the frame, standing at a full six foot in height, with wide, broad shoulders. He wore a simple burgundy t-shirt that fit with a touch of snugness, showing off his chiseled pecs and form, and a pair of black slacks.

Erik immediately blushed when he saw the man in the doorway. He didn't think Conner would be this amazing looking. Now he was embarrassed of the black eye he sported along with a healing cut on his lip. All Erik could think was that he should have tried harder to look nicer. Some strawberry colored hair was tucked behind his left ear nervously. "H-Hello... I'm Erik. You must be Conner. I'm very pleased to meet you. Stuart said I was just your type. I hope you aren't disappointed."

Conner's brow furrowed lightly, looking over that battered face and how the other man was dressed so heavily. Probably doesn't have any confidence in himself now. "Not at all, not at all. Please, come on in, Erik." He stepped aside to let the other pass. "From what Stuart told me, you're a dream come true." He laughed softly, a little nervous.

The redhead nodded his thanks and stepped inside, trying his best to hide the waddle. "Thank you, you're very sweet. Are we in the kitchen or may I sit on the couch? I... I'm a bit sore, I'm afraid. Sitting is just so much easier for me." Green eyes swept the room. Erik took in the warm colors on the wall and flickering flames of the candles set about. He even noticed the gentle melodies of Dido in the background. "You have a lovely home."

"Thank you," Conner said, though was unsure of what else to say, considering the situation Erik was apparently in.  He watched the other carefully, noting the slightly off way that the other man moved, and wondered just how deeply that abuse ran. "Here, why don't I take your coat and you can go make yourself comfortable in the living room? I was told that you liked brownies so I made up a batch. How about we have a few of those and a tall glass of milk to wash it all down?"

Erik clutched the coat. "I'd like to keep it on a bit longer, if that's all right with you." He smiled brightly at the mention of brownies. "Oh I just adore brownies. I can't believe you went through all that trouble just for me." The young man moved to take a seat on the couch, once again very careful in his movements. "I would love some. Then you and I can talk a little."

"That's no problem," Conner replied with a soft, sympathetic smile. He would go into the kitchen adjacent to the living room. "Oh it's no trouble at all. I'm afraid that they're just from the box.  I was saving them for a rainy day, but I think this occasion was special enough to warrant them."

As Conner spoke, the man's large orange tabby hopped up onto the couch and approached Erik. Sniffing at the man and coming in close, rubbing against him as he claimed the newcomer as his own.

"Ohh... what a pretty kitty," Erik cooed and scratched the feline behind the ears. "Conner, he's so handsome. What's his name?"

"Oh, that's Mozart," Conner said, rolling his eyes at the sight of the cat making a complete nuisance of himself by cuddling up to what was supposed to be his master's date. "He's such a little attention whore. Hope you don't mind. I can put him in another room if you want." Conner set down a tray with two tall glasses of milk and that plate full of brownies, taking a seat next to Erik, the cat between them.

"Oh no, I love cats. He's such a sweetie." Erik picked up the tabby and rubbed their noses together. "Mozart just wanted to meet me, is all. Isn't that right?" After cuddling with the cat for a few more seconds, Erik set him back on the floor and picked up two of the brownies instead. He took a rather large bite of the first one and hummed delightedly. "You make the perfect brownie, Conner. I love when they're still a little gooey and soft."

Mozart purred, and once the cuddling was finished, he seemed satisfied that Erik was his and with his tail high in the air, sauntered off to leave the two humans alone.

Conner rolled his eyes as the cat departed, but moved a little closer to Erik and picked up a brownie for himself. "I'm glad you think so. I don't usually make them for myself." He bit into his own and licked the crumbs from his lips. "Mn, but maybe I should change that."

Erik eyed the large man shyly. "You have such a healthy physique. I can understand why sweets aren't a big part of your diet. I've loved brownies ever since I was a little boy. My grandmother and I would bake a batch when ever I went to visit her. It was our own little thing. Oh... We made so many different kinds. We'd put chocolate chips in them, M&Ms, fudge, and sometimes even caramel."

"Well, I'm not always good." Conner confided, throwing one arm over the back edge of the couch casually. "I've got a weakness for ice cream, but I work out often enough that I guess it balances out pretty well." He smiled at the other, just admiring that strawberry coloured hair and those pale eyes. "Sounds like some great combinations. I'll have to keep that in mind for next time."

This made Erik blush. Already Conner was talking about another date? "Well, you know what's really good.... When the brownies come hot out of the oven and you put a scoop of ice cream right on top. The heat makes it melt just enough for a delicious dribble. Maybe some caramel sauce and banana slices? Mmmm.... It's heaven."

"Mm, that does sound like a good idea," Conner said, licking his lips. "But do caramel and banana usually go together?" In spite of the cut lip and black eye, Erik was adorable, especially when those cheeks grew flush. Reaching over, he went to brush his fingers against a red cheek.

"I think they go great together. You can always use... chocolate...sauce........ in...stead....." Erik watched as the large, and hopefully gentle, hand reached towards him. He found himself holding his breath and hoping this touch would be the affectionate gesture he's been wishing for, for months now.

The touch was light and very brief, the hand pulling back rather quickly. "I'm sorry.  I just... you looked really cute, so I wanted to touch. I shouldn't have."

Erik shook his head continuing to blush even brighter. "No, no, it's all right. I'm actually glad that you did. I've been hoping for a long time that I would find someone who would -Oh!" Pale eyes at once darted down to where his hand now held his stomach. He was hoping the babes wouldn't wake up for a while longer, or even until morning, but such was not the case. "Not now..." he mumbled.

Conner blinked as Erik's words became halted and he'd noticed how those eyes had looked downward, clearly focusing on something instead of being an act of shyness. "Erik, are you all right?" Though he didn't much think of it right then, he moved in a little closer, looming over Erik protectively. "Are you feeling all right?" he reached to put a hand over Erik's own.

"I... I'm sorry. The children woke up. I'm sorry." Erik began to regress. It was something he was working on in therapy, but he still had a lot of work to do. There were so many times when Russell wanted to be sexual, but then the triplets would start up and grab Erik's attention. Naturally, his boyfriend despised this and would lay out abusive punishment. Even against his own babies. "Th-They can't help it, you know. It's not their fault. Please..." He wrapped his arms around his middle protectively. "They won't cause trouble."

Well this was a shock. He hadn't expected Erik to be pregnant, though looking at how the man was dressed and how that really wasn't just clothing packed in front. Conner's brow furrowed, but there was concern in his eyes and he continued to seek out Erik's hands and place his upon them, the larger forms covering the smaller and rubbing gently. "May I take a look? I've never... I've never seen a pregnant man in person before."

"Don't hurt them," Erik pleaded. "They're so small."

Conner shook his head, feeling a little distressed himself. What sort of monster could do such a thing? Though looking at Erik's beaten face and taking in those actions, he felt his heart sink in knowing that Erik had actually endured such a beast. "I don't want to hurt them. I would never hurt them, or you, Erik." He tried to draw Erik's hands away, coming in close so that the distance would be minimal as he placed the man's small hands over his heart. "I swear it, I would never."

Erik blushed and nearly felt like crying. Could someone so wonderful and gentle really exist? He offered up the tiniest of smiles and nodded his head. Drawing his hands away Erik removed his coat and top sweater, both of which were becoming uncomfortably warm. Now the small man was left in a blue t-shirt which hung off at one shoulder. The fabric stretched out over his hugely swollen belly. Again his hand came to hold his stomach, but now Conner could see the ace wrap on his forearm. "Two boys and a girl," he admitted timidly.

Conner tried hard to force down the anger within him as he noted that wounded arm and thought again on how anyone could hurt such a sweet man, and such a pregnant man too. He was close to demanding where this bastard was and going out to make sure he wouldn't hurt so much as a fly ever again. Conner kept his hands upon his thighs, his eyes growing wide as he took Erik's ripe pink belly in. "Triplets?" he said, looking into Erik's eyes. "That's amazing.  Um..." his eyes quickly went down to that round form, and then back up again. "Would you allow me a small touch?"

"If it's anything like how you touched my cheek, I'd be happy to." Very carefully, Erik lifted his shirt part of the way, and in turn revealed more of his story. Cigar burns in different stages of healing marred the stretched flesh. There were even fading handprints on his hips. Despite all of this, Erik just smiled sweetly up at Conner with that adorable blush on his cheeks. "Nathan, Phillip, and Rebecca," he said softly. "They're seven months last week."

"Oh God..." Conner whispered, swallowing back the lump in his throat. Yet he did not hesitate to place a large, warm hand upon that swollen form, even with its numerous marks. He let it rest there for a moment, and then slowly began to move his hand up and down along the round shape. "Your skin's so soft," he marveled, having expected... something more plasticy in feeling somehow.

Erik giggled lightly. "Cocoa butter works wonders." As Conner's hand began to move, Erik was filled with some kind of emotion he couldn't place. Suddenly he felt like he was wrapped in a soft warm blanket and safe from any and all danger. He sighed, letting his eyes close. "I never knew..."

Conner would continue to touch Erik, keeping his movements slow and ever so gentle. He glanced up at Erik's face for a moment, and smiled softly, finding that the rosy cheeked features were beautiful, even with the unfortunate badges of torment. "You're amazing, Erik. Having these three beautiful lives inside you, protecting them and nurturing them. You're so much stronger than anyone I have ever known."

Pale green eyes gazed up at the larger man as he reached to cup that firm jaw in his small hand. "I've heard that from counselors and therapists so many times that my ears could bleed, but.... Those words really mean something coming from you. I guess because you're so big and strong looking, and for you to say it about me, well.... You must really mean it." Erik pulled his shirt up the rest of the way and looked down at his large belly, cupping it from underneath. "I've only ever wanted to do what was best for them."

Conner flushed slightly as that small hand compelled his face to meet Erik's again. "I've known guys, bigger than me, and are all tough physically, but can barely look after themselves without going to pieces and here you are, ready to bring three beautiful new lives into the world." Carefully, he lowered his head and kissed the top of Erik's round belly. "You're nothing short of amazing."

The young male looked surprised, flattered. Erik played with that pesky curl, finding it charming. "Making fun of my height now, are you?" he teased. Soon the triplets were moving around more. They seemed to know someone else was nearby. Erik smiled a mother’s smile and asked. "Would... Would you like to meet them, Conner?"

"Not at all. I like your height, small and cute. And you more than make up for things down here." Conner smiled, enjoying how Erik played with that stubborn curl and placed another soft kiss upon the round belly. He rather wished he could kiss each and every little spot upon it, in turn healing every wrong that had ever been done to Erik and making him forget it ever was. "Meet them?"

"Yes, they love meeting new people." Erik took Conner's large hand and placed it upon the left side of his belly. He guided the man into making a very gentle push. Not two seconds later, his pink skin distended with a new little bump where one of the babes was pushing back with its hand. "I believe that one is Phillip, which means Nathan is close by." Erik giggled. "Since they're brothers they like to stick together. So..." He then led Conner's hand to the top of his belly where they pushed and were rewarded with another hand.

Conner's eyes sparkled, wide and amazed by these actions. It was incredible. "That's... that's..." he shook his head, a broad, handsome smile upon his lips. "A big hello to them also. It must be cramped in there for them.  How far along are you again?"

Erik nodded. "Sometimes they fight for space. I reached seven months just a little over a week ago. I'm enormous, though, I know." He rubbed his stomach tenderly. "My doctor says I won't make the full nine months. I'm just too small and they're too big. He says I'd be lucky to make eight months. Really... I could be due anytime now." Suddenly there was a smile back on his face. "You didn't get to meet Rebecca yet." Erik moved down a bit so he could lie on his back. Unintentional as it was, he was now presenting his entire swollen belly to Conner, along with his adorable rounded out bellybutton. "Rebecca likes to be cradled, so she's down here a lot. I can't reach her as well as I used to."

Conner's brow furrowed a little, worried for the other man's health, and hoped that the children would be given a little more time to develop before they had to be born. He watched Erik shift and licked his lips, finding himself tempted in wanting to reach out and push that jutting navel. Like the rest of Erik, it was just ever so cute. "So, she would be around here?" he asked, rubbing his hand along the underside of Erik's belly. The man was so big, and from what Conner could recall of some women he'd seen and compare, Erik looked beyond nine months already.

"Yes, that's her." Conner was greeted by her foot. She pushed hard enough against Erik's flesh to reveal the very shape of her foot, tiny toes and all. The small male giggled delightedly. "Rebecca likes you." Pale green eyes gazed solely at the other man. "And so do I. Oh Conner, I can't believe how lucky I am to have met you. I always prayed for someone like you to come and rescue me. Sometimes it felt like I was hopelessly wishing for a fairytale ending. That I was being foolish. Yet here you are..."

Conner laughed and marveled at the appearance of that little foot, and how clear it seemed. Lightly he tickled it, or at least the stretched skin keeping her safe. "She won't be taking any funny business from her brothers, I'd imagine," he laughed, then lifted his sights to meet Erik's own. He blushed at that flurry of words and the admissions behind it; he bowed his head and kissed the top of Erik's belly. "I just wish I could have flown in sooner and carried you away.  Forgive me for being late?"

Erik nodded and smiled warmly. "Better late than never," he replied.