Michael groaned sleepily as he rolled onto his back. "And what would be so wrong with that?" he asked while rubbing his eyes.

"Because we have a lot of chores tomorrow, one of which being going to morning church services," Richard purred lightly, now dressed in a nice casual ensemble and smelling of nice cologne.

"Chuuurch? Whhhhy?" Michael groaned again. "Babies are a good thing, Richard, not a sin." He rolled out of bed and shuffled over to the closet in search of something to wear.

"I never said we were going because we sinned," Richard stated firmly. "Call me crazy, but when I was working through college as a gas station clerk, my week always seemed to go by better when the week started with a visit to the Lord's house. There is really nothing to it. We listen to a message, sing our praises, repent for our sins, and feel spiritually refreshed." The white fox purred a chuckle. "Besides, it'll do us both good given our situation. I'm sure God won't mind our relationship since we are able to 'be fruitful and multiply'."

"The other members of the congregation are going to give me dirty looks when I start to show," Michael said as he pulled on a pair of dark, skinny, low-cut jeans. "Muscle shirt or button down?"

"Button down. It's a fancy place I'm taking you," Richard smiled. "And I don't care what kind of looks they give you, so long as they don't start talking smack about you. When things get 'holier-than-thou', they get really sour."

"Which is why I avoid church and just say my prayers before bed," Michael pointed out. "But if that's what you want, then I'll go." He chose a nice dark red shirt, one that complimented his wine colored hair. As Michael slipped the last button through its hole, his hands slowed and he just stared down at them.

Richard's gaze considerably softened. "How about this? We catch Sunday school, sing hymns on the way home, and read from the Bible for about an hour or so?"

"I won't fit this shirt soon..." Michael said softly, his mind already elsewhere. "Or any of my clothes for that matter..."

Richard laughed gently. "We'll get you some maternity clothes soon." He then raised an eyebrow. "Wait a minute, you were just claiming several hours ago that you were barren. What's with the sudden change of heart?"

"I dunno..." The red fox shrugged. "I guess... maybe if I think it's true now... I won't be surprised, but I won't be disappointed either." Michael looked up now. "Sorry, that made no sense. Let's just go to dinner."

Richard gave Michael a peck on the cheek. "I think you'll be pleased." he stated as he piled his love into his pickup truck. With a clank and a sputter, the duo were off into town. "So, multiple choice question, first answer is your final answer. Olive Garden, Golden Corral, or Red Lobster?"

Michael's nose wrinkled. "Golden Corral is always so full of rednecks, plus I heard someone got food poisoning there. We should eat at the Olive Garden Their bread sticks are sooo goood."

Richard nodded, "Well, I dunno about it having rednecks, but I did hear about the food poisoning. But you're right, so Olive Garden it is." he purred lightly, pulling down Main Street to the Olive Garden.

"If I really am pregnant," Michael began as he got out of the car, "I'm going to start eating for six. Can you imagine?"

Richard blushed lightly at the thought. "Yeah... Our food bill will certainly go up..." he purred, with a forced chuckle, the dirty thoughts taking top priority in his mind.

"Food bill?" Michael gasped. "Food bills, doctor bills, clothing bills... Richard, can we even afford this?!"

Richard was snapped back into attention as he heard Michael's apprehension. "Ahh! Yes, yes we will. I'll aim for partner of the law firm and be making six figures before we even get to your first ultrasound." he replied, a new confidence in his voice.

"You sound so sure." Michael sighed. "I wish I was that confident. A pregnant mail clerk doesn't exactly scream supportive parent."

Richard stared into Michael's eyes, perhaps even into his very soul. "I swear, our children will never have to go without. I'll sell everything I've ever owned if I have to..." he replied, a slight shudder from the confidence he was forcing up from the depths of his own soul.

Now Michael smiled and touched Richard's face. "I don't think it will come to that, but thank you..."

Richard panted as the adrenaline that was trickling through him had subsided, causing a slight limpness in his posture. "Whew... I know. I just wanted you to be sure, babe. I'm not going to let our kids go without."

"Well, let's start by going in and eating dinner tonight," Michael said and took Richard's paw before walking inside with him.

Richard shook his head to clear it out, then smiled. "Table for two?" he told the hostess, who immediately found them a seat. "May I suggest the Merlow '72? It has a wonderful bouquet and an exquisite, earthy flavour," the hostess purred lightly, passing them both a wine menu. "No, thank you. Just a Sprite for me." He turned to Michael and smiled, waiting for his response.

Michael sighed again. He'd have to give up alcohol now, wouldn't he? "A Sprite for me too, but can I get a splash of fruit punch in it?" he asked. "Kind of like a Shirely Temple?"

"Alright, one Sprite and a virgin Shirely Temple." the waitress replied, wagging her tail as she sashayed away. "Don't worry, Michael, it's only for a couple of years, at least until they are weaned." Richard purred condescendingly.

He nodded. "Luckily I wasn't much of a drinker to begin with, but I will miss my peach schnapps," Michael admitted with a laugh. "Now, what looks good......."

Richard smiled and looked at the menu. "Mmm, the Tour of Italy sounds nice. I wonder how they can afford to get us round trip tickets so cheap?"

Michael couldn't hold in the yapping laugh that belted out of him. "Richard!"

Richard shrugged it off, as even a few of the patrons around them were chuckling and giggling, if not trying to stifle it. "I kid though. Tour of Italy is my favorite item, so that's what I'm getting."

"It does look pretty good..." Michael hummed as his eyes scanned the page. "The fettuccine alfredo and chicken sounds really good, too... Hmm..."

"Splurge, dahling." Richard purred in an effected feminine accent, even going so far as to limply flick his wrist as was the norm among the homosexual crowd.

Michael rolled his eyes. "Splurging is the last thing we need to be doing right now, Richard. I'm getting the fettuccine with a Caesar salad." Having made that decision, Michael grabbed a buttery, garlicky bread stick and took the first bite.

Richard sighed as he stared at Michael, taking a sip from his soda every now and again. His eyes followed Michael's every movement, down to the letter.

The red fox finally noticed those emerald eyes on him and his movement slowed into a pause. "What? Is it on my face? Oh! Did you want one? Sorry..."

"No no..." Richard replied in a hushed tone. "I was just admiring you... It's been ages, and we've only been back together a week." he purred smoothly.

"Oh..." Michael was now blushing, his muzzle turning pink and red cheeks. "You did always know how to make me feel handsome, Richard."

Richard smiled. "What can I say? You have a gift." he purred, reaching to grab a breadstick for himself as the salad was delivered. Richard blinked at the salad bowl that was obviously meant to be shared, then looked to Michael. "Hope you have room for dinner after this..." he said with a straight look, before suppressing a snigger.

Michael picked up a crouton and threw it at his lover. "I don't have insane cravings yet, thank you very much. Anything we don't finish we can take home." He picked up his salad fork and started on the leafy appetizer. "Mmm... They make it right, here."

Richard chuckled as he took a salad fork and a small plate for himself. "I've been meaning to eat healthier myself..."

"Oh! I have a plan! I'll eat all the junk food during my cravings and you can eat all the vegetables I don't want, deal?" he said with a teasing smile.

Richard raised an eyebrow. "Hey now, don't go overboard on me. I'll indulge your cravings, but I'll also be making sure you eat healthy as well."

Michael shrugged. "Chocolate covered fruit counts, right?"

Richard stared blankly at Michael. "...... Seriously..." he murred flatly.

Michael's ears dropped down slightly. "I was only trying to be funny..."

Richard snrked again. "Calm down honey. Although I do want us both to watch what we eat, okay?" He sipped from his soda and looked into Michael's eyes.

"Of course, but don't I always cook good food?" Michael asked, taking some offense to this suggestion. "It's not like I deep fry everything. I grill our fish and chicken more often than not. I hardly ever serve pork and the beef is chemical free. Sure vegetables aren't my favorite, but I eat plenty of fruit. The meals I make are perfectly healthy."

Richard put his hands up in defense. "Easy, easy... It's just, my daddy senses are tingling and right now they're telling me to take care of mommy. I know, I'm being a real ass right now, but it's only because I worry."

"Well..." One red ear flicked forward. "As long as it's because of instincts and you not trying to be a jerk on purpose."

Richard nodded. "Yeah... I'm just wanting to take care of you baby, even moreso if I've put you in a very delicate situation..." he murred, taking another sip of the bubbly sweet-water.

"M'not that delicate..." Michael murmured, "but I understand."

Richard took Michael's paw and smiled. "I'm excited. We might be parents." He then looked down. "Regardless of whether we are or we're not, we'll need to consider marriage soon."

Michael accepted the kiss, but he didn't kiss back. "Yeah... I'll see you later." He left the house and got on his bike, pedaling his way off to work. In the mail room Michael looked at all the forms and letters he needed to be sorting, but all the names looked like garble. He couldn't focus... Michael ended up just throwing the enveloped back into the bin and just sat on the floor.

Richard felt on edge the entire time they were apart. He couldn't take the tension any longer and called Michael's cell phone.

"Hello?" Behind the voice came the sound of a bottle clinking against a shot glass.

Richard was dead silent. "Michael...?" he finally stated. "What are you doing?" he asked.

"Sorting mail," he lied. Michael had made his way to a conference room at the firm and found a bottle of good whiskey for high class clients.

There was a sharp click at the other end as Richard hung up. He jumped into his truck and sped down the street toward the firm. Several minutes later, Michael could hear a loud screeching as well as the grinding crunch of metal not far from the law firm.

Michael had put his phone down when Richard hung up. He figured the other male was mad at him now. When the sound of a car crash met his ears, it got Michael curious enough to move to the window and peer down the street to see what had happened.

The police as well as paramedics were on the scene. An alligator was being helped up from the scene, and seemed more rattled than hurt. On the other hand, the arctic fox was laying in a pool of blood, looking rather mangled, but still barely alive.

The glass slipped from Michael's fingers, the fragile glass shattering against the carpet. Michael tore down the stairs, all six flights of them, and burst from the building. "Richard!" he screamed. He was only a few feet from the truck when a pair of policemen grabbed him, holding him back. "No! No, you don't understand! Richard! He's my fiance! Richard! Richard!"

As Richard was pulled by on the gurney, he looked up to Michael, through his good eye. "Mi... Michael..." he gasped. "Think... about the... babies..." he wheezed, before being loaded onto the ambulance. The police officer that stopped Michael earlier took him by the shoulder. "I could take you to the hospital," he offered.

Michael nodded as he watched the ambulance speed away. "Y-Yes... Please, I need to be with him."

The officer helped Michael into the squad car, and took off after the hospital. "What happened, m'boy? What do you think caused your fiance to go daft like he did?"

"I... I was drinking," Michael admitted, still in a daze.

"Well, I could see how he'd be a mite upset, but it ain't like you're pregnant, right? Nothing a few shots would hurt," the officer replied simply, pulling up in the hospital lot. Richard was already in the operating room, being put back together again.

"Actually..." Michael began quietly, just staring out the window at the hospital entrance. "I might be..."

The officer stared at Michael for a few moments, before chuckling. "Ah, heh heh, you got me. Is it April first already?" The officer helped Michael out of the car and into the hospital.

"I'm serious!" Michael barked and tore his arm from the cop's hold. "I was born with a condition! There's a good possibility that I might be pregnant!" The red fox was shaking, nearly in tears. "Richard called me and knew I was drinking. He was coming to take me home. It's all my fault..."

The officer was surprised now. "Calm down, I think I could believe that. Let's get you up to your fiancee. He'll be needing you now."

Michael stood limp now and nodded. He walked with the police officer inside, getting help from the desk nurse on where they needed to go.

After being led to the room where Richard was recuperating, the officer's communicator came to life. "I have to go... Godspeed m'boy." he replied, before turning and walking off.

"Thanks..." Michael stood and stared at Richard in the hospital bed for a long time. He was numb all over, not even able to feel his own heart beating. Finally the red fox moved to sit beside the bed. Michael reached for the pale-furred paw, but then drew back and cried into his own paws instead.

One pale emerald eye opened. "Michael..." he coughed weakly. His whole body was in various casts and his face was messed up quite a bit. The once proud arctic fox was reduced to a helpless mass of dirty fur, sore muscles, and weakened bones, a few of which were broken. "How... are the... babies...?" he asked with a small smile.

Michael gasped at the voice and looked up. "I... I don't know. That's not important right now, though. How are you? Are you in any pain?"

Richard closed his eye and chuckled happily. "Excruciating, but I do feel a little better with you by my side..." he replied in a quiet voice.

"Richard, what happened?" Michael asked as he leaned in closer. "You're one of the safest drivers I know."

"I was worried... I didn't want you to make a mistake that could have been avoided..." Richard murred lowly.

"Richard..." Michael sighed. "We don't even know if there was a mistake to be made."

Richard looked to Michael again. "Do you want to look back several years from now and ask 'what if'? 'What could have been'?"

"What do you mean? Richard... Even if something happened to these babies, or if there aren't any to begin with, it's not like we can't try again in a few years. We can actually get married first, you can make partner, and I can try for a better job. We'll be ready then."

Richard looked down. "I guess you're right..." he mewled quietly.

"I'm sorry I ran away this morning," Michael whispered.

"It's not your fault..." Richard purred, looking back at Michael. "You needed to sort the mail so you wouldn't get swamped on Monday, right?"

"No... No, that was a lie..."

"Wh... Why did you lie to me? No, why did you feel like you had to lie to me?" Richard asked, before his eye widened. "It's because I'm pressing this whole pregnancy thing, isn't it... You're not ready yet, are you?"

Michael was shaking again. "I... I don't know, Richard... I'm scared..."

Richard lifted his paw weakly. "Honey... Why didn't you tell me sooner? I got all keyed up about being a father that I didn't consider your feelings..."

Michael took Richard's paw. "That's just it. You were so excited, Richard. I didn't want to disappoint you."

"Honey," Richard stated. "That's what marriage, no, what life is all about. Compromise is how we co-exist with each other, he purred, squeezing Michael's paw gently.

"I don't know what I'll do if I'm pregnant. I'm a male, Richard. What if something goes wrong? What if I get halfway through and suddenly my body rejects them? I wouldn't be able to live with that..."

Richard stared into Michael's eyes. "Honey... Whatever happens, we'll get through it together."

Tears fell from his hazel eyes. "Now you're in this hospital bed all because I was stupid and scared."

"I'll be fine..." Richard replied, before grunting. "I'll be back on my feet in... four months, I think." He chuckled lightly as he looked to Michael's belly. "If there's a cub in there, we'll know when I'm up and about."

"You can't work like this, Richard... How will you make partner?" Michael was crying now. "I've ruined our lives. I'm so sorry. I'll work double shifts, I swear."

Richard gripped Michael's paw tightly. "I'll never allow it. Just do what you're doing now. I've got enough clout at the office, I'll make partner soon. It'll probably take a year longer now, but it's a sacrifice worth making."

Michael could tell how against working overtime Richard was, but he still planned on doing so. He needed to pull enough weight for the both of them now. "I... I could get tested while we're here, Richard..."

Richard could tell that Michael's decisions were out of his hands for the time being. "Please do. If nothing else, it would give me peace of mind."

Michael nodded. "I'll talk to the nurse when she comes back in. In the meantime, you should get some rest..."

"Alright sweetheart..." Richard replied, before closing his eye, returning to slumber.

Michael took to petting Richard's pale hair while he slept. It was almost another hour before the nurse showed up. Michael let her check the arctic fox's vitals before speaking up. "Nurse? I need to ask you a favor."

The surprisingly human nurse turned to Michael. "Yes? What do you need?" she asked.

"I..." He blushed and looked down at the floor. "I need a pregnancy test."

She blinked for a moment, before nodding. "Here, I'll need a urine sample," she replied, passing him a small cup.

The blushed darkened, forcing Michael to turn his head dow even more. "O-O-Okay..." he squeaked, snatching the cup and then scurrying into the bathroom.

The nurse awaited his return, tending to Richard as needed.

Michael emerged a few moments later with the sealed cup which he had written his name on. "How long does it take for, um... results?"

"About a half hour. I'll get this to the lab right away." The nurse giggled, "Don't worry, I'll keep this anonymous." she replied, walking off with the sample.

Michael bowed his head to her. "Thank you." When she left, the young fox to his seat by the bed again, laying his head down on Richard's legs and closed his eyes.

He was shaken awake approximately a half hour later. "Michael? Sweetie?" the soft voice cooed.

"Hm?" Michael lifted his head and blinked blearily around the hospital room. "What? What is it?"

The nurse smiled gently. "You're pregnant."

Hazel eyes just stared in disbelief at first. "Wh-What? Are... Are you sure?"

"The test does not lie, sweetie." she responded.

"Oh my God..." Michael's paws touched his stomach. "I'm pregnant... I'm really pregnant..."

Michael managed to smile with a little sniffle here and there. "Th-Thanks, Richard. Oh no... I let the soap dry on your fur," he sighed, now re-wetting the washcloth and rubbing the spot a second time.

Richard smiled. "Don't worry... Now let's finish up and go get some fresh air." the white wolf purred lovingly to Michael. "And I think I'd like to be bold today. No contacts, just sunglasses."

The red fox blinked in surprise. "Are... Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm feeling a little adventurous today." Richard giggled, trying to get Michael's spirits up.

Michael nodded with his own laugh. "Good, I'm glad you're feeling so confident."

Richard stretched his free arm and gave a cute yawn. "Mmm. Do I look like I'm gaining weight?" he murred lightly, looking into Michael's eye with his own pink-hued orbs.

This made him laugh. "Are you kidding me? Why on earth would you be gaining weight? You aren't even the one having kits!"

Richard smiled. "Because, I've been bedridden basically," he giggled back, moving his casted arm.

"Well yeah, but you haven't been vegging out. You don't eat nothing but junk food and play video games all day. I feed you well and you get exercise at physical therapy. You're fine, baby." Michael put a paw over his belly. "I, on the other hand, am going to start gaining weight pretty soon."

"But it'll be sexy baby fat." Richard growled, grinning widely. "I am looking forward to seeing your tummy grow with life, though." he cooed.

"At least one of us is," Michael said with a nervous laugh. "I'm excited about the kits, but not so much about getting so big."

"What, afraid that I'm gonna lose interest in you when your belly gets big? Is that it?" Richard teased.

"No..." Michael pouted. "It's just that no one ever wants to get fat, that's all."

Richard grunted as he stood on his weakened legs. "Don't worry honey. I'm here for you. We'll exercise daily during the pregnancy and make sure that we keep you at a reasonable, healthy weight. I'll even buy you treats to make this a little easier on you."

Michael laughed. "Aren't treats contradictory to the concept of exercise?" he asked and helped Richard to his walker.

Richard winked as he steadied himself. "Not if they are used in the bolstering of good behavior." he joked.

"Hmm... I suppose. Now sit on the bed and get dried off while I get your clothes. What do you want to wear today?"

"Surprise me, dear." he called as he fluffed his wet fur with a towel and his good arm.

"A dangerous suggestion, my love," Michael said from where he was rummaging through the closet. Soon he came out with a nice pair of walking pants, since that's all that fit over the cast, and a band t-shirt. "I like this one. You look good in blue."

"It does bring out my fur," Richard stated as he maneuvered the cast arm to fit in the sleeves.

"And you probably want to wear some good walking shoes. Here, lift your feet so I can get your socks on."

Richard obeyed. There wasn't much he could do. Sure, he could be obstinate about it, but hadn't he promised his lover and future mother of his babies that he would do anything to make his life easier?

"Thanks." Michael pulled the socks over Richard's feet, helped him into the pants, and then got the shoes on him. Michael then changed himself into a pair of skinny jeans and t-shirt that showed a bit of his midriff. "Time to go downstairs. Hold on tight."

Richard chuckled as he hung from his love. "Feeling sexy today love?" he cooed, commenting on Michael's choice of dress.

"I figure I should wear it as much as I can before it's too late," he replied while carefully moving down the stairs.

"Well I love it," Richard purred, before shifting into his wheelchair.

Michael grinned. "Yeah, I knew you probably would." Grabbing his keys, the young fox wheeled Richard out of the house and started down the sidewalk. "The park is just two blocks over. I thought maybe we could get some hot dogs from a vendor and then some ice cream."

Richard nodded and wagged his tail. "That sounds lovely, darling..."

"Broadview," Michael replied while getting the pills and water. "It should be an 800 number."

"Alright," he replied, purring lightly as he found the number post-haste. "Okay, I got it honey. I'll take my medicine now."

"Good." Michael put the pills on Richard's tongue and then gave him the water. "Do you want to nap on the couch or up in the bed?"

"Hmm... I guess I'll take a nap on the couch. It should be fine." Richard smiled.

Michael nodded and smiled. "All right." He wheeled Richard into the living room and helped him onto the couch. "When you wake up we'll decide on dinner."

"Okay. Love you baby doll..." Richard purred lightly as he laid back and drifted off to dreamland.

The day finally came when Richard would go back to work. Michael made sure his mate's pant leg was tucked tastefully into the walking boot he had to wear for another month. Meanwhile, Michael was rifling through his shirts in the closet trying to find something appropriate for his first day in his new position. There was a small curve in his belly now, but nothing that made his clothes not fit. In fact, Michael hardly ever noticed it, not with the way he constantly ran around making sure everything was in order. "If I wear a blue tie should I wear a white or yellow shirt?"

"White." Richard replied, stretching before he gathered his papers. "Blue goes best with white."

"Should I wear my cream slacks or my khakis?" he asked while throwing on the shirt and tie. "Do you have your cane? You know the doctor said you shouldn't walk without it. You need it to bear your weight."

"I have my cane, dear," Richard sighed, before peeking in on Michael. "Definitely the Khakis. Don't want to look too sterling."

"Yeah, but I don't want our boss thinking he made a mistake in promoting me," Michael said and stepped into the pants. "I should look professional in case he comes to check on me."

"That being said, my vote is still for the Khakis." Richard reiterated. He smiled as he gave Michael a kiss. "You look lovely, honey."

"Thanks." The red fox offered a meek smile. "Getting dressed is going to be a real chore when I start to swell out. I won't look good in anything, I'm sure."

Richard purred lightly as he rubbed Michael's belly. "You'll look stunning. We'll get you the finest in maternity wear."

Michael rolled his eyes. "We're not spending money on something like that, Richard."

"Okay, but at least the basics," Richard stated. "Maybe a Bella Band to help with making your current wardrobe a little more 'compatible' with your changing body."

The younger fox nodded. "That actually sounds like a good idea. The longer our boss doesn't know, the better. The longer no one else knows, even. I want to avoid questions and awkward moments as long as I can."

Richard nodded as he smiled. "I am looking forward to seeing you grow though. Are you ready to... get started with work?" he murred, bringing up the touchy subject.

Michael nodded. "Yeah, we can't put it off any longer. I'll drive."

Richard nodded. "I just hope that the stress won't be too much on you..."

"We'll find out." Michael drove them to the firm where a number of lawyers welcomed Richard back with smiles and hand shakes. Some of them talked to Michael, but most looked over him, not being a lawyer himself. They finally made it to Richard's office. "So, what's first?"

"Well, let's get you settled in first. Your desk will be right here, catty corner to mine," he replied.

Michael sat at the desk. There were no personal affects on it, since he didn't have any, but there was a notepad, a cup of pens, some empty file folders with more in one of the drawers, and two papers trays. "It's nice. Feels all official."

"If you need a computer, i could get you one for the office. All I have to do is ask and we'll have you a PC set up in the office." Richard replied.

"Oh! Look, there's a laptop in the front drawer here." Michael pulled the computer out, his face looking like Christmas. "They thought of everything."

Richard chuckled lightly. "Well you might want to talk to President Gavin before taking that home with you.

Michael looked confusedly up at Richard. "Why would I take it home? It's a work computer."

Richard nodded. "Although you could take your work home with you if you wanted." he replied, before helping Michael get his laptop set up.

"Well I'm all set up now," Michael said while leaning back in his chair. "What's first on the agenda?"

"Well, first thing's first, we need to compile the data on our culprit and see if we can establish a pattern on his whereabouts."

Michael nodded. "Is that something I can do?"

Richard smiled as he passed Michael a CD. "This is my data so far. Let's see if you can improve it."

"All right." Michael inserted the disc into the drive and began studying the data already present while adding the new data from a file he found on Richard's desk. He worked for a few hours on it, plugging everything into program until a pattern emerged. "I think I got something," he said, fingers now at rest.

Richard looked intently at what Michael had compiled. "Y-you... You've just pinpointed his next target! Quick, call the police!"

"I-I don't exactly who the victim will be though!" Michael said, nervous about calling something in that would prove useless. "I only know which neighborhood she lives in."

"It doesn't matter who! We have the where, the police can set up a sting!" Richard was practically foaming at the mouth. It was completely obvious that he was excited about putting this man away for good.

"Okay! O-Okay!" Michael grabbed up the phone and immediately dialed 911. "Y-Yes, hello, my name is Michael. I work for the Gavin Firm. I was setting a pattern for the Month 8 Killer and I've pinpointed the location of his next potential target. It's a neighborhood that feeds off of Oakland Drive."

Michael could hear a frenzy on the other line. "We've got a break! Oakland Drive? "Get the squads there immediately!" The voice was then directed back at Michael. "Do you have an ETA on the perp?"

"N-Not exactly," Michael replied, hand shaking around the phone. "Bu-But he tends to abduct his victims between the hours of 4 and 7."

"Thank you for the information. We'll have this perp in lockdown by the end of the day. Your hard work is greatly appreciated!" A click on the other line let Michael know that their conversation was over.

Michael hung up the phone, still shaking slightly in his seat. "They... They said some cars are going out there..."

"Good. Now it's my turn to do some work. I have to build up my case surrounding him, although it shouldn't be too hard to convict him with all of the suffering he's caused."

"Richard?" The red fox looked up, his ears angled down. "Is... Is there anyway he would know I-I made that c-call?"

"There is no way. We've been taking security measures against wire tapping. The only people that can listen in on our conversations are people on the other line." Richard reassured him.

"What if... What if I'm wrong? What if I messed up the pattern? He might strike somewhere else and it will be all my fault." Michael started to whimper and whine in the back of his throat. "I didn't think my first day on the job would be this heavy..."

Richard pet Michael's head gently. "We'll get him, sweetheart... Don't worry..."

"I... I... I need something to do." Michael began rifling through papers, looking for a distraction. "What's next on the list? Aren't there some forms I can fill out or something?"

Richard nodded and gave Michael some papers to notarize. "You keep yourself busy with these past cases, and I'll work on this one, okay?"

"Okay... Okay..." Michael nodded and began signing off on the papers Richard gave him. At first his paw was shaking too much, but a few deep breath got that under control.

There were quite a few cases that needed notarizing. But upon closer inspection, every case was won. He got the right clients found innocent, and the guilty accordingly.

Michael swallowed before speaking. "So, you're going to be working for the people, right Richard?" he asked. "You... You aren't a defense lawyer."

"Yes, I work for the people. I defend the clients I deem innocent based off the evidence, and I prosecute the guilty parties."

Michael nodded. "Do you have physical evidence that this is the guy? I mean, even if the police catch him, do you have proof he's the one?"

Richard's eyes narrowed. "I have witnesses, evidence he's carelessly left behind, even DNA samples. This... This monster is going down."

The red fox looked down at the surface of his desk. "Sorry..." he mumbled.

"It's not your fault, darling..." Richard then cooed. "I just can't let this one get away. This one is personal."

"Well... What did he do to you?"

"He did nothing to me... But who he's targeted... It's inexcusable."

Michael just hummed at that. He was about to go back to notarizing the forms when he suddenly grabbed the waste basket instead, plunging his face into it.

Richard chuckled lightly. "Still feeling under the weather?"

"Baby hormones make me queasy," Michael groaned with his face still in the waste basket.

Richard got up and padded over. Michael could feel his paw gently rubbing his back, in an attempt to calm his stomach.

"Nnng... Thanks..." Michael lifted head to look over this shoulder. "I put some ginger candies in your briefcase this morning. Will you get me one, babe?"

Richard nodded and got a couple out for him. "Here you are."

Michael took one and popped it in his mouth, sucking eagerly. "I read ginger is supposed to help with upset stomachs. I hope it works." His hazel eyes looked down into the basket again. "Ugh... I'm gonna go wash this out, be right back."

Richard nodded. "Anything you need. You're practically a VIP now."

"A VIP who doesn't think someone else should have to clean up his puke," Michael replied with a sort of laugh. He came back after about 10 minutes and got back to looking over things and signing them. "Do I actually go to trials with you?" he asked after an hour or so.

"You can if you want to. I might actually request you be there as my legal aide, although I'll handle all the heavy lifting in court."

The young fox tilted his head slightly. "What does a legal aide do?"

"Well in your case, you'll be responsible for my evidence, make sure it's in order and all that."

"Oh." Michael nodded and went back to his work. A few minutes later he asked, "Are there any other upcoming cases besides this one?" He didn't mean to be asking so many questions while Richard was trying to work, but the young fox was also trying to understand his new job.

Richard smiled warmly. "I'll have one other case before this one, but with the evidence our police force has gathered, it's pretty open and shut."

"What's it about? Should I know?"

Richard passed him the file on the case. It seemed that it was a typical insurance scam, where the beneficiary poisoned the one insured.

Michael read through the file. "Yikes, that's one crazy bitch. How can you kill your own husband for a few thousand dollars?"

"It's a mystery. My job is to prove her guilt to the jury..." Richard sighed lightly.

"Well, like you said, it looks like you have everything you need." Michael closed the file and handed it back. Once again he was working silently on the papers Richard had given him. He was determined to stay quiet and let his mate work this time.

Richard smiled, and after a while said, "Why don't you take a little walk? I'll call you on your cell phone if I need you."

Michael looked up, his expression almost one of confusion. "Are you sure?"

Richard nodded. "The fresh air will do you some good. You might even meet President Gavin. He likes taking walks around the facility as well. Just be careful he doesn't ask any questions you don't feel like answering," he chuckled, looking straight at the baby bump that Michael was conspicuously sporting.

His paws came over his stomach. "Should... Should I not tell him?"

"You can if you want to. I don't mind in the slightest if he knows."

Michael nodded. "Okay, then. I'll be back in a little while." The red fox stood up from his desk. He let his long hair free of the ponytail, smoothed it back, and reset it so his hair looked nice. Giving Richard a kiss on the cheek he was gone, walking down the halls he'd only ever seen while dropping off mail.

A few others passed Michael by in the hallways, but paid him no attention. Suddenly, a pink, fur-less hand pat Michael's shoulder.

He jumped slightly, but turned around quickly. "S-Sorry, I was just getting some air."

"It is no problem," the voice said gently. Upon inspection, the man owning the hand was a blond, European looking fellow, with very soft, almost effeminate features. His eyes shone gently from behind his glasses and his smile was warm and inviting.

Michael caught himself staring at that angelic face. While masculine features were definitely more his type, Michael had to admit this guy was pretty good looking. "I-I'm sorry," the young fox finally managed through a chuckle. "You'll think I'm an idiot for asking but, are you President Gavin?"

The man was surprised, but then melted back into a smile. "How did you guess? You must have perfect intuition or something." he chuckled. He adjusted his glasses, revealing a little scar.

Michael laughed nervously. "No, you just look really important."

"Well don't let me scare you," Gavin replied, rubbing Michael's shoulder gently. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you by the way."

"O-Oh... My name is Michael Luca. I actually used to work down in the mail room, but I was recently promoted. I'm the secretary for Richard Grealey, my um... My mate."

"I know about your promotion," Kristoph chuckled. "I was the one that approved it."

His hazel eyes widened a little. "Really? Th-Thank you, sir. I really do appreciate it."

Kristoph smiled as he shook Michael's hand. "So, if you don't mind me asking, are you eating well?" he chuckled lightly, motioning to Michael's tummy with his eyes.

Michael blushed suddenly. "That? Oh... Well, see, I cook a lot and I've gotten into the habit of baking things that aren't so good for me." He laughed nervously again and put his paws over his belly. "I, uh... I really should start jogging again."

Kristoph chuckled gently. "Come, walk with me. I'm sure we could both use the air."

The fox nodded. "Yes sir." And he soon fell in step with his boss.

"So how are you liking life with Mr. Grealey? I'll bet he keeps you on your toes. To be honest, I never really pictured him to be the way he is."

"Oh, Richard is really dedicated to work when he's here, and even at home sometimes, but he's kind of a different person at the end of the day. He comes home and completely unwinds."

"I would bet," Kristoph laughed. "And what about you? I barely know anything about you. The only reason I promoted you like I did was because I heard through the grapevine that you were romantically linked with him."

"Me?" Michael never really talked about himself before, not to someone so important. "I'm a fairly simple person," he finally replied. "I don't feel like I need or want a lot of things. A home cooked meal, a glass of peach schnapps, and a good book are all I need to be happy. I'm afraid I never finished college. I was too easily overwhelmed and my grades dropped. That's why I could only get a job in the mail room."

Kristoph nodded. "I see, I see..." He looked up at the clouds as they lazily drifted by. "Have you considered taking up law? I could fund a private course, and your mate, Mr. Grealey, could be your tutor."

"Oh no..." Michael shook his head. "I'm not nearly smart enough to get involved with laws and politics. I appreciate the offer, sir, but... I think you'd be wasting your resources."

"Very well then. So long as you're helping out Mr. Grealey, then I see no problem where you are." Kristoph replied, before offering Michael a glass of peach juice. "My apologies, but I am currently out of Schnapps. Will peach juice suffice?"

"Oooh, thank you!" Michael took the glass eagerly. "Juice is fine. Schnapps wouldn't be good for my condition anyway," he said, letting the last bit slip by accident.

"Condition? Is something wrong with you?" Kristoph asked, now intrigued.

Michael sputtered on his drink. "What? No, no... No, I just meant that... that I'm working. I mean, I really shouldn't drink while I work, right. It'd be... be way unprofessional." He finished with yet another nervous laugh. He seemed to be full of those today.

Kristoph smiled, though mischievously. "Alright. I'm heading back to my office. Head back to yours when you're done."

"Y-Yes sir, thank you." Michael sighed after Gavin left him alone. Oh man that was close. Ever since he was a kit, Michael got nervous and almost scared around authority figures. He really needed to work on that before his boss started to think he was some kind of weirdo. He finished his drink and set it on the glass table before going back inside.

Richard sighed lightly as he finished up. "Court date tomorrow, are you ready?" he asked as Michael came in.

Michael nodded. "I, uh... I met Mr. Gavin."

"And he charm you as well?" Richard chuckled lightly, gathering up the evidence and case files.

"He was really nice, yeah. I didn't expect it of him. Oh! Did you know he's the one who had me paired with you?"

"I figured as much, seeing as he's the President of the firm." Richard replied, loosening his tie.

"I didn't think he even knew who I was," Michael said. "I was just a mail clerk."

Richard nodded. "Well it is five pm. Time for us to head home. And you remember my promise, right?"

Michael blushed. "Oh, Richard, you don't have to..."

"But I want to." Richard purred, grabbing his cane.

The red fox laughed slightly. "All right, if you insist." Michael made sure to shut down his laptop before leaving. He drove the both of them home where they changed into clothes better suited for lounging around in.

As promised, Richard removed Michael's shoes and rubbed his feet pads.

A very content sigh slipped from the young male. He practically melted into the pillows and Richards paws. "Ohhhh wow, you're soooo good at that."

"Hee hee, I've been practicing." Richard replied, rubbing every tender spot.

"Practicing?" Michael raised an eyebrow. "And just who have you been practicing on?"

"You, silly." Richard giggled lightly. You haven't felt your feet being tickled in your sleep?"

Michael shook his head. "Guess I'm a heavy sleeper."

Richard smiled. "Nah, I was playing with you. I've been reading up on proper technique."

He laughed awkwardly. "O-Oh, of course." Michael grabbed up the TV remote and turned on the television, starting to flip through the channels.

After he was done, Richard gently lifted Michael's shirt to below his chest and kissed his tummy, before getting behind him and rubbing his back like he promised.

Michael laughed softly. "Richard..." he sighed. Settled comfortably against his mate, Michael decided to watch the news. "Looks like rain tomorrow."

"It'll be fine, so long as I have you..." he purred.

Michael turned his head to lick under Richard's chin before looking at the television again. It was finally time for the reporters and their bulletins, so he turned up the volume. "Our top story tonight: The Month 8 serial killer was nearly apprehended this afternoon before escaping by car." Michael sat straight up, his eyes going wide. "No..." "Police were staked out in the victim's neighborhood, the location provided by and anonymous caller, and waited for the killer to strike. Before police could arrest the killer, he came out firing a gun and stole the victim's car. A high speed chase pursued onto the freeway where the killer dared to drive into oncoming traffic. The mess of traffic that followed allowed the Month 8 killer to escape across the state line. Police have set up patrol borders should he try to get back in."

"Thanks for your support," Michael muttered under his breath as he left the office, slamming the door behind him. He walked with eyes down to the elevator which he had to ride all the way to the top floor. President Gavin's office was quite large with windows on all sides that let him see over the city. Michael entered looking nervous and meek. "You wanted to see me, sir?"

"Yes, please. Come in and sit." the president replied calmly, his back turned to the red fox.

Michael walked further into the room and took a seat in the chair just on the other side of the rather nice desk. Was that redwood? He figured it must have been expensive.

"Now Mr. Luca, I like you. You're a diligent, hard worker, and you seem very charismatic. However, the one thing I will not tolerate is lying. I can tell something is going on, and I want to know as a concerned employer. For all we know, you could need medical attention or leave to recover from what's afflicting you." the human replied in an even, unchanging tone.

"I-I'm not being afflicted by anything," Michael argued. "I didn't lie, either. I do have a medical condition right now and I regard it as personal. Am I really going to get in trouble for that?"

Kristoph sighed lightly. "Then you are okay with the condition that if I am not updated on your condition, then you forfeit any possible leaves or benefits?" he asked, as if pressing Michael for information.

Michael pushed himself out of the chair. "But I'll need at least two months of leave!" he cried, though he hadn't meant to say such a thing.

Kristoph turned around, a slight smirk on his face. "Then would it be a stretch to imagine that you are in a family way?"

His muzzle turned bright pink and he sat back down in the chair. "You... You could say that..."

He smiled gently. "Any particular reason you were hiding it?" he asked.

"How many pregnant men do you know?"

"I'll admit that it is rare, but you shouldn't be afraid to share this kind of thing. Now, would you care to discuss your health benefits while you are here?" Gavin asked.

Michael glanced up. "I get benefits?"

"Of course. We will write up a little contract and when it goes into effect, you will receive a little extra pay as a "maternity bonus" until you give birth. You will receive three months of maternity leave, starting at the eighth month. Is there anything you wish to revise, add, or take away?"

Michael thought about this. It sounded pretty good, but he felt something did have to change. "Mr. Gavin, I will need those three months, but it needs to start when I'm nine months pregnant instead. I... I don't know if you're aware, but I'll be having at least five kits. I'll need those two months after they're born to adequately care for them."

"But you will have two months to care for him." Gavin replied. "Eight to nine months is one, then you have the birth. Two months follow to allow you to care for your kits."

The young fox blushed. How did he not figure that out? "O-Of course... thank you..."

"Anything else you need?" he asked.

Michael shook his head. "I don't think so."

Kristoph nodded and pushed a sheet of paper to Michael. "Please sign here."

He picked up the pen and read over the contract. Michael was about to sign, but paused. "And there's no catch?"

"Not at all. In fact, I won't tell a soul if you plan on keeping this secret."

"It won't stay a secret for long..." Michael murmured before signing the contract.

Kristoph smiled again. "All I wanted from the beginning was the truth. Now shoo, your mate must be worried about you."

Michael nodded. "Thank you, sir." He scurried out of the room and back to the elevator. Once he was in their own little office again, Michael fell heavily into his chair. Suddenly he felt very tired.

"Michael?" Richard asked, noticing the look of fatigue on his mate's face.

He looked up in recognition, but didn't say anything.

"Honey, are you okay? Do you need to go home?" he asked, getting up and moving towards the red fox.

He shook his head. "No, I'm fine, Richard."

"Are you..." he started, before shaking his head. "No, we're going home now." he replied. "You need to rest."

"I said I'm fine!" he snapped, but immediately regretted it. Michael sighed heavily. "I just spent the last twenty minutes explaining to Mr. Gavin that I was pregnant and then coming up with a contract. Nothing happened. I just... need a few minutes, all right?"

Richard backed off and nodded. "Please, if you need to go, don't hesitate to let me know. I'm here for you, baby. Every step of the way."

"I know, Richard. Thanks..." One paw rested on Michael's belly while the other was used to support his head. Nothing bad had happened, so why did he feel so drained? It was a long while before Michael shook himself from the slump and got back to work, though he was slow about it the rest of the day.

Richard took Michael home immediately following the stroke of five. "Did you have any ideas for dinner, honey?" he purred lightly, driving through town.

Hazel eyes gazed out the window of the passenger seat. "I'm not really hungry," he replied quietly.

Richard murred lightly, he was worried. "My dear... Is something bothering you?" he asked.

"No, I just... I don't know..." Michael said with a sigh. "I just don't feel so... normal right now, I guess. Maybe my hormones fell or something..."

Richard reached over, hesitating for a moment, before placing it against Michael's tummy. "So... How are the babies?" he murred lightly.

Michael shrugged a little. "They're okay, I guess. You know I still can't feel them. They probably won't start moving until next month." He sighed again. "I keep getting bigger, so I guess that means they're fine."

Then the magic moment occurred. The first hiccup. It was very faint, but Michael could feel it.

The young fox flinched and looked down. "What the hell...?"

"Hmm? Did you feel something?" Richard asked, though keeping his eyes on the road. Unfortunately, his paw was in the wrong spot and missed the motion.

"I... I think so... Maybe?" Michael sat very still and waited. It took some time, but he felt another flutter that made him flinch again. "There it is again!"

"Movement?" Richard smiled, his tail wagging.

"S-Something... They're wiggling or rolling over or... or... twitching? I can't tell."

"Mmm, let's get home. I want to feel them." Richard squealed.

Michael changed once he was home. His work clothes were suffocating on his growing figure after nine hours. A simple pair of sweat pants were put on, but he didn't bother with a shirt, knowing Richard would be pushing it out of the way anyway. The red fur on Michael's sides had grown quite thick and vibrant since the pregnancy began, but the white fur on the front of his belly had grown silkier. "Okay... I think I felt them on the left side," he said, staring at the large bump that was part of his body. "...Or maybe it was closer to the middle. I don't know, it was barely there."

"We'll find it sooner or later." Richard replied, smiling as he gently stroked the silky smooth fur. "You've gotten even more beautiful, darling."

The younger fox blushed. "You're just saying that..."

"But you have. You know the old saying, right? 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder', right?" Richard murred happily.

Michael's red and white-tipped tail curled around his waist, laying over his belly in order to hide it. "It's only going to get worse, you know..."

"What do you mean worse?" Richard murred, looking up with mock concern, hiding his excitement.

"I mean my horribly fat self," Michael replied.

"You are not fat, sugar. You are full of life. That tummy is holding our kits, the proof of our love." Richard purred happily.

The tail curled a little closer around his expecting figure. "It doesn't always feel that way."

"I know you feel big... But do you believe me when I say you look beautiful?

Michael looked away, silent, until his eyes met pink ones again. "I do, Richard."

Richard kissed Michael on the lips, gently at first, before wrapping his arms around Michael's head and pulling the red fox into a loving embrace, suckling the other's tongue passionately.

Michael pushed back up into the kiss. His own arms found their way around Richard's back so he could hold on close. The red fox started to purr somewhere deep in his chest as their mouths worked together.

"Mmm..." Richard murred happily, keeping the kiss together for several minutes, before pulling back. "Wow... That was... Electric..." he murred lightly. A silence pervaded the room for a while before Richard took a deep breath and asked, "Wanna... do it?"

Michael blinked his hazel eyes a number of times before asking, "Are you... serious?"

Richard nodded, the serious yet slightly shocked expression on his face not fading for a moment.

"I-If you think we can..." Michael said with a nod.

"I think... You should be on top..." Richard purred lightly. "It's been a while..."

"Richard..." He glanced to the side. "I'm too heavy for you..."

"Not for my hips, honey. I swear..." Richard stroked Michael's belly gently. "I want to make you feel beautiful..."

Michael blushed. "Well, if you're sure." He allowed Richard to help get his pants off and watched as they fell to the floor. Michael got up on his knees and did his part by pulling Richard's shirt off, although he took his sweet time doing it.

Richard's pants were already tenting with anticipation. "Hee hee, you love torturing me, don't you?" he cooed to his lover.

"I have to make you earn it somehow, don't I?" he teased and rubbed muzzles with his mate. Finally, Michael was sitting on Richard. In only his fur and skin, naturally lithe body exposed, his belly seemed that much bigger. Its seven month size was hardly an accurate representation of his actual five month progression, but that was his species.

Richard groaned lustfully as he fumbled with his pants, longing desperately to be within his lover. "Oooof, you are so cruel..." he purred lightly.

"Am I now? What if I..." Michael placed one paw upon his belly and began to rub slowly. He bought color into his own cheeks and a deep, moaning purr from inside his chest.

"Oh God..." he moaned, feeling his desire already welling up deep inside him. "Honey, you're gonna make me go off in my pants..." he purred lightly.

Michael chuckled. "We wouldn't want you to make a mess, now would we?" He reached behind himself, grabbed the ankles of Richard's pants, and in one swift yank they were off. Michael licked his lips as another idea came to him. A way to make Richard squirm. Both paws were placed on either side of his mate's head and the young fox leaned forward. A gentle rocking motion soon had his large belly rubbing right up against Richard's tone form. Even the furry little bulb that was his bellybutton could be felt pressing against him.

"Aaaaah... You are so mean!" Richard moaned lewdly. His scent was growing stronger with each of his mate's motions. "I swear to God that you're a temptress..."

"Maybe I am," Michael replied. "But what will you do about it?" he asked, suddenly taking the time to drag his belly slowly across his mate's body.

"Uunnnf..." Richard groaned as he struggled to get his underwear off, to free his straining penis.

"You'd better hurry," he purred. A deep inhale made Michael's belly bigger, pushing into Richard. "Ohh..." Michael began to moan, just to set his mate off. "Ohh... Oohhhh..."

Richard got himself free, then grinned as he shoved his member into Michael's back door, though as gently as possible.

"Ahn! Richard!" Michael arched his back and his neatly trimmed claws scratched down Richard's chest.

"Yeah, babe?" Richard chuckled lecherously as he gently groped Michael's belly.

Michael gasped with a shudder. "E-Everything feels more... more s-sssensitive than ever..."

Richard smiled warmly. "Then I guess this must be heaven for you, eh?"

"M-My head is spinning," Michael groaned while rocking against his mate's hips.

Richard responded by gently humping into Michael, matching his rhythm. "Mmmm, it's been a while since we've done this..."

"I'm sure you can understand why," Michael groaned.

"Mmm, how are you feeling, love? I'm about ready to knot you..." Richard chuckled lightly.

"I... I... Mnng!" Michael could only pant and shiver atop his mate. "Ah... Ah... Haah... Nah! Aah! Aaah!"

Richard nodded and gently inserted his knot into Michael's bum.

"Aahn! Richard! O~oooh, Richard!" Michael curled forward, pressing his belly against his mate's body with another powerful shiver. "You... You're always so strong with th-that..."

Richard purred gently as he nuzzled his mate's muzzle. "You know it's all for you, baby..." he cooed gently.

"S-Sometimes I can..." he groaned, panting, "can hardly stand it."

Richard chuckled lightly as he gently stroked his knot against his lover's entrance.

Richard sighed as he worked throughout his day, signing this, notarizing that, arranging evidence for the other upcoming case, but around noon, he couldn't take it anymore. Before he head out for lunch, he called the house, wanting to talk to his beloved, make sure that Michael was okay.

Michael picked up the phone, but he paused breifly before answering. "...Hello?" he answered timidly.

"Hi sweetie..." the soft voice cooed on the other end. "Something the matter?"

"Um... Someone called earlier..."

Richard paused. "And... What happened?" he asked.

"Nothing... I don't even know who it was, Richard." Michael's ears were slanted back against his head. "They didn't talk or anything. There was just... breathing."

Richard looked down into his desk. "Lock the doors, activate the security system. If you need ANYTHING, call me and I'll get it for you. Just stay inside and I'll be home soon after five. Earlier if you need me. If anything... ANYthing goes wrong, call me immediately."

Michael frowned. "W-Why? Richard, do you know something? Maybe it was a wrong number."

"Something isn't sitting right with me... A wrong number doesn't just breathe and then hang up. A wrong number either apologizes or just plain hangs up..." Richard replied, the tension thick in his voice. I want you to be careful, okay?"

"Um... O-okay, bye, Richard."

"I love you..." Richard purred, before hanging up. He placed a paw to his temples and rubbed them. "Please... Dear God in heaven, please... Anything but THAT..."

Michael stood up off the couch after hanging up the phone. He put one paw to the small of his back and went around locking all the doors. Michael even closed the blinds on all the windows. Finally he set the code on the alarm and returned to the couch where he watched television. Michael had both paws on his belly, rubbing gently.

The cubs inside had just woken up and took to stretching inside their mother.

Michael was still surprised by the movements since it was all so new. He looked down at his belly not with fondness, but with gentle curiosity. "You all take up a lot of room, you know." His fingers felt around carefully. "How many of you are there, anyway?"

There were two, no three kicks in reply, followed by a stretch, then a set of constant hiccups.

A tender smile pulled at his lips. "Well, I still can't tell from that, but there sure are plenty of you." Michael leaned back against the cushions. "Papa and I might even have to buy a bigger house when you come along."

The rest of the cubs inside calmed down, save for the one that had the hiccups. Back at the office, Richard was worried sick, though trying to hide it from his clients. He handled a divorce hearing, gathered intel on the latest killing to plague the city, and all the while worrying about Michael and the babies. His stomach eventually started to bother him.

Michael had decided to start making dinner so they could eat just as Richard got home. All that cooking got him thinking about different foods until something suddenly struck him. He picked up the phone and dialed Richard's number.

Richard immediately answered. "Gavin law offices, Mr. Grealey speaking." he replied.

"Hey baby," Michael's voice greeted happily. "Can you pick up something for me on the way home?"

"Certainly, what do you need?" Richard asked, calming down upon hearing his lover's voice.

"The kits have given me my first craving," he said with a laugh. "I would so love you if you could bring home some bananas and a jar of peach jam."

"Certainly, anything for you. Anything else?" Richard purred lightly, thinking for a few moments. "Maybe some diet pineapple soda?"

Michael chuckled. "Is that something you would like?"

Richard chuckled lightly. "It was just a thought. I'd rather prefer the diet lemon-lime soda." he replied. "It always seems to go down feeling so... well clean."

Michael nodded even if Richard couldn't see it. "If that's what you want, feel free to pick up a case of that, too. I'm making some spaghetti for dinner. It should be ready when you get home."

"Mmm, sounds delicious, mi amore." Richard cooed in his best Italian accent. "I'll be home soon."

"Love you, bye." Michael hung up and went back to stirring the noodles, making sure they didn't clump together. Around 6:00 he noticed the lights in the driveway and smiled. He heard the front door open and close, and called out, "The garlic bread is just about done toasting. You can come plate your spaghetti, though. Did you get the bananas and peach jam?"

"I did sweetie," the voice called out. "And I got you two other surprises, but you can't have them until after dinner..." Richard chuckled happily as he padded in with two plastic bags.

Michael met him with a big smile. "You did? You are so sweet!" He kissed his mate on the cheek and took the bags from him. "I won't peek, but you get your food, all right?" Michael's tail swayed against his maternity jeans, the fur coming in thicker these days. The large pale green shirt he wore covered his stomach well enough, and the baggy sleeves came just to his elbows. Since he'd been cooking, Michael's long red hair was pulled back in a ponytail, though is was sort of messy.

Richard chuckled. "The bag on the left goes in the freezer." he replied as he scooped out some of the spaghetti for himself.

He nodded and put the bag in the freezer, not looking inside of it. "So did you survive without me today?" he asked and bumped hips with his mate.

Richard murred sensually. "It was hard, but I managed... Given my day, I was surprised I made it without you."

"Really?" Michael began fixing his own plate. "What happened today?"

Richard sighed. "Same old, same old... Had a divorce today, and another new killer decided to rear his ugly head..."

Michael frowned sadly. "Oh no..."

"But, this was the life I was raised for. I'm glad I have you though, it makes my life easier..." Richard gently held Michael's chin in his paw, before planting a gentle kiss upon his lips.

Michael returned the kiss and pulled back. "This used to be such a nice place to live. I remember growing up here and never hearing about anything other than teenagers tagging gas station walls."

"Generation X... Something went wrong with our generation..." Richard murred, looking down as he spooned the sauce and meatballs over his noodles.

"What does this one do?" Michael asked quietly.

Richard sighed lightly. "It's hard to tell..."

Michael frowned slightly. "You already have the Month 8 Killer on your hands. Couldn't they have given this one to someone else?"

Richard kissed Michael's forehead. "As much as it pains me to say this... We have a difficult choice to make..."

Hazel eyes studied the arctic fox curiously. "A choice?"

"Two choices come to my mind..." the white furred fox purred mysteriously. "Either we stay here and eke out the meager life we've built, in constant fear of those who seek to cause us harm, or we move to a new city and start a new life in peace."

"Richard..." Michael sighed, his ears going back a little. "You know a move isn't in our best interest right now. I don't think I could manage it, and to leave the company after all they've done for us lately..."

"I know... That's why I feel we're stuck between a rock and a hard place at the moment." Richard replied, pressing a paw into his own stomach as a wince momentarily passed his face.

This did not pass Michael. "Richard, are you okay?" he asked and put a paw on his shoulder.

"Just... just a little stomach upset... All this stress is starting to get to me..." Richard replied. "I'm okay... I'm okay..."

"Here..." Michael stood, with a bit of effort, and went to the medicine cabinet. He returned with three tums and a glass of milk with him. "This should help." The red fox smiled. "Maybe I can give you a tummy rub tonight before bed."

"Likewise..." Richard chuckled as he ate the chalky tablets. "I'll have to schedule a doctor's appointment to get some stress medicine."

Michael nodded. "Don't let yourself get too worked up. I'm coming back to work tomorrow. You won't have to worry about me being home alone and I can help you handle the load." He reached out and scratched behind Richard's ear.

Richard purred happily as he felt the scritching. His stomach growled again, but this time in hunger. "Oooh, time to partake your lovely spaghetti."

Michael smiled and took his seat. "It's my great-aunt's original recipe. She left it to me in her will. My cousin's were so jealous."

"Hee hee hee, it sounds lovely." Richard purred lightly. "So what did they get?" he chuckled as he played with the noodles.

"Well, let's see... Jodie got her earring and matching necklace. Hank and Harold got her money. Vanessa got the house. Olivia got a vause she got in Paris. Phillip got... her good dishes, I think."

"Sounds fair. You enjoy cooking, so you got one of the best gifts."

"Yup, she knew I was never one for fancy things. The money might have been nice, but the twins needed it more than me." Michael slurped up a noodle and the tip bounced off his nose, leaving a little splatter of sauce on his muzzle.

Richard licked the sauce from Michael's nose playfully.

The red fox giggled and blushed. "I could have use a napkin."

"I know, but it would have been wasted..." Richard chuckled lightly, before starting up on his own meal.

He laughed and shook his head. "Such a conservative." When dinner was finished they shared a bowl of ice cream, watched Top Chef, and then retired to bed. Michael snuck onto the bed, something of a feat given his size, and crouched beside Richard. His red and white face was hidden in the sheets, only his hazel eyes peering over them, and his tail swayed back and forth above him.

Richard raised an eyebrow, looking up from his novel. "Hmm... Who could that be?" he chuckled playfully.

"It's theeee..." Michael pounced, his paws tickling his mate's stomach. "Tickle monster!"

"Eeeeeeek!" Richard yelped, dropping his book. "Ahh heh heh heh... It tickles!" he purred happily.

Michael laughed, too, enjoying the sound of his mate being happy. "Laughter relieves stress," he said, "and a good tickle always makes my tummy feel better when it hurts."

"Aaah hee hee, s-speaking of which, I... I owe... owe you a belly... r-rub!" Richard giggled hysterically.

The red fox smirked. "Oh, but I'm having far too much fun watching you squirm, my darling."

"Kwaaah!" the poor white fox howled in laughter.

Michael continued to tickle his mate until Richard started gasping through his laughter. He pulled his paws away, holding them up like a surrender. "Feel better?"

"Aaah... ahh..." he purred happily. "Your turn, sweetie..." he purred lightly, before gently reaching over and stroking the taut skin that held a small litter of kits so tenderly.

The red fur on Michael's cheeks darkened slightly. The gentle rubbing motion of Richard's paw calmed him down considerably. He started to feel warm and soft. Michael slowly laid down on his back, face against the pillow and looking at his mate. "You're so careful..."

"Why wouldn't I be?" Richard chuckled lightly. "You're very delicate right now, and I need to make sure you're taken proper care of."

Michael shook his head. "David wasn't always so careful. Sometimes I forget how gentle people can be with each other, I guess."

Richard stopped. "David...?" he asked, looking at Michael a few moments.

Hazel eyes looked up into pink. "You were gone a long time, Richard. I didn't know if you'd ever come back."

Richard's eyes softened. "Ahh. I see. Anything happen between you guys?" he purred, now teasingly.

Michael's tail curled around himself and he fought to keep his ears forward. "Nothing you need to be worried about..."

Richard smiled happily and rubbed muzzles with Michael. "Come on... What happened to my favorite fox while I was away?"

The young fox whimpered and shook his head, now squeezing his eyes shut.

Richard tried once more. "Please, for me?" he asked, his voice calm and understanding.

"He... He was mean to me, Richard..."

Richard nodded and scooped Michael close, holding his mate in his arms. "If you need to let it out, just let it out..." he purred gently.

"David was nice at first," he explained. "I started to feel like he wasn't right for me after a few months. I wanted to break up, but he wouldn't let me. He was always calling me. Soon he wouldn't even let me leave the house. David would fly into these jealous rages, accusing me of cheating on him, and then he would hit me. I was so upset. My fur started to fall out. One time... he shaved my tail bald, said it was better than the ugly mess it had become."

Richard held Michael tightly. Michael could feel a different kind of tension, one of protectiveness. "I see. How did it end?"

"When he went to the gorcery store one day, I called a cab and went to the hospital for my broken arm. I told them everything."

Richard nodded and snuggled Michael's head. "I'm glad..." he purred lightly. "And I'm glad that I came back."

"Me too..." Michael put his paw on his belly. "You touch me much nicer than he did. If Davis had gotten me pregnant... I'm not sure what would have happened."

Richard huffed lightly. "I don't want to think about it..."

"Then feel this instead, then." Michael grabbed Richard's paw and held it against the top of his belly where they could feel one or two kits rolling over.

Richard smiled happily. "I love that feeling." he purred lovingly.

"They'll all be full-fledged kicking soon," he said. "Richard, I want someone who can help us."

"How so, sweetheart?" Richard purred lightly, kissing Michael's scalp.

"You know..." Hazel eyes stared down at his own pregnant figure. "Like a midwife."

"Ah, of course. Maybe I could call up my oldest brother, he's become an accomplished OB/GYN."

Michael then turned his eyes up at Richard. "Would he be able to come here and stay during the rest of the pregnancy?"

Richard looked back into Michael's hazel eyes. "I could call him and see. It would really depend on his schedule. He's not married, so if he used vacation time, he could be your personal doctor for the rest of the pregnancy."

The young fox smiled. "I'd like that..." He palpated his round figure. "Your brother is trained with his paws, right? He could feel and tell me what I need to know?"

"He's so good that he could tell you the exact day your on just by looking at your belly." Richard beamed proudly.

Michael's smile widened. "He sounds great, and just what I need. I'm so much more comfortable at home. I want to avoid doctor's offices and machines as much as possible."

Richard smiled. "Ahh, it's midnight. We should get to bed. Tomorrow comes early."

Michael nodded. "Right..." He curled up beside his mate, head on Richard's chest, and was asleep almost right away.

Richard woke Michael gently the next morning. "Good morning sweetie."

Richard kissed the ankles gently. "If I wasn't ready for the commitment, I wouldn't have taken the plunge, darling. I was ready for this from day one."

"That makes one of us," said Michael. "But I'm getting used to it as I go." He laughed softly. "I'm sure I'll get the hang of it just in time for them to be born."

Richard purred lecherously. "If we didn't have five at the time, I'd probably suggest we try for another one after you gave birth..."

Michael reached up to paw his mate's face. "Give me time to rest, Richard."

"Hee hee hee, okay, okay. You're probably getting tired of all my friskiness, right?" Richard replied, smiling warmly.

"Oh, I don't mind so much. I just hope you understand that I can't always... give back," he said with a shy shrug. "I'm not as agile as I used to be."

"I understand that," Richard replied. "But by the same token, I'm not really asking anything of you in that regard, your willingness to submit to me is all I really need. I realize that sounds insensitive, but it's the best way I can put it..."

"Just tell me I'm pretty and make me feel good," Michael purred and licked his lips.

"You're not pretty." Richard murred lowly, all seriousness in his expression, before it softened considerably. "You're beautiful... The most beautiful creature I've ever had the fortune of witnessing."

Michael's ear folded back shyly and he blushed brightly. "Oh, Richard..."

Richard smiled and kissed Michael's taut belly. "And I love you with every beat of my heart."

The young male fox mewled softly and his toes curled. "Mmn..."

"Mmm, now it's bedtime..." Richard cooed in reply, scooting up behind Michael and spooning with him gently.

Michael settled in with his mate and hoped he'd be able to fall asleep. Time passed, though, and sleep didn't come. Tired hazel eyes watched the hour on the clock flash over to 2:00AM. The kits were so energetic tonight. Michael slipped out of bed carefully and quietly so as not to wake Richard. He passed the guest bedroom where Thomas was supposedly sleeping and went down stairs. The young fox started to brew some tea. While he waited, Michael took to walking around the living room, rubbing his belly and trying to hush his active litter.

"Problems with the young ones?" a deep voice chuckled as a large, shadowy figure loomed in the doorway.

Michael gasped, spinning on his heels. "Thomas, you scared me!" he said in a loud whisper.

Thomas chuckled and gave Michael a gentle hug. "I figured you would be having this problem, and you already seem to know step one to calming them down. If I may help you further?" he asked. With a blush he added, I may need you to remove your clothes for one of the steps, but it's not what you think.”

The younger fox smiled, not at all embarrassed. "Well, you are my doctor now, right? Ooh..." Michael winced and put a paw to his belly. "Late nights are always the worst."

Thomas smiled. "First, I want you to have a cup of tea. While you drink it, I will be massaging your feet.”

"All right." Michael went to check on the tea. It smelled like jasmine and he'd learned to actually love its taste. With a warm cup in his paws, Michael came back and sat on the couch. He tucked some pillows behind his back for support. "How often do you do this sort of thing, Thomas?"

"More often than you would think. I make midnight house calls often, so I've learned to be a light sleeper," the gray arctic fox chuckled. "I also use this 'radical' method to help relax both mother and babies. You'll see why I use the word radical shortly."

Michael sipped his tea slowly. "Radical? I hope that isn't another word for extreme or dangerous."

Thomas laughed. "Only if you think orgasm treatment is extreme."

He sputtered into his tea. "Orgasm treatment? Thomas, I'm... not so sure... What will Richard think?"

"I promise, my body will not touch yours in a sexual manner. I will only cause an orgasm to increase, then decrease your heart rate, which will excite, then relax your babies.” Thomas replied professionally

"They won't... get hurt, will they?"

Thomas smiled warmly. "If it hurt them, would I recommend it?"

Michael shook his head. "No, I guess you wouldn't." He leaned back again, sipping the tea, and put his feet up.

"Don't worry, Michael," Thomas purred lightly. "You and your kits are in good hands with me." The large fox set to gently massaging the younger fox's feetpads in a professional manner.

Michael's ear flicked back and forth as they did sometimes when he felt good. He could tell Thomas had done this before. He drank some more of his tea before asking, "Why did you become an OB/GYN, Thomas?"

Thomas shrugged. "I guess it all started in middle school for me, when we studied pregnancy in Anatomy class."

"Oh?" Michael started to wonder if Richard and his brother were more alike than just blood. "You found it that interesting?"

"Out of all our siblings, Richard and I are the only ones that find pregnancy as fascinating as we do." Thomas replied, before moving to undo Michael's pants.

Now the red fox was blushing. "Do you... find it fascinating the same way Richard does, Thomas?"

"I think that my brother likes it for the feeling of having, well... dominance over his mate. He's always been somewhat of a dominator. I love it because a pregnant belly looks very attractive to me." 

"Really?" Michael tensed slightly. His belly had gotten rather large, and Thomas was right there, but... Michael shook his head. There was no reason to think like that. Thomas was a doctor, a professional, and Richard's brother. He had nothing to worry about. "Richard's never been very dominant with me. Not the way I imagine dominance going. The way he talks about it, I thought he liked the look of a pregnant belly as well."

Thomas chuckled slightly. "Well, trust me. In his own subtle way, he's finding it very hot that you're the one holding the babies, and not him. Ever notice how he is always the one who is giving, and not receiving when you're in bed?" His paws moved up over the fluffy orb. "And you have no need to worry. I won't make any passes at you. My fiance wouldn't like that. The only reason she even let me come here is because you're married to my little brother."

Michael gasped softly. He decided to put the cup down before he dropped it. "She... She's a smart lady. I wouldn't trust a dashing fellow like you alone with anyone either," he said with a laugh. One of the kits turned toward the paw touching its home and gave a little kick. "And of course Richard gives in the bedroom. He is the dominant partner after all, but only because I fall into the role of the female more easily than he does. Richard has never been dominant dominant. He's never rough with me, ever."

“Who said he had to hurt you to be the dominant one? When you give birth, when you're back to your previously slender form, ask him if he'd like to take for once and see what his reaction is." Thomas chuckled. "Now, unless you want to wash that shirt, I'd suggest you remove it. We're moving onto the treatment."

"I... I thought that's what dominate meant," Michael admitted quietly. He nodded at Thomas' instructions and removed the pink night shirt, folded it, and set it aside.

Thomas pulled Michael's pants off and set them around his ankles. “Sweetie, your definition of dominance is a bit dated. When we say he's dominant, we mean he has a lust for power, to be in control." he chuckled as he gently started working Michael's package.

Michael gave a quiet moan and turned his chin into his chest. Deep down, he felt like Richard should be the one doing this, but he'd never wake his mate for something so trivial. "H-How does he control me?"

“It's very subtle, sweetness..." Thomas purred gently as he gently aroused Michael, making his heart beat faster.

"Th-Thomas, please..." Michael whined, shifting in his seat and blushing. "That's what Richard calls me..."

"Sorry, it's a family habit." Thomas chuckled lightly, before moving up to the sheath and gently rubbing it.

Michael arched slightly. "Ah... Ahh..." He felt himself growing warm all over, his heart beating faster in his chest. "Nhaa..."

"Feeling the heat?" Thomas asked, moving a little faster.

The young fox nodded as best he could. His cheeks were red and his body shivered at the sensation. "Ohhh... Ah-ah-ah-ahh..."

"Just relax and let your body go. Enjoy this. As soon as you release, you and your kits will quickly wind down and enjoy a restful night's sleep."

"I... I'm trying-Ah!" Michael cupped his paws over his mouth. He was getting louder, but he didn't want to wake Richard. So, the young fox just moaned into his paws until he suddenly came. Almost immediately after the moment it happened, Michael was feeling the exhaustion finally set in. He could feel the kits calming and settling down. "Ohh..."

Thomas smiled as he cleaned Michael up and redressed him. He then scooped the tired young fox up and carried him to bed.

Michael turned his head and opened very tired eyes, looking up at the grey fox in the shadows of the dark hall. "Mmn... Richard?" he mumbled sleepily.

"No, no... It's Thomas. I'm laying you down next to him right now."

"Mmmnh..." Michael recognized the feel of the mattress and the sheets being pulled over his body. He rolled onto his side and immediately moved right up along side his mate. One red-furred arm draped over Richard's chest while he nuzzeld under his chin. "Richard..." the young fox purred.

Richard shifted, feeling his love's arm and hearing his voice. "Michael... My dear..." he purred quietly.

Michael fell into a happy, peaceful sleep after that. Thomas' treatment had done the trick. The kits were calm, his body was warm, and he had his mate by his side.

Morning was soon upon them and Richard was up with the sun. He gently shook Michael. "Wake up honey. It's morning."

Michael groaned softly and buried his head deeper into the pillows.

"C'mon, sleepy head. Don't want to keep my brother waiting, do you?" Richard chuckled lightly.

He gasped. "Your brother!" Michael sat up suddenly and his knees came together.

Richard blinked. "Yeah, he's here, and he'll be waking up in about 2 hours. What was that all about just now?" he asked, moving his arms to Michael's legs.

There was a look of terror on Michael's face. "Richard... I think I did something bad..."

"Oh... What was it? You can tell me." Richard murred lightly, hugging Michael tenderly.

"Last night... I couldn't sleep. The kits were being really active..." He swallowed. "I tried making tea. Your brother came downstairs and said he could help."

Richard smiled. "Did he give you his 'special treatment'? He's told... well, bragged to me about it before."

"H-He's a doctor. I decided to trust him." Michael looked up at Richard with big sad eyes. "Are you mad at me?"

"No, I'm not. He didn't violate you, did he? That's all that really matters. It seems like he gave you 'the treatment', cleaned you up, dressed you up, and returned you to bed. No harm done," the white fox purred.

Michael shook his head. "No, he was really polite. He didn't do anything I wasn't comfortable with."

Richard then kissed him deeply. "Nothing to be ashamed of then."

Michael pushed back into the kiss, even wrapping his arms around Richard's neck. "I'll ask you next time."

"If you need treatment, you have my express permission," Richard cooed lightly.

"I mean I'll ask you for treatment," Michael said with a smile.

Richard smiled and pet Michael's head. "About how much sleep did you get last night?"

Michael leaned into the touch. "Maybe five or six hours."

"And are the babies still asleep?" Richard asked.

"As far as I can tell."

"Then you go ahead and get some more sleep. I'll go get ready for the day." Richard purred, kissing Michael on the cheek.

Michael nodded and smiled gratefully. "There's bacon in the fridge. You can start cooking it in about an hour. Remember to butter the pan a little so they don't crisp too much."

Richard smiled. "Okay, rest well honey." he replied.

Michael curled back up into the sheets and fell back asleep quite easily. He was relieved that Richard was okay with what happened last night, and wasn't going to get jealous or angry.

Richard sighed lightly as he hobbled to the shower and started to shower off. "Hmm... Should I be concerned...?" he asked himself as the water started to flow. After a quick rinse, he headed downstairs to begin cooking breakfast for the household.

Michael woke up again to the intoxicating smell of the bacon cooking. He washed his face before getting dressed. A clean pair of maternity jeans were pulled on, a sleeveless undershirt that helped support his gravid figure, and a large green t-shirt. Michael took the stairs carefully and slipped into the kitchen. "Nothing like watching a big strong male cook his meat," the red fox purred.

Richard blushed as he looked over his shoulder. "Ah heh... R-really?" he purred awkwardly, before the bacon spat at him, hitting his bare paw and causing him to yelp.

"Oh!" Michael rushed over and took Richard's paw up into both of his. "My poor baby," he cooed and then began to gently lick the burn.

Richard purred happily as he felt the lick on his paw. "Mmm, how does it taste?" he purred lightly.

"Like bacon," he replied with a giggle. "How does it feel, though, better?"

"Yeah, it feels better," he purred lightly, before messing with the bacon. "It's almost ready. How did you sleep?" he asked.

"Much better," Michael answered with a nod. "Ooooh..." Michael rubbed his stomach. "Some peanut butter on that bacon would taste really good."

Richard chuckled lightly and pet Michael's belly. "If that's what baby wants, that's what baby gets..." he cooed lightly. "I'll make you a peanut butter and bacon sandwich."

Hazel eyes lit up. "Oh! Oh!" Michael's tail began waving wildly. "Can you put the peanut butter and bacon on one side, and the peach jelly and banana slices on the other side?"

"Of course, my dear..." Richard purred lightly, kissing Michael on the muzzle. A deep yawn issued from upstairs.

"Sounds like your brother is awake." Michael fetched three cups from the cabinet and the milk from the fridge. "Was the plan to walk or drive today? If we walk, we might want to bring your chair. You know you still have trouble with long distances. I can push you while you give Thomas the grand tour of the town."

Richard shook his head. "I can't ask a canid in your condition to do that. I will endure. Besides, we'll be mostly driving." Richard replied, setting up the chimeric sandwich for his lover.

"It's not like pushing you is hard," Michael insisted, "but driving sounds fine. We should go to that new diner for lunch. I heard it's supposed to be really good."

Richard nodded. "Very well, that is where we will eat."

Michael traded one of the glasses of milk for the sandwich Richard made. He bit into his happily, his ears flicking back and forth and tail waving as the bacon crunched along with the sweet jelly and other ingrediants. "Sooooo good," he hummed around a full mouth. Michael turned when he heard another yawn, but this time it was closer. "Good morning, Thomas!"

The imposing grey fox scratched at his belly and moaned lightly, heading immediately toward the coffee pot.

Michael watched with something of a bewildered look on his face. "Not a morning person, huh?"

Richard chuckled. “The big lug is always braindead until he gets his morning joe."

"I can see that." He took a swig of milk to wash down his bite of sandwich before taking another. Hazel eyes observed the breakfast sandwich and then looked at his mate. "Is this gross?"

"If I were to have to eat it, I'd say yes. But it is your body and your cravings." Richard purred tactfully.

Michael looked back at the sandwich and shrugged before going to sit at the table.

Richard purred lightly and padded over, before lifting Michael's shirt and rubbing his belly gently.

The young fox gasped, nearly dropping his sandwich. He didn't even hear Richard coming up behind him. The swiftly waving tail began to slow into a lazy sway; a good indication of Michael's relaxed state of being. "Mmn... Good morning to me," he purred.

Richard's lips pressed against the fluffy orb. "Mmm, good morning indeed, my beautiful, ripening fruit..."

Michael reached out and started to scratch behind Richard's white ear. "Honey, I know we have a whole day ahead of us, but there's something I want to talk to you about later tonight. So try not to get too tired, okay?"

"Hmm? May I hear some of it now? Even just a snippet?" he asked, his curiousity getting the better of him.

"Well... Do you think of us as an equally mated pair?" Michael asked.

Richard's left ear tucked back. "Equally... mated?"

"Like... Do you think we're both alphas?"

Richard gently shook his head. "If you mean both alpha males, then no... I see you as my alpha female..." he replied calmly.

Michael nodded slightly. "So... I'm a beta male?"

"As a male... That is how I see you..." Richard stated, still calm, but visibly showing signs of distress.

"And..." Michael continued while still scratching Richard's ear. "Did you ever want to be a beta?"

Richard visibly tensed. The fur on the entirety of his body stood on end. A quiet, growling murr could be heard in the silence. It stood for all of two minutes, before the arctic fox calmed down again. "In all honesty... Not really."

The young fox pulled his hand back when Richard began to growl. His ears went back in guilt in shame. "I-I'm sorry, Richard... I didn't mean anything by it..."

Richard looked up and smiled warmly, before nudging his mate's paw with his nose. "Is that what you were wanting to discuss with me, sweetheart?"

Michael swallowed. "Y-Yeah... Your brother said some things. I thought we could try... but I guess I misunderstood."

Richard blinked. "Is it really that important to you?"

"No, no..." Michael shook his head. "I don't mind being the beta. I always felt like one. See... The way your brother was talking, I thought he meant you sometimes wanted to experience being the beta. I didn't mean to upset you," he said timidly.

Richard looked down, chuckling lightly. "So he told you, right? About my dominant streak?"

Michael nodded. "I told him I didn't consider you the dominant type, because you aren't rough with me. He said, 'ask him if he'd like to take for once and see what his reaction is.' I thought that meant you wanted to. I misunderstood... I won't bring it up again..."

Richard placed a finger to Michael's lips. "Let's agree to this: If you ever want to be the alpha one night, I'll let you, otherwise, I'm the alpha, okay?"

The young fox nodded, still unable to meet his mate's gaze. "O-Okay..."

Richard showed a bit of his dominance with his next sentence. "Look me in the eye when you mean something, dear."

Michael swallowed, but finally looked into pink colored eyes. "Yes, Richard..."

"That's my love." Richard cooed before kissing Michael's lips. Thomas chuckled as he witnessed the scene behind a coffee mug.

Michael gasped and turned away then. He nibbled on his sandwich quietly. The red fox regretted asking his question now. He should have kept his mouth shut. Minded his own business.

Richard hugged Michael a final time, before serving his brother and himself breakfast.

Michael looked over his shoulder into the kitchen where Richard was, and then at Thomas who was now sitting next to him. "You didn't tell me he'd get mad," Michael hissed under his breath.

Thomas shook his head gently. "But he didn't get mad. You've seen him mad before. That was nerves you saw just now."

"He growled at me!" Michael hissed again.

"And are you certain it was an honest to goodness growl? Or was it quiet and admittedly weak?"

He pouted. "It was quiet, but it didn't sound weak to me. All his fur stood up and he growled..."

"That sounds like nerves to me. I've known him all of his life." Thomas replied, gently touching Michael's shoulder.

"Nerves about what, though?" Michael asked. "I didn't even do anything. I just asked him a question."

Thomas shook his head gently. "That's the way his brain works. if something threatens his status or livelyhood, he will become defensive. However, since you are his mate, he held back his emotions."

"So he was mad at me," Michael said.

"Only the slightest bit. If I had to wager, he's more upset with me right now." Thomas chuckled. "Don't fret, he's not angry with you."

Michael stared at the large grey fox for a few long seconds before just taking another bite of his strange sandwich. It was his way of ending the conversation. All Michel knew, was that he would never bring up the topic of dominance ever again.

Thomas looked hurt, but with himself. "Hey... I'm sorry I brought this up..." he replied, looking down into his mug.

Michael shook his head. "It's fine. What happened, happened."

Michael returned the kiss tenderly. "And I love you, Richard Grealey," he said with blushing cheeks.

Richard reached to the straps keeping the robe wrapped around Michael's form and pulled them apart, revealing the white furred tummy. "I almost can't wait to see them..." he purred lightly.

The red fox gasped softly. He was suddenly shy under his mate's closely observant gaze. "I'm sure they can't wait to see you, either."

Richard leaned in close and licked the red fox's muzzle. "You're really cute when you act all shy..."

Michael laughed nervously and fought the urge to look away. "Wh-Who's acting?"

"Acting or not..." the white fox replied as he brought Michael's nose to touch his own. "I still find it adorable... And sexy as hell..."

"I know how you feel," Michael said with a smile. "You never make an effort to hide it. That's why I did this." He slipped his arms free from the sleeves of the robe. Now the green silk just laid in a cool puddle shape beneath him. His swollen form completely bared to his mate. Open, vulnerable, and waiting.

"Mmm..." Richard purred gently. "How do you want me, my love? Just as you are mine, tonight, I am yours."

Michael just shook his head. "I only want you to do what you do best. This night is all about you, Richard. Anything you ever wanted to do, to see, to hear... I'll give it to you. You work so hard. I want to give you this."

Richard hummed for a moment. "I don't know... There are a few things I've wanted to do for a while, but they might be too extreme right now...'

He tilted his head slightly. "Well... Like what?"

"Well... I have some fuzzy handcuffs and a gag, as well as some rope..." Richard purred lightly. "But... the last one... No, I couldn't..."

Michael touched the side of Richard's face gently and smiled. "That doesn't mean you can't tell me."

"I had a riding crop... I was going to see if you'd let me spank you with it... But I don't want to end up hurting the babies..." Richard murred lightly.

A light laugh he couldn't hold can bubbling out. "Is that all?" Michael asked. "Richard, we can do that. Of course." Without waiting for words of disapproval or argument, Michael rolled over onto his front. His round belly pressed into the mattress while his bare rump was propped up playfully, tail swaying cutely. "How's this?" he asked in peering back over his shoulder.

"No... That's the thing... When I said spank, I didn't mean just your butt..." Richard whimpered lightly.

Hazel eyes widened a little. "Ohhh... I see..." Michael thought for a brief moment. "We could ask your brother if it's okay. I mean... You never know."

Richard's face turned a deep red. "I can't ask my brother that kind of question..."

Michael rolled back over and looked up at his mate. "You want me to ask? I will."

"It... would be nice..."

The young fox smiled and nodded. "I'll ask him, then. We won't know if we don't ask." Michael got up, re-dressed in his robe, and carefully made his way downstairs. "Thomas?"

The large gray was watching television. He looked up. "Oh, hello Michael. You need a bath oil recommendation?"

Michael bobbed his head a little. "More like advice. Richard is too embarrassed to ask. Um... How safe is spanking?" he asked, coming right out with it.

"Spanking on the buttocks is virtually 100 percent safe." he replied, turning his attention back to the television.

He nodded. "Right, right..." Michael began to gesture with his hands. "Say someone wanted to spank in other places?"

A single eye looked over. "So you're a masochist?" he purred, slight amusement in the grey fox's voice.

"Well, not exactly," he said in defense. "But it's kind of... Richard's fantasy night tonight."

"Then I don't see how that question holds any relevance. Richard's not a sadist." Thomas replied, either ignorant of his brother's fetish or not wanting to admit that he knows about it.

Michael groaned. "Thomas, we just want to know if it's safe or not. I don't care if you know or don't know something. In your professional opinion as an OB/GYN, is spanking safe in my condition?"

"So long as blood isn't drawn..." Thomas replied hesitantly.

"Are you sure?" Michael asked carefully. "If you think we shouldn't then you can say so. You don't have to please me because I'm family."

"Like I said, it's fine... So long as blood isn't being drawn for very long." Thomas huffed, now perturbed by this interrogation.

The attitude was not lost on Michael. "Hey, don't get mad at me," he snapped. "It was an honest question. I won't bother you anymore though. Good night." Michael turned on his heels, ears back slightly, and went back upstairs. "He says it's fine," the red fox told his mate back in the bedroom.

"Did he seem upset?" Richard asked, already having the implements of torture laid out.

"Probably because I interrupted his TV watching time," he said, tone a bit short.

"No... It was probably, because he doesn't know..." Richard murred lightly. "My family knows everything about me, except for this..."

Michael put his paws on his wide hips. "Well it's not like your family has to know everything about you. My mother thinks I've never masturbated before and I'm fine with her thinking that. It's not really her business. Your private pleasures don't need to be broadcast to your family either."

"Please, forgive him this once, honey..." he cooed lightly, beckoning his lover over. His white tail thumped upon the mattress a few times.

He sighed, but complied. It was Richard's night after all. "He said just not to draw blood."

Richard smiled and helped Michael onto the bed, before cuffing his paws behind his back and tying his legs together with the rope. "The safe word is cookie." Richard chuckled, before lightly gagging Michael with the thin bandana.

"Are you sure you can understand me?" Michael asked, his voice muffled around the gag.

"Practice saying the safe word for a few moments while I get mentally prepared..." he purred. "I'll be listening."

"Cuffie," Michael said on his first attempt. Working his tongue around the bandana was hard, and getting his teeth to meet his lips seemed even harder. "Coooffie... Cooffie... Coo-Coo... Coogie..."

"Hmm... What word would you like to use instead?" he purred lightly.

"Sofa," Michael replied almost immediately. It was easy to say and still just obscure enough to work.

"Alright, sofa it is..." he purred. The arctic fox grinned, "Are you ready, baby?"

Michael nodded. "And you wan me on my bag?" he asked, even though he was already laying on his back, having been tied up that way.

"Mmm, how about this?" Richard asked, turning Michael onto his side, like he was a hostage.

Michael looked around at himself, the candles still burning in the room, and then up at his mate. "And... And you know wha you're doing, righ?" he asked, trying to not sound timid or afraid.

"I promise, the first time you want me to stop, just say the safe word and I'll untie you."
Richard purred, snapping the riding crop against the bed frame.

The young fox flinched slightly, but he nodded. "I'm ready..."

The crop came down and stung the red fox's bum.

Michael yelped softly and his entire body flinched again.

Richard held the crop over his head, teasingly, as he eyeballed Michael's vulnerable form. "Hmmm... Look at you... My prey..." he growled lightly, though Michael knew that he didn't mean it.

The red fox whimpered around the gag and shifted in the restraints. He felt the kits kick inside him, so he brushed his tail over his side.

It came back down. The sting was felt along the red fox's chest, followed by a kiss on the cheek. "I love you so much for letting me do this..." he purred lightly. "Tomorrow night, whatever you want is yours."

He tried to smile, but it was constricted by the cloth in his mouth. When the crop landed another blow, he yelped and arched.

The next lash was across the apex of his tummy, though much less pronounced than the last two.

"Nngh!" Hazel eyes squeezed shut and he bit down on the cloth. Even if the force was lessened, the sensation was still a powerful one.

Richard then started a more constant stream of lashes across Michael's back, though gently enough to where it hurt, but didn't do any damage.

"Hahn!" You think you can just walk away? You think I'm going to just let you go? "Nn! Ngh!" Get over here. I said get over here! Don't you even think about saying a word back to me! "Aahn! Ah! Ahhg!" Is this what you want? You want me to be like this? Well fine! "David, stop, please!" Michael suddenly cried. "I'm sorry! Stop!"

Richard suddenly stopped. "What?" he said, before untying the gag.

Tears were breaking down his cheeks. "I won't run away anymore!" the young fox cried.

Richard undid the restraints and held Michael close. "Shhhh... It's ok baby... I'm here now..." he purred lightly. "David's not here anymore..."

Michael gasped. "R-Richard?"

"That's right. I'm here now... No one will hurt you ever again..." he purred lightly to Michael.

"Oh..." Michael looked around. "Oh no... I-I ruined your game. I'm sorry, Richard..."

"No, it's ok... I was going too far..." Richard murred lightly, kissing Michael all over.

"I'm sorry..." he apologized again. "I thought I could do it. I really did. But then... I started thinking about him..."

"It's ok..." Richard replied. "I've had my fun anyway. It was a little hard hurting my beloved, especially in the sensitive state you're in.

Michael nuzzled up under Richard's jaw. "Well... what if we did something else?"

Richard purred lustfully. "I was just thinking the same thing. Would you like to get a wax tattoo for your tummy?"

He giggled. "A what?"

Richard grabbed one of the nearby candles. "Like what the humans call a henna tattoo. But since we don't want to shave your tummy, I figure one of wax will be just as sufficient."

Michael bit his lip. "I don't know if hot wax so close to the kits is such a good idea."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing..." Richard chuckled, before padding to the bathroom sink and tossing some cold water onto Michael's tummy fur.

"Ah!" Michael gasped and he shivered slightly.

"Ready baby?" Richard cooed as he grabbed a brown candle.

Michael nodded timidly. "Uh... I g-guess so..."

Richard then carefully started to drip the wax into an intricate pattern onto Michael's wet tummy. The cold water cooled the wax down enough to prevent it from burning.

He gasped and his belly twitched. Michael felt a tingle whenever the wax dripped, but nothing that hurt.

"Feel weird?" Richard asked, looking up as he continued to make the complex design.

"A... A little..." Michael tried to look and see just what Richard was doing. "What are you making?"

Richard blushed lightly. He held up a small scrap of paper with a pencil sketch on it. It was pretty, resembling a tribal tattoo.

Michael blinked. "Oh wow. Did you draw this?"

Richard nodded. "I designed tattoos in college to help me get by whenever I had those little wants. I decided to keep this one specially for me."

Michael smiled. "Does it mean anything?"

"Well, the mark across the middle is a combination of 'fertility' and 'longevity'. The rest is just meant to be pretty.

"Oh really?" A new sly grin spread over Michael's lips. "Well, I know what you were thinking about all the time then."

Richard blushed a little as he finished it up. "Eh heh heh..."

Michael just smiled warmly and scratched behind his mate's ear. "You're so cute when you're embarrassed."

Richard smiled as he finished the wax tattoo.

Michael turned to look in the mirror. He moved this way and that to see it from all angles. "I like it."

"It'll stick with you for a little while," Richard purred.

"Mhmm... Maybe I'll get a real one after the kits are born." Michael touched the design carefully with his fingers. "They can inject the ink into your follicles now so your fur grows with the right color and design."

Richard purred lightly. "R... Really?" he purred lightly.

He nodded. "Yup, I saw it on television."

"I mean, you'd really want to get this tattooed on your stomach?" Richard smiled.

"Oh!" Michael looked down at the wax shape and then back up at Richard. "Well, sure. I think it's pretty cool." He grinned. "And ironically appropriate."

Richard then pushed Michael down onto the bed.

Michael gasped loudly and stared up at the white fox. "R-Richard..."

Michael could feel his mate's hot, throbbing member, inching along his thigh and drawing ever closer to the entrance.

Michael licked his lips, taking in a deep breath. Unlike the game from before, he was ready for this. "Take me," he murred. "Take me like you've always wanted me."

Richard wasted no time. He had Michael flat on his back and proceeded to drill him, his passion burning hotly in his chest as he leaned down, pressing his muzzle against Michael's chest. "I want to be with you forever..." he panted as he thrust in and out with every ounce of love his body could offer.

"Ahh! Nhaaahh!" Michael cried out passionately with carnal delight. His body was rhythmically pounded into the bed, but he was loving every minute of it.

"Uhn! Uhhn! My love... You are so wonderful to me...!" he growled in delight. "I... I couldn't ask for anyone else."

Michael moaned and yipped happily. "I c-could say the sa-same of you... you!" Michael then arched his body, pressing and rubbing his large belly against his mate.

Richard smiled as he rubbed the large furry orb. "Mmm, I'm about to knot, my love..." he cooed lightly.

"Th-Then do it!" Michael moaned, his voice dripping with lust and need. "Oh god, just do it!"

The knot was forced in, before tying them both together, forcing Richard's orgasm deep within Michael. He gave a howl of lust as the thick, hot seed was loosed inside of his lover.

Michael howled as well, though his voice was much lighter than that of his mate's. His heart was racing, hormones flaring, and the kits were kicking up a storm as a result. "Oh! Oh! Oh, Richard!"

Richard had calmed down at this point, stuck with his mate. "Yes, darling?" he panted, wagging his tail.

"That was... So good..." he sighed. Michael's belly quivered from all the movement within, five sets of paws all kicking wildly.

"Hee hee hee, look at them, darling..." he cooed lightly with a big smile. "They know their mother and father are playing..."

"Mn, yeah..." Michael touched his belly. "It feels weird..."

Richard chuckled as he laid his muzzle on the quivering mass.

The red fox hummed slightly. His paw slid down to the side where he began tracing small circles with his claw. His own touching felt good, and he sought more. Soon Michael had both paws on either side of his stomach and scratched up and down. Purring.

Richard chuckled lightly as he snuggled the belly button, helping Michael find relief.

Michael gasped. "Oh..." His paws began to roam, red and white fingers scratching and touching the thick white fur of his belly. Some of the kits seemed to follow their path, kicking and rolling along with the touches. Michael moaned softly and rubbed upon the shelf of his belly.

Richard chuckled happily. "Mmm, feeling good honey?" he cooed lightly as he continued to scratch the tight belly.

"I..." Michael moaned guiltily. "It is wrong?" he asked, even as he arched from a particularly strong kick.

"No..." Richard chuckled. "It's oh so right to feel so good..." he purred happily. He chuckled as he gripped Michael's member in his paw.

"Ah! Ohhh..." Every nerve ending was blazing under Michael's skin. He was so sensitive being already so heavily pregnant. A small bump appeared on his lower belly where a kit rolled against the womb. As their mother became more excited, so did they, thus being more active.

Richard purred mischievously as he started to stroke the sensitive member. "Mmmm, say when hon..." he chuckled.

Michael lifted his head, trying to see Richard around his own large form. "Wh-heeen... what?" he gasped. "Oh! Ooh! Ooooh....!"

"Hee hee, don't worry, I think I'll know." Richard purred lightly, as he then sped up slightly.

The young male was panting heavily, swept up in the sensations shooting through him. His large belly heaved above him with every breath. Michael's own hand found way to his swollen under belly. Seeking more sparks of pleasure, his claw began to trace along the dark pink line hidden beneath the fur, yet he knew it was there. It had been forming as he grew heavier, spanning the length from navel to his groin. Michael arched, pushing his quivering, heaving belly up. "Ooooh... Ohhh god... Ohh god... Oh! Oohh! Nnnnha!"

Richard panted lightly as he felt hot under the collar himself. "Ooh, baby, you don't waste any opportunity to make me horny as hell, huh?" he chuckled as he moved further down to tease the gravid male's knot.

"S-Sss-Sorr-rry..." Michael groaned as he started to grind into Richard's hand.

Richard growled happily. "No, no... I love it." he murred, tracing along the base of the knot.

"Ah... Ah... Ah... Naah!" Michael continued to turn and arch under his active belly. The ministrations by Richard's paw wasn't too bad either. The red fox moaned, panted, and cried out into open air of their bedroom. Normally Michael would be concerned if Thomas could hear him or not, but lost in this insanely over-stimulating moment, he could honestly care less. "Oh! Ahn! R-Richard, I... I'm g-going to... to... to...!"

Richard chuckled as he delivered the coup de grace, stroking long and fast along his mate's member. "Mmm, let it all out baby. Let's make that belly fur dirty..."

"Ahh! Aaaahn! Nyaaaaahhh!" Michael arched several inches off the bed, something of an amazing feat given his size, but then quickly fell back down onto the bed. His white fur was coated in a white mess as he lay there panting, swallowing big gulps of air. "Ohhh... Ohhhhh..."

"Mmmm, let's take a few moments to calm down, sweetie..." Richard cooed lightly, petting Michael's messy tummy. "I'll go get a rag and clean you up."

Michael just managed a nod, too tired and out of breath to really muster his voice at the moment.

Richard left to grab a towel and returned, half expecting Michael to be asleep.

Michael wasn't quite asleep, but he had rolled onto his side, eyes drooping tiredly, and with his paw on the side of his belly where it was clean.

Richard chuckled lightly as he started to run the damp cloth over the cum soaked fur. "Mmm, did you have fun tonight dear?" he purred, kissing Michael's back where the riding crop had bitten earlier.

Michael nodded. "I didn't think I could feel like that anymore."

"All the more reason your idea was the best in the world." Richard cooed.]

The young fox laughed softly. "I just hope I have enough energy for our guest tomorrow."

"Let's go ahead and get some sleep," Richard cooed softly to his exhausted lover.

Michael nodded at that, letting his eyes fall shut and sleep take him.

Richard woke the red fox early the next morning. "Wake up honey. Our guest will be here in about five hours or so for tea."

He groaned and pulled the sheets over his head. "Then wake me up in four..."

"Come now..." the arctic fox protested. "I'll let you sleep for two more hours, then you need to do your morning stretches."

"You can do them for me," Michael mumbled from his hiding place in the covers.

Richard sighed. "Two more hours." he warned, before going off to make breakfast.

Michael just mumbled back incoherently before rolling over ad falling back asleep.

True to his word, Richard returned two hours later. But this time, the smell of fresh croissants and sausage patties was there to rouse the gravid red fox from his slumber.

Roused he was. Michael crawled out from under the sheets, his nose in the air and humming hungrily.

"You have to exercise first before you can have this..." the white fox cooed teasingly.

"Awwww..." Michael slipped out of the bed. He stretched his arms over his head before bending over to vainly reach for his toes.

Richard's tail waggled happily. "Good. This will make you limber and help you carry all of those pups. Or would you rather I tell Thomas that you don't want to exercise?

Michael looked at his mate with a raised brow. "And he could make me?"

"He'd find a way," Richard chuckled. "He's not called a genius in his field for nothing."

He crossed his arms. "I don't think making me do something I don't want to do sounds very fair."

“What if it’s something that would make the upcoming birth easier?” Richard asked, holding up a croissant for Michael.

"Maybe if you convinced me by talking to me, but not forcing me," Michael replied.

Richard smiled as he waved the bun. “Okay, I think you’ve stretched enough. Time to feed the babies.”

Michael's face lit up. "I like feeding!" he said, tail wagging.

“Do you want them separate or as sandwiches?” Richard asked.

"Sandwiches!"

Richard chuckled as he separated the croissants and placed the sausage patties between them.

Michael took the little sandwiches and ate them as quickly as Richard was making them. "If you made these, then you did an awesome job," he said through a full mouth.

“Well I did use pre packaged biscuits and sausage patties, but I formed the croissants and cooked the sausage myself.”

"Still soooo good."

Richard smiled as he nuzzled Michael’s large tummy. “Mmm, I’m getting so excited now...” he cooed.

"Excited?" A few crumbs fell from the fox's mouth. "'Bout wha?"

‘About seeing our babies... I’m excited about becoming a father.” Richard said with a big smile.

This made Michael smile. "You're going to be a really great father, too."

“And you’re going to be a wonderful mother as well.” Richard replied. He then smirked lightly.

"I sure hope so... Eh?" Michael looked down. "What is that?"

“Looks like you’re starting to grow breasts...” he giggled lightly.

"They aren't breasts!" Michael protested. His paw reached down to his lower belly, feeling one of the small buds. "They're teats and it's normal..."

“No, not those...” Richard replied. “On your chest.”

Michael blushed. "Those are from eating too much! I... I... I'm just getting soft!"

“Come on honey. They’re sexy...” Richard replied, with a big smile on his face.

"W-Well don't expect them to stay," Michael insisted while shaking his head. "I'm cutting back on the sweets. Today!"

“Aw honey.” the white fox purred. “They’re meant to be there, for the babies. Or would you rather have all that growth concentrated on those teats?”

Michael puts his paws over his face. "But the teats are for the kits! My milks is made there, not... not in my chest like a human... It's weird..."

Richard sighed lightly. Clearly this was one argument he wasn’t going to win. “Very well. I’ll cut back a little on the sweets if that’s what you want.

The red and white paws were pulled away slightly to reveal wet hazel eyes. "I... I wasn’t expecting them..."

Richard stood up and hugged Michael closely. “What’s the matter baby? How can I make things right?”

The young fox was trying not to cry, but a new flux of hormones was rising in him thanks to the new discovery in his body. "I j-just didn't knu-know what was g-g-going to huh-happen... y'know?"

Richard murred lightly as he hugged Michael tightly. “There there, honey. I’m here for you.”

"I... I s-sort of exp-puh-pected my teats to swell," he admitted. "I m-mean... I have t-to f-feed them, ruh-right? I was okay w-with milking and... and... everything. Just not... not this... I'm suh-sorry, Rich-chard."

“Shhhh... It’s okay. Everything will be fine...” Richard purred lightly.

Michael leaned into the hug. "Th-thank you..."

Richard chuckled lightly as he nuzzled Michael’s scalp. “They make you look a little more feminine.” he cooed.

"Is... Is that good?"

Richard gave a short chuckle. “Well that depends. Do you think sexy is good?”

Michael started to cry again. "Do you wish I was a female, Richard?"

“No, no, no...” he cooed lightly. “You’re perfect just the way you are. But right now, your body is like the moon. Ever changing, becoming more and more beautiful, and more and more mysterious. I love trying to figure out what’s going to happen next with my perfect lover.”

The young male smiled just a tiny bit. "R-Really?"

“Yes, my beautiful darling You are my bright and shining moon..” Richard purred lightly.

Michael now blushed. "Thank you," he whispered.

“Now, let’s see if we can’t get this moon to rise.”

"Oh no," Michael laughed softly. "None of that, mister. You know better."

“Oops, I didn’t mean it that way,” Richard purred, blushing. “I meant rise out of bed.” he replied, trying to help Michael to his feet.

Michael laughed again, a little louder this time. "Oh! I see, sorry." He grabbed Richard's paws and hoisted himself from the bed again. "I supposed I should make myself look decent for the day."

Richard smiled as he saw Michael in all his glory. He drank it in for a few moments before shaking his head. “”Well, I’ll leave you to get dressed then.”

He nodded. "I'll be down soon."

Michael could hear a faint, shuddering sigh as the door was closed behind Richard.

The red fox frowned slightly, but he went on getting dressed. Soon enough Michael was downstairs in a large blue shirt that managed to cover his expecting figure and a pair of light washed maternity jeans. "I suppose I should bake something for tea later," he said upon walking into the living room."

Thomas was doing some stretches in the living room. “Oh, hello.”

"Oh! Good morning, Thomas. How are you?"

“I’m doing fine. How are you doing?” he asked as he finished up his routine.

A puff of laughter. "Doing quite well, believe me."

“Richard give you any trouble this morning?” he chuckled lightly.

"No, not at all," he replied and waved his paw.

“He seemed a little... Winded, when he walked out front.”

One of Michael's ears went back. "Oh that... He made something of a discovery that... got him excited."

“And what do you think about said discovery?”

"I'm not thrilled about it," Michael admitted with a shrug.

“Well, I’m sure you both can work things out, right?” he asked as he flicked an ear.

"Of course." Michael gave the gray fox a strange look. "Why wouldn't we?"

“Uhh...” he thought for a couple of moments, before looking down. “Where was my train of thought headed in the first place?” he asked.

The red fox shrugged. "I don't know, Thomas, but I'll leave you to figure that one out on your own." With that, Michael went to the kitchen so he could prepare something for tea later.

Thomas walked outside to get some fresh air and Richard stepped in.

Michael was getting things out from the cabinets and pantry. He decided he was going to make his pink champagne cupcakes, only to substitute the champagne with sparkling cider given his condition.

Richard peeked into the kitchen. “Hey sweetie... Need any help?”

"Sure!" he chirrped. "You can put the food coloring with the vanilla icing. Remember to only use enough to make it pink."

“Alright. Your pink champagne cupcakes?” he asked, getting the red food coloring out of the cabinet.

Michael nodded. "Well, pink sparkling cider cupcakes today," he replied with a laugh. "I figure I should play it safe."

Richard wagged his tail happily. “You know... I think it’s good we invited Dmitri over today. We should start socializing more.”

His mate smiled. "You really think so? I'm so glad to hear you say that!" Michael began mixing the ingredients together in a large bowl. "So I can trust you'll be on your best behavior then? No suspicions?"

“I promise. I won’t be suspicious.” he murred lightly. “This is just a friendly social event.”

"Good." They baked the cupcakes together, playing around a little, but staying on task as well. Just as Michael was putting the icing on the last cupcake, the doorbell rang. "Honey, could you get that? I'm going to put the tea on."

Richard went to the door and saw Dmitri. “Oh, hello officer.” he replied, before looking around behind him. “Did you happen to see another, large white fox?”

Dimitri was dressed in a black collared shirt that fit close over his muscles and a pair of khakis held up with a black leather belt. "Hello, Mister Grealey. Thank you so much for inviting me." He looked over his shoulder and then back at Richard. "Oh yes, he is walking laps in your driveway. He said to tell you he will come inside in a few minutes."

“Alright. Well come on in. The tea is almost ready.” Richard said with a smile.

"Such a lovely day outside," he said as he stepped in. "I would love to have tea on the porch, if you have one." "Of course we have a porch," Michael chimed as he emerged from the kitchen. "And I think tea outside is a lovely idea. Hello, Dimitri, how are you?"
Dimitri smiled. "I am doing very good, thank you. You look like you are feeling good too!" He reached one large paw out to rub the fox's large belly. "We say it's good luck back in Russia!"
Michael laughed. "How cute!"

Richard smiled, trying not to act all jealous and possessive like he usually does. This was an opportunity to be sociable. “Ah, speaking of Russia, how are your plans to bring your family over coming?” he asked, trying to strike up conversation.

Dimitri turned so he could address Richard. "Much better now! Since my first homicide, I have been given promotion. I am no longer just traffic cop. Pay is better so I can set more aside for my wife and children. Only $ more to go and I will have boat fee covered for them and our belongings. After that, I start saving for house."

Richard smiled lightly. “That sounds great. I hope that they will arrive safely.” he replied with a bright warm smile.

"I'm sure they'll be happy to see you again," Michael added with a nod. "Come, let's sit outside. The tulips and impatiens have finally bloomed. You'll love them." He led the way out back where the umbrella table and chairs were set up beside the small garden.
Dimitri grinned. "So beautiful! My wife will love to have yard like this when she comes here."

“You know, Dmitri, I’m more than just an attorney. If you needed any legal advice or documents written up, you could always come to me, and we can have it done in no time.” Richard purred.

"Really?!" Blue eyes widened excitedly. "They will need citizenship papers! Can you write those?"

“I am practically a partner at the firm. The only thing I can’t do is hire or fire anyone. So I could have their green cards within the day.” Richard replied, wagging his tail.

Dimitri was on his feet at once and shaking Richard's paw. "Thank you! Thank you so much, Mister Grealey! You don't know how much this means to me!"

“Alright, alright... Let’s just calm down. We are here for tea after all...” Richard chuckled with a warm smile.

"Speaking of which, I'm sure the tea is done now." Michael stood up with a soft grunt and went inside to get the tea. "Oh, Thomas, there you are," he said upon finding the grey fox in the kitchen. "Would you mind helping me carry some things out?"

Thomas nodded. “I’d be happy to help.”

"I'll carry the cupcakes out if you get the tea and cups," he said. "You're such a doll."

He smiled as he took the tea set out to the patio.

Michael smiled at everyone now gathered out on the patio. "We have the tea all ready here. There's also lemons wedges and honey if you like. I also made my pink champagne cupcakes. Only I substituted sparkling cider for the kits sake. Dimitri, I'll serve you first seeing as how you are our guest." The snow leopard beamed. "Such a careful mother already!" he complimented.

Richard smiled warmly. “And h... SHE, is such a great cook as well.” he murred lightly, trying not to sound too suspicious. “My mate is the best cook ever.”

"Not better than my Ivanna," he argued good heartedly. "Until you make borscht like my Ivanna, you cannot even hold a candle to her flame!" Dimitri said proudly. He then gave Richard a strange look. "Your mate is a male, yes? But you just called him a she?"

“Ah, I wasn’t sure you knew or not. I didn’t want to come off as strange,” Richard replied. “But Michael is in a class all his own as well. Just wait until you taste the cupcakes.”

Dimitri chuckled, the sound was very deep from inside his chest. "I can smell boy from girl very easily. I cannot be fooled. As for these cupcakes..." He popped one into his mouth, thinking about the sweet pink flavor, and hummed delightedly. "Is very good!"
Michael smiled as he finished pouring tea for the others and himself. "Well I'm glad you like them. They are a specialty of mine."

Richard started talking about work next. “So what department are you with? Homicide, theft, something else?”

"I was just traffic and domestic disputes," Dimitri answered, sipping his tea. "Now I have promotion to homicide."

“Ahh, I see. It’s a demanding position, isn’t it?” Richard asked.

Dimitri shrugged. "To be honest, I have not dealt with homicide that much yet. I have only been involved in the one case I found that got me the promotion. The call was for domestic dispute. A husband and wife fighting on the south side of the city. When I got there, the husband had been beaten with a brass table ornament."
"Oh my..." Michael gasped, his ears going back.

Richard’s ears perked up. How come he hadn’t heard of that? “Oh, really? That’s interesting. They must have taken their dispute to a different lawyer.”

"She was from rich family," he explained. "They kept it all private. We had a hard time getting an interview with the wife. Her lawyer, who apparently had been with the family for many years, kept trying to play middle man."

“Interesting.” he replied, sipping some tea. “Anything else been going on recently?”

"Oh, just people parking in front of driveways," Dimitri said with a bored tone. "'I was only going to be a minute,' they all try to say. No parking at anytime means no parking ever. Is so hard?"

“Ugh, I know what you’re talking about. I remember working in a service station as a teen. All those people parking wherever they want, then snubbing you off, just because you don’t have any clout. And by the time I could call the police for assistance, they drive off.”

The snow leopard smirked. "Getting to write tickets when they give you bad lip is the best. So much fun, you know... Feeling inside? Never show outside on your face."

Richard smiled, before looking at his watch. “My my, look at the time. It’s getting late.”

"Richard," the red fox scolded. "Don't be rude. Dimitri only just got here."
Dimitri shook his head. "No, no, it is all right. An hour is long enough for tea. I need to be rested for patrol tonight anyway."
"Well at least let us walk you out," Michael insisted. He stood up and went with Dimitri to the front door, opening it for him. "It was lovely having you over. We should do it again- Oh!" The young fox gasped softly when he felt two very large, strong paws hold his belly.
"I just want to thank you for a pleasant afternoon and to give my congratulations again. You look very good. I hope you keep your health," Dimitri said in that accent of his, smiling. "You two are very lucky."

Richard smiled as he held out a small Tupperware container. “Take a few of these with you. Keep the Tupperware if you’d like.” he purred, trying to be a considerate host.

"You're too kind!" Dimitri said and took the offered container. "Well, goodbye. I hope to see you two around again." Michael waved as the snow leopard left and then closed the door. "My goodness, he certainly is strong."

Richard chuckled lightly. “But who is your alpha?”

Michael rolled his eyes and smirked. "You are, Richard."

“And don’t you forget it babe.” Richard chuckled, smacking Michael on the ass.

The young fox yelped. "Richard, not so hard!"

“Come on, you know you like that...” Richard chuckled, before lovingly kissing Michael.

"No, actually, I don't," Michael replied firmly. "Frankly, after last night, I'm not in the mood to be slapped, grabbed, or pulled on. So give it a rest." Upon finishing his statement, Michael turned and went to go clean up outside.

Richard followed. “I’m sorry baby, I didn’t realize...” he murred as he helped with clean up. “Can you forgive me for being a jerk?”

He put the cups on the tray. "I suppose..."

“Tell you what. I’ll take care of dinner tonight and you can have your way with me any way you want tonight.

Michael sighed. "Richard, aren't you listening to me? I'm not in the mood. I just... want to microwave something tonight and watch bad television. All right?"

“Alright, then I owe you.” he murred lightly, patting Michael’s shoulder. “I love you baby doll.”

"I love you, too..." he replied quietly and went back inside with the tray.

Richard sighed lightly as he cleaned the dishes.

Weeks passed by slowly. Thomas settled in comfortably with the expecting couple as they returned to work each Monday. Michael was just coming up on his 40th week into the pregnancy. With five kits at . pounds each, well, to say he hadn't grown much would be an understatement. The young fox had an ample belly going now. It curved out in front of him and was starting to hang a bit lower thanks to the weight. His bellybutton had plumped into an undeniable build, even under his clothing. Michael knew his maternity leave would kick in in another three weeks, and he was both relieved and bothered. He hated to leave Richard alone at work, but getting to sleep and stay off his feet all day was sounding pretty good. Right now he was in the room that would eventually become the nursery, but right now was being used by Thomas. Michael was lying on a bed, shirt pulled up over his heavily gravid belly, and waiting for the gel to be spread over his fur. "Is doing this every two weeks really necessary?" he asked of the large grey fox.

“Not necessary,” Thomas replied, “but better safe than sorry right?” he murred as he ran the sonogram over the red fox’s tightly stretched belly. “Hmm, listen to those heartbeats. You’re really lucky.” Thomas purred. “There’s baby A, B and C are wrestling a little bit. It seems D is shy, because she’s trying to hide, and E is taking pole position, so to speak.”

Michael smiled gently. He loved getting to see his kits on screen. Even if they were just grey shapes. "Oh, I know. I can always feel when they fight. They're running out of room. I don't have the heart to tell them that they still have a little more than two months left in me."

“Don’t fret.” Thomas chuckled lightly. “When they are ready to come out, they will let you know.”

"They're already letting me know," Michael said with his own laugh. "That's the problem."

Thomas smiled as he took several sonogram pictures. “My my... Does your tummy itch?” he asked, as he cleaned off the gel.

"More than I'd like it to," he replied with something of a sigh.

“Shall I apply the lotion?” Thomas inquired.

Michael nodded. "I really need it. I'm so tight..."

Thomas chuckled lightly as he poured the skin lotion onto Michael’s belly, rubbing it in carefully.

Michael hummed happily. It always felt so good to get the lotion put on. He was having more and more trouble reaching around himself, so Michael had to rely on others to do it for him. Hazel eyes looked down at his belly. He tenderly studied the large form he'd grown into, noting the slight movement beneath the skin as Thomas worked. "Two more women were found," he said somberly.

“Oh no... That isn’t good...” Thomas murred lightly as he reached out to help Michael into a seated position.

It was hard work even just sitting up, but Michael managed with help. "They say his anger is escalating, but Richard thinks it's something different."

“Whose anger?” Thomas inquired.

"The killer."

“Ahh.” Thomas murred lightly. “Have either of you found any breaks in the case?”

Michael shook his head. "I've tried finding his attack pattern again, but there isn't one. He just seems to take them where he can get them now."

“Interesting...” he murred lightly. “Hopefully, there will be a break or a new piece of evidence.”

"Well, we did notice that his attacks have narrowed in on Canidae females, but we can't figure out why." Michael rubbed his belly gently. "The police are calling all pregnant Canidae in the city and telling them to be on alert. Obviously there isn't enough resources to put them all in protective custody. It's hard."

Thomas sighed lightly. “I just hope something happens for the better soon.” he murred, as he rubbed Michael’s tummy.

"Richard goes to the gym all the time now. It helps him think, but I know he's worried, too. Every day gets me closer to being eight months pregnant. He's afraid for me. I know he is. He just won't say it."

“Can you really blame him though, with what’s been going on?”

Michael shook his head. "Well, no... I just don't want to see him make himself sick. Especially with his leg..."

Thomas nodded. “Let us just hope that something new comes up soon.”

Michael nodded as well. "Help me to stand, Thomas," he said and held out his paws. "I want to go downstairs."

Thomas nodded and hefted the gravid red fox onto his paws. “Did you have any plans for lunch today?”

"Hey, little bro, don't worry about it so much. You'll find him," Thomas said and reached to pat his brother's arm. "C'mon, you two have come too far to lose each other now."

“I... I won’t sleep until he’s by my side again.” Richard replied. “He means too much to me, both him and the babies. I can only wonder what’s happening to him right now...”

Thomas shook his head. "No, Richard, you can't do that to yourself. You know that. Thinking... Wondering will just make it worse. Your imagination will run away with you."

Richard was already huddled over, whimpering like a cub. “Michael... I can’t lose you..”

"Shh..." Thomas pet his brother's head.

Richard looked over to Thomas. In an attempt to ease his mind, he struck up conversation. “So how are you healing up?” he asked.

"Pretty well," Thomas replied. "The hole is all closed up, but they're going to wait to take my stitches out tomorrow."

“That’s good. Anything you remember about that day?”

The grey fox shook his head. "Only that the guy had an accent, was built pretty big, wore a mask, and had a leopard or cheetah tail. I'm not sure which."

“Well... That’s not much for us to go on... I’m sorry we can’t do more.”

"But... You already know who it is, right? You said that on the phone yesterday. It was that cop, or... who we thought was a cop."

“Yeah, but from there, it’s gone cold. Until we can find some other clue, then we have no idea where he is. If we could get his scent...”

Thomas brought one ear back. "He sat on the couch... I remember him just sitting there after shoving Michael into the closet."

“That is true. I’ll have to tell them about that.”

"Call them now, idiot," he insisted with a wave of his hand. "Precious minutes here."

Richard nodded as he opened his cell phone and dialed the group he was working with.

"Detective Harmon here," said the voice on the other end.

Richard perked up a little. “We might have a lead, detective. Have the boys check for the assailant’s scent on any chairs.”

"All right, we'll get our blood hounds on it. I don't know how far they can trace the scent, but maybe it'll put us back on the right path. Thanks."

“No, thank you.” Richard replied. Then it hit him, like a lead weight. His head went down and slammed onto the bed, and he was out like a light.

Michael whimpered from where he sat on the floor. He'd given up on trying to run, and he couldn't even if he wanted to. His arms were restrained above his head, wrists in cuffs that were strung up on chains that hung from a pipe overhead. The fur on his wrists were chaffing off, leaving the skin underneath raw and a little bloody. Michael's body was covered in burns from a cattle prod Dmitri used whenever he misbehaved. He was sure the stitches had gotten infected, always feel a dull warm throb coming from there. The only thing he had to be grateful for were the weak, yet still present movement of his kits.

Michael could then feel paws fondling his developing breasts. They roughly pinched at his nipples, as if trying to coax milk from them.

The red fox cried out weakly. "Please... don't," he begged.

The paws didn’t stop. They yanked and pulled, trying to milk the tender young flesh. “Better to hoping you are giving me milk soon,” the kidnapper hissed lightly.

"I don't milk from there..." Michael whimpered again. "Wh-Why are you doing this?"

“You are being pregnant yes? All mothers give milk, and I want some for the hell of it.”

Michael shook his head. "No... No, I m-mean any of this... Why?"

“I have my reasons. You will find out an hour before you draw your final breath.”

"Oh god..." Michael cried again, tears streaming down his face. "I just want to go home!"

The leopard chuckled lightly as he removed his mask. “Be pushing all thoughts of your home out of your mind. You will not be going back.”

Hazel eyes went wide. "D-Dmitri?!"

“Yes, it is me. Now be complying with my demands, and maybe you will be living a little longer.

The gravid fox shook his head. "It w-won't come from there," he tried to explain again. As much as he hated giving in to the insane leopard's demands, Michael had to hold out until Richard came for him. "Those are just... just hormones." His voice was shaking. "My milk, it... it come from..." Michael choked.

Dmitri grabbed Michael’s cheeks and squeezed them. “Telling me, NOW.”

"My... My t-t-teats..."

“Hmm?” he growled lightly, before looking over his captive. He noticed the tiny nipples adorning the belly and pinched one.

"Ahn!" Michael flinched, but Dmitri was rewarded with a small trail of white milk running over his fingers.

The leopard chuckled as he milked Michael, into a glass. The white milk frothed as it was collected.

The red fox moaned as his captor worked. Dmitri's fingers were big and rough with his tender body. Michael was ready for tiny mouths with tongues and gums to handle his teats, innocently taking the gift his body had to give. Not this...

As soon as the collection was completed, the leopard partook. “Good, good... Now I am wanting more for later.” he replied, before wheeling in a milking machine.

Michael's face fell, almost hopeless. As the machine was hooked up to his body, he just hung his head and cried.

Richard murred lightly before gasping and jerking up. “H... How long was I out for?” he asked.

Thomas looked over at the clock. "Maybe six hours. You were sleeping like a dead man."

“Why didn’t you wake me up?” he asked, now looking frightened. “Every moment I’m down is another moment that Michael is in danger!”
Sorry about the long wait

"I tried!" Thomas insisted. "I said you were like a dead man. I shook you and everything!"

“And for a moment... I held him in my arms...” he murred sadly.

"Harmon called..." Thomas told his brother. "They've come to a car yard where the trail went a little stale. He said a car can take you there if you're ready."

“Okay...” he replied. “Will you be okay without me?”

Thomas gave Richard an assuring smile. "I've got the best drugs in the world here. I'll be just fine."

“Thanks... I hope we haven’t inconvenienced you, big brother.” Richard murred.

The grey fox shook his head. "I get to go home with a story now."

Richard kissed him on the cheek, before smiling and leaving. He entered the awaiting car and watched the scenery.

"The hounds have put on some sound canceling headphones and blindfolds," the crocodile detective told Richard once he'd arrived. "They traced the scent here, but apparently it's gotten muddy. We think the perp purposefully walked in circles around this place to leave a indiscernible trail."

“Give me the gear. I want to join in the hunt.” Richard replied.

"Actually, do you have something that belongs to your wife. Something she wore? Maybe the hounds can pick up a double scent and follow that instead." Harmon looked back at the Blood Hounds dutifully searching the junk yard. "They're just following the perp's scent right now. He must have switched vehicles here. If we can find where your mate was put in a new vehicle, we can follow that trail."

Richard bit his lip. He didn’t have anything on hand, but if even if he let them smell his member for ‘her’ scent, they would find out that Michael was actually a male. “I don’t have anything on hand. I’ll lead the investigation.”

"I don't know..." Harmon said warily. "Your emotional stake in this could compromise your senses. Maybe we should leave it to the hounds. They are trained proffesi-" "Sir! Detective Harmon, sir! I've found something!" one of the hounds cried from a far corner of the car yard.

Richard looked over. “After we see the results, I demand to be put on the investigation team.

Everyone rushed to the scene. Unable to fight his instincts, the Blood Hound was circling his discovery excitedly. "I noticed that the scent finally started to move, but not towards another car. This location was a decoy. The scent moved this way, through this hole in the gate. I found these." He pointed to some faded tracks in the dirt. "They've been worn down, but it's definitely heavy boots and struggling paws."

Richard nodded. “Those are my wife’s paws,” he confirmed.

"All right, team!" the croc commanded. "Everyone into those woods. Hounds, I want noses to the ground and in the air! We've got an expecting fox that is quickly running out of time. Let's move, move, move!"

Richard nodded as he followed the hounds, relying on his own nose to follow his lover’s scent.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back at the hideout, Dmitri came back into the room, a hacksaw in hand.

Michael was back on the dreaded gurney, his arms and legs bound away from his body. When Dmitri was close enough, he spotted the gleam of the hacksaw and immediately began to scream. Michael didn't want to think about what that was for, but his mind was reeling with horrific images regardless.

“You are wanting to know why I am doing this?” he hissed lightly.

"I just want you to stop!" Michael begged through a loud sob.

The leopard set the saw down next to the frightened fox. He gave a sigh as he paced about, then looked to the fox. “You could be saying it started when I was born. I was being the first born, my parents, they are loving me. Then, mother becomes pregnant again. My parents are being blessed with twins. I am not minding so much, but my mother becomes pregnant yet again. She continues to becoming pregnant, over and over again. My parents, they are having less and less time for me. I am being left out while my younger siblings are receiving all the attention...”

Thomas purred lightly. "Well we're here to make you all better."

Michael swallowed again. "Did... Did they look at the kits yet?"

"They have. They're weak, but still holding on strong. They're recovering well."

The young fox lifted a weak paw and touched his belly. "I thought I was going to... to lose them."

"They are fine. Just resting from all that's happened." he purred as he gently laid a hand on Michael's belly. A small kick was felt, before the baby responsible rolled over. "See? They're just a little tired."

"Can I still whelp?" Michael asked nervously.

Thomas nodded. "The stitches were removed and your special area was thoroughly disinfected. It'll be puffy and sensitive for a few days, but there's virtually no chance that you're infected. You'll be able to give birth to your kits naturally."

"I can still do it at home, too, right?" he asked hopefully. "You know that's what I want."

Thomas nodded. "You'll have to stay a few days to make sure infection is prevented, but when you're released, you'll be ready to whelp five healthy kits."

Michael actually managed a tiny smile. "Good..."

"May I rub your tummy?" he asked, lifting his gray paw.

"I... I suppose so..." Michael rolled onto his back, but he kept the sheets and gown in place.

Thomas' paw gently rubbed small circles over the expanse that housed the kits.

Michael shook at first. In fact, he shook almost the whole time Thomas was touching him. "I d-don't think this is wo-working..."

"Okay, I can stop," he replied, lifting his hand. "We don't have to have contact. But you may want to reconsider for your mate."

"H-He touched me," Michael whimpered. "It h-hurt... So violating..."

"I know, I know. But you also know the difference between his touch and your mate's touch, right? He'll treat you much more gently than that leopard ever did."

"I was raped," the red fox sobbed. "How will Richard e-ever want muh-me again?"

"Shhh... He's relieved that you're back. He'll love you all the same," the wise older fox replied, rubbing his paw through Michael's hair. The day before we found you was the only day he rested when we found out you were gone. Four days without rest, and even then he only slept for six hours."

Michael was quiet for a moment. "He really... put himself through that for me?"

Thomas nodded. "You are his world. He'll do anything for you.

There were tears in his hazel eyes. "I want Richard to come back..."

"He'll be back in a few moments, okay Michael? He'll smell much better," Thomas chuckled lightly.

Michael couldn't manage a laugh. He couldn't even manage a smile. All the young, pregnant red fox could manage was to start crying.

Thomas started to fret. "Michael, Michael, calm down. I promise, he'll be back very soon."

"I was so scared," Michael sobbed, his words almost indiscernible. "I was so scared. Why me? What did I do?"

"We don't know why people do what they do. Didn't Dmitri say anything to you while he held you captive?" Thomas asked, gently rubbing Michael's paw.

Michael just fell into hysterical crying again. Soon his heart rate was too high, catching the attention of the nurses outside who came rushing in to administer a sedative.

Richard burst in as the nurses were trying to restrain Michael. "Michael, what's going on?" he asked, panting lightly.

"I'm sorry, but we need both of you to leave," one of the nurses said as she ushered them toward the hall. "You'll have to wait outside."

Richard snarled at the nurse. "He is my wife and I will NOT leave his side."

"Sir, please let us do our job." Michael screamed, "No! No, let me go!" he pleaded, fighting against the nurses trying to strap him down. "It's for his own safety," she tried to explain.

"Let me see him. I know he wants to see me. We've been apart for too long. Now please stand aside before I'm forced to do something hasty." Richard replied, pushing the nurse to the side.

"Oh God! Don't hurt them!" Michael begged, his mind obviously gone recessive. "Please! Please, no!"

Richard gently made his way past the nurses and took Michael into a gentle hug. "I'm here for you baby. I promise I'll never let anything like that happen to you again."

"He could go into labor!" one of the nurses said worriedly.
Michael fought weakly against the hug. "Let me go! Richard! Richard, help!"

Richard kept up the hug and whispered in Michael's ear. "It's me. Michael Luca, it's Richard Grealey..."

Michael yelped and struggled against the white fox until he started to tire himself out. "Please don't hurt them..." he whimpered. "Richard will be so sad..."

"Michael, It's me. I'm here for you, and I want to see our babies too. Right now, you need to rest... My lovely moon."

"Moon?" the young fox repeated.

"Yes, my beautiful, changing moon..." Richard cooed, trying to reach the confused young fox. Trying to offer the red fox some comfort in this troubled time.

Hazel eyes blinked slowly. "That's... what Richard calls me."

"I know... Because I am Richard," the white fox replied, looking Michael in the eyes. He reached into his eyes and pulled out his contact lenses, showing Michael his pink eyes.

"Richard..." Michael whimpered. "Richard, where did you go?"

"I was here the whole time," he replied with a warm smile. He suddenly slumped as his energy bottomed out, but recovered. "I'm so sorry love, but I'm exhausted."

"Lay with me," the young fox pleaded.

Richard looked to the nurses. "Get me a bed so I can lay with my wife." he said, before gently smiling.

They all left, one promising to return with a cot. Michael shook his head. "No... With me," he said and pulled gently on his husband.

Richard thought for a moment. "Are you sure you have the room to spare?"

Michael moved over until he pressed against the guard railing on his side and whimpered to Richard, pulling on him again.

Richard chuckled as he dropped the other rail and gently eased in, his body pressing close to Michael's. "It's a tight fit, but I couldn't ask to be beside anyone else..."

Michael nuzzled up under Richard's chin, purring very quietly, perhaps weakly. "Stay with me?"

"Forever and a day, then forever after that..." Richard cooed, reaching down to gently stroke Michael's abdomen. "Oh no... Your tattoo is gone. I hope that bad man didn't do anything terrible to you."

The red fox bit his lip. "He burned it off with an iron."

Richard shushed Michael. "It's okay. Once everything is back to normal, and your tummy is nice and thin again, we'll give you your special tattoo. The one I made with love especially for you..."

"How long do I have to be here?" Michael asked, all ready forgetting his conversation with Thomas before.

"It'll be a couple of weeks, but we'll be back home before you give birth." Richard replied, stroking the thinly covered belly gently.

Michael mewled softly, shifting in the bed, and began to purr weakly again.

"That's my lovely wife. I missed that cute purr of yours..." Richard purred back, before nuzzling closely and closing his eyes. "Mmmph... I am so tired..."

Only Michael had beaten the white fox to it. The next sound heard was Michael's heavy breathing as he fell asleep.

Richard chuckled once and fell asleep with his love, huddled closely against the gravid fox.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Once Michael had started cooperating with the doctors and nurses, he was able to reach a full recovery. Flowers and get well balloons were sent from all the people in the office. Even Gavin himself showed up for a visit. The day finally came when Michael was released to go back home where he fell under the care of his brother-in-law once more. Today, the red fox could be found out in the garden. He had maybe three weeks left before his due date and Thomas had finally put him on bed rest. So this was Michael's last few hours outside until after he whelped his kits. His belly was near enormous, resting out to his knees now. Almost nothing fit so Michael just went around in a pair of loose cotton maternity shorts that were the last comfortable thing he owned. He was looking down at the gravid shape of his body with a fond smile. Michael's fur had never been thicker or shinier and he was sure he would miss it.

Thomas came outside and smiled. "Enjoying the fresh air? I'll make sure to tend to the plants every day for you."

Michael looked over his shoulder with a smile. "Yes... The sun feels really good too. Make sure to give the roses a little extra water. It helps with their color."

"As you wish. Come on now, upsy daisy." he grunted, helping Michael to his feet with some effort. His side was still rather sore and still healing.

"I used to dream about being able to just lie around in bed all day," Michael began with a laugh. "Now that I have the chance, I'm almost dreading it." The large belly bumped up against the grey fox upon Michael's standing, his very plump navel pressing into Thomas' abs. "I suppose it's because getting up and moving around isn't an option anymore."

"Don't worry, I'll supply you with a way to keep getting light exercise while on bed rest," Thomas replied, helping Michael upstairs to bed.

Michael giggled. "Remember Richard's face when you told him we couldn't have sex anymore?"

Thomas chuckled. "I actually took a picture of it and posted it on the internet. I swear all I did was post the picture. No commentary or anything."

"You had better," Michael replied. "I could sit on you if I find out otherwise." The very pregnant fox lowered himself onto the bed and laid out on his side, seeing as how his belly was too heavy for lying on his back anymore.

"Here, some light weights will help you exercise in your limited state." Thomas replied, passing him the small 2 1/2 lb weights.

Michael took the weights with a nod of acknowledgment. "Thanks." He began using one slowly, casually. His belly shifted as someone inside moved.

Thomas smiled. "May I feel?" he asked.

Michael nodded. "They're so active these days. Active and heavy."

Thomas smiled and gently rest his paw against the large belly, feeling the movements inside.

There was a strong kick followed by another shift and Michael adjusted his position a little. "They can't wait."

"I can tell." Thomas replied. "You almost look miserable there."

"Well look at me," Michael said. "I'm ready to pop here and my body is aching like you wouldn't believe. Not to mention these little ones in here. Oof..."

Thomas nodded and moved around to Michael's back, before gently rubbing it in little circles.

Michael groaned slightly in discomfort and arched his back. "Not so hard..."

Thomas nodded and eased up a little more.

Another kick, this one actually visible up under the skin, made Michael wince. "Where's that aroma therapy candle I got from the baby shower?" he wondered aloud. "Now seems like a good time to try it. Oof!"

Thomas nodded and looked for it, before setting it next to Michael's bed, on his nightstand. "Here we go, I'm lighting it now."

"I just hope it works as well as the ladies at the office says it does," Michael replied while rubbing his active belly.

Thomas lit the candle, and the soothing aroma of lavender and chamomile filled the air.

Michael breathed deeply on the soothing scent and sighed in relief as the kits began to settle.

Thomas smiled. "Are you okay with Richard at work?"

"Yes," he replied with a nod. "Mr. Gavin promised to give him the last week of my third trimester off. Willing these kits hold out until my due date, that is."

Thomas nodded. "That's good. I was just a little worried, what with the scare we've been through recently.

"Well... I've been slowly getting over it. I feel much better here at home. The hospital... I didn't like the smell. The metal, the tubes, the tile..." Michael shuddered.

Thomas nodded. "I understand. But you're home now, so let's get you nice and calm.

Michael nodded back. "Sounds like a good idea. Calm I can do. Relaxed is the hard part."

"In this kind of situation, calm is the best thing we can hope to achieve," Thomas replied.

"I suppose so." Michael laid on one side for a while before having to roll over onto the opposite side. "Isn't there something I can do with my legs?" he asked.

"Ah, I think I have something. Let me check my supplies." Thomas replied, rummaging through a box. He returned to Michael a few moments later and held up some anklets and a Thigh Doctor. "The anklets are weighted, to offer you resistance training by simply lifting your legs. The Thigh Doctor will let you to mild crunches.

"Thanks." Michael had Thomas help him put on the ankle weights and set the thigh equipment in place. "You know they just get so restless when I lay down. I can't put up with that for another two or three weeks."

Thomas nodded. "I'll start your anklets at 2 lbs apiece, and we'll move up when you can do twenty reps each without getting winded." He then gently placed the Thigh Doctor between Michael's thighs, making sure it was properly positioned. "These exercises should also help strengthen and loosen you up to make the whelping easier."

The young fox nodded and began his tamed workout. He made sure not to go too fast, or squeeze too hard. The last thing Michael wanted was to send himself into early labor.

Thomas smiled. "Do you need me to get you anything, or are you fine as you are?"

"No... I think I'm okay. Maybe some water?"

"Alright, I'll get you some water, then give you some privacy. I'll be listening in on the baby monitors, alright?" Thomas replied, before leaving for a moment to get the water, then returning to place the water in arm's reach of Michael. "I'll be listening out for you."

Michael nodded. "Thank you." After Thomas left, Michael continued with the light exercise routine. He managed to keep it up for about an hour before suddenly feeling too tired to keep going. The Thigh Doctor was set aside, but the weights had to stay on since Michael couldn't reach them. He drew the blankets over himself, buried his face into the plush pillow, and fell asleep.

A few hours passed, and a figure crept into the room. It tiptoed closer and closer to the bed, before hitting a creaky floor board.

One red ear flickered back and forth. A small whine was also heard from the young fox burrowed down under the covers.

The figure stopped, watching the gravid fox whimper. As soon as the fox was quiet, the figure advanced again, focused intently upon his target. He didn't notice the squeak toy on the floor that belonged to the fox.

Michael heard overly vocal cry of the toy when it was stepped on. He jerked in the bed, at once rolling over to see who was in the room. Not wanting to take chances, however, he also yelled out, "Thomas!"

Thomas didn't reply. The figure inched closer and closer, before turning on the lamp, revealing a smiling white fox. "Did you sleep well?"

"Richard!" Michael cried. "Don't sneak in here like that! I'm about to have a heart attack!"

Richard smiled. "Sorry honey. I couldn't resist. I got you some pretty flowers."

Michael pouted at his husband. "It was a stupid thing to do," he said. "After everything I've been through. You'd better have peanut butter truffles with those flowers if you want me to forgive you."

"Peanut butter... No. Carob fudge? Yes." Richard replied, holding out a small box of chocolates.

Hazel eyes looked at the box, at his mate, the box, his mate... "They'll do," Michael said before grabbing the box and rolling over with them.

"Come now. I've been at work all day, and I wanna see your pretty face." Richard purred, going around to the other side of the bed.

The said beautiful face was currently puffed out with cheeks full of fudge as those big hazel eyes stared back at pink ones.

Richard chuckled, as he leaned down to gently rub noses with his love. "Did Thomas give you a hard time while I was gone?"

"No," Michael replied after he swallowed. "He's been really helpful. He even gave me some weights to work with while on bed rest."

Richard chuckled lightly as he kissed Michael's nose gently. "I missed you today," he purred. "But then again, I miss you every moment we're apart."

Michael licked Richard's muzzle. "Another two weeks and we'll have all the time together." He touched his belly beneath the layers of covers. "Unless these little ones have other plans."

"I know. I'm so excited," the pale father fox purred. "Are you ready to see your babies?"

"I am," the red mother fox answered. "I wonder what they'll look like."

Richard gently stroked Michael's gravid belly. "I bet you're ready to be thin again, huh darling?"

Michael pulled down the blankets, showing his hugely heavy, full belly. The tight skin was punctuated by a strong kick. "You tell me."

Richard smiled. "Well it's getting late. Give me a few minutes to slip into something comfortable."

The red fox nodded. "All right."

Richard padded into the bathroom, put on a little deodorant, brushed his teeth, and dropped his suit into the laundry chute. He padded out in his blue briefs and chuckled as he got onto the foot of the bed. "I've missed you so much baby..." he cooed, inching up until he was right on top of Michael's belly, nuzzling it gently before giving it a gentle kiss.

Michael blushed. "Must be hard, since there's so much of me to miss."

"Do you want to do it? Assuming we can of course..." Richard chuckled, resting his chin against Michael's sensitive dome.

"You heard what your brother said, the doctors too. However... We might be able to compromise."

"How so, my pet?" Richard cooed gently, rubbing tiny circles along Michael's sides.

Michael blushed. "I can give you a hand job if you, well... finger me."

"I'll do better than that..." Richard cooed lightly. "But, could I ask for something slightly different?"

"S-Sure..."

Richard sat back and pulled off his shorts, revealing a mild hard-on. "Could you make it a foot-job instead?" he giggled lightly.

His blush darkened. "A wh-what?"

Richard giggled, stroking at Michael's feet. "Use these to stroke me off like you would your hands." he purred lightly.

Michael looked down at his four clawed toes and then at Richard's sex. "Are you sure?"

"It'll work," Richard replied. "Just be gentle. I'll guide you through it."

The red fox nodded timidly. He spread his toes and gently gripped his mate with two. "J-Just pull, right?"

Richard nodded. "Pull, then push. Pull, then push. Try it a few times, and I'll tell you if you need to do anything different."

"Okay..." Michael did as he was told. He would drag his toes down along Richard's length and just before reaching the tip, he would push them back up. He did this a few times and then added a little squeeze here and there.

Richard shuddered. "Mmmm, that feels so nice..." he purred. "You're doing so good..."

Michael just blushed and hummed his shy thanks at the compliment.

"Mmm, keep going darling, it feels so good..." Richard purred, his phallus throbbing between his lover's toes.

"What even gave you this idea?" Michael asked curiously.

"Well... To be honest, I wanted my seed on your lovely tummy. It would give me an excuse to 'clean it off'. The foot thing was just a matter of using your feel like your hands."

Michael's face was about as red as the rest of his fur. "You can be so strange, Richard," he said while looking away.

"Is this too weird, darling?" Richard cooed lightly.

"No..." Michael shook his head. "I just don't know where you get your ideas from sometimes."

Richard purred lustfully as he stroked the underside of Michael's orb. "Maybe we can talk about it while snuggling tonight?" he churred lightly.

Michael shook his head again. "No, that's all right." He squeezed a bit harder with his toes, giving long slow strokes.

"Mmmm, that feels so good..." Richard moaned lightly, his knot pulsing with the strokes. "Mmm, I can't wait until it's my turn..."

"Your turn for what?" the red fox asked confusedly. "I thought this was your turn, Richard?"

"This is your turn for pleasing me, then I get to please you." Richard replied, with a smile.

"O-Oh..."

Richard moaned lightly as he felt his desire welling up within. "Mmm, faster, love..."

Michael nodded. He moved his foot faster, gripping harder, with fever.

Richard grunted and gave a slight howl as his seed spurt all over Michael's swollen tummy.

Even Michael gave a shudder and a whimper at the feeling of Richard's hot white covering his gravid form. His foot fell still, drawing away only after things seemed to have calmed down. "I take it that was good, then?"

"Mmm, very good..." Richard replied, before stroking and licking Michael's tummy in an attempt to get him aroused.

Michael hummed and a smile curled his lip. "I'm glad..."

Richard eased a paw between Michael's legs and started to stroke at his naughty bits. "Mmm, how does that feel, my beautiful moon?"

"Ah!" The young fox gasped and drew his knees together. "Ah... Richard..."

"Just let it go, darling," Richard purred. "I'm here to make you feel really good about your sexy body."

Michael whimpered. "I... I'm not," he argued weakly.

Richard smiled warmly. "Then I'm not doing my job as your loving husband right, am I?"

"B-But you are," he insisted. "You take such good care of me. Ohh!"

As soon as Michael's fur was cleaned, Richard leaned down out of sight and licked at Michael's nethers.

Michael gasped loudly. Even his back managed to arch, even just the tiniest bit. "R-Richard!"

"Mmm, you taste so lovely..." Richard purred, before taking Michael's cock into his mouth, his fingers stroking Michael's special slit gently.

"Ah! Ahh!" The pregnant red fox was so much more excitable these days. Hormones were flying, nerves were overly sensitive, and heat came so quickly. All of it was a recipe for wild passion without much effort.

Richard gently licked over Michael's engorged knot as his fingers worked their magic, his maw sucking gently, yet quickly.

"Ohhh!" Michael's feet slipped over the bed as his knees tried to bend up. He gripped the sheets in his clawed fingers, pulling wrinkles in the fabric. "Ooh! Oooohh..."

Richard kept the sucking up, even suckling harder, trying to get his mate to release. His fingers gently entered the slit, and started undulating in and out.

Michael's face was flushed and his whole body had broken out into a light sweat. He moaned, long and heavy. Heart racing, belly heaving, panting...

Richard's other paw stroked along Michael's belly, which was not alive with motion. The babies inside were feeling their mother's excitement.

"Ri-Ri-hiiiii... cha-cha-cha-haaaaaa... hhhhhaaaaaaard!" Michael gave that one last powerful cry and his spine bent beautifully as he released into his husband's mouth.

Richard purred as he drank down the seed. "Mmm, so delicious..." he purred, rubbing over the large belly to calm the cubs inside.

Michael shivered. As the warm high subsided, he sank into exhaustion. The cubs kicked one after the other. It was hard to calm them down as of lately. They almost knew what would be coming soon, and they were excited.

Richard smiled as he pulled the covers over them both. "I can't wait. We're going to be parents soon..."

Michael just hummed, quickly drifting off.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Richard huffed lightly as he ran around, making sure that everything was ready for them to leave. Michael's due date was quickly approaching and Richard wanted everything to be perfect.

Michael's ears flicked back and forth. "Richard, what are you doing?" he asked from where he lay on his side in the bed.

"I'm making sure we have everything we need for the trip to the hospital. Our babies are coming soon and we
have to be prepared. I've got you a changing of pajamas for once you've had the babies, I have toiletries, I've got some minor cosmetics for you, a roll of quarters... What else...?"

"Richard..." Michael's ears went back. "You said I could have the birth at home. That's why we brought your brother here," he said with a pout.

Richard tensed up for a moment. "Oops... My mistake. I'm sorry baby, in all the excitement, I forgot. But I'm still keeping it packed, just in case, okay darling?" he purred, nuzzling Michael's cheek gently.

"Okay..." Michael rubbed his gravid orb. His underbelly had grown heavy over the last couple of days, swelling gently as his young began moving for the birth. "Maybe we should check on them one more time. You know, to be sure."

Richard nodded as he left for a moment to fetch Thomas. The large grey fox smiled. "So what's up, Michael?" he asked, sitting next to the bed.

The thick red and white tail was draped over his leg, covering his waist. "I just thought we should check on the kits," he said. "I'm so close. I want to be sure they're okay for birth."

Thomas nodded as he peeled back the covers, putting some of the cold gel on Michael's tummy. "Okay, let's see what these little guys are doing..." he mused, running the wand over Michael's belly.

Michael watched the screen with eager eyes. He looked up at Richard, smiling, and then back at the screen. "They're head first, right?"

"Hmm, all except this little girl, here." he replied, pressing the wand at the upper part of Michael's belly. "But I'm sure she'll turn around before the birth, it's no big deal."

"We can sort of guide her into it, too, right?" Michael asked, also pressing gently with his hand.

Thomas nodded. "Just keep rubbing here," he replied as he motioned to the head. "And apply a light pressure. That'll encourage her to shift head down."

The red fox nodded and did as he was told. "Come on, sweetie," he purred gently. Michael continued to press and rub until he felt the shift. "Sh-She's doing it!"

"She won't shift all the way, but keep doing that up until the birth and she will be in the proper position. Do you mind if I check for any dilation at this time?"

"Well... I'm not even having any contractions yet," Michael said.

Thomas nodded. "If you're not comfortable with it, I understand," he replied as he cleaned off the fox's belly.

"It's not that," he insisted. "I just... If I don't have contractions, will I be dilated?"

"Normally no," Thomas replied. "But I've heard of some women dilating early in their labors."

"Oh. Well... then I suppose checking won't hurt." Michael shifted a little more onto his back and opened his legs slightly.

Thomas placed a glove upon his paw and gently placed a finger inside. "Hmm... The plug is still in place, and I don't feel too much difference. How are you feeling?" he asked, removing his hand."

"I feel fine," he replied. "Restless, but... fine."

"Okay. Please let us know if you feel any contractions," Thomas replied.

Michael nodded. "Of course." He read a book while Thomas and Richard went downstairs to finish baby proofing the house. It was an hour or two after noon when his mate came upstairs, so they decided to watch television together. Early evening rolled around when Michael began to fidget and rub his belly.

Richard looked over. "Something the matter, love?" he purred lightly.

"I can't get comfortable," he answered.

"Want to walk around a little?" Richard asked, offering his paw.

"I don't know if I can," he said. Michael took his mate's paw and tried to stand, but a wave moved through him and made the fox fall onto the bed. "Ohh..."

"Uh oh... Take a deep breath darling. No need to rush."

Michael shook his head. "No... No, Richard... I think it's time."

"Okay, let's get you to your feet, and to the birthing tub. THOMAS! It's time!" he called out, prompting his older brother to get the water ready.

Michael shook his head again. "I... I want to lie down," he insisted.

Richard nodded. "You can lay down for a little while, but soon we'll need to move you to the birthing tub, okay?"

"Okay..." Michael managed to lay in bed for about an hour. The contractions were small, short, and far apart. Time passed, but suddenly Michael felt his figure tighten. His muscles clenched all the way down. The dome of his belly was much firmer than it had been a moment ago. "Mmmmn...ohh..." Michael's hands clenched into fists in the sheets. Almost as quickly as it had happened, his belly released with a ripple of flesh and muscle.

Richard murred lightly. "I... I think it would be better to get you to the tub. Let me help you up."

Michael held on tightly to his mate's paws. His legs shook beneath him. "I... I... I don't think..."

"I know you can. Trust in me love..." Richard purred, offering his hands.

The young fox whimpered, but he managed to take one unsteady step after another. "Oh... Oh... Here comes another one..."

"Just breathe honey," he replied, holding Michael closely.

"Hah... Hah... Haaah..." It happened again. The muscles tightened around his stomach all at once, making the round shape almost squeeze inward. Some of the kits kicked, somewhat rough. Michael moaned. When the contraction ended, his belly sprang forth to its previous shape, wobbling from the force.

"Okay, okay... Breathe, and follow me. I'm here for you," Richard purred lightly.

Michael nodded. He walked along until they were finally able to get him into the birthing tub. Just in time, too. Another contraction, this one stronger than the last, rippled through his quivering girth. Michael panted through the strong movements of those inside him. The muscles strained to shift the pregnant shape into position. The contraction lasted longer this time, but it released as expected, only Michael's belly hung lower than it had before. "Ohhhn..."

Richard purred lightly as he took Michael's paw and rubbed it. "You're doing great love... The babies have dropped and it looks like they'll be here soon. I can't wait to see them, my love..." he purred lightly, stroking Michael's belly gently.

The young red fox could only pant in reply. His long red hair was sticking to his face and neck with sweat. Even his chest was beginning to bead with perspiration. "It hurts..." he whimpered.

Richard hugged Michael gently. "I know, baby, I know... I'm here for you, every step of the way."

Another contraction struck, seizing his ripe body. Michael dropped his head back with a groan while his insides clenched possessively around his kits. Many of them didn't like being squeezed, so they retaliated with kicking. One such movement was seen punctuating beneath his plump bellybutton, pushing it out. "Ooooh... Oohhhn! Ohhn! Oh!"

Richard leaned in to kiss his belly and cooed lightly. "Come on out babies... You've been inside mommy long enough."

Something shifted and he felt a release. Michael's water broke, making the water in the tub rise. "Ah! Ahh... Richard.... Richard!"

"Yes, honey? I'm here for you."

"It hurts so much..." Michael whined. "My tummy... Mmhn!"

"Hold my hand, love. I'm here every moment. These babies are going to be born healthy," Richard cooed.

The labor went on into the late evening and early night. The sun had set, but the moon couldn't be seen above the trees just yet. Michael had been suffering through contractions for hours. Finally they were only a mere minute apart. His belly heaved, nearing its ready point.

Thomas checked Michael and smiled. "You're almost there. On the next contraction, I need you to push."

BellyLover06:
Glad to see this here. Gave it a *****.