Chapter 13

When we left K2, she was kind of in the middle of something.

"In the middle of something my ass! I'm giving birth here, and you just... just... left me!"

You weren't alone. Your husband was here.

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"Oh fat lot of good he's doing me."

Hmmm... you're right. He doesn't seem overly concerned or interested in what's going on. Knowing K2's temper, Vlad might want to look a little more concerned. I mean, I know those pancakes are good, and probably the first ones he's made that he hasn't burned, but this is a pretty important moment.

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Ah, that's a little better. I guess all the screaming and wailing got his attention finally.

"You'd be screaming and wailing too if you were in pain like this."

*heavysigh*

And considering Vlad's childhood, this is not the sort of reaction I'd expect from him. It's not like he grew up an only child or anything. Yes Mao, I know, he's a reclusive mad scientist *snicker* But right now I'm almost more concerned about him that K2. Last thing I need is for him to have a heart attack before his first born makes his/her appearance.

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"Um... excuse me."

Yes?

"Stop talking to strange people I can't see and pay attention to me. Is my body supposed to be doing this right now?"

Um, yes, it is. It's part of the birthing process. It also means the fun is about to begin.

"Fun? Fun?! Oh am I going to hurt you when I get the chance. And V too. I wouldn't be going through this if it weren't for him."

If it weren't for Vlad, none of this would be going on. You wouldn't even be here. That challenge thing, remember?

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"Aahh... Why didn't they tell me in Simaze class that it was going to hurt like this?"

Because you never went to Simaze class.

"Well that's no excuse."

*facepalm*

Just breathe. I predict a baby in 3... 2...

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1...

Welcome to the World Little One. Looks like you got a lot from your daddy.

So let me present Vlad and Keth Black's firstborn, little... ah... little...

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Er, K2, a little help here. You do have a name picked out, don't you?

"Of course I do. Gods, don't you remember that whole discussion we had?"

Yes, and I explained that D for a daughter and S for a son make really poor names, although 'Dee' is nice. It's my mom's name.

"And we did finally settle on some names."

So this is...

"This is Rhyl. Isn't she the cutest lil thing?"

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Rhyl huh? So your firstborn is a little girl. Aww...

Of course, this means you're going to have to do it all over again.

"Say what?"

Well we're in this for a boy, remember? I explained it all to you back on the front stoop of Havarti Hall.

"Sorry, I don't recall that part too well. Once you told me I got to f..."

*loudcough*

*glare* "Get up close and personal with V, I didn't really pay too much attention to anything else you said."

Like you ever do.

"Well... okay. One more. But no twins. And tell V to quit cheering in our ear."

You know I have no control over what Vlad does, or whether or not you two have twins. *snicker*

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"Aw, there there Whyl. The woud noyzes are aw gone now. Daddy's out peeping on the neighbors with his tellerscope. And just ignore the nozy wady who keeps interwupting. She's just twying to scare us by thweatening us with twins."

Keep up the baby talk and I'll poke the 'quads' button instead of 'original' next time.

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"Who's a widdle cutie? Who's a cutie?"

Careful there K2. They tend to...

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...leak when you do that too much.

"ACK!"

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"Ew! Why the hell didn't you warn me about that?"

I thought you'd figure it out on your own.

"Well you figured wrong!"

Yeah, it kinda seems that way, doesn't it?

"Gross. I need a shower. And a nap."

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Rhyl is downstairs fussing with a messy diaper. Anyone want to place bets on who gets stuck on night duty?

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Those of you who placed your money on Vlad, expecting K2 to be a lazy ass, please see the cashier to collect your winnings.

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Of course, he's had enough experience with little ones while growing up that this is all old hat for him. I don't think he batted an eye the whole time.

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And Rhyl, while we know you love your daddy, it would probably be best if you didn't grab onto anything shiny that's firmly anchored in skin. *winces*

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Had enough of cute baby pictures? Good, because I have.

Heading for the phone K2? Could it be birthday time already?

"It could be. Time sure goes fast when you're not the one changing the diapers."

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And Rhyl's birthday party is one happening place. All K2 and Vlad's college friends are here as well as their new friends from the city. If only Rhyl's dad would've put some clothes on it.

Note to self, change the ceiling light in the nursery (former dining room)

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And PING! One instant toddler. She must've taken her clothing inspiration from the decor of the nursery.

There's something interesting about Rhyl...

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stat-wise, she's a clone of Vlad.

Rhyl Black
Scorpio
10 - 3 - 9 - 3 - 1


Well, she should be fun to have around at least. I can't wait to see her and Vlad play catch *evilsnicker*

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"Psst... hey!"

Now what? We're watching Vlad and Rhyl be adorably cute. *makes hurky noises*

"Why is she here?"

Um, probably because Vlad invited her.

"And why is she talking to me? She kept poking me at our wedding."

She's probably only talking to you because it lets her watch Vlad.

"Grrr..."

I really gotta change those light fixtures.

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And one more cute picture of the birthday girl (before I get ill from yellow and cuteness overload) It's hard for me to tell who she takes after more. She's got a bit of a round face like K2, but that could just be the hair.

And despite the party still going on, Rhyl really needs her toddler sleep. Someone is tired and cranky and needs a nap.

"Hey! I am not cranky, dammit!"

I was talking about your daughter.

"Oh..... never mind."

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"She's still talking to me. And now she's trying to make with the jokes."

She's being friendly.

"They're not funny."

Well, it doesn't matter, because she's got Vlad's attention now, which is what she wanted.

"Grrr..."

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Luckily, before anything more could happen, Clay walked by and make K2 go all girly and weak in the knees.

"Oh Clay!" *swoon*

If I remember right, after this Vlad followed him out in to the living room and shoved him a few times for good measure. Good thing it's time to bring this party to a close... before violence breaks out.

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Still making poor Vlad work the night shift K2?

"Hey, you said it yourself. I'm tired and cranky and need a nap."

Among other things.

"Like what?"

I don't know. Maybe it'll come up next chapter.

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-- Chapter 14 --

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