“I want to go back home right now!”

“I told you, we need to find out why your vomiting hasn’t stopped.” Rue had been trying to explain that he and everyone else had been worried about her; he was also certain that if the doctor hadn’t found the cause of her illness, she’d be just as angry.

“Whatever... Might as well get this over with.” Mint retorted, crossing her arms over her chest. She slouched back in her chair, looking at the health posters on the walls of the waiting room. Her eyes found a very pregnant woman sitting in a seat at the far corner of the room. Mint muffled an abrupt yelp. That could be her in a few months time!

Rue noticed his wife’s anxiety right away (despite her best efforts to hide it) and he quickly grabbed hold of her small hand, intertwining their fingers.

“Everything’s going to be alright. You’ll see.”

"Mint Artema?" The doctor called as he entered the waiting room. "Right this way, please."

Mint looked at her husband imploringly, only to be irritated when he kissed the back of her palm, with a look that said 'I'll be right behind you'. Scowling, she allowed herself to be led  out of her chair and they followed the older man to the examination room, which was empty except for a reclining seat, two padded chairs, a desk, an exam bed and a metal cabinet that held the tools for Dr. Markus's trade.  

The doctor, Markus, introduced himself and offered for them to take a seat. He asked Mint a series of questions about her symptoms, when her last menstrual cycle started -May 14, lasting for seven days- or if she'd been feeling extreme fatigue or getting dizzy spells. His questions were met with honest, straightforward answers.

Next, he checked her blood pressure, pulse, weight and temperature. He then told them that Mint might need to take a blood pregnancy test, to rule out the possibility that she was expecting.  

Dr Markus walked over to the metal cabinet, unlocked the top drawer and removed a hypodermic needle with a plastic vacuum tube. As he washed his hands, put on some gloves and prepared the syringe, Mint began to feel a bit unsettled.

"This is a fine clinic you have here, doc."

"Thank you, Mint."

"If you don't mind me asking, what's with the needle?" she asked anxiously.

Markus smiled compassionately at the younger woman. Many patients became nervous at this juncture. The doctor knew that if he spoke to them in a calm, soothing voice the uneasiness would soon pass.

"I'm going to stick this needle into a vein in your arm and draw out a small amount of blood. Once the blood sample has been taken, the vial will be sent off to a laboratory to be tested. This test is to check if there's any Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in your blood." He explained and proceeded to wrap a rubber hose around his patient's upper arm. "The presence of this hCG hormone will determine whether you're pregnant or not."    

"Does that mean I have to grit my teeth and bear it?" Mint asked as Markus swabbed her arm with a cotton ball.

"I'm afraid so. These initial tests are highly important, though. They can detect any possible diseases, keep track of your hormone levels, and they monitor how the baby is growing in your womb."

"So I guess having my blood scanned is a good thing, after all." The redhead said, as she relaxed in the chair, waiting for the doctor to administer the shot.

"You're quite right, Mint. Why if you didn't have a blood test, you might have these things and not even know it."

"Ow! [Expletive]!" Mint felt a sharp prick in the top of her forearm, followed by a slight burning sensation. But these small irritations passed quickly; Rue figured a good way to distract Mint from the procedure was by letting her hold his hand.

His quick thinking gave the doctor enough time to draw out the plunger until the tube was full then gently remove the needle while Mint's thoughts were occupied.

~0~

“The results of your physical examination and blood test have come in,” Dr Markus announced when Mint took the patient's chair opposite the physician's large mahogany desk. “You're four weeks pregnant.”

Mint’s pulse quickened.

“WHAT?!” A flock of birds suddenly decided to take flight from their perch on the window ledge and thunder rumbled ominously in the distance. If looks could kill, Dr Markus would have been a pile of ash by now.

"What do you mean I’m pregnant?" Mint ground out, glaring at the doctor. The man was unfazed.

“I mean, you're going to have a baby. Sperm finds egg, they fertilize. I don't think the results are showing any negative signs."

“But we always use protection every time!”

"I'm not saying either of you are negligent. However, it is still possible for the condom to tear or slip off during intercourse. Perhaps the two of you were simply "lost in the moment" when Rue unknowingly released his seed into your uterus."            

Mint pulled a face in disgust.  

“Please don’t mind her.” Rue told Dr Markus. “What should we do about her morning sickness?”

“You needn’t worry, Mr. Artema. The queasiness usually goes away by the end of the first trimester, which is around... eight weeks from now. What your wife can do in the meantime is eat plenty of healthy food, stay active, drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration, and get lots of rest. She can do what she normally does, as long as she avoids any vigorous activities that can endanger the baby.” Dr Markus turned to Mint. “You mustn’t put your body under any stress otherwise it can impact on the child.”  

“Stress? Hah! You just said I can keep living like normal!”

“So I did. That is why I’m leaving your husband in charge of your new medication. These are for you to take.” He scribbled something on his prescription pad, tearing the top page out and passed it into the woman’s hand.

Mint's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed dangerously. "Folic acid, prenatal vitamins, crystallized ginger... and a bottle of anger-soothing drops." she said flatly. "Is this some kind of joke?”

“No. The folic acid and the vitamins are for the baby. The ginger cubes are for your stomach. The drops are designed to promote calmness and balance emotions. Do you know what that means?”

"You mean..."

"Yes. They're meant to tame your emotional outbursts."  

"[Expletive] [expletive] [expletive] [expletive] [expletive]!" Mint said eloquently. Rue and Dr Markus were engaged in idle conversation about some issue and Mint found it difficult to restrain herself from hitting her partner, or blasting him with some magic, or jump kicking him, or--

"... Thank you for taking the time to see us, Doctor. I'll make sure to keep a record for when she takes the medication..."

She looked at Rue. He seriously wasn’t going to go through with this, was he!? She looked dejectedly at the two faces and suddenly became adamant. “Alright, I’ll take it.” she said.

Tee-hee! They're so easy to fool! Once we leave the clinic, I'll just toss the bogus paper in the garbage bin!

"I hope you're not thinking about throwing that prescription away, Mint. We'll be going to the pharmacy after this to pick up everything on that list. That includes your new happy drops."

Mint cupped her mouth in shock. That's so unfair! Forcing her to do something she didn't want to. No problem though, after all, she was the most powerful sorceress in all of East Heaven, she recalled her father saying. If she could take out Valen, she could handle a bit of herbal therapy too!

"Of course, Mint. Why would you even think that?" Rue replied with a shake of his head and a grin. Mint thought with a start: Doll-Boy was really starting to rub off on her.

~0~

“This sucks…” she moaned to herself as they left the pharmacy arm-in-arm. She peered at the paper bag in her clenched fist. “I don’t need these drops. I’m perfectly fine without them!”

“You still have to take the drops, Mint." Rue told her. "The doctor said they'll help put your mind at ease next time you feel hotheaded. Our little one might thank you for this too."  

Mint scowled. “Don't get ahead of yourself. I still don't know if I want it yet.”

"You'll have to make a decision soon... There are many things we have to start planning for now or we will regret it later on." He heard Mint mutter something uncivilized under her breath. Ignoring the comment, he added; "Whatever you decide to do I'll support you every step of the way.”

“I...  haven't made the best decisions.” Mint stopped in her tracks as the memory of lavishing in East Heaven's palace where she had lived came to her. The nostalgia only lasted for a moment before she shook her head and smiled. “That was before I started making wiser ones... with you. We got a little pea to raise."

She looked so sure. Rue watched those crimson, almond-shaped eyes reflecting the color of joy. The color of courage. The color of the sun.

"You're saying you want to?"

"Yeah. Right now my body is the world to our offspring. So we gotta prep it right!" she affirmed, flicking her hair. "Here's an awesome idea; we invite everybody to our place for a little dinner party next Saturday, then after we finished the main meal, I'll announce our baby news."  

Rue stiffened slightly. Break the news to everyone over dinner? Is that even possible?  

"I suppose if I started thinking about recipes a week early," He said cautiously. "Then it might work." Mint clapped her hands and spun about on the spot.

"Alright! Let's get moving!"

~0~

Saturday, 24 June 2017.

I can't believe he's expecting me to eat this...

Mint poked her fork at the plate of steamed white rice, diced carrot pieces, corn and green peas in front of her. For the past hour, her stomach felt like it'd been jellied, but it was hardening nicely and was almost back to normal now. Attempting to be a bit daring, she tried eating a second helping of Rue's nice meat and vegetable stew, and found she had to go vomit up her dinner---again.

From her rightful place at the head of the dinner table, she stopped shooting daggers at the abomination that was her new main course --lovingly prepared by her husband for safe digestion-- and looked up at everyone's faces in the dining room.  

Mint and Rue invited everyone to their house to celebrate the move, as planned. They always enjoyed every opportunity to see their old friends again after everything they'd been through, all the adventures they had together. But they were especially looking forward to sharing their news about Mint's unexpected pregnancy in person.

Professor Klaus Adler and his wife Mira looked older now, medium brown and dark pink hair been flecked with grey. Their daughter Elena had aged beautifully over the years with a more feminine figure, her candy-pink hair held away from her face by two barrette clips. She was in her purple sleeveless turtleneck sweater --over which a simple white cross dangled from her neck-- a chequered blue skirt, short white bloomers and brown boots. Her baby blue eyes had not lost their usual cheery shine. Prima Doll had grown taller and his golden hair was longer now but he was still hyperactive.

Belle and Duke, the second guests to arrive, were present for the dinner. The only thing that had changed about the treasure hunters was the signature goggles that Duke usually wore under his blue hair were gone, and Belle now wore a wedding ring.

Rue's adopted older sister Claire and his younger brother Ruenis were also invited to the party. Ruenis had the same unusual silver-white hair like Rue, and he wore a blue-and-white bandana to cover up the diamond-shaped sapphire on his forehead. Unlike his older sibling who wore an improvised version of a bandanna in public. Rod the Bladestar, the ninth guest to arrive, made a surprise appearance by turning up in his "baby"; a large, red custom-made SUV.  

The only person who was missing from group was Fancy Mel, who had mysteriously disappeared from the happy gathering "to run an errand".

Mint’s eyes soon caught the encouraging look Rue sent in her direction from across the table.

Time to drop the bombshell.

Taking that as her cue, the pigtailed young woman rose from her seat and prepared her best speech-giving skills (sadly lacking compared to her sister’s) and began with saying, "Hey there, everyone! Thank you all so much for coming here tonight. And no, it’s wasn't only for Rue’s cooking."

“You’ll have to thank Claire for that. She’s the one who taught him.” Ruenis said, earning a “Ruenis, shush!” from Claire and a bashful smile from Rue.

The whole room laughed and when everyone turned their heads to face their hostess again, Mint flicked one pigtail over her shoulder. "Now before we have dessert, I have an important announcement to make~!♪"

"Let me guess; you finally gave up your dream of world conquest?" Belle interrupted, smirking.

Mint slammed one clenched fist on the table. "No, you old bag! And for your information that dream is now on hold for nine [expletive] months!"

"Mint, don't swear. We have company. And you're supposed to be setting a good example for the you-know-what." Rue scolded, interrupting in time before the two could exchange blows. He had tried, through the years they had known each other, to make the tomboy princess a better, kinder person... but the lessons were having a hard time sticking.

"But I don't see why I have to be a positive role model when the job comes with [expletive] hormonal changes!" Mint stomped her foot against the floor a few times, and everyone in the room noticed the golden rings on the wall beside her had begun to hum with increasing intensity as her anger rose.

"What's the matter, Mint? Are you tired of constantly PMSing?" Belle asked with a sneer.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY!?"

"Mint!" Rue actually yelled this time, such a rare thing that it stopped the red-haired woman's tantrum.

Cringing at the glare Rue was giving her, Mint took a deep breath and shook her head. "Alright, I'm fine. I'm fine. You can take over from here, Rue; it looks like this is harder to explain than I thought."

"Actually, Mint, I feel that I am obligated to help you out." The reply startled Mint, the former diplomat giving the doll a confused look. Turning to glance at the green-eyed woman with long aquamarine hair flowing behind her, he explained, "Mint's been feeling sick lately, so it may not be a good idea to stir her up. Please understand." When he saw Belle give him an unenthusiastic thumbs-up sign, he turned to address the whole room. "And a few people here might know why she's feeling delicate."

The young man looked at the faces of a surprised Belle and Duke, a bemused Prima Doll, a smirking Rod, a giggling Claire, and the knowing looks from Mira and Klaus. Elena had clasped her hands for a moment, cocking her head to the side in bemusement.

Rue left the table, came to the side of Mint's seat and leaned down to lay one careful hand on her tummy. Mint blushed beet red at his touch through her billowing tunic top paired with loose pants and a thin, jeweled crown of flowers atop her head. She didn't mind it; she knew the baby growing inside her was the result of her love for Rue.  

"There's going to be another little person living under our roof." He stated in his pleasant tone, russet eyes glowing with pride.

"Are you guys serious!?" Prima Doll blurted out, looking at the pair.

Everyone turned expectantly to Mint, who now looked very flustered. She pushed a strand of pinkish-red hair back. "It’s true. I'm already five weeks along." she told them.

A stunned silence descended upon the room as the group absorbed this new information. It was so quiet that you can hear a pin drop... until Elena broke the silence with a high-pitched squeal.

"Rue’s going to be a DADDY!" she chirped, running to the young man then grappled onto him in a tight hug. Prima Doll followed suit, letting out a happy "Yay!", and throwing his arms around the startled Rue.

"Hey! Where's my hug? I'm the one having this baby, y'know!" Mint was disappointed and annoyed that she didn't get any hugs from them.

Prima looked at her, said "Good for you, Mint!", then went back to squeezing Rue. The redhead pulled a face at him in response.

"That's wonderful news, Rue." Klaus complimented, patting the kind-hearted man on the back. "Congratulations."

"Thank you." Rue smiled back at the archeologist.

"Speaking of which," began Belle mischievously. "When did a virtuous guy like you and a devilish brat like Mint produce the pitter-patter of little feet?"

Rue's face turned a spectacular shade of red. Mint, meanwhile, started having a severe coughing fit.

"Um, Mint? Are you going to be okay?" asked Elena in genuine concern.

"Yeah. I think so." she replied weakly.

"When are you due?" Mira asked Mint kindly.

"Are you hoping for a daughter or a son?" Claire giggled.

"Don't forget baby names! What are you going to call it?" Duke piped in.

"Our doctor told us the baby might arrive in February next year. It's about the size of a sesame seed --still too early to find out if it's a boy or a girl." Mint looked over at Rue. "We want to keep the baby's sex a surprise."

"We haven't made any real plans about names yet." Rue added as an afterthought.

The night passed by slowly. While the guests debated on the gender of the new addition to the Artema household, their simple host ate his share of butter cream cake in silence, listening to snippets of conversation from people.

"I hope it's a girl. Then I can dress her up in pretty bows and frills!"

"Ew! I am not putting my kid in some frilly-as-hell dress!"

"Something on your mind, Daddy?" Rod pulled up a chair next to Rue. He wore a black fedora hat, a leather jacket with sleeves, matching pants, but no shirt. The guitar case he carried over his shoulder offset the casual look.

"I still can't believe I'm going to be a father." Rue answered with a small sigh.

"Agreed. It is a shock for us all. I am curious about one thing... what did it take to get Mint to surrender?"

"Surrender?"

"The moment she realised you were a natural in bed."

"Rod!"

“I'm kidding! Don't freak out." The boisterous red-haired man replied, a wide grin dominating his face. He reached a hand down to pat the fully-grown, black-and-white dog sitting obediently and panting happily at his side, whose name was Johnny Wolf. "Listen, Rue. I know you're going to make great dad. Just think; who wouldn't want you teaching them to walk and talk? That little one is going to feel so lucky knowing their daddy is you."

The thought made Rue smile. "I'll do my best."

"That's the spirit." Rod cast his gaze to Duke and held out an open hand. "Well, Duke, I told you Mint was going through a great expectancy. Looks like I won the bet. Now cough up."

Crestfallen, Duke pulled out his wallet and placed the money in Rod's palm.  

"Does anyone get the feeling like something's a bit off?" Everyone turned to look at Prima Doll. "I know Rue loves Mint very much, but she's the one who has him at her beck and call. So it clearly isn't his fault she got herself knocked up." He sniggered.

A mad blush rushed into Mint's cheeks at his comment, her teeth grinding in anger. They're only words, Mint. Stay calm, cool, collected… Paint the very picture of an unflappable [expletive] Queen... The red-haired sorceress concentrated briefly, her psyche-strong link with Rue giving her all she desired for now: the feel of his hands, their weight comfortable on her shoulders. Rue had sensed her temper flaring up and moved in haste to the back of Mint's seat to smooth her ruffled feathers.

The younger boy shrugged and flashed Mint a crazed smile, causing Mint to raise her hackles once again.

"Mint, if you wanted Rue to keep you satisfied on your honeymoon, all you had to do was point him in the right direction--- AHH!!" He screamed and ran out from the dining room when Mint snatched up her old melee rings.

"I'll show you direction, you little dweeb!" she roared loudly, as she started charging after Prima Doll. He made a run for it.

The whole room sighed as every occupant (except for the bright and ditzy Elena) had the same thought in their minds, especially Rue.

Helping Mint get through these next eight months was not going to be easy.