95. By your side

In this chapter we will follow three different couples through a long night. It will be a night of hard fights, doubts and exquisite pleasures. For all of them, it is true that they could not have done it alone.
The first episode takes us to Strangerville. It is not my plan to describe the solution to the whole mystery, but there may be some spoilers.
As for the other episodes, I have tried not to choose images that may seem offensive, but some images do show some form of nudity.

*****

Midnight, a secret place in StrangerVille

It is the middle of the night and the sky is currently as dark as it can get. So is the sky above this remote location.

Under cover of darkness, two men have approached a laboratory that is well hidden from the public. eye.

“Through secret military channels, I’ve managed to obtain an access card to the inner core of the building. Who knows what they’re trying to hide in there?” says the superior, a guy we already know as Allan.

His young subordinate is named Ezra Duvall.
He is a soft-spoken young guy who loves dogs and sports. It is more a sense of duty than the dream of adventure that has made him a participant in this mission.

“Well soldier, I expect you to keep your eyes and ears open and stay right behind me,” his superior says with authority that does not invite objections.

“Of course, Sir.” Ezra replies.

The Sergeant Minor walks purposefully towards the back entrance of the building and Ezra follows right on his heels while he looks warily from side to side.

Apart from several of the eerily glowing growths on the ground, the place seems completely desert-like dead.

Ezra hesitates for a moment as his superior walks briskly forward.

The place almost reeks of death or something vaguely dangerous.

He has been here once before. The first time his soldier friend Tayler Kane also participated.

Their superiors had admonished them to examine everything carefully without destroying any evidence.

He himself was photographing everything he found unusual or significant on his way.

The young privates followed him at a distance while he examined his records, which should lead to a back entrance to the building.

Soon they were standing in a room that appeared to have been hastily searched. Documents and pictures were strewn about in every nook and cranny.

“Be careful not to destroy any evidence.” said the Sergeant Minor.

He immediately started writing this and that down in a small notebook.

Every now and then he would collect some objects he found interesting. He would put these in a bag.

For two young, inexperienced guys, it could be quite difficult to figure out how to investigate everything thoroughly without destroying evidence, and so they were both left a little confused.

Their superiors, on the other hand, did not seem to have that kind of speculation.

Neither Tayler nor Ezra felt particularly confident in this gloomy place, so when their superiors this morning asked for a participant for tonight’s mission, they rolled a dice.

I guess you could say I lost, Ezra thinks gloomily.

“Private Duvall, are you behind me?” asks the Sergeant Minor.

“Right behind you, Sir.” Ezra replies.

*****

At the hospital’s maternity ward

We find Izumi and Rasmus on the floor in front of the large yoga ball, almost in the same position where we left them in the previous chapter. Here Rasmus has just massaged Izumi’s back.

“Rasmus, I can’t stand lying on my knees anymore. They hurt.” Izumi complains.

She sits down on the small sofa and moans. Her contractions have finally started to increase at more regular intervals.

When the contractions subside, Rasmus carefully puts his arm around her.

She leans against him and for a moment they both fall into a light sleep. It has been a long night.

Suddenly she stands up. “I need to lie down for a while,” she says.

Rasmus sits on the edge of the bed and takes her hand.

“Can I get you something?” he asks.

“No thanks Rasmus, I just need to rest a bit,” she replies.

“Sleep well.” He says, kissing her on the forehead.

He barely has time to leave the edge of the bed before Izumi sits up and starts gasping. Another woe is under construction.

“Find the midwife for me please.” she moans.

*****

“Hi Izumi, do you remember me?” a friendly voice asks.

Izumi looks inquiringly at a face that seems familiar. Then she remembers. It’s Deborah, the sweet midwife who did a fetal scan on her when she was at her second trimester check-up.

“I’m sorry I can’t give you a higher priority. We’re very busy tonight. The hospital has several deliveries going on and not all of them are as unproblematic as yours,” Deborah says kindly.

Unproblematic? Shouldn’t a twin birth require some extra attention? Is she completely out of touch with reality, Izumi thinks confused.

She is no less confused when Deborah introduces her to a new person in a medical gown.

“This is Preed. He is a final year midwifery student and he will take care of you,” Deborah continues kindly.

“Midwife? He’s a man.” Izumi says hesitantly.

“Preed is in his final year. You can feel completely safe. If you are ready, he will now conduct an examination of how imminent your birth is under my guidance.” Deborah says.

Izumi doesn’t feel safe. Everything is so unsettling and confusing around her, and is Preed even a name?

She has already lost Deborah’s attention when they are interrupted by a loud beeping from her phone. “Three minutes and I have to move on,” she says.

Preed greets Izumi very warmly and asks if she is ready.

In the background she can hear Rasmus and Deborah talking.

Izumi breathes a little easier when she sees how carefully and attentively Preed listens to the babies’ heartbeats.

“They show no signs of excessive stress, although birth is always stressful of course,” he says. Strangely enough, it makes her completely calm.

In the background, she can hear Rasmus asking Deborah if a midwife shouldn’t be a woman.

“We live in a new century. Surely there is no reason to get stuck in gender stereotypes if the work is done with high quality?” Deborah replies.

Rasmus hesitates a bit as he doesn’t have a straight answer and Deborah disappears out the door shortly after.

Preed is just about to suggest to Izumi that he examines how much the cervix has dilated when a new contraction starts.

She breathes with shallow breaths to dampen the force of the contractions.

Then she lets out an animalistic howl that makes Preed jump in fright.

Shouldn’t he be the one keeping calm and in control, she thinks exhausted.

“Maybe I should follow you to bed.,” he says.

*****

“Shouldn’t the frequent contractions mean I’m ready to give birth?” Izumi asks, confused.

“You’re not there yet, but there’s nothing to worry about.t. When your cervix is ​​now about 7 cm centimeters dilated, it means that labor is progressing as it should,” Preed says calmly.

“Here are some cold ice cubes. They will probably help you feel better,” he says kindly, handing her a small bowl of ice cubes.

“Thank you for your concern.” Izumi says gratefully.

“I’ll do my best.” he says with a friendly wink.

*****

Rasmus sits and watches Izumi snoring lightly. The male midwife turned out to be not as disastrous as he feared.

Not that he has any experience with births, but times seem to have changed compared to what he had imagined.
After all, he had no adequate expectations, even though he had tried to prepare himself as best he could.

His thoughts are interrupted by a buzz from his phone. It’s Don.

He better call and see if he has any problems with Fabio.

“Hey Don! What’s up? Is Fabio okay?”

“Oh, that sounds good. That means you can sleep soundly too.”

“Well, no babies yet, Izumi’s sleeping right now, but that’s normal they say. Things are progressing, everything is fine.”

“Yeah, thanks for calling. See you tomorrow Don.”

After the conversation, Rasmus falls back into his thoughts.

Everything is unproblematic and fine. At least that’s what they all keep saying.

*****

San Myshuno, at the Waterside Warble

There’s a whole different kind of busy life inside the Waterside Warble.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding with a lot of people, you should choose a nightclub with a DJ. It’s filled with party-loving townies.

When it’s time for the bride and groom’s first dance, it doesn’t seem to attract much attention.

However, it doesn’t seem to bother Fatima and Elijah.

Elijah is a fantastic dancer and Fatima loves letting him lead her.

She gives herself completely.

Sure he will never lose her.

“What a great party, Jade. I really enjoy the casual atmosphere. We could have our wedding here too,” Marcus says eagerly to Jade.

“Oh!?” Jade says. Her somewhat shocked expression reveals that she definitely doesn’t agree.

Somehow, they often seem a little out of sync.

“I’ve always imagined our wedding to be a bit more stylish,” she objects.

“Well, we’ll go with stylish then.” he answers smoothing.

Experience has taught him that she anyway gets her way in the end and so far it hasn’t been that bad for him.

When the first dance is over, all the guests join in the dance.

Group dancing is really fun, although it can be difficult to keep up with the pace.

Jade feels left out of the dance. Maybe she needs a little break.

I think everyone knows Eva as one of Don’s casual acquaintances. She sits in a corner in a cute baby pink jacket and watches the dancers. She is not an acquaintance of Fatima and Elijah, but she is a very familiar acquaintance of Marcus and Jade.

As a member of the Partihaus household and current leader of the Partihaus club, it is natural to find her where there is a party?

The Partihaus household’s other remaining member Paolo is also present, or maybe not quite, hm!

Paolo is a very close friend of Marcus and has a secret that is even a secret to himself, as I have discovered he is the father of a child somewhere out there. Since I don’t need any more characters for the story, it will remain a secret.

Up on the first floor, Fatima, Elijah and Jade are sitting talking.

They have formed a close friendship, all three of them. Indirectly, it is perhaps Jade’s merit that Elijah and Fatima started dating. On the other hand, it probably would have happened regardless.

The DJ is still providing the music and there is plenty of dancing in the room.

Marcus goes to the large windows to look out over the city.

There are lights in most windows. The city never seems to sleep. Let’s all enjoy the view for a moment. (Not least the sight of a city square without bugs.)

The bride and groom and guests are back in the dance.

Eva seems to have lost her rhythm and now she seems to be spotting Salim.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that she and Salim end up as a very hot couple in a parallel universe, which may be known to a few readers.

Back to this universe, Salim seems unaware of the opportunities he is turning his back on as the dance continues.

*****

At the Secret Lab in StrangerVille

Ezra has followed his superiors into the building and they have now reached some reinforced doors. It looks like some kind of airlock.

“Let’s test if this access card works,” says the Sergeant Minor.

He holds a card with a chip towards a scanner.

Ezra can see a crack appear between the two doors, after which they slowly slide apart.

At first glance, there’s not much to see except for a staircase at the back of the room.

However, there also seems to be something indefinable in the air. Allan hesitates a little.

“Gosh, it stinks in here.” he exclaims.

“Maybe we shouldn’t go in there, Sir.” Ezra says in the background.

The smell is sickly and suffocating, like when you open a storage room that has been closed for far too long.

“We should get to the bottom of this. How dangerous it can be,” says the Sergeant Minor before disappearing into the room.

*****

As unattractive as it may feel, Ezra follows his superiors. It’s what he’s committed to.

Ezra sees the Sergeant Minor when he gets all the way down the stairs. He stands hesitantly in front of the entrance to a room with a deep purple mist.

“I’ll go in there, but I think you should stay behind, just in case, Private Duvall.”

“Received, Sir!” Ezra replies.

Then he sees his superior disappear into the fog.

Allan continues straight ahead, leaving the young private behind. In the worst case scenario, he can raise an alarm to the Grand Marshal.

Ezra remains standing in the background with his ears and eyes on high alert.

He hears a loud cough.

Allan feels like he’s choking and all the oxygen is being squeezed out of his lungs. He’s coughing violently.

He’d better turn around.

Ezra sees his superior coming back.

“Sir, if you allow. Are you all right?” he asks.

*****

Back in the hospital’s maternity ward

Izumi has just completed a new examination.

“8 cm dilated. You’re progressing,” says Preed.

Izumi suppresses some swear words. She has lost patience. Now she gets another woe.

“If you get up, I can listen to your children’s heartbeats before I leave,” Preed says.

“Just (breath)….a minute (breath)….ouch!” she moans in pain.

When the contractions have subsided, Preed finds his stethoscope.

“That sounds just fine. Your children are still doing well,” he says.

Soon the next woe begins.

“Everything goes exactly according to the textbook. I can recommend you go for a walk or do exercises on the yoga ball. That will really get things speed up,” he says.

At this moment, she hates him and everyone else trying to hold on to the fact that everything is fine.

Go for a walk? Like this is a Sunday outing? Is he an idiot?

She is generally just uncomfortable both when the contractions are there and when they are not.

Maybe Rasmus will massage her lower back.

Where is Rasmus anyway?

At the same time, she hears brisk steps coming through the door. What?

*****

“Where the hell have you been, Rasmus! You promised to support me through this.” Izumi snarls angrily.

Rasmus lets out a startled gasp. He has never experienced Izumi like this before.

“Sorry Izumi, I needed the restroom.” he says.

“I’m really trying to be by your side all the time.” he says in a hurt voice.

“I promise you, Rasmus, I won’t do this again (breath)….. I will never let you come near me (breath)…. unless you make an appointment to have your strings cut (breath)….. If not, I will personally cut with the knife myself.” Izumi groans.

“Izumi please don’t!” he exclaims in horror.

“I promise you to make an appointment…tomorrow, or after the children are born,” Rasmus says humbly.

“Yes, yes, if you say so.” Izumi says absently.

It dawns on Rasmus that she may not be fully aware of what she’s saying. Especially not when the contractions are tearing at her like they are now.

“Can I do something for you? We can sway together or I can massage your lower back. while you’re lying on the ball.”

“I hate that ball,” Izumi says angrily.

Later, when the contractions subside, she happily lets him massage her back (without the ball).

“I will apologize for snarling at you, Rasmus. I probably have my share of responsibility for these kids were conceived,” she says with a crooked smile.

“I would say so too.” he replies with a wink.

“Does this mean we are all good?” he asks.

“We are Rasmus. You are an exceptional man and I love you,” she says gently.

Fortunately, everything seems to be fine. Really fine at the moment.

*****

At the Secret Lab in StrangerVille

For Ezra, things are looking anything but good.

His superior collapsed to the floor right in front of him the moment he stepped out of the fog.
Ezra is really unsure of what to do from here.

He should call for some kind of help, but the Sergeant Minor insisted that they turn off their cell phones so as not to give off any traceable signals. The Sergeant Minor is breathing so should he go against that order? It’s a situation they haven’t talked through.

At the same time, his superior begins to stand up.

“I’m so glad to see them back, Sir.” he says with relief.

Upon closer inspection, he doubts that the Sergeant Minor is really back. He shows a somewhat hypnotized face.

“What’s going on, Sir?” Ezra asks uncomfortably.

His superior seems to have difficulty controlling his facial muscles as he gets some kind of spasm.

“Hello, Sir! Are you there?” he asks, waving in front of his face.

Suddenly the Sergeant Minor falls forward and starts talking nonsense.

“What? I don’t understand…Sir.” Ezra stammers.

Now his superior grabs one of his hands and twists it backwards so that he can almost hear it creak.

“Ouch! Sir!” Ezra wails.

“Fuck you sprained my finger.” Ezra says in disbelief.

Ezra has had enough. If his superiors are going to act like an unpredictable monster, it will be without him as a guinea pig.

He walks quickly towards the stairs. He’s out.

The Sergeant Minor is left to his own devices as a living, unconscious zombie. That’s how it has to be.

As Ezra reaches the exit of the previously locked area, doubts begin to gnaw at him.

He has always seen the Sergeant Minor as an angry, unpleasant annoyance, but this mission has begun to change his view of him. He has sort of become more human during this period.

Should he do something? What can he do?

*****

San Myshuno, at the Waterside Warble

The sky is slowly starting to lighten over the Waterside Warble.

Fatima steps out of a photo booth.

She is followed by Elijah, who stands and looks critically at a photo he has retrieved from the vending machine.

“I’m not sure I’d call this a wedding photo,” he grunts.

“Look on the bright side, Elijah. You can do a professional photo shoot of us tomorrow. This is just a snapshot but I like to have it as a memory of today.” says Fatima.

She’s right. This is not the time when he should feel violated in the ways of his profession. Today is their wedding and he should enjoy every minute of it.

The DJ is still playing up for dancing and the night isn’t over yet.

Elijah has lived as a professional dancer and is usually optimistic and happy.
If he gets hit by any kind of emotional mood, he dances it away.

Now Joaquin Le Chien has caught sight of his performance and it calls for a competition. He challenges Elijah to a duel.

So here we go.

In addition to the wild turns with the light cones, they both do some pretty wild jumps that are impossible for me to capture on camera.

It’s hard to decide who does it best, but Elijah definitely feels like the winner.

A further rematch is prevented by Fatima asking Elijah for the next dance.

“You will always be my first priority. Anything for you,” he says.

They are a truly lovely couple.

*****

In the hospital’s maternity ward

There is no doubt that Rasmus will do everything he can to relieve Izumi.

Right now she is suffering and it fills him with pain.

Suddenly she tears herself free as the next woe begins to tear at her.

“Don’t touch me Rasmus. I damn it can’t have anyone touching me right now.” she swears.

He knows she doesn’t mean it the way it sounds, but it still hurts him a little.

Rasmus goes back to the sofa.

Izumi sits on the edge of the bed and feels miserable about herself. He doesn’t deserve this.

Now there is no room for any more thoughts related to shame and guilt because Izumi must use all her energy on the woe that is coming.

She breathes in quick bursts to control the pain.

“Ouch!” she wails.

When the pain is over she looks over her shoulder at Rasmus.

He sits with his eyes wide open and looks like he is extremely stressed.

She hasn’t been fair to him. He doesn’t deserve this.

“Rasmus, will you please find the midwife?” she says.

*****

The hospital is under big pressure from patients requiring attention and the staff is doing what they can to help everyone.

Regardless, Rasmus manages to call a midwife. This time it’s Deborah. Preed’s shift is over.

Deborah listens to the babies’ heartbeats and tries to encourage Izumi. If she has any concerns, she is careful not to share them with Izumi and Rasmus, but this birth has dragged on for a long time.

Izumi’s contractions are strong and frequent, and yet she’s not quite ready.

When the contractions have subsided, Izumi listens to Deborah. She tries to understand what she is saying.

“There are many things we have to take into account, but first and foremost it concerns your safety and the babies’ safety, so it may mean we have a doctor look at you next time. It’s not critical at all. Everything looks fine,” she says.

*****

“I’m really sorry I’m to blame for your pain, Izumi. If I had known what childbirth was like, I would definitely have suggested we adopt instead,” Rasmus says unhappily.

“You’re so sweet Rasmus. Someone has to have the trouble of giving birth to these children and you shall not be blamed. Besides, they weren’t planned, so I think they are the gift of fate for us.” says Izumi.

“Is that really what you think?” Rasmus asks with a relieved expression on his face.

“I’m sure they are.” Izumi says.

*****

Izumi is tired and has once again laid down on the bed.

“When the doctor comes, he ore she might recommend a C-section.” Izumi says dully.

“I’m sure they’ll choose what’s best for you.” Rasmus says.

He can hear her breathing getting heavier. He wishes her every little break she can get and gives her a light kiss before walking to the sofa.

Whether their sleep lasts just five minutes or maybe a little longer, they both need it.

We will leave them here.

*****

At the Secret Lab in StrangerVille

Ezra stands hesitantly outside the armored doors to the basement. He is used to carrying out orders and therefore unaccustomed to having to make important decisions. Perhaps he should contact the Grand Marshal?

His confusion comes to an end when he hears footsteps behind him. It is his superior.

“Salute Private Duvall.” his superior exclaims.

“Salute Sergeant Minor, sir!” Ezra answers with a neutral face.

“I have a feeling something mysterious was going on down there. Did you make any observations?” says the Sergeant Minor.

Fortunately, he looks like his usual controlled self.

This is the reason why Ezra chooses to make a detailed report without omitting any details, regardless of whether it might put his superiors in a less flattering light.

Allan looks at him in disbelief.

“Unconsciousness and involuntary spasms you say? Did I really try to break your fingers?” he asks.

“I can confirm that, sir.” Ezra replies.

“Well, in that case, I owe you an apology,” says the Sergeant Minor.

“Well Sir, I’m glad you’re unharmed and back to normal,” Ezra says with a smile. The unexpected apology causes him to lower his parades for a while.

*****

Early morning in San Myshuno

It’s getting light outside the Waterside Warble.

The DJ has left her mixer console and the wedding guests are taking a breather from the dancing.

Elijah finds an electric guitar and performs a cover of the band Kiss – “I Was Made For Lovin’ You”. First and foremost for Fatima, of course, but everyone can benefit from his excellent playing.

NB: If anyone prefers the original version, it can be found here

Most of the townies have gone home when the DJ left, but a few seem to be hanging around.

Salim! How did you end up here with her on your lap?
Well, Rory seems to have a special attraction for the men around her. Rumor has it she’s a wolf in disguise.

“It is all for you, Fatima” Elijah says, giving her a light kiss on the finger.

“That was amazing Elijah. Thank you, I don’t know how to repay you.” Fatima says, blushing.

“You can give me one last dance.” he says.

“You make it sound so ultimate.” she says.

The room is slowly emptied of people while Elijah and Fatima close the party with one last dance.

In the background, Jade and Marcus sit together, watching the light return over the town square.

“I suppose it is appropriate for us to retreat now or what do you think Jade?” Marcus says with an expectant smile.

For once, they seem to be in complete agreement.

Welcome back Rory. I don’t think there is much untested prey left for you to catch at this location.

Marcus is getting ready to leave when he gets a call. Who could it be this late?

It’s from the hospital.

“The hospital just called. It’s an emergency and I have to go.” Marcus says, giving Jade a light kiss on the cheek.

“But you’ve been at Fatima and Elijah’s wedding all night. They’ll have to send someone else.” say Jade.

“Sorry Jade, but I’ve been assigned to duty. Right now the hospital has some patients with Burning’ Belly and The Triple Treat needing surgery in addition to three childbirths in progress.” he answers.

“But it’s not fair, Marcus. We were on our way home and…” Jade protests.

But in this case, she won’t win.

Regardless of her protests, she has to watch Marcus disappear towards the exit.

*****

Marcus runs quickly down the stairs.

The morning light greets him outside the door, removing the last motivation to choose sheets and duvets.

He is needed so he rushes on.

*****

Soon it seems like Fatima and Elijah are the only ones left in the room, trapped in their own private bubble of love.

It’s time to go.

In a way, it looks like the trip home is going to take a while.

“I love you Elijah, I wish this night could last forever.” Fatima says seriously.

“Then I’d better take you home and make sure it happens,” he replies.

Right now, no one has any doubts that their passion for each other will last.

*****

Early morning at the Secret Lab in StrangerVille

Allan becomes deeply concerned when he sees that the glowing growths have increased in size.

“Private Duvall, I’m afraid our investigation, instead of contributing to a solution, has exacerbated the problem,” he says gloomily.

“I won’t contradict them, Sir. Whatever is in that basement would probably be better left behind the armored doors.” Ezra answers.

“I’m afraid it’s too late.” Allan sighs.

Before they leave the secret Lab, they collect some more documentation.

*****

When they later get back to the house in StrangerVille Plaza they have to realize that the infection has spread as far as here.

The sky has taken on a poisonous greenish color and all the mysterious growths seem to have received extra nourishment here as well.

Allan is getting busy. If there is anyone who might be able to help him, he knows where to find him. He has proven to have useful information before.

Ezra stands back and stares at the sky in shock. Right now, he wishes he were anywhere else but here.

“Erwin! You have to help me. The virus is spreading and I have to get to the bottom of this. I need some equipment,” Allan shouts in panic.

“Hush, we could get arrested if anyone hears that kind of talk.” Erwin says, looking around fearfully.

“I need to fight whatever it is that’s spreading the virus. I’m kind of responsible for it happening. What am I supposed to do?” Allan asks a little more composedly.

“You’ll need some protective gear and I might be able to get some parts for it,” Erwin answers quietly.

*****

Early morning, at the hospital

In another part of the world the sky is blue and everything looks a little more peaceful. At least as seen from the outside the hospital.

Inside, it’s a different matter.

Rasmus has just closed his eyelids for a moment and he sits up in his seat in amazement when he hears Izumi shout.

“If there are any Watcher, they should prove it now!!” Izumi shouts loudly in her desperation.

Whether it’s the Watchers’ interference or not, something seems to be happening.

Marcus runs quickly through the hospital corridor. Someone has called for his assistance.

“I’ve never heard you talk about Watcher?” Rasmus says in surprise.

“I’m desperate. I think those kids are stuck,” she says.

“Marcus!?” Rasmus exclaims in surprise.

“Huh?” she says, turning to Rasmus.

“Marcus, it’s Marcus.” he repeats.

Only now does she see Marcus come through the door.

“Hi Izumi. As you know, I am a doctor specializing in reproductive technology and pregnancy and I have been called because I hear you are having some difficulties delivering your babies.” Marcus says.

“Have you come to give me a C-section?” Izumi asks dully.

“There are other options, such as Pitocin to stimulate your contractions, but I will first check the dilation of your cervix before I make a decision,” explains Marcus.

“I think we can skip it and go straight to the C-section,” says Izumi.

“I’ll do a check-up first.” Marcus says firmly.

That means Izumi has to get ready to be examined once again. She’s tired of it.
She’s tired of this stupid idea of ​​natural childbirth. She will never do it again.

Rasmus looks away awkwardly. The thought of his wife and his friend conducting that kind of examination on her feels uncomfortable.

However, he is quickly shaken out of his thoughts when he hears Marcus’ optimistic announcement.

“Ten centimeters dilation . I’d say you’re ready to go, Izumi.” he says.

“Huh? ” she asks skeptically.

*****

Marcus leads Izumi to the birthing bed with Rasmus right on her heels.

So it’s going to be a C-section, she thinks as she sees the equipment in the room.

But she’s wrong. Marcus insists that a natural birth is best for both her and the babies.

If anyone mentions natural childbirth again, she’s sure she’ll kill them.

“If you feel the urge to push, go for it,” Marcus says encouragingly.

Easy for him to say.

She feels an urge to punch him. Punch whoever is standing too close. Push them to get them to go away from her….

Like a Valkyrie she enters the fight….Grrrr!!!

Gosh that’s tough!

After a few more contractions, the miracle happens and a small head appears.

“Congratulations, you have a perfect little girl.” Marcus says and hands the child over to Izumi.

“She’s perfect, isn’t she?” Izumi asks.

“She definitely is.” Rasmus replies in an almost inaudible voice.

Unfortunately, the fight isn’t quite over for Izumi, but let’s skip that part.

*****

I won’t go into detail about the birth of the second child, but the end result is that Marcus hands her another child, a healthy boy.

Judging by Marcus’ facial expression, he seems to be extremely proud of the result, although it is debatable how much of it can be attributed to his efforts.

A boy, Rasmus gasps, which makes Izumi laugh.

“Yes, I can do boys too.” she laughs.

“I know you can. I’m so glad we got one of each gender.” says Rasmus.

“Me too.” says Izumi.

“Although I would be happy no matter what gender, as long as they are alive.” says Izumi.

“Me too.” says Rasmus.

“I’ll let you enjoy your babies alone for a little while.. I am called to another task.” says Marcus.

“Thank you Marcus for everything.” Rasmus says

With Marcus, we will leave them here to enjoy their new family. Two healthy babies. Their happiness is complete.

*****

Early morning San Myshuno, outside 920 Medina Studios

Elijah and Fatima have finally made it as far as their front door.

Ambrosius runs to meet them, but he knows his caregivers. When they are in that mood, they don’t have an eye for a poor neglected cat.

“Now my beautiful one, I will carry you over the threshold of your future home.” Elijah says seriously.

“Don’t be silly Elijah, this is already my home.” Fatima replies.

“Traditions must be followed, it means luck,” he says.

*****

They take off their wedding clothes at a slow pace.

There is only one wedding night and it should not be rushed.

“Now I will carry you to the bridal bed if you agree,” says Elijah.

He doesn’t hear any answer, but she seems to agree, even though she’s not usually that quiet.

It’s definitely not their first night together, but it still feels special.

Elijah leans over her.

“You are completely perfect,” he says.

Here she would usually protest, but tonight she accepts everything.

The atmosphere is getting pretty steamy so we better find another focus.

On the corner of the desk is a vase containing Fatima’s bridal bouquet.

I’m actually surprised at what you can do with a bridal bouquet in Sims since it doesn’t seem to have any practical use.

Oops! All further observation of the bridal bouquet is hereby cut off.

Ambrosius somehow gives me the look that tells me he only has contempt left for a writer who only pays him attention when things get too wicked in Elijah and Fatima’s bedroom.

I bow down flat in surrender. He has seen through me.

The atmosphere is certainly steamy in the marital bed, but this sight is unlikely to offend anyone.

I’m sure everyone loves the pink sparkles.

*****

Despite the cheerful finale on their wedding night, their rendezvous doesn’t seem to be quite over.

“So what do you think about being a married woman now?” Elijah asks.

“I love it, Elijah. I love it all,” she whispers, leaning in fondly against him.

“So does that mean you’re ready for another round?” he asks.

“That could be tempting, Elijah…”

“To be honest, I’m mostly craving some coffee and something to eat. Are you in?” Fatima says, standing up.

“Then it’ll be coffee and food.” Elijah says.

Fatima turns to him before they reach the bedroom door.

Will they ever get to the coffee and food?

Time will tell, but there’s no rush.

After all, he has promised her to make this night last forever.

*****

Author’s Note: I don’t think I have much to add to this chapter other than I’m incredibly happy to have regained my motivation. It has meant that I’ve finally been able to put an end to Izumi’s birth. My deepest gratitude to the readers who have had the patience to follow along.

The song that ends this chapter will also be the title of the next chapter. It was unavoidable. Enjoy. 💖