Miza gargles with water to remove the taste of vomit from her mouth. She’s tired, cranky, and her breasts hurt, but she’s not pregnant. Not even throwing up every morning.
She pushes open the bathroom door and stops still.
“Morning, sweetheart.” Eto sips a cup of coffee, posing by the door.
“Hi,” Miza says.
“Hinami told me you’ve been sick often these mornings.” Eto gives Miza a sly look. “Did you and Naki finally do it?”
Miza flushes the color of her hair. “That’s none of your business.”
“It is when one of my leaders might be in extenuating circumstances,” Eto snaps. Why do babies always make her so upset?
“I’ll let you know,” Miza says dully.
“Okay. I’ll let everyone know you’re too sick to make it to our meeting.” Eto skips away, but pauses at the door. “For the record, you know we’ll support you no matter what.”
“Thanks, Eto.” Miza forces a smile and messages Hinami. She’ll be able to buy a test discreetly, right?
—————————————————
“Hi, Naki.” Three hours later, when the meeting adjorns, Naki has bolted into her room, and Miza has confirmed her fears.
“Miza, please don’t die,” he begs.
Miza can’t help but laugh. “Naki, I’m not dying. Quite the opposite.”
“The…opposite?” His face scrunches up.
“Naki, I’m having your baby.” She winces.
For a moment, he’s silent. Then he gasps with delight and throws his arms around Miza. “You! Pregnant – I can’t – I’m so happy -”
He pauses. “Wait, but how? Is it because we shared a bed together?”
Miza pales. Does he really not… “Uh, kinda.”
“How kinda?”
“Miza, dear, please include Ayato and Hinami and Hakatori in this lesson.” Eto shoves open the door, having clearly been listening. “And Seidou.”
“I know!” growls the owl.
“Better safe than sorry,” Eto sings. “Come on, you all know you’d rather Miza teach than me.”
Miza grinds her teeth at Eto.
“He was laughing at you a minute ago,” Seidou tells Miza, pointing towards Ayato, who looks hysterical.
“Oh, is that so? In that case…” Miza draws Naki close to her. “Buckle in for sex ed, kids.”
