Chapter 48

Nani returned home after the hospital visit, feeling exhausted yet excited. As he stepped inside, his gaze softened at the sight before him—Sky was curled up on the couch, fast asleep, clearly waiting for him. His heart warmed at the thought.

He wanted to wake Sky up and share the happy news right away, to see Sky's reaction when he told him they were having twins. But the peaceful look on Sky's sleeping face made him hesitate. Maybe tomorrow would be better.

With a small smile, Nani grabbed a blanket and gently draped it over Sky. Just as he was about to step away, Sky suddenly stirred, eyes barely open, still half-asleep.

"...Nani?" Sky mumbled, voice groggy.

Nani chuckled at how disoriented he looked. "Go back to sleep, you clueless father of twins."

Sky frowned slightly, still not fully processing Nani's words. "Huh...?"

But before he could question it, Nani just laughed, shaking his head. How could someone this clueless be the father of twins?

It took Sky a full minute before his brain finally processed what Nani had just said. His drowsiness vanished instantly, and he spun around, eyes wide.

"What did you just say?" Sky blurted out, his voice still rough from sleep.

Nani, who had almost reached the stairs, turned to face him with an amused smirk. "We're having twins."

Sky's heart nearly dropped. His breath hitched as he stood frozen in place. Without a word, he turned away and walked toward the window, gripping the edge as his mind raced.

Of course, he was happy—more than happy. But the thought of Nani having to go through twice the pain during delivery made his stomach churn with fear. It scared him.

Nani frowned, watching Sky's shoulders tremble slightly. He walked over and gently pulled Sky to face him, only to see silent tears streaming down his face.

"What's wrong?" Nani asked, his voice soft with concern.

Sky swallowed hard before finally whispering, "I don't want you to go through so much pain."

Nani blinked before suddenly laughing, shaking his head. "See? How can someone who cries this easily be the father of twins?" He wiped Sky's tears away before pressing a soft kiss against his damp cheek. "Aren't you happy that we're having twins?"

"I am happy." Sky admitted, his voice trembling. "But I still don't want you to suffer."

Nani cupped Sky's face, his expression filled with warmth. "They are our babies, Sky. I can endure the pain, okay?"

Sky nodded hesitantly, still sniffling, before pulling Nani into a tight hug. Then, without warning, he dropped to his knees and gently placed his hands on Nani's stomach.

"You two" Sky spoke in a serious tone "have to promise Dad something, okay? You have to come out gently so your Papa won't hurt too much."

Nani burst out laughing at that, shaking his head in disbelief. "You're unbelievable."

The next morning, Nani barely made it down the stairs before Sky was hovering over him like a mother hen.

"Where do you think you're going?" Sky asked, arms crossed.

Nani raised an eyebrow. "Uh... to eat breakfast?"

Sky immediately grabbed his arm and guided him to the couch. "No. You sit. I'll bring breakfast to you."

Nani blinked. "Sky, I'm pregnant, not injured."

"Pregnant with twins!" Sky shot back, already rushing to the kitchen. "Which means double the caution. From now on, you're not lifting a finger!"

Before Nani could protest, Win and Prim walked in, both carrying bags of groceries. Win, as usual, looked way too amused by the situation.

Win smirked, glancing between them. "I heard our delicate young master is now a national treasure that needs constant protection?"

Sky nodded, ignoring Win's teasing. "Exactly. And if you brought anything unhealthy, take it back."

Prim giggled as she placed the bags on the table. "Don't worry, Sky. We got all the healthy food you asked for. But maybe let Nani at least decide what he wants to eat?"

Sky turned back to Nani, who was already rubbing his temples again, looking like he regretted all of his life choices.

Win plopped down beside Nani and grinned. "You know, Nani, if you need a break, just say the word. I'll take Sky out for some fresh air, give you some peace and quiet."

Nani snorted. "That's the funniest joke I've heard all week. Sky's not going anywhere. He's glued to me now."

Sky crossed his arms. "And proud of it!"

Just then, Nani stood up, stretching a little. "Alright, I'm going to the bathroom."

Sky immediately frowned, like Nani had just said he was about to climb a mountain. "Be careful."

Win burst out laughing. "Be careful? What's he gonna do? Trip over air?"

Sky ignored him completely, already focused on making breakfast for Nani. He moved around the kitchen with determination, carefully preparing everything with the healthiest ingredients possible. Prim smiled, watching him work. "You're really taking this seriously, huh?"

Sky didn't even look up. "Of course! Nani needs proper nutrition, and I'm going to make sure he gets it."

Win snickered. "Right, because he's totally helpless now."

But despite his teasing, when Nani stayed in the bathroom for longer than expected, even Win started to glance at the door.

He stood up and walked over to the bathroom door, knocking lightly. "Hey, Nani, you good? Need anything?"

From inside, Nani groaned. "Go away, Win."

Win turned to look at Prim, who had an amused smile on her face. She tilted her head playfully. "Oh? And here I thought you were making fun of Sky for acting like a worried husband. But look at you now, standing at the bathroom door, all concerned."

Win scoffed, crossing his arms. "I am not acting like Sky."

Prim giggled. "You totally are."

Nani finally emerged from the bathroom, rolling his eyes. "You guys are exhausting." Sky immediately rushed over, setting the plate of food in front of him like it was a sacred offering.

Nani just sighed, picking up his spoon. "Twins, huh? And this is what I have to deal with already..."

Win chuckled. "Just enjoy it while it lasts. Once the babies are born, everyone are going to be too busy chasing them around to hover over you."

----

The day had finally arrived.

Nani was rushed to the hospital, his contractions coming stronger and faster. Sky's heart pounded as he held Nani's hand, his own palms clammy with sweat. He had prepared for this day, but nothing could have braced him for the sheer fear gripping his chest.

Doctors and nurses surrounded them, their voices a blur as they prepared for the delivery. Everything seemed to be moving too fast, and yet, time felt unbearably slow.

Then, the doctor's voice cut through the chaos like a blade.

"The first baby is coming soon, but there's a complication with the second one."

Sky felt his blood run cold. His grip on Nani's hand tightened. "What do you mean, a complication?"

The doctor's expression was unreadable, but his words were clear. "The second baby is in distress. The safest option would be to deliver one and...."

"No."

Nani's voice was firm, unwavering. Even through the pain, his eyes burned with determination. "You will deliver both my babies."

The doctor hesitated, glancing at Sky for support. Surely, he would talk sense into Nani.

Sky was frozen. His mind was screaming at him to beg Nani to reconsider, to tell him that one baby was better than risking all three of them—Nani included. But when he looked into Nani's eyes, he saw something that made his throat tighten.

A father's love.

Sky had always known Nani was stubborn, but this wasn't just stubbornness. This was Nani refusing to let go of their child, even if it meant putting himself at risk.

"I can do this" Nani whispered, his breath shaky but his resolve unshaken. "They're our babies, Sky. I won't give up on one of them."

Sky's vision blurred. His hands trembled as he brushed Nani's sweat-drenched hair back. "You're a damn idiot" he choked out, voice breaking. "But if you're fighting, then so am I."

The doctor sighed, knowing there was no changing Nani's mind. "Then we'll do everything we can."

The delivery room doors shut, and only Sky was allowed to stay.

With every second that passed, the weight on Sky's chest grew heavier.

The first baby's cry filled the room—a tiny, fragile sound that made Sky's knees almost give out. The nurses worked quickly, ensuring the baby was safe before turning their full attention back to Nani.

But Nani was pale. Too pale. His body trembled, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

"Just a little more, Nani." Sky pleaded, pressing his forehead against Nani's. "Hold on, please."

Nani gave a weak chuckle. "If... if they don't listen to you when they grow up... it's because they're as stubborn as their dad."

Sky let out a broken laugh, even as his heart shattered.

Then—another cry.

The second baby.

Sky sobbed, gripping Nani's hand as relief crashed over him. But his relief was short-lived.

Because Nani's body suddenly went limp.

"Nani?" Sky's breath hitched. "Nani?!"

The machines beeped wildly. Doctors rushed around them, their voices urgent.

Sky could only watch, his whole world teetering on the edge of collapse.

Please. Please don't take him away from me.