[swish]

"Tom, how're you feeling?  The doctor excused you from duties for the next two days."

[silence]

"Computer, lights, ten percent."

[swift rush, chafing hands, hugging husband]

[weary sigh]  "I am fine Har.  It all just caught up to me I guess."

"We don't have to do this, Tom."

[bitter laugh]  "We aren't doing it.  I am.  I'm the one who has been subjected to hormonal injections daily for the last ten days."

"Tom."  [tighter hug]

[holding his lover's face, blue eyes to black]  "I can be such a shit Har, but I love you so damn much."

[bracing himself] "I know Tom."

"I really want to have your child."

"Are you sure?"

[blubbering]  "Yes, I am.  I want to have your baby, or babies." [blubbering more]

"Shhh, the doctor told me."

[tears ease]  "I’m OK."

"He also told me we had to make a decision tonight."

[tears resume]  "I’m gonna be a big waddling duck, Har."

"I'll always love you, Tom."

[more tears]  "You're just saying that.  Anyway, I want twins, one for me and one for you."

"Sure Tom, anything you want."

[tears cease]  "Anything?"

[cautious agreement]  "Yes.  I just want you to be happy."

"Then you have a kid too."

"Err..."

[mulish pout]  "You said anything.  We can both have one at the same time."

"Both of us pregnant at the same time."  [dazed question]

"What's the matter, Har?"  [dangerously argumentative]  "Too demeaning for you?"

[hasty detraction]  "No, of course not."

"Good, I'll tell the doc.  We'll both be preggers together, Har."

"Paris to EMH."

"Yes, Ensign Paris."

"Doc, guess what?"

"I cannot imagine, Mr. Paris.  Please enlighten me."

"Harry's gonna get pregnant too."

[stunned amazement]  "Mr. Kim?"

[dazed nod, speech centers and brain still in shock]

The End

Continued in Parenting 104