"No." Guiltia's voice was unbelievably low and sharp. "Absolutely not."

However, his coldest voice had no effect on his wife, who had just woken up at night. By that time, he had returned to his calm and collected self. And he wasn't alone in her cabin.

"You're out of your mind, kid." Saga said in disbelief.

"Aren't you being stupid?" Jack commented.

"For once, I'd say you're being too naïve and foolish." Mist added.

"Yeah! You know what they did to you, don't you?!" Robin claimed.

"They tried to harm you and you could've lost your baby because of them," Even Eve was in their side.

"I don't think you should forgive them this easily," Ange also stood against her.

Angelique silently listened to her friends and family's comment and objection. The two girls that Saga, Jack, Robin and Eve brought after Guiltia had called them here were shaking in fear without saying anything.

"I know they did wrong," Angelique began speaking softly. "Very wrong, indeed, and you're right, it was very dangerous for me. They've made a mistake but they're only teenagers. It's not unexpected for them to be caught up in their emotions and commit wrongs."

"And it is at this age that you have to make them understand patiently. If there's an option of making them repent by discussing peacefully, then I don't want to go to the extent of punishing them. Besides, they already look so scared and remorseful, so isn't it fine now?" She looked up at everyone.

"No, it's not fine. What they did was a grave mistake." The two girls were trembling before Angelique at the sound of Guiltia's cold voice.

"They did and yes, they do deserve punishment for it. If they're going to repent and reprise themselves either way, then can't we choose the peaceful way? I'm sure they've learned from their mistakes and won't ever do it again."

"Y-Yes, w-we'll n-never do it again...! Please forgive us...!!"

"It's getting quite late. Their parents must be worried for them. So can we end this matter here, Guil?" Guiltia simply turned away from those girls as Angelique looked at everyone gathered. "Please, guys?"

In the end, they accepted, although reluctantly. As the girls left, grateful to Angelique and also ashamed of themselves, they realized just why all of their favourite singers were so fond of her. She had a heart of gold.

And after everyone left for the night one by one except her husband, she turned to him, who wasn't looking at her.

"Are you mad at me?" She asked softly, reaching out to hold his hand. She heard him sigh and squeeze her hand in return.

"What if I am?" He sat on the side of her bed. "Why are you so..."

"Naive? Foolish?" She asked, smiling, to which he shook her head.

"Why are you so lenient? I would never forgive those girls for what they had done to you. But you're too forbearing sometimes."

"I'm sorry.... I know none of you liked my decision but, trust me, I really don't want to punish anyone. What they did to me was eating them up from the inside, I could tell. I just.... I didn't want to prolong the matter when it could have been resolved peacefully. More importantly, Ange, Robin and Eve-san have gone with them to discuss this matter with their parents and they will know what to do."

"You're too compassionate for people like them." She leaned towards his hand while he stroked her cheek. "That's why I can't stay angry at you."

"Mhmm... thanks for understanding me." She smiled.

Guiltia's eyes softened at the sight of his beloved smile. His gaze went to her stomach and bent down to place a kiss over there. "You are strong... both you and the baby..... I'm sorry for not being able to protect you two."

"What are you saying, Guil? You rushed to me when I called for you and you've been with me through it all. I can't be more grateful to you." Somehow, she could see what was bothering him through his eyes. "Just because they were your fans doesn't mean it's your responsibility to take on the blame. Please don't blame yourself, okay?"

"You're..." Guiltia let out an affectionate sigh. "How come you always soothe me with your words?"

Perhaps he could also put whatever happened behind them. His beloved was alright and so was their child inside her.

.  .  .  .  .  .  .

"Eeh? You didn't learn of the baby's gender?" Robin pouted, to which Angelique shook her head. She was still catching her breath due to having to walk up the stairs to their home and to the couch in the living room. Her belly was gradually getting heavier.

Taking the glass of water offered by Eve, she spoke softly, "Guil was willing to, but I didn't want to know the gender." She had come from her routine checkup with Guiltia, who went along with her. After dropping her home, he had to go for a solo gig.

"But why?" Ange asked when he returned to them after serving another customer.

"It's more exciting this way." She smiled widely. The next moment, her eyes turned tender when she stroked her stomach. "The gender doesn't matter. All it matters is that it is born safely and healthy."

Robin sat beside her. "What about Guil-san? Does he want a boy or a girl?"

Eve interrupted, "I can't imagine Guil with a girl, though. Guil would probably be too awkward and wouldn't know how to interact with her because she'll be his treasure, and he wouldn't want to pain her in any way."

Robin jumped in. "And if it's a boy, then I can't see Guil-san being a stereotypical father in any way. I mean, he isn't the type to go and play outdoors with his son."

"He is the kind of father who will love his children dearly but won't be able to express it properly."

"That's true."

"As for Guil, he doesn't have any preference either," Angelique proclaimed. "When I denied the chance to know the gender, he joined me and refused as well."

"That's very sweet of him, wanting to know the gender alongside you," Eve gushed.

"By the way, Angelique, isn't there any chance for you to bear twins? Since you're a twin, doesn't that give you a chance to give birth to twins?" Robin interrogated excitedly.

"Well, yes, I do have more chance of bearing twins, but it's not this time. There's only one baby inside me this time."

"I hope at least one of the next ones will be twins!"

Next ones…

"Geez, Robin, don't sit there and help me." Ange said as he was busy serving the customers. The afternoon rush was starting in their cafe.

"I'm coming too." Eve joined Robin and Ange.

.  .  .  .  .  .  .

"Guil.......!" Suddenly, a pair of arms got wrapped around Guiltia's neck from behind. His wife peeked over his shoulder at the book he was reading. "What are you doing?"

"Looking for names for the baby." Guiltia replied, turning another page.

"Have you found anything that you like?" She asked and pressed a shy kiss on his cheek.

The faintest smile appeared on his face. Angelique had certainly been craving for his attention during her pregnancy and he liked it. "Not yet. I need to search for names for both boys and girls."

Keeping the book aside, he brought her before him and made her sit beside him. Then he picked up the book again. "Have you thought of anything, Angelique?"

"Nope." Angelique relaxed in his embrace. She closed her eyes at the pleasant feeling of Guiltia stroking her stomach.

"I was thinking..."

"Hm?" She opened her eyes slowly.

"I'd like for our child's name to start with your initial."

"Aa (ア)?"

"Not the katakana. I meant the 'A' of Angelique when you write it in English." Guiltia flipped the pages of the book. "It doesn't matter if it is a son or a daughter, I'd like them to bear your initial."

"That's so sweet of you, Guil." She smiled brightly. "But why not G of Guiltia?"

"If it's possible, I'd like our children to resemble you as much as possible. I don't want them to turn out to be cold or intimidating like me." Guiltia cupped her cheek with his free hand. "Rather, I want them to have your personality, bright and radiant as the sun."

"I didn't know you thought everything this thoroughly."

His gaze turned softer and trailed from her face to her tummy. "Less than two months are left." In response, the baby kicked from inside.

.  .  .  .  .  .  .

"Geez, Guil, you worry too much. I'll be fine on my own." Angelique convinced her husband. "Besides, it's the hospital so you don't have to worry at all."

Right after Angelique entered her ninth month, she had been admitted in the hospital. There was nothing wrong and it was mostly a precaution. The couple would have preferred a C section as it was less painful and safer. But in Angelique's case, they weren't sure whether it would be better to perform the surgery and so, they had to go for labour.

Therefore, to avoid any complications when giving birth to a vampire, Angelique was admitted on the recommendation of her doctor. This was the best option, considering that Guiltia was busy with the upcoming Visual Prison and was hardly home. Being alone at home wouldn't be a safe choice for Angelique.

The pregnant woman walked around the campus of the hospital while being supported by her husband's arm. It was troublesome to even walk in this stage but she still had to do her regular exercises.

"Only 2 days remain until the Visual Prison. Do you really have time to visit me for so long?" She asked.

"You don't expect me to leave you alone in this dire state, do you?" Guiltia sighed lightly.

"I want you to focus on your work, that's all. You know how important the Visual Prison is." Turning to him, she held his hand. Her smile was very enthusiastic. "I'll be fine, Guil. If I need it, I will call the nurses. You should focus on winning. So don't come here until it has ended."

This time, the blonde male sighed heavily after remaining quiet for a while. "Were you always this stubborn? Or is it the effect of pregnancy?"

"Either way, you cannot ask me to refrain from visiting you for 2 days. Angelique, it's my responsibility to be with you in this vulnerable moment. I-"

She quickly shut him with a fleeting kiss. Good thing no one was watching them. Hormones really did make Angelique go out of character since she could never ever think of doing such things in the open.

"Please? For me?" She pleaded. "As your fan, I'd want for you to give your ultimate best in the Visual Prison." How unfortunate that I can't go to this year's Visual Prison….

"....Fine." He immediately added, "However, you must remain vigilant in the meantime. And remember to call me whenever you need something or feel uncomfortable."

Her smile lightened up. "Mm! Do your best!"

The married couple continued strolling. Angelique leaned her body to his. "But I really wanted to see OZ perform..."

As fate would have it, Angelique started feeling pain in her stomach from that night. Those were mild contractions and her body was getting ready to deliver. Still, she didn't say anything to Guiltia in order not to divert his attention. Even on the next day, the contractions were still there but not strong enough for the labour to start.

Finally, right before the beginning of Visual Prison, her contractions got stronger. In this Visual Prison, Guiltia sang more passionately than ever and bagged a win.

It was after an hour that Guiltia and the rest arrived in the hospital to visit Angelique and share the news of their victory. It was then that they learned Angelique had started giving birth.

The hour-long wait felt like eternity. Everyone was both anxious and excited to meet the new member of their family. Each second Guiltia waited outside Angelique's room was excruciatingly painful for him.

And the wait was over with the sound of a newborn baby's cries.

The moment he heard the cry from outside, he was flooded with relief and unspeakable joy. Ange, Robin and Eve rejoiced and hugged Guiltia, who breathed a sigh of relief.

After some more time Dr. Hikari, along with nurses, came out of Angelique's hospital room, removing her mask. "Guiltia, congratulations! Angelique has given birth to a healthy son."

"A son..." Guiltia whispered. So he had a son.....

"As for Angelique, she's healthy too. However, the exhaustion of giving birth made her unconscious. She should wake up after getting a sound sleep."

"I see..."

"You can meet them now, but only one person." As Dr. Hikari was about to go, Guiltia bowed low.

"Doctor, thank you. Thank you for everything."

The lady smiled kindly and patting his shoulder, she left. "My, that's my duty."

Of course, Guiltia was the first one to enter Angelique's cabin. He saw his wife sleeping. She was so exhausted that she couldn't even see her son before she fainted from exertion. His gaze slowly shifted to the side of the bed, where the crib was. Guiltia slowly approached the crib. In that crib, there rested their son.

Guiltia, very carefully, lifted his sleeping son in his arms. He was being very mindful of his movements because he didn't want this little soul to get uncomfortable in the slightest.

The emotions that had surged through Guiltia after he took his newborn son in his arms were strange. Happiness and joy had overwhelmed him. He could immediately say that his son was a part of him. A small and irreplaceable existence born because of his love for Angelique...

"My son....."

.  .  .  .  .  .  .

"Mmh..." Angelique slowly opened her eyes the next morning. Her body felt... different: lighter and emptier. As her eyes adjusted to the dim lights, she could see her husband by her bedside, holding their baby wrapped in a blanket.

"G-Guil....?" She whispered.

"Angelique," Guiltia leaned down to kiss her forehead. Then he showed him the baby. "Our son..."

"Our.... son...?"

"Yes, our son." Hearing that, Angelique slowly sat up and extended her arms. For the first time, Angelique held her son and realised she had truly become a mother.

"He's so cute…. and tiny too…" Angelique suppressed her tears and smiled at her son. The mother and son meet for the first time and the scene filled Guiltia's heart with warmth. It already feels like he is an inseparable piece of me…

"Thank you for making it through, Angelique." He kept his lips pressed over her head while she cradled their son. "I cannot express my gratitude for giving birth to our son safely..."

She chuckled lightly. I've never felt this happy before. I have my husband and son with me.... My baby, thank you for being born to me... for making me your mother.... I love you…

To be continued...