While the coronavirus pandemic was still causing problems, even it seemed the promise of a vaccine appeared closer, life still continued on. For instance, the school year was coming to a close. There have been multiple discussions of how the juniors and seniors of WSA can have their prom while practicing social distancing. There was the possibility of stay-at-home proms with connection via webchat. They could also use a large outdoor area, like Lover's Woods Campgrounds that would make sure that people wouldn't be too crowded close. Such talk also concerned the graduation ceremony for the seniors. Considering quite a lot of notable students were graduating, including Abby and her friends, it should be something memorable even if quarantine protocols had to be followed.
But life was continuing in other ways. For instance, Animalians who got impregnated before the pandemic started were become rounder with their growing babies. And that certainly applied to Beacon. In a way, shi was slightly annoyed that the abs shi had worked so hard to get back were once again replaced by a swelling stomach. But shi was also very happy that shi and Allura would be starting a family. Shi just hoped that when shi did give birth, the pandemic would be over.
Allura wasn't exactly sure how long it would to carry these spawns to term. With anglerfish (and most fish), once the eggs are laid, they're on their own. But Allura could guess it would only take six months, considering how Animalian pregnancies usually went. That was fine with Beacon, but even if shi had a shorter timespan, shi felt shi was swelling up a lot faster than shi expected. As such, shi felt it was time for hir fist ultrasound.
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There were quite a few surprises waiting for Beacon that day. The first of which were her parents showing up. "You didn't really have to come all this way," shi said, "It's only an ultrasound."
"Well, we want to know how many grandchildren we'll be expecting," said Mrs. Deacon, "No matter what they are."
"You don't mind if they're not like you?" asked Beacon.
"They're still our grandkids," said Mr. Deacon, "Even if they're part fish. I'm mostly glad you're going to be the mother."
"So you won't mind if I'm the father next time," said Beacon.
"Finish what you've started first," said Mrs. Deacon, "You don't want to be up to your gills in kids too quick. Uh, your gills are on your neck, right?"
"Yes, Mom," said Beacon, rolling hir eyes a bit.
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Some time later, Beacon and Allura came back to the waiting room. The doctor followed them in. "Well, it looks like you're coming along nicely," said the doctor, "But I would recommend plenty of bed rest and making sure you're close to saltwater as you go into your third trimester. It will most likely be easiest if you give birth while submerged."
"Enough beating around the bush, doc," said Mrs. Deacon, "How is our grandkid?"
"Well, actually, it's grandkids, plural," said the doctor.
"Oh, Beatrice is having twins?" asked Mr. Deacon.
"Quadruplets, actually," said the doctor.
Mr. Deacon just nodded before his eyes rolled up and he fell over. "Hmm, good thing we're in a hospital," said Allura.
"So, are they grandsons or granddaughters or what?" asked Mrs. Deacon.
"It's too early to tell," said the doctor, "Actually, we may not know for certain until they're born. Hermaphrodites aren't as...obvious in ultrasounds."
"That's just fine," said Beacon, "But how big am I going to get?"
"Well, that bed rest won't be optional in the long run," said the doctor.
"I just got over my bloat," grumbled Beacon.
"Don't worry. You'll get back into shape even faster," said Allura.
"I'm sure you will. Now help me pick up your father," said Mrs. Deacon.