· This was the worst thing that had ever happened in the years you and Marko had spent together. In those years, you had four amazing birthdays as a human and now on your fifth you had chosen to take the next step. By next step, that implied a celebratory night out. Bars, booze, shopping, rides and food. Marko wanted it to be special which is why he had been distracted. Neither of you had known.

· Throwing up the few days before your birthday was put down to nerves. You had always felt a little nervous in the lead up, being rather introverted and then suddenly being celebrated with more people than you can count. It wasn't really your thing, not that you didn't enjoy your birthday it was simply just nerves getting to you.

· The rides had been a no go as Marko had the stupid idea to order the mega fudge sundaes as soon as you both were able to go out. He had been nothing but affectionate with you since morning or sundown to be specific. The moment you begin to feel unwell, he's ready to take the party back to the cave where it is quieter and where you could relax if you weren't having fun.

· So that's what happened! The boys had promised to not jostle you around too much although the big bear hugs Paul gave you were unavoidable. Marko let you lie on him as you all played a round of never have I ever. Sure you were feeling off but who said you had to have full on alcohol? An exception was made and the allowed you a low vodka and high orange juice drink.

· The party went on until next morning but you were still awake. Sitting up, the others had began chanting your name, almost like a song as Marko brings over the bottle. It was the only way their sire Max would approve of you joining the family as Marko's confirmed mate. It was a tradition drawn out as they sipped it all the way back to Marko. “It's your turn...” He would say, tilting your chin up and urging you to stand. The moment you stand you knew something was wrong. It was sudden and unexpected. There was a gush of fluid splashing down your legs.

· It's not quiet, Marko cursing and holding you quickly as you hear “What the fuck?” from Paul. There was a dull ache, almost like a period in a way. It felt very real, as the small clump of red on the cave floor. The lack of panties had been intentional, courtesy of the worried blond in front of you.

· “Is that- Is that a foetus? How?” Marko breathed, sitting you down and kneeling in front of you. No one knew what to say. As young vampires they had been told that they couldn't have children so seeing this made no sense at all. Cheating hadn't dare be brought up. Marko knows it was his. The smell, it was overwhelmingly you but a little part lingered with a mix of him.

· There wasn't so much grieving as it had been looking for answers and then the dreaded what if's. What if you had know sooner? Would you have been more careful, maybe less reckless? Would you both be happy as parents? What if... Marko is similar, a little quiet for a while but still there for you. It's uneventful for a long while. Marko holding you, drawing everything and anything, almost on autopilot. He's a little more testy on the boardwalk and a little more wild when it came to his meals.

· As for the little foetus, it was placed in a little box, stuffed full of feathers lying around the cave. It was hard burying the box because of the what if’s and the slow building guilt. You shouldn't feel guilty, neither of you had known. Still it took a small while for things to go back to normal. The affection was still there, if so abundant ever since, with Marko refusing to leave your side.

· Drinking and becoming a half ends up happening soon after, if anything to mark your growing immortality. Sure, a possible baby hadn't made it but Marko had secretly felt more relieved knowing you would live. The connection grows and each year, the two of you always make sure to make time to light a candle on the little grave. Whilst it is sad, the baby will always be part of your special day.