#zoexrasha

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Rasha glanced at the GPS before tapping the brake.  The weather was getting worse, the wind and rain blowing around them, the wind stirring up the leaves on the ground around the car.  Thankfully the cabin was in view.  She drove down the long winding drive before putting the car in park.  A small smile crossed her face and she reached over and squeezed Zoe’s hand.  “This looks amazing.”  Rasha said quietly.  “I am so glad that you were able to get the weekend off.”  As she opened the door, the sky seemed to open up, a deluge of water falling down on them.  Shutting the door again she looked at Zoe.  “Do you want to open the cabin and I will get our stuff?”  She asked.  “And we both run?”

@astranxmica

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Against the Wind - Chapter 7 - Zasha fic

Please be warned this chapter contains NC17 stuff.

Rasha sighed and looked down at her paper.  They were going to make a list of their top 5 girls names and top 5 boys names and she watched as Zoe started scribbling down names.  She wanted names with MEANING and refused to give any hipster names to their child.  Carefully she wrote three boys names that were Arabic and three English names before doing the same for girls.  Turning to Zoe, she smiled and nodded.  Zoe flipped her paper over and they compared their names.  “How about we do for boys an English first name and an Arabic middle name and the reverse for the girls.”  Zoe suggested.  Smiling, Rasha nodded as they compared the names and circled two on the boy’s list and two on the girl’s.  One thing done.  Sighing, Rasha leaned back against the couch and rested her head on Zoe’s shoulder.  At times she felt completely ready for their adventure into parenthood, but other times she felt terrified and totally unprepared.  Zoe’s hand drew nonsensical designs on her leg as they cuddled on the couch watching TV.

“Zo?”  Rasha asked softly, her voice catching in her throat.

“Mmm hmm?”  Zoe turned and looked at Rasha, softly brushed away a few stray curls.  “What’s wrong?”

Reaching over, Rasha paused their show before looking at Zoe.  “Do you think that our child will be made fun of?  Because they have two moms?  What if the donor lied and he’s actually a serial killer?  What if I’m a terrible mother?  What if -”  She was cut off by Zoe’s lips who kissed her until she stopped talking.

“Rasha,”  Zoe said softly, pulling away with a smile.  “Our child is wanted and loved, which already gives them a head start in life.”  Taking Rasha’s hands, she squeezed them gently.  “And you will be an incredible mother.  You already are.”

Rasha frowned and shifted so she could look at her wife.  “And so are you.  Do not put yourself down, Zoe.  You will be an incredible mother.”  She took Zoe’s hands and placed them on her abdomen and smiled.  The kicks were getting stronger, and they were able to start to decipher some of the movements.  “Our baby will be lucky to have you as a mom.”  Rasha leaned over and kissed Zoe gently before sitting back.  Now that she was in her second trimester, Rasha could see what other women were talking about when they talked about feeling sexy and beautiful.  She had energy, she had stopped feeling sick and the hormones rushing through her veins made her more and more aroused.  Sitting up, Rasha moved so she was straddling Zoe’s lap and she leaned forward, pressing her body against her wife’s.  Leaning forward as best she could, Rasha captured Zoe’s lips in hers.  She rocked softly, her hands on her wife’s sides until she pulled away.  Looking down at her wife, she swallowed a grin seeing the look on Zoe’s face.  The other woman was leaning back against the couch, a silly smile on her lips, her dark eyes closed.  “Okay, well...I think I am going to go up to our room…”  Rasha said climbing off of Zoe and and straightening her shirt.

“But…”  Zoe’s eyes flew open and she watched her wife.  “I was ENJOYING that.”  

Eyebrows arching, Rasha glanced over her shoulder at Zoe and smiled.  “You can join me.”

Zoe sat and watched Rasha walk and she grinned as her wife sauntered away.  She was quickly on her feet following Rasha up the stairs.  There was a gentle playfulness between Zoe and Rasha, there always had been.  From the time they got together, their first planned date, there was a softness.  Zoe remembered their “scheme” that happened with Goldi for their first date.  The laughing, the touching, the hand holding.  They still had that, after all their years of being a couple and being married.

“You’re hot.”

Rasha laughed softly and spun around, arms wrapping around Zoe’s neck.  “You should see my wife, she is hotter.”

“Not possible.”  Zoe replied as they tumbled to the bed, making sure that she held herself up as they fell.  “Because you are the hottest person I know.” 

 Sitting up on her knees, Zoe smiled down at Rasha.  “Are you in the mood for the strap on?”  Zoe asked running her fingers down Rasha’s side.  Zoe knew that penetration wasn’t Rasha’s favourite way to get off, so it wasn’t an every time thing that they did, but Rasha also knew how much Zoe enjoyed it.  While it wasn’t Rasha’s favourite thing, she loved the closeness it brought the two of them, and they hadn’t gotten the chance to use their new strap on - with attachments.

“Mmm hmmm.”  Rasha hummed.  “I want you to fuck me so hard I can’t walk straight tomorrow.”  She said stripping off her shirt.  Zoe swallowed hard and stared at her wife before moving off the bed to their closet.  Rasha couldn’t help but giggle as Zoe stumbled in her haste.  Removing her bra, Rasha exhaled softly in relief as her breasts were freed.  Since the beginning of her pregnancy her breasts had almost doubled in size and while she understood the purpose, she now also understood the complaining Yael did.  Her yoga pants got tossed to the side but she left her underwear on as she watched her wife.

  Zoe opened the box and pulled out the strap on, the dildo, and the attachment.  Walking back to the bed, she gave Rasha a grin and reached out, gently caressing her wife’s breast.  

“I think you are a little overdressed.”  Rasha commented with a smirk as Zoe was still wearing her clothes from work.  Reaching around, Rasha pulled Zoe’s shirt over her head and gently unclipped her bra.  God, her wife was beautiful.  Rasha smiled and leaned forward, kissing Zoe gently.  They had ordered the strapon from their favourite store but still hadn’t had the chance to use it.  Zoe shimmied out of her pants and panties and looked at Rasha with a thinly veiled desire.  

“You’re SURE?”  Zoe asked as she sat down on the bed and started pulling out the pieces.  “And like...it won’t hurt the baby or anything?”

Crawling over, Rasha gave Zoe a deep kiss, her hands cupping Zoe’s face.  “I am positive, darling.  I want this.  And the baby is safe, he or she will think that they’re on a rollercoaster or a waterbed.”  She smiled and pressed Zoe’s hands to her abdomen.  “But right now, I want you.”  Wrapping her arms around her wife, Rasha lowered them to the bed, their lips connected.  She sat back and started to kiss down Zoe’s body, leaving a path of fire in their wake.  Encircling her nipples, Rasha bit down gently, illicting a soft moan from Zoe.  She kissed under her breasts across her ribcage and down her flat stomach, her tongue dipping into Zoe’s naval.  Rasha pressed her lips over Zoe’s hips, her fingers softly trailing behind her lips.  Kissing over Zoe’s pubic bone, she glanced up at her wife.  God, she was beautiful.  Zoe’s eyes were half closed, her dark eyes shining with lust, hands reaching down and tangling in her wife’s curls.  Resuming her earlier exploration, Rasha spread her wife with her fingers, kissing over her mound.  They had other strapons, but this one was different because it had an internal attachment, a dildo for the wearer as well.  They had experimented enough to know that this was something they both wanted.  Kissing softly over Zoe’s clit, Rasha slid a finger inside her wife softly as she moved her tongue gently.  Zoe’s body arched and writhed as Rasha’s tongue and fingers sped up, soft moans spilling from Zoe’s lips, tangling her fingers in Rasha’s hair and tugging softly.  Rasha ignored her and gently took her wife’s clit between her lips and sucked, her fingers pistoning in and out of Zoe’s tight channel.  It didn’t take long before Zoe’s body clenched tightly and her juices spilled out.  Rasha licked her down softly from her orgasm and gave her a soft smile.  Sitting up, Rasha crawled up beside Zoe and kissed her softly.  Zoe opened her eyes and gave Rasha a grin.  “You’re incorrigible.”

Rasha shrugged and licked her fingers clean with a smirk.

Once her heart rate went back to normal, Zoe got up on her knees and grabbed the harness and looked down at Rasha.  Rasha greedily grabbed the smaller dildo and stuck it in her mouth, glancing at Zoe through thick lashes.  That woman was going to be the death of her, watching as her wife’s beautiful lips moved over the latex cock.  Once the cock was dripping, Rasha handed it back to Zoe with an innocent smile and helped her attach it to the harness.  Holding the harness, Rasha rubbed the cock gently against Zoe’s opening, her eyes glued to her wife’s face.  She pushed gently, watching as her wife’s body swallowed the toy.  Pushing until it was snug with Zoe’s body, she grinned and kissed her deeply.  “That is so sexy.”  She whispered against Zoe’s mouth.  Pulling away she helped Zoe into the harness, making sure to connect the internal dildo before clipping the other one in place.  Zoe wearing the strap on wasn’t her playing a role of a man.  She wasn’t replacing something missing in their relationship.  Sex with the strap on was something that they both enjoyed, Zoe enjoyed pleasuring Rasha, knowing that she was the only one to do that.  She enjoyed the power she felt wearing the strap on.  Rasha enjoyed the penetration, but she also enjoyed wild abandon and freedom Zoe had when she wore the strap on.  

Rasha sat back on her knees and stared at Zoe who was adjusting the straps.  Her wife was the most beautiful woman on the planet, hands down.  Zoe reached over and grabbed the lube and squirted some on before looking back at Rasha.  Rasha pressed her hands against Zoe’s shoulders and pushed her back against the bed gently before straddling her wife.  

“Go slow.”  Zoe warned as she watched Rasha reach behind herself and rub the dildo against her entrance.  Her warning fell on deaf ears as Rasha lowered herself down with a quick and heavy thud.  Her eyes closed and she stilled momentarily, allowing her body a chance to adjust.  Rasha started to move her body slowly, bracing herself on Zoe’s hips.  A low moan slipped from her lips as she started to bounce.  Zoe watched her wife, her eyes huge as her hips raised with each thrust.  Every downward motion of her wife against her body moved the toy inside her body.  Reaching up, Zoe toyed with her wife’s heavy breasts, her thumbs rubbing over her nipples.  She still couldn’t believe the changes that were happening to her wife’s body.  Her straight hips had filled out, her breasts had swelled and grown, her abdomen was round and still growing.  She was so beautiful.  

Zoe’s speed picked up, Rasha leaning forward as best she could to kiss her wife.  The kiss was short and Rasha pulled away with the sound of frustration and she quickened her pace.  “Baby in the way.”  She complained.

“I wish I could feel you around me.”  Zoe moaned, one hand snaking down between Rasha’s legs and toying with her clit.  She watched her wife as her rhythm faltered and a groan erupted from her lips.  Zoes fingers were already wet with Rasha’s juices as she rubbed against her wife’s clit.  Rasha bounced, her speed increasing as she desperately reached for her finish.  Zoe’s hips met Rasha’s movements and she watched the second her wife fell apart.  Rasha’s body tensed, her head thrown back, a primal moan torn from her chest.  Zoe pulled her fingers away, knowing that her wife would be ultra sensitive, moving her hands to Rasha’s hips to make sure she didn’t fall.  

Rasha rocked and quaked, her legs shaking as her orgasm washed through her body.  Panting, she leaned forward and tried to catch her breath, her body still clenching around the rubber toy.  After a few long minutes, Zoe squeezed Rasha’s hips gently and gave her a smile.  “You okay?” A smile crossed Rasha’s face and she blinked a few times before nodding.  “Mmm hmm.”  Leaning down, she kissed Zoe softly before sitting back up slowly.  “I am great,”  She said slowly moving off of Zoe.  “But you did not cum.”  She accused Zoe, sitting up.  “And I am feeling greedy.”  Getting on her knees, she readjusted some pillows underneath herself and looked at Zoe.  “You did promise to fuck me into the mattress.”Sentences like that should not come out of someone that looked like Rasha.  She was so sweet and innocent looking, but Zoe knew the truth about her wife.  Yes, she was beautiful, yes she was sweet, but innocent was not an adjective that Rasha would use to describe her anymore.  The woman was a beautiful specimen with a wonderful heart and soul, but she was debauched and kinky as all hell.  Not that Zoe had a problem with it.

“ I guess  I can oblige.”  Zoe said with a laugh as she got to her knees behind her wife and pressed a few kisses along her spine.  “Let me know when you’re ready, beautiful.”  She reached down and rubbed her wife’s belly softly before reaching over to toy with her breasts.  

Rasha leaned forward on her elbows and spread her legs, giving Zoe more room.  After a few moments, Zoe moved her hands back to Rasha’s hips, though her fingers came back sticky.  Zoe knew that Rasha was still somewhat self conscious about the changes in her body, despite Zoe telling her otherwise so she didn’t say anything about it. “Ready whenever you are.”  Rasha said glancing over her shoulder with a smile that fell as soon as she felt the blunt head rub against her entrance.  Zoe pressed into her wife until she was flush against her thighs and pressed a few soft kisses against her shoulder.  Her thrusts were strong and calculated, the hilt of the strapon hitting her clit with every movement and sending the toy in and out of her body.  She watched as Rasha’s arms gave out and she rested heavily on her forearms.  “Fuck.”  Her wife hissed, her hips shaking under Zoe’s touch.  It didn’t take long, a few more thrusts, before Zoe felt her orgasm approach.  Reaching under Rasha, she rubbed her swollen clit furiously feeling her wife’s body tense and shake.  Zoe gave another few feeble thrusts before her orgasm washed over her.  Her body clenched over and over again around the toy, the fire running through her veins.  Rasha shuddered, her body bucking along with her wife.  Finally, Zoe laid against Rasha’s back, panting hard.  “W-Was that good enough?”  She stammered, pressing kisses to Rasha’s back. All she got back was a loud giggle and a bright smile shot over her wife’s shoulder.

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Against the Wind - Chapter 5 - Zasha fic

Well here is chapter 5.   CHapter 6 is in the works!

It felt like a flutter, barely even a twinge that made Rasha’s stomach flip.  Her heart stopped in her chest and she stared down at her abdomen.  Zoe glanced over at her wife and slid closer, wrapping her arm around her shoulders.  “What’s wrong?”  She asked softly, watching her wife. Frowning, Rasha slid her hands under her shirt and stared at her abdomen as she felt the same flutter.  “I think … I just felt the baby move.”  She said softly.  Grabbing Zoe’s hand, she placed it on her abdomen and moved it around softly until she felt the motion again.  She looked expectantly at Zoe, feeling her fingers tighten slightly.  “Do you feel it?” Zoe nodded and kept her hand glued to her wife’s abdomen.  “Yeah.  Are you sure it’s the baby kicking and not just gas?”   Rasha raised her eyebrows and pushed Zoe’s hand away.  “It’s whatever, Zo.”  Sitting cross legged on the couch, she grabbed her laptop and started to type.  Feeling Zoe shift towards her, she moved her away with her leg.  “Stop.  I’m reading.”  She muttered.  “And we have an appointment tomorrow at the OB.”  Tears welled in the corners of her eyes, but she staunchly avoided her wife’s stare and advances.   “Rasha,”  Zoe coaxed softly.  “I’m sorry.  I’ve never done this before.  I don’t know what it’s supposed to feel like.” “Neither have I.”  Rasha snapped, shutting her laptop and looking at her wife.  “But I would appreciate it if you would respect my instincts on this.”  She said wiping her eyes roughly.   Zoe sighed heavily and slowly reached out and took her wife’s hands.  “I’m sorry.”  She whispered.  Her fingers gently reached out and brushed over Rasha’s abdomen.  She felt a few other small twitches before looking back at her wife.  “And I know you have an appointment tomorrow ...I’d like to come if I’m still allowed.” Frowning, Rasha looked down at Zoe’s hand and then back at her wife. “Of course.”  She whispered softly.  A sigh fell from her lips and she took her wife’s hand and kissed her palm . “I am going to go swimming.”  Feeling Zoe start to rise, she shook her head.  “Alone.  I need some space to clear my thoughts, okay Zo?  I will be back in a few hours, I promise.”  She gave Zoe a small smile.  “Remember how we said we would never go to bed angry?  Right now, I need to work out my thoughts.”  Heading upstairs, Rasha tossed her stuff into a bag before leaving for the gym.  The pool was her safe space.  Changing into her black one piece, she pulled on a swimming cap, her goggles and her waterproof ipod and headed to the water.  Swimming was soothing, the rhythm in the water calmed her as she did 30 laps, then 40, then 50.  Once she hit 1500 m she stopped and pulled herself to the edge.  She wasn’t angry anymore, that emotion replaced with exhaustion.  Taking a quick shower, she changed back to her clothes and drove home.  She was unsurprised, seeing the driveway empty.  They rarely fought, but when they did it was usually a battle.  Both her and Zoe were emotional people and they learned that they needed their space in arguments.  English, no matter how well she spoke it, was still Rasha’s third language, and having oceans of hormones running through her veins didn’t help the matter. Opening the door, Rasha spotted a note on the island in Zoe’s scrawl.  Getting food.  Be back soon.  Happy that she didn’t have to cook, Rasha hung up her towel and swimsuit before heading down the stairs  She almost reached the landing when a wave of lightheadedness washed over her. She stumbled -- catching herself before she crashed to the floor, she felt her feet hit the hardwood before her body crumpled.

Despite being so tiny, Zoe knew that food was a usual way to Rasha’s heart.  Picking up some Chinese food, she headed back, relieved to see Rasha’s car in the driveway.  Her keys jingled as she made her way up the driveway and up the three steps into their home.  Rasha’s shoes were there, but she didn’t see her wife curled up on her normal armchair.  Shrugging, she headed to the kitchen and placed their food on the counter.  It wasn’t until she turned that she caught a glimpse of Rasha’s leg in the corner of her eye.  Zoe rushed to her wife, falling to her knees in front of her.  The other woman’s chest was rising and falling and once Zoe touched her, she heard a soft moan spill from Rasha’s lips.   “Rasha, baby, are you okay?”  Zoe whispered, watching as Rasha gingerly sat up and rubbed her elbow.   “Yeah.”  Rasha mumbled softly.  “I...I got very dizzy.”  She noticed Zoe’s concerned look and gave her a gentle smile.  “I was not far from the ground.  I was on the bottom stair when I…”  Frustration furrowed her brow and she looked to Zoe.  It was something she did unconsciously, look towards her wife when she couldn’t find the words she needed.   “Passed out.”  Zoe filled in, helping Rasha to her feet.  “Come.  Sit.”  She ordered gently, leading Rasha to the family room and helping her into her chair.  “When was the last time you ate?”  Zoe sat on the footstool in front of Rasha, taking her hands.   Rasha’s forehead crinkled as she thought back and her face started to flush.  Zoe felt a wave of relief that was followed quickly by anger.  “You didn’t eat today?”  She asked, her voice steady and calm, though her hands started to shake. “I did.  I had breakfast with you and I had some lunch at work.”  Rasha replied stretching out her body.  “And we were planning on having supper, correct?”  Leaning forward, Rasha rested her elbows on her knees and looked at her wife.  “I am fine, Zo.  All I have is a bump on my elbow.”  Her eyes searched Zoe’s face and gave her a small half smile.  “Okay?” “Fine.”  Zoe exhaled, her breath shaky.  “I got us burrito bowls from Chipotle.  Sofritas, brown rice, black beans, extra veggies, three salsas and guacamole for you.”  Leaning forward, Zoe pressed a soft kiss on Rasha’s lips.  “Come on.  Let’s go eat.” Getting up, Rasha gave Zoe a smile and tucked herself against her wife’s side.  They walked back to the kitchen and Rasha opened her burrito bowl.  Instead of moving the food around on her plate like she was prone to do, Rasha took a forkful and brought it to her lips.  “See, eating.”  She tried to reassure her wife.   Zoe nodded and opened her own meal.  “Sorry, I’m just...scared.  I don’t want to screw up our baby like I was screwed up.” “I know.”  Rasha shrugged and nudged Zoe’s leg with her foot.  “It is terrifying, thinking of everything that could go wrong, instead, we should just think of everything that is going to be right.”  She waited for Zoe to look at her.  “Once we are done, I want to show you something.”  They ate in silence, something that was normal and comforting.  There was no need for unnecessary chatter, the silence dotted with smiles and heavy looks.  Rasha finished most of her meal and headed to the family room and pulled out her laptop and waited.  Once Zoe came over, she moved and made space for her wife. “I am almost 18 weeks pregnant.”  She said seriously.  “Your fetus is the size of a pomegranate.”  She read slowly.  Looking up at Zoe she smiled.  “Maybe we should find a filler name for the baby instead of calling it...it.  Or the baby.”  Pressing her lips to Zoe’s temple, she wrapped her arms around her wife.  “Right now we are on track.  And see - right here - it talks about dizziness.”  It also talked about other things that made Rasha blush, like increased body fluids and other pains.  She watched as Zoe relaxed and she gave her wife a smile.  “See, normal.” After listening to their OBGYN’s instructions, they had booked numerous ultrasounds because of Rasha’s history, but everything so far was moving along as it should.  “We can ask about it tomorrow if it will make you feel better.” Zoe shook her head and wrapped her arms around Rasha’s neck.  “No, I believe you.”  She exhaled loudly and just rested against her wife.  “I’m sorry.” “It is fine.  We are both new to this, Zo.  We will have to learn together, but I am sure that you will have to calm me down...a lot.”  Rasha said with a soft smile.  “This is new, and we are going to make mistakes, but the biggest thing is that we...we make sure that we work together.”  She gave Zoe a half smile and cuddled against her.  Taking Zoe’s hand, she pressed it against her abdomen.  The flutters were back and Rasha smiled.  “See, the baby is fine.”  She stared at Zoe who seemed to be lost in her own world. “Peanut.” Blinking repeatedly, Rasha tried to figure out where the word fit into their conversation, but she quickly gave up.  “Peanut?” Zoe grinned and nodded. ��“For the baby.  Peanut, until we figure out names.” Looking down at her abdomen, Rasha nodded.  “Peanut.”

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Against the Wind - Zasha fic - Chapter 6

Here is chapter 6 - Chapter 7 is in the works but warning it will a full smut chapter!

Zoe hated hospitals and doctors offices.  For the first year of their relationship, Zoe would accompany Rasha to her numerous doctor’s appointments and sit through every one of them.  She held her then girlfriend’s hand as they drew blood.  She wiped away tears as they injected her with yet another hormone.  She cuddled her when her muscles contracted from the artificial hormones.  She pressed ice packs to bruises that appeared from the injections.  She hated the pain that Rasha went through and she hated how the pregnancy that they both so desperately wanted seemed to be causing more pain on her wife.  She hoped that this appointment would  be a happy one, or at least on with no pain.  Sighing, she crossed her legs again and tapped her fingers nervously.  “How are you so calm?”  She whispered to Rasha who was flipping through a magazine like they weren’t sitting in a waiting room and she didn’t have all of those terrible past experiences. “I stopped drinking coffee.”  Rasha replied wryly without looking up from the magazine.  “Maybe you should too.” Zoe grumbled and nudged Rasha with her foot until she looked at her.  “You’re mean.” Raising her eyebrows, Rasha shrugged.  “Truth hurts.”  She wiggled her eyebrows at her wife and flashed her a grin. “Mean and hormonal.”   Rasha rolled her eyes and pulled her wife next to her and planted a loud kiss on her forehead.  “You like me hormonal.”  She whispered, almost squealing with delight at Zoe’s reaction.  Calmly, Rasha sat back and went back to flipping through her magazine, but out of the corner of her eye, watching her wife wiggle uncomfortably on the chair.  Once Rasha’s name was called, Rasha stood up and almost skipped into the examination room, her hand in Zoe’s.   “We aren’t doing any like painful tests or anything?”  Zoe asked as they walked in and Rasha changed into the gown.  Despite her nerves about being here, Zoe couldn’t help but watch as her wife undressed.   “Do not know.”  Rasha admitted with a shrug, pulling on her gown.  She climbed onto the bed and reached for Zoe.  “Most women have not had as many appointments as I have had.”  She said honestly.  Pulling Zoe towards her, she leaned forward and gave her a soft kiss.  “But relax, everything has gone well so far...and it will keep going well.”  She said quietly.   Zoe exhaled shakily and nodded her head.  “Okay.  I’ll try.”  Kissing Rasha’s knuckles, she lowered her head and sighed as Rasha ran her fingers through her hair.  They sat in silence, comfortable for one, nervous for the other, until the doctor walked in.   The doctor was tall and thin, her auburn hair long and in loose waves around her face.  She had an easy demeanor that put Rasha and Zoe at ease.  “Hey beautifuls.”  She said with a smile, her blue eyes twinkling.  “Zoe, you look like you’re going to be sick.”  She commented, squeezing Zoe’s shoulder.  She sat down at the desk and gave the couple a smile.  “So, how are you feeling Rasha?” Rasha gave Zoe a smirk before looking back at their doctor.  “Better.  Much better.  I had a bit of a...situation yesterday…” “She passed out.”  Zoe interjected.  “I found her on the floor.”  She got up and paced around the room for a few minutes before standing behind Rasha with her arms crossed.   Their Doctor, Doctor Montgomery smiled gently and nodded.  “It happens in a lot of pregnancies, Zoe.”  She said looking up at Zoe.  “Remember, her body is working overtime and sometimes the blood doesn’t get to the brain as fast as it used to.” “And SHE is right HERE.”  Rasha reminded the two of them.  “See, I told you.  I am fine”  She grinned and rested her hands on her abdomen.  “Now tell me that my baby has ten fingers and ten toes.”  Her words were quick, her voice excited.   Doctor Montgomery grinned and looked between Rasha and Zoe.  “How about we look at your blood pressure first, Rasha?  And then we’ll go from there.” Making a face, Rasha thrust her arm out and waited until the cuff went around her arm.  She sat, unmoving, until the test came back and she looked up expectantly at Dr. Montgomery, her face falling as the older woman wrote down a few numbers.   “Your blood pressure is slightly higher than I want it, but not in the danger range yet.”  She said sitting next to Rasha.  “So at your next appointment we’ll look at it again, but right now keep being active, eating healthy and hopefully this is just you stressed out.”  She said before rolling up Rasha’s gown. “You should check out Zoe’s blood pressure.”  Rasha teased as she reached up for her wife, gripping her hand. A soft wooshing sound filled the room and both women frowned.  “That sounds like a washing machine.”  Zoe commented as she looked at the ultrasound screen.  It was filled with blacks, squiggly lines and moving shapes. “That,”  Dr. Montgomery said with a grin. “Is your baby’s heartbeat.  Nice and strong.”  She moved the wand around a bit and sighed.  “Still too early ladies to tell a gender.  This little one is shy and won’t show me anything.”  She looked around for a little while longer before wiping off Rasha’s belly.  “I will give you a print out of the ultrasound today - with a few extra copies - but I also want you to do a urine test.”  She told Rasha who sat up and sighed.   “One of the gross orange buckets?”  She whined finishing wiping the gel off her abdomen and placed the towel to the side. “Sorry honey, yes.  I want to make sure that the blood pressure is just a one time thing.”  Dr. Montgomery smiled and stood up.  “I will see you two in about three and a half weeks.  I’ll get Julie to book you an appointment - and pick up one of the brown bags on your way out.”  She said passing the pictures to Zoe. Once they were alone, Rasha hopped off the bed and changed back into her clothes.  They left the office, large brown paper bag in hand, and headed to the lunch they had planned with Mrs. Nahir and Mrs. Cardinal.   “This is the worst gift bag ever.”  Rasha commented as she tossed it in the back of Zoe’s SUV and climbed into the passenger seat.  She took Zoe’s hand and intertwined their fingers.  Every week they had been meeting up with Mrs. Cardinal and Mrs. Nahir for meals or sometimes just to visit.  Both women were excited about their upcoming ‘grandbaby’ but also knew that they were replacing parents lost.  Pulling into the parking lot, Zoe smiled at Rasha and leaned over, pressing a kiss on her temple, her lips lingering as Rasha ran her fingers through her wife’s hair.  After a few minutes of silence, Rasha pressed her hand to Zoe’s cheek and softly ran her thumb over the soft skin.  “Let’s go, darling.”  She said quietly as she unbuckled herself and straightened her coat as she slid out of the SUV.  She walked around the other side and wrapped her warm around Zoe’s waist, entering the restaurant.  It was a new Persian place that had opened but neither had visited yet.  They quickly spotted the two women and they slid into the booth.  Zoe pulled out the newest ultrasound and passed the two of them out to the women.  “They still can’t find the sex yet, but so far he or she is healthy.  And so is Rasha.”  Zoe said as she wrapped her arm around her wife. The chatter was caring and soft, the two older women fussing over Rasha and Zoe, inviting them over for meals, to come and clean their house, whatever that was needed. “So, Rasha, you look like you’re feeling better.”  Mrs. Cardinal commented with a soft smile. The smallest of the four women nodded as she picked at the meat and rice on her plate.  “I am.  And my tests all came back good.  My blood pressure was a bit higher than the doctor would have wanted, but I think that was because I was feeling anxious about Zoe being anxious.”  She said with a soft smile.  “But I am feeling better.  The morning sickness seems to have abated.”  Sipping the mint tea she ordered, the curly haired woman smiled softly and seemed to melt against her wife.  “And I am getting my energy back.”  She gently tickled Zoe’s side, who rolled her eyes in response. “She’s back picking on me.” The two older women broke down in laughter, both knowing better.  The meal progressed as did the conversation until they were all sipping tea and picking at the baklava that was ordered. “Have either of you thought about a baby shower?”  Nima asked, adjusting her hijab.  “We have been talking and it would be an honour to throw you two one.”  She said smiling.  “We can hold it at our house, but it would be a joint effort.” Kristine Cardinal nodded.  “We would invite everyone, have some games, have lots of food, and then have you two open presents!”  She grinned and reached over and squeezed Zoe’s hand.  “Everyone deserves a baby shower.” A flash of confusion, then appreciation washed over Zoe’s face.  “But...I’m not pregnant.”  She said quietly.   “Right, but that doesn’t make you any less of a mother.”  Nima said with a soft smile.  “Just because you are not the one carrying the baby does not mean that you are not the mother.”  She squeezed Zoe’s hands before looking between the women..  “So, what do you say?” Rasha grinned and looked towards Zoe.  “It is amazing that you two care about us enough to consider doing this for us.” The two women shrugged.  “It’s our pleasure.  We will give you the date once we figure things out and then start making a list of things that you need.  But don’t worry about a crib or a carseat.  That is something that we have discussed and you two can pick out the crib and carseat you want, but that is what our families will get you.”  Nima said as she turned to her friend and started to discuss.  It was a comfort for both Rasha and Zoe to know that they had family to support them, even if they weren’t family by blood.  Kristine and Zoe started to discuss Zoe’s job while Rasha and Nima slipped into Urdu speaking about Rasha’s pregnancy.  It wasn’t the way Rasha had imagined her pregnancy and life, when she was in Syria.  She had resigned herself to the fact that she would get married to a man, quite possibly once she was out of high school, and have many kids.  She would live her life unhappily, hidden deep inside the closet, never to have a chance to be who she really was and who she was meant to be.  Homosexuality was a crime fit for the death penalty in Syria and from the time Rasha knew she liked girls she knew that she would constantly live in fear.  Then came the civil war and she was displaced to Canada.  It was literally a new beginning and she still remembered the first time she saw Zoe.  She was wearing a cream blazer and the light pink top after her welcome address.  Rasha still remembered the way she felt after she spoke to Zoe for the first time.  She knew, right then and there, that she wanted to get to know Zoe better and needed her in her life. Glancing over at her wife, she squeezed her hand softly and rubbed her thumb over the back of her hand before continuing her conversation.   “So, have you two thought of any baby names yet?”  Kristine asked suddenly.  Rasha blinked and shook her head.   “Not exactly.  We decided that  if we have a boy they will have an English first name and a girl an Arabic first name.”  Rasha said with a shrug.  “Because Aisha is a much nicer name than AbdulNasir.”  She joked with a small smile.  “But we have not made a list or anything of potential names.” Zoe nodded.  “I mean, I’m sure we’ve both thought about some names, but we don’t have anything figured out yet.” Kristine shook her head.  “Well, you two should start really thinking.  Trust me, Grace was almost called Baby girl Cardinal because we couldn’t think of a name and my then husband wanted something REALLY cool like Boomer.”  She raised her eyebrows with a smirk.  “So, at least have a list.  And remember, it’s something the child has to live with. It might seem cool to have a kid named Lennon, Huxton, Jax or Atticus, but they get old fast.” “Atticus?”  Rasha whispered to Zoe and wrinkled her nose.  “We will NOT have a child named Atticus.  Or any of those names.”  Her hands pressed against her abdomen and sighed.  No way was she having a Huxton Rivas-Zuabi.  Or Jax. The sound of laughter filled the area around the table and Zoe kissed her wife’s cheek.  “We’ll make a list.”  She said with a grin.  “That doesn’t include Lennon.”

[followusontweeters]

Against the wind - Zasha Fic  Chapter one

Synopsis:  Zoe and Rasha are married with a baby on the way.  This is their journey, complete with all the problems and triumphs. (also, please tell me if you want the nsfw chapters posted - they can just be fade to black otherwise)

Against the wind We were runnin' against the wind We were young and strong, we were runnin' against the wind

Zoe knew that Rasha was ironing when their house smelled like lavender.  It was just one of her things.  Had you told Zoe 10 years ago that she would be married with a kid on the way, sixteen-year-old Zoe would have laughed.  Had you told her that she would be married to a woman, she would have probably told you to fuck off and left.  

But here she was, at 26, happily married and her wife was carrying their first child.  Kicking off her shoes, Zoe put her briefcase down and hung up her jacket.  The past 8 years with Rasha were the best 8 years of her life.  Rasha made things so damn easy.  Zoe was finally HAPPY.  It had taken her years to realise what made her happy.  She had lost a lot because of it.  Friends, family members, her mother...but at the end of the day she was happy.

Wandering into the laundry room, Zoe spotted Rasha with her back turned to her, the iron on, a set of Zoe’s work shirts on the ironing board.  Her wife’s hips moved to an obvious beat, and Zoe noticed the headphone cord hanging from her wife’s ears.  She couldn’t help but stand there and watch her wife.  She moved with an effortless grace, her body moving to a silent rhythm that only she heard.  And it was beautiful.  Zoe waited and watched in silence before walking over to Rasha and placed a hand on her shoulder gently.  The younger woman jumped slightly, but a wide warm smile filled her face.  Rasha hadn’t really changed since high school.  She wore her hair longer now, just under her ears.  Her style had grown as well, still lots of tunics long and shirts, but also a lot of soft pastels made their way into her wardrobe.  She was still soft and sweet, the rock that grounded Zoe.  Tugging out her earphones, Rasha looked at Zoe and turned off the iron.  She turned and wrapped her arms around Zoe’s neck and pulled her in for a gentle kiss.  “Hi.”  She whispered softly.   Rasha’s accent was still there and was still just as strong as the day Zoe had first met her.  She still got unreasonably cold in the winter.  She prayed five times a day and still had never touched alcohol.  She was still tactile, something that was bred into her culture. She had no problems about wordlessly reaching over and brushing crumbs off of someone’s cheek.  She had no problems with resting her hand on someone’s thigh to discuss something.  And Zoe was still head over heels in love with her.  

“Hi.”  Pressing her lips against her wife’s Zoe couldn’t help but grin and rest her hands on Rasha’s hips.  Her hand ran down Rasha’s hip and then brushed lightly over the other woman’s abdomen.  It was barely there, but it was there.  The swell of her breasts, the gentle growing slope of her stomach were the only hints that Rasha was carrying their child.  “I love you.”

Rasha’s laugh fell from her lips, a soft tinkling of glass, the sweet sounds of bells ringing in the wind.  Rasha laughed with her body, her stance opening up, her head back.  Her laugh was contagious, it made others smile.

“I know.”

There was a quiet confidence about Rasha.  It might not always be there, but when it reared its head it was obvious, and the one thing that Rasha’s confidence never faltered with was Zoe’s love for her.

Zoe rolled her eyes and rested the palm of her hand on Rasha’s abdomen.  “How are you feeling?”  Rasha’s first trimester was coming to an end, and Zoe hoped that the rest of the pregnancy would be easier for her wife.  Rasha had spent the majority of her formative years on hormone replacement and the increase in hormones from her pregnancy was making the pregnancy harder than normal.  She suffered from morning sickness that seemed to stretch all day, headaches, and joint pain.  But through it all, her wife remained happy.

Shrugging, Rasha gave Zoe a small smile.  “Okay.  The nausea did not last as long today.”  Reaching down she took Zoe’s hand and kissed her palm.  “And I got some grocery shopping done.  I did not think that you would want to do it tomorrow - even though you have the day off.”  A smile curled on her lips and she arched an eyebrow.  “We have the meal planned, I would rather spend the day with you before we spend the evening with our friends and family.”

The party.  Tomorrow they were planning on telling everyone that Rasha - they - were pregnant.

“Rasha.”  Zoe’s tone left no questions about her feelings about her wife grocery shopping.  “The doctor told you to take it easy.”

She laughed again and shook her head.  “I went grocery shopping, not scaled Mount Everest.”  Returning to the ironing board, Rasha put Zoe’s shirts on hangers and put everything away before turning back to her wife.  “I also made supper.  Well, no, we have leftovers, but I made pitas and hummus.”

Zoe watched in exasperation but waited until Rasha was finished and she wrapped her arms around her wife.  “Well, tomorrow I am all yours.  And you can relax while I cook.”

“And let you burn down our house?  Hardly.  I’ll cook.  I love you but I don’t want to kill our friends.”  She kissed Zoe’s forehead and escaped her embrace.  “But let’s go eat.”

They had gotten married young, at 22, despite the desires of their friends and family.  For Rasha it was never a question of if, just when.  A couple years after they had purchased a large character in the Annex neighbourhood that they renovated.  Three bedrooms, a large kitchen with a large eating area to entertain, and a comfortable family room.  

Pulling out the ingredients to make a plate of chicken, salad, and a homemade pita, she passed it to Zoe while she grabbed some things from the fridge for herself.  She had been on a salsa and cream cheese kick but was also drinking meal replacements so she knew she was getting enough nutrition.  Sitting at the table she cracked the jar of salsa and started to munch.  “I have everything ready for tomorrow.  I’ve already made the hummus and pitas, and charred vegetables for the veggie platter, and I have the feta marinating.  I just have to put together the stuff for the chickpea salad and the tabbouleh.”  She shrugged as she slathered some dill cream cheese on her cracker and added some salsa.  “The meat is marinating for the chicken shawarmas and the koftas...so there’s not much to do.”  Their friends from high school were coming to their party, along with a few of their friends they made along the way.  

Zoe rolled her eyes, but made herself a plate of food and ate it silently.  Sometimes it was hard to believe that she was married and her wife was pregnant.  So lost in her thoughts, she didn’t realise that Rasha had finished and had already put their plates away until she felt her wife’s arms around her neck and her soft breath against her cheek.

“I’m going to take a warm bath.  Join me?”  She asked softly.

There were few times that Zoe could ever say no to her wife, and this was not one of them.  “Of course.”

They had put in a huge tub when they renovated their house, along with a stand-alone glass shower.  Rasha tugged headed upstairs and tossed her clothes in the hamper before tossing two towels in the heater and filling the tub.  She added some oils in before lowering herself into the steaming water.  She closed her eyes and leaned against the side of the tub until she heard Zoe’s footsteps.

“Enough space for two?”

Without speaking, Rasha sat up and slid up, only moving back when she felt her wife behind her.  Times like this, Rasha wished she could stop the clock and just lie here in her wife’s arms.  Sure, they had some rough times, but they always came out stronger, and more in love.  Zoe wrapped her arms around Rasha’s midsection and rested her chin on her shoulder.  “How are you feeling, love?”  She whispered softly, running her fingers over Rasha stomach gently.

“Better.”  Came the reply, her head turning to look up at her wife.  “I always feel better with you.”  Rasha looked up and gave Zoe a grin.  “We do not have to work tomorrow…”  Her voice trailed off as she turned in Zoe’s arms.  Her fingers ran down Zoe’s body and under the water, her hazel eyes watching her wife. Zoe would never deny her wife anything, and today was no exception.  Pulling the plug, she got to her feet and went and grabbed the towels, wrapping Rasha up tightly and leading her to their bed.

[followusontweeters]

Against the wind - Zasha fic - Chapter 3

This ended up being super long - but I had to write a few other characters.  Anyway, enjoy!

Rasha’s fitbit buzzed on her wrist and she yawned deeply.  Fajr prayer.  Silently she slipped out of bed to make wudu before grabbing her abaya and hijab.  There were parts of her old life that she clung to, like praying as many times as she could fit in her busy life.  Padding out of their bedroom, she headed to the spare room where she had her prayer mat laid out.

Zoe hadn’t converted - nor did she ask her to - but her wife still attended prayers with her more often than not.  The prayers were quick and instead of crawling back into bed, Rasha pulled on a pair of leggings and a sports bra and headed downstairs.  She couldn’t help but smile seeing her small baby bump that poked out under her leggings.

The sunlight started to stream through their windows and Rasha stretched.  She enjoyed the silence before the rest of the world woke up.  Her toes dug into the soft squishy mat under her feet as she inhaled deeply, the air filling her lungs.  Her body flexed and moved in ways that only someone experienced in yoga could do.  She wasn’t athletic in the normal sense, she left that up to Zoe, but Rasha enjoyed the solace and solitude different activities afforded her.  She loved yoga, swimming, and to an extent, jogging.  She enjoyed being alone.  Zoe was an extrovert.  She loved people being around her, that’s how she got her energy.  Rasha on the other hand, was an introvert.  She needed time to recharge after spending hours with people.  Rolling up her mat, she started a pot of coffee before heading upstairs.  Zoe was still sprawled out on the bed, but she opened her eyes when she heard the door open.  

“Come back to bed.”  Zoe mumbled, rolling so she could watch her wife.  “I’m cold and you’re always warm.”

Rasha rolled her eyes and scooped up their discarded towels from last night.  “No, I just did yoga and I am sweaty.” “But I like you sweaty.”  Zoe whined watching her wife.

Walking over to Zoe’s side of the bed, Rasha leaned down and gave her a soft kiss.  “I’m going to shower.”

Groaning, Zoe flopped back on the bed and watched her wife saunter into the bathroom.  When she heard the water turn on, she exhaled loudly and pulled herself out of bed.  Rasha was beautiful, but WET Rasha was even more amazing.  Following her wife, Zoe opened the bathroom door and climbed into the shower.  “I’m saving water.”  She announced stepping into the spray.  Rasha didn’t react, but slid over to give Zoe more room.  Zoe reached for Rasha’s shampoo, they had their own because of their different hair types.  There was a terrible incident in college when Zoe told Rasha that she could just use her shampoo and product.  Rasha ended up looking like an electrocuted poodle for the rest of the day and promptly went and bought her own shampoo again.  Running her fingers through Rasha’s hair, Zoe massaged her scalp softly and let the shampoo lather.  She rinsed her wife’s hair before adding conditioner and moving into the stream of water.  They moved around each other with practiced ease until Rasha pressed a soft kiss to Zoe’s lips and disappeared. Getting dressed, Rasha headed downstairs to make breakfast for the two of them, knowing that they had little time before people started arriving.  Her stomach tossed with anxiety and nausea as she nibbled on her piece of toast, wincing as she heard her wife thunder down the stairs.  How that woman was involved in dance and gymnastics and be that ungraceful was beyond her.  Zoe gave her a wide grin, settling down and eating the bagel and fruit her wife had laid out.  

“You said you wanted to make kanafeh for dessert?”  Zoe asked as she watched Rahsa eat her toast slowly, concern lacing her face.  “If you’re not feeling up to it, I can go pick up a cake or something…”

Rasha closed her eyes and waited until the nausea passed before tentatively shaking her head.  “It is not hard.”  She said softly.  And it wasn’t, Zoe knew that, Rasha had made the dessert a thousand times before since they had been together, but her wife looked stressed already.  Sighing softly, Zoe nodded.  

“Okay, but you order me around to set out the rest of the meal.”  Zoe replied, polishing off her breakfast and clearing the plates. Standing in front of her wife, she pressed a few soft kisses to her forehead.  “And any time that you feel like you need a break, tell me and you can leave.”  She gently embraced Rasha, her hands rubbing the smaller woman’s back softly.  

Melting into Zoe’s arms, Rasha nodded and pressed her face into her wife’s neck.  “I know.”  She whispered, holding herself there for a few minutes.  Looking up, she gave Zoe a smile.  “And by the way, Goldi is going to come a bit early.  I asked her to help with making a couple of dishes.”

Zoe started to protest, but Rasha kissed her hard before pulling away.  “I do not want to drive you to emergency, beautiful.”  Rasha said with a smile.  “But she does not know why we are hosting the party, she is just coming to help.

----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ---- ---- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----

The house bustled with noise and energy as friends and family mingled around.  Zoe and Rasha floated between groups until it was time for dinner, and their announcement.  Everyone gathered around the table, Rasha infinitely glad that they had decided on a table that could extend.  The Nahir family was there.  Miles, Frankie and Hunter sat interspersed with Lola, Grace, and Jonah.  Maya, Zig, Shay and Tiny were all there, along with Tristan, Winston, and hell, even Esme showed up.  A few of their friends from college made it, as well as some friends from their workplaces.  The food was passed around and conversations rose from around the table.  It was Miles that finally asked the question.  “Okay, so why are we here?  I mean, I would never pass up an amazing meal that Rasha cooks…”  He said shooting a grin towards Rasha, “but did we miss a birthday or something?”

Swallowing hard, Rasha exchanged a glance with Zoe, who gave her a supportive nod, reaching under the table to grab her hand.  Rasha could feel her face flush and she started to stand, pulling Zoe up with her.

“Um…”  Rasha’s voice started to shake and she looked at Zoe desperately, who leaned over and kissed her wife’s temple before taking over.

“We’re pregnant.”  Zoe said with a grin.  “Well, Rasha is actually.”

There was a stunned silence and Rasha felt the air escape her lungs.  She KNEW it, why would they be HAPPY that she was pregnant?  It was dumb…  She started to mentally berate herself, tears welling in her eyes when the explosion of sound hit her ears.  Everyone was up, the meal forgotten, as they came to congratulate the two of them.  Rasha took a step back, her anxiety washing over her.  Goldi broke through and gave her best friend a hug.  

“You’re gonna be a mom.”  Goldi said softly, seeing the anxiety well in Rasha’s eyes.  Leading the two away from the group she grinned at Rasha.  “I can’t believe you’re going to be a mom.”  Looking at Rasha’s abdomen and back, she bit her bottom lip.  “Can I?”  She asked softly and waiting before pressing her hand on Rasha’s stomach.  “How excited are you?  How have you been feeling?  Oh my gosh, have you been shopping yet?”

Smiling softly, Rasha shrugged, her eyes on Goldi’s hand.  “We’re excited.”  She said honestly.  “So far the pregnancy has been tough, tougher than I ever imagined, but hopefully it will start getting better.”

The shock of the announcement seemed to have worn off and most people made their way back to the table.  Zoe grinned at Rasha as she came and sat down beside her wife, picking at her food.

“So wait, did Rasha have sex with a dude?”  Zig spit out, earning a hard smack from Maya and a kick in the shins from Grace.  

Zoe rolled her eyes emphatically and shook her head.  “Grow up, Zig.”  She muttered, pulling Rasha close.  A few minutes later, Rasha excused herself to the other room, Mrs. Nahir, Goldi, and Lola close behind her.  

Lola’s hair was now her natural brown colour save for a bright red streak.  She and Rasha had become close their senior year and they still hung out regularly.  “I can’t BELIEVE you didn’t tell any of us.”  Lola huffed, sliding in and sitting down beside Rasha.  The smaller girl was still as tactile as before and she cuddled up to Rasha, her hand pressing against the small baby bump.  “And I can’t believe I didn’t NOTICE!”  She exclaimed.  “I just saw you earlier this week.”

Blushing, Rasha shrugged.  “We didn’t want to jinx it.”  She said softly.  “And because of my history...right now I’m not showing as much as a lot of other women.”  Her biggest fear was that her body would let her down again.

“I am sure you will catch up.”  Niima Nahir said with a grin.  She was excited for her other daughter and proud of the woman she had become.  “And we will be here every step of the way.”  The other two nodded emphatically.

“I so can’t wait to go shopping!”  Lola exclaimed wrapping her arms around Rasha’s waist.  “This is going to be the best dressed baby in all of Toronto!”

Zoe sat back, a happy glow on her face as she listened to the hum around the table.  Grace slid in beside her and grinned.  “Proud of yourself there, dummy?”  She teased.  “It’s pretty awesome news, Zo.”  While SHE didn’t want kids, Grace was happy for her best friend.  “I don’t know how you kept this a secret since you can barely keep what you buy people for Christmas a secret.”

Shrugging, Zoe couldn’t hide the grin on her face.  “It’s great.”  She said honestly.  “And Rasha didn’t want to jinx it by telling anyone…”

“And you would never say no to Rasha.”  Grace teased.  “So, how is it going so far?”

The former actress watched her wife in the other room with a caring look before focusing back on Grace.  “Okay.  I mean, Rasha’s had wicked morning sickness and overall hasn’t been feeling that great but...she’s healthy and so far the baby is too and that’s all I care about.”

Thankfully their group of friends helped clean up after the meal and a few hours later it was only the Nahirs and Grace and Jonah left.  Rasha was sitting in Zoe’s lap, her eyes heavy but determined to keep visiting.  Before long Rasha’s eyes started to droop and her head bobbed.  She leaned against Zoe and closed her eyes while the remaining guests quietly got to their feet.

“If you need ANYTHING let me know,” Niima said giving Zoe a tight hug who had been able to slide out from her sleeping wife.  “And be prepared to see a lot of us.”

Zoe grinned and returned the hug. “You all know that you’re welcome here anytime.”

Tugging on her boots, Grace looked up at her best friend.  “That’s good because my mother won’t leave you guys alone now.”  She said with a grin.  

Niima nodded in agreement.  “It’s our first grandbaby!”  Turning to Grace, Niima smiled.  “Grace, tell your mom to give me a call, we have some serious grandmothering to do!”  Niima looked back at Zoe and gave her one last hug.  “Now we’ll get out of your hair and you can take care of that beautiful wife of yours.”  She said as the group left.  

Shutting and locking the door, Zoe cleaned up the rest of the house before walking back over to Rasha, who was still sleeping soundly.  She hated to wake her, and Zoe knew that she could carry her wife, but the fear of tripping and injuring Rasha or the baby was too much.  She knelt beside Rasha and softly brushed her hand over her face.  “Okay, sweetheart.  Time to go to bed.”  She said softly.  Rasha’s eyes fluttered open and she looked around, her face falling when she saw that everyone had left.  “Hey, they understand.”  Zoe said quickly.  “And let’s be honest, Niima doesn’t care about anything besides the fact you’re giving her a grandbaby.”  Zoe said with a grin.  “And she’s calling Mrs. Cardinal, Shelley, to tell her the news.”  Helping Rasha to her feet, she intertwined their hands and walked up the stairs.  Rasha stripped off her clothes and tugged on the oversized t-shirt she had taken to wearing recently.  She was under the covers before Zoe even had the lights off.  Zoe pulled on the tank top and shorts she slept in and crawled in beside Rasha, tucking herself in behind her wife.  “I love you, sweetheart.”  Zoe whispered against Rasha’s shoulder.

“Love you too.”  Rasha mumbled.  For the first time in a long time, Rasha fell asleep quickly and slept through the night.