Little Suprises. Rating:PG13 Author:suzyh Disclaimer: I don't own them, yadda,yadda. Annie is mine though. Annie sat in the chair, watching Claire take another vial of blood from her arm. She had to come in and get her quicksilver levels checked on a regular basis, since she and Darien had discovered her allergy to condoms. It suited her actually, those things were horribly impersonal and they always spoilt the mood. She leaned back and thought about the mood last night. Annie smiled, she never got tired of Darien, he turned her on like no-one else ever had or could. In order to keep her levels at a safe ratio, they were told to keep their activities limited to twice a week. They were lucky if they kept it to twice a night. Still, they were making an effort to keep their hands off each other. Claire was feeling lightheaded. Annie's blood went hazy before her eyes. She blinked rapidly to clear her vision. A deep breath later she felt normal again. That was the third time this week, Claire wondered if she should run some tests on herself. She turned back to her work. "Good news, your levels are at an acceptable ratio." "Yay!! Does this mean my man and I can resume our fun?" Claire looked skeptical. "Right Annie, like you ever stopped." Annie grinned at her and winked. Claire shook her head and waggled her finger at her friend. "You really should be more responsible you know. Bobby protects me always. Even though your injection protects you against pregnancy, you have to remember about the madness. Considering the way you two go at it, I'm suprised you aren't in stage five constantly." "Yes mom." Annie lifted herself out of the chair and swatted Claire playfully. Claire ducked out of the way laughing. Suddenly, Claire clapped her hand over her mouth and raced for the sink. Annie held Claire's hair out of the way as she threw up repeatedly. "Alrighty." said Annie as she helped Claire to the chair. Claire accepted the mug of water gratefully. "Umm, Claire? Any chance you might be.. you know?" "No. We've always been careful, always." "Okay, just asking. Maybe you should do a test just to be sure." Claire nodded reluctantly. She was sure it would be negative. Both women stared at the stick. Claire was in shock, Annie was highly amused. She counted to ten to stop herself but the comment slipped out anyway. " Guess Bobby didn't protect you so well after all." Claire made a noise that sounded like an agreement. She was frantically trying to think of a time when it could have happened. Her face fell when she remembered the night when Bobby had gotten a raise and they had had a lustful celebration. That was it, Bobby hadn't used anything in the bathtub. Claire had assured him that it would be okay. Obviously, she had been wrong. Claire felt sick again and just about made it back to the sink. In Bobby's office, the boys were having a discussion about Annie and QSM. "I'm telling you partner, I never want to see halfpint that way again." "I know. Good thing Claire keeps an eye on her levels." Bobby sniggered and punched his partner lightly. Darien grinned in reply and flopped down onto the old couch in the corner. He thought about Annie. She was wearing her hair in pigtails that day and Darien was having a hard time keeping himself under control. As if reading his mind, Bobby spoke up. "Annie looked cute with her hair like that." "Tell me about it. I swear she does it on purpose, she knows pigtails drive me crazy." Darien rubbed his face and groaned. It was Bobby's turn to grin. "Just don't jump her in the Officials office." The two men started to laugh. The phone rang. Bobby answered. Darien played with a loose thread on the couch, tugging until the fabric started to unravel. Bobby hung up the phone looking pale. "That was Annie, we'd better get down to the keep." He shot out the door with Darien slouching behind him. Claire was still sitting in Darien's chair when they arrived. Annie grinned at Bobby, then tried to look serious. Darien stood behind his wife, nuzzling at her neck. Annie pushed him away, only to have him back at her neck instantly. Bobby crouched in front of Claire, his eyes full of concern. "What's wrong sweetheart?" Claire turned troubled eyes to him. How was she going to tell Bobby? They had discussed children and had agreed to wait for a while. She opened her mouth, then closed it. Annie piped up. "Darien? Let's go help someone with something." she tugged at his arm, flashing warning signals from her eyes. Darien allowed himself to be dragged off. Bobby sighed. "I hope they don't do it in my office." Claire gave him a weak smile. She took a deep breath and decided to go for the Annie approach. She squared her shoulders. "Bobby, we're going to have a baby." Bobby's jaw dropped to the floor. His mind raced. A baby? When had that happened? Images of a little girl with blonde hair and brown eyes flashed through his brain. He smiled. Claire relaxed somewhat, relieved that he hadn't freaked out. "If it's a girl, can we name her after my Grandma?" Bobby said softly. "We can call her whatever you like." Claire was crying with relief. In Bobby's office, Annie was in fits of laughter. Darien had to agree it was funny, but was feeling a twinge of sadness for their lost baby. Annie regarded him thoughtfully. "Don't worry Stretch, we'll get our baby soon enough." "Wanna have a practice?" Darien leered at Annie. She rolled her eyes. "Not in Bobby's office. He's probably got the whole thing wired, besides, he'll know, he knows everything." Annie's voice had dropped to a whisper and she looked around the room as if Bobby was about to jump out at them. Darien sighed. It looked like another mental cold shower for him. Claire held a hand over her stomach. Bobby's hands came on top of her's. She leaned back into his strong chest. A baby. Their baby. Claire hugged herself mentally. Bobby's deep voice sounded in her ear. " I love you Claire Hobbes, I promise to be the best Daddy ever." Claire smiled again. Maybe this little suprise wasn't so bad. The End.