Chapter 4: Climax
Max and his lovers were still cooing and awe-ing over the baby, when Lana approached them. "Time to cut the cord! Who wants the honors?" she asked.
Toby and Serena looked at each other, then at Max, who smiled warmly at them. "I'm leaving that up to you both to decide, I think I did enough work here." he said teasing.
Toby and Serena nodded, Serena rolling her eyes playfully. Lana handed them the sterilized scissors and a few clamps. Max, with the baby resting on his chest, his giant belly still heaving from the effort of pushing, looked up at them with love.
Toby seeing the sinewy cord hanging from their baby, following the trail down to Max's entrance.
He froze, becoming a little lightheaded. "Uh...I don't think I can do this." He said, staring at the scissors then at the umbilical cord. He had seen videos of birth plenty of times and attended a few of Lana's birthing parties but experiencing it in reality, this close, was a different story. It was all starting to hit him now - his husband just pushed a baby out of his body...and he had two more to go. He looked at the size of their child and felt horrible for putting Max through all of it.
"Max, are you sure you feel okay, babe? I can't believe you just did that...she's such a huge baby...and you got two more to go before you can rest." Toby's voice wavered as he stared at his husband, the love and admiration for him swelling in his chest, as well as guilt for the pain he was enduring.
Max smiled and laughed softly at Toby, "I'm fine, love. It's worth it to see our baby, and I want to do it again. It's incredible, Toby. You should try it sometime." He winked at his husband, trying to lighten the mood.
"Does it still hurt thought?" asked Toby, eyes filled with concern.
Serena, rolled her eyes, took the scissors and clamps from Lana, and interrupted, "I'll do it, Tobe. Go have your sappy love talk." she teased.
"No, I wanna help. I just...gimme a sec." He grabbed Max's hand, and kissed it. "Does it still hurt, babe? Are you in pain? Be honest." he said looking into Max's eyes, searching for any signs of discomfort.
Max smiled back at him, and sighed, his eyes soft and warm, "It hurts a bit, but it's gonna be fine. It was all worth it. Having our baby was the most amazing thing I've ever felt, I know it will be amazing for our other two."
"I don't want it to hurt you though." said Toby stroking Max's hair, still in awe of the miracle he had just witnessed.
"It's a part of the process, love. We knew that going in." Max replied, smiling gently at Toby.
"I know, but I didn't realize it would be like this. It looks really painful." Toby said, his concern genuine.
"I'm tougher than I look." Max teased, flexing his arm to show off the bulging muscles that he kept up with weightlifting.
Toby chuckled, "I know you are, babe. I just wish I could take some of this pain for you. I feel like a useless goof, just standing around while you do all the work."
Max scoffed at him, "I think I was making both of you work real good with those hands and tongues." he said cheekily.
"But that was just fun stuff, it wasn't work." replied Toby.
Max squeezed his husband's hand, "Babe, I would not have been able to get through the pain without that fun stuff. Trust me, you're doing plenty." He kissed Toby's hand, "Just keep your hands occupied for our next two babies, just like you did with this one, and I'll be more than happy."
Toby nodded, smiling, "I can do that. I'll do my best." He leaned down and kissed Max's forehead, then the baby's.
Serena, who had been patiently waiting, stepped forward. "Ok, lovebirds, let's get this done so we can weigh her." She said. "Here, Tobe, just hold the cord steady."
He did as instructed with only mildly trembling hands. Lana and Serena clamped the cord on either end. Serena grabbed the scissors and cut through the ugly, fleshy rope.
Toby winced slightly as the cord was cut, it looked disgusting to him. He watched as Lana took the baby, cleaned her up, and weighed her.
"She's a big one, almost ten pounds!" Lana exclaimed "No wonder she got stuck in there, you're a trooper, Max. Nine pounds, 8.3 ounces, and 21.2 inches long. Good job, boys!" Lana exclaimed with a grin.
Max chuckled, looking down at his still-heaving belly, feeling the weight of his other two heavy babies still inside him, stretching and kicking.
"I bet they have a lot more room in there now!" laughed Lana, still cleaning the baby.
Toby and Serena put their hands on Max's still huge belly, feeling the increase in activity from the babies inside.
Max's belly moved and rippled as the babies shifted and stretched, making room for themselves in the slightly less cramped space. Max moaned softly, a mixture of pleasure and discomfort, as one of the babies pushed hard against his cervix.
"You ok, babe?" Toby asked, concern etched on his face.
Max nodded, "Yeah, just a little uncomfortable. But it feels...good too." He smiled weakly, his eyes half-lidded with pleasure and exhaustion.
Serena, ever the attentive partner, grabbed a nearby bowl of ice chips and fruit and fed some to Max.
"Here, love, this will help cool you down and give you some energy." She said, gently placing a small piece of melon on his tongue. Max smiled at her, his eyes soft with gratitude.
Toby, still holding Max's hand, looked at his husband with concern. "Are you sure you're okay, babe? You seem really tired." He asked, brushing a stray hair away from Max's sweat-beaded forehead.
Max nodded, "Yeah, I'm sore and a little worn out. But I feel good. My body is buzzing with adrenaline and all those endorphins, and the pleasure of feeling my babies move inside me is indescribable. I can't wait to have the next two, I want to feel it all again."
Toby and Serena exchanged a glance, both of them feeling a mix of awe and apprehension at Max's words. They knew he was excited, but they also knew that the next two births would be just as intense, if not more so.
Toby worried, he wanted Max to be well rested before having to go through the ordeal of birthing another huge baby. "Lana, how long does it usually take before labor starts up again for multiples?" Toby asked, his brow furrowed with worry.
Lana, who had finished cleaning up the baby and was now wrapping her in a soft blanket, looked up at Toby. "Well, with my twins, it was about 20 minutes before the other one started popping out, but this is Max's first time, so it's probably gonna be longer. Could be an hour, maybe a little more. Hopefully enough time for a good nap, yeah?" she said handing the swaddled newborn to Toby.
Toby carefully and cautiously held the little bundle that Lana put in his arms, he was terrified of hurting or dropping her.
"Relax," said Max, laughing at his anxious husband. "You're not gonna hurt her just by holding her."
Max reassured Toby, gently touching their sleeping newborn's cheek. "She's stronger than she looks, just like her daddy who made her." Max said cheekily.
Serena, who had been quietly observing them with a smile on her face, cleared her throat. "Babe, you should try to get some rest while you can. The next contractions could start at any moment." She reminded him, gesturing to the comfortable-looking chaise lounge near the pool.
"Yes, said Lana, "Let's get you over there. I'll grab the wheelchair. You ain't walking around anytime soon after pushing that big girl." Lana said, grabbing the wheelchair and positioning it next to the pool.
Toby handed their baby to Serena so he could help lift Max onto the chair. He carried Max in his muscular arms.
Max smiled, "Mmmm, I feel like I'm on the cover of a romance novel, with my big hero carrying me in his arms." Serena and Lana both chuckled at that, while Toby grinned down at Max, his heart swelling with love.
As Toby gently placed Max onto the wheelchair, he winced when his aching bottom touched the cushioned seat. "Oooh, yeah, that's gonna be sore for a while." said Max.
"You ok, babe?" asked Toby with concern.
"I'm fine silly, quit being a scaredy cat." teased Max. Toby smiled in response.
Toby wheeled his pregnant husband to the beautiful chaise lounge, and helped him get out of the chair. Max stubbornly wanted to try to stand on his own, but the act of just shifting his legs to the ground sent a jolt of burning pain through his lower half. "Ow, fuckin hell," he hissed, grabbing onto Toby's arm for support.
"Easy, babe. You've been through a lot. That's why I'm trying to help you, silly." Toby said, concern etched on his face. Max gave in, sighing.
He picked Max up, and gently laid him on the chaise. Max's giant belly was still prominent, even after delivering one of the triplets. He looked up at Toby and Serena, a look of contentment mixed with exhaustion on his face. "I feel like I could sleep for a week," he admitted, closing his eyes briefly. "But I also feel like I could run a marathon. It's weird, this mix of exhaustion and energy."
Serena, who had been cradling their newborn, looked at right at Max, shaking her head, "Yep. You're gonna run that marathon right after you stand up all by yourself, right now." she quipped sarcastically. "I think we just established that, no, you cannot, in fact, run a marathon right now, or anytime soon."
They all laughed, Max chuckling with his eyes still closed, "Owww...it hurts to laugh." he whined, but laughed some more. Serena just shook her head at him amusedly.
Lana returned to the group, her bags of supplies in hand, "Sorry, was just making sure the audience was making themselves comfy, helping themselves out to more snacks. The job of a hostess never ends!"
Toby took the bags from her, helping her unpack them.
"Alright, Max. Before you fall asleep, how are you feeling?" Lana asked, checking his vitals.
"Tired, but good," Max replied, his voice still a bit strained from the effort of giving birth.
"Your body has been through a lot, but you're doing amazing, not too much bleeding. Let's get you cleaned up and into something more comfortable." Lana said, she and Toby helping Max into a clean robe.
Serena rocked the baby as Toby and Lana helped Max get more comfortable. She sat down another of Lana's beautifully upholstered chairs, close to Max, and looked down at their daughter. Her tiny face was scrunched up, then opened up for a yawn, her mouth open in a tiny 'O'. She was perfect. She couldn't believe her husbands created this small, new human being, she was so delicate and adorable.
The sun had finally set, and Lana's pool area was twinkling with bit of stars that were sparkling the sky. The scent of jasmine and lavender filled the air, mixed with the faint smell of salt water from the pool.
Max let himself sink into the plush cushion of the chaise, a sigh of relief escaping his lips. "This feels amazing," he murmured, closing his eyes.
Max quickly drifted off to sleep as Toby and Serena sat on either side of him, rubbing his belly and shoulders softly, Serena still holding their baby in her arms.
The sounds of the guests talking and celebrating on the other end of the courtyard was pleasant to hear. The guests were respectful of the new family, letting them have their space, some guests traveling inside the beautiful mansion wanting a tour of the place. Other's watched a movie on the giant, almost theatre-sized screen in the other room.
Toby went to the serving table to grab food for his little family.
He piled a plate high with finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, and chocolate-covered strawberries, knowing Max would appreciate the sweet treat after he woke up from his nap. As he was about to turn around, he felt a soft hand on his shoulder. He turned to find Lana's best friend, Victoria, standing behind him. She was a striking woman with a cascade of fiery red hair and piercing green eyes.
"Hey, Toby," she said, her voice smooth and sultry. "How's Max doing? I heard the first little one made her grand entrance. I'm sad I missed it, but I'll be here for the next two."
Toby smiled, "Yeah, she's beautiful. I'm sure the other two will be just as precious. Hopefully, those two will be a little easier on Max than their sister was on the way out. He's exhausted."
Victoria's face lit up, "Yes, everyone is talking about how big she is, and poor Max stuck with her head crowning for such a long time. It must have been a real sight to see." she said in awe.
Toby nodded, "Yeah, it was intense. But Max...he's amazing. He took it like a champ. I just wish I could do more to help him."
Victoria smiled sympathetically, "You're doing plenty, Toby. Just being here for him, supporting him, loving on him, that means the world. And Lana tells me you and Serena were taking excellent care of Max's needs throughout the birthing." Victoria's eyes sparkled with mischief, and Toby felt his cheeks flush. He knew exactly what Lana meant by that, and he was proud of the role he and Serena played in helping Max through the difficult labor.
Toby cleared his throat, "Yeah, we did our best. Max... he likes it a little rough, you know? And we were happy to oblige." He grinned, thinking back to the intense moments they shared in the birthing pool.
Victoria's smile widened, "I bet you were. I've heard Max is quite the handful in bed. I've always admired his confidence and appetite for pleasure.
It's refreshing to see someone so unapologetic about their desires," Victoria said, her gaze wandering over to Max, who was still fast asleep on the chaise.
Toby followed her gaze, a soft smile playing on his lips. "He's something else, that's for sure," he agreed, his voice filled with affection.
Victoria turned her attention back to Toby, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied him. "The three of you are so lucky to have found each other. It's beautiful to see, and I must admit, a bit envy-inducing. I've always been drawn to strong, confident men like you and Max, and seeing him so empowered, even in the role of pregnancy, so at peace with his body and desires, it's... stirring," Victoria said, her voice low and sultry.
"Believe me, I know." Toby felt a blush creep up his neck at the compliment, but he also felt a spark of pride. He knew Max and Serena were special, and he was grateful every day that he got to call them his husband and wife. Even before they knew Max had developed the ability to get pregnant, they still knew he was something special.
Max's unique perspective on life and pleasure had always drawn Toby and Serena to him, and now, seeing him so at ease and full of enjoyment with his pregnant body, it was like a aphrodisiac to them.
They both stood silently, watching the beautiful Max rest from afar, seeing his chest and belly rise with every breath.
"Well, it was lovely talking to you, Toby, I'll let you get back to your family now." said Victoria, smiling as she rubbed his muscular arms before she left.
Carrying plates of food, Toby walked back to Serena and the sleeping Max. Serena was gazing at their daughter who was bundled up in the beautiful bassinet Lana had brought for her. Max was still fast asleep, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.
Toby sat down next to Serena, placing the plate of food on the small table beside the chaise. He looked at their sleeping husband, a soft smile playing on his lips. "He looks so peaceful," Toby whispered, not wanting to disturb Max.
Serena nodded, "He deserves it. Poor thing, he's got a lot more work to do before he's done." Serena's voice was gentle, her eyes filled with love as she looked at Max.
Toby nodded in agreement, "We need to make sure he's as comfortable as possible with the next babies." He said, looking at their sleeping husband with concern. "I don't want him to be in too much pain, and I don't want to stop him from having the birth he wants."
Serena looked up from the baby, her amber eyes filled with understanding. "We'll support him, babe. Whatever he wants, we'll make sure he has it. But we also need to be realistic. If it gets too intense, we might need Lana to step in...or the doctor is he gets here in time."
Toby nodded, knowing she was right. "I just hope he listens to us. I don't want him to hurt himself...or worse. I'd never forgive myself if something bad happened to him or the babies."
Serena leaned over and kissed Toby's cheek. "I know, babe." she grabbed his hand, "We won't let that happen." She assured him, her voice gentle yet firm, glancing over at Max, who stirred slightly in his sleep.
Toby nodded, squeezing her hand in response. "You're right. I know Max has a tendency to push through pain, but we need to remind him that it's okay to ask for help. We're a team, after all."
Serena smiled at him, her eyes softening. "We really are, aren't we?" she sighed, "Our silly Max, always so brave and determined...always getting in over his head." Serena chuckled softly, looking down at their sleeping husband.
"That's what we love about him, isn't it?" Toby replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
"It is." Serena agreed, her gaze still locked on Max's peaceful face.
As they sat there, lost in their thoughts and the gentle sounds of the evening, Max began to stir. His eyelids fluttered open, and he let out a soft groan as he stretched his arms above his head, his giant belly shifting with the movement. Toby and Serena both leaned in, their eyes filled with concern and love.
"Hey, there beautiful daddy. How are you feeling?" Serena asked softly, smoothing Max's hair away from his face.
Max blinked a few times, orienting himself to his surroundings. "Like I've been run over by a truck," he said with a weak laugh. "But also like I could conquer the world."
Toby chuckled, "That sounds about right. You hungry? I brought you some food." He gestured to the plate on the table beside the chaise.
Max's eyes lit up at the sight of the chocolate-covered strawberries and array of cheeses and sandwiches.
"Ooh, you know the way to my heart, Tobe," he said, reaching for one, wincing at the movement. Toby helped him sit up a bit more comfortably, propping some pillows behind his back.
As Max munched on the sweet treat, he looked around the pool area, taking in the twinkling lights and the soft hum of conversation from Lana's guests. "This is really nice, Lana sure knows how to throw a party," he commented, wiping a bit of chocolate from the corner of his mouth.
Serena smiled, "She does indeed. And she's so happy to have us here. She's practically bursting with excitement over these babies." She nodded towards Max's still-protruding belly.
Max took a bite of a sandwich, chewed thoughtfully, then spoke, "I can't believe we're ready to squeeze out baby number two. It feels like just yesterday we found out I was pregnant."
Toby squeezed his hand, "Time flies when you're having fun, babe." He winked, making Max laugh.
The baby shifted in the bassinet, Serena bent down to check on her, but the baby immediately fell back asleep.
Max watched Serena's gentle movements, a soft smile on his face. "She's perfect, isn't she?" he murmured, his voice filled with wonder.
Toby nodded, "She really is. And she's going to have two amazing siblings to grow up with." He placed a hand on Max's belly, feeling the kick of one of the babies inside.
Max let out a soft moan, his eyes fluttering closed for a moment. "Hopefully, they'll have plenty more than just two siblings,"he said smiling, leaning back into the pillows.
Serena looked up from the bassinet, an eyebrow raised. "Plenty more? Babe, you haven't even delivered the other two yet," she teased, but her eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Well, you know me, always planning ahead," Max replied, winking at her.
Toby chuckled, "Always the optimist, that's for sure. But let's focus on getting these two out first, yeah?" He rubbed Max's belly gently, feeling the babies move beneath his touch.
Max nodded as his husband massaged his belly, "I love feeling them move around in there. I wanna feel that all the time." Max said, rubbing his belly affectionately along with Toby. "I can't wait to meet them, to hold them and love them. It's so strange to think that they'll be out in the world, little pieces of us, in just a few hours."
Serena sat down on the edge of the chaise, her eyes filled with love as she looked at Max. "We can't wait to meet them either.
Serena and Toby knew why Max wanted a big family. He had lost his family very suddenly while he was in college. His parents and two younger siblings, all gone in one terrible afternoon. He was devastated and had felt alone for so long, he just wanted the love of a big family so that he never had to feel alone again.
Max had been happy to find Toby and Serena, they had become his family, but once he discovered that he was pregnant, he realized how much more he could have. He wanted a house full of laughter and chaos, of kids running around and fighting over the remote. He wanted to be surrounded by love and life, he wanted to be a father.
Toby, noticing the distant look in Max's eyes, reached out and squeezed his husband's hand. "Hey, what's going on in that beautiful head of yours?" he asked softly.
Max blinked, bringing himself back to the present. "Just thinking about how lucky I am to have you and Serena. And soon, we'll have our little ones too. I can't wait to see them running around, causing chaos, and filling our house with love and laughter." Max's voice was wistful, but his eyes sparkled with happiness.
Serena leaned in and kissed Max's cheek. "We're the lucky ones, babe. You've given us a family, a home, and so much love. We can't wait to see you as a daddy. I know you're going to be amazing."
Toby nodded in agreement, his voice thick with emotion. "You already are amazing, Max. Seeing you like this, so full of life and love, it's... it's indescribable," Toby said, his voice filled with awe and admiration.
Serena nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "We love you so much, Max. Our children are going to be so lucky to have you."
Max felt a warmth spread through him at their words, his eyes filling with tears, and he reached out to take both of their hands in his. "I love you both too. So much. I'm so glad you're my family." Max said, unable to hold back his sobs. Toby and Serena both embraced him tightly, their eyes filled with love. They never wanted him to feel alone again.
Serena was usually not as sentimental as Max or Toby, but anytime Max spoke about his family, it broke her heart. She wiped the tears from her own face, then put a hand on her husband's belly, feeling the movements from inside.
Max took a deep breath, and smiled, he and Toby wiping their tears. Max was steeling himself for what was to come. "Alright, let's do this. Let's have some more babies." He shifted in his seat, trying to get comfortable, but his massive belly made it a challenge.
"Are you getting contractions again?" asked Serena, still rubbing his belly.
"A little bit, but nothing too bad yet." responded Max, blowing his nose, and wiping away a few more tears.
Toby rubbed his husband's shoulders, "Let us know if you need anything. Anything." he emphasized.
"I will, you worrywart." teased Max.
Toby wrapped an arm around Max, pulling him close, and kissed his on his temple. "I just want to make sure you're okay, babe. You've still got a ways to go." Toby's voice was filled with concern, but also pride. Max was handling his pregnancy and delivery like a champ, and Toby couldn't be prouder of his husband.
Max leaned into Toby's embrace, smiling softly. "I know, Tobe." he said kissing Toby on the cheek in reply.
Serena smiled at the two of them, her heart swelling with love. She knew Toby was worried, but she also knew their husband was stronger than he gave himself credit for. Max had been through so much, and yet, here he was, ready to bring more life into the world, eager to embrace whatever came his way.
As if on cue, Max's face contorted in pain, his body tensing as a contraction hit him. Toby and Serena both sprang into action, helping Max to lie back down on the chaise. Lana, who had been chatting with some guests nearby, noticed the commotion and hurried over.