As the weeks passed, Azazel's stomach began to swell noticeably, catching the attention of the children he worked with.
"Mr. Zel," Isaac called out one day.
Azazel turned to him with a smile. "Is there something you need, Isaac?"
The young boy hesitated for a moment before asking, "Have you been eating a lot? Your belly is getting bigger by the day."
Azazel couldn't help but chuckle at Isaac's observation, but soon all the children joined in, their gazes fixed on him.
"Well," Azazel said, answering his response carefully, "I have been eating a bit more than usual lately. Maybe that's the reason for it."
The children nodded, seemingly satisfied with his answer, but their curious eyes on Azazel's growing abdomen, leaving him to wonder how much longer he could keep the truth hidden from them.
At Kreo's house, Azazel's tears streamed down his face once again. Suddenly, the door swung open, and Kreo stepped in, his expression filled with concern.
"Azazel..." Kreo began, his voice soft with worry. "Why are you crying?"
Azazel sniffled, wiping his tears away. "My pants can't fit anymore," he admitted, his voice laced with frustration.
Kreo couldn't help but smile. "Oh," he replied, trying to hide a chuckle. "You can wear mine. They might be a bit long, but I'm sure they'll fit you just fine."
Azazel managed a small smile through his tears, grateful for Kreo's understanding and support. Even though his stomach looks like he only carried one baby, not knowing how the three all fit.
It was soon May, Azazel's stomach was quickly noticed by the parents but they rarely asked as they wanted to interrupt him from taking care of their children.
The weekends rolled in again and Azazel went to Kreo's house,
"I feel like having ice cream," Kreo said as he stood up.
"Since when did you ever buy that?" Azazel asked.
"Since you said you craved some yesterday," Kreo shouted as went to the kitchen to get it.
Azazel sat on the couch as he watched TV, feeling a strange sensation in his abdomen. Suddenly, he felt a gentle fluttering movement. His eyes widened in surprise.
"Kreo, come quick!" he called out.
Kreo rushed over, concern evident in his expression. "What's wrong?"
Azazel grabbed Kreo's hand and placed it on his stomach. "Feel this," he said, excitement bubbling in his voice.
Kreo's eyes lit up as he felt the tiny kicks and movements beneath Azazel's skin. "They're kicking!" he exclaimed, a wide smile spreading across his face.
Azazel laughed, feeling a rush of warmth and happiness. "Our babies are saying hello," he said, his heart filled with love for the tiny lives growing inside him.
As night fell Azazel tried to sleep, he felt another bout of movement in his stomach. This time, it was more pronounced, almost like a series of little jabs.
"Ouch!" Azazel winced, shifting uncomfortably in bed.
Kreo stirred beside him, his eyes fluttering open. "What's wrong?" he mumbled sleepily.
"The babies are having a party in there," Azazel joked, rubbing his stomach gently.
Kreo chuckled, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Azazel's abdomen. "Looks like they're just as excited as we are," he said, his voice filled with affection.
Azazel smiled, feeling a surge of love for Kreo and their unborn children. Despite the discomfort, moments like these made it all worth it.
The next morning, Azazel and Kreo strolled hand in hand through the baby section of a large department store, their eyes sparkling with excitement as they perused the rows of adorable tiny clothes.
"Oh, look at these tiny onesies!" Azazel exclaimed, picking up a soft cotton onesie with little prints on it.
"They're adorable." Kreo agreed, his eyes scanning the racks for more treasures. He reached for a set of tiny socks, holding them up with a grin. "How about these little socks, they're like mini versions of ours."
Azazel laughed, taking the socks from Kreo's hand and inspecting them closely. "They're perfect. We'll need a few of these to keep those tiny feet warm."
They continued browsing, filling their cart with onesies, sleepers, hats, and blankets in neutral colours and patterns. Each item they picked up filled them with anticipation for the arrival of their triplets.
After what felt like hours of exploring every corner of the baby section, Azazel and Kreo made their way to the checkout counter, their cart overflowing with baby clothes.
"Looks like we got everything we need," Kreo said, a satisfied smile on his face.
"Yep," Azazel replied, his heart swelling with love as he looked at the tiny garments in their cart. "Now we just have to wait for our little ones to arrive."
With a final glance at the adorable baby clothes, they headed to the checkout, eager to bring their purchases home and continue preparing for the newest additions to their family.
One day Azazel thought something.
"Darling, I think we forgot something." Azazel said, looking at him.