Chapter Text
Complete serenity in the dead of night. The couple was curled up in bed, fast asleep hours ago due to tireness without a care in the world. And yet, something from the depths of his uncosciousness seemed to advise Alan to wake up.
Alan opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. He wasn't quite sure what it was that he felt at that moment but there was... something. Trying to fight off the sleepiness a tiny bit longer, he turned to look at his partner, content in his heart by simply watching him sleep. Until he heard a pained groan -enough to wash any sleepiness away. He sprang up and gently shook his mate's shoulder. "Jeff? What is it? Do you feel pain?"
Jeff opened his eyes a little, his eyebrows furrowed, obviously trying to hold back a groan. "I woke you up, didn't I?"
"It doesn't even matter whether I was sleeping or not. Are you in pain?" Alan emphasized.
"Sort of, yes."
"How strong is it?"
"Quite strong, not gonna lie." Jeff rose up, taking a deep breath to ease the pain, "Maybe I'll walk around a bit."
"I'll call the doctor."
Jeff tossed away the blanket, ready to get up. But instead, he stood still, eyes glued to the bedsheet. Though he couldn't see it clearly because of the darkness in the room, he could definitely feel it wet. "Alan..."
"What is it?" he focused back on him, a click away from calling the doctor.
"I'm in labour."
Alan's eyes widened. "Okay. Hospital it is. Give me a minute to pack a bag and we are leaving." he jumped up, getting a dufflebag out of the closet and heading to the dresser.
"But... why? There are still... two weeks to go. It's very early. Alan, it's too early for them. I'm scared."
Alan dropped everything and sat next to him, holding Jeff's face in his hands. "I know...I know. I'm scared too. But everything will be okay. Babies can come earlier sometimes. Our baby boy or girl apparently couldn't wait to meet us." his thumbs stroke his cheeks softly. "Everything will be okay. We'll go to the hospital or even stay here if it is more comfortable and I'll call for a midwife. Either way, baby will be sleeping in our arms and, if they need more warmth, we will give them exactly that. Anything they need."
Hearing his words, Jeff felt a little less scared, his eyes softening. He nodded. "Hm. You're right. Let's go have our baby."
"Let's go have our baby." he kissed his forehead.
------o------
Gosh it hurt.
Jeff pushed again, groaning in pain.
"You're doing great, Jeff. You got this." Alan encouraged, his hand never letting go of the other's grasp while either wiping his sweat off with a small towel or brushing his hair out of his face.
"Dad, keep talking to him." the doctor urged Alan and then looked at Jeff. "Keep going just like that. Baby is crowning already. It won't take long."
Deep breaths, trying to cope with the pain even in the slightest and fight off exhaustion. Jeff mumbled something yet Alan knew he called his name so he leaned in. "I'm here, dove. I know, it's painful and seems never-ending but you can do this. A little more and baby will be in your arms." he kissed his hand and watched him push hard again.
A final cry. A final strong push. Jeff fell back on the bed, totally exhausted, trying to catch his breath and -just like Alan- even a whine from their newborn. Just a few seconds later, baby started crying a little, reassuring the parents that everything was alright as the doctor placed them on Jeff's chest.
"Yeah, little one. I know. I'm cruel not handing you over immediately." the doctor joked. "Congratulations on your baby girl."
Jeff and Alan's eyes were instantly glued to their daughter watching her try to nuzzle a little closer.
"Aww, she is so small. Hey there, baby girl." Jeff spoke softly. He gave a quick glance at Alan, noticing his eyes were filled with tears. "A-"
"I'm okay." Alan blinked away his tears. "They are happy tears... hi there, cutie." he gently caressed her cheek with his finger.
-------o-------
About an hour later, the doctor finished up with the examination, giving them a few pointers and left, leaving the new parents to have some alone time with their baby.
"Do you want me to bring you anything?" Alan asked.
"No, I'm good." Jeff shook his hand dismissively. "Come sit down."
"Is she awake?" Alan got closer, almost towering over the bassinet on Jeff's left side.
"Not quite." his finger pressed lightly against her cheek. "I'm so glad she's alright and only had to spend a couple more days here than her being in the NICU."
"You're not th only one." Alan wrapped his arm around his shoulder. "But our girl is strong and did it her way. Ain't that right, Lamai?" he told, smirking as their daughter seemed to respond to the statement when she made a little sound.
Jeff was about to say something but he yawned, which prompted Alan to get up and lay him back down. "Better get some rest. You need it."
"Hm. I can't turn down such offer. I can barely keep my eyes open."
"You two go to sleep. I'm not going anywhere." he kissed the other's forehead.
"Night, night, Lamai. When I get up, I'll shower you with more kisses." he tapped on the glass, as if he was booping her nose.
"Sweet dreams."
Alan then took his phone out, tapped a few buttons on it and, once done, he put it back in his pocket, his full attention back on his family.
sent 07:09
'Jeff and I won't come to the garage for a couple of days. Little princess decided to make haste of her arrival.'