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It had been a taxing day for Jayce. He led lectures, spent time in the lab, administered an exam, participated in a staff meeting, and had another lunch meeting with Mel to discuss important details regarding a joint project they were working on before Powder and Ekko asked to meet with him as their temporary mentor for their mentorship program until Viktor could return to work. Before Jayce knew it, the sun was setting, and the day had vanished in the blink of an eye. Exhausted, he was ready to enjoy a relaxing evening with Viktor. After stopping at their favorite take-out restaurant, he quickly returned home.
Jayce sighed with relief as he opened the door to their townhouse on a quiet, tree-lined street off campus and kicked off his shoes. He cleared the counter of loose documents and graded papers before placing their take-out boxes down. “I’m home,” Jayce called out, knowing Viktor would still be wide awake. Despite what he or the doctor said about resting, “Sorry I’m so late. You know how work gets, and Mel wanted to review some details for the project we’ve been working on. She sends her love, by the way. Then Powder and Ekko wanted to meet. They can’t wait to see the baby when they arrive. Before I knew it, it was late, but I picked up dinner from our favorite place. Please don’t be too mad,” Jayce explained while retrieving the Styrofoam boxes from the plastic bag.
Silence followed as he took some bottled water from the fridge. Jayce frowned and turned to face the room, closing the fridge behind him, finding it strange that he hadn’t heard Viktor’s voice yet. “Vik?” he called again, venturing down the hall.
Jayce checked the first room he thought Viktor might be in—the baby’s nursery. Forced onto bed rest for his and the baby’s health, Viktor spent much of his time here as his due date approached. With little else to do except be mindlessly bored—in Viktor’s words, Viktor arranged the last items in the room to create the perfect space for their child. Jayce had learned the hard way to stay out of Viktor’s way when he was in nesting mode. Too many wacks of his cane set him straight, leaving his calves black and blue. With that in mind, he cautiously poked his head inside the nursery. “Viktor, are you in here?”
The room was empty. There was no sign of Viktor, not even in the comfy rocking chair where Jayce often found him sleeping peacefully, hands cradling his large belly, looking beautiful.
Pausing momentarily in the doorway, Jayce couldn't help but admire the completed nursery. One side of the room was adorned with a beautifully painted meadow scene, reminiscent of where he used to play as a child. The opposite side depicted the stream behind the factory where Viktor spent much of his childhood, complete with a little steamboat slowly floating down the water.
In one corner stood a rocking chair and a crib that Jayce's mother had once used for him. Inside the crib, a bright pink plush axolotl awaited the baby—a gift from Powder on Viktor’s last day, along with a cherished blue blanket Jayce had given Viktor long ago. In the opposite corner was a changing table, a thoughtful gift from Cait and Vi.
A smile tugged at Jayce's lips, filling him with a warm, calming feeling. It was hard to believe that he and Viktor were expecting their first child together. Given Viktor's fragile health, the prospect of having a child hadn’t even crossed their minds. They knew the chances of Viktor carrying a viable pregnancy to term were slim to none. They had accepted that having children was not in the cards for them; instead, students like Powder and Ekko, bright, clever, and full of life, had filled that void.
That was until Viktor unexpectedly left an early birthday gift at Jayce's workstation in the lab. Curiosity got the best of Jayce, and he quickly opened the small box to discover an ultrasound picture. Beneath the picture were words written in Viktor’s distinct handwriting: “Hi, Papi. I can’t wait to meet you.”
Jayce spun around, the picture still in hand, and stared at Viktor wide-eyed. “Are…are you serious?” he asked, afraid to truly hope this was happening.
Viktor nodded, smiling, his honey-gold eyes shining with unshed tears. He placed a hand over his lower abdomen and said, “Yes, Jayce. We’re having a baby.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Jayce rushed to Viktor’s side and gathered him in his arms, showering Viktor, his beautiful, amazing, wonderful Viktor, with kisses on every visible piece of skin he could reach. The two of them became a weeping, laughing mess. Jayce couldn’t believe it. They were having a baby, an honest-to-goodness baby, made by his and Viktor’s love. They were going to be parents! Jayce fell to his knees and kissed the gentle swell of Viktor’s belly, housing their precious little miracle.
Suddenly, a low moan filled the air, breaking his thoughts. Jayce froze, and his eyes widened. That didn’t sound good. He quickly returned to the hallway and looked towards their bedroom, where the sound emanated. With quick, sure steps, he went to the closed bedroom door. Frowning worriedly, a tight knot formed in the pit of his stomach. He pushed open the door and quickly called out to his husband again.
The room was dark, safe for the laptop screen glowing on the bed. It left everything in a dim blue, including the pale hand clutching the blankets in a vice grip. A head of wavy hair cascaded on the bed, whose face was smashed into the bedding, stifling another pained cry. A chill ran through Jayce as he recognized the sight of Viktor experiencing a contraction.
Before Jayce knew it, he was by Viktor’s side, rubbing his sweat-drenched back and feeling him shake under his touch, “You’re doing great, V,” Jayce quietly cooed.
Either Viktor couldn’t hear Jayce or was too far gone in the contraction to acknowledge him. Nevertheless, Jayce continued rubbing his back and whispering sweet nothings into his ear. Viktor continued to rock his hips through the pain and spread his shaking legs further apart in anticipation of the birth, with a pillow protecting his weak knee under him. It made Jayce wonder how long he had been in labor. It had to be long enough for him to be drenched in sweat.
Thankfully, the contraction finally ended, and Viktor took one more deep breath in and a slow, deliberate breath out. He leaned back into Jayce, hands supporting the weight of his belly.
“Viktor?” Jayce called to Viktor softly. He gently swiped away a piece of wavy, sweaty, brown hair plastered to his forehead.
Almost in a daze, Viktor looked at Jayce, surprised, “J-Jayce, when did you get here?”
Jayce smiled gently and caressed Viktor’s rosy cheeks. “A few minutes ago. You didn’t respond when I got home, and I got worried. So I went looking for you. I was about to check the bedroom when I didn’t find you in the nursery,” Jayce explained gently. He watched Viktor slowly rub circles into his belly's taunt, stretched skin.
Viktor blinked momentarily, his mind still catching up with him, “Oh.”
Jayce’s smile grew softer and he helped Viktor onto the bed. Viktor sighed, leaned back on his hands, and his eyes landed on their nightstand. Jayce followed his eyeline to where a water bottle was sitting. He quickly picked it up and noted how warm the bottle was compared to the condensation on its surface. Viktor must have grabbed it before the contractions became too painful to ignore, leaving the bottle forgotten. He promptly opened the bottle and gave it to Viktor. Viktor smiled gratefully and drank most of the content in one go, almost half a bottle’s worth, “Thank you.” Viktor gasped, and he handed the bottle back to Jayce.
“How long have you been in labor?” Jayce asked as he dropped the bottle onto the nightstand.
Viktor frowned and lulled his head to the side, where the computer glowed. His eyes widened slightly. “Since you left for the Academy,” he said.
That meant Viktor had been in labor since six a.m. “Vitya! You should have called me. You could be in active labor by now!” Jayce cried.
A response was on Viktor’s lips when he suddenly curled in on himself, another contraction beginning, hands clenching his belly. Jayce quickly fell to his knees and comfortingly rubbed Viktor’s shaking thighs. “It doesn’t matter now,” Viktor began through the pain, “Besides, you are only a few minutes walk away. If I needed to, I would have called you, and you would be here in no time. And this is my first pregnancy; they take longer to progress,” He gasped, face pinching in pain.
Jayce sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose and his forehead. There was nothing to do about it now, and it was no use arguing about it when they had more important things to attend to. “Breathe, Vik, just like we practiced, " he said, looking back up and mimicking the breathing exercises they had been working on.
“E-easy for you to say. You're not the one going through the pain of labor and about to push out a nearly ten-pound baby–ooooh!” Viktor cried out, arched his back against the pain, and lifted his contracting belly high, changing shape before Jayce’s eyes. Though Viktor protested, Jayce noted Viktor took more deliberate, slow breaths through the pain.
Jayce leaned up and gently kissed Viktor’s forehead, eliciting a small whimpering gasp before he pressed their foreheads together and intertwined their hands as the contraction passed. “Let’s get you to the hospital. The last thing I would ever want is for you to give birth unaided in our bedroom.”
Viktor stared at Jayce with wide, pained, honey-gold eyes. “This is happening, isn’t it?” he gasped, “The baby’s coming.” The reality of the situation hit Viktor suddenly.
Jayce nodded, letting go of one of Viktor’s hands, and rubbed Viktor’s belly, smiling, “It seems our little miracle is ready to join the world.” Jayce agreed. Through the thin fabric of Vitkor’s shirt, he could feel how rock-hard his belly was and the baby’s feisty kicks. Excitement ran through Jayce as he realized that, by tomorrow, Viktor would have given birth to their child.
Viktor’s hand came to rest on top of Jayce’s and squeezed it. Jayce looked again to find Viktor staring at him with tired but determined eyes and a small smile. “Let’s go have a baby.”
Jayce grinned, “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”
After that, everything moved quickly. Jayce helped Viktor change into clean sweatpants, a comfortable T-shirt, and his knee brace before guiding him to the living room. He left Viktor seated on the couch, working through another contraction. They were very close now. A few contractions had passed in the time it took them to go from the bedroom to the living room. Viktor was undoubtedly in active labor and on the verge of giving birth. They needed to get to the hospital quickly.
Jayce kissed the top of Viktor’s head. “I’ll be right back, Viktor. I’m going to grab the go bag.”
Viktor responded with a hum and a subtle nod as he rested his head against the armrest of the couch, riding through another contraction.
Jayce hurried back to their bedroom and threw himself into the closet, where their duffle bag was filled with things for the baby and Viktor. With the duffle bag in hand, Jayce quickly ran to the bathroom and grabbed a few towels for Viktor in case his water broke on the way to the hospital. He quickly returned to the living room, where Viktor remained hunched over the armrest, humming and groaning through the pain.
Jayce knelt before Viktor again and gently put a piece of hair behind Viktor’s ear, getting his attention. “I’ll be right back,” he began softly. “I’m going to put these things in the car, and then I’ll come back for you, okay?”
Viktor nodded frantically, eyes filled with worry. “H-hurry, I don’t think this baby will wait much longer.” He hissed while his hands cradled his belly for emphasis.
Jayce nodded and rushed out the door. He quickly made his way to the car. Shuffling around the items in his arms, he fumbled for the key fob and unlocked the car doors. He threw the duffle bag into the back seat and placed the towels across the front passenger seat, tucking the fluffy fabric in the corners and crevices. Once satisfied with the work, Jayce hurried back to Viktor.
As he climbed up the steps to their townhouse, Jayce pulled out his cell phone to make a quick call.
“Captain Kiramman speaking,” The familiar voice said.
“Cait! Thank the gods you picked up,” Jayce cried.
“Jayce? What’s wrong?” Cait replied, noting the panic in Jayce’s voice.
“It’s Viktor, he’s gone into labor–”
“Oh, gods! It’s time?” She asked excitedly.
“Yeah, you're about to be an aunt, but that’s not important right now. Viktor has been in labor all day, he’s possibly in active labor, where are you right now? I need a police escort to get us to the hospital asap!” Jayce explained in a rush.
“Jayce, I can’t. I’m nowhere near you.”
“Shit.”
“But I think Vi is in the area. I’ll see what I can do, but I can’t promise anything,” Cait replied.
“Thank you,” Jayce said in relief.
“Just don’t do something stupid in the meantime to jeopardize the birth of my niece or nephew. You got it!” Cait warned.
Jayce gulped, “Yes, Ma'am.”
“Good. I'll see you at the hospital. Congrats, by the way. I am so happy for you and Viktor.”
Jayce smiled, “Thanks, Sprout.”
“Anytime. Now get Viktor to the hospital. He’s having a baby!”
“Right, right, bye.” With that, he ended the call.
Jayce turned to his front door in time to see Viktor standing at the door. Jayce took the steps two at a time, quickly reaching Victor's side and taking most of his weight. “You were taking too long,” Viktor explained, knowing exactly what Jayce was thinking.
“Sorry. Ready to go then?” He asked more rhetorically.
“More than ready.” Viktor snapped, “Get me to the hospital now, or I’m having this baby on the front steps!”
That reaction jumped-started Jayce to act. He placed a hand on Viktor’s lower back and safely helped him down the stairs. Once on the sidewalk, Jayce promptly moved from Viktor’s side and opened the front passenger door.
Jayce turned back to Viktor. Viktor was swaying mindlessly with most of his weight resting on his cane, trapped between reality and delusion, tired from labor pains but as calm and collected as anyone could be in Viktor’s situation. Jayce couldn't help but marvel at Viktor's strength. Giving birth had to be difficult. Watching Vitkor shoulder it with such poise and resilience as he did was the most amazing and beautiful thing he had ever seen. Jayce couldn’t help but fall in love with him more. If only he could take away just a small fraction of the pain Viktor was experiencing.
Jayce wrapped an arm around his shoulders. Once Viktor was in his embrace, he kissed his sweaty temple, pouring as much of his love and support as he could into the kiss. Viktor sighed and leaned into the touch, bone tired. “I’ve got you. Everything will be alright.”
Viktor weakly nodded, a tired smile on his face before it morphed into a pained grimace, and a low, primal moan, escaped his lips. Viktor held his belly again with one hand. The other held a white knuckle grip on the cane. He hunched over and slowly descended. Jayce followed Viktor down and held tightly to Viktor’s shoulders when the moan became a loud cry.
“Vik, oh gods, Viktor, what’s wrong?” Jayce asked worriedly.
Viktor shook his head frantically, too lost in pain again to do nothing more than yell as he lowered his body more and more until he was all but squatting. Suddenly, he gave a surprised shout. Jayce was about to ask what was wrong again when splashing water filled the air. They both froze. Jayce could see shock and fear mirrored on Viktor’s face.
“Jayce,” Viktor whispered frighteningly. He raised his hand slowly, showing it was covered in a thin layer of pinkish amniotic fluid.
Oh shit. Viktor’s water had finally broken.
“Time to go!” Jayce cried and quickly ushered Viktor into the car. With the car still on and in park, Jayce switched gears and began down the road, reaching for Viktor’s hand, “Squeeze my hand as hard as you need, okay?”
Viktor nodded and took the hand offered, his other hand rubbing worried circles into his swollen belly. "O–okay—ah!” he cried, squeezing his hand tightly. Jayce stifled a wince. This was nothing compared to what Viktor was going through.
The townhouses, school buildings, and little shops of the Academy district blurred past them. Jayce drove fast enough to break multiple driving laws. Each turn was taken sharply, and every yellow light sped through quickly. Jayce took every shortcut he knew, hoping he had cut down the time. And yet, it still didn’t seem fast enough. With each passing moment, Viktor’s cries of pain grew louder and more distressed. From the corner of his eye, Jayce could only watch helplessly as Viktor writhed in pain, tears streaming down his face. The smell of coppery blood and amniotic fluid began to fill the car.
“Hang in there, Viktor. We’ll be at the hospital in no time!” Jayce tried to comfort him.
“Ugh! It’s getting worse–ha, ha–there’s pressure now. I don’t think I’m going to m–make it to the hospital–oooh,” Viktor gasped between short bouts of pained breathing.
“I know, just… try not to push, okay?” Jayce said, panicky.
“It’s not like I can control when I have to push, Jayce Talis!” Viktor barked angrily.
“Sorry! I shouldn’t have said that!” Jayce suddenly cried, taking another quick turn, only to hit sudden traffic.
Of fucking course, they would hit traffic now. It was rush hour, after all. Jayce looked back, hoping he had enough space to reverse, but more cars filled the space behind them just as he looked. They were trapped with no way out.
“We’re blocked in.” Jayce hissed.
“Damnit–ah!” Viktor cried in pain and placed an arm over his eyes, hiding his tears. Jayce’s heart broke from Viktor's cry.
“I’m sorry, babe. I should have known this way would have heavy traffic this time of day.” Jayce said, cursing at himself for not considering the time of day.
Viktor shakes his head, half delirious from the pain. “No, this is all my fault,” Viktor moaned, “had I called you when I realized these weren’t false contractions, we wouldn't be in this situation. Now–aha–I think I might have to give birth here!” He sobbed, writhing in the seat, unable to escape the pain.
“Hey, Viktor, it’s going to be okay,” Jayce began softly and gently coaxed Viktor to remove the arm from his eyes. Jayce slid his hand down Viktor's arm. He could hear Viktor give a short whimper and sniffle, emotions raw. Once he reached his hand, Jayce intertwined their fingers and pulled them to his lips, kissing Viktor’s sweaty knuckles, hoping it would provide meager comfort. “We’ll figure this out. All that matters now is that you have someplace to deliver the baby safely, alright? Everything will turn out fine. I promise,” Jayce said, hoping his words would remain true.
Viktor took a centering breath and wiped his tears with his other hand. “Okay.” He said shakily and squeezed Jayce’s hand.
The traffic began to move again, impossibly slow, inch by inch. They barely progressed in the crawl of cars. Viktor’s contractions continued to increase in intensity and length. There was barely any time between them now. Viktor could no longer hide the amount of pain he was in, loudly moaning, screaming, and crying through the pain. He clawed and reached for any perch on the seat, the safety belt, or the handle above. Viktor reached for Jayce’s hand again, trying to find some release, needing to move but knowing there was nowhere to go.
The traffic moved again, and Jayce breathed a sigh of relief, heart pounding. There was an opening on the farthest lane. If he took it Jayce could take the turn in the upcoming intersection and break away from the stream of slow-moving traffic. With Viktor distracted, hands white-knuckled on the door handle and the armrest between them, Jayce placed both of his hands on the wheel and quickly took the spot, blinking light be damned. There’s beeping, tires screeching, maybe someone throwing their head out the window to curse Jayce out and throw him the finger, but he doesn’t care. Jayce slotted almost seamlessly into the opening, with only three cars and a red light between him and the open road. Jayce heard Viktor gasp, exhausted, as the latest contraction passed. He reached for Viktor’s hand, sweaty and shaking, and squeezed before bringing it up to his lips, “Just a little longer, baby, after this light, we’re home free,” Jayce tried to reassure Viktor, “Do you think you can hold out for that long?” He asked as the light turned green.
There was a pause that was too long to be comfortable before Viktor speaks. “I need you to stop the car,” he says far too calmly.
Jayce's blood ran cold at the calmness, “W-what.” He asked.
Viktor took a deep breath, gathering whatever strength he had left. Then, with angry, desperate eyes, he turned to face Jayce. “I said, stop the car!”
Jayce pressed on the break, screeching to a stop, car horns blaring behind them. They both jerked forward. Viktor groaned loudly and bore down, one hand holding the handle above him and the other pressing down on the armrest. He was pushing. With wide eyes, Jayce froze and watched Viktor’s chin come down to his chest, his teeth clenched, and his shaking legs spread wider, catching footholds on the sides of his passenger seat.
“J-Jayce, drive,” Viktor groaned. Even as Viktor is on the verge of giving birth, he has the wherewithal to keep Jayce from being stupid.
It breaks Jayce out of his stupor, and he quickly turns down the street, looking around for somewhere safer for Viktor to give birth other than the middle of the road.
Viktor gasps when the contraction passes and falls back into his seat. “The baby’s coming. I can feel them,” he gasped.
“Okay, okay,” Jayce replied, gulping, eyes still scanning the road madly. Then he sees an alleyway tucked behind dumpsters, big enough to fit the car. Jayce races to it, barely fitting between the dumpsters and into the dark alleyway.
He rushed around the front of the car and opened the passenger door to find Vitkor in the throes of a contraction once more. Viktor leans forward, resting his arms and head against the dashboard and moaning loudly as he pushes, “You’re doing great, Vik,” Jayce says.
Realizing Jayce was there, Viktor reached for Jayce’s hand as he continued to push. Once the contraction passed, Viktor leaned back against the seat, gasping for breath. Viktor met Jayce’s eyes, wild and frantic. “I need to get into a better position. I can feel their head. They’re–gah–right there, help me.” Viktor stuttered out, sliding from the seat.
Jayce nodded. “Alright, let’s get those pants off of you fast,” Jayce replied. He helped Viktor pull his pants down, removing one pant leg, careful of his hips. Then, he moved Viktor into position with his remaining pant leg still on, the freed pant leg acting as a makeshift pillow for his weak leg.
Viktor’s back rested against the armrest, one arm on the seat and the other on the dashboard, and his feet were planted on either side of Jayce’s shoulders. Jayce’s hands were out and ready to catch the baby when they arrived. A twinge of fear ran through Jayce as he realized he would have to deliver their child. Jayce swallowed and smiled tightly up at Viktor. Viktor stared down at him over his quivering belly, tired and frightened. Jayce understood. He felt the same way. They should be in a hospital room with a trained doctor and nursing staff doing this. All Viktor had now was Jayce. He had to be more than enough. He quickly found his resolve again, “You ready for this?”
Viktor laughed, short and tired, “I should be asking you that. You’re catching them.” Viktor replied, then his brows pinched together, and he sucked in a painful breath, “It-it’s starting again!” Viktor cried and leaned forward, baring down.
Jayce steadied his stance, ready to catch the baby. Before long, he could see a crown of brown hair begin to make its way from Viktor’s entrance. Viktor cried louder, tears streaming down his face. His body jerked and arched from the pain. “Burning!”
“It’s the baby’s head, their crowning; don’t fight it. Push slowly.” Jayce said, trying to remember what those pregnancy books said about the birthing process. He pressed his hands around Viktor’s entrance, gently pushing the baby’s head out. It took some time and a few more pushes. Finally, a head of dark hair pushed out.
Viktor leaned back again, tears streaming down his rosy cheeks, gasping but relieved, “Their head’s out?” Viktor asked desperately.
Jayce nodded and grinned widely, “Yeah, and they’ve got a lot of dark hair!”
“Is there a cord?”
Jayce shook his head, examining the baby’s neck for any, “No, keep going, you’re doing great, Viktor!”
More tears pricked at the corners of Viktor’s eyes, “Oh!” That was all Viktor could say before he bared down again.
Their child’s head was now in Jayce’s hands, and the rest of their body followed suit. One shoulder was already out, and Viktor was already working on freeing the other. “Keep going, Vik. All you need to do now is give me one more big push, and they’ll be here!”
Viktor nodded, unable to speak any longer, and with one final primal cry, Viktor bore down with the last of his strength. The baby’s other shoulder quickly came along with the rest of their body in a gush of fluids. Jayce secured his hold on the little body, wet and wriggling and crying so powerfully, so full of life. They were beautiful. A healthy, pinkish-tan colored their skin dotted with little moles like Viktor's. Their hair was a perfect mix of his and Viktor’s, dark brown with slight, flipping curls, and their eyes were a perfect mix of Viktor’s honey-gold and his hazel. Jayce found only ten perfect fingers and toes with a cursory check, “J-Jayce?” Viktor called out, hoarse and thoroughly spent.
Jayce looked up, smiling warmly at Viktor’s outstretched arms. Quickly, he handed their child to him. “It’s a girl,” Jayce whispered. He reverently handed the child to Viktor.
Viktor’s eyes widened, and fresh tears sprung from his eyes. He stared at the little being cradled in his arms, awed. After being placed on Viktor’s chest, she finally calmed. “A girl…we have a baby girl?” Viktor asked, almost in disbelief.
Jayce nodded, grinning madly, laughing, and rose to kiss Viktor’s forehead, “Yeah, Vik. We do, gods you did amazing.” Jayce said, awed.
Viktor smiled, relishing the praise, “I couldn’t have done it without you, Jayce.” Viktor replied before kissing the top of their daughter’s head.
Then Jayce noticed Viktor shivering uncontrollably. “Oh, you must be cold. Let’s keep you two as warm as possible,” Jayce said.
He went to the back seat, pulled out Viktor’s travel blanket from the duffle bag, and placed it over them before gently moving Viktor back into the car, closing the door, and starting up the heat. Viktor smiled his thanks, but his eyes never left their baby girl, who was now quietly sleeping peacefully in her Daddy’s arms. “She’s so beautiful,” Viktor whispered.
“Just like her Daddy,” Jayce agreed, leaning over the armrest and gently caressing her little chubby cheek. By the gods, she was one of the most beautiful beings he had ever seen.
Viktor hummed, his exhaustion finally getting the best of him, though his hold on their little girl was still just as strong. Jayce smiled and leaned over the armrest between them, placing a gentle kiss against Viktor’s lips. Viktor sluggishly reciprocated before they broke apart, foreheads touching and noses rubbing together in a soft, relaxed show of affection.
Jayce finally pulled away, giving Viktor a moment to breathe. Viktor’s eyes remained glued on their baby girl, “I knew this day was coming for months now, I could feel her kicking, punching, and wiggling in me for so long. It’s hard to believe she’s here,” Viktor admitted quietly.
Jayce smiled warmly. Jayce pressed another kiss to Viktor’s temple, “Believe it, Vik,” Jayce said and placed a hand on their baby’s back through the blanket, “Look what you did, V. She’s real, she’s here, all because of you. You are so amazing, baby. So strong, I’m so proud of you!” He finished, gushing.
Viktor rolled his eyes, hardly believing Jayce’s words. “Yeah, well, you weren’t half bad yourself, catching the baby,” Viktor smirked.
Another response was on the tip of Jayce’s tongue when his phone began to ring again. “Oh, really, after all the work is done, someone calls back!” Jayce cried, pulling out the phone and seeing Vi’s name. “Hey, Vi,” Jayce said, answering it.
”Hey, heard you needed an escort? Is everything alright? How’s Viktor doing?” Vi asked.
Jayce and Viktor looked at each other knowingly. “Viktor’s doing great. But we need more of an ambulance now. The work’s done.”
“What…do you mean?” Vi asked slowly, confused.
The baby chose then to stir again, crying weakly.
“That would be the reason Vi,” Viktor replied.
“Viktor! Oh gods, is that what I think it is?” Vi asked excitedly.
“Yup,” Jayce replied, popping the P, “Baby’s here. Would you mind sending an ambulance to…” Jayce continued rattling off the address and their location behind the dumpsters.
Vi quickly hung up and told them to stay where they were. Jayce and Viktor didn’t argue, instead using the time to get acquainted with their new daughter. Viktor gently passed the baby to Jayce, allowing Papi and his daughter to get acquainted. Gods, Jayce couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have the two most beautiful, wonderful people in his life now. He truly didn’t deserve this.
Before long, the sound of police and ambulance sirens filled the air. Red and blue lights tinged the alleyway in colors, and a small army of people, led by Vi and Cait, rushed to Viktor’s side.
“Viktor, are you alright?” Cait asked, opening the door.
Viktor nodded sleepily, “I’m fine.”
“Okay, the ambulance is here to help, we’ll get you and baby to the hospital as soon as we can,” Vi added.
The EMTs split. One quickly rushed in and began assessing Viktor, while the other went to the driver's side door and checked over the baby.
“A healthy baby girl. You did a good job, Dads, " the EMT said as he wrapped the baby in a shiny thermal blanket.
“Viktor did most of the work, I only caught her.” Jayce corrected.
“A girl! I have a niece?” Cait gushed from the other side, having stayed with Viktor.
“Yeah, you do, Sprout,” Jayce replied, laughing.
“A healthy little niece,” Viktor agreed, relieved.
Jayce leaned over, smiling warmly. He gave Viktor one hand, the other securely holding their daughter, once more asleep. Viktor took it readily, his fingers interlocking perfectly, squeezing with reassurance and understanding.
It took all of Cait’s enforcer training to keep from being unprofessional, but if Vi’s smile and the warm gleam in her eye were anything to go by, Cait was barely holding it together, “Oh, Cupcake…”
They helped Viktor deliver the afterbirth and ushered him onto a gurney. Jayce followed them into the ambulance. The car would have to be towed out of the alley, but it was a price Jayce would willingly pay later.
Before the doors closed, Cait called, “I’ll call your Mom and let her know to meet you at the hospital. You worry about Viktor and the baby. "
“Thanks, Cait,”
Before long, they were on their way to the hospital. Viktor and the baby were healthy and doing fine. Once at the hospital, they were quickly moved into a recovery room, where Ximena found them, tears streaming down her cheeks, “Hey Mami…” Jayce greeted from where he was sitting on the bed with Viktor, the baby carefully nestled in Viktor’s arms.
“Oh, mis lindos! Let me look at you~” She gushed, completely ignoring Jayce in favor of Viktor and the baby, not that Jayce mind. He had expected it. From when Jayce first mentioned Viktor was more than just a lab partner, she'd been waiting for this day.
Jayce could only watch and stifle a laugh. Viktor blushed under his mother’s loving touches and kisses. She touched and cupped his face, whispering sweet nothings in Spanish, kissed his cheeks and forehead, and petted his hair. Viktor valiantly took her attention before she moved to the baby, kissing her forehead and cooing over her.
“Would you like to hold the baby, Ximena?” Viktor asked, offering the baby to her.
It was almost like Viktor had offered Ximena her heart’s desire. He probably did. She shook her head, sniffing back her tears. “More than anything, Viktor.”
Viktor gently passed the baby to Ximena. With all the practice ease of someone who had once held a child so small, She held the baby securely and sat on the lounge chair close to the bed. Viktor curled into Jayce, fitting perfectly into the crook of Jayce’s body like a puzzle piece. Together, they kept vigil over their child as Grandmother and Granddaughter met.
More people joined them. Cait, Vi, Powder, and Ekko made their way to their hospital room with flowers, balloons, and stuffed toys. Cait and Vi sat on the uncomfortable couch across the room, happy to watch the chaos unfold.
“Professor Cookie! Where is the baby?” Powder gushed, swinging a plush monkey in the air.
Viktor huffed good-naturedly. He would never live down that nickname. “With Grandma, Powder, " he replied, pointing to where Ximena was.
It was all she needed before she squealed and dragged a helpless Ekko over. “Hello, Professor Talis, Professor Viktor. Congratulations.” Ekko said, “When Vi told us what happened during the birth it was crazy. We ran over as fast as we could,” Ekko said.
Powder nodded in agreement. “I mean, who could blame the baby? This cutie wanted to join the rest of us out here!” she gushed, her eyes glowing excitedly.
“Thank you, Ekko, Powder,” Viktor said.
“Can I hold her?” Powder asked.
“If Viktor and Jayce are okay with it,” Ximena replied, turning to them.
Jayce deferred to Viktor. He knew her the best. Viktor nodded, “Only if you’re careful.”
Powder grinned widely, shaking her head rapidly, “Yeah, of course, Profess. I’ll be good!” She said giddy.
“Alright then, Ximena, do you mind?” Viktor asked.
“Not at all, mi hijo, why don’t you go sit with your sister? I’ll help you with the baby.” Ximena said gently.
Powder didn’t need to be told twice as she almost leaped to the couch and plopped next to her sister, nearly vibrating next to Vi. Ekko took the armrest next to Powder as a seat, his arm around her shoulders. Vi rolled her eyes good-naturedly.
Ximena laughed and carefully walked over to Powder, “Hold your arms out, Miss Powder, yes, just like that. Remember, you have to support the baby’s head,” Ximena explained with all the gentleness in the world.
Powder listened intently. Her wide eyes were trained on the baby, and she was careful not to drop them. Once the baby was in her arms, she carefully brought her to her chest as Ximena stepped away and returned to her seat. Powder smiled, and her eyes almost glowed with warm love. The baby stirred, recognizing she was not in someone’s familiar arms. Her amber eyes opened, and she looked up at Powder. Instead of crying, she almost seemed to smile at Powder, cuddling into her hold. Powder gasped, tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, and she smiled wide. Jayce knew something had formed between them, a connection. Powder gently kissed the baby’s forehead, “You and I are going to be the best of friends,” Powder whispered, the vow like a secret only for them.
Everyone smiled, and Ekko kissed Powder on the top of her head. She relished the touch.
“So, what did ya name the little girl? You never told us her name,” Vi asked, leaning back on the couch and placing an arm over Cait’s shoulder.
Cait nodded, smiling warmly, “Yes, I have been dying to hear what her name is going to be.”
Jayce and Viktor shared a knowing smile. They had chosen many names, but none seemed to fit her now that she was here. They weren’t sure who had suggested it, but the name was perfect, “Would you like to do the honors, Viktor?” Jayce whispered into his ear.
Viktor smiled softly, his honey-gold eyes shining lovingly at the child in Powder’s arms. “Her name is Isha Talis,” he said.