A/N: This is from a prompt by FallingStar95, who requested a fic where Nancy and Jonathan have a baby.

"Jonathan, some lady called and said that Nancy's in-"

Mr. Chorske doesn't even get a chance to finish the sentence as the youngest photographer on his staff promptly drops everything he holds, the photo of Mayor Koch greeting a child sinking into the chemicals and the tong he held clattering to the ground as the young man runs out of the darkroom, only getting his jacket with him since Paula who worked next to him had the presence of mind to throw it to him.

He's only vaguely aware of his coworkers looking at him as he runs right out of the building and the sounds of cars braking and honking as he runs right through traffic to get to the subway stop that was thankfully close to work. All he could think about were Nancy. And the baby.

"Nancy?" He calls out as he looks around the apartment.

She's not in the kitchen or the living room. Walking back towards the hall he sees that the door to the bathroom is closed but not locked. He knocks before entering. She's sitting on the edge of the tub, staring at the sink.

"Nance? You okay?" He asks, crouching down in front of her and gently putting a hand on her knee. She's shaken out of her thoughts and turns her head to look at him.

"Y-yeah. Um… hi."

"Hey. What's wrong?"

She turns her head towards the sink again and he follows her gaze. There's a stick resting there. Showing two blue stripes. Oh. OH. He looks at her again and she looks back at him, her big blue eyes looking worried and she's got her right hand around her left arm, pulling it close, almost giving herself a hug, a nervous habit he hasn't seen her do for a long time.

"Oh," he says out loud.

"Yeah…"

He pulls her into a hug and she collapses into him, throwing her arms around him and burying her face in the crook of his neck.

"It's okay. It's gonna be okay," he whispers in her ear while he strokes her hair, even though it feels like the ground shakes beneath him. They've never really talked about kids. They're barely out of college, he thinks, though it's almost two years now.

"I don't know what to do," she chokes out.

"We'll figure it out. We always do."

"I'm going to have to quit my job."

"No. No you're not."

She loves her job. She's great at it. She got a foot in at the Times during an internship and that was all it took, as soon as she graduated she convinced them to hire her. Starting out at the bottom of the ladder she's quickly climbed it, like he knew she would since she's that good of a reporter. She's unstoppable.

"We'll figure it out," he reiterates. "But you're not quitting."

He feels her nod her head a bit. They stay like that for awhile.

He'd wanted to stay home with her as it got closer and closer to the approximate due date, but Nancy had insisted he'd go to work, and she was right of course, they needed the money. The doctor had set a due date for this weekend with the reservation that it could be sooner. And it apparently was. Nancy didn't feel anything new this morning and sent him off, reassuring him that she'd be fine and that Mrs. Rodriguez, their kindly neighbor across the hall, probably would pop by and keep her company as she'd taken to do recently. But these things could happen quickly and now here he was on his way home only hours after he'd left for work.

"And there's your baby," Dr. McKay says and points to the little spot on the screen that looks like a peanut.

"Wow," is all he can answer as he stares at it. Nancy's hand in his, eyes glued to the same screen.

"Yeah, wow," she agrees.

On the subway going back Nancy seems to be in deep thought. Suddenly she looks up at him.

"There's a little person growing inside of me."

"Yep."

"That's pretty freaky."

"Yeah."

"But I'm kind of getting really excited about it.

"Me too."

"You're going to be the best dad in the world."

"How lucky is this kid then since you'll be the best mom ever."

Rushing down the steps and through the turnstile and running along the platform he manages to just catch the train before the doors close. He curses everyone of the stops before the train finally arrive at his. He bursts through the doors and sprints the rest of the way home.

He has sweated through his shirt by the time he bursts through the door of their apartment. He rushes to the living room where he finds Nancy leaning back on the couch with Mrs. Rodriguez next to her.

"Nance! Nancy, what happened is everything okay are you okay did-" He gets out all in one go before her hand on his arm silences him.

"I'm okay, Jonathan," she says and looks deep into his eyes. But then her faces contorts in pain from a contraction. She immediately grips his hand and he puts his other arm around her.

"You need to get to the hospital," Mrs. Rodriguez says. Jonathan nods.

"We really do," Nancy gets out after the contraction passes.

"How did it go today?" He asks when they settle on the couch.

"Uh… good. I mean I cried in front of my boss but otherwise good."

"Eh… what?"

"I asked Mrs. Lemaire if she had a minute, we went into her office. We talked about the baby and she said she'd hate to see me go. I started bawling. Hormones, I think."

"But-"

"Turned out she meant on maternity leave. She said that she'd miss me when I'm not there and didn't know who to put on my beat while I'm gone. So, yeah. Turns out she really likes me."

"Told you, of course she does. The Times would fall without you."

Nancy rolls her eyes at him and shakes her head.

"Stop…"

"I'm sure of it. And I bet Mrs. Lemaire agrees with me."

"Whatever."

"Anyway um, I've got some news aswell."

"Good news?"

"Yeah. I ran into Leo today and he said again that the door's always open for me at the magazine so I've been thinking… I'll stay at the Post for now but before you go back to work I'll take them up on their offer. Pays the same, I'll get more to do and the hours are flexible so I can be home with the baby too."

"That's great!"

He helps her up from the couch and together with Mrs. Rodriguez gets her down the stairs. Out on the sidewalk he looks around, desperate for a cab since they don't have a car at the moment – his old one is back in Hawkins, because who needs a car in New York City, it's of more use to Will in his senior year of high school back home. But it sure would've come to use now. He hails a cab and it comes to an immediate stop, to his surprise. Looking around he sees that it's because Mrs. Rodriguez promptly walked straight out into the traffic lane and forced it to a stop. He nods a thank you before quickly helping Nancy in the backseat and getting in himself.

"Hey what the hell's going on – oh," the cab driver cuts himself off as he turns around and takes a look at Nancy.

"Hospital. Now!" He orders before turning all his attention to Nancy again.

"Of course, right away! Don't worry, I'm a father of four myself, I'll get you there in no time," the driver replies and speeds off.

"It's early," Nancy notes.

"Just a couple of days, it's fine," he reassures her. And he's really not worried about that point, but he hopes Nancy doesn't notice that he's scared out of his mind anyway, he has to be strong for her, it's all about her.

"Oh yeah, it'll be totally fine, believe me. My oldest daughter Aaliyah was born more then a week early and it all went fine," the driver buts in. Jonathan gives him a nod as Nancy seems somewhat calmed.

Then another contraction hits. Nancy squeezes his hand so tight he's sure her wedding ring makes an imprint on his skin.

"Hurry!" He orders the driver.

"Oh shit," he answers, increasing the speed and rapidly changing lanes to bypass cars. "Get out of the way, I've got a woman in labor here!" He shouts before swerving past another cab that tried to cut him off.

"Jonathan what if I give birth in the cab," Nancy says as the contraction passes.

"You're not giving birth in the cab," Jonathan answers as the cab flies down the avenue.

"But what if I do?" She insists.

"You won't, but if you do we'll figure it out, we always do. Right?"

"Right."

"I got you."

"I know."

He holds her tighter as the driver makes several sharp turns and then suddenly they're right by the entrance of the hospital.

"I don't have enough cash," Jonathan realizes, digging out some crumpled bills.

"For god's sake it doesn't matter, get your lady in there now! Hurry, cabs aren't really allowed to drive up this far!"

"Right, thanks!"

He helps Nancy out of the cab and through the entrance. Another contraction hits just then and they immediately get help and are quickly ushered to a delivery room.

"Jonathan I can't do this!" Nancy screams in the middle of it all as she's got his hand in a vicelike grip and tries to push.

"Yes you can, Nance. You got this, you're so strong. I got you. I got you."

He holds Nancy's hand as she does the most powerful thing he's ever seen her do (and that's saying something). Pushing, screaming and crying and then… for a split-second it's all quiet as Nancy's cries ebb out and then their baby's cries fill the room instead and it's the most wonderful change of sound he's ever heard. He's in a daze, just staring at their baby, pink and scrunchy-looking in Dr. McKay's arms that he doesn't even hear her asking if he wants to cut the umbilical cord. He's not ready to let go of Nancy anyway so the doctor does it herself. He's shaken out of it as they momentarily take the baby away to get it cleaned up.

And then they place her on Nancy's chest, snugly and cozily wrapped up. She stops crying for a second as Nancy holds her in her arms for the first time. He wraps an arm around Nancy's shoulders and is again completely transfixed.

"Wow," is all Nancy says.

"Yeah," is all he manages. They're both at a loss for words again, just like at that first ultrasound.

"Hi," Nancy says softly as the baby's eyes peer open for a second. He reaches out and the baby grasps one of his fingers firmly. It takes his breath away.

"Does she have a name?" A nurse gently asks.

"I want Barbara. For a middle name," Nancy says one evening when they're sprawled out on the couch together with some Simon and Garfunkel record playing softly in the background.

"Absolutely."

"Do you have any ideas for a first name?"

"Not really. Hey didn't your mom send a book for that?"

"Yeah. Could you go get it? It's on the shelf I think."

He retrieves the book of baby names and hands it to her. She starts flipping through it. Soon an amused expression finds its way over her face.

"Real subtle mom," she explains and angles the book towards him. "She's highlighted all the names she approves of."

"That's kind of sweet."

"Yeah but they all suck. Priscilla? Phyllis?! Come on, mom."

"Yeah, no."

Nancy quickly flips through the whole book and groans.

"Ugh, this doesn't work," she starts. After thinking for a moment she continues: "Hey, start saying cool people."

"What?" He chuckles.

"She needs a cool name, help me out here, I'm trying to think."

"Patti Smith."

"Love her but not huge fan of that name for the baby."

"Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth."

"Hm, Kim. Maybe."

"Kim Deal from the Pixies."

"I get it."

"Debbie Harry."

"Hm, very cool. Maybe."

"Stevie Nicks."

"We can't name her Stevie."

"Joan Jett."

"Joan and Jonathan? I don't know."

"Joni Mitchell."

"Stop."

He smirks at her and she rolls her eyes.

"What's this song called?" She asks after listening to it in silence for awhile.

"For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her."

"It's beautiful."

"Yeah, it is."

"Emily. Hm. I like Emily."

"Me too."

"Emily. Emily Byers."

"Sounds nice."

"Yeah. Huh. Emily. I really like it."

"Emily Barbara Byers," Nancy answers.

"Beautiful name for a beautiful girl," the nurse answers and smiles. She probably says it to everyone, regardless of the name or how the baby looks but Jonathan thinks she sounds really sincere now.

"Do you want to hold her?" Nancy asks.

"Yes."

They shift and the feeling as he holds his daughter in his arms for the first time is indescribable.

"Hey," he whispers to Emily.

He just sits and stares down at her for awhile, at a loss for words. Finally he finds some. It's a cliche but it's also the truth.

"She looks like you," he says softly. He gets no response, glancing over he notices that Nancy's fallen asleep, she must be exhausted.

"Mr. Byers? I'm sorry, but we need to do some tests and such, so if you'd give her to me I'll take her and we'll get those done," the nurse says.

"Oh," he looks up, having kind of forgotten there were other people there. He doesn't ever want to let go of Emily but realizes he has too. "Sure. Thanks, uh…?"

"Rhonda," she fills in with a smile as she carefully takes Emily in her arms.

"Thanks Rhonda. And uh, Jonathan is fine."

"Okay," she smiles.

"Oh," he realizes something. "Uh, phone, is there a phone I can…?"

"Down the hall and to the left."

"Hello?"

"Hey mom."

"Jonathan! Hi sweetie, how are you is everyth-, did it… did the baby…?"

"It did. We have a daughter."

She gives off a squeal right into the receiver.

"Oh my god! I'm so happy! How is she? How's Nancy? Is everyone good, is it all…"

"She's good, she's perfect. Nancy too. She, wow, she was amazing, mom."

"Of course she was, sweetie."

"Yeah. She's beautiful, she looks just like Nancy. They've taken her to get some tests and shots done now while Nancy's resting."

"Good."

"I should get back to Nance. But uh, tell Will and El and the rest and uh, you guys can come out here when it fits you guys' schedule I mean we-"

"Are you kidding, son? As soon as we hang up we're driving to the airport. I'm not waiting around for this!"

"Oh. Right, yeah, of course."

"Do you want me to call the Wheelers for you?"

"Uh, sure, that would be great."

"Okay, I will. Get back to Nancy. See you soon, love you."

"Love you too mom, bye."

She starts dialing the Wheelers number as soon as they hang up but is interrupted. Turning around she sees Will, Jane and Hop all looking at her.

"What was that about?" Will asks, though he's already figured it out.

"Jonathan and Nancy had the baby!" She confirms.

"Really?" Jane giddily asks and Hop gives a small smile that she knows means multitudes coming from him.

"Yes! Now sssch, I'm calling the Wheelers."

"Wheeler residence."

"Hi Holly! It's Joyce Byers, is your mom or dad home?"

"Yes, hang on!" The now pre-teen girl answers and she can hear her shout in the background.

"Joyce?"

"Hi Karen, Jonathan just called. They had the baby!"

"Oh my god! That's wonderful! How is everyone, the baby, Nancy?"

"They're all fine, he said. Healthy baby and Nancy was resting."

"Oh good, good."

"So, we're going to pack some clothes and drive to the airport right away, I don't know about you but I'm not waiting around to see my first granddaugther. Do you guys…?"

"Oh god, me neither! Can we drive up together? I just have to get Ted out of the Lay-Z-Boy and pack real quick."

"Good, we'll stop at your place on our way!"

After talking to his mom he calls work to let them know he won't be in, thankfully Mr. Chorske is an understanding boss and tells him to take his time. A nurse comes by as he hangs up and informs him that they've moved Nancy to another room. She's still sleeping when he walks in so he sits down quietly in the chair next to the bed and just watches her, trying to collect his thoughts somewhat.

Then nurse Rhonda returns with Emily and gives her to him. She's sleeping but starts to stir after a minute so he stands up and starts roaming the room slowly while gently rocking her. Without thinking he starts speaking to her in a low voice.

"Hey. Welcome to the world and all that. We've been waiting for you. It's nice to finally meet you. You look just like your mom. She's amazing. She can teach you how to shoot a gun and how to take down The Man. But that's for later though. She'll protect you. And I promise I'll protect you too. I'll be with you always. Count on me. I'm never ever leaving," he says with determination. Taking a breath he continues in a lighter tone. "And I'm sorry beforehand for how many photos I'm going to take of you but you're amazing. I'll make it up to you in the kitchen, I promise I'll take care of more of the cooking than your mom. It's for the best."

"Hey I've gotten better," a sore voice protests from the bed, making him turn around. Nancy was awake. "And I think she looks like you," she adds.

"Hm," he starts as he makes his way back to her and sits down next to her on the bed. "I can agree with the first part but not with the second, just look at her."

"Agree to disagree?"

"Not a chance, but let's call a truce."

"Okay," she smiles. He carefully hand over Emily to her. Nancy cradles the baby and leans into him as he put an arm around her.

"I called home by the way. And my mom was going to call your mom before she left."

"Left?"

"Yeah I was going to tell her that they could come out here as soon as they had the time but she said she was going now."

Nancy grins and coos with the baby.

The hours pass in quiet harmony. Nancy feeds Emily, who immediately latches on, then they both rest some more and Rhonda comes in regularly to check on Nancy, the delivery had taken a lot out of her but the nurse reassures Jonathan that she'd be fine, they could all stay overnight and get home tomorrow.

In the early evening Nancy's awake again, sitting up next to him in bed with Emily in her arms. Suddenly there's the sound of a lot of voices and footsteps out in the hallway and then the room is suddenly packed with people. His mom, Will, El, Hopper and the whole Wheeler family. His mom weren't kidding when she said she wasn't going to wait around.

"Oh my god," his mom begins, trying to keep her voice somewhat down as she and Mrs. Wheeler lead the way into the room.

"Hi," he and Nancy greet at the same time. "How did you get here so fast?" Nancy gets out, looking bewildered but pleased as both of their families gather around.

"We took Hop's cruiser and he speeded and rang the sirens the whole way to the airport!" Will explains.

"And we followed in the station wagon," Mike adds. "Mom drove like crazy."

"Nothing can stop me from seeing my first granddaughter," Karen states.

"Wow, is that even legal?" Nancy asks, raising her eyebrows at Hopper.

"No not really, but what are they gonna do, put Powell or Callahan in charge? Don't think so."

"Well uh, everyone, meet Emily Barbara Byers," Nancy says, showing off the newborn.

Both of their mothers aswell as Holly, El and Will audibly coos. Mrs. Wheeler is the first to ask to hold Emily and Nancy gently gives her over. Even Mr. Wheeler for once looks emotional as he peers over his wife's shoulder at his first grandchild.

"Karen, may I?" His mom asks after a couple of minutes.

"Sure."

Mrs. Wheeler passes Emily to his mom. She looks as lost for words as he was when he first held her, gently rocking the baby instead.

"She looks like you," his mom smiles at Nancy when she places Emily back in her arms.

"Told you," he gleefully cuts in.

"Hm. I still think she looks like you," Nancy mutters playfully.

Looking up, Nancy spots El who doesn't seem to have taken her eyes off Emily since entering the room.

"El," she gently starts, which makes the teenager look from Emily to Nancy for the first time. "Do you want to hold her?"

"C-can I?" His sister looks amazed at the prospect.

"Of course," Nancy answers. "Come here," she beckons and El steps closer to them.

"Is this right?" El asks as she carefully holds Emily.

"Yeah, that's great," he reassures.

Emily open her eyes and squints at El.

"She likes you," Nancy notes. "Emily, this is your aunt El," she says softly.

"Aunt…" El repeats and looks mesmerized. Mike squeezes her shoulder as he looks at his niece.

"I want to hold her too," Will cuts in and El hands Emily over with the utmost care. Part of him suspects that she used her powers to make absolutely sure they didn't drop Emily.

"I'm your Uncle Will," his brother smiles wide down at Emily. "I can show you how to draw, as soon as you can hold a crayon."

"My turn!" Holly soon announces.

"Okay, come sit here," Nancy says and her younger sister obliges and sits down next to them on the edge of the bed before Will hands Emily over.

"Watch her head," Nancy instructs.

"How are you feeling sweetheart?" Mrs. Wheeler asks.

"Good. Tired," Nancy answers and leans further into the pillows and him.

"We're so happy for you guys," Mr. Wheeler says.

"Thanks."

"Hey I'm her godfather, right?" Mike cuts in, gesturing to Emily who's still in Holly's arms.

"No, you're just her second-best uncle," Nancy teases, looking pointedly at Will, making Will and El laugh and Mike shake his head. "We haven't decided if she's going to have godparents anyway. But I'm thinking maybe Dustin," Nancy continues.

"What? Why Dustin?" Mike demands to know.

"Eh, he's always been my favorite. And he's smarter than you, I want her to have smart godparents," she continues ribbing her little brother, who rolls his eyes.

Then nurse Rhonda enters the room again.

"Wow, full house in here," she comments. "Real sorry, but visiting hours is actually over now so…"

Their families start getting ready to leave, Holly placing Emily back in Nancy's arms. After everyone's said goodbye to Nancy and Emily he walks them out and lets them know that the three of them will be staying overnight at the hospital. He gives his key to his mom and reminds her of their adress and in which closet they can find sleeping bags and such, it might get a bit cramped with eight people in their small apartment but it should be doable.

"And if you see Mrs. Rodriguez who lives across the hall please thank her from us and let her know that everything went great. She was a big help earlier."

"I will," his mom answers and hugs him. "I'm so so happy for you guys."

"This still feels surreal," Nancy says later in bed.

"I know. I can't believe she's here, that we have a daughter."

"Yeah."

"You were amazing."

"You were. I couldn't do any of this without you."

"We can do anything together."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

A/N: Btw there's no particular reasoning for the name, just that I like it. :)