Future fic! The beginning of motherhood.
"Shit.", she cursed, her breath hitched, as another contraction passed through. She was sitting up on a hospital bed, with her hair pulled back into a bun, and beads of sweat forming on her forehead, her face slightly smudged with sweat and tears. She had been in labour for the past twelve hours, and with every passing second, the whole process seemed interminable. She was tired and exhausted and all she wanted was the baby out from her.
He was by her side all the time, comforting and encouraging her. "Just breathe.", he held her hand, thumb gently stroking her knuckles. He could feel her grip tightened as a contraction came, her grip strong enough to break all the bones in his fingers, but he knew it couldn't compare to the pain that she was going through.
"I'm breathing.", she snapped and glared at him. She steadied her breath and tried to breathe through the pain, hoping it would make her forget that there's a baby trying to force it's way out from her. This was all his fault, but she didn't have the energy to scream at him. She wished she could hurl him across the room, to make him feel the pain she felt now, but she knew it wouldn't hurt as much as this, definitely not.
"I know. You're doing great.", he grinned a little as he looked at her affectionately. He had been in the same position before when Cassie was born, but still, he couldn't help but worry, and was trying his level best to put on a brave facade. She needed him and he wasn't going to be a nervous wreck in front of her. However, he observed that Hope was better at coping with the pain or maybe she was just well-trained in hiding her pain, unlike his ex-wife who had screamed a bunch of profanities at him whenever a contraction came.
"My uterus is gonna be off limits after this Lang.", she said through gritted teeth. "If you want another baby, you can have one on your own."
"Are you sure? Because you look pretty cute balancing the bowl of cereal on your stomach every morning.", he joked and winked cheekily at her. Her pregnancy had been smooth throughout and he thought she looked even more beautiful with the pregnancy glow.
She gave him the death stare and was about to argue when another contraction interrupted their conversation. "Damn it Scott!", she yelled in agony. She wasn't supposed to do that but she couldn't help it. The contractions were coming quick, strong and fast, leaving her no time to rest and catch her breath.
"It'll be over soon.", he kissed her knuckles. All he wanted to do now was to take the pain away from her, but he was helpless.
"When?", she gasped, her eyes narrowed with frustration.
"Soon Hope, soon. Soon you'll be holding our beautiful baby in your arms.", he gazed softly at her, and wiped a drop of sweat near her brow.
She rolled her eyes. "After this, you're not coming anywhere near me again.", she seethed, her mind clouded with pain.
"I'm pretty sure you're going to regret saying that.", he chuckled. He rubbed the small of her back, hoping it would alleviate the pain.
She scowled at him. As the pain seeped away, she felt a tinge of regret for she knew he was trying to keep her distracted with his stupid remarks, and yet she couldn't help but snap at him. "I'm sorry Scott.", she said as the pain of the contraction ceased.
"Hey, it's alright.", he leaned forwards and kissed the corner of her eye. He knew it was the pain tampering her judgement, and it was his fault, well partially, that she was in this state, so it was justifiable.
She smiled a little but bit her lip when the pain came tunnelling through again. This time however, she felt herself involuntarily pushing.
"Alright, it's time to push.", the doctor called from somewhere between her legs.
A sudden wave of horror hit her. "No I can't.", she shook her head. She wasn't sure she could do this right now, fear flickered through her eyes. Another contraction hit, and as much as she didn't want to, she could feel her body pushing. She sobbed slightly. The pain was too much to bear and she wished it could all go away. She could endure bruises and injuries from her fights and mission, but labour pain? It was ten times worse.
He stroked her hair, trying his best to soothe her. "Sure you can. You can do it Hope. You can do anything.", he encouraged her, his gaze locked onto hers.
"I don't think I can be a mother Scott.", she whispered through the pain, trying to catch her breath, looking weary and scared. She was having second doubts and her faith in herself wavered a little. All her life she had never thought of becoming a mother. What if she couldn't take care of the baby? This was a mistake.
"You're going to be a great mother Hope.", he kissed her sweaty temple. He had never seen her this vulnerable. Sure, she had voiced out her concerns along the way, but this was different, he could see that she was truly afraid. And Hope van Dyne was never afraid. "Hey, look at me.", he cupped her cheek. "I know you're afraid, but right now, you need to push, our baby needs you, and I'm gonna be here, we're going to do this together. You can do this.", he said firmly, hoping it would allay her fears.
Hope looked at Scott, and noticed at how he was looking at her lovingly and endearingly, and god, she loves him so much. She grabbed his jaw and pulled him close to her and pressed her soft lips on his, kissing him desperately. He kissed her back, hands holding her cheeks. They broke apart, resting their foreheads on each other. Shortly after, she winced in pain, and moaned lowly when another contraction came by.
"It's time to push.", the doctor called from below.
"Okay.", Scott nodded. "Here we go Hope.", he climbed on the bed and got behind her, letting her lean on him. He curled his fingers around her palms, their fingers intertwined, hoping he would calm her with his touch. The contraction came and even though she was drained, she pushed with all her might, focusing on trying to get the baby out from her, while he rested his chin on her shoulder, whispering words of encouragement into her ear. She felt a little bit better with his warm body surrounding her, knowing he was holding and supporting her.
Not long after, a high-pitch cry filled through the room, and the excruciating pain disappeared. All she saw was the doctor holding a tiny baby in front of her, who was crying loudly. "You did it Hope, you did it! I love you so much.", as he peppered kisses on her face. "I'm so proud of you.", he was ecstatic, as tears pricked his eyes. He was a father again and he couldn't be happier.
The doctor handed the baby over to her and she reached out, her arms shaking from fatigue. "Hey...", she whispered softly, her fingers caressing her daughter's smooth cheeks, her eyes taking in her features. "She's beautiful Scott.", she said with joy, her heart bursting with happiness.
"Just like you.", he grinned from ear to ear, and pressed a kiss on her head.
Suddenly, her worries evaporated into thin air. She kissed the baby's forehead. She could do this.