DISCLAIMER: I do not own
A/N: A huge thanks to those who have supported me with this fic so far. It means the world to me. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
The Doctor twirled around the medical room, grinning at his wife, grabbing equipment, and the bluest of blue gels that he'd seen humans use so many times. There must be something in it, or perhaps it's just to make the mother to be look extremely foolish. He hope the latter wasn't correct, otherwise River would be most unhappy indeed.
Of course his grin was fake, and his fast and happy movements were forced. Beneath The Doctor's surface he was a quaking bundle of nerves, and angst. This was the first time he'd be seeing his child. The first time that everything would start getting ...real. It was a terrifying thought that bolted through him like a sharp electric bolt. He'd be able to see that tiny life, growing, and living as a miracle in River's womb. It would be a little bit of him, and and a little bit of River. This child was cursed. If it was anything like him, anything at all. This child would live a life of constantly being on the run. This child would never be able to live out a normal, happy life. It was devastating to think that.
He loved his and River's child even now. How could he not? Love was actually the problem. He had far too much love for their child. He just wanted to protect it from the universe, but he knew that one day, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, maybe not for hundreds of years to come. His child would have to go out on it's own, and he wouldn't be there to save them. Perhaps he was worrying about nothing. Perhaps this was all in his mind, and he was just being ridiculously stupid, but it wasn't as if he had the best track record of being a father. Would he be able to step up to the plate? That was a question that he just didn't know the answer to. This child was just so precious, and fragile that anything could happen. It wasn't even born yet, and he already found himself worrying about it's well being. Then again what parent doesn't worry about their child? Except what parent has built up millions of enemies like him? There were people out there who hated him, and the things he has done. People out there who wanted to destroy his world. This child was now his world.
The only reason he tried to stay happy, and didn't voice his fears was River. She couldn't know what was going through her mind. He body was underneath enough physical strain as it was. To add unnecessary emotional pain to that too would be foolish of him. He wondered if she was quite aware what they had gotten them selves into. If she knew how delicate all three of their lives were at the moment. Perhaps he would feel better once their child was a live and well in their arms. Until then all he could do was smile, and stride forwards. Taking one step at a time.
" Sorry dear. This is going to be rather cold I'm afraid." The Doctor warned his wife, squeezing the tube until the blue liquid squirted out.
She hissed as the gel made contact with her skin, " You weren't kidding."
" Sorry. It'll warm up. " He gave her a wan smile.
Spreading it further over her now slightly visible bump he began to lose himself in his thoughts again.
This child. This wonderful life was in his hands. He would fight till his last breath for it. He was being given another chance. A chance to start again, and to be happy with a wife, and children. And although the day might come that the universe threw it all back in his face he would not let it go quite so easily. He would grip onto this moment in time forever. Grip onto River. Grip onto this child. Grip onto the Ponds. He had a family now. And as in one of the greatest movies the universe has ever know. Family means no one gets left behind. Ah, Lelo and Stitch. A classic. He would definitely have to introduce his and River's child to that one.
" Are you ok my love?" River's soft voice reached his ear drums. Knocking his brain out of it's dream filled state, and into reality.
" Hmm. Yes. Couldn't be better. In fact! I'm more than ok." He reassured her as he fiddled with a number of buttons on the machinery.
She gave him the same look that she always did when she didn't belive a word he said, but remained silent.
That was when it happened. The thing that rocked his world out of control. A sound so beautiful, and heartwarming that he almost crumbled to his knees.
It was his child's heart beat.
Thump. Thump. _ Thump. Thump.
It was a sound of hope, and joy. It reached out to him, and pulled at every single string linking into his hearts. It patted against his eardrums, and dragged him under a magical spell of love and adoration.
" One heart of course. The second comes with their first regeneration. " A shiver ran up his back at the thought of their baby having to regenerate. It was a painful, and slow experience, and the first time was always the worst because you haven't done it before. You have no control over your body. You just have to just put your trust in your DNA. It was of course inevitable. Even if their child didn't get sick or injured they'd have to regenerate once they reached a certain age. Every Timelord did.
River laughed happily, and pointed at the black and white image pulsing out on the small glass screen he had pulled out, " I think they will definitely take after you sweetie." She stated.
" Why'd you say that?" He questioned. He peered at the screen, but in no way shape or form did their child look like him. At least not right now anyway. it just looked like a white splodge.
" they've got your chin." she pointed out the rather bulbous shape sticking out.
" River! " He exclaimed, stroking his chin self consciously, " That's it's head, and besides what's wrong with my chin?" He frowned, and pouted slightly.
" Nothing my love." She shook her set of curls.
Sighing The Doctor got out a paper towel and wiped off the gel, " If you must know I was rather hoping for our child to look more like you." He told her.
River raised an inquiring eyebrow, " Why's that?" She asked.
" Because you're beautiful." He grinned, placing a soft, and tender kiss upon her lips.
Yes. For now he had River, and his child was safe. That's all that truly mattered.
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