Disclaimer: Never have, never will.
Author's Note: I know, I know. I'm a terrible human being for abandoning this story for two months. I'm so sorry, but I got attacked by real life. I hope you all forgive me and enjoy this super-neat (at least, I like to think so) ending!
Also, I got my 7,500 view on this fic today! Thanks so much, readers! C:
My Blossom/Brick Pick: I know nobody really reads this little section, but I just want to mention one particular fic that stands out.
1. Bridezilla by Jupitrie is literally one of the best fics I've read in a long, long time. Basically, the fic focuses on Blossom's getting married... But not to Brick! It's got some really, really, really good Brick/Blossom-ness and the story itself is well-planned, well-written and absolutely entertaining. It's the perfect mix of romance, drama, action and humor. It's rated M for language, but don't let that stop you from reading this amazing fanfiction!
Anyhoo, enjooooy!
...
(Blossom's POV)
I had just put my phone into the pocket of my white-coat and stepped into my office when I heard a 'SURPRISE!' followed by a bunch of cheers and colorful confetti thrown at me. I couldn't help but smiled confusedly when I saw the pastel banners and decorations, pile of presents, elegant cake and my friends and coworkers in silly little party hats. Was this a... baby shower? For me? I grinned, looking around to see who had done all of this when Bubbles and Buttercup ambushed me with a hug.
"Aah," I whimpered, my smile never faltering, as they engulfed me in an embrace.
"Who... Who did this?" I finally choked out after they let go of me.
"Me," a soft voice piped up. "I hope you like it," a petite brunette, who I recognized as my secretary, Isabelle, walked up to me.
"Aww, Isabelle!" I gushed, wrapping my arms around her. "Thanks," I could hear my voice crack as my eyes watered. I sniffled, "I didn't expect any of this..." I whispered, unable to let my grin go. I looked at her, "Thanks," I repeated.
She beamed, "I'm glad you like it, Dr. Utonium," she replied.
I gave her a stern look, "It's Blossom, got it?" I cracked a smile.
"Hey, hey, hey," Bubbles grabbed my arm and dragged me over to the gift table, "Don't you want to start opening your presents?" she asked. "This one, first!" she squealed, shoving a beautifully wrapped blue box towards me. I could tell it was hers.
"Okay, okay," I told Bubbles, trying to calm her down. I was about to open it when I caught sight of the crowd. So many familiar faces- my sisters, Isabelle, Sara, Mom, Robin, my friends, the nurses and staff from the floor. Even Dad, Mojo, Boomer and Butch were here! ...But where was-
"He was hiding from you," Buttercup interrupted my thoughts as she pushed my redheaded boyfriend towards me. I couldn't help but laugh at the red party-hat on his head, offering a stark contrast to his professional attire.
"What are you doing here?" I gave him a playful simper. I knew he hated that question.
"Being held here against my will," he replied flatly. I pouted a little and he must've thought it was adorable because he broke out into a grin.
I was about to reply when I felt a sudden jerk in my abdomen. I placed a calming hand on my swell and then realized how intently everyone in the room was looking at me. I couldn't help but laugh, "They like it," I giggled. I felt a strong arm wrap around my waist and looked up to grin at my boyfriend, who suddenly wasn't unhappy to be here any more.
"Your present, Bloss?" my sister brought me back to reality.
"Oh, yeah," I shook my head and gratefully took the present from her. As I carefully unwrapped the swirly silver and blue paper, I couldn't help but think how lucky I was to surrounded by so many people who cared about me and my babies.
...
After the best baby shower ever, a few friends stayed after and helped me gather my new things. Some of them even brought them down to my car. It was all so unexpected... But I really felt special. That was so sweet of Isabelle.
Brick had stuck with me the whole time, offering a smirk or clever comment that made me grin. I really loved him and I knew he going to be a great father. But as we walked, hand in hand, I felt a little unsure. A little hesitant. But there was something I needed to do and I couldn't put it off any longer.
I finally had built up the courage to ask Brick a question I had wanted to for a while. I should've ask him this a long time ago, but I guess I was just afraid of what he'd say. Physically, our relationship has moved quite fast, but we're taking it slow otherwise. I've been a little afraid to upset the balance we've had, but I need to get over it. For the babies.
"Brick?" I looked towards him, tightening my grip on his arm as we walked to the parking garage.
"Yeah, babe?" he murmured.
"I wanted to ask you a question..." I started, a little hesitantly.
"Okaay..." Brick looked at me quizzically, probably wondering what on earth I was about to ask him.
"Well, the babies are going to be here in less than a month," I stated. "Have you thought about what you're going to do when they come? How much time do you plan on spending with them?"
I could feel him tense beside me. He swallowed.
I didn't let him respond, as I continued verbalizing my thoughts, "I'm not trying to take the kids away from you," I assured him. "In fact, I want to offer you quite the opposite," I sucked in a deep breath of air, "Me, my sisters and even your brother are moving into this house in the suburbs... And I want you to move in with us," I said firmly, then meekly looked up at him.
I could tell he was thinking over the offer, but I didn't want to force him to decide on the spot. ...What if he made the wrong choice?
"Look, take your time. I don't want to rush you-"
"It's okay. I don't need time," he said, resolute.
"Okaaay," I bit my lip as I pressed him, "So?"
"I think I'd love to live with you and the twins," his perfect mouth cracked into a grin and I can't help but kiss him.
We were moving in together and I couldn't wait to become a family!
...
I'm nine months pregnant and it couldn't have been more obvious. My swell is enormous and I haven't been able to fit into anything but ridiculously large maternity clothes. I've gained an inordinate amount of weight and it's taken on a toll on my back (that now, never seems to quit hurting). I've been switching back and forth from being super excited to incredibly fatigued; constipation, heartburn and pelvic pain have been coming and going too. Every day, my babies are growing bigger and bigger. It's almost scary to think of the rate they're developing at. But I'm excited.
It's really starting to sink in that I'll be a mother. Before, it always seemed like an abstract idea that was miles away, but I'm so close now. I think it began to really hit me after the baby shower last week when I got so many clothes, toys and even diapers. Later, I went out to buy all the necessities like diapers, lotion, baby food, carseats, furniture and so, so much more.
Shopping for the kids has really taken my mind of off something that has been plaguing me subconsciously. I never got to meet my mom because she died when we were born... Even though I never knew her, I always missed her and ever since I got pregnant, I've secretly dreaded my own labor. Rationally, it shouldn't bother me, but it does and I hate that I can't explain why.
On another note, I've been seeing Sara almost once a week now that labor's almost here. I really loved getting to know her better during my pregnancy and it tickles me that she's actually my babies' grandma! I know it's been hard to Brick to accept that, but I think he's starting to warm up to her.
My hypothesis was affirmed when I see Brick and Sara talking amicably in her office. I had waddled down here thinking that Brick was still in court (he's been ridiculously busy lately), so it was a pleasant surprise to see him getting along with his mom.
I knocked on the half-open door to alert them of my presence. Sara gave me a warm smile as Brick sent a playful smirk my way. One hand on my belly and the other on my lower back, I ease into the chair beside Brick and across Sara and grin.
"Look who's getting along," I teased, lightly bumping Brick's shoulder with my own.
"Turns out I'm not a terrible she-devil," Sara says lightly, her grin never wavering.
Brick shrugs, "Hey, you're not as bad as I thought you'd be," he replied.
"That means so much to me," her voice suddenly became heavy with emotion. Brick sent her an assuring smile, but I think he wasn't sure what else to say.
So I stepped in, "Have my test results come in?" I asked Sara.
"Yes, your Group B streptococcus screening came back just fine. So no worries about the twins contracting any sort of infection during birth," Sara answered. She looked at me, then at Brick, and then back at me, "You're young, so that's great. There's no additional issues here, but since you'll be having twins, you are considered a high-risk pregnancy," she explained.
I knew that. But I tensed anyway.
"All we have to do an electrical fetal heart monitoring, a nonstress test and a contraction stress test," she rattled off names of common procedures, but added, "I would really be surprised if we found anything abnormal considering how great your pregnancy has gone thus far."
Great? These last months have been crazy. I decided to move from my home of the past six years, I destroyed my sister's wedding, I got kidnapped and held hostage, I fell right into the middle of a huge blackmailing deal and I fell in love with someone who was supposed to be my worst enemy. ...But I guess despite that all, I couldn't complain.
"Shall we?" Sara asked gently.
After a reassuring squeeze from Brick's hand to my own, I nodded and smiled, "Yeah, let's get started."
...
Of course, all my tests came back healthy and normal. Sara told me that I was due in three weeks, but everyone knows babies are almost never born when they should be. After the appointment, Brick and I headed back to my apartment where I could gather the last of my things and take them to our new house. Brick hadn't moved his stuff yet, but he was going to soon.
"You don't have anything heavier to put in here?" Brick asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
I spun around with a witty remark in mind, but burst into giggles instead. Stupid pregnancy hormones.
"...What?" Brick raised an eyebrow.
"Nothing," I shook my head, my giggles coming to a stop. I looked at the box he was passing to the mover, "Yeah, that can go down to the moving truck," I told the mover with a smile. He gave a little nod and walked off.
Brick popped his knuckles and then crossed his arms, "Anything else I need to help with?"
I took a final look at the now bare apartment and shook my head. Leaving this place was bittersweet, but I knew our new house would be full of as many memories, if not more. "Nope," I answered his question. "Thanks for all your help today, boyfriend," I grinned at him as I rested my free hand (because now, there's always one hand on my tummy) on the side of his face.
"No problem," he smirked, catching my lips in a kiss.
I heard a mover cough, and bashfully pulled away from Brick. I was flushed.
"Um, we're ready to leave," he said awkwardly. "So, as soon as you are..."
Brick looked at me and I flashed him a grin. Gaining confidence and taking a deep breath, I pulled the sunglasses that were on my head on and took one last glance at what used to be my old home.
"Let's get out of here," I announced as I waddled out, hand in hand with Brick.
...
The movers' truck followed behind us as I drove my Prius out of the city. We weren't too far away from downtown Townsville, but the commute each day was certainly going to hike up our gas expenses. I pulled into the friendly looking neighborhood and made a few turns until we arrived at the house I had bought. Still in the car, I couldn't help but admire it.
It was an expansive brick mansion with southern-style white marble columns at the front door. There was one main part of the house with three levels of windows on it and two smaller, adjoining, circular brick turrets. I knew the circular rooms would be better for the nursery; I didn't want either of my babies getting hurt by nasty corners. It was really an elegant house and I loved the garden surrounding it. Right now, vibrantly pink roses were in bloom and it complemented the house lovely.
Brick walls and pink blossoms.
"Well, aren't you clever?" Brick smirked.
I giggled, "I know," I crinkled my nose at him. Stepping out of the car and waddling to the front door, I saw Boomer's Mustang and Butch's motorcycle, along with Buttercup's Audi and Bubble's bright blue Volkswagen bug parked along the side. That means everyone was here. Awesome.
"Where do you want these, miss?" one of the movers asks me, a heavy box in their hands.
"Um... Inside?"
He nodded and went that way.
"I think I could get used to a place like this," Brick said, standing behind me.
"I'm glad you like it," I grinned. "Wanna see the whole thing?" I raised an eyebrow in question and he smirked in reply. Lacing my fingers with his, I led him into the front door which opened to a large, high-ceiling foyer. Currently, it was empty save for a few haphazardly placed boxes and our siblings.
Bubbles and Boomer had returned from their honeymoon in Hawaii about a week ago and they absolutely glowed with postmarital bliss. They almost didn't make it after a terrible misunderstanding, but I'm so happy they were able to patch things up. Buttercup and Butch were together as well and they too radiated happiness with their new relationship. Things had been hard for them to get together before, but I'm so happy my little sister finally has someone like Butch.
"We were wondering when you'd get here!" Bubbles giggled as she walked over to me for a hug. "I love this place, Bloss!"
"Me too," Boomer added as he walked up to Brick and me. Looking around, he added, "I'm pretty sure it's gonna take me a while not to get lost here."
"Did you guys pick bedrooms yet?" I asked them.
Boomer and Butch's eyes widened and they dashed up the stairs, pushing and shoving to get a lead on the other. I simpered.
"Dibs on the biggest room," Brick called to them from right beside me. Of course.
"Men," Buttercup shook her head and shared a giggle with Bubbles.
"Hey, Buttercup," Bubbles' eyes widened. "I totally forgot to show you the pictures from our honeymoon!" she exclaimed.
"Ugh, save me," Buttercup groaned, but seeing Bubbles' earnest expression (and her adorable little pout), she gave in. "Okay, okay. Let me see them."
Bubbles grinned as she pulled a sleek camera out of her purse and flipped it on. Angling it so that my brunette sister could see the pictures as well, she began clicking through pictures and explaining, "So that's at the airport... And that one's of the little flower necklaces we got... And that's at baggage claim... And this one's of the terminal... And here's the taxi we took the hotel... And here's the hotel! And this was the registration desk. And this was the cute little pond and fishies in the lobby... And here's the elevator we took to our room. And the hallway... And this was our room, pretty, right? ...And here's the- uh oh, not that one..." Bubbles flushed. "Or that one! Not this one either!"
Buttercup turned away, a faint shade of green in her complexion, "Gross, Bubbles! Who takes pictures of that?"
Bubbles shrugged, "I forgot these were on here," she explained, biting her lip.
"I knew this was a bad idea," Buttercup mumbled.
I was about to step in when I heard the doorbell ring. My eyebrows furrowed as I looked at Brick. "Who could that be?"
"You'd know if you opened up the door," he raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging on the corner of his lip.
"What insightful advice," I said dryly as I took a few waddles to the door. I pulled open the handle and hoped to God it wasn't a serial killer (seriously, the first time I can't stand on my tiptoes to look through the peephole, it probably would be). Thankfully, I was greeted by quite the opposite.
"Dad!" I exclaimed, surprised to see him. He had something in his hands and a large grin on his face. "Come in," I ushered him inside.
"Wow, this house is amazing girls," he complimented as he stepped inside. Bubbles and Buttercup grinned at him.
"To what do we owe this pleasure?" Brick went in to shake Dad's hand but got handed the object instead. After a moment, "It's... warm," Brick commented.
"It should be!" Dad chuckled heartily. "Consider it a little housewarming gift. My special broccoli casserole," he explained.
"Great. You have any marshmallow cream to go with it?" Brick smirked, looking at me.
I simpered, "Yeah, yeah, make fun of the crazy pregnant lady who's been craving every vegetable known to man with a side of marshmallows," I rolled my eyes.
"No one's making fun of you, dear," Dad reassured me. I sent him a warm smile.
"I'll take care of this," Brick started as he turned towards the adjoining kitchen.
"Wait!" I exclaimed. He stopped and gave me a questioning look. "I'll do it," I added, with a small smile.
He looked at my belly and probably contemplated if I could make the waddle over there before asking, "You sure?"
I nodded and took the warm package from him as Dad followed me into the kitchen. I placed the casserole on the marble counter and was about to put it where it needed to go when I felt a comforting hand on my shoulder. I spun around to see Dad.
"Dad," I whispered. I was alone with the only person aware of my growing uneasiness. I hadn't even told Brick about it because I didn't want him to worry.
"Blossom, it's going to be okay," he allayed my fears with a warm hug. "I know you're scared, but I've talked to Sara. You're going to be just fine. Your mom's situation was a little different... Nothing's going to happen to you. Not to you," he told me confidently. "We'll all be there and you are going to be just fine," he emphasized those last two words.
My eyes watered as my voice cracked saying, "I hope so, Daddy."
...
Two weeks since we moved into the new house, three since my lovely baby shower and things have been going great! Most people would've already taken maternity leave, with a week left until labor, but I decided that staying in a half-furnished home would be too boring for me. I've been working at the hospital and even though I haven't done any surgeries lately, I've still been seeing my patients.
I've spent the last two weeks preparing immaculately for the babies' arrivals. The nursery is in perfect condition, we've got carseats in both mine and Brick's cars, the house has been babyproofed and I've been seeing Sara regularly for updates. I'm not due for a week, which is great. Though I'm excited and more than ready to have these babies, there's still so much I have on my plate. And Dad really helped that day because Mom's been one of the furthest things from my mind.
I really want to go see Brick, but he's in court right now, so he won't be off for a few hours. His case started a few minutes ago, he texted me. Sighing, I signed the last of the papers on my desk and shoved them back into their file. Exiting my office, I felt a contraction, but ignored it since I've been having a lot of them lately. I don't need to worry until they're about ten minutes apart, but that'll be in a week, so I'm fine. I placed the files in my hand on Isabelle's desk and she flashed me a warm smile.
Returning it, I asked, "What else do I have today?"
"Well," she started, opening up my agenda, "You've got..."
Her words started to drown as I felt a tightening in my lower abdomen. It was another contraction... Holy crap. I felt an unusual wetness between my legs and I paled.
"My water just broke," I whispered.
Isabelle grinned, "Congrats!" she clapped. I gripped onto her desk for support as she dialed a number immediately. "Hello, Maternity? We've got someone for you!"
...
On the maternity wing, I was placed in a room and changed into a gown. I could feel my contractions gradually increasing in pace and pain, but I steadied my breathing. My phone went off and I was tempted to ignore it, but it was beside me on the nightstand and wouldn't stop ringing. Groaning, I pulled it to my ear and clicked the green button.
"YES?" I yelled, unable to control my voice as another contraction came on.
"Geez, Bloss, it's just me," I heard Bubbles giggle from the other line.
"Bubbles!" I exclaimed. "Get everyone. I'm at the hospital and I'm going to have these babies."
"OMIIIIIIGOSSSH!" Bubbles shrieked with excitement, forcing me to pull the phone away from my ear. I heard her clear her throat and composing herself, she added, "You got it, Bloss! We'll be there in a jiffy! I can't wait!" she hastily hung up.
I steadied my breathing once again until I realized that Brick was still in court. At the rate of my contractions, these babies would be out in an hour. Normally, the first stage of labor can last up to 20 hours, but I guess I'm not normal. My contractions shouldn't be this close together yet. I swallowed.
"Hello, Dr. Utonium," a blonde nurse walked into my room, scrutinizing my file. She was in black scrubs with electric blue outlining and looked a little like Bubbles with her piercing blue eyes. Looking up, she said, "I'm Nurse Brat. How are you doing so far?"
Gripping my bedrails, I grunt, "Not well. They're coming. Soon."
"While it may feel that way-"
"No," I reiterated, more forcefully this time. "They're almost here."
"She's right," a familiar voice agreed with me. I looked up to see Sara clad in bright red scrubs, her voluminous red hair in a high ponytail. She faced Nurse Brat, "Her contractions are dangerously close. We've got to get her into the labor wing."
Dangerously close?
The nurse nodded and stepped out, but soon returned with a brunette nurse at her side. The brunette was in identical scrubs, save her outlining was in neon green as opposed to blue. They each grabbed an end of my rolling bed, unlocked the wheels and pushed me to the labor theater. I was in too much pain to see that her nametag read Brute or notice her uncanny resemblance to my own brunette sister, Buttercup.
I could feel myself coming to a stop and I could hear the wheels lock below me. I shut my eyes and tried to drown out the pain, while keeping my breathing to a steady pace. I wasn't keeping track of time, so I wasn't sure how long it had been until I felt a familiar jolt.
"Blossom!" I opened my eyes to see my little sisters hovering over me.
"Bubbles... Buttercup..." I looked at them. I was feeling inordinately weak and fatigued... I knew something wasn't right, but I tried to push those kinds of thoughts away.
"Boomer and Butch are here. Moe's here too. Mom and Dad are on their way. So are Mitch and Robin," Bubbles began prattling off names of people, but I didn't hear her say anything about Brick. I looked around and there was no sign of my boyfriend.
"Where's Brick?" I asked hoarsely.
Buttercup bit her lip, "We've tried calling him... He hasn't picked up. He's probably still in court," she tried to offer me an explanation.
I growled. No way was I going through this by myself, "Hand me my phone," I narrowed my eyes. Bubbles did so immediately. I punched in Brick's number and put the handheld to my ear. It rang. And it rang again. And again. And again. My heart dropped when I realized that he probably wasn't going to pick up. My lip quivered. I needed him to be here. I needed him.
"Hello?" a harsh whisper came from the other line.
"Brick!" I exclaimed, my heart soaring.
"Blossom, I'm in the middle of a case right now. I've gotten 42 missed calls from your sisters and I-"
My fury flared. Maybe if he had picked up those calls he'd be here right now! "Brick Jojo, I'm in labor and you better get your ass over here!"
"...W-What?" Brick stuttered.
"You heard me. You. Hospital. NOW." I hung up before I could hear his response. Bubbles and Buttercup gave me reassuring grins. I took in a deep breath, but it was hard. I could feel a weird tingling in my extremities... I knew that wasn't normal for labor. People experience that kinda thing when they don't have enough blood, but I have-
"Girls, we've got a problem. You need to leave," Sara almost ran in. She gave my sisters a firm stare. Bubbles and Buttercup looked to each other, then at me before leaving... I could see the worry and fear in their faces. Oh, no... What was happening?
"Sara, what's going on?" I croaked.
"No time to explain. We need to get you some blood. And fast. You're losing it too quickly," she said hurriedly, signing off of on some papers and handing them to the nurses. "This is one the rarest things that can happen to a delivering woman... They never need blood transfusion," she mumbled to herself, gnawing at her lip nervously.
"What?" I whispered. I couldn't be losing blood! What about the babies? My own health was the last thing on my mind as my thoughts centered around my kids. I didn't know them yet, but I loved them so, so much. I couldn't let anything happen to them. I needed Brick. He was strong. He was my brick, my rock that kept me together when things weren't going the way they should be. I was terrified. My breathing got faster and shallower while my head spun.
My children were the last thing I thought of before everything went black.
...
(Omniscient POV)
"Blossom Utonium, what room number?" Brick slammed his fists on the reception counter.
"Doesn't matter. They're not letting anyone see her right now," the redheaded nurse at reception answered as she filed her nails. Brick took a closer look at her, realizing she looked rather familiar. He was surprised when he remembered where he had seen her before.
But back to Blossom. The reply he received worried him. "I left what may be the most important lawsuit of my life to be with my girlfriend right now. Now, why can't I see her?" he narrowed his eyes.
She shrugged carelessly. After a moment, she looked up to see that he was still there, arms crossed, and she groaned. "Fine, whatever," she rolled her eyes, pulling out a file and scanning through it. "There's been some complications. They're testing her relatives for a blood match," she read off the paper.
Brick felt his heart thump in his chest. Complications? Blood match? What the hell was happening to her?
"I'm an O, that's universal donor. She can take my blood," Brick stated, swallowing. "Where is she?"
"Ugh, I'm supposed to be on a break," the redhead in black scrubs with hot pink lining muttered as she walked out of the reception desk at the nurses station so that she was right in front of Brick. "Follow me," she motioned for him to do so as she walked towards the lab. Slyly turning around, she added flirtatiously, "I'm Berserk, by the way."
"I know. We've met," Brick said laconically.
She frowned, but continued until they reached the lab. "They're drawing blood in there," she pointed.
"Uh, thanks," Brick said sincerely. She gave him a shrug, eye-roll and a little smile before walking off. Brick entered the lab to see Bubbles and Buttercup sitting down, getting pricked by a blonde and brunette nurse who looked rather similar to them. Boomer and Butch were standing a little ways away from them, as if they were uncomfortable. They weren't hiding it well, considering they had met the two nurses under completely different circumstances not too long ago.
"Dude, what's going on?" Brick asked as he walked in.
Boomer frowned, "All we know is that Blossom needs some blood."
"Buttercup and Bubbles are closest to her genetically, so those nurses are trying to see if the girls can be donors or something," Butch added.
After pricking Bubbles and reading the device, the blonde nurse bit her lip, "We can't use her blood, Brute."
Brute cursed as she read Buttercup's report, "We can use hers either, Brat."
"Why not?" Bubbles and Buttercup exclaimed at the same time.
Brick stepped in before the nurses could answer. "I have plenty of blood. Give some of mine to her," he demanded, trying to hide the fear in his heart behind strong words. At the nurses hesitance, he barked, "What are you waiting for?"
Brick hoped he had enough to save her and the babies. He didn't know what he would do without Blossom... He loved her. He needed her. But he knew she was a fighter too. Blossom never gave up. He knew that she was going to be okay. He just did.
...
(Blossom's POV)
My eyes fluttered open after I don't even know how long. Frantically, I placed my hands on my swell, relaxing once I felt a vigorously kick. My eyes water as my mind flashes back to the last thing I remember... I was so scared for my twins, but they're okay now. I feel a calming presence beside me and slowly look over to see the person I had been waiting for.
Brick was all scrubbed up, standing next to the side of my bed. He tried to flash me his signature smirk, but it came out as a weak smile. Taking my hands into his, he whispered, "Don't ever do that to me again, Blossom."
"What... What happened?" I whispered.
"It doesn't matter," Brick shook his head. "It only matters that you're okay. And you are," he gently kissed my knuckles. Shaking his head, he added, "We were so scared..."
"Me too," I murmured. I shut my eyes to hold back tears because Brick said everything was okay now. I looked back at my boyfriend, "I love you," I whispered.
"I love you too," Brick gave me a warm smile.
I felt a sudden pang and my eyes widened, "Uh oh."
Sara walked in just at the right moment, with a redheaded nurse at her heels. "According to your contractions now... The twins are ready," Sara announced. Sara looked at me, then at Brick, then back at me. "Are you?" she asked us.
I nodded my head confidently and Brick gave my hands a reassuring squeeze.
"Alright," Sara grinned. "Then, push!"
And then I pushed harder than I ever have before in my life.
...
"Would you like to see the babies now?" the redheaded nurse, who had identified herself as Berserk, asked.
I nodded eagerly. She gave a little smile, leaving the room, and I couldn't help but look up at Brick with a huge grin. I was a nasty, filthy, sweaty mess, but in spite of that, I was positively aglow. Even my characteristically stoic boyfriend couldn't stop beaming.
"You did it," he whispered to me.
"We did it," I corrected him with a gentle smile. "We did it. We're parents, Brick," I said, my words effusing pride.
"Ready?" Brat (I'm finally conscious enough to question the names of my nurses. ...Seriously?) asked us as she stepped in with a pink bundle in her arms. Brute followed her with a baby wrapped in blue. She walked over to me and gently placed our son in my arms and Brat did the same with Brick and our daughter.
I couldn't stop staring at my little baby. He was beautiful. He had a head full of copper hair just like Brick and I and a strong features. His eyes fluttered open and I could see his chestnut eyes that had flecks of red. He was crying, but that was the most beautiful sound in the world right then because it signaled to me that everything was okay. He had strong little fingers and wouldn't let go, but I wasn't in any rush.
I looked over to my beautiful baby girl. Brick couldn't take his eyes off of her. She was asleep and her little lips were almost curled into a smile. She, like her older (by ten minutes) brother, had auburn locks and brownish-pinkish eyes. Her features were so delicate and I could really see myself and Brick in her. She was gorgeous.
Brick finally looked over to me, trying to catch a glimpse of his little boy and I grinned.
"They're beautiful, aren't they?" I asked breathlessly.
"They take after their mother," Brick replied, smiling at me.
"And their father," I added, with a little laugh.
"Brittnee Bianca Jojo," I whispered to my little girl. "Bradley Brent Jojo," I murmured to my little boy. "We're your parents and we couldn't love you more," I kissed the top of Bradley's head. Brick angled Brittnee so that I kiss the top of hers too.
"Should we call everyone in now?" Brick asked me. I nodded, my cheeks not even starting to hurt with my smile.
One by one, all of my closest friends and family filed into the rather small hospital room. Bubbles stood beside me, gazing at her little niece and nephew lovingly while clutching Boomer, who couldn't contain his adulation, 's hand. Even Buttercup and Butch had to crack a grin at seeing the kids. Mom and Dad looked at Brad and Brittnee with so much love as did Moe, his hand wrapped around Sara's waist. Sara looked absolutely relieved that the rest of the labor went flawlessly and she glowed with pride. Robin had her hands clutched to her mouth, her eyes wide in adoration. Even tough-guy Mitch couldn't help but do the same.
I looked at Buttercup and Bubbles and my eyes watered, "I know I lost a lot of blood. Thanks so much you two," my voice cracked. I knew they were a perfect match and I probably wouldn't be alive if it weren't for them. I was so thankful.
Bubbles sent a quizzical look to Buttercup and Buttercup gave her an uncomfortable grunt.
Something wasn't right... "What happened?" I looked at them carefully, trying to make sure everything was okay.
"Well, we really wanted to. But we couldn't," Bubbles explained.
"Who...?" I didn't even have to finish the question before both of their gazes turned to Brick. Brick... He saved me? I turned to my boyfriend, "You did?" I whispered. He gave a small nod. I could only reply with a thankful smile.
Looking at all the faces around me in the room, including that of my amazing boyfriend, and then at my children, I can't help but think how lucky I am. My life has always been crazy and chaotic, but I always had so many people to help me on the way. For me, there's always been too many strings attached to everything, but it's amazing how when that giant knot called my life untangled, I got something so simple and blissful. These have most certainly been the craziest nine months of my life, but I would never trade them for anything different.
...
(Bonus scene)
"So, why didn't you two donate blood?" Brick asked, a smirk tugging at his lips. Something tells me he already knew. I looked at my sisters curiously.
"Well, apparently-" Buttercup started.
"WE'RE PREGNANT!" Bubbles finished for her.
"Oh my gosh!" I exclaimed, grinning.
I was ecstatic for my sisters! And it looks like I'll be an aunt soon too. Pregnancy's a crazy journey, but I'm sure they'll have a great time.
...
BUT WAIT... THERE'S MORE!
Naah, there isn't a sequel or anything, but look forward to an epilogue soon!
Thanks so much for sticking with the story, you beautiful readers and reviewers! (:
(Okay, I know I didn't pick the babies' names based on the polls, but look forward to your choices appearing in the next and final chappie!)