The next morning, Morgan tried to stay home with Spencer, who outright refused.
"But Spencer-"
"Derek, your mother's spending time with Parker so I have time to myself. I'm going to be with you for an entire month after Ben's born. Can you please just listen to me and go to work?"
He sighed, grabbing the breakfast tray from Spencer. "Fine, but if you want anything during the day, will you call me?"
"Of course." He pushed himself up, putting a pillow behind his back. "Though all I see myself wanting today is a sandwich and a nap."
He smiled, kissing his forehead. "Momma's going to be right out in the living room if you need anything."
"I know. We'll be fine. Now will you go?"
Morgan walked to the kitchen, setting the tray on the counter, and walked back to the bedroom. He grabbed his wallet and credentials, stuffing them in his pocket. He looked over at the bed and saw Spencer, attempting to sleep. He leaned over, kissing his forehead and making his way to the living room.
"You're going to work? Derek-"
"I tried to stay home! He's making me go to work, and I'm not aggravating him anymore than I apparently already have." He bent down, picking up Parker and kissing her forehead. "Are you going to be good for Grandma today?"
She nodded, kissing his cheek. "You be good, Papa."
He smirked. "Have fun, Princess. And tonight when Papa gets home? We're going to do something, just the two of us. How does that sound?"
"Awesome!"
He set her back down with her coloring book, looking at his mother. "If he needs anything-"
"I will call and let you know."
He nodded, grabbing his car keys and walking outside.
Later in the day, Fran walked into the bedroom, resting a hand on Spencer's shoulder. "Spencer?"
"I'm awake," he mumbled, eyes still closed. "Have been since Derek left."
"I'm sorry to bother you. I'm taking Parker out for a while, maybe the silence will help you get some sleep."
He yawned. "You're not a bother and that's a great idea. Would you mind sending Clooney in?"
She smiled. "No problem." She bent over, kissing his forehead and pushing his hair back. "Good luck."
He nodded slightly as she walked out, and was joined a minute later by Clooney curling up beside him. He reached down, petting him and dozing off.
Spencer had actually fallen asleep, but it was short lived. He sat up in bed, groaning, growing tired of the 'false hope' contractions that haunted him. He climbed out of bed, walking around and waiting for them to go away. They finally did, but started back up ten minutes later. When it occurred twice in another half hour, his eyes widened, reaching for his phone. He bit his lip, dialing Morgan's work number and running a hand over his bump. Looking at the clock, he saw the time and realized he was probably at lunch. He hung up, dialing his cell number and waiting.
JJ reached over on the table, grabbing his phone. "Hey, Spence. Another boring day at home for you?"
He smiled slightly. "Um, two questions. Where's Derek and why are you answering his phone?"
"He's in Garcia's lair helping her with something, and because he left it in the break room, why?"
He exhaled, relieved that it was over. "I, um, I'm pretty sure I just went into labor. In fact, I'd say I'm positive I did."
She sprung up from her seat. "How far apart are the contractions?" She cleaned up the table and ran out, running down the hall.
"I've had about four in the past hour?"
"Okay, Spence, get Derek's mom, I'll send Emily to go pick up Parker, and have her drive you to the hospital." JJ put her hand over the phone, looking at Emily. "Spence is in labor. Tell Hotch, I need to go find Derek."
She nodded, getting up from her seat and walking to her superior's office.
JJ moved her hand. "Spence, are you doing that?" she walked through the doors and down the hall.
"I sort of can't?" He bit his lip, sighing. "She left with Parker to give me some quiet time, so it's just me in the house."
"Have you called your doctor yet?" she asked, rushing down the hall.
"Not yet. I don't see the point. I mean, it's not that far in, right?"
JJ punched in the code for Garcia's door, running in and putting her hand over the phone.
"What's up, Blondie?" Garcia asked, looking up at her.
"Spence is on the phone. He's in labor and your mom's not at the house."
Morgan froze, looking over at her. "When you say labor, you mean -"
"I mean get your ass home and get him to the hospital." She handed the phone to him, taking out her own and calling Will.
Garcia reached over, rubbing his back. "Talk to him. He needs it."
He took a deep breath, exhaling. "Hey, Pretty Boy. I'm going to finish up here and I'll be home in a half hour. Do you need anything?"
He sighed, running a hand over his bump. "I'm fine. WHY did you leave me alone this morning, Derek?!"
"…Because you asked me to?"
"And you listened to me?! Derek, I am overdue, extremely hormonal, and emotional. You should know better than that!"
He got up from the desk, walking to his office. "Okay, Baby Boy, stay on the phone with me. You need to swear at me, you do so." He stuffed his belongings into his pockets and grabbed his keys off of his desk. "I'm on my way home now. JJ's stopping by her house, then getting to the hospital to meet us there. Emily's on the phone with my mom so she can pick up Parker."
Spencer wiped his eyes, sighing. "Hurry. Please."
Morgan stayed on the phone with him while he sped home. "Talk to me, Pretty Boy. About anything."
Spencer thought to himself. "If you take the dates of our birthdays, given that Benjamin is, in fact, coming today? You and Parker have birthdays on the 6th, while Benjamin and I have birthdays on the 9th."
Morgan smiled, shaking his head. "It sounds like it's fate."
"It's actually just a pleasant coincidence, Derek, I don't know why you-" Spencer winced, exhaling and resting a hand on his bump.
Morgan bit his lip. "Breathe for me, Pretty Boy. Can you do that?"
Spencer whimpered. "Derek, I know how to breathe. In case you've forgotten, I've been through this once before."
"How far apart was that one and the last one?"
He sighed, glancing up at the clock. "9 and a half minutes."
"I'm almost home."
Spencer checked his phone and saw JJ calling. "Derek, JJ's on the other line. I'll see you when you get home." He hung up, answering his other call. "Hello?"
"How are you doing?"
He took a deep breath, exhaling. "To be completely honest? I have had much better days. Much less painful ones too."
"I grabbed my bag from the house and I'm at the hospital now. Your room's ready and waiting."
"You're the best, Jayje." He laid back on the couch, running a hand over his bump. "I have our bags waiting by the door, so I'm just waiting for Derek to get home. Did Emily get in touch with Fran?"
"Really? You're in labor and you're concerned about everybody else's conversations?"
"And this surprises you?"
"You're right, it shouldn't. Since you must know? Emily called her and Emily's going to be at your place soon after you and Derek leave for the hospital so Parker doesn't see you hurt. Fran's going to the hospital after she drops off Parker and is going to be in the waiting room. Garcia's packing snacks and entertainment for the waiting room for the team, because that's just what she does. Hotch is dropping off Jack at a friend's house and he and Rossi are going to meet everyone there."
He groaned. "I'm going to be a mess, not everyone needs to be there."
She rolled her eyes. "For the last time, Spence. We're a family. Families are there for each other, and they all want to be there for you."
He looked up as he heard a key in the front door. "Derek's here. I'll see you in a bit."
"Good luck."
He hung up, attempting to push himself off the couch. Morgan walked in, picking up the bags beside the door and running out to the car, setting them in the backseat. He walked back inside, looking at him. "Do you need anything?"
"The next few hours of my life to be over?"
Morgan smiled slightly, wrapping an arm around his waist and helping him out to the car. He got in himself, driving.
"Derek Morgan, slow down!" Spencer snapped. "It'll do me no good if I get to the hospital in pieces."
"You're overreacting, Pretty Boy," Morgan said, glancing down at his speed. "I'm sure any cop wanting to pull me over would fully understand my reason."
Spencer winced, squeezing his eyes shut and resting a hand on his bump. "Son of a bitch."
Morgan reached over, grabbing his hand and lacing their fingers. "Breathe."
"Derek, breathing is an unconscious effort. I'm not going to stop doing it just because I'm having a contraction. That's just stupid."He squeezed Morgan's hand, exhaling. "God damnit."
Were it a different situation, Morgan would enjoy Spencer swearing. However, he kept a straight face as they pulled up at the hospital. He put both bags over his shoulder and walked around, helping Spencer out of the car.
After little talk, Spencer was in his room, changing into a hospital gown and being hooked up to the monitors. He laid on his side, taking a deep breath and exhaling.
"How far apart are the contractions?" his doctor asked.
Before Morgan could answer, Spencer spoke up. "Started 12 minutes apart, now they're 8 and a half." He ran a hand over his bump, sighing. "Please tell me I can get into surgery soon because this is hell."
She checked his monitors. "We should have you up within the next couple hours. Would you like something for the pain?"
"A giant mallet to hit Derek with, though if you don't have a mallet, I'll settle for anything."
She smiled slightly, rubbing his back. "If you'd like an epidural before you get up, just press the call button. I'll be back to check on you soon."
He nodded slightly, eyes still closed as she walked out. "Derek?"
"Yeah, Pretty Boy?" he asked, taking the seat beside his bed and lacing their fingers.
"I can't even begin to put into words how much I dislike you right now, so I think I'll settle for the best phrase I can think of, despite the fact that JJ's going to giggle like a little girl."
"What's that, Spence?" JJ asked, sitting on the other side of his bed.
"Fuck you."
Spencer looked over at Morgan. "Can you call Emily and see how Parker's doing?"
"Are you sure?"
Spencer shot him a look. "Derek-"
"I'm on it." He took out his phone, leaning back in the chair and calling Emily.
She reached over to the table, grabbing her phone and answering. "Hello?"
"How's my little girl doing?"
"She's fine. And she forgives you for not coming through with the plans you promised her this morning, because she gets her Benny."
He smiled. "Well, that's good. What's she up to now?"
"She's in his room, straightening his toys. Definitely her Daddy's daughter."
"That she is."
"Is that Papa?!" Parker asked, looking at Emily.
"It is… do you want to talk to him?"
Parker nodded and Emily handed the phone to her. "Hi, Papa!"
"Hi, Pretty Girl. Are you being good for Aunt Emmy?"
"Very good. Is Daddy okay?"
He looked over and saw JJ holding his hand, pushing his hair back and shh-ing him. "You're doing great, Spence," she whispered. "Just remember, deep breaths."
He nodded, whimpering.
"Daddy's okay, Princess. He just wants Benny here as much as you do."
"More," Spencer mumbled, burying his head in his pillow.
"I talk to Daddy?" she asked.
"I'm not sure Daddy's up to talking, but I can put you on speaker and you can tell him something. Is that okay?"
"Uh huh!"
He clicked the button on his phone. "Go ahead, Parker."
"Daddy, I love you. It's okay. Benny be here soon."
Spencer smiled slightly. "Daddy loves you too, Parker. Once Benjamin's born and he's allowed visitors, I'll let you meet him and see how much you love him, okay?"
"I know I love him," she said, rolling her eyes."He my brother."
Morgan sat beside Spencer, kissing his forehead and rubbing his back. "We'll see you soon, Princess." He hung up, setting his phone down. "Do you need anything, Pretty Boy?"
He shook his head, taking a deep breath. "I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"
He nodded, sighing.
Garcia walked up to his room, knocking. Spencer paced the room, glancing over at JJ.
"I'll get it," she said, kissing his forehead and walking over, propping open the door.
"How's g-man doing?" she asked, motioning toward the room.
She sighed, lowering her voice. "He's a trooper. He wasn't in this much pain with Parker, but he's yet to take anything. Doctor says he's going to be up within the next hour."
"Poor guy. How's he taking it?"
Her question was quickly answered by Spencer. "Derek Morgan, shut up, this is at least half your fault!" he said, hitting his arm.
"…That good, huh?" Garcia whispered.
JJ nodded. "Now that he has Derek to yell at? It's definitely interesting."
Morgan raised an eyebrow. "How is this half my fault?"
"I know you're not a genius, but I know that you know I didn't impregnate myself. It takes two to tango, Derek, and since you're the father, this is half your fault, if not more."
"More?"
"Let's look at the facts, shall we? You got sex. I got ten months of pain, vomiting, kicking, swelling, and discomfort. You got off easy, so I'm placing the blame on you."
He sighed. "You're right, Pretty Boy. I'm sorry. Forgive me?"
"We'll see."
Garcia winced. "As fun as this is? Just wanted to drop off the camera." She handed JJ the bag. "Let me know when he's on his way up?"
"Of course."
Garcia poked her head in. "Good luck, Boy Wonder."
He gave her a slight wave and groaned, leaning against Morgan. "Fucking hell."
Morgan wrapped his arms around him, rubbing his back. "There you go, Spencer. You're doing a great job. Keep it up."
He sniffed, burying his head in Morgan's shoulder and crying softly. "This isn't a good job, Derek."
Morgan kissed his forehead, rubbing his back and humming. "Deep breath. Can you do that for me?"
He nodded, taking a deep breath and exhaling. "Ow," he whimpered, sniffling.
Morgan continued to rub circles on his back. "Despite what you may think, you're doing amazing, Pretty Boy. Within the next hour, we're going to have our son, and I can't thank you enough for that."
He sighed. "I'm still not overly fond of you."
Morgan sat him down on his bed. "And trust me, I get it."
Garcia walked back to the waiting room, sitting down. "I have never been happier that I'm not Derek Morgan," she said, digging through her bag and taking out a magazine.
"Is the kid really that bad?" Rossi asked. "I'm not sure he has it in him to hate anything."
"Oh trust me, he has it in him." She flipped through the magazine. "And being the stubborn boy he is, he hasn't taken any pain medications since he got here."
Fran winced. "Poor Spencer. How's Derek doing?"
"Better than I expected, actually. He's extremely calm and relaxed. I half expected him to be freaking out."
"Oh, I'm sure he is," Fran started, "on the inside. Over the past few days, I've seen that nothing matters to Derek except Spencer being happy. He internalizes everything so Spencer doesn't see him worry."
Garcia looked over at her. "Have I told you lately that you have an amazing son? Because you do."
She smiled. "Thank you."
Spencer started to panic when he saw the nurse walk in with scrubs for Morgan and JJ. He glanced up at Morgan, tears in his eyes. "I'm not ready for this."
He sat beside him, rubbing his back. "You're more than ready for this, Pretty Boy. I know you have it in you to get through this. Last time? You did this all on your own and you did amazing. This time? You have me with you."
Spencer bit his lip. "Aren't you scared?"
"Honestly?"
He nodded, wiping his eyes. "Honestly."
"I'm just as scared as you are. I just know that I need to be strong for you."
"Thank you."
He bent down, kissing his forehead. "Of course. Can you let go of my hand so I can get my scrubs on?"
He sighed, nodding and letting go. JJ walked over, quickly taking his seat. "How are you feeling, little brother?"
"Like sex with Derek Morgan was a really bad decision. Twice."
She laughed softly. "You may think so, but you have an adorable daughter and son because of it."
He shrugged, exhaling as the nurse walked over with the needle for his block. His eyes widened and he looked up at JJ.
"Just look at me. Look me in the eyes. Don't think about the needle, just focus here." She pointed to her eyes. "Watch here."
He nodded, lacing their fingers and looking at her. "Non-narcotic-"
"I guarantee that I double and triple checked with the anesthesiologist. I wouldn't let that happen."
"Thank you." He squeezed her hand as the needle went in, sighing.
"Anytime." She bent over, kissing his forehead. "Just breathe."
He took a deep breath. "Where's Derek?"
"Attempting to pull on the scrubs and looking absolutely ridiculous."
The anesthesiologist patted his shoulder. "Just stay on your side for five minutes and your doctor will be in shortly."
He turned his head to face him. "…I love you."
JJ snickered. "Spence, at this point, you'd love anyone who offers you pain relief."
He turned back to JJ. "I don't care. I love him."
Morgan walked back in, in the scrubs from head to toe. "How do I look?"
Spencer smirked. "Ridiculous."
He looked at JJ. "He seems a lot happier."
"He got the drugs," she put plainly.
"Ah." He sat beside him, kissing his forehead. "You ready, Pretty Boy?"
He nodded, resting a hand on his bump. "I'm more than ready to finally meet him. Sure you can handle this, Derek? They're going to cut me open. A lot."
"What, JJ handled it, you think I can't? In case you've forgotten, our job involves looking at blood and open wounds."
"Yes, but none of that blood or any of those open wounds belong to your husband."
"I'll be able to handle it just fine."
He glanced over at JJ. "He's going to freak out, isn't he?"
"Probably."
Before the doctor came in, JJ took out her phone. "I promised Garcia an update when you were on your way up."
Spencer raised an eyebrow. "Then send her a text…?"
"That won't do much. I need evidence." She turned on the camera, sitting on Spencer's side. "Morgan, take the other side."
"What? JJ, no!" Spencer protested as Morgan sat beside him. "I've been in labor for hours and I'm exhausted."
"Oh, it's fine. She knows." She and Morgan leaned in and she snapped the picture, sending it to Garcia.
'Picking up Benjamin. See you soon!'
Spencer sighed, laying back and running a hand over his bump. "Go easy on Daddy, Ben."
Morgan smiled, leaning over and kissing his bump. "Can't wait to meet you, little man."
Up in the operating room, JJ handed the camera to one of the nurses and Spencer was exhaling, counting the tiles on the ceiling.
Morgan reached over, lacing their fingers together. "You're going to do fine, Pretty Boy."
He nodded slightly, chewing on his lip. "Derek?"
He leaned over, squeezing his hand. "What's up?"
Spencer took his other hand, wrapping it around his neck and pulling him into a kiss.
Morgan pulled back, looking at him. "What was that for?"
"In case you forgot? After our daughter was born, we barely had time to even look at each other, and we weren't even together at that point. I'm getting it in while I can."
JJ smiled. "I'd be more than happy to take Parker for you sometime." She looked over at one of the nurses. "Lower the screen, please?"
As it was lowered, Spencer smiled. "Thank you."
"What was that for?" Morgan asked, looking between the two.
Spencer smiled slightly. "So you can see Ben being born."
"How are you feeling, Spencer?" his doctor asked, looking over at him.
"Numb, and like I'm extremely ready to be done with pregnancy."
"Then let's get started."
Spencer took a deep breath, wiping his eyes.
JJ looked over at him and rubbed his arm. "Talk to me, Spence. What's going through that head of yours?"
"First, how thankful I am that you demanded getting me out of the house and walking around. That seemed to get everything moving and make this happen, so trust me, I am extremely grateful."
She smiled. "Anything else?"
"I um, I'm sort of curious who he's going to look like, so I'm trying to think of it. I'm hoping since Parker is a smaller version of me, Benjamin takes after his Papa."
Morgan leaned down, kissing his forehead and rubbing his temples. "No matter who he takes after, he's going to be perfect."
Spencer glanced up at him. "You're acting a lot calmer than I expected, Derek. I'm impressed."
"I guess… it's because I know how much you need me to be calm." He placed another kiss on his forehead. "What are you feeling, Pretty Boy?"
"I can't really feel anything, to be completely honest. Though my guess is they're probably getting his head out soon."
Morgan raised an eyebrow. "His head?"
Spencer smiled slightly. "Well, Derek, if you'd actually read the birth chapter instead of putting it off until later because you were scared of the details, you'd know. The head comes out first so they can suction out his throat and nose and help him breathe, then comes the rest of the body."
Morgan rubbed his arm. "Doing okay?"
He nodded. "I'm just really not looking forward to recovery time. I requested non-narcotic pain medications this time, so they're not going to be as strong and it's going to suck."
He kissed his forehead again. "I'm sure you'll do fine."
"Spencer, if you'd like to take a look, your son's about to be born."
Everyone's eyes snapped up as the doctor pulled him out. Spencer gasped, putting a hand over his mouth. "Derek…" He quickly looked up and saw Morgan with tears in his eyes, something he rarely saw.
He wiped his eyes, exhaling. "You did an amazing job, Spencer. He's perfect." He leaned down, kissing him softly. "Thank you so much."
JJ smiled, rubbing Spencer's arm. "Once again, great job, Spence."
His doctor looked up at Morgan. "Would you like to cut the cord?"
He nodded, kissing Spencer's cheek and walking over. Spencer looked up at JJ, biting his lip. "Thank you for being here."
She squeezed his hand, which was gripping hers. "The pleasure was all mine. I'm glad I could be here for you."
Once Benjamin started screaming, he smiled, sniffling. "He's so perfect."
Morgan walked over, taking his seat beside Spencer and kissing his cheek.
"You know, Derek, they um, they're putting him under heating lamps and checking him over to be sure there aren't any problems, and if there aren't? He can come to recovery with me and we can spend time with him, just the two of us before we have visitors." He glanced over at JJ. "Would you mind-"
"Going to the waiting room and making the announcement? It would be my pleasure."
He smiled slightly as the doctor started stitching him up.
When they were finished checking him over, a nurse walked to Morgan, handing Benjamin, bundled up in his blankets, to him. "Congratulations."
Spencer reached over, pushing the blanket out of the way so he could get a good look at him. He had hair much like Morgan's as a child, and his nose to match. "Welcome to the world, Benjamin," he whispered, wiping his eyes. He couldn't help but gasp when he opened his eyes and seemed to look at him. He kissed his forehead and looked up at Morgan. "Thank you. He's perfect."
"Thank you, Pretty Boy," he whispered.
Spencer glimpsed over at JJ. "Are you going to get a good look at your nephew?"
She walked over, standing beside Morgan and leaning over. "Nice to meet you, Benjamin. You've got a pretty awesome family." She placed her finger in his palm and smiled when he gripped it.
"Good job, buddy," Morgan said, kissing his forehead.
JJ reached in her pocket and Spencer sighed. "Fine, just this once."
She smirked, taking her phone out of her pocket and backing up slightly. "Daddy and Papa, say cheese." Spencer smiled, looking at Morgan and back down at Benjamin as she took the picture. "Perfect."
Once they finished stitching him up, Morgan, Spencer, and Benjamin went to recovery while JJ made her way to the waiting room. When Garcia spotted her, she shot up. "How's the little guy?"
JJ took out her phone, flipping through the pictures and holding it out to Fran. "Congratulations, Grandma. Benjamin Allen Morgan is 8 pounds and 21 inches of perfection, born at 4:19 p.m."
Fran took the phone, looking at the picture and smiling. "He looks just like Derek did as a baby."
Garcia glanced over her shoulder, gasping. "Oh, he is so cute! I just want to pinch his little cheeks and never let go! When can we see him?"
"Spence is in recovery right now. When he's back in his room, he said he'll be up for visitors. Though, fair bit of warning, this time he opted for non-narcotic pain medications, so he's still going to be hurting. He doesn't want to deal with the symptoms this time, and I really don't blame him."
"How's he doing?" Rossi asked.
"Of course he's happy, but I think he's relieved more than anything."
"What about Derek?" Fran added.
She smiled. "Absolutely over the moon. Even though he's not even an hour old, Benjamin has Derek wrapped right around his little finger."
While in recovery, Spencer laid Benjamin on his chest, kissing the top of his cap-covered head. "Hey there, buddy. Thanks for finally deciding to come out of me on your own. I'd have hated to go all the way to inducing – I certainly wouldn't be happy if I had to deal with being evicted from my comfortable home when I'm not ready."
Morgan smiled, rubbing the sleeping newborn's back. "I'm really glad you're here, little man. We were getting a little impatient waiting for you. Did you know that you have a big sister? She's really excited to meet you."
Spencer glanced down and saw him opening his eyes."There we go. Hi."
The baby curled up against his chest, yawning. Morgan laughed softly. "You can go back to bed, Ben. You don't need to wake up because you're getting visitors soon."
Spencer shifted his position, wincing slightly.
Morgan looked up at him. "You okay?"
He nodded slightly. "I'm just starting to get feeling back, I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"
He nodded again. "Can you text JJ, let her know that I'll be back in my room in 15 minutes and to get Emily here so Parker can meet her little brother?"
Morgan reached for his phone, sending JJ a text.
Spencer says we'll be back in his room in fifteen minutes. Can you call Emily and get her to bring Parker? He wants her to be the first to meet him.
JJ checked her phone. No problem. She looked through her numbers. "Spence wants Parker to be the first to meet Ben, so I need to get Emily here." She dialed the number, waiting.
Emily reached over, grabbing her phone and answering. "Okay, scale of 1-10, how crazy is hormonal Spencer driving you?"
She laughed. "He's actually in recovery right now, though hormonal Spencer was definitely entertaining."
"What's up? How is he?"
"He and Ben are doing just fine. He wants you to come with Parker so she can meet her little brother."
"Who is it?" Parker asked, looking up at Emily.
"Hmm, I guess I have to see if it's okay," Emily started. "Does anyone here want to meet a Benjamin Allen Morgan?" She looked around the room. "Anybody?"
Parker squealed, pulling on her pant leg. "Me, Emmy! Me! Me!"
She smiled, looking down at her. "Go get your jacket and we'll go see him." Parker ran for her room and Emily laughed softly. "We'll be on our way in no time. Meet you in the waiting room."
"Sounds like a plan. Enjoy Parker talking your ear off."
"Oh, trust me, I have been."
