An: I realize this chapter has been a long time coming and I know none of you are interested in my excuses, but in my defense, I am a horribly squeamish person. I can't stand the sight of blood and even a paper cut gives me the willies. So if you can imagine this chapter as a ugly, fanged, purple spotted monster and me running away from it, that sounds about right. hehe

*Hands out discount Easter chocolates* All my thanks: Qwi-Xux and Feeny.

Miracle

Four hours. Vaan tenderly brushed his thumb over his baby's cheek. Four agonizingly long hour spent waiting, watching, wondering how long it would take and trying to soothe the pained shouts and cries of his wife. But the end result was infinitely precious and utterly worth it. Mesmerized, he stared at the tiny sleeping bundle gathered in his arms.

Hey, you.

It was like he was in a bubble. He couldn't hear, he couldn't speak. All his attention was drawn towards his tiny miracle.

He was in shock, maybe. At the very least, this situation felt entirely surreal. Even when Penelo's water broke, his mind could barely process what was happening. He was almost ashamed to admit it. In fact, he remembered, it hadn't been her knees that buckled, it'd been his. To think, two weeks of mental preparation and still his legs were reduced to a quivering mass of jelly. It was incredible. They somehow switched roles and he latched onto Penelo's arm as together they hobbled out the door. Luckily, Penelo kept her calm. She managed to snap to attention immediately after her first contraction then bullied her way past the surging crowds to get to the Aerodome. It was all a blur after that.

Reluctantly, Vaan pulled his gaze away from the baby. It was surprisingly difficult, and already he found himself feeling protective. Penelo was asleep now, her exhaustion finally leading her to curl into Vaan's side. They were nestled together on one of the guest beds in the Palace. Outside, he could hear Ashe barking out orders not to disturb them until morning and was thankful. Grinning widely and taking extreme care not to jar the baby in his other arm, he reached over and smoothed the creases in her brow. His heart swelled with love for his wife, he was so proud of her.

It was amazing how Penelo could have made this little person. Sure, she claimed that he was the one who did it to her, but really, she had done all the work. And after all those months of getting to know him through the smallest kicks and punches, he was finally here.

He could hardly dare believe it.

This small face, buried into the folds of blanket, belonged to him. His little boy..that was his little boy he was holding. He watched spellbound as he gurgled happily in his sleep.

For the first time in years, Vaan felt a curious prickle behind his eyelids. A feeling of something unbearably strong yet unbelievably warm seized his chest. He marveled at him, at how light he was and wondered vaguely how anything in the world could be so small. His tiny fists barely wrapped around the finger he was suckling.

What would he be like, Vaan wondered. Probably like Penelo. He glanced down at his sleeping wife, and chuckled. Her bangs fluttered haphazardly across her face with each snore and a small dribble of drool escaped her mouth. He dearly hoped the baby didn't take after him as far as nerves were concerned. A soft snuffling noise distracted him from his thoughts and he turned his head.

You're awake.

Vaan started. Large hazel eyes blinked solemnly back at him and the familiarity tugged at his heart. For a moment, he was stunned.

Reks.

His son squirmed and kicked feebly in his wrappings but quickly settled again, making little smacking noises. Vaan smiled widely, lifting the child to lay a soft kiss on the crown of his head.

Welcome home.