Well hello there. It's time for a new chapter. Just a warning, this one has graphic descriptions of birth as well as a whole bunch of swearing. You've been warned. I'll see you at the end of the chapter.
The evening of March 13, 2019, started out just like any other evening for Tony and James. They ate dinner together, cuddled on the couch and watched Star Trek, and then went off to bed early to try and get as much sleep as possible before the babies arrived and they wouldn't get any more. Well, James went to bed. Tony laid down on his side and stayed awake. You see, he'd been in pain all fucking day. His back hurt, his chest hurt, and he'd been feeling what he thought were just Braxton-Hicks contractions for hours.
But, around 11 pm, Tony realized that he was very wrong about the Braxton-Hicks contractions.
"James." Cringed Tony as another contraction hit. James just mumbled a bit in his sleep but didn't wake. So, Tony hit him in the chest.
"I'm awake! I'm awake!" shouted James as he sat up quickly and looked down at Tony who looked extremely uncomfortable.
"What's wrong baby doll?"
"James… I'm pretty sure I'm in labour."
Now, James was normally a pretty composed person. He was calm, cool, and collected most of the time unless something was wrong with Tony. So, hearing that his husband was in labour had James freaking the fuck out. James was yelling at FRIDAY to let Bruce and medical know that they were coming and that Tony was in labour before he slowly helped Tony to his feet so they could make the trek to medical.
The normally 5-minute walk took them around 10 because Tony had to keep stopping. Plus, it wasn't really a walk for Tony. It was more of a slow waddle and Tony was more than grateful to get to medical and onto a bed.
Bruce was there right away setting up all the things they would need for Tony and the babies for during labour and for after. James helped Tony change into a hospital gown as well as helped him get settled as comfortably as possible on the bed. While Bruce got around to giving Tony a quick examination.
"Well Tony, you're still in the early stages of labour. We're still going to keep you here to monitor the whole thing. I'm going to do everything I can to keep you and your babies safe during this, alright Tones. Now, it's still early. I suggest getting some sleep if you can." Spoke Bruce and Tony nodded.
Bruce soon left to go and get more of the supplies they needed. Tony just curled up in his left side and held James's flesh hand in a vice grip. Tony wasn't really up for talking. James couldn't blame him. He knew that Tony was scared and in pain and that pain would only get worse as his labour progressed. James was already having a hard time seeing his husband in pain. But he had to stay strong for Tony. That was important.
Tony did end up falling asleep after a little while. James just held his hand and rubbed his belly, really giving any comfort he could. While Tony slept, James stayed awake. He couldn't sleep at all. He needed to be awake to make sure that Tony was alright. He was terrified that something bad would happen.
Around 4 am Tony, woke up again with a groan. James could tell that the pain was getting a little bit worse and he was already feeling helpless seeing Tony like this. Because it was still early on, Tony just continued to lay down while James held him and kissed his forehead. There wasn't much to do but work through the pain and wait for the next check.
"How are you doing sweat heart?" asked James softly as he gave Tony's hand a squeeze.
"I'm already tired. Everything hurts. I just want our babies here and for this to be over." Sighed Tony.
"You'll get through this Tony. You'll get through this and we'll have our babies." Soothed James. That was all he could really do. Offer comfort and help when needed.
Around 9 am after Bruce had come in for a progress and health check, Tony decided that he needed to walk around for a bit. Bruce agreed saying something about how gravity would help, and soon enough, Tony was on his feet. James held him close as they slowly walked around the room. They checked out the little baby cots that the babies would sleep in while they stayed in medical. It made Tony and James long to take them to their new home. Soon. That would happen soon.
James held Tony close as he walked around and laboured. There still wasn't much talking. Just soothing gestures and touches. At one point, James told FRIDAY to tell the others what was going on and where they were in case of an emergency. What was surprising was not too long after that Rhodey and Steve showed up and asked to come in to check on everything.
"Tony, doll. Rhodey and Steve are outside. Do you want them to come in?" asked James as he helped Tony back to the bed for a bit of a rest.
"No!"
"You sure?"
"Don't want anyone but you right now."
So, James shooed their well-meaning family away while Tony's pain got worse. When Tony vomited from how intense the pain was getting, James called Bruce in a panic while he got Tony cleaned up. Bruce told them it was normal and gave James some ice chips to give to Tony to keep him hydrated.
Around noon, Tony decided that he was getting way too hot and modesty no longer mattered. So, he had James help him out of his hospital gown so he was naked. Tony really didn't care. He was hot, in pain, and having his chest bare would be better for holding his babies once they were born.
After another few hours, Tony decided to get up and walk around again. But, walking was getting harder so Tony ended up resting his head and chest on the bed while he stood on his feet. James, in his quest to help lessen the pain, was giving Tony a very much appreciated backrub. It actually helped a whole lot. Tony felt a little less pressure on his back and James felt better being able to help.
Unfortunately, that didn't last long.
Midway through James's amazing back rub, Tony started to feel some liquid trickling down his leg. He wasn't overly concerned about it so he ignored it. It was probably just from the pressure on his bladder. But, not too long after that trickle turned into a bit of a gush.
"Um… James… I think my water just broke." Gasped Tony before he collapsed to his knees as the pain got even worse then it had before.
James helped Tony back onto the bed before calling for Bruce. The man in question appeared in seconds and was giving Tony and examination. Tony just closed his eyes and focused on breathing while James held his hands and worried.
"Alright, Tony. Looks like you're about 8 cm dilated. Just hang in there. You're progressing pretty fast so I don't expect for this to last more than a few more hours." Tony just nodded and moaned in pain as another contraction hit.
"James… I don't know if I'm going to be able to do this." Mumbled Tony as he started to cry from the mounting pain.
"You will baby. I know you will. You've been through so much already. I know you can make it through this." Encouraged James as he helped Tony get comfortable.
Another hour went by before Bruce returned. In that time Tony became more vocal. Not in the way of wanting to make conversation to get his mind off things, but more in the way of crying and swearing while James held his hand.
As Tony's contractions got closer together, his swearing got a little more creative. James would have given him serious points for calling him a "FUCKING POTATO NUT SACK!", but he threatened to chop off his dick afterwards so he lost points there for creativity.
But, once Bruce returned and gave Tony a check, they knew it was go time. Suddenly, much to Tony's annoyance, there were at least 5 other doctors in the room. Tony would have preferred if it was just him, James, and Bruce, but he knew that wasn't a possibility. Tony's contractions were getting almost unbearably painful but he did everything he was instructed to do to help bring his babies into the world.
James was right there on the bed with Tony. He had an arm around Tony's shoulders while the other supported his left leg. Once Bruce instructed Tony on when and how to push, he started to get really nervous. This was the part where things could go wrong. James really didn't want things to go wrong.
"James! James! Make it stop!" cried out Tony after a particularly strong contraction as his hands scrambled for purchase in James's arms.
"I'm right here baby. You're doing so well. So well baby." Soothed James even though on the inside he was terrified.
"Alright Tony, I can see a head. You're almost 1/3rd of the way there." Announced Bruce and Tony doubled down on his next contraction.
"You're almost there Tony. You're almost there." Encouraged James and with one big push, their first baby was born.
"Congratulations! Baby number one is a boy!" announced Bruce as he held the screaming baby.
Neither Tony nor James really got to enjoy that moment because seconds later Tony was hit by another strong contraction. Tony was still screaming and crying and James really felt helpless. Tony was hurting, and his firstborn son was crying and not in their arms. He was more than ready for this ordeal to be over.
5 minutes later, Tony gave birth to their second son. He wasn't screaming like his brother and James worried for a second before Bruce said that he was breathing fine. He was just a really chill baby. That actually got a laugh out of Tony before the next contraction hit. James had the mistake then of looking down when his daughter was being born. The whole time James had been focusing on Tony. He hadn't realized there would be so much blood. James was trying to keep all his emotions under control so he wouldn't pass out at the sight. Luckily, 10 minutes later, their daughter was born and Tony collapsed from exhaustion in his arms.
So, in the early evening of March 14, 2019, on fucking Pi day of all days, Tony and James finally welcomed Jason, Arlo, and Morgan Stark-Barnes into the world. Tony looked like a wreck and James was just holding him close.
"My babies? Are my babies ok?" rasped out Tony and Bruce just nodded.
From there, James helped Tony to lie down a bit and soon enough there were three impossibly perfect babies on Tony's chest and cradled protectively with James's arms around all of them. Tony and James started crying for a whole different reason as they got their first good look at their children. Their boys certainly were identical right down to the little wrinkles on their foreheads. Their baby girl was so small but she was the loudest. Although, all three of them calmed down once they were with Tony and James.
"They're so perfect James." Whispered Tony has he left little kisses on each of his babies heads.
"You did so perfectly Tony. You made them and they're so perfect." Smiled James as he let himself cry tears of joy.
The doctors fussed over Tony for a little while he held his babies. They delivered the placentas and got Tony the ice packs and medicine he desperately needed. Tony and James just let them work. They just cared about the new lives in their arms.
"So, which one is which?" asked Bruce as he got the birth certificates ready.
"Well, the one who's squirming around is Jason James. Our calm little boy here is Arlo Anthony. And our little girl is Morgan Maria." Smiled Tony as he continued to stare at the three beautiful babies currently curled up on his bare chest.
The doctors continued to fuss around for a while longer as they ran a few tests. So far, everything was perfect. All three babies were breathing and moving fine. Everything was where it should be and nobody was crying in pain other than Tony, but that was just a matter of the meds kicking in.
Actually, everything had gone perfectly. Maybe when Thor had said he was going to bless their babies he actually did something. All three of them were healthy and besides being sore and tired, Tony had had no complications. It was like a blessing from the gods.
After a while, the doctors finally left and allowed Tony and James to bond one on one with their new babies. Tony, even though he was exhausted and now on medication, he felt wide awake as he snuggled his husband and children. James took the time to wrap Tony and the babies up nice and warm in an old blanket he'd brought with them. James just couldn't keep the smile off his face. Tony had done amazingly and their babies were perfect.
The two mostly sat in silence, just cooing over their children. Eventually, James got up again to go and prepare some bottles to feed them. James fed Jason in his arms while Tony fed Arlo. Morgan just slept and woke once her brothers were done. Once everyone was all fed the babies were placed back on Tony's chest for some snuggles.
"We should video call Peter so he can start making his way down here. I know he really wants to meet the babies." Suggested Tony once everyone was settled down. James just nodded and pulled out his phone to make the call. Peter picked up on the first ring.
"Hey, Mr. Barnes. What's up." Smiled Peter when he came into view.
"You and your aunt might want to start making your way down to the compound." Smiled James and Peter looked a bit confused.
"Why's that?"
"Let's just say that your little brothers and sister really want to meet you." Smiled Tony and Peter freaked out.
"You had the babies! On Pi day!" shouted Peter and both Tony and James laughed a bit.
"What can I say. They're half Stark, of course, they picked a nerdy date. So, get that spider butt of yours here so you can –" Tony was cut off mid-sentence by Morgan putting one of her impossibly small hands over Tony's mouth. James started laughing like an idiot.
"What happened?" asked Peter excitedly.
"Morgan just put her hand over Tony's mouth to shut him up. She's already a sassy little thing." Snickered James and Peter laughed along.
With a promise to get there soon and a yell to May, Peter hung up the call leaving the new parents to continue dotting over their babies. Tony could hardly believe how small they were. It was insane. James just couldn't believe they were there. This was something he never thought he'd get to have and he was stupidly grateful to have an amazing husband and beautiful healthy children.
Although, not too long after they were interrupted by the smiling faces off all their well-meaning friends.
"Bruce said the babies were born so we all came to say hello." Smiled Steve as he and all the others quietly made their way into the room after washing their hands. Nobody wanted to make Tony or the babies sick.
Rhodey was the first one over there and cooing over how small the babies were. Everyone was just enamoured with them. Most of the others were preoccupied with looking at the babies that they seemed to forget that Tony was there. Luckily Rhodey spoke up to rectify that.
"No offence Tones, but you look exhausted. You should get some rest."
"Well, I did just give birth. I reserve the right to be tired and in pain." Smirked Tony as James pulled him and the babies closer.
"Does birth really hurt that much? It can't be that bad." Commented Steve and Tony shot him a look as well as all the women in the room.
"Imagine you're getting hit in the nuts with a 1000 degree baseball bat for hours and it only gets worse." Explained Tony and there was a whole heck of a lot pained sympathy looks thrown at Tony from the men in the room.
"Yeah Steve, I wouldn't argue with the person who just pushed three other people out of their body." Rebutted Clint. He'd seen his wife give birth. He knew how much pain Tony was in and how you never mess with a mama bear.
When Steve asked if he could hold one of them, it was actually James who spoke up and said no.
"Not right now Stevie. Right now they need to stay with me and Tony. Maybe once we move to the new house. But right now they're sleeping and happy."
Steve and the others just backed off a bit. The fight wasn't worth it. Plus, James had a point. It was at that point that Thor walked a little closer and smiled at the new parents and smiled.
"Your children are beautiful. May they lead healthy lives and have strong hearts." Smiled Thor as he gave the children his blessing. He was so happy that Tony and James were enjoying the gift he'd given them. It really was his way of saying thanks for killing Thanos and for giving the remaining Asgardians a new home.
Nobody really stuck around that much after that. They could tell how tired Tony was getting. Although, Tony couldn't go to sleep quite yet. About 10 minutes after the others left, Peter and May showed up. Peter looked so excited when Tony introduced him to the babies. Although, when Peter promised to protect them with everything he had, Tony did start to cry a bit. It had been a long day.
Peter and May didn't stay too long. Tony was already half asleep. After they left James got up and brought the little co-sleepers closer to Tony's bed. One by one, James lifted up his babies, swaddled them up nice and safe, and placed them down to sleep. Tony smiled as he watched James caring for their babies. He was already an amazing father. After he was done, James curled up on the bed next to the already half asleep Tony.
"You get some sleep darlin'. I'll keep an eye on them. You deserve to rest now." Soothed James as he kissed Tony sweetly before he fell asleep.
James was smiling as he watched his family sleep. Everything was perfect. He had the perfect husband, the perfect babies. It was just… perfect. In one annoying part of James's brain was saying that he didn't deserve any of this, but the rest knew better. James and Tony deserved this. They deserved their happy ending. And that's the real tea.
Babies! We have babies! I hope you guys liked this one. Tony and James are sure going to have their hands full with the babies now that they're here. But, we already know that they'll be just fine. I'll see you guys soon. -Shadows