Rose let out a long low moan and his attention was diverted immediately to her. "What is it Rose? The neural block should relieve the pain of the contractions." "I don't know." She replied terrified. "Somethings wrong. It hurts really bad."

Chapter 58 David

Rose let out another loud cry holding her belly. "David! He's in trouble." The Time Lord yelled, "Tardis, what's going on?" The screen in front of him showed a rupture had occured in Rose's uterus. A pocket of blood was forming in her abdomen. She would bleed to death without immediate surgical help, and his son would suffocate. "Hold on Rose, I'll get you to the hospital."

He ran for the control room, but Ohila stood in his way. "There's no time for that you fool, she'll bleed to death." She grabbed his arms and shook him. "Why do you think I'm here!"

"You're taking an awful risk, old woman. If they die, so do you!"

"I know what to do. Will you let me do it?" Unseen a novice came into the room holding a chalice. The Time Lord looked at it disbelieving, "You and your potions. We're wasting time. What is it?"

Ohila looked at him calmly, "The Elixir of Life." He grew pale and his eyes grew wide at the implications. He stepped aside quietly and let her approach.

"Rose, I know this is difficult, but you must trust me in order to save your son. Drink this." She held the cup out to Rose who was unsure, but when another sharp pain caused her to double over. She took the cup and downed it.

The liquid was warm and tasted of apricots. Rose felt an immediate numbing sensation spread through her body. She looked at her husband and dropped the cup. It clattered on the floor. Terrified, She said only one word. "Husband?" Rose's eyes rolled to the back of her head and she blacked out.

"Rose!, The Time Lord shouted, suddenly afraid of another betrayal. He ran to her limp body and cradled her head. "Rose!" She didn't respond. He looked at Ohila with red rimmed eyes, visibly shaking, death incarnate. "What have you done?"

"It's the anesthetic. You have minutes before your son suffocates. Do you want to kill me, or do a C-section to save him?" She looked to 8 standing in the corner. "Doctor, he will need an assist. Please come forward." A surgical tray appeared, prepared by the Tardis. 8 went to the table and retrieved it.

The Time Lord stood over his dying son with a scalpel. Trying not to think of Rose, he sliced through her flesh. He could see a golden light shimmer in her body as the Elixir tried to repair it as he went. He had to act fast before it ran its course. Finally he could see the baby and gently pulled him out, head first. 8 held a blanket ready and after the cord was cut, took him to be suctioned and cleaned. The novice at his side. 8 lbs 3 oz 23" long, thick dark brown hair, brown eyes. His father's son.

The Time Lord was relieved to hear David cry, but was sad that Rose had to be unconscious. He finished the birthing process with Rose, and as soon as he removed his hands, the Elixir repaired the incisions, leaving only the slightest scar. 8 returned with his son still crying, and handed him to the Time Lord, who was checking the screen to be sure the rupture was also sealed.

He cradled his son with all the marvel in his soul. "Welcome my son, You are so loved. Come and meet your momma." His hands were trembling as he touched Rose's pale face. Blood still on his hands, "Rose, look, it's David. He's so beautiful. Please wake up and meet him."

His tears landed on her cheeks as he gently kissed her and made it look as if she were crying. She was so pale, her lips faintly blue. His trembling hand went to the pulse at her throat. Weak from blood loss, but regular, she was alive. He let out a ragged breath. The Elixir had saved her life and the life of his son. Had they been at home it would have been very different.

Ohila was right, there wouldn't have been enough time to get to the hospital and she would be dead now. He went to Ohila and laid his son in her arms. Tears on his face. "Thank You. For both of them."

He returned to Rose and sat on the stool next to her head. A protective arm across her chest, stroking her hair, kissing her cheek. He laid his head on her shoulder and wept silently. Ohila ordered everyone out of the room. She knew Rose would wake in a short time and they would need some privacy.

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The squirming bundle in Ohila's arms was a delight to behold. The Doctor's child. She would let no one take him from her as she sat in the jump seat of the Tardis control room. 8 watched her coo and play with David from across the room. You would think she was the new mother.

He came over and touched David's cheek. "This is my son, just as much as his." He was pensive. "I never thought I could feel this way about having a family." Ohila looked up through misty eyes, "I have." she said simply. "While I would never trade my life, I have often desired to alter it to include a child." The young novice who had helped in the delivery came in and whispered in her ear, leaving just as quickly. The Rev Mother smiled and sighed as she left. "But they are all, my child."

She looked at the doctor with a sniffle. "Here, hold your son for a moment. I have duties to attend to." 8 held the baby feeling more than just a bit paternal. David held up his fist, and the doctor took it with a smile and kissed it. "My son."

"Don't get too attached, you can't keep him." 10 was watching from the corridor entrance. He startled 8, who jumped, being caught in such a sentimental moment. "I was just..ah.."

10, looking like the oncoming storm, came forward like a stalking tiger. "You let her in the Tardis, when you knew what she'd done to me. That either took guts or real stupidity. And while I'm many things, I've never been that stupid." He got to the last step and smiled. "That decision saved my family. Thank You."

8 looked at his counterpart, David squeaking in his arms, "The look on your face when he was born..." Looking down at David, deciding to changing the subject. "How's Rose?" "She's awake, but tired. She wants to see David, and Alice."

The Tardis door blew open, "Daddy!" Alice ran to her father's arms. "Hello my little love." "Is momma ok?" Alice said with concern. "Yes darling, why don't you go into the infirmary and see her." Alice scampered off to find her mother.

Ohila was waiting at the door for permission to enter. "Please come in Ohila." 10 said, "Rose wants to see you, too." She entered and closed the door.

"How is Rose?" He breathed a tired sigh, "She was a little startled to see all the blood in the sheets on the floor, but she's much stronger. I told her what happened and how you saved them both. I know the Elixir is only to be used on Time Lords. Thank you for the exception."

Ohila smiled, "She's the wife of a Time Lord, that's close enough for me. I think you should stay for a few days to be sure there are no complications. I have a whole room of nannies outside, just dying to see him. She won't have to lift a finger."

He smiled, "That sounds like a good idea."

Ohila put her hand on 8's arm, "Alright Doctor, give David back to his real father. They are due for a little bonding time and they don't need us in the way." 8 handed the baby back to 10. 8 grinned and winked, "Give Rose a kiss from me." 10 rolled his eyes and sighed as they left. He looked down at his squirming son, "Come and see your momma, David." He went back down the corridor holding the precious bundle.

When he entered the room, Rose was sitting up holding Alice's hand. She was kissing the child's forehead and playing with her hair. "No, my darling. It was not your fault. It was good we stayed." Rose looked up to see him in the doorway holding their son. He came close and placed him in her arms. She looked at him dreamily, "Hello David John Smith, I love you."

She looked at her husband. He had so much pride in his eyes, he looked like he would burst. Alice looked at her brother and gasped. "Well Alice, what do you think of your baby brother?" "He's a funny color." Rose smiled at her daughter, "Newborns are often a little red. Their skin has to get used to being in the air." "Can I help you take care of him momma?" "Yes, of course. I'm sure you will be a great help for me." Rose smiled at Alice's use of momma again. She seemed to switch on and off depending on her mood now.

David began to cry and it signaled the need to move back to their room. The Time Lord was concerned about her having to walk the distance, but Rose assured him she was ok. She felt a bit sore and bruised, but ok. She leaned on Alice as he carried David out of the Tardis.

Chapter 59 Sayla