Warning: This chapter contains graphic content. If you are sensitive to such descriptions I suggest you proceed with caution.
Hiro smiled as he watched his wife pace about the room, right before bed. Zero Two was nine months pregnant, and her body showed it. He thought it impossible that she could get any bigger, but she had, and Zero Two looked like she was on the verge of bursting. He knew that she was due any day now, and with eager anticipation, they waited for the onset of labor.
His grin widened as Zero Two continued to waddle about the room, cleaning every nook and cranny, folding and refolding clothes. She'd been much more active these last few days, and slightly more on edge. Still, it was adorable to watch her as she "nested," making sure that everything was perfect for her baby.
"Why are you grinning?" She asked, distracted.
"Oh, nothing." He said with a chuckle.
"It's not nothing, you've been watching me for the last fifteen minutes. What's so funny?"
"You're nesting," He said, smiling, "And it's absolutely adorable."
"I'm not nesting." She insisted, folding the clothes with more vigor than was necessary,
"Whatever you say, honey."
She huffed and threw down the shirt, placing a hand on her swollen belly. Suddenly she grimaced as a contraction overcame her, and after a few seconds, it passed.
He perked up, and suddenly his eyes were like a hawk examining every inch of her. For the past few days, she'd been experiencing contractions as her body practiced for the real thing, but everytime it happened, he couldn't help but think that it was time. Because every time it happened, it meant that the moment of truth was just that much closer.
"You alright?" He asked, standing up and walking over to her.
She nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just waiting for the moment when I actually get to give birth."
He smiled and kissed her, "Well, it's closer now than it was before."
"I hope."
Gently he grabbed her hand, "Come on, let's try and see if we can get you to sleep."
Zero Two nodded, yawning as she allowed herself to be led to bed. Gently he guided her down and got her a couple pillows to support herself, knowing that she'd need proper support if she was going to get any sleep.
Gently he slipped in behind her and wrapped an arm around her, gently stroking the swell of her belly.
"I can't wait to meet our little one." He whispered, breathing in the smell of her hair.
"I just need this thing out of me." She said ruefully, "I'm gonna pop if I get any bigger."
He smiled, "You hear that little one. Mommy and Daddy really wanna meet you, so try not to keep us waiting too long." Gently he kissed his fingers and then pressed them to Zero Two's belly. "Love you."
Zero Two chuckled softly and snuggled against him. "Well, Darling, I hope you're ready because it's just going to be you and me."
He smiled and nuzzled her. "I know. Trust me, I've read the sections on childbirth more times than I care to remember, I'm with you all the way."
She smiled, "Well, at least somebody knows what they're doing."
"Yeah, my job is to sit there and watch the baby come out of you. That and catching the thing and putting it on your chest."
"Well, I'm sure you'll do a fantastic job."
For a moment, they just sat quietly, his hands tracing gentle swirls on the swell of her belly.
"Did you see Ichigo's belly?" Zero Two asked after a long moment.
He smiled, "Yeah, I did. It's kinda cute if I'm being honest."
Zero Two laughed, "And Goro hovers just as badly as you do. It's driving Ichigo insane."
"I don't blame him." He said, stroking her swollen belly, "Watching somebody you hold dear, carrying a manifestation of your love inside them… You can't help but worry, and you'll do anything to keep them safe."
She hummed happily and nestled up against him.
"I wonder how Ikuno is doing?" He said absentmindedly.
"Last I heard, everything was going well." Zero Two said, with a yawn. "I know Futoshi and her are helping Naomi rebuild, but they haven't exactly been specific on what they're doing."
"Well, they're probably in the same position as us. There's so much to do and not enough people."
Zero Two nodded, yawning. "Well, I'm going to try and get to bed. It's hard enough as it is getting any sleep at this point."
He nodded, "Good night. Wake me up if you need anything."
She nodded. "I will."
Hiro awoke only a few hours later, his eyes fluttering open to the pitch black of midnight. He didn't know what had awoken him; all he did know was that his horns ached dully. Mentally he shrugged and tried to go back to sleep.
"Ow." Zero Two groaned, gritting her teeth, feebly trying to hide that she was in pain.
His eyes flew open again, and suddenly he was on alert. Zero Two tensed, her breath coming heavy as pain overcame her.
"Zero Two?" He said, quietly sitting up.
She let out a relieved sigh and her body relaxed as the pain dissipated, "Darling," She said, "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up."
"Are you okay?" He asked, reaching over to a lamp on the bedside table.
She nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a few cramps."
His eyes glanced over her, and he realized that she'd never managed to fall asleep like he had. She'd been up this entire time, contractions keeping her from falling asleep.
His eyes went wide, "Zero Two, are you in labor?"
She shook her head, "No. Darling, as I said earlier, my body is just practicing. The book said that this was normal."
He looked at her doubtful, "The book said that you may experience a few scattered contractions during your final weeks. Not contractions every hour."
Zero Two blushed, and instinctively he knew he'd under balled that number and that these contractions were much more frequent.
Zero Two butted in before he could say more, "The book said that we won't know the baby is coming until my water breaks, and I don't see any wet spots."
"That's not always a guarantee,"
Quietly she crawled over to him, gently pushing him down back onto the bed. Smiling, she clambered on top of him, and he groaned, his nine-month pregnant wife, a lot heavier than he'd anticipated her being. She smiled and gently gave him a kiss on the forehead.
"I know what I'm doing." She said, sitting back and grinning as he winced.
"Do you now?" He said, pinned beneath her. "Is that why we thought that you were going into labor twice before now?"
She blushed, "Exactly, and after two times, I'm waiting until my water breaks. I'm not having any more false alarms. We've already lost enough sleep over it."
He sighed as his wife's fiery green eyes stared down at him, almost daring him to say something. "Zero Two… We're both new at this. Forgive me if I'm a little on edge. We've just waited so long, and you're due anytime now."
She smiled and gently grabbed his hands, placing them on the swell of her belly, "I know, Darling. But please just relax, I don't want this to cause you any more stress than it already is. I'll know when its time."
All of a sudden, he felt her belly convulse, and she winced in pain. Then in the silence, they both heard a faint "pop." Zero Two's faced change from a face of pain to one of shock, and barely a second later, he felt warm water gush out of her and start to soak him and the bed. They both looked at each other stunned, their brains both arriving at the same conclusion at the exact same time.
"Zero Two." He gasped. "I think your water just broke."
She stared at him, overwhelmed, realizing that the moment they had been waiting for was upon them, and it was time to bring their child into the world.
He smiled, feeling a rush of excitement run through him. He couldn't believe it. It was finally time. Still in shock, Zero Two crawled off him, water still leaking from her as she sat off to the side. Hurriedly he sat up, not even caring that he was soaked in amniotic fluid, the imitate arrival of their baby the sole focus on his mind.
Leaning forward, he kissed her on the cheek, hugging her to him. "I can't believe it." He whispered, "It's finally time."
Zero Two nodded.
He smiled, "Think about it, you'll be the first woman to give birth in over a hundred years."
"Well, I hope I set a good example."
"You will. I promise."
She smiled and gently returned the kiss, her lips soft and gentle, even if her bottom lip was still trembling.
Gently he touched his horns to hers and sent a rush of warmth and gratitude to her, assuring her of his undying support. He felt a wave of pain wash over her as a contraction started up again, and hurriedly he blocked her from feeling it, trying to ease some of her burdens.
"No," Zero two said sharply, breaking the connection.
He looked at her, confused, "Why did you break the connection?"
She took a moment to answer as the last of the pain washed over her, "I want to go through this myself." She said, looking him in the eye. "I want to experience bringing this child into the world like any other woman. I know you'd gladly bear every burden of this process and would probably take the pain of childbirth if I'd let you."
He opened his mouth to say something but, she cut him off.
"Please don't argue, Darling. I know you mean well, but this is my decision."
He nodded, "Of course. But please let me know what you need. I have to do something, I can't just sit here and watch you bare all the burdens."
Zero two sighed and thought for a moment, then quietly, she laid down, blushing. "I... I um want to know how far I've dilated…"
Eagerly he sat up, happy to be part of this process in some way. Quietly he crawled between her gently pulling her underwear off. Gently he slid his fingers as deep inside her as he could go, and Zero Two let out a small groan of discomfort. He felt around and found her cervix, and then his breath caught in his throat as he felt the top of the baby's head.
"Zero Two.." He whispered. "I can feel the baby's head."
She gave a pained smile and then winced. "Darling, please make it quick; having your hand inside me hurts."
"Oh sorry." He said hurriedly, "Give me a moment."
Recalling the measuring technique described in the book, he measured her cervix. He gasped when he realized that she'd dilated enough to be bigger than his fist.
He looked up, "Zero Two, you're over five centimeters, how long have you been in labor?"
She shifted her eyes away from him. "For the last few hours." She mumbled.
He sighed, "I really wished you'd had woken me up sooner. I feel bad knowing you've been in labor while I was sleeping."
Gently he removed his hand, and she winced as he pulled out of her. "But I guess it doesn't matter now. The baby is on the way; we're so close now."
She nodded, sitting up and placing a hand on her belly. "Well, I still have another five centimeters to go. This is going to be interesting."
He nodded and stood, pulling out the medical equipment that they'd stored under the bed, and grabbing a few towels and blankets that they'd need a little later.
The next few hours were long and boring, as Zero Two's contractions got closer and closer together. He did what he could for her, massaging her back and shoulders, helping her take a short walk along the hallway. Currently, they were in the bathroom as he helped her undress, hoping that the warm water of the shower would help ease some of her pain.
Leading her, they stepped into the shower, Hiro making sure the water was perfectly warm before he let his wife step into the flow. Gently he slid in behind her supporting her from the back, his hands wrapped around her belly as the hot water cascaded down on them. Zero Two whimpered as a particularly powerful contraction overcame her, leaning against him as she tried to cope with the pain.
It passed, and he gently kissed her on the back of the neck. "Thank you for going through this." He whispered to her, "I love you so much."
She nodded, "Thank you for always supporting me, Darling. I don't know if I could go through this without you."
He shook his head, "This is all you, and don't you forget that. I'm just honored that I can be a part of it."
She smiled and then bit her tongue as yet again the pain enveloped her; the price of bringing this miracle into the world taking a heavy toll on her.
They stayed like that until the contractions were so close together that he wasn't comfortable having her on her feet anymore. It had been hours, and he knew that his wife and the baby had to be exhausted at this point. Intuitively he knew that the time was drawing near, and they needed to prepare. As they walked back to their room he saw the faintest light of the sun on the horizon; the pitch black of night lightening just a little. They stopped as Zero Two collapsed against the wall, barely managing to keep her feet, as a very powerful contraction overcame her.
"I got you." He whispered.
She nodded, and they managed to limp back to their bedroom. Hurriedly he got her to the bed and propped her up, using all the pillows he could to keep her comfortable. Pulling the blanket up around her, he gently sat down and held her hand, whispering soft words of encouragement.
He eyed the pitcher of water on the bedside table that he'd gotten a few hours earlier, but after a moment, realized Zero two probably wasn't in the mood.
He held on to her, giving her his undying support, as his wife doubled up in pain. Gently he squeezed her hand, watching as the beads of sweat began to run down her face. Zero Two took deep calming breaths between contractions, her eyes closed in her short relief. But it didn't last long, and soon enough, they came back with a vengeance.
He gave her hand another squeeze and kissed her on the cheek, "You got this." He whispered,
"Argh!" Zero Two groaned, her face consumed in pain.
He watched as suddenly her skin flushed its deep ruby red, the same color it had been back so long ago. Gently he gave her hand a squeeze, and reaching up, tucked some loose hair behind her ears.
"Darling, I need to push." She groaned suddenly, squeezing his hand so hard he thought his bones were going to break.
"Okay," He said, slightly panicking now that the moment was upon them. "Where do you want me?"
"Down there!" She gasped, letting go of his hand and gesturing between her legs.
He nodded, kissing her on the forehead.
"Argh!" She groaned, straining as she began to push, her belly contracting.
Hurriedly he scrambled down between her legs, yanking the blankets off her, and preparing himself for what was to come. Scrambling about, he got a towel under her to catch any excess fluids and grabbed all the tools that Dr. Franxx had provided them. His heart was pounding in his chest, listening as Zero Two hissed in pain, straining as she labored to bring their baby into the world.
"Damn it!" She groaned, collapsing back against the pillows and panting.
Taking a moment to calm himself, he closed his eyes. He needed to focus. Zero Two needed him now more than ever; he had to keep a clear head. He opened his eyes as Zero Two started to push again, grabbing her legs as she opened herself up for the baby to come.
"You're doing great, Zero Two." He said, looking down between her legs, waiting for the baby to present itself.
"Oh, really!" She hissed, her face contorted in pain.
She pushed, pulling back on her legs as she strained to bring their baby into the world.
"You got this." He said encouragingly, "I believe in you. You can do it."
"OW!" She cried, fighting back tears as she gave a massive push.
She collapsed back against the bed, her body going slack as she tried to catch her breath.
"Take a break." He said, moving back around to her bedside and giving her a kiss on the forehead. Gently he grabbed a glass of water and held it up to her.
She grabbed it and chugged it down as he quietly ran his hand through her sweaty pink hair. "You're doing great, Zero Two. You're almost there."
She nodded, wincing as another contraction came over her. "Thanks, Darling."
Gently he kissed her again, "I believe in you. You can do anything, baby."
She smiled and handed him back the cup. "Let's finish this, Darling."
He nodded and, putting the cup down, made his way back between her legs. "I'm ready when you are."
She nodded and waited for the next contraction, preparing herself for the final stretch. Then in a cry of pain, it happened, Zero Two pushed, and he saw a small patch of black hair poking through before retreating back inside as the contractions passed.
"You're so close." He said excitedly, preparing himself to catch the baby, "Come on, you can do it."
She braced herself, straining as she pushed even harder, fighting to bring their baby into the world. The hair emerged again, more of that black hair pushing its way into view, and this time refusing to go back in.
Gently he reached forward and stretched the lips around the baby's head, jumping slightly as Zero Two heaved, and the baby began to crown between her legs. "You got this!" He said excitedly, "Come on, you're almost there."
Zero Two hissed in pain and smashed her fist against the bed as she pushed, more of the head, continuing to emerge out of her. Zero Two collapsed back, panting and completely out of breath. She was so exhausted, and he could see tears of pain staining her face the effort of performing this miracle, taking everything out of her. He couldn't help but feel privileged as he watched this extraordinary event, witnessing as the love of his life labored to bring their baby into the world. He smiled with all his love and affection, gratitude radiating off him.
Gently he reached up, "Zero Two, give me your hand." He said, looking at her.
Her emerald green eyes looked at him as she struggled to find the strength to push on. Weakly she reached down and took his hand, her grip gentle as she conserved her strength. He smiled and guided her hand between her legs. Zero Two gasped as her fingers caressed the top of the baby's scalp, feeling the reality of the miracle she was bringing into the world.
"My baby," Zero Two sobbed, feeling the scalp between her legs.
"It's got my hair." He said with a smile.
Zero Two smiled and gently withdrew her hand, pulling her legs back as far as they could go. She took a deep breath, and as the next contraction overcame her, she pushed, pouring her whole being into it as the baby's head emerged.
It was all he could do to keep from crying as he stared at their baby's adorable little face, eyes shut tight as it squeezed out of Zero Two. He smiled as he saw two tiny red horns protruding from the baby's forehead, just barely distinguishable against the matching color of the baby's skin.
Amazed and honored, he watched as his beautiful wife pushed the baby out into the world, the shoulders squeezing out after the head, covered in Zero Two's blue blood. He reached out and prepared to catch the baby as Zero Two took a moment to prepare herself for the final stretch.
"You're almost there!" He said excitedly. "Come on, Zero Two, you got this."
She gritted her teeth, fighting to find the strength needed for the final stretch. The contraction came, and she pushed with all her might, crying out as the baby slid out of her and into his waiting hands. Zero Two fell back panting, her chest heaving as she recovered from the ordeal that she'd just endured.
He started sobbing as he toweled the baby off. The baby cried out, its cry declaring its life to the world as the baby dragged in its first breath. Zero Two's head perked up, and she stared down at the baby between her legs, watching as he prepared to present their child to her.
Tears streaming down his face, he clamped the umbilical cord, like how the book had instructed, his hands trembling as he held this beautiful life they had created.
"Boy or a girl?" Zero Two asked, still out of breath.
Gently he peaked between the baby's legs.
"It's a girl." He said happily, sobbing he gently picked up his daughter.
Zero Two smiled, tears of joy streaming down her face as they stared at their newborn child. Gently he picked up their baby and passed it up between Zero Two's legs placing their newborn daughter on her mother's chest. Zero Two sobbed as she held her little girl for the first time, tears of joy streaming down her face.
He smiled as he gazed at his wife and child, tears cascading down his cheeks. Quietly he got up and sat next to her, gently running his fingers through his wife's hair as she held their little girl. Zero Two looked up at him, sobbing, clutching their baby to her chest.
"Darling," She sobbed, smiling up at him.
Gently he stroked her cheek, Zero Two nuzzling against him. "I'm so proud of you." He whispered, "I love you so much."
She sobbed and looked back down at the baby in her arms, listening to the child's healthy cries.
"My baby." Zero Two sobbed, kissing the top of the baby's head.
After a moment, the baby stopped crying and looked up at them, sapphire blue eyes staring and drinking in the sight of its loving parents.
"She has your eyes, Darling." Zero Two said, clutching the baby to her.
He smiled and reached out gently, holding the baby's little hand. Gently their daughter grabbed one of his fingers, and he burst into tears. Her soft little hand gently holding on to him.
Crying, he stared into his daughter's eyes and prepared to make a vow. Gently he held his daughter's hand, feeling the warmth beneath his fingers. "I swear to you," He whispered, gazing straight into those beautiful sapphire eyes, "I swear to forever protect you, to be by your side and raise you to the best of my ability. I promise to be your father and to never abandon you. If you need me, I will be there. Now and forever."
For a moment, they stared into each other's eyes, staring into the eyes that looked so much like his. He didn't know for how long he sat there looking at her, his eyes only for her as he cemented his solemn promise to his daughter.
It wasn't until Zero Two suddenly grimaced in pain that his attention was finally broken.
"You alright?" He asked suddenly on alert.
She nodded and thought for a moment. However, as another wave of pain washed over her, she realized what was going on. "I almost forgot about this part." She said. She reached down and grabbed the baby's umbilical cord. "The baby is still attached to me, and I haven't delivered the placenta yet."
"Oh, yeah, you're right." He said, laughing, "I completely forgot about that."
Zero Two grimaced as another contraction washed over her.
Hurriedly he got up and grabbed a bowl that they'd set aside for this very purpose. Calmly he gently pulled on the umbilical cord as Zero Two pushed. Blue blood pooled in the bottom of the bowl, and a second later, he saw the mass of flesh that was the placenta. With another push, it was out and slightly fascinated; he stared at it; amazed at the fact that this mass of flesh was what had connected their baby to Zero Two. Gently he wiped his wife down, cleaning her up now that the birth was over.
"One more thing." Zero Two said, fingering the umbilical cord.
He smiled and gently picked up a pair of scissors. Gently Zero Two turned their baby on her side. Carefully he cut the cord a few inches away from the baby's belly, separating her from the connection that had nurtured her for the past nine months.
Quickly he dropped the cord in with the placenta, but as he gazed at it, he remembered something that the book had said some people do. Grinning, he picked up the bowl.
"You sure you don't want to eat it?" He asked, smiling, as he presented her with the baby's placenta.
Zero Two eyed it for a moment, just staring at the mass of blood and flesh that had connected the baby to her for nine months. "You know, I'm good." She said, turning back to their baby, as it began to move around on her chest.
He chuckled and gently set it off to the side. Quietly he took a seat on the edge of the bed and gently ran his finger's through Zero Two's hair as he stared down at their baby.
Zero Two lay on the bed, Darling's hand gently stroking her hair and their newborn daughter on her chest. She smiled as she stared down at their baby feeling the warmth of the baby's skin on her chest. Her whole body ached, and the place between her legs felt raw and swollen. Still, as she gazed down at the child on her chest, she knew it was all worth it. All the pain and discomfort paled in comparison to the feeling of holding her newborn daughter in her arms. It was all worth it.
She stared into their baby's eyes, unable to look away. They were Darling's eyes, the rich sapphire blue that she loved so much.
"She looks like you," Darling said, smiling.
She nodded, admiring the baby in her arms. Slowly she noticed that the baby started to become more restless and whimpered faintly. The sound made a rush of energy run through her, and her swollen breasts ached. After a moment, she knew what the baby wanted.
Gently she guided the baby to her breast, rubbing the nipple across the baby's lips. The baby opened her mouth and gently took in a mouthful of her breast. She gasped, and a second later felt her daughters gentle sucking. A relaxing waved washed over her, and she felt her breasts let down as her milk began to flow. Tears began to trickle down her face as she stared at her precious baby, a bond that only a mother and her child could share forming between them. She smiled down, staring into her baby's eyes, as she felt the gentle tugging on her nipple as the baby fed.
After a while, the baby gently released her breast, a droplet of milk leaking from her nipple. She smiled as she stared down at her baby, gently cradling the love of her life.
"What do you want to name her?" Darling asked quietly.
"That's your job." She whispered, suddenly feeling very tired, "We agreed that you'd get to name her if it was a girl."
Darling shook his head, "I know. But I want us to agree on this. I can't bring myself to make the decision alone."
For a moment, they sat quietly, thinking. The sun slowly began to rise into the sky, its warm rays gently shining into the room. Smiling, she looked down at her baby, trying to think of something.
Suddenly Darling moved and whipped out his communicator. She looked over at him. "Got one?"
"I think so." He said after a moment, "But I have to make sure the name means what I think it does."
Eagerly she watched him wondering what he was going to come up with. The baby gently nuzzled against her chest, almost as if waiting for what was to come.
"Got it." Darling said. He smiled down at her. "How about Alina? It means light."
Quietly she turned and gazed at the sun's rays as they shined through the window, their warm beauty alighting the hope for a new day. She smiled. Watching as still more sun poured into the room, the light of hope and possibility shining down upon them.
She nodded and gently turned to the baby clutched in her arms, those warm sapphire blue eyes staring up at her. "I love it, Darling." She said, smiling at her daughter. Gently she gave the baby a little squeeze. "Hi, Alina." She whispered, smiling.
Little Alina smiled back, the light in her eyes like the warm sun above.
"You picked the perfect name, Darling," She whispered.]
He chuckled, "I'm glad you approve."
Quietly she watched as little Alina closed her eyes and relaxed against her chest. A few minutes later, she realized that the baby had gone to sleep, and suddenly she too realized just how tired she was. Yawning she tried to make herself comfortable, struggling to keep her eyes open as she allowed herself the possibility of finally getting some sleep.
Darling stood up and gently pulled the covers up around them.
"Thanks." She whispered, finally managing to get comfortable.
He smiled and kissed her on the forehead. "Get some sleep." He whispered, "You two have had a long night; you deserve it." After a moment, he pulled out his communicator, "I'll go tell the others that the baby's been born. Do you mind if I grab a picture."
She smiled, "I doubt they'll take no for an answer."
Darling smiled and took a couple pictures. "I'll see you in a few hours." He whispered, giving her a final kiss on the cheek, "Get some sleep."
She nodded and closed her eyes. A few minutes later, everything faded as she slipped off into the most well-deserved sleep of her life.
Hiro smiled as he turned to go, quietly closing the door behind him. The sun blazed through the window that ran along the hall, and smiling, he stared out into its brilliance. He was so happy to be alive.
Quietly he turned and began to descend the stairs, making his way down towards the living room. Chatting voices buzzed with conversation, and quietly he stopped in the entranceway watching as the squad chatted.
"Hiro," Ichigo said, spotting him. She stood, and he could see the swell of her four-month pregnant belly.
"Hey." He said with a grin.
"Where's Zero Two?" Goro asked.
He paused and looked around, and a split second before he spoke, Ichigo's face broke into a smile.
"She's sleeping at the moment." He said, smiling. "Last night, she delivered the baby."
For a moment, everything was still, as his words shocked the entire squad. But like a revving engine, the noise erupted, and before he knew it shouts of surprise and congratulations were washing over him.
"I can't believe it!" Miku shouted, excited, "She's really had the baby?"
He nodded, "Yeah, I was there. It was the most beautiful, precious thing I've ever seen. Watching her bring our baby into the world… It's… It's one of those things you'll never forget."
"So.. Did you have a boy or a girl," Goro asked, and the entire squad went silent, waiting for an answer.
"A girl." He said grinning. "She looks just like her mother, but has my hair and eyes."
"That's so cute," Kokoro said sweetly.
"When can we see them?" Miku asked excitedly.
"When she wakes up. She and the baby have had a very long night. Unfortunately, I won't allow anyone else up there until she has gotten some sleep. She deserves it."
The squad nodded in understanding but did look a little disappointed that they'd have to wait. He smiled, "I do however, have some pictures."
Almost immediately, the demand for them smashed into him, and grinning, he sent them all the pictures he'd taken.
"She is so adorable." Ichigo said smiling, "Congratulations, Hiro."
He smiled, "Thanks."
"Why is her skin all red," Mitsuru asked curiously.
He shrugged. "To be honest, I don't know. When Zero Two was a little girl, her skin was the same color. Obviously that's changed, but in certain specific circumstances, it goes back to red. For example, as Zero Two started to push, her skin turned red and but when the birth was over, it went back to normal. My skin can turn blue, but I have no idea why. At least for us, it seems that we really have to be having a very raw, almost primal experience for our skin color to change. But that's only my guess."
They all nodded, and he sat down on a spare couch, exhausted.
"Have you guys come up with a name," Zorome asked.
He nodded, "Her name is Alina."
"Alina." The squad echoed, trying out the name.
For a couple hours, he allowed himself to be swarmed in questions. Questions about the baby. Questions about the birth. Or just plain old how he felt about it. Miku had even run off to inform the administrators, and Ichigo had given Naomi a call to tell Ikuno and Futoshi. Everyone was eager to meet the baby and curious about the experience. Many of the girls wanted to know what giving birth was like, but he tried to keep his answers vague. That was private, deeply personal stuff, and he didn't feel comfortable sharing it. At least not without Zero Two's permission. But the fact that it was the most special magical experience of his life was something he was delighted to emphasize.
Still, after a couple hours, his exhaustion caught up with him, and he almost fell asleep sitting on the couch. Groaning, he stood, yawning.
"I'm sorry to leave you guys like this." He said, "I know you all really want to see the baby, but for now I need to go be with my family. I'll make sure to let you guys know as soon as Zero two's up."
They nodded, disappointed but understanding. He nodded his thanks and quietly made his way back upstairs and slipped inside their bedroom, Zero Two fast asleep with little Alina on her chest. He smiled and quietly made his way over to the bedside, sitting down and leaning against the bed frame. Before he even realized it, he was fast asleep.
When Hiro awoke again, it was noon, and it was to the quiet sounds of Zero Two nursing. Stretching, he sat up and turned around to find his wife with their baby clutched in her arms.
"How long were you asleep?" He asked, yawning.
She smiled, "Several hours."
He nodded, standing up and watching as little Alina nursed. Suddenly a thought came to him. "Should we get a diaper on her?" He asked.
Zero Two's eyes went wide, "Yeah, we should. It's lucky that she hasn't already had to use the bathroom already. We're probably on borrowed time."
"I'll find it." He said frantically.
Hurriedly he tore through their baby supplies that the administrators had given them and found a package of diapers. He ripped it open and grabbed one, serval more sliding onto the floor. Hurriedly he went back to the bedside. Gently Zero Two separated Alina from her breast, the baby giving an indignant cry from being torn away from what she wanted.
"I'm sorry," Zero Two said, "But give us a moment, little one."
"I got it." He said, opening it. "Um, how do we work this thing?"
Zero Two put Alina down on the bed, "How do I know?"
Frantically, he got part of it under his daughter and fumbled to secure it around her. Beads of sweat collected on his brow as he sat back, safe from having to clean up a potentially disastrous mess.
"We made it." He said, laughing.
Zero Two chuckled, gently rubbing her face. "This is slightly more stressful than I thought it would be."
He smiled ruefully, "We're parents now. I imagine this is just the beginning."
Just then, little Alina made a face, and the diaper deformed. He put his head in his hands, and Zero Two burst out laughing.
"I cannot believe our timing." Zero Two laughed, flopping back on the bed, "Luckily you reminded me about the diaper; otherwise we'd be cleaning me up as well."
He grinned, "Glad to be of assistance." He sighed, "Well who wants to do the honors?"
Zero Two squirmed and grinned at him.
He sighed, "Fine, I'll do it."
Nervously he gulped. This was so much more stressful than he thought.
Serval minutes later, he sat back, wiping his hands with a washcloth. Little Alina stared up at him, blissfully unaware of the trouble that she'd caused him. Still, despite himself, he smiled. Gently he picked up his daughter and cradled her in his arms. He smiled and stared into her beautiful sapphire eyes.
"You're so beautiful." He whispered, feeling the warmth of her skin. It was so soft and tender. "I love you so much."
Alina smiled back at him, her eyes full of trust and love. "I promise to look after you." He said, gently kissing her on the head. "Always."
Zero Two smiled and stood, gingerly walking over to the dresser and pulling on some clothes. After watching them for a few moments, she said, "We should probably go, show the others. I'm sure they're waiting to meet the baby."
He nodded and gently wrapped Alina in a warm blanket. Picking her up, he followed Zero Two out of the bedroom and down towards the lobby. As they walked, he noticed that Zero Two was limping.
"Are you okay?" He asked, concerned.
She nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just a little raw between the legs. Birthing a baby is harder than you think."
He nodded, "Okay, well let me know if you need anything. You performed a miracle today; you deserve it easy."
She smiled, "We're parents. Nothing is going to be easy."
Quietly he descended into the lobby, and Alina let out a happy cry.
"Everyone shut up," Ichigo shouted,
Serval heads poked around the corner, and their eyes went wide.
"I can't believe it!" Miku squealed excitedly.
Suddenly everyone was gathering around them, everyone trying to get a look at the baby. He smiled and gently showed off their daughter, Alina looking around curiously at all the people suddenly surrounding her.
Dr. Franxx stepped forward, the squad parting to give him room. The old man looked at his granddaughter, tears cascading down his cheek. He looked over at Zero Two. "I'm so proud of you. Of both of you."
"Thank you, father," Zero Two said with a smile.
"What did you say her name was again?" Dr. Franxx asked, staring back at the baby.
"Alina." Zero Two said softly.
Gently he offered their daughter to her grandfather, and Dr. Franxx took her with tears streaming down his face.
"She looks so much like you." Dr. Franxx said, not taking his eyes off Alina.
"That black hair is unmistakable thou," Goro said, grinning at him.
"And those eyes," Ichigo said, smiling.
Slowly Alina got passed around, everyone taking a turn and admiring the newest member of Plantation 13. Naomi and the others arrived, just as Alina was being handed back to him. Naomi smiled as she saw the baby clutched in his arms.
"Congratulations, you two," Naomi said smiling, holding Numa in her arms.
Naomi walked over to them and stared down at Alina. "She's beautiful."
Zero Two smiled, "Thank you."
Numa reached out with her hand staring down at Alina clutched in his arms.
Alina giggled and reached back, almost as if waving.
Everyone smiled warmly, and quietly they all gathered in the living room, the new parents the focus of everyone's attention. Even more questions erupted than before, and this time when the girls asked about the birth, Zero Two happily answered them. They hung on her every word, and even Naomi sat enraptured. The talking went on for hours, Zero Two only taking a break to breastfeed Alina whenever she was hungry. The day passed in jovial conversation. Only when the sun began to set, and the new parents exhaustion caught up with them did they finally leave.
As the sky began to darken outside their window Zero Two quietly sat on the bed, breasts bare as Alina gently had one final meal before bed. He smiled and leaned against his wife, staring down at their baby, as Zero Two gently fed her.
"Thank you," He said, gently kissing Zero Two on the cheek.
She smiled as Alina gently released her nipple, droplets of milk gently trickling down the baby's chin.
"Thank you for staying by my side." She said, leaning against him. "Thank you for always being there for me."
He smiled, "For you, I'd do anything. And thank you. Thank you for bringing this miracle into the world."
"It's our miracle." She said, "And I couldn't have done it without you."
Yawning, she laid down, and Alina snuggled against her chest, enveloped in her mother's warm embrace. He smiled and laid down next to her, pulling the covers up around the three of them. Gently he wrapped his arms around his family, holding them protectively to him.
"I love you." He whispered. "Both of you."
"I love you two, Darling." She whispered back, snuggling against him.
Quietly the new parents and little Alina gently drifted off to sleep, the love and life of a family binding them together until the end of time.
Author's Note:
Thank for reading Chapter 32 of The Jian Bird
I hope you all enjoyed, and I hope to see you all soon for the final chapter of The Jian Bird: Epilogue: A Day by the Sea