So How Did I Meet Your Mom Again?25
Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate: Atlantis or any of its characters or story lines. No infringement is intended upon anyone or any subsidiary connected to Stargate: Atlantis or its parent series, Stargate: SG-1 or Stargate The Movie. I'm poor, you'll get nothing out of me!
Summary: When the team discovers McKay's future daughter living with their trading partners, the search is on for the mother because his daughter will have to be conceived in 16 months or cease to exist. No pressure, right?
Rating: PG-13 for adult situations.
Warnings: Possibly some adult situations or at least ideas.
Category: Friendship/Romance/Humor
Author note: I'm almost done with this story!
After 15 minutes of sitting by his wife's bed, Rodney could take it no longer and called Sheppard on the comm. It was a confused John who answered.
"Do you have any idea what time it is?" He asked, annoyed.
"Alex went into labor a little while ago and Carson said to let her sleep. I can't sit here and do nothing!" He said too loudly, causing Alex to stir.
"I'm on my way over." John said quickly. This was something he did not want to miss.
Rodney paced his room, impatiently waiting for John to arrive and keep him company. When he finished his 7th trip around the room, he glanced over at the bed only to see Alex's blue eyes looking at him.
"Rodney?" she asked, quietly. "I think it's time."
Rodney released the breath he hadn't known he'd been holding. "I know. Can you walk to the infirmary?" he asked anxiously.
She nodded as she struggled to her feet, the weight of the baby making her slightly off balance. Rodney grabbed her arm and helped her up the rest of the way and led her to the door until she pulled out his grasp and headed in the opposite direction. He grabbed her shoulders to steer her around again, thinking she must be dazed because she wasn't headed towards the infirmary, when she exploded.
"Rodney! I'm going to bathroom and I'm going to get cleaned up. Besides, Dr. Beckett said first time mothers can take up to 16 hours to deliver. I think we've got time." She said reasonably. "And no, you're not coming in with me." She said firmly, shutting the door in Rodney's face.
He stood there stunned for a moment. But he realized that her no nonsense attitude had wiped all thoughts of panicking out of his mind. She really knew him well. The chiming at the door alerted him to John's presence. He opened the door and let Sheppard in.
After a quick glance at the bed and not seeing Lt. Taylor, he turned to Rodney, confused. "Where is she?"
"Shower." Mumbled Rodney unhappily. He knew her well enough that he shouldn't have offered her help in the bathroom. She was too independent for that.
"I thought you said she was in labor." John said, his forehead crinkled.
"She is." Rodney said with a glare. "She insisted. Said it wouldn't take more than 5 minutes." He saw John try to cover a grin with his hand and demanded, "What?"
"Nothing." At Rodney's continued glare, he relented, "It's just that it's so her. How many women do you know that would go into labor and insist on taking a shower so they were respectable to deliver a baby?" He finished with a grin.
Rodney returned his grin, the tension leaving him. "Not many." He admitted.
The bathroom door opened and Alex stepped out fully dressed with wet, mussed hair. She looked up with surprise to see her commanding officer standing next to her husband.
"Sir? Is there something wrong?" She asked concerned, her thoughts immediately of Altantis, ever the soldier.
"No Lt." He said with a half smile. "Just came down to escort you to the infirmary."
She knew he and Rodney were friends, but it was still kind of weird to have her CO so concerned with her pregnancy, and now apparently, her delivery as well. Well, she drew the line at allowing him in the delivery room, Rodney's friend or not.
"That's not really necessary, Sir. Rodney was just about to take me there himself."
"I'll just tag along then." He said, refusing to be deterred.
"Right…" She drawled, heading out of the room, leaving the two men behind.
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As she walked to the infirmary, pausing every time a contraction hit, she heard Rodney calling for Beckett and being told he was on his way. The two men seemed to sense she was in a dangerous mood because of the pain, because they trailed slightly behind her. Cowards. She thought bitterly. Men had the easy part.
She almost sighed when she saw the infirmary doors and saw Beckett standing there with a grin on his face, looking like he had just woken up and sprinted to the infirmary. Well, it is like 4 in the morning and Rodney did just call him. Instead of feeling embarrassed in his presence and the lack of privacy she was about to have, all she felt was relief. If there was anyone more qualified than Dr. Beckett, she'd be hard pressed to find them. His presence left her feeling calmer than she had since waking up in labor. I wonder how he does that? She wondered.
"I hear it's time lass." Carson said with a grin, happy to see her grin back tiredly.
Feeling a little of her old sarcasm come back, she responded, "Let's see if you're smiling like that in 12 hours." She said with a malicious grin.
Beckett's smile faded and he saw Rodney pale behind her. Aye. This lass is not going to make it easy on us.
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It was two hours later that Carson finished his third exam of the morning and tossed out his gloves, coming to stand by the side of the bed. "5 cm. I'd say you were probably in labor for 4 hours or so before arriving." He said approvingly. The girl was definitely tough if she could sleep though that.
He was greeted with blank faces.
"She's going through labor very fast. Especially for a first time mother. And the fact that she actually slept through so much of it is astounding. I'd say somewhere in the next 3-5 hours you'll be ready to deliver. Until then, I'll have a nurse get you something for the pain." He walked out. He had a call to make.
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Rodney looked at his now sweaty wife as Carson walked out. "How are you doing?" He asked.
She glared at him dangerously. "How do you think?"
"Right. I'm going to give John an update. I'll be right back." He said making a hasty departure.
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Elizabeth fumbled for her headset when she heard the tiny voice coming out of it. "H'llo?" She asked blearily.
"Elizabeth," Carson said, "Sorry to wake you up, but you asked to be informed when Lt. Taylor went into labor?"
Elizabeth shot up in bed. "She's in labor?"
"Aye." She could hear the smile in his voice, "and not at all happy about it. Poor Rodney. Her labor is progressing fairly quickly. I'm expecting a delivery somewhere between 9 and 11 this morning."
"Wow! That is fast. I'll be down in a little bit." Elizabeth said, putting her headset down.
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Where the hell did he go? Off world? Alex wondered as another contraction hit. Rodney left to give John the update nearly 15 minutes ago and she was starting to think he was too chicken shit to come back in. It's his fault I'm in this position! The least he could do is be here.
A hand holding a cool cloth blotted her forehead and she twisted around to see Teyla. When did she get here? How did she even find out?
"Teyla? I didn't even see you come in." said Alex surprised.
The Athosian smiled serenely, "You had other things on your mind."
"How did you even know I was here?" she asked curiously.
Teyla blushed furiously. I don't think I've ever seen her blush. "I was with Col. Sheppard when Rodney called. I would have been here sooner, but I had to call the people on my list."
"Your list?" asked Alex suspiciously, putting that tidbit about her being with Col. Sheppard out of her mind for the time being. She could always ask Rodney later.
"Yes. Col. Sheppard arranged what is called a 'phone tree'? I had 5 people to call on my list with the news and they in turn will inform 5 others."
Alex's jaw dropped. "You mean the whole base knows I'm here now?"
Teyla nodded like that was the best news that Alex could have possibly gotten at that moment. "Among my people, the entire village is alerted to new births to celebrate as a community. When John learned of that being part of the birthing rites of my people, he decided to implement the 'phone tree.'"
"Why would Col. Sheppard be learning about the birthing rites among your people?" She asked. She had a good idea, but she had to hear it from Teyla, since Col. Sheppard would never reveal it.
Teyla ducked her head again, blushing. Then she turned to see that none were present, or at least within earshot as she turned to Alex. "Lt., can you keep a secret?" Alex nodded, "John and I have recently discovered that I am with child." Teyla said softly. Alex's eyes bugged out.
"Holy crap! You're pregnant! And with my CO!" She hissed fiercely.
"Do you remember seeing John on a bed when you came in for your checkup a week ago?" Alex nodded quickly. "Dr. Beckett had just told him. He did not react well to the news. He…feinted?"
"But he's okay with it now, right?" Alex asked concerned.
Teyla nodded reassuringly. "Yes, but that is why he has taken such an interest in your pregnancy recently. He wants to know what to expect. He tries to act completely confident and happy about it, but I have seen fear and uncertainty in his eyes." Teyla finished worried. But if Alex couldn't shed light on it, then no one could.
"He's a first time Dad, it's normal. Rodney knew I was pregnant, but you should have seen his face when Beckett told him. It was like it finally sunk in for him. He got all white and looked like he was about to barf." Alex laughed at the memory. "But the first time the baby kicked, he decided it was all okay. I would wake up with a hand on my belly just about every morning cause the baby was moving." She smiled at Teyla. "Trust me Teyla, he'll be a great father. He's just overwhelmed right now and scared he's going to screw up. That'll all change when he can see the baby or feel it kick, you'll see." Alex promised.
Teyla nodded feeling much better.
A noise at the door distracted them both as they saw Carson, now a little less scruffy looking, pulling Rodney in by his arm as he struggled. He deposited him next to the bed.
"You got her pregnant, the least you can do is be here for the birth of your child." Carson told him crossly. "No more walkabouts." He ordered. Then turned to Alex, suddenly all sweetness, "How are ya holding up lass?"
Alex looked over at her errant husband and smiled back at Carson, "Better now." Then regretted her words as a strong contraction hit. She grabbed Rodney's hand and squeezed tightly, hearing him cry out. How much longer is this going to last?
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"Not much longer." Assured Beckett three hours later. "Yer doing fine lass. I'll be back to check on you shortly." He said, making his escape as another contraction hit and Rodney cried out again.
Teyla was on her other side, coaching her to breathe through the contraction. Despite Alex's earlier private declaration, she had allowed Col. Sheppard in the room, provided he stayed even with her head at all times. No reason to feel more embarrassed than she already was. Glancing over at him, she could see he was slightly pale and a little sweaty. She smiled internally. Teyla's going to have a battle on her hands with reassuring him after this. In fact, Teyla also looked a little nauseas, although it could be morning sickness.
Rodney tried to shush her as the contraction eased and she decided enough was enough. "Don't you hush me Rodney McKay! I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you! I swear to god, you're never touching me again!" She snarled.
Rodney looked over to John, helpless, only to see John didn't look much better. He looked positively pale. "Sheppard? Everything okay over there?" he asked concerned. John nodded and promptly left the room, leaving Rodney feeling confused. Wonder what's wrong with him? He wondered, but was instantly distracted as another contraction hit.
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It was a half hour after Carson's last checkup that he determined it was time. "Alright lass. It's time. Now when the next contraction hits, I want ya to push for all it's worth, understand?" Alex nodded exhaustedly, not sure she could continue. Carson saw the look for what it was and interjected, "Now, now, I won't be havin any of that. You can do this. You're almos done now. Don' go giving up now."
Sheppard walked into the room again, having lost last night's dinner and feeling better for it. He sat back on the bed next to Alex's and caught the end part of Carson's cajoling. "Lt." He said authoritatively. He waited until she glanced in his direction, "You will deliver this baby. That's an order." He said firmly. It seemed to work as she got a determined look in her eyes and nodded.
"Alright lass, push!"
Rodney saw her face go red with the effort as she squeezed his hand extremely hard. His hand was definitely going to be bruised after this, but as long as it got his daughter out safe and sound, he wasn't going to complain.
The contraction ended and Alex panted, unable to make any more derogatory statements towards Rodney for getting her in this position in the first place. No way am I ever doing this again!
"That's it lass, breathe nice an easy. Okay, get ready, push!"
Again, Alex went red from the effort, not daring to breathe.
"She's crowning!" Beckett exclaimed happily. "One more good push or two and she'll be out!"
Rodney could hardly breathe himself and was trying to listen to Teyla's calm instructions to Alex, hoping they might help him breathe again. I'm about to be a father!
Alex pushed one last time and heard Beckett's joy filled voice say, "I've got her!" He offered the scissors to Rodney who shook his head numbly. Carson frowned momentarily before snipping the cord himself and handing the baby to the nurse. Tiny screams filled the air as the nurse cleaned and weighed the baby after suctioning out the nose and throat.
Alex felt more tired than she had ever felt in her life. She wanted nothing more than to go to sleep right then, but first she wanted to see her daughter and know she was healthy and all right. The nurse brought the baby over and gave her to Beckett who cradled her in his arms as he walked over to stand by Alex and Rodney. He gently transferred the tiny baby to Alex's arms and the baby quieted down. She looked down at the little baby girl. My daughter. She looked up to Rodney to see he was in complete and utter shock. She looked to Carson and quietly said, "Can you give her to Rodney?"
Carson nodded gently and took the tiny bundle from her arms and with his free arm grabbed one of Rodney's to position it before carefully transferring the baby to Rodney. He still seemed shell shocked, but his arms tightened around the baby, so Carson was sure the baby was safe from being dropped from numb arms. He was right when he had thought Rodney's face would be priceless. He looked astonished at the very presence of the little girl. He turned to his nurse and nodded at her. She took the signal to grab the camera Elizabeth had dropped off earlier and snapped a few pictures of Rodney and the baby and of the whole family.
Carson turned to John out of curiosity to see how he had fared. When John had passed out when Carson had told him Teyla was pregnant, he'd been seriously worried about the Col. He'd always known that John was good with kids and would make a great father, but it seemed that John himself didn't know that. He'd recommended being present for the birth to get an idea of what to expect; not to scare John with the labor, but to reassure him when he saw the baby that it was all worth it. John looked very peaceful behind Teyla, looking across the bed at the tiny baby. Good.
"Rodney," he said apologetically, hating to break the moment, "why don't you take yer wee daughter out to the hall to let everyone know it's okay now." Rodney looked up at Carson numbly and Carson smiled. That wee lass will have him wrapped around her finger in no time at all.
The only reason he had recommended Rodney taking the baby to the hall was because more than three quarters of the base was waiting there, desperate for news. People could hardly walk by for all the people standing or pacing the halls, praying for a safe delivery. It also might do Alex a bit of good, since it looked like she was in desperate need of a nap, and was trying to drift off.
Rodney slowly stepped towards the doors, disappearing for a minute before loud cheering could be heard from the hallway. He reentered the infirmary another minute later with a huge smile on his face, having partially gotten over the shock. "I'm a dad!"
Beckett smiled at him. Yes you are.
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It was some hours later that found Alex sound asleep with Rodney still holding their daughter in his arms, as he gently rocked her. He had hardly taken his eyes off her since she'd been born.
Carson stood at the doorway to his office, Elizabeth by his side, both enjoying seeing Rodney bond with his daughter. Carson had known he'd been stilted when he'd seen her on P4892, but he saw none of that here. The infirmary doors opened and he saw John Sheppard enter with Teyla, holding a cigar in his hand as an unlit one stuck out of his mouth. He held the other one out. "Congratulations Rodney!" He said, heartfelt.
Rodney smiled at him proudly before remembering Alex's words to him before she fell asleep. He walked over to John and passed the baby to him. John looked highly surprised, but took her carefully in his arms. She made soft cooing sounds as he cradled her to his chest, talking softly to her. Now he knew how Rodney felt, well, almost. It was like nothing in the world mattered except the tiny little life cuddled up in his arms.
Carson looked infinitely pleased with John's reaction and felt his worries about John's insecurities of being a father melt away. Looking to Elizabeth, he could see his expression mirrored. "Would you like to have one of those some day?" He asked very quietly. "Maybe," she answered, "but not for some time. Why don't we work on the dating part first?" Carson smiled at her teasing tone and nodded, pulling her into his office and shutting the door, so as not to bother the new family.
Teyla stood at John's side, looking down on the baby. She looked at John's face and smiled. Having him be here was a good idea. He will make an excellent father.
Rodney watched his daughter yawn and grinned. Ever so softly, so as not to disturb the sleepy baby he said, "You'll be a great dad John."
John looked up surprised. He hadn't told anyone yet, but he nodded at Rodney's words before handing the little girl back to him.
Rodney shushed the baby as he went to sit beside Alex, waiting for her to wake up. My family. He thought proudly.
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Author's note: Okay, so I'm thinking about ending it here cause it does seem to wrap it up nicely, but I guess I could always do a tag for sappy moments down the road or when the kids are older. Depends on you guys! Tell me what you want and be specific!