AN: Made a decision that each chapter will be the same if I continue this month by month journey of pregnancy. This means this is the last present chapter with the next set in flashback and the one after in flashforward. That's right. I realise I'm wrapping this up at the same time as Merlin and I think that's kind of cool... ha. Also I didn't realise you guys would actually notice my abscence... that's awesome. Sorry btw. I had a LOT to do last weekend and the one before.
I am sorry for skipping a Christmas story. I wanted to write one but Merlin ended, Downton happened and I cried.
Chapter 8
Gwen is due to give birth any day now.
Gwen smirked as Morgana flopped down on the couch beside her. Anymore thought on what to call the baby?"
"We have a few ideas." Gwen responded and pushed herself up. Her bump was full and quite an annoyance when it came to getting around.
"Ooooh do share." Morgana clapped her hands and Molly who is sitting on the floor playing with dolls copied her with a gleeful giggle.
Both Gwen and Morgana chuckled.
"Well we each have two that we like and we agreed we'd wait and see until she is born." Gwen smiled. "I like Eleanor and Amelia."
Morgana smiled at the names. "They're gorgeous."
"Arthur likes Jessica and Samantha." Gwen continued.
"I'm surprised." Morgana laughed. "They're nice aswell."
"Right?" Gwen grinned and pushed herself off the couch. "Cup of tea?"
"Sit down girl. I'll get it." Morgana pushed herself off of the couch and headed towards the kitchen. "Sugar?"
"Two, thanks." Gwen yawned loudly and rearranged herself so she was lying on the couch. She started to draw lazy circles on her stomach as she waited for Morgana. The baby kicked her hand as she did so and Gwen smiled brightly.
"Atty Wen." Molly gurgled from the floor. This was her substitution for Auntie Gwen since she could not speak properly. Gwen looked down at her and grinned.
"Yes sweetie?" She asked, smoothing her hair.
Molly simply handed her a doll and continued playing. Gwen laughed and placed the doll on the arm-rest.
Several minutes later, Morgana re-appeared with a mug of tea and placed it down in front of her on the coffee table.
"When are the men due back." Morgana asked, now seated on the armchair. Gwen coughed once and sighed loudly.
"God only knows. I told Arthur to be back for seven but when has he ever listened to...ah." Gwen grimaced and gripped the couch.
"Are you okay?" Morgana asked, concerned. She placed her hug down and moved to crouch beside her.
"I'm fine. It's okay." Gwen waved her hand. " I'm fi...ahhh"
"No you're not." Morgana insisted and helped her up from the couch. "You're in labour."
Gwen winced and let her head fall on Morgana's shoulder.
"Call Arthur." Gwen told her.
"I will but we're going to the hospital now." Morgana replied and helped her out the door and into her car. As quickly as she could she ran back inside, grabbed her phone, keys and strapped Molly into her car seat.
...
"That ref's a bloody twat." Arthur grumbled while finishing his pint. Merlin snorted and gulped the rest of his water.
"Right come on, grumpy. We have to pick up Liam from Elyan's before tea." Merlin told him while prodding him in the shoulder.
"Yep." Arthur pushed his pint glass further up the bar and stood up. Merlin's phone started a chorus of Michael Sembello's "She's A Maniac." Arthur raised an eyebrow in question and Merlin quickly flashed him the screen that stated "Morgana."
"Ah I see." Arthur chuckled.
"Hello?... Yeah we're just leaving... What?... Wait slow down Morgs. ..WHAT?... Yep we'll get Liam and then we're on our way... Love you too."
"What is it?" Arthur asked, concerned.
"Gwen's in labour bud." Merlin told him while patting him on the shoulder.
"WELL COME ON THEN!" Arthur yelled and pushed Merlin out of the bar door.
...
"Oh thank god you're here." Morgana sighed in relief as Arthur and Merlin rushed through the doors. Molly was seated in the small hospital play area. A nurse looked over the area so that their parents could come and go freely
"Why?" Arthur asked, anxiety taking over.
"Calm down. She keeps nipping my head. Asking if I called you, if you answered blah bl..." Morgana drifted off. "Where's Liam?"
"Elyan said he'd keep him until Elena got back from work. They'll drive up when the baby is born." Merlin replied.
"Oh...right. Arthur you'd better get in there...just through that door..."
Arthur walked into the room Morgana indicated to him and Merlin quickly pecked her on the lips.
"Have you called everyone?" He asked, brushing her hair off her face.
"Dad and Thomas."Morgana replied.
"Do you want something to drink? You know how long it can take Pendragon babies to get here." Merlin kissed her again.
"Diet Coke. And get a small carton of orange juice for Molly." Morgana replied and sat down beside the little play area. Molly smiled brightly at her father and held out a Lego block.
Merlin accepted it and lent down to kiss her head. "Thank you."
...
approximately three hours later, Arthur appeared from Gwen's room - smiling brightly.
"She's here." He announced. Liam launched himself at Arthur and he sweeped him up into a hug.
"Congrats bud." Merlin pat his shoulder and Morgana squeezed both Arthur and Liam in a bear hug.
Elyan and Elena grinned.
"When can we see her?" Elyan asked, stepping forward.
"I think Liam should get to see her first!" Elena declared and received agreement from everyone around her.
"Do you want to come and see her?" Arthur asked Liam.
"Uh huh." Liam replied, hanging on to Arthur's neck. This was a major sign that he was tired.
"Let's go." Arthur pushed the door open again.
...
"Hello baby." Gwen cooed tiredly at Liam.
"Mummy!" Liam reached up to kiss her on the cheek. The bed was rather tall and this made it a great effort.
In her arms she held a small bundle. The babies' arms struggled in the cloth and Gwen kissed her forehead softly.
"Perhaps Liam can help us agree on a name?" Gwen laughed as Liam hauled himself onto the armchair.
"Perhaps." Arthur smirked from his seat beside her on the bed. He delicately traced the baby's nose and lips with his finger.
"What do you think we should name her?" Gwen asked Liam.
"Barney!"
"That's a boy's name, sweetie." Gwen chuckled.
"So?"
Arthur laughed. The door opened to show a petite nurse.
"Oh sorry Mr and Mrs Pendragon." The nurse apologized. "I've come to see if you're comfortable."
"Oh I'm fine!" Gwen replied and pushed herself up in her bed. "Baby Girl's fine."
"Still don't have a name yet?" The nurse laughed as she walked into the room, picking up a clipboard.
"Not yet."
"We have a baby name book in the nurse's station if you want a look?" The nurse asked, looking at the clipboard.
"That would be great thank you!" Gwen grinned.
...
Liam had fallen asleep on the armchair by the time Arthur and Gwen had decided on a name.
"So we're agreed then?" Gwen asked, pulling her hair into a braid.
Arthur rocked the baby in his arms. "Yes."
"Then that's it. Madeline Ygraine Imogen Pendragon."
...
AN: Imogen is Gwen's mother's name. Madeline is randomly chosen.. well not really. I love the thought of naming a child Maddie.
How are we feeling? I'm still in deep denial. Also if you're a Downton fan you know that I received a DOUBLE blow this Christmas. I literally lost two of my OTP's in two consecutive days. All I can say is... it hurts.
One more chapter of flashback and the last chapter will be set in a flashforward.
Speaking of flashforwards... gotta say... I did sort of like the ending. I still had a kind of it turns out Merlin was reading a story to two children sort of thing... idk. The lorry driving past literally made me jump out of my skin. Didn't expect it.
Songs Listened To:
Learn Me Right - Birdy ft. Mumford & Sons / I Knew You Were Trouble - Taylor Swift (idk) / I Will Wait - Mumford & Sons (cause it makes me slightly teary and think about Merlin... and Arthur rising again... WAHHH)
Hannah.