A/N: Ok, everyone grab a rock/lamp/mug/whatever's closest to you because you're going to hate my guts at the end of this chapter and ammunition will probably be needed. Ready? Thank you for the reviews, you're awesome, don't kill me, the next chapter's coming as soon as humanly possible.

Great news

A few days later, Jess walked into their house, finding his wife on the couch, a pair of headphones on her bump.

"Can I even ask what you're doing?"

"I'm watching the news. I didn't want the baby to hear it."

"Can it even hear?"

"My research's wonky but I'm not taking chances."

"What's so bad about the news?" He crashed down on the couch next to her, placing a quick kiss on her lips.

"It's sad and depressing. I don't want him to know all the bad things that happen in the world before he has to."

Draping his arm over Rory's shoulders, he pulled her closer to him, kissing the top of her head. "I love you, you know that, right?"

"Yes. Why? Something happened?" Pulling away from him quickly, she looked into his eyes but Jess just shook his head, smiling.

"No. You're just…taking care of it. Don't make me try to explain it."

Her expression softening, she pressed a kiss on his lips before slapping his arm. "If you ever do that to me again, I'll kill you!"

"Do what?"

"Scare me like that. Do you have any ideas how many scenarios my brain formulated as soon as you said that?"

"Heaven forbid I tell my wife I love her."

"It's not you telling me that, which, by the way, you know I like hearing, it's how you put it."

"Ok. I'll work on my presentation skills for any future occasion."

Cuddling up to him again, she took the headphones off her bump, grinning. "You haven't said hello to the baby yet."

"You're kidding." He smirked, cocking an eyebrow.

"Hey, remember me not taking any chances?"

"How about you talk to it, I pretend I still have some of my sanity?"

"Jess, please."

"I have to draw some lines." He shook his head, kissing her.

"But you've talked to it before."

"Spontaneous is different than you prompting me to have a conversation with the spawn."

"Very nice, jerk." She stuck out her tongue, grinning. "I want it to get used to your voice, that's all."

"Ror, give me some time." He sighed, cupping her face in his hand. "I'll get there."

"Before he turns 5?"

"I'll at least ask it to pass the cereal when it's old enough." He smirked, pulling her in for a kiss. "So, you derailed me before I got a chance to tell you some good news. Great news actually, I suppose."

"What is it, what is it, what is it?" She shot in rapid fire, bringing her hands together in excitement.

"The house guy called. The place is in perfect shape, no mold, no termites, no monsters in the basement or anything."

"Oh my goodness, you're serious?" Rory grinned, looking at him.

"Yeah."

"This means we can put in a real offer and sign stuff and have our own place?"

"Yes." He repeated, smiling as well.

"I love you!" She crushed her mouth to his, smiling through their kiss. "I'll call Tammy first thing tomorrow."

"Let me know how it goes."

"She said there shouldn't be a problem with it since we can match their asking price."

"I know." He kissed her again, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Have you picked colors for the rooms yet?"

"I was thinking we can do a red wall in the kitchen. It might be fun. I'm not sure about the rest."

"Alien's room either pink or blue?"

"Ugh." She made a face. "I'm not sure, it's just so ridiculous and it pushes kids into gender stereotypes from the second they're born…"

"I don't need the lecture, I was just asking." Jess smiled, resting against the back of the couch again, propping his feet up on the coffee table. "We can paint it yellow or green or something."

"Not green. Anything but green."

"What's so bad about green?"

"Green's the new pink." Grimacing again, Rory laughed seeing his confused expression. "Sherry's baby shower."

"So 10 years later we can't paint spawn's room green because of that?"

"Where did you pick this spawn thing up? And no, I don't think so. Light green might be fine, I'll have a look at a color wheel."

"Thank you. And I have no idea." Jess smirked.

"I was just getting used to alien." Leaning in, she kissed him quickly. "It doesn't matter, we can just start using its name after Thursday."

"Unless it's a boy, because we still don't have a first name for one. Or it decides to be modest. You still blush when I watch you get changed and God knows I've seen you naked plenty of times."

"Changing is different!" She tried to argue her point, making him shake his head and smirk.

"Whatever."

"Great argument, genius." Laughing, she placed small, quick kisses on his lips.

"Until you explain to me how changing is different, I don't need an argument. I win by default due to your lack of logic."

"Didn't we settle for Jack or Henry?" She changed the subject again, sticking out her tongue.

"Yeah. However, that's not a first name, that's two."

"We'll try them out if it's a boy, see which one we like best."

"And you're still ok with Brett?"

"It's grown on me. Now I can't imagine a different name." Leaning closer to him, Rory smiled, kissing the corner of his mouth. "Plus, you still smile every time we mention it. I don't need another argument in favor of it."

Kissing her one more time, he picked up her mp3 player from the couch, looking at it. "You honestly think playing Clash is a great idea?"

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"Stick to more mellow stuff from now on. Don't give it any big ideas."

"I'll try."

"It will have more than enough time to listen to punk when it's a teenager."

"What if it likes boy bands?"

"We'll kick it out of the house. There are only so many things I can take." Jess chuckled, putting the player back down on the couch. "Ready for dinner?"

"Oh, yeah."

Late on Wednesday night, Rory opened her eyes, curling up closer to Jess. Wrapping his arm around her, he kissed the top of her head, trying to stay awake.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I'm excited."

"Tomorrow?"

"Yeah." She placed a small kiss on his chest, smiling in the dark as his fingers started twirling a strand of her hair. "There's the horribly terrified part of me that thinks that something will be wrong, but the other part just wants to know if we're having a boy or girl. This is the big one, if something's really wrong, we find out tomorrow."

"It doesn't matter, Ror. We'll make it work."

"I want this baby." She bit her lip, mumbling stubbornly. "I can't even think what it would be like…"

"The baby will be fine, ok? Hey, you know as well as I do that there's no good reason for anything to be wrong."

"But…"

"No buts. If something's wrong, we'll deal with it after we know. I'm not going to go with you through every single scenario of how it could go wrong." Deciding to distract her, he smiled, pressing a small kiss on her forehead. "What do you want the spawn to be?"

"Haven't we had this conversation a million times before?"

"I'm sorry, you're going to complain?" He smirked, kissing her head again.

"I stand by my vote. I want a boy."

"But a girl…?"

"Would be just as good."

"I think I want it to be a girl." Jess smiled, his voice soft.

"That's the first time you've expressed a preference. And been serious about it, anyway. Is it because of the name?"

"No. I don't know why. I think some part of it is because this way, I wouldn't have that in common with Jimmy either."

"You were getting along fine with him at the wedding."

"That doesn't change the fact that I still get scared I'll be like him sometimes."

"You're not."

"I know."

"Then?"

"It's irrational."

"Tell me next time it happens, so I can hold your hand and tell you just how amazing you are and how you have nothing to be scared of."

"Thanks."

Sliding up on the bed, she rested her head on her pillow, cupping his face in her hand. "I mean it."

"I know." He reassured her, smirking as he leaned in and kissed her. "I love you."

"Love you too."

"Ror…?"

"Yeah?"

"You're sure you know I'm not leaving you, right?"

"Yes. I know." She nodded, kissing him again. "You may be stupid sometimes, but I know you well enough to know you're not leaving."

"Thank you." He mumbled again, tracing her lip with his thumb. "It's nice to have my personal cheerleader."

"Hey, I'd probably not look all that great in an outfit anymore, but that's not going to stop me."

"I'm sure you still would. If you ever gave in and actually bought one…"

Slapping his chest, she laughed, shaking her head. "Dream on, mister."

"Trust me, I will."

"Oh, shoot, what if the kid wants to be a cheerleader? I don't know anything about that!" Rory suddenly realized, looking at him, her eyes widening in fear. "Or do anything relating to sports! Or eat healthy food! Jess, what if Luke gets to our baby and it starts eating only spinach and we'll never get to have proper movie nights with it?"

"Seriously? You think a kid we raise will be a healthy eater?"

"It might!"

"Rory, Will's already showing signs of being normal instead of Luke-like. I doubt he'll ruin our kid completely if he can't do it for his son."

"You're right."

"More often than you care to admit."

"I don't want to boost your ego too much." Rory laughed, moving back to lie on his chest, now calmer. "So you want a girl, huh?"

"I have a slight preference for a girl, but overall, I don't give a damn what it is. I can build pillow forts with either."

"You're going to be amazing with it once it's born." Changing her mind, she shook her head. "You already are amazing."

"You're not horrible either." He smirked, kissing her forehead, his hand moving up to cup her face. "Now can I go back to sleep?"

"Yes." She smiled, pulling the duvet higher up their bodies. "Good night, Jess."

"Night."

Thursday morning, Rory walked up the stairs to Truncheon, barging in the front room, finding Matt standing there, refilling his cup of coffee.

"Hey, Matt." She smiled, trying to catch her breath. "Jess in his office?"

"Unfortunately, your husband is out with Chris, trying to coerce…um, talk our printing guys into not increasing our rates."

"Again?"

"We'd get new ones, but they're good and not usually annoying." The young man smiled, drinking from his mug. "Can I help you?"

Exhaling loudly, she shook her head. "Not really. I just have news."

"Oh, good news?"

"Yes. But I need to tell Jess first."

"Damn you married people. I have a right to know!"

"You will. As soon as he does."

"Is it about the baby?"

"Nope. The appointment isn't until later this afternoon."

"You get to find out if I'm going to have a niece or a nephew today, right?" Matthew grinned, looking at her and she smiled back at him.

"Right."

"Well, in the meantime, while we're waiting for Jess to return-he shouldn't be much longer, by the way, would you like to sit down and have coffee with me?"

"I'll take you on the sitting down but not on the coffee."

"Right, sorry. Being stupid." Walking to the couch, they both sat down, Matt still holding his coffee. "How are you doing? How's the baby? Tell me everything!"

"It's kicking, which is ridiculously fun. Other than that, nothing much to report."

"I knew about the kicking."

"Did you have to drag it out of him?" Rory laughed softly, shaking her head.

"No. Jess mentioned it over coffee. Don't tell him I told you, but you could actually see excitement in his eyes. Chris agrees."

"You mocked him for it?"

"We had to, really. It's our job." He grinned, looking at her. "You're still feeling ok?"

"I'm feeling great."

"You know that if you need anything…"

"You're very sweet to offer."

"Hey, anything for my niece." Matt laughed, drinking from his mug.

"So, your vote is for a girl?"

"Yes." He nodded enthusiastically. "What's the consensus?"

"It's pretty much 50-50 right now. I want a boy, mom wants a girl, which I think it's mostly because she's been eyeing every single tiny dress within a hundred mile radius, Luke I think is rooting for a boy as well. He's not said it straight, but it might be because it would have a less crazy name. Will said he wants a blargh!" She gurgled, trying to imitate the toddler's noise.

"Blargh!" Matt made the noise again, laughing. "I'm changing my vote to that. Wait, what was that about the crazy name? Brett is perfectly sane."

"I keep forgetting you're on his side on the Hemingway debate."

"It's not about sides, just undeniable literary talent."

"You're not going to win this one."

"I can out-energize you, I'll have more coffee." He laughed, lifting his mug in the air.

"Damn you. Flaunting it in front of those of us that can't have any."

"You're stronger than I am."

"I'll exercise my revenge on the kid after it's born."

Opening the door, Jess and Chris walked in the room.

"For the last time, we're not changing printers!" Jess grumbled, shaking his head. "God, I need coffee."

"Jess, just try to see my point!"

"I've seen your point, now I'm telling you it's stupid." Spotting Rory on the couch next to Matthew, he walked to her, kissing the top of her head. "What are you doing here?"

"News! I have news!" She exclaimed excitedly, standing up. "We got it!"

"Got…what?"

"The house!" Rory grinned again, kissing him quickly. "Tammy called and they accepted our offer and they want to sign on everything as soon as possible and we have a house, Jess! A house!"

"Seriously?"

"No, I joke about buying houses all the time." She teased, cupping his face in her hand. "Yes. Seriously."

"When do we sign?"

"I've asked Tammy to see if they can make it Monday afternoon."

Hugging her close to him, he kissed her, smiling softly.

"I love you." She whispered when he pulled back, running her fingers through his hair. "We almost have a home."

"Congratulations, guys." Matt smiled from the couch, clearing his throat.

"Thanks."

"We're helping you move." Chris chimed in as well, pouring himself a cup of coffee. "And having drinks at your place as soon as it's done."

"Drinks? Heck, we'll have a party." Rory beamed happily, turning around in Jess' arms. "Matt, it will be the perfect excuse for you to introduce me to Jane. I need more female support around here, damn it."

"My niece should help with that." The man chuckled, looking at her. "But fine, if it's a party, I'm bringing her."

"Yay!" Rory squealed happily.

"His niece?" Chris fake pouted, looking at them. "But I wanted a boy!"

"Who said you get a vote?" Jess smirked.

"We don't know yet, Chris." Rory reassured him, rubbing her bump. "Actually, we should head to the doctor's office if we don't want to be late."

"Come back after you're done, bring new pictures!" Matt grinned, picking up his now cold cup of coffee.

"Will do." Taking Jess's hand, they headed for the door after waving goodbye to the two young men.

A while later, they were sitting in the doctor's office, waiting to be called in. Squeezing his hand, Rory looked at him, biting her lip.

"Tell me everything's going to be fine with the baby. It won't have any extra limbs or anything."

"Everything's going to be fine." He pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her and kissing the top of her head.

"And if it's not?"

"It will be."

"Promise?"

Hugging her tighter, he buried his face in her hair, placing a soft kiss next to her ear. "Yes. The baby's fine, ok? Trust me."

"I'm scared."

"I know." He whispered again, not knowing what more to say. Taking a deep breath, Rory pulled away, looking at him as a small smile appeared on her lips. "Baby's kicking again."

"I told you it likes you better, it's already trying to make sure you know it's ok."

Laughing softly, she lifted his hand, kissing it quickly. "You think?"

"Or it's annoyed that it's not picture time yet."

"Thank you."

"Remember the house next time you get scared. That should distract you sufficiently for your mood to change completely." He smirked, running his thumb across her cheek.

"You can go in now." The receptionist called them, smiling.

"Thanks."

"Hey, guys!" Laura greeted them happily as soon as they walked in, standing up to shake their hands. "How are you?"

"Terrified." Rory admitted, smiling wearily.

"Then let's skip the small talk and get this started, so we can check if everything's ok." The woman nodded, pointing to the table. "Remember the drill?"

"Hop on table, get clothing out of the way, try not to hyperventilate."

"Right."

A few seconds later, Laura sat down on a chair, turning the machine on and picking up the plastic wand. "It's a bit cold."

"All good. Thanks for the warning." Rory nodded, one hand holding Jess' as tightly as she could.

Moving the machine across Rory's stomach, Laura smiled, flipping the screen over so they could see it. "Wave hello to mom and dad, baby." Pointing to the side of the screen, she grinned. "Here's its face and arm."

"Oh, wow, it looks like a baby."

"No more blob." Jess smirked, caressing her hand with his thumb.

"Is everything ok?" Rory bit her lip, glancing at Laura quickly.

"I need to take measurements before I can say anything with certainty."

"Can you leave the screen facing this way while you do it?"

"Sure." Laura nodded, staring at the screen.

"I think it has your nose." Jess smirked, whispering in Rory's ear after a few minutes of silence, while she alternated between looking at the screen and the doctor's face, looking for any signs that anything may be wrong.

"You're actually admitting it looks like something, Mister 'alien pod'?"

"Hey, now it looks like a baby. Last time…?"

"I know." She smiled, still looking at the screen. "It's a beautiful baby."

"That it is." Laura grinned, turning her attention back to the young couple. "Everything's just fine, guys."

"Everything, everything?"

"Everything I can check for looks great."

"Thank you so much." She grinned as well, trying to bite back happy tears. "Our baby's safe, Jess."

"I heard." He kissed her temple, smiling.

"Are we going for the money shot or would you prefer not to know?"

"Definitely tell us." Rory beamed excitedly, glancing at Jess and he nodded quickly.

"Ok." Flipping the wand around more, Laura tried to find the right angle. "Stop kicking for a second, baby, we want to see what you are. Do you have any names picked?"

"We have a first name for a girl and a couple of options for a boy. So?"

Finally stopping the wand, Laura smiled, pointing at the screen again. "Congratulations. It's a…"