Fathers and Coffee
Summary: Jubal and Stuart have a conversation regarding fatherhood
Jubal entered the office, carrying two coffees. He was surprised to see Stuart, the normally put-together agent, dozing off in his desk. He still looked impeccable in his navy suit but the little creases gave away that the agent wasn't as concerned with his appearance as before.
The ASAC smiled at the thought, remembering when he himself was a first time dad to Tyler. He wasn't as meticulous about his looks as Stuart - he never will - but those go out the window when a newborn is involved.
Stuart woke up and got startled when he saw that his boss caught him sleeping. "Jubal, I'm so sorry. It's just that Doug had colic last night and it's almost two in the morning when-"
He softly laughed. "Hey, slow down, buddy. I am a father too. I know what it's like." He then offered one of the coffee cups. "I think you need this. It might not be as fancy as the one you're used to but it will tide you over the morning."
The agent gratefully accepted the cup and took a sip. "Thanks."
"So what happened?" Jubal asked as he sat beside Stuart.
"He just started crying after drinking his milk. Nina called his doctor while I try to burp him and get him to stop crying." He exhaled then continued, "We followed the doctor's orders but it still took a while before he finally calmed down."
Jubal patted Stuart's shoulder, offering his support. "That's rough, man. But you'll get through it. Tyler as a newborn just slept most of the time but Abby was a colic baby. Gave me and Sam many sleepless nights." The two shared a laugh.
"Does it get any easier?"
The ASAC turned pensive. "In some ways. You'll probably outgrow the 'colic phase' " he said with a smile "but you'd still get some sleepless nights, worrying about them."
Stuart knew that Jubal was thinking about Tyler's condition. It was his turn to offer support when he clapped the ASAC's shoulder, which brought him out of his thoughts.
"Any advice?"
Jubal smiled. "Uh, I don't think I'm the best person to ask for advice on being a father but... Enjoy each moment and lots of coffee."
Smiling, Stuart took another sip and was just wondering why Jubal still hasn't taken a sip himself when he saw him stood up. Noticing that the ASAC was staring at something behind him, Stuart followed his gaze. Apparently, at someone. He saw Jubal approached Isobel and gave her the other coffee cup. The gesture was rewarded with a shy smile. The agent smiled at the sight. Coffee really does bring people together.
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