Maybe it was the lessening of stress, but the baby seemed to slow down for the rest of the month and the next month before it bounced into the slightly faster advancement, but less advancing, as if the baby is feeling their mother's anxiety about the staff talking about Thomas having impregnated his wife during her recovery or shortly after her recovery, or after Bruce's birthday, as the baby's progress had confused the staff.
The anxiety and annoyance, along with the two checkups each month, had Martha hulking out to vent or see her new pup as She-Hulk, with an occasional secret breastfeeding session in Bruce and She-Hulk's secret spot in the caverns for each month.
Alfred had straightened the staff out somehow, and the staff apologized to Martha, and decided to give her an easier time by not being around all the time, by being at the Manor three or 4 days a week, with a volunteer job a day or two days a week, with a day off between their jobs, though they wouldn't know Martha's really much relief at how She-Hulk was aggravated and annoyed, and now things are slowly getting better to an easier routine.
A couple more months has passed, and Bruce has finally finished his school year, with the summer ripe for adventures and steady trips on a train or a plane to wild places like in Montana or Alaska where She-Hulk had more opportunities to bask in the sun and explore the woods unlike the rare occasional days while the staff was gone, becoming more well-rounded, learning so much with Bruce's help to teach her which was an adventure for him in truth as he's honestly smarter than some of the teachers in his old school.
And then September came in, with Bruce having happily four days of tutors that he and Martha decided on together with Alfred's help of his interviews with the tutors, having trips and such like school trips in a way, on days there and here while other days are spent in the manor.
Martha is heavily pregnant by now, and Leslie, after checking the developments and milestones of the baby, has told the family that it looks like the due date is anytime in October next month, and to everyone's shock, She-Hulk has been building a den in the caverns, almost like a wolf's den in a way, telling everyone in the pack that she needs to do it, instincts screaming at her.
After another day of double-cleaning and retrofitting the den once again to She-Hulk's desire, Martha rested in her bed, stroking and smiling at her unborn baby's kicks and such while eating, "I swear you are really taking somewhat after your mama, while you got my determination, and your father's intellect...", with a warm, slightly sad sigh before hearing a knock, "Mom? Can I come in and say hi to the baby?".
Martha smiled, "Come in, Bruce, darling!", and Bruce came in, smiling, closing the door, and looked at his mother, "Just got back from another school tutor trip...Checked out the zoo, and I was really focused on the wolves. Alfred told me that Mama did another home-cleaning frenzy of her den again...Are you okay, Mom?".
"I'm fine... just still a bit trying to wrap my head on things; especially with my alter ego going a bit too animal like; I mean, as long as I don't start trying to eat raw meat or howl at the moon, I think I'll be alright.", Martha chuckled as she was hoping that was probably the furthest from being human that the She-Hulk would go with things.
"Everything alright with your tutors?", Martha asked as Bruce nodded. "I think I like them more than school.", Bruce admitted. "At least I don't have to worry about the other kids...".
"Did it get bad? Those last few months with them?", Martha worried as Bruce shook his head. "No... one or two boys said some mean things at first but... the other kids thought it was too far. Even got in trouble with the teachers.", he told her.
Martha nodded, "That's fair. And you really enjoyed the summer, yes? I know I saw you smiling after teaching She-Hulk and all of that, but still...I couldn't help being worried about you at times.".
"I really did, Mom...Those monthly trips were fantastic, the one in Montana at the end of June was brilliant, Alaska in July was amazing, and the valley at the end of the Grand Canyon in August was spectacular!", Bruce smiled happily.
Martha heard She-Hulk rumble happily in the back of her head, "Bruce-pup was fantastic teacher! Who knew that there would be so many different terrains and different weather?!", and Martha chuckled, glancing at Bruce as he got into the bed, "She-Hulk agrees, and she said that you were a fantastic teacher, why, she is even talking much better, and understanding many things better! I am so glad that Leslie got the special outfits out in time before the summer, and they worked amazing. It was quite perfect to roam around without people in sight.", with a pleased smile.
Bruce blushed happily at the compliment, and nodded, "It was sure nice, and especially when at times when we get through a random town or anything, nobody knows us or know about Dad...I still miss him when I wanted to point out something to him on instinct, thinking he'd like that..", with a sigh as he snuggled into Martha's side, his hand gently joining his mother's hand on touching the baby bump.
He felt a kick, and Bruce smiled softly, "Nice to feel you again, baby...You missed me already, huh?", and another kick came, and Martha chuckled, "They know their big brother...I miss him too, darling...I think he was with us, he would've enjoyed all those adventures, for sure...", kissing Bruce's forehead...
Bruce smiled bigger, "Yeah?", glancing at Martha and she nodded with a smile, "Yeah...", and they rested like that, with Martha nibbling on her food and basking in the atmosphere before Bruce spoke, "Mom?".
"Yes, darling?", Martha replied, and Bruce rubbed the back of his head, "On the way back with the tutor, I asked for some library books, and so we went to the library...After hearing the news from Dr. Leslie about the due date, I did some math, and I...well, I, I sneaked into the young teen's section...and managed to read two books to cross-research...and after I was done, I fooled the tutor with some other books about science and stuff, and connected the dots while I was in the limo...about that day I saw you and Dad...", blushing.
"Ah...", Martha simply said as Bruce sighed. "I know, I know... but you don't need to explain it to me... I kinda couldn't stop reading.", he looked down in shame.
"Well, since you know... we were kinda celebrating that day; after it had been so long and more than likely, by looking back, it was another one of those side effects...", Martha had a bit of a blush while reminiscing wryly.
Bruce nodded softly, "I couldn't blame you guys...it sure feels like long ago now, but it was a scary year, seeing you look more terrible and awful...".
Martha sighed wearily, "I know...It was a terrible year, especially for your father...and now, he's very much hoping that this year would be good all-around for us as he looks over us...especially now with the due date nearing by next month.".
"I really hope so too...Even if it hurts not to have him here, things are getting better...I couldn't stop thinking of the last good moments with him...I keep thinking that he was sure intent on having a daughter, a sister for me, didn't he?", Bruce replied.
Martha chuckled, "Oh, believe it, he sure was...He certainly liked that name you sprung out after overhearing us outside the bathroom in the theater...", and Bruce nodded, "Poppy...", before a kick was felt under their hands.
They looked to the baby bump, and Bruce's eyes were wide, "Do you like Poppy?", and another kick came, and Bruce gasped, "Does that mean you're a girl?", and no kick came.
"Oh, come on!", Bruce pouted, and Martha chuckled, "Are you a boy, sweetheart?", and no kick came...Bruce groaned, "They're like me, like Dad! They're teasing us, Mom!".
"Looks like this one wants to be a surprise then... quite a smart one already...", Martha chuckled. Maybe that had something to do with her new genes after the treatment. "We still haven't been able to get a good look when doing the ultrasound.".
"It's like they know...", Bruce whispered. Martha ruffled his hair, whispering, "Probably because of their very good hearing...After all, they are also part of your mama too...I couldn't be any happier to give She-Hulk the chance to be a mama as she deserves to experience seeing them grow up like you, darling.".
"So, you're really letting her do it on the big day?", Bruce replied, and Martha replied, "From the way she has been chomping at the bit to do and clean the den in the caverns, I wouldn't want to stop her, as long as we're safe under the manor, from any eyes of the staff and all...Perhaps Alfred could make a schedule for the staff's time since they've been easier on me, for next month, so, if they're coincidentally off on the big day, it's one less worry, and one less threat for She-Hulk to be protective during it all.".
Bruce nodded, "That's really fair. I...I read that it can be really painful and long...", and Martha sighed, "Yes, it can be...It can be fairly short sometimes and less painful, but it's depending on the woman's body and all...You nearly took 7 hours.".
Eyes wide, Bruce blinked, "Golly...", and Martha chuckled, "Indeed. I couldn't blame your curiosity, Bruce...", before remembering the bet, and she smiled sadly, "Your father and I actually had a bet about you, the method of finding out about where babies come from. Thomas bet that if I win and he loses, he is bound to suffer a shopping trip my way, if I lose and he wins, I'd suffer being on high heels for dancing on a night out in town his way. I bet about him telling you from word of mouth, while he bet about you reading books...", with a sad chuckle, as Bruce and the manor infamously knew that for years, there was two things that the adults hated, yet would suffer to spend time together because they loved each other that much.
"I'm sorry...", Bruce apologized once again as Martha sighed, "Not your fault... we never could've predicted what could happen...". Martha started to tear up again as she couldn't help but quickly wrap her arms around Bruce. "I'm sorry, Bruce...", she sobbed. "The hormones and all that with the baby... the memories... I get nightmares now about that night; but nightmares that I didn't make it either...".
Bruce hugged her right back as much as he could with the baby bump in the way, "Don't say that, Mommy! Is Mama helping you?".
Martha sobbed as she sniffled, "She has been, but as of late...I've been wanting your father to be here...not that I'd not want you here because I do...I thought if I helped She-Hulk out with cleaning out the den, I'd be too tired and such to have nightmares too, next to complying to her wishes happily as long as it's perfect for our baby, our pup to be born.".
"Wasn't Dad here for you when I was being born?", Bruce frowned, and Martha replied between sniffles and sobs, "No, but I never blamed him because it was work, yet he managed to make it in time to hear you announce your arrival and get told by Leslie that I was all right, which was a worry for him as he loved me and you, since winter isn't the best season for babies for a long time since the world was made, but with warm houses and good care these days, it was easier to have babies, but it was still a worry, yet when he saw you for the first time...he actually cried in joy and fell in love at first sight, relieved that you came out strong and healthy.".
She then took another deep breath, "Sometimes I find it so hard to believe that I found someone like Thomas in my life... he may have missed your birth, but he made it home only less than an hour after it was over. More than could be said of a lot of the rich husbands around here... Thomas was just so different from all of them...".
Bruce sniffled, kissing his mother's cheek, "I...I don't want to be like him all the time, but I look up to him so much...I...Is it bad that I want to be my own person?", and Martha leaned back slightly, caressing his hair, "No, it isn't bad, darling...I'd want you to be anything you want to be, do anything you can to be whatever you want, to follow your dreams, and I know Thomas did too...He would be proud of you no matter what...".
"I know I don't know all of this lovey-dovey stuff entirely, but I hope I find someone when I get older, like you did with Dad...", Bruce replied softly, and Martha gave a watery chuckle, "I have no doubt of that as long as you are like me and your father, and yes, a bit like your mama too.".
Bruce gave a giggle, smiling, "All the good stuff, right?", and Martha smiled, feeling better, "Indeed, but you can have little flaws too...After all, all people may be different of all shapes, sizes, and colors, but they aren't entirely perfect like you and me...I still get hormonal and annoyed.", with a snicker before yawning softly.
"I got you, I will tuck you in, Mom...Sleep...", Bruce smiled gently, and Martha smiled, "You are a good son, my darling Bruce...", kissing his forehead before making herself comfortable, closing her eyes, falling asleep while Bruce put away the tray of food into the bedstand, and he smiled as he brushed his mother's hair, and stroked her baby bump, whispering, "Everything is going to feel scary out here, I know, but it won't be scary, I promise...You are going to be warm and safe in this family when you get here...I love you, sibling.", feeling a little kick, realizing that the baby is feeling their mother's sleepy need, and is joining her in sleep.
He smiled, and kissed his mother's forehead gently, and quietly left the bedroom to inform the staff and Alfred that Martha is taking another nap as usual, and so, a few more weeks passed, with the increasing time of She-Hulk preparing the den by more micro-cleaning and the increasing check-ups and sonograms of the baby by Leslie, and Martha's occasional false labor moments with the womb preparing properly for the big day.
Finally, to their surprise and huge relief, Halloween turned out to be the big day, with the staff coincidentally off for the holiday, with only Alfred, Bruce, Leslie, and a very heavily pregnant She-Hulk in the caverns.
She-Hulk paced and paced not too far from her den which is a whole nest of soft, warm things like blankets, pillows, a foam mattress, plush fabric, teddy scarves, and even a poncho, while pretending that the trays of food and water spread around is her prey every time that she nears one of them.
Bruce glanced at Leslie as he sat on one of the chairs, watching his mama pace around anxiously, "Mama really is sure that today is the big day...It has been two hours since we came down and Mom changed...There had been false labor before...How can she know if it's real labor, Dr. Leslie?".
"Well, since She-Hulk has been acting both like a human and a wolf, the food sources is like hunting, and since she is human, she is gratefully refusing raw meat, and she loves Alfred's cooking, and the water will help with thirst as she wouldn't dare be too far from her den, and for the pacing, it is probably increasing the blood flow to the baby so it can feel stronger to survive the birth if it takes a long time. After that, I don't know...If she reacts like a wolf once the pain comes, she would be defensive and warn all of us off, but if she reacts like a human, she would ask for me to help, or maybe together at the same time, like warning you and Alfred off since non-related males, and yes, even sons can't be allowed while allowing me, a female and a non-threat to her. If Thomas was here, it would have been possible for him to be allowed since he was her alpha mate and the alpha male of the pack.", Leslie surmised.
"Still so confusing...", Bruce admitted as Leslie nodded. "I agree. The past few weeks I was taking a bit of time to quickly look up wolf behavioral traits as well as some other things related in a hope that it might prove a bit of dividends for this situation.".