I saw this idea being discussed online and had to write it since I love writing fluff! I don't know how often I'll be updating this story since I have other fandoms to write but hopefully I'll have more this year then I did last, we'll see. Charlotte meets and gets to hold Stacey's newborn baby.


Stacey sat back and took a breath exhausted but happy. The now married (for three years) 25 year old just gave birth to her first son. Next to her in the hospital bed was her newborn son. Her newborn miracle son, she thought, biting her bottom lip. She was pregnant and a diabetic. While it wasn't impossible for her, she knew about the complications she would have. Especially since her mother had her own fertility issues, which could sometimes be genetic.

"The doctor said that you'll be able to leave in a few hours," said Alex, fluffing one of her pillows. "They want to do some last minute tests."

She nodded but her eyes didn't leave the small infant next to her. Except for when he had to be taken for tests, they were glued to Alexander Clark Ellison the Sixth. It was a mouthful for probably the smallest and cutest baby that she's ever seen. Everyone who could come to visit even said so (alright that just might have been her family).

In fact her father in law was the first to arrive (even before her father who lived in the city!) and was the first to hold him. He was over the moon that they agreed to carry on the family name.

"Do you want to try breastfeeding again?" asked the nurse as she shook her head no. Honestly she was ready to give up that feat when he wouldn't even latch on.

The nurse drew some blood before scurrying off to the labs room. Stacey immediately reached out for Alexander who was starting to fuss next to her.

"Alex, can you hand me a bottle, he might be hungry," she said gazing down at his small nose and bright pink cheeks. Gently she picked him up and into her arms.

Immediately he seemed to calm down and her heart nearly melted. She hoped that he kept her blue eyes and Alex's tuft of dark hair on his small head.

Alex handed her a bottle and his green eyes gazed down at him too. She can't believe that she just had a baby 72 hours ago. That she was going to go home and raise this new life. Damn it,she was going to get weepy with her hormones out of control.

"Are you up for a visitor?" asked a different nurse from before.

"Sure," said Stacey, her eyes going to the door briefly wondering who it could be.

Her family, his family, and close friends that lived nearby had all stopped by the hospital. Her Stoneybrook friends haven't come by yet since she knew they were planning a welcome home party. A few have said that they wanted her to be settled in.

"Stacey," said a voice as she looked up to see Charlotte Johanssen standing in her hospital room doorway.

She was looking cute in light brown boots, white leggings, and a purple-red knee length dress under a light denim jacket. Very in this spring, she noted. Her eye for fashion hadn't died since she had quit her job at Bloomingdales (which were for various reasons other than her pregnancy, which she had explained to her mother).

"Charlotte, what are you doing here?" asked Stacey, smiling widely at her "almost sister."

They had lost touch a little in college but ever since they ran into each other at her mother's shop, they've been keeping in touch. Including being invited to Stacey's baby shower of course and Charlotte's graduation in a couple of months. She was finally getting her library science degree from Southern Connecticut University (early at that!).

"I have a two fold plan really," she said giggling. "I figured I would see you and the baby and then surprise Byron with lunch. We're going to a new Mexican restaurant near NYU. And of course personally tell you that I'm RSVPing to the party this weekend. Driving to college has been a pain but I love living at home and not paying rent money. I'm closer to seeing you guys more often."

Stacey giggled but had to agree at the convenience of it. Charlotte was always smart; she saved thousands by staying in state and commuting to college. She had her own debts from Columbia she was paying off (although being a math whizz it was going to be paid off a lot quicker then some of her friends).

Charlotte sat at the edge of her bed and gazed at the little boy.

"I guess this is Alexander?" she asked knowing their decision to carry on the family name.

She was lucky that her husband had a classic name, because she wasn't going to agree to naming him Walter or Clifford.

"Would you like to hold him?" asked Stacey almost immediately.

She had only offered a handful of people to hold him right away. Her husband (of course), in-laws, her parents, and her best friend from college, Josie. Charlotte would be one of the first 10 people to hold him. Stacey's half sister and step-brother didn't even get a chance to hold him first.

Amused, she watched as Charlotte immediately rushed to the bathroom, turned the sink on to wash her hands, and then ran back out completely missing the trash can as she tossed her paper towel over her shoulder. Then going back to pick it up so no one slipped on it.

"Okay pass me the baby," she said eagerly plopping herself on the chair next to her bed.

"I guess I don't need to tell you to support his head or what to do," teased Stacey, passing the three day old infant into her arms.

A little nervous she watched as Charlotte's eyes lit up and cradled him close to her.

"You're going to look just like your daddy," she said with a soft voice, "but I think you're going to have your mothers smile."

Stacey just listened as she watched her interact with the sleepy infant and couldn't stop smiling. She used to baby-sit for Charlotte when she was a child. Now Charlotte was holding her own kid and will probably baby-sit him one day. Then she would have a kid of her own that Stacey will hold and baby-sit. This was a very surreal moment.

Stacey watched Charlotte coo and talk to him as her thoughts started to wander before settling into conversation. She had all the gossip on some Stoneybrook residents and Stacey filled her in on her life. It was an easy flow as they joked and fawned over Alexander.

From the door she could see Alex peering in with their new baby supplies so they could check out of the hospital.

"I should probably go," said Charlotte reluctantly, passing him back to Stacey. "Byron's class should be over soon. You have my number to call me if you need a baby-sitter right?"

"Of course, I could never lose something as important as your phone number," said Stacey, her blue eyes twinkling.

Charlotte turned a little pink as she looked at the clock. They had a nice long visit for an hour.

"By Xander," said Charlotte cooing at her son.

"Xander, I like that nickname," said Alex, getting the carseat prepared. "Stacey, Alex and Xander; I like the way it sounds together."

"Well thank you," said Charlotte. "I'm probably not the first to think of it but I'm glad you've taken to it." A timer went off in her pocket as she swore lightly under her breath. "Now I've really got to go. I'll see you guys next week!"

"I'll see you later alligator," said Stacey getting up to change into a proper outfit to leave it.

"After a while, crocodile."