Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Everything okay, love?"

"Yeah... just..." 

"Do you ever wish we didn't have to share them?"

"Aw, I know love. I miss them already."

"Every time we drop them off it just feels harder." 

"Have you ever thought about having another one? Like- a kid that's just ours?"

"I erm- have- have you ever considered that?"

"I asked first, darling."

"I think I'm amendable to that."

Chapter Text

To set the scene, Ed and Stede have been together for a while. They've talked about the possibility of having another kid and at some point, they decide 'We know we're in this for the long haul but if we want a baby, we might not have forever so maybe we should just start trying and see what happens'. So they get everything checked out. It all looks good. Stede goes off T and after three months they get the green light to start trying. The first few cycles come and go. They're trying not to be disappointed. Ovulation tests were turning positive so everything seems to be working. Sometimes it just takes a while.

Then, one morning in the shower, Stede's nipples feel- different. And that's odd because he's lost a lot of sensation in them after top surgery. 

Hmmm...

No...

Could it...

"Ed, Love?"

"Hm?"

"So- this might just be nothing..."

"I just noticed-"

"I mean, let's not- I'm just saying maybe it's worth taking a-"

"Ed!"

So they get the tests out. Ed has a good feeling about this. Stede is managing his expectations. 

Oh.

This is happening!

It's not long after that the first symptoms start rearing their head...

Ed's going to get his coffee on the way to home for now...

They've only known for a few weeks but Ed just can't wait to tell him mum so they break the news next time they have a video call. She's over the moon!

The bone-deep exhaustion might actually be worse than the nausea...

Ed has to admit, he wasn't really prepared for how hard the first trimester was going to be. Besides keeping the house as scentless as possible, stocking up on ginger tea and letting Stede sleep every minute he can, there's not much he can do to make Stede feel better. So when the first emotional outbursts start... he sort of panics.

Don't worry Stede, Ed's going to fix this!

Nautical stuff always makes Stede happy

Or... at least it confused him out of crying. Small victories.

Really? Already? At this rate, he's going to be huge...

First ultrasound! Ed knew he was going to cry

Stede and baby are both doing well! Soon they can start telling everyone else the exciting news!

Chapter Text

Now that they've reached the 12-week mark, they gradually start letting people in on their little secret. There are two people who they've been especially excited but also nervous to tell the news. 

Thankfully they're really excited about the little sibling! Stede keeps telling them it's too early to feel the baby kick but they don't want to hear it.

But it's only a couple weeks later that Stede starts to feel what might be the first flutters. It's just... hard to tell at this stage. Is it baby movements? Is it just indigestion? OH. Well, that was definitely a foot or an elbow. 

Meanwhile, Ed is trying hard to quit smoking. He's managed to cut down to one in the morning and one before bed while try were trying to conceive but he wants to limit his smoking exclusively to parties by the time the baby arrives. So where the pack and lighter used to be, he now keeps their latest sonogram and where he used to go out for a smoke, he now sits outside and looks at their baby for a while.

Not long until Ed feels the first kicks!

"Was that-"

As much as Ed is thrilled to feel the baby move, it inspires another little 'oh my god, this is happening' moment. He gets them from time to time, when Stede started getting his first symptoms, when his belly started growing, at their first ultrasound. This is happening. Early next year, there's going to be a new person in their lives.

Ed knows he's ready for a baby. They've talked about it extensively before Stede went off his hormones but now it's not a hypothetical anymore. There's a tiny person in there and if all goes well, they will be handed to Ed in five months time and he'll just have to hope he doesn't screw it all up.

So when he can't sleep that night, thoughts twisting around themselves, he scooches down the bed until he's lying next to where Stede's sleep shirt has ridden up over the bump. And he tells the baby about everything running through his head, worries about whether he'll be a good dad, about how he didn't have a great dad himself to put it mildly, how he hopes he'll be different, that he wants the baby to know without a doubt how loved and wanted they are.

It seems like a private conversation.

Ed has convinced Stede to wait until the second trimester to go clothes shopping but that only means that when they finally do go out, Stede goes all out.

"Yes, babe, that's cute but- maybe we don't need that one in three sizes? Yeah, I know we'll have less time for shopping once baby's here but... I think you'll find a way."

Okay but- this one's coming with them. Ed is not immune to baby leather jackets. 

Neither is Stede to seeing Ed with a baby carrier.

The cravings are in full swing and Ed tries his best to just roll with them. Chicken nuggets and ice cream shouldn't be good but Stede is right. The hot and cold, sweet and salty works very well together. 

Time for their 20-week ultrasound! Everything's looking right on track. Baby's growing like crazy! They don't really care about what they're having, nor will it influence clothing or decoration decisions, so they're keeping it a surprise.

As baby grows, the nights are getting less and less comfortable.

They're getting one of those big pregnancy pillows first thing in the morning and then Stede is going to take a very long nap.

Seems about time to get started on the nursery. Stede's not doing any painting or heavy lifting but thankfully they have a visual artist in their circle.

Once that has dried they can start furnishing. Even though the baby will be sleeping in their room for the first few weeks, it doesn't hurt to get the cot set up already. 

Ed's glad the pillow is helping with the discomfort, he really is. He just... misses the cuddles. 

As the nursery start coming together, they finally have a place for all those baby clothes. Ed could get used to this.

At this point, it's not uncommon for Stede to get up during the night for a wee. Though he usually doesn't take the downstairs bathroom... What's that noise?

Ah, that explains.

Chapter Text

The last chapter of the pregnancy comes before they know it. They decide to go on a last-minute baby moon. Nothing fancy, they just rent a house for the two of them, a couple hours drive from where they live. Stede spends most of his time either reading or in the pool. Ed makes sure Stede gets enough liquids and sunscreen top-ups.

Once they get back, they decide to put some serious work into creating their baby name shortlist. They want a Māori name, so the books they get from the library end up being of very little use. Websites are an even bigger nightmare. Often they are just plain wrong but they keep parroting the same misinformation. That name does not mean 'admirer of the ocean'. It means 'thief'.

Oh! Looks like Ed has struck inspiration!

Now he just needs to convince Stede that it'll be cute.

As Baby keeps growing, it's starting to put more and more of a strain on Stede's body. Turns out pregnancy is a different beast in your forties than it is in your thirties. So many more aches, feet, joints, back, pelvis, you name it. They're all singing their complaints, sometimes in shifts, sometimes in the most grueling harmonies. 

They do some prenatal yoga together. Stretches definitely help.

Baths become a lovely evening routine.

Sometimes Ed joins him

Ed knows there's only so much he can do for Stede at this stage, so he just tries to lift burdens wherever he sees them.

"Hey, why don't you go sit down? Let me handle this?"

Foot massages are much appreciated although they tend to make Stede sleepy.

Ed will wake Stede when he has the kids in bed

It is vital to ensure your pregnant partner always has access to snacks. Ed knows this and takes the responsibility very seriously. 

Look at that! Another pregnancy milestone

While Stede slows down, Ed's putting the finishing touches on the nursery, imagining what it's gonna be like when that little person in Stede's belly is going to be sleeping in this crib, wearing these clothes, playing with these toys. 

Stede's latest pregnancy ailment is sitting or lying down, blinking and suddenly there's a blanket on him and fuck, he needs to pee and also how is it suddenly an hour later?  

Sleeping at night is a different story though. It's hard to get comfortable. The baby always starts kicking the minute Stede lies down. Some nights Ed tries to sing the baby to sleep so Stede can get some rest (and tries not to enjoy it too much). 

Wow... he really just got- massive this time around, didn't he? Stede's not sure this baby's got much space left to grow for the last few weeks.

Can't say he's thrilled about the stretchmarks... They're fine... Miracle of life and all that...

Oh- Hi darling.

They do make a lovely family :)

The big belly does become a bit of an inconvenience in all little sorts of ways. 

"ED!!"

"I'M COMING! HOLD ON!!"

"Are you okay? Is it starting?"

"'M fine, can you get my phone?"

"Of course, your highness. Anything else?"

When he's having an okay day, Stede's fine but near the end, those okay-days become less and less frequent. Every position hurts, each in it's own way. As much as he's thrilled to have this baby with Ed, there's no way he's putting his body through this again. 

"Ed?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm getting a hysto after this."

"Y'okay? Can I do som'thing?"

"*sigh* Just need to get this baby out and never get pregnant again."

"Alright. Talk in the morning?"

"Yeah, 'kay."

This is going to be interesting when the kids are with them on winter break next week... 

Chapter Text

December 17

Ed and Stede have the kids in the week leading up to Christmas. It's definitely a lot, entertaining and caring for two kids when one parent is 37 weeks pregnant, but they really wanted some extra time with the kids before their baby sibling arrives. 

Over the weekend, they take a trip to the Christmas fair. The kids love it and want to try everything, but Stede really has to pace himself. Thankfully there are loads of opportunities to sit down and have a snack or a rest. 

"Hey, d'you want the rest of this?"

"Don't like it?"

"No it's good, but I'll get heartburn if I finish it."

Stede is glad that Ed's there to go on the rides Stede's not feeling up for. But for their second run on the merry-go-round, the kids insist they're big enough to go on their own. But Ed and Stede have to promise to wave when the kids make their rounds.

Ed has been eyeing the Irish coffee stand every time they pass and it's getting adorable that he thinks Stede hasn't noticed.

"You should get one."

"Hm? Oh- Nah, 'm good."

"C'mon, don't let me stop you. Go get yourself a treat!"

"How's that?"

"Oh, really good. I'd say you should have some but- yeah."

"It's fine. Maybe with New Year's."

"You think baby will be here before the new year?"

"Hm, maybe it's wishful thinking because... well, I'm really looking forward to not being pregnant anymore but- yeah. Guess I have a feeling."

December 19th

While the kids are watching a movie, these two are batch-cooking some food to put in the freezer for after the baby is born. 

Taste test!

Very good.

Oh, Ed loves this song.

"Hey. C'mere?"

"Ed, maybe now's not-"

"It needs to simmer. We can leave it alone for a bit. Don't worry."

With your smile so warm
and your cheek so soft
there is nothing for me but to love you

Just the way you look tonight

"This could be a nice wedding song, don't you think?"

"As a first dance you mean?"

"Hmm, more of a last dance maybe. People leaving, things quieting down. When it feels like no one's watching anymore."

They're not engaged exactly, not in the sense that one of them got out a ring and they're looking at venues. But they talk about it from time to time, having long figured out that it's something they both want. As far as they are concerned, they're already married, but they're definitely not passing up the opportunity to throw a big party about it. They just decided to first see if a baby was in the cards for them, which thankfully it was.

Stede thinks about it, a room slowly emptying out, abandoned wine glasses, three kids in various stages of nodding off.

"Hmm... I can picture that..."

December 21st

Chapter Text

Hmm? 

Ow. That... doesn't feel like a Braxton hick...

What time is it? 

4:57.

Okay...
Guess if that was a contraction there'll be another one. And if not then's prob'bly nothing... just have to see...

Maybe he should time these? It's 5:29 now...

First one around 5... 

Tracking them isn't really working. Stede keeps falling asleep between contractions and wakes when it feels like they're at their peak.

He's pretty sure they're contractions though. Doesn't mean it will become labour but he'll just take whatever rest he can get. 

6:01

They're definitely contractions.

Stede's not sleeping between them anymore so he's gonna find a more comfortable position. 

Should he wake Ed?

Maybe it'll just stop after an hour, like it did with Alma.

Stede decides that if they're still coming in 30 minutes he'll wake Ed up. If they're having a baby today, Ed should catch all the rest he can get. 

They're pretty managable but he can definitely feel them.

Hmm... been a while. Maybe it stopped.

Pheeww... m'kay. Time to get Ed.

"Ed? Love, wake up."

"Hhmmphh, 's Saturday..."

"Yeah, but erm- I'm having contractions."

"...Oh. Oh shit- erm... You okay?"

"I'm fine. They're pretty manageable but I do think this might be the real deal."

"Wow. Okay. Are they close together? 'Ve you timed them?"

"They're not that consistent yet. I've had a few that are five minutes apart, some closer to twenty. Most of them have been somewhere inbetween."

"Mate, how long have you been having them?"

"I don't know... I woke up around five."

"What time is it- Stede! You've been in labour for 90 fucking minutes and you only just woke me up?"

"I thought it might be false labour. I'm sorry."

"Even if it was! I don't wanna hear about it afterwards, Stede! I want to be there!"

"Okay. You're in labour... I'm sorry I yelled. Just- still catching up."

"Can I- Can I get you anything? Is it time to call Julie?"  

"We don't need her until they're 5 minutes apart but maybe we send her a text to let her know things might be starting."

"Okay. Do I call my mom to get the kids?"

"Yeah, if she's able, that'd be ideal. Otherwise we might have to ask Mary and Doug but that'll take longer. Maybe text them anyway to let them know we might not make Christmas."

"Okay. I can take care of that. Anything you need?"

"Think I'm gonna get some breakfast. Should probably eat something while I can."  

"Sorry I got mad earlier. I didn't mean to."

"It's okay- I get it. That was a lot to wake up to and in hindsight, I probably should have woken you up. I think I was kind of in denial, still."

"I think neither of us were really prepared for this."

"You could say that again."

"Are you having a contraction right now?"

"Hmmh."

"You... seem calm."

"I mean, I try to be. Best to just let it happen. And I've done it twice before. That definitely helps."

"Not sure if I'm ready for this chapter to end... Think I'll miss this."

"What? Me, heavily pregnant, eating cereal on an exercise ball?"

"Yeah.
'S just... we're not gonna have another one so this is my last chance to soak in the glory that is you, heavily pregnant, eating cereal on an exercise ball."

Liz is here! She's glad to see the guys in good spirits despite the surprising circumstances.

The kids will probably wake in a little bit, so Liz decides to give the guys some space and busies herself with little chores so they'll be out of the way when they bring the baby home.

What are these doing outside the fridge?

Stede's doing good. The contractions are still pretty manageable but it's nice to have Ed with him. They seem to be getting more consistent. The last ones they times were all around 6 tot 8 minutes apart.

Around half past seven they start to hear some noise upstairs.

Ed explains to the kids that the baby might be on their way and that Grandma Liz is gonna take the big kids with her for the day. They should find some toys or games they wanna bring and some pyjamas, just in case they have to stay the night. 

Liz helps the kids get ready while Ed goes downstairs to be with Stede. 

The contractions seem to be picking up. Stede's no longer talking through them, focussing more on his breathing.

There's a knock on the door. 

Alma's a little worried about Stede and the baby because they weren't supposed to come for another two weeks. 

"Hey, darling... hey, you know babies just come early sometimes, right? I don't have a calendar in my belly. Just seems like baby wants to come out today."

"But- what if the baby's not ready?"

"Well, babies this old are not considered too little to be born. They're just a bit earlier than average. You and Louis were also born before the doctor said you'd be here and you're both okay, right?"

"I don't wanna gooo."

"Hey, we'd just like for you and Lou to go with Grandma for a bit so we know you're both looked after when we go to the hospital, yeah? If I know you two are okay, I can focus on helping the baby be born- ooff okay."

"Does that hurt?"

"A bit... yeah... but that's normal. Don't worry, darling."

Stede doesn't seem to be feeling great about getting a contraction in front of Alma, so Ed does his best to distract her so Stede can work through it.

"I'm gonna be here with dad and the midwife's going to come soon. Then when they're ready, we'll go to the hospital and there will be loads of people to look out for him and the baby, yeah? You can go have a fun day with Grandma and when you get home, you will have a little sibling waiting to meet you."

Alma considers while Stede quietly regains his breath.

"Will you let us know when you go to the hospital?"

"Yeah, we can text grandma when we're leaving for the hospital and we'll call when the baby's born and when we'll be going home. Does that sound okay?"

 "...Okay. But you have to text."

"We will, promise."

They have one final bump hug before they go. Stede gets a little emotional at the idea that next time he sees Alma and Louis again, he'll have all his kids with him.

They call Julie once the kids have left. Stede's getting annoyed with his hair falling in his face so they get it out of the way.

They're in good spirits when Julie arrives. Stede in particular seems to be in a better mood than he has been the past few days. Ed can't imagine he's more comfortable now than the past week but the knowledge that the pregnancy chapter will be over soon must be a big comfort. Ed's glad Stede doesn't seem to be nervous because... well, Ed is. He's never attended a birth before and it can swing so many ways. He's read up and done a course and watched videos and talked with Stede but all that prep only gets you so far. He just hopes he'll remember what to do when the moment comes and he's keenly aware he's not even doing the hard part.

Stede and baby are both doing good. Baby's facing Stede's spine, which is great news for both of them. It'll make it much easier for the baby to move through the pelvis. When they find that Stede's 3 centimeters dilated, there is no way around it: this baby is coming. Based on Stede's previous deliveries, they could very well be born today. 

"You hear that. Ed? You could be a papa by the end of the day!"

"Wow. You'll be a dad of three." 

"That's so wild. Nine months felt long but now it's like it's flown by."

When Stede is at 4 centimeters they can go to the hospital. Julie is going to check back in with them in an hour to see if they're ready but if there are any notable shifts in the contractions or Stede's wellbeing, she's only a phone call away.

Time to get the bags and the seat in the car. 

"Hey. There you are. Was wondering where you'd gone."

"I keep forgetting how small they are when they're just born. Can't believe she's gonna fit in this."

"You know, I keep forgetting that you being in labour also means the baby's going to be born."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know. For some reason my mind's treating them as seperate events? I guess that you being in labour and making sure you're comfortable is just front of mind right now."

"And you forget that the whole point of labour is to get the baby out?"

"I guess? Is that weird?"

"I mean... I don't really have the luxury of forgetting. The thought that every contraction is bringing me closer to meeting them is kind of what... oof, 'nother one."

"I got you."

"Hmmmore pressure please."

"Got you."

This one seems a little longer and more intense than the last one. Ed has to remind himself that that's the point. That's normal. They're going to continue to build in intensity.
Eventually it seems to ease off.

"Do you want to stay here for a bit?"

 "No, let's go downstairs. I don't want my water to break in here."

Stede's getting more vocal during contractions, low rumbling sounds on the exhales. 

"What was it like meeting Alma and Louis for the first time?"

"Hmm... not sure how to describe it. I was all cooked up on hormones both times so... I don't remember it super clearly but I just remember feeling a lot of things at once. Parts happy, parts confused, parts relief..."

"Did you... did they feel like your kid? Did you think 'oh, that's not just any baby, that's my baby?"

"Hm, I don't know. I don't really think I processed it in those terms. I knew I loved them very much. I wanted to hold and comfort them. I guess... it's as if- hmmmmm'gooodddd."

"In... hold for me... and out... you're doing so good. In... hold..."

Hmm... you were saying something?"

"You were telling me about meeting Alma and Louis."

"Right, erm... yeah, it's like... it's like when someone you've loved your whole life suddenly dies, but the other way around."

"...okay..."

"It's- Instead of leaving, they're suddenly there. I didn't really question it. It was this overwhelming sense of 'Oh. There you are. I don't know anything about you but all I know is that I love you. And I know that's never going away.'"

"That sounds really special." 

When Julie comes back she can tell that things have shifted. Or what she says it that Stede seems 'in the zone'. Once she says it, Ed sees it too. Stede has been less talkative between contractions. He seems to gradually be turning inward. They're not surprised to find that Stede has progressed 2 centimeter since his last check. Time to get ready for the hospital.

Stede goes for one last wee before getting in the car. 

Just when when he thinks he's done, there's another gush. And this one feels very different.

Well shit. That'll be his water.

Julie tells Stede to take some time to move around and get as much fluid out before they get in the car. They'll put a cover and a towell over the seat, but he'll be more comfortable the more comes out before the drive. 

It doesn't take very long for Stede to feel the change now that he doesn't have the fluid cushioning his contractions. The pressure gets a lot stronger and the contractions are more painful.  

"That one seemed a lot longer."

"That was two, actually."

"Shit, really?"

"It uhh... eased up for a little bit... but then it started- oh fuckin'- oohhhHhHh."

Stede needs two more breaks on his way to the car and things don't get much better once they're driving. Contractions are pouncing in one after another and sitting is the last position Stede wants to be in right now. A fifteen minute drive has never felt this long. 

Ed is a little startled by the way things are accelerating, not sure what to do with himself except to keep both hands on the wheel and get them to the hospital as quickly and safely as possible. Red lights are agonising. 

"Ed... soon as we get there, you need to figure out if we can get a room with a pool. I want a pool and if they don't have one available, I want an epidural."

Ed swallows because when they made their birth plan, Stede was clear that an epidural would be a last resort for him. He didn't have a good experience when he got one with Alma and wants to be able to move around.

If he's asking for one, it's serious. 

"Do you want me to motivate you to keep going or is this your decision?"

"Decision. If there's no pool, get things in motion for an epidural. I don't know how much longer it'll be before they'll no longer give it to me..."

"Okay, heard."

"Ed- Ed, pull over I'm gonna be sick-"

"Dickfuck- pulling over, two seconds.

"Do you want to take a moment?"

"No, please. Let's keep driving. I wanna get to the hospital."

In the parking lot it quickly becomes clear that Stede's not able to walking in. His contractions are practically on top of each other and he needs every moment in between just to catch his breath. Julie is going to get a wheelchair while Ed stays with Stede.

Stede is evidently in established labour so they can skip through triage and go into their labour room and thank god: there's a pool. They start getting it set up as soon as they are inside.

As soon as they're in Stede can't stand sitting for another second. He wants to be out of that fucking wheelchair and feel something solid underneath him. Julie tells Stede to just follow whatever feels most comfortable while they get things ready for him. 

"Stede, can I do-"

"Don't. Touch me. Don't fucking touch me."

The baby's not showing any signs of distress but for Stede's endurance and morale it would be best if they can get the contractions to slow a little so he has more time to recover. They're putting their money on the hot water but Ed can't shake what Stede said while they were in the car. What if the water doesn't work and he'll already be in transition and he can't get an epidural anymore. And Stede doesn't want an epidural. But he also doesn't want to be in this much pain. Ed isn't sure what to do. Should he get the anesthesiologist on speed dial, just in case?

"Stede, do you-"

"SHUT UP. PLEASE JUST SHUT UP."

So... Ed shuts up.

He'll just get their stuff sorted, he supposes. 

He's doing the invaluable of work of 'urning on battery powered candles while dutifully ignoring the primal groans of his partner. 

Wow everyone! This guy just plugged in a phone! Birth partner of the year! He is Contributing!

If the best you can do for Stede in a moment like this is put his toiletries away, then what does that say about you?

You should have done more for him during the drive.

Bet he's glad he's having a baby with you of all people.

Nope. We're not doing this.
Not right now.

Even if it's not enough, you're just gonna give it what you've got, Teach.

You're gonna go back in there.
And you're going to be there.

Just because he wants you to shut up doesn't mean he wants you gone.

You're not gonna figure out what to do by crying in a bathroom about it.

We're gonna count down from 30 and take some deep breaths and then we're going back.

God, what he'd give for a smoke right now.

"Where's Ed?..."

"He just came back in."

The pool is still filling up, but Julie tells Stede to just get in and see how it feels. 
Ed helps Stede into the tub and sees the tension seep out of his body as he lowers into the water. 

"Oh my god... Oh, that's so much better," Stede sighs. "Thank you..."

"I didn't do anything."

"'Course you did..."

Julie draws the curtains for them. Suddenly the room doesn't feel so clinical anymore. Stede's contractions seem to have slowed a little. They're still close but no longer on top of each other and that seems to make a big difference. Stede now gets a little time to recover and catch his breath and brace for the next one. 

He moves around a little, trying out different positions. His eyes are closed most of the time. He doesn't talk about neither does Ed. He listens to the rise and fall in Stede's breathing. When Stede's grip on his arm tightens, Ed squeezes back. It catches Ed by surprise when Stede asks

"Did I yell at you earlier?"

"A little bit but don't worry about that, yeah? I'm fine. Don't worry about me."

"I'm sorry..."

"Don't mention it. You're doing so good."

Julie checks in with the baby for one of the contractions. It's crazy that that heartbeat belongs to a little person who will be with them in a matter of hours now. 

While Stede's in position, he asks Julie to check where he'd at. When they got to the hospital he was too overwhelmed for it so he hasn't had a check since they left the house. Julie told him to just warn her if he felt the need to push. He doesn't think he's quite there yet but he'd like to know where he's at.

9 centimeters.

"Oh my god... this one is going so fast. I'm glad but... wow... this one's really intense..." 

"Just one more centimeter to go, babe. You're killing it."

Soon after Stede sinks back in his bubble again. Knowing that he's near the end seems to have reinvogated him. The sounds he makes sound more like growls. Julie reminds him to focus on his exhales, relax his jaw. 

If Stede talks at all, it's with one request.

"Remind me?"

"You've done this before. You're already doing it. You're almost done."

Stede's breaths suddenly rise in pitch.

"Julie. Julie, I think they're coming."

"Okay, don't push yet, Stede."

"OoOh, if I don't I'm gonna be sick again."

"That's okay. Don't hurry. Give yourself some time."

Julie does a final check and confirms that Stede's at 10 centimeters. 

"Next time you feel the urge, you can start gently pushing along."

"Ooooh they're coming."

"Little pushes, Stede. There's no rush."

"MAYBE FOR YOU THERE'S NOT."

Stede's visibly shaking. Ed's glad he knew that this might happen because otherwise he would be freaking out right now. 

It's only a few pushes before Stede reaches down and says that he can feel the head.

"Wow, they have a lot of hair."

Julie suggests Ed get into the pool since he's gonna be the one to catch the baby. Ed's own hands are shaking as he climbs over the edge. 

Stede tells him to feel the head and it feels a little awkward until Ed actually touches-

"Wow, that's- they're really hairy."

"That explains all the heartburn."

The baby's head is born on the next push.

"Okay Stede, we're in the final stretch. Just a few more and you'll have your baby."

Oh god, it's all going so fast. What if Ed can't get them in time? What if they shoot past his hands? What if they're too slippery-

Oh.

There you are. 

We're so glad you're home.

Welcome to the world, Kaiā Moana.