Here's to Something New {Marr & Jack}

[Jack Lexington]

Thirteen hours or groaning, moaning, hanging in there, exchanging thoughts and ideas, stupid jokes and I’m spent. I’m not even the one doing all the work here but I’m so tired from a lack of sleep and the adrenalin giving me the odd rush whenever I think the baby might come.
Vy, the only one of us with any experience in this field, escused herself for a while to go see her boyfriend and daughter, so I nod really tired.
“I got this.” Even to myself I don’t sound convincing.
“Check that cut on her head, please. See if it’s alright.” I do have a bit of a bad conscience because I’m partly to blame for her daughters accident and that she might have a tiny scar for life because of me.

Deep circles have formed under my eyes due to a lack of sleep and food and the only thing we all eaten is a sandwich (not Ky though) and a coffee, which seems to do nothing for us.
A long yawn escapes me when the midwife whose shift has started an hour ago gives me a nudge.
“Don’t you go to sleep now. It’s almost time.”
“How could I? She keeps squeezing my hand so hard, I think she’s already dislocated a few knuckles.” I joke because that’s the only thing that keeps me going.

By now I’m pretty thrilled to become a father soon even though I have no idea what that means. My worries have subsided with all these contractions and the fact that Kyanite seems to be doing alright. She’s pale, uncombed, slightly sweaty but hasn’t given up yet.

“I wish I could take some of that for you.” I stand behind her and rub her shoulders whenever she lets me and give Vy a meaningful glance.
“Do you want to take another break…who knows how much longer this will be?” My voice is slow and low due to exhaustion.

“Not much longer.” The windwife says and calls a doctor through the intercom. “Miss Ruze is ready for delivery.”
Her blue eyes give Ky an encouraging twinkle before she tells her.
“Put your chin down and push.”

Sudenly it hits me. She said push. This is it. In one second all my exhaustion drops from me as I feel a jolt of adrenalin worse than in the arena revive me body.
Instantly I switch positions from her back to her side to get a better view of what’s going on.
My kid is going to be born NOW!
My heart has picked up it’s pace- at least doubled it as I stand there stiff as a tree, eyeswide.
“C’mon, Ky- push!” I encourage her.
So doesVy who had zoned out for a while. "Almost there Ky."

[*]

I'm so tired and sore and exhausted. I feel like shit but each time I look down at my stomach, I have to realize that any moment, life is going to be created and brought out and shown to us both. "Come on, Mira." I coax about the time that the nurse tells me that it's time to push. Fearfuly, I don't know what's going to happen. I'm terrified and I looked to Mathew for guidance becuase he's watching and supporting me and he's to blame for all of this and he even tries to tell me that he'd take away some of the pain if he could.

The nurse's words give us both hope and I can't help but prepare myself because I'm about to become a mother. No longer a sister or a daughter, but a mother to a baby who will require everything from me and from her father. Matthew's already coming to my side, his hand in mine and with Vy's hand as well, the next contraction hits and the nurse instructs me to put my chin down and push.

I can't tell if what I"m doing is right. I don't know how long I'm suppose to push for or when I'm suppose to give it my all or stop. So, I just go by what my body is telling me and with each set of pushes, I feel my body grow weaker and weaker. My head swims with each intake of breath after so long of not.

"C'mon, Ky - push!"

"I'm trying..." I hoarsely say, exhaustion so evident in my voice. "I'm trying..." I repeat and keep my chin tucked to my chest and keep trying to think of good thoughts, but the pain only making me scream outward until I can rest between each set.

Sweat beads on my forehead as the nurse puts her hand on my stomach and tells me to go once more.

With sheer determination, I tuck my chin and push like my life depended on it and with it comes my yell once more, tears flooding my eyes for a moment before the nurse tells me to stop.

"Heads out. Wait a minute Ms. Ruze... " I crumple to the pillow and the within the next few moments, and one more push later, I hear the scream of the baby. "It's a girl, mommy."

396

[Jack Lexington]

The sheer agony in her face as she tucks in her chin and pushes as hard as she can is hard to watch. I wish so much I could take this from her, do it for her or at least endure the pain. Why does birth have to be such a horrendous thing, why not an easy, pleasant task?

Her groans get more desperate and turn into screams. My hand is completely sore but nothing compared to what my love feels.
I can even see Vy cringe and feel with her. She knows what it's like and is probably happy she's not the one in the hot chair.

Insecurity and nervousness has completely taken over inside of me. All my calm is gone, instead I’m breathing, chanting and pushing with her until I’m out of breath as well and realize what I’m doing. In between my commandos “C’mon, one more.” “You’re doing so well… “”don’t stop.” I gasp for air and notice how little I can suck in. My chest feels tight so I back away a little towards her feet a let the nurse do her job because I’m suddenly really light headed.
Once again that injury is playing tricks on me when I need it the least. I try to slow my breathing.

Why has the doctor the nurse called fr ages ago not shown up yet? Can they do it alone?
I'm so freaking nerve wrecked right now!
The sounds of Kyanites pained screams barely make it to my ears as my gaze darts back and forth between her, the door, Vy and the nurse. The room is already spinning when I catch a glimpse of something huge between her legs. The crown…the babies head.

“Holy shit…” Are my words audible?

That’s a baby’s head right there!
That’s probably the last thing I see before my vision swims away and I loose balance where I stand. I try to turn around to catch myself on the side board behind me but all that catches is my cheek dead smack against the sharp corner of it before I slump to the ground knocked out by the sight of my kids birth.


OOC: TYG, girls. You’re wish is my command…or in Han Solo’s words: Laugh it up, fuzzball.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

It's all comes down to this. After who knows how many hours, Kyanite's finally going to have her baby. Such a struggle it's been for them to get to this precious moment. The way they all met to make all of this possible. Bonding and forming a dysfunctional group that protects each other, even down to the unborn little one. Not even Jins could destroy any bit of their family. And now there's a safe environment for Ky & Matthew to raise their new youngster in. All of this struggle and hardship over the months will be worth it for everyone.

"You're doing great, Ky." Vy attempts to be the calm one, since it seems like the one on the other side of Kyanite is as much of a nervouse-wreck as she is. They're both about to be parents for the first time, guess Vy can't be too surprised. "Don't forget to breathe." She suggests when the Brunette's face turns beet red from pushing so much. So close. Her hand doesn't retrieve away no matter how badly it's squeezed.

Eyes somehow focus on Matthew to see how the soon father-to-be is doing, and it's quite obvious that it's not too well. His encouraging words fade off, and it looks like he's going to pas out...sure enough, that's exactly what happens. "Frack." She mutters and brings her focus back to Kyanite. Hopefully she won't notice?

"It's okay. Matthew's just taking a short nap before all those late night cries." She reassures when panic comes across Kyanite's features. "Almost there." Least she was smart enough to also have her best friend in the room. "Can we get an extra nurse to help him?" Vy's requesting, not wanting to leave Ky alone for a second during this. Then a newborn cry fills the room, and nothing seems to matter anymore.

Immediately the tiny baby is placed on Kyanite's chest, where the cry begins to settle. Though the doctors and midwives are still running about like crazy. "You did it." The Blonde congratulates, bringing a cloth to Ky's forehead to dab away the sweat. Her eyes stay glued upon the new precious little one, a large smile growing across her cheeks. "She's beautiful. Good job, Kyanite." Vy's fingers gently trail across the top of gooey petite head, her other hand rubbing Kyanite's shoulder to provide comfort.

"Is Matthew okay?" She turns her attention away for a mere second, to see that some nurses are already attending to him. "He's fine." Vy relays back to Kyanite, still determined to stick by her side. It's what she would of wanted if she was given the choice.

[*]

"Don't forget to breath." Is Vy's advice. One I'm truely trying to remember and use. I'm just so tired and in pain from pushing. The feeling as though I need to just throw in the towel because this hurts so much worse than any injury I've ever aquired, but there's the thought of my little girl that will be born any moment that keeps me going. Meeting Mira keeps me from giving up and telling everyone else that they can shove it; that I'm not doing this anymore. Instead, I let the frustration and pain be vocalized with every scream as I push and push. Then the nurse is telling me to wait and at that moment, I feel absolutely spent. I crumple against the pillow as they tell me the head is out and they start to help her to breath but what catches my attention is Matthew not being beside me anymore. He's moved away from me, so I hold on to Vy a little tighter. Will she disappear? Why is Matthew going... his baby is being born. Why would he....

Then I watch as his face turns to a solid sheet of white and he disappears out of view to the ground.

"Matthew..." I turn to Vy, fear setting in. Did something happen? Is the baby okay? I furiously try to look around, but Vy's looking at me with confident features. The tears in my eyes are blurring my vision.

"It's okay. Matthew's just taking a short nap before all those late night cries. Almost there." She tells me and I groan out. I want to get up and help Matthew and Vy must know how much I need him beside me right now to finish this off but Vy keeps me level headed and I hear her tell them to get another nurse to help him.

"Is she okay? Is he okay... what's going on?" I whisper out, my voice cracking as the final push brings my baby into this world with a scream and they place her on my chest.

Immediate elation for my heart to see this tiny little baby in front of me. My free hand going to wrap around the tiny infant and my chest starts to heave with the tears that escalate even more. "Mira... my baby. Little Mira... my love. I'm your mommy." I can't get over the tiny little whimpers that she brings forth, moving slowly as the nurse uses a device to clear her airway. "My little Mira..."

"You did it. She's beautiful. Good job, Kyanite."

I give Vy a weak smile as the midwife turns to Vy, handing her a pair of sissors. "Since daddy's taking a nap, will you cut the cord and say he did?" The midwife tries to joke and with the cord cut, they take the baby off my chest to give her a good rub down and to check her stats while I feel absolutely nothing but longing to have that little girl back in my arms.

"Vy... stay with her. Don't let them take her anywhere without you or Matthew." I try to lean up to get a look at Matthew but I can't see a thing. "Matthew... are you okay? Matthew?"

A nurse stands beside me and pats me on the shoulder. "Ms. Ruze, he's going to be fine. You need to calm down and relax a little okay? He's going to be alright. He's not the first man to pass out while his child is born. Don't worry about him. Just try to remain calm while we finish with you, alright?"

I give her a nod and turn to watch Vy stand beside Mira as they clean her off and check her weight. "Apgar is eight." I hear them say as they fuss over the new little girl. They start to check things out and weight her and give measurements.

"How much does she weigh? She's so tiny... Vy how much? Where's Matthew?"

The nurse tends to Mira, wrapping her in a blanket and handing her to Vy to bring to me. "Weight is 5 pound 9 ounces. 19 and a half inches long. She's perfect, Ms. Ruze. You did a good job."

"I want Matthew. I want him to hold her." I say openly and look over to the side where a nurse is sitting beside him on the ground. His eyes look to be open and she's tending to his face and I can see the blood trail that's along his cheek.

"How's he doing? Matthew, talk to me?" I can hear the nurse trying to talk to him.

"Sir, you are going to be alright. Take it easy, alright? There ya go - easy does it. I'm going to fix you up, alright? You've got quite a cut on your cheek, shouldn't require stitches. Doesn't look that deep." She tells him and I feel a bit a pressure again as the midwife tells me she needs to finish before the meds wear off. I nod and close my eyes.

"Up you go sir. Sit here in the chair, alright?" I can only imagine they finally got Matthew up and out of the floor and into the chair to make him sit.

"Let him hold her." I say again.

876

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

"Since daddy's taking a nap, will you cut the cord and say he did?" It takes a second for Vy to realize that the nurse is staring at her, offering the pair of scissors to her. Instinctively she looks over at Matthew to see he's still knocked out. Least some nurses did get him to the couch, and he's being tended to. Then Vy's eyes go over to Kyanite's, almost as searching for approval, but she's dazed in the first sight of her daughter. Guess she's not going to do it. So the Blonde takes the scissors and follows a midwives instruction on where to cut.

That's it, there's a new human-being in this District. More importantly in their crazy put-together family.

There's a request from Kyanite to not leave Mira's side. Seems like the newborn's surrounded by support, and it's Ky that needs it, but Vy certainly isn't going to argue with her. Whatever she wants at a moment like this. "Okay." Vy agrees and goes off to stay by the infant's side. The professionals clean her up and check her over, generously sharing that she's a healthy little girl. After all the drama and chaos while she was growing in the womb, she's still perfect.

Suddenly the wrapped bundle of joy gets passed over to Vy without even a warning. "Um..." Instinctively she's cradling that baby girl, just as she held Brooklyn when she was this small. Can't deny that it brings back precious memories and feelings; holding her tiny Tyke for the first time almost three years ago, knowing very well that she was going to change things for the better. And look at where Vy is now, she couldn't of been more right. There's no telling how much better things will become with this new addition.

Cautiously she travels over Kyanite to deliver her reward. Eyes don't budge away from the Rugrat in her arms, sleepily trying to stay awake after all that commotion. "Lets go back over to momma." Vy soothes before gently passing her along to the Brunette. Seconds later Ky's requesting for Matthew to hold her though. A glance is given his way to see that he is indeed coming to, and Vy scoops up Mira once more. Whatever the new mommy wants.

"Ready to hold your new daughter, bro?" She questions, staring at his eyes to see how back together he is. Last thing they need is for Mira to get dropped when she's not even an hour hold. Still a smirk comes his way, Vy's way of congratulating him while she cradles his little one. Once he gives the go ahead that he's fine, the newborn's passed along to him. "You did good." She actually compliments, rubbing his shoulder before she turns back over to see how Kyanite's doing.

[Jack Lexington]

What just happened?
It takes me a moment to figure out that I just hit the floor in the middle of my daughters birth since overhead are only bright lights when I open my eyes. I shield them to get a look at Kyanite who is once again groaning but the view is blocked by somebody's legs in scrubs and rubber shoes.

Another nurse is holding up my feet to get the blood back into my head where it belongs.
"Is Matthew okay?" I hear someones voice and then Ky's panicking one.
A face appears above mine with a smile that can only be interpreted as sympathetic.
"Back with us? You've just become a daddy."
A slight smile makes it to my pale lips and the nurse tells them and it dawns on me that it's almost done.
"He's okay, I think." The nurse says.

My face hurts a bit, so does my chest but all I can think of is my baby girl.
There! I can hear her sounds. A weird little cry. It's like nothing I ever heard. If only I could get up.
"Oh my..." I mutter in complete awe while the woman tells me to stay down for another minute and dabs at my cheek. What happened to my cheek? Did Ky slap me? Oh no...the shelf!

Kyanite is still worried about me. "How's he doing? Matthew, talk to me?"
Clearing my throat I prop myself up on my elbows so I can see her and nod to give her some relief.
"I'm good.I think...I passed out." I'm too stunned about the birth to have any stupid jokes ready. All I want is to get up and see my baby because I can hear her small cries. It sounds so cute.

""Sir, you are going to be alright. Take it easy, alright? There ya go - easy does it. I'm going to fix you up, alright? You've got quite a cut on your cheek, shouldn't require stitches. Doesn't look that deep." She presses some gauze against my face and tells me to hold it but I just want to go over and hold Kyanites hand.

"Up you go sir. Sit here in the chair, alright?"
For a second I stand on wobbly legs with her help and see Kyanite-sweaty and exhausted but incredibly happy. Our eyes lock for a moment...My girl! I'm so proud of her.
So I mouth. "I love you."
My balance is still off so I sit down and close my eyes for a moment.
I just want to hold Kys hand and see my baby but right now my body doesn't comply.
So I accept the seat and lean my head back to let the nurse tape the cut on my face.
I feel like a boxer in the ring with people fuzzing over me while I'm looking out for the little baby, who's now in Vy's arms.

"Ready to hold your new daughter, bro?"

There she is. Wrapped up in a towel. Like a little bundle. Mira.
I extend my arms when a warm feeling of joy washes over me. All I can see is that tiny baby's face in my arms. The joy that overcomes me is unmatched. "She's so perfect."
Thse tiny eyes, mouth and nose. Incredibly.

I take a long moment to take in how she looks before I breath with a slight wheeze.
"Mira."
Then I tear my eyes from her.
"She's so perfect, Ky."

[*]

How is it possible to fall in love with someone you just met? How is it possible after all the strain and hurt and pain that I've had to endure over the past eight and a half months just simply vanish with the moment that she is born. When the weight of her tiny little body was laid upon my chest, just after being born, that all feelings of fear and guilt for thinking I've hurt her vanish by hearing her tiny little cry? She was perfect. She was perfectly healthy and the sight of those two little eyes fighting to open and look around and landing on me was enough to let me know that everything was going to be alright now. Even more so, when I keep demanding that Matthew hold her immediately. I want him to be able to see what he protected. I want him to see what he was going to miss out on if he had decided to leave, but he never left me and his reward is being placed in his arms by Vy.

I continue to watch Vy pass the little, tightly wrapped infant over to Matthew and I can't help but let out a few tears and let them fall down my cheeks as I see his face light up. I can't hear what he's saying because it's nothing but a whispered tone but I can see his mouth moving and I can see the word that plays on his lips the more he looks her over.

Mira

Just like that, he finally looks away from her and over to me and I see right then and there, that look of love that he's always tried to give me and it's suddenly doubled from looking at her. He's completely wrapped around her tiny little finger already.

"She's so perfect, Ky."

I nod weakly and look over to Vy. My eyes feel like their drooping. I feel so physically exhausted. It's like I've been put through the wringer and every muscle in my body is aching but the one muscle that's aching the most is my heart because I want to do everything possible to keep Mira safe and away from harm and I want to just sheild her from everything and only give her the ample amounts of love that I know she deserves and will get from me and I know Matthew will do the same.

A gentle moan escapes my lips as the midwife finally finishes what she's needing to do and drapes the blanket over my lower half and telling me that I can finally relax and so I do. I rub my hand over the spot where Mira had been kept for so many months and the realization hits that I'm no longer her vessel for life. She is her own person now. She's going to be growing up in this dysfunctional family and be loved from so many people.

Things in life just got more complicated.

"Matthew... you make one gorgeous little girl despite your old ways." I tease him - grinning to Vy, my voice slow and low as I look to Vy. "She's doing okay, right? No problems? Breathing okay?" Its time for me to get just a little worried cause I can hear her making a noise while she's being held by Matthew and for some reason I feel as if she might be having trouble breathing or something. The nurse seems to take in my fears and walks over toward Matthew and looking at the little girl.

"She's fine, mommy. Just trying to find nurishment - she's trying to suckle already. That's a wonderful sign that she's doing great. Are you going to feed her naturally or do you want us to suppliment?" I look at Matthew and give him a grin, mouthing the words 'I love you' back to him and look at his cheek.

"Naturally." I answer the woman and then turn my attention and question back to Matthew. "How are you doing, daddy?" I use the word so openly and for once, the word seems to suit him well as he holds our daughter in his strong, protective arms. "Daddy... how does it feel to hold the most precious thing ever..."


707

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

"I think that's you'r man breathing funny." Vy grins when Kyanite begins to worry that there's something wrong with her baby. Her eyes travel back to Matthew though, just to check. Looks like Mira's doing great in her daddy's arm. Struggling to stay awake, but as perfect as a newborn can be. Still the nurse goes over to double-check, only to express exactly what Vy was assuming. Everything's fine and dandy for once. There's no drama, or worry over survival. For once their crazy family is together to experience a precious moment, and not fight off an enemy. Couldn't possibly get any better.

It's surprising and sweet to see the way Matthew crumbles for the little one in his arms. Something inside Vy tells her that his hatred for the female race has been demoted just slightly. There's such an urge to comment over that, but she doesn't dare to ruin the moment. All of those fears Kyanite had must be gone, and that's all that matter.

Eyes travel back and forth from Matthew, to the new mommy laying in bed. "See, it was worth it." Vy chuckles from the memories of Kyanite wanting to take it back earlier because of the overwhelming pain. There's nothing as brutal as childbirth, but there's also no better reward in life. The Blonde then falls quite as she listens to the nurse question if Ky's going to feed naturally or with formula. She luckily picks the smarter option, breastfeeding. "Good choice." Vy smirks approvingly.

"I'm going to go give Jeran and Brooklyn the good news." And with that she excuses herself after combing her fingers through the Brunette locks, and gives one last glance back to Matthew. Might as well give the new family a moment, and plus she has her own Rugrat to check up on. "You good?" She questions Ky before leaving, wanting to make sure nothing more was needed from her. Then she's off once she's given the go-ahead.

[Jack Lexington]

The significance of this moment is hard to understand. This is the moment when our lives unite for good. In that one look we exchange lies so much meaning but a second later my eyes are glued to the baby girl in my arms again. She’s so small, her tiny fuzzy hair is still glued to her head and she looks quite wrinkled. Almost like an old person but so much cuter. No doubt about it. I love her. There’s nothing Mira needs to do for me to feel this way.
"Matthew... you make one gorgeous little girl despite your old ways." I hear Ky tease me…not sure what she’s referring to? My growing hair- the fall to the floor or that I actally MADE a baby girl.
“Huh?” I barely think about it because I’m consumed in my daughters features. “I can’t believe how small she is.”

Just like me she makes slightly weird sounds when she breathes and instantly Kyanite gets worried. So do I. All this is completely new and unknown to me.
Vy stands by grinning like the Cheshire Cat but she does come over with the nurse to look at the baby, which I cradle like she’s made of glass. Good thing I’m sitting now.
"I think that's you'r man breathing funny."She says, which is correct,but still earns her a look from me. The smile on her face is a little contagious though so I raise my chin at her for a second. “What are you grinning at?”
I’m pretty sure this is one of those moments where she’s the best friend Ky could have…and me.

"She's fine, mommy. Just trying to find nurishment - she's trying to suckle already. That's a wonderful sign that she's doing great. Are you going to feed her naturally or do you want us to suppliment?" The nurse asks.

“Is that what she’s doing?” She’s turning her head here and there quite fast for such a little baby.

"Naturally." Ky says which makes me grin a little and tell her “That means I’ll get to see a lot of your boobs. Every guys phantasy. Thanks, babygirl.”
"How are you doing, daddy?" Only a moment later do I notice what she called me and look up at her. How strange does it feel to be called daddy.
“Better now.” My cheek hurts a bit but that doesn’t matter. I damn near missed this!
"Daddy... how does it feel to hold the most precious thing ever..."
That’s a very good, valid question. I try to put this feeling in words but I can’t so I just blow out some air and start smiling.
“Outstanding. “
With my own finger in dig into the blanket for her little hand and admire the tiny fingers. Five of them barely cover my thumb.

Vy glances back and forth between us before she slowly moves towards the door. "I'm going to go give Jeran and Brooklyn the good news."
Maybe this is her giving us a moment together, which is nice of her, since it is a very personal time.
I also know it won’t be long until Jeran will make an appearance….if his sister lets him.
“Thanks for being here, Vy.” I says quietly in order not to startle Mira.

The nurse bends down to take our baby from me again.
“We’ll check her apgar again.” I don’t want to let her go but do it anyway since it’s in our best interest.

The other nurse comes over and looks at me with a bit concern. “Are you feeling okay now?”
A little embarrassed I nod and draw a deep breath, that works a lot better now. “Yeah…it was just the sight of that head….”
With a smile she places her hand on my shoulder. “You wouldn’t believe how many dad’s have kissed this floor. Congratulations on your daughter.”

Then she turns to Kyanite and the other nurse and takes a clipboard. “Sounds like you’ve decided on her name. We have to register her.”
Insecurity washes over me….what does that mean? Register her? Instantly the games come to mind and for the first time in my life I don’t feel like the arena could be a great place to proof your abilities but actually a doomed hellhole where parents loose their children.

[*]

To hear that my daughter is doing well enough that she's already trying to find nurishment and trying to suckle makes me feel better already. To know that nothing is wrong with her settles my fears enough to keep relaxing against the pillows and just watch Matthew with our daughter. I chuckly lightly at Matthew when he makes a sly remark to me telling the nurse that I'd rather breastfeed then to suppliment with formula for the new baby.

"Very funny, Matthew." I let the smile play on my lips constantly as I can't tear my eyes away from the sight of him holding her tight. His eyes shifting to all of her and how he digs his finger into the blanket to let her tiny hand wraps around his thumb. "She's already got you wrapped, Matthew."

That's when Vy decides to give us some time alone and for once I don't want her to go, but I also want to spend the next few minutes with nothing but Matthew and Mira. I want to set that bond of all three of us as a family. So, when she asks if I'm good, I see the love in her eyes toward me. She's truely my best friend and I can't beleive where our lives have taken us. We were enemies at one point and now she's here with me, helping to take care of me when I needed her most.

"Thank you, Vy. I"m more than good." I give her a reassuring smile and watch after her when she leaves, saying she'll tell Jeran and Brooklyn the good news. For now, when the door shuts, it's just Matthew and I and the nurses that are still left in here to finish up some paper work and keep check on my vitals while the other nurse goes over to Matthew and picks her up out of his arms and the look on Matthew's face is enough to say it. He loves her without doubt. I remember distinctly back when I found out about being pregnant... how I never imagined that Matthew would love her. How his hatred for the female population would curve his hatred toward having a female offspring. I had fears that he would leave me and that he wouldn't love the child because they couldn't do anythign to offer their love to him, but all that has changed. It took nothing for him to fall for her, except to hold her for the first time.

While the nurse talks to Matthew, I keep my eyes peels on our daughter as they take her to the little bed and unwrap her to check out her breathing again and to reevaluate her again. Only then, does she start to cry again, but the cry is hushed and only creates a tiny squeaking instead.

"Aww..." I mention audibly as they bring out a machine and prick her foot, her cries become a little more angered for a newborn. "What are you doing?"

"She has to be registered. Regulations. Also, to make sure she's healthy. What is her full name - for registering purposes?" I look to Matthew cause I remember we were suppose to come up with it.

"Mira... Mira Aisling Ruze." I state. Their machine beeps a few times before they create a band to put around her leg and give me a matching one for my wrist. Just like that, it's all over and the tiny squalling baby is wrapped yet again and brought over to me as I put my arms out for the little baby and hold her tight to my body as the nurse begins to show me how to get her started on how to latch for the first time. I am terrified but Mira's appetite allows her the knowlege on how to get the food that she's wanting and just like that, I feel nothing but completely surprised at everything happening.

"Hold her head just like that... good job. If she stops suckling, tickle her foot to stimulate her. New babies are often very sleepy and can fall asleep without eating. - There she goes. Hungry little thing."

"Mira... my love." I hear my voice crackle as I rub my finger across her cheek and feel the tears welling up as I try to blink them away. "Matthew, can you sit with me?"


727

[Jack Lexington]

To see our newborn being taken from my arms and pricked so tehy can register for the damn games makes my heart ache. I tense up and feel anger rise inside at the fact that Panem controlls our very life to the core. Never have I seen it this way because I've never had a child of my own. She'll have ten years or so without fear and then it'll start but I already vow to train her to the best of my abilities once Mira is old enough to walk.

Kyanite tells them our daughters name as her cries subside and I sit back and relax a little. Rubbing my sore cheek and the crusted blood that has formed on my cheek underneath the cut. I try to rub it off when I hear her say.
"Mira... Mira Aisling Ruze."
"Aisling?" My brows shoot up. How did she come up with that? The Ruze part I get. Since we're not married our daughter will have her last name unless I object but I don't.
"I thought we'll name her after Brody?" I question before the nurse hands her back our daughter and asks.
"I need the full names and Panem registration of both parents."
Because Kyanite is slightly busy I sit up straight and nod. "Matthew Dunham, number D2-55895B."



In the meantime my girl friend gets an introduction to breats feeding, which blows my mind.
"How does the baby know?" With a bit of effort I push myself to a stand and wait until the mushy sensation in my head subsides. Then I slowly put one foot in front of the other while my eyes never leave Ky and Mira. It's so amazing to see. That immediate bond between baby and mother, like their one really.

With a smile plastered to my lips I follow her wish and sit down next to her rubbing Kaynites shoulder.
"This has to be the single best moment of my life."
Concerned over her well being I ask. "How are you doing? Exhausted?"
Of course.
With a brief look at the nurse I take a deep breath. "She's too early. Will she be okay thought? I mean healthy and strong? Is she fully developed?" I'm worried that our daughter might have any birth defects. Good thing she can't inherit the fear of Jins or my shot lung. As far as I know she might have a good chance to become an awesome career if she chooses to.

[*]

As tired and exhausted as I am, I wouldn't miss this for the world. It's all about Mira now. It's all about keeping her well fed and loved and cuddled and protected. I knew that when she arrived it would be different, but this is just beyond everything I thought it would be. I want to do everything for her right now. Even give her a name that will follow her and has meaning behind it as well.

"Aisling? I thogut we'll name her after Brody?" I watch that look in his eye and plan on explaining about it when it isn't in the company of anyone else cause I want him to understand the background of it. For now, I get caught up in the moment that they hand my tiny little baby back into my arms. Registration names from Matthew are taken as well as his id number. "We have your's already, Ms. Ruze."

I give them a slight nod as they start to teach me how to give Mira the nourishment that she needs. How she so instinctively latches on and suckles without much know how. It's just like she already knows what to do whereas she was just brought into this world and without any kind of guidance. It's simply amazing.

With the request for him to sit with me comes, he's getting up and slowly making his way over. At first he only stands but then he walks over and sits beside me, his hand massaging my shoulder. With a quick glance, I see this sparkle in his eyes when he looks at Mira. It makes me weakly grin to him as I keep Mira's head at the perfect level and a little suckling noise and a tiny grunt comes out.

"This has to be the single best moment of my life. How are you doing? Exhausted?"

I nod at him, but refuse to let him know anything more. "I'm fine, Matthew. Great - even. Just glad she's okay."

Matthew's fears of our daughter being too early come out and the nurse places her hand on her hips and answers for him the questions he needs to know.

"She is full term enough. Anywhere between 37 weeks to 40 is normal for a healthy baby. She's perfect, Dad. No need to worry. She's a very strong little girl." With that, she gathers her paperwork and dismisses herself. "I'll be back in a few minutes to check on you guys and see if you need anything else, alright?"

"Thank you." I tell the woman as she leaves, giving both me and Matthew the private time with our new baby daughter.

Tiny suckling noises escape from her, her fast and erratic breathing matches the amount her chest moves and her tiny hand has some how found it's way out of the blanket and stretching outward for something to grasp.

"Matthew... I can't believe this. This can't possibly be possible." I look at Mira with awe and just feel tears coming to my eyes as I wipe them away and lean my head over on Matthew. "Thank you for staying Matthew. Thank you for everything you've ever done to help and protect me for her. After everything that she's been through..." I sigh and bend over and kiss her on her tiny head and lean back against the pillow.

"... to answer your question from earlier, I did name her after brody. Nolan told me that Brody was suppose to be a girl when he was born, but when he was born, they had to come up with a new name. Aisling, was the name that Nolan was going to name him and since he never had another girl, I figured that this would make them both proud. That name never got used until now."

The release of Mira's lip from me makes me worried a moment until she closes those beautiful eyes of hers and lets out a tiny yawn. "Her first yawn..."

664

[Jack Lexington]

I'm more than relieved when I hear that she's full term and perfectly healthy soI can can relax, which I visibly do. It's been a long exhausting time, mostly for the girls but also for me. I can still feel the effects that one look at the birth had on me. My cheek is throbbing and I can only assume that I hit something on my way down. It's totally been worth it when I look at my two perfect girls though.
Never in my life would I have believed that two females would ever have this kind of power over me.
It's stunning but not in a bad way.
For once we're happy and good. Nobody here to disturb our luck.

"Matthew... I can't believe this. This can't possibly be possible."
"Me neither. I'm so used to things going wrong that I don't know what to do when things actually add up." I smirk at her.

"... to answer your question from earlier, I did name her after brody. Nolan told me that Brody was suppose to be a girl when he was born, but when he was born, they had to come up with a new name. Aisling, was the name that Nolan was going to name him and since he never had another girl, I figured that this would make them both proud. That name never got used until now."

Since this story is completely new to me I'm surprised. "I didn't know you and his father talked so much." Maybe it was that one day when I left her at the hospital and she passed out. It's a day that still makes me feel like a scumbag even though she told me to leave. I shouldn't have gone and picked a fight instead of being with her. It might have led to some bonding between her and Nolan though.
"Makes sense. I like that! Nolan's a great guy, too. I hope that one day I can be the kind of faher he is."
there's a lot of admiration I hold for the man- as little as I know about him.

The babie's little yawn makes my core melt, I feel. It's insane what this little baby an do to me without meaning anything.

Her head rests against mine making me wince for a brief moment before I run my hand over her hair.
"Get some rest. You both look exhausted."

I position myself on the side of her bed so Mira can't fall out in case Kyanite falls asleep and she rolls off.
My own eyes are getting pretty heavy.
But before I let them close I place a tiny kiss- first on the baby's incredibly soft cheek, then on Kyanites scarred one.
"You two are my world."

[*]

To hear that Matthew didnt' know that I talked to Nolan a lot is new to me. I figured that he and Nolan would talk more but I don't really consider our talks to be very frequent anyways. Every so often would I meet with Nolan, but it only occurs to me just now that he doesn't know that Mira has came either. I make a mental note to go see him once we are out of the hospital. For now, I hope that Matthew likes the name that I've given our daughter as a middle name. I hope it'll serve it's purpose.
"Makes sense. I like that! Nolan's a great guy, too. I hope that one day I can be the kind of father he is." I shake my head.

"I think you already are. You didn't leave us. You've protected me and protected her. I'm sure once she's old enough, she'll apologize for making you go crazy every time she decided to make me think I was going into labor." I tease him, placing a faint smile on my face as I keep watching her tiny little lips try to suckle nothing but thin air, however her eyes are closed and her breathing is that of someone whose asleep.

"Get some rest. You both look exhausted."

"How can I possibly sleep at a time like this?" I mention as I feel him wrap his arm around me and very lightly place a kiss on our daughters cheek and then my own. It's nothing but a wonderful feeling that gives me a sudden bought of energy enough to bring Mira closer to my person and pull the blanket up closer to keep her from getting cold.

"You two are my world."

"You two... are my everything." I realize how close I came to giving up on my life growing up because of Jins and everything else I had to endure. Losing my mom was one of the hardest things I've ever had to encounter in my life and as I look down to this little girl in my arms, I can only wonder if I'll match my own mother's loving and caring ways. Something else that scares me is following in my own mom's footsteps and not being there for her growing up if something was to happen to me. The difference right now is that I know Matthew loves me and that he loves Mira. He couldn't possibly do the same thing to me that my father did to my mother.

Pushing those thoughts aside, I look to the door and wonder if Vy and Jeran are out there. I am more than curious what Brooklyn will do with Mira - seeing a tiny baby for once in her life. As I look over to Matthew, I see his eyes are closed, but as tired and sore as I am, I just can't let myself tear my arms or eyes away from the perfect little miracle in my arms.

"Mira. Mommy loves you so much. Mommy will do everything possible to keep you safe and warm. To hold your hand when you first walk and to kiss every single boo-boo you ever get. I only want the best for you and the best is what you'll get, my sweet little angle." I tell her, whispering in her ear as my lips touch her earlobe and I breath in her scent. "My mother would have loved you, Mira. She's watching over you, too. Mira... your grandmother's name was Shayla. She was the most beautiful person you would have ever met. Dark hair with curls along the tips. She had freckles along her nose and on her chin. She hated the color orange, but loved the color purple..."

Endless words about my own mother are brought to rest upon Mira's little ears as she slept. I want her to get a visual of what my mother was like. Slowly, my voice trails away and I maneuver Mira inbetween Matthew and I as I cuddle the baby.

A very short time later, a knock on the door takes me away from my moment of slumber.

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