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The beeping of a heart monitor filled the room as Nolan lay on a hospital bed, resting on his side the best he could, given his pain. His hands laid on his large pregnant belly; his little boy Mark desperate to come out.
Viltrumites were born with metal hard skin that softened over the first few weeks of life. Because of this only other viltrumites could birth viltrumite children.
It was the Grayson’s first child and when Nolan’s water broke, after a bit of panicking, the parents to be quickly flew off to the GDA; shrouded by the cover of night.
A nurse walked over to Nolan, placing a cold rag on his sweat slicked forehead.
“Thank you.” The laboring hero smiled to the human, who gently smiled back. “Of course.”
Debbie sat beside him, holding his hand lovingly. Her thumb rubbed his own comfortingly. This was something she never thought she would experience. She always thought she would be the one to give birth to their child. Not that she wanted to deal with that pain she just wished there was more she could do for her suffering husband. "You're going to be fine... You're doing so good honey." She assured him as gently as she could, trying to keep herself composed.
Nolan gently squeezed her hand.
“A-Am I breathing right?” He smirked, trying to make a little joke.
“Well Nolan,” Cecil spoke up from his spot leaning against a nearby wall. “Never thought I’d be here for the birth of your kid.” He sipped at his fourth cup of coffee. It was nearly three AM and they had been here since midnight. The human was exhausted, but he wanted to be there to support his friend. “Though I’ll do my best to help. Is there anything I can get you?”
Nolan took a few heavy breaths; another contraction wracking his body. They were getting closer, stronger! Hardly any time between and they hurt! It was very rare for viltrumite men to give birth but not unheard of. Still Nolan was clueless on what to expect. All he knew was what he learned from Debbie and the human parenting books he’s read.
“I think we need some more cold towels.” Debbie spoke up, looking to Cecil only for Nolan’s low, painful moan to grab her attention in an instant.
The man’s eyes were squeezed tightly shut, his hands gripping at the bedsheets so he wouldn’t crush his wife’s hand. His teeth grit and his face cringing in pain. A low moan of agony forced its way from his throat as his muscles tensed and he started to push!
He could feel it! His little baby boy pushing his way from the womb to the birth canal.
Nolan didn’t want to scream. He didn’t want to seem too weak and vulnerable but… it felt like he was being ripped apart!
A scream ripped through him and he felt the comforting hands of his wife, gently rubbing up and down his arm.
“You’re doing so good honey! Just keep pushing and we’ll have our son in no time.” Her words were soft, loving, excited and comforting all at the same time.
Cecil stepped out to grab more towels as well as some food and water for the couple.
Nolan’s body relaxed back against the bed as the contraction passed.
Debbie moved the damp cloth off his forehead and ran her fingers through his disheveled hair.
“I love you so much. Flying, super strength and birthing our child! Is there anything you can’t do?”
Omni man looked up to his wife. Her eyes sparkled with pure love and amazement. Despite the pain and slight fear Nolan was feeling his heart fluttered with love. He loved her, he loved her so much! As, a pet… of-of course. A very loyal, special and caring pet. She’s Like an ESA to him! Surely…nothing more..
Nolan rolled onto his back and gently held Debbie’s hand. “I love you.” He whispered.
A nurse checked to see how far along he was.
“You’re doing great papa, everything’s looking good so far.” She patted Nolan’s shoulder and he let out a sigh of relief.
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Hours passed and although the birth was going smoothly the pain was still unbearably hard to deal with.
Nolan had been in a myriad of positions to try and ease the birthing process. He pushed laying on his back, his side, on his knees while gripping and biting the hospital bed. Though the most comfortable position he found was standing.
The hero stood before a wall, his hands pressed flatly against the cool hard surface. His forehead resting against the wall. Debbie stood right next to him, on his right side, gently rubbing his back all the while. Even Cecil was by his side. The man was awkwardly patting his friend’s shoulder while Nolan let out a roaring scream.
“Why the fuck does this hurt so bad!!!” He had completely given up on keeping a strong unaffected persona by now. His teary gaze flicked to Debbie. “We-we are never having another child!”
Debbie gave her husband a reassuring smile. “Okay sweetheart, one is enough.” She chuckled softly, knowing his pain was the one talking.
Cecil chuckled. “I’ll be sure to make a note of that.”
Nolan’s body relaxed, panting and sweating. He blinked away a few tears.
“Hes crowning!!” The nurse that was squatting down behind Nolan shouted excitedly.
“Oh!” Debbie’s hand went to her mouth. Her eyes started to tear up and it felt like she could scream and cry with excitement.
“Nolan!” She squeezed her love’s arm. “Did you hear that!?” She was practically shaking with joy and relief. “It’s almost over! He’s almost here.”
Nolan leaned against his wife and she wrapped her arms around him. Though they both knew She couldn’t support his full weight. It was the thought and loving contact that counted.
“Okay papa, we’re going to take nice slow breaths. Just relax and push when it feels right. Don’t push with all your might, we don’t want you to rip” The nurse coached calmly.
Debbie leaned up and kissed Nolan. He kissed back but pulled away quickly, leaning his full weight against the wall once more. Breathing heavily and struggling to form words he glanced at Cecil.
“Water!” He barked. Cecil nodded and quickly walked over to a little roll in table by the hospital bed. He snatched up a cold bottle of water. He dashed back to Nolan and the laboring man quickly chugged down the entire thing. He tossed the empty bottle across the room.
Nolan took a deep breath and slowly let it out. His hands balled into fist and he pushed.
“Yes! Keep going, push push push!”
The nurse encouraged.
“It burns!” Nolan snarled and paused as his body wanted.
“Okay papa, one more big push and he’ll be here. Debbie, do you wanna catch him?” The nurse smiled at Debbie.
She smiled and crouched down next to the nurse who guided her hands in the proper position to catch the baby.
“Come on Nolan, you can do it!” Debbie cheered and with one strong push-
A wave of relief flowed through Nolan as all pressure and pain vanished. Debbie caught their beautiful baby boy, holding him close and a baby’s cry filled the room.
Nolan smiled as tears rolled down his cheeks.
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The cord was cut, the baby cleaned and swaddled. Within a few moments a tired Nolan rested in the hospital bed. His beautiful baby boy cradled softly in his arms.
“Oh Nolan.” Debbie cooed at his bedside as she reached out a hand towards their little baby Mark. Mark grabbed a hold of her pinky. Debbie giggled, wiggling her fingers in the baby’s grasp.
“He’s got a strong grip.” She smiled at her husband who beamed with pride.
“Of course! He’s a viltrumite! I wouldn’t expect anything less.” Nolan ran his fingers over the soft black hair on Mark’s head. A small smirk spread across his face as his eyes flicked from his boy, to his wife and back again.
“You know, nine months in my womb, making me suffer and he looks just like his mother! All that work.” He laughed. “For him to not even look like me!” Debbie grinned and snorting in laughter. “The power of Asian genetics!”
Cecil smiled, now on his sixth cup of coffee, as he watched the happy family.
He ran his fingers through his hair. What a night, he just hoped this new viltrumite-human hybrid wouldn’t cause any trouble as he grows.