I ran downstairs, as fast as I could, and ran straight into Will's arms. My heart thumped hard from the exertion, and his body slammed hard and fast into mine. The warm presence of Will, his scent, and the strength of his arms around my body were full of an unparalleled, familiar comfort.

"Missed you too, Clark." He pulled back from the hug, and flashed me that smile, that million dollar smile.

My lips instinctively reached for his, and I kissed him. When I pulled back, I leaned my forehead against his, and smiled, eyes still closed. His lips were still ensconced with mine. He was smiling.

"You've been gone so long, Will. 3 months really is too long."

"I know, Clark. But this is the last long trip, I promise."

I narrowed my eyes.

"The baby's coming any day now." My fingers enclosed around my burgeoning belly. It was true. The miracle had happened, and so soon, too soon, it was on its way into our alien universe. I couldn't welcome it without Will; the Will who knew all the answers; my Will with the strong, big hands, and assuring smile. I would collapse without him to hold me, I was sure.

His hands closed over mine, and he kissed me. "I know."

"He's still got a slight fever, I think I'll put him down for another nap. Where's the baby Tylenol?"

I turned as I fastened my earring on. The baby yawned and curled up against Will's chest. "Top shelf."

I reached out and felt the baby's forehead. Heat radiated from his skin, and prickled my fingertips. He felt a little better than he had earlier. I kissed him gently.

"He'll be alright."

"And where are you going?"

"I have to submit some designs for the expo, and then I'll be back in an hour, I promise."

I kissed him, and the baby once more. On my way out, I glanced back and smiled. Will was walking around the living room, whispering to the baby, cradling him close to his chest as the baby slept soundly.

"The baby's down, and we're ready to go, baby!" I finally managed to pull the zipper of my dress up, and then yelped, when Will flew by, and grabbed me. He twirled me around his arms.

"William Traynor, you put me down this instant."

"No, I will not, mother of my child."

"Your wife tells you to put her down promptly before she bleeds you dry."

"Oooft. Harsh, Clark."

I wound my arms around his neck. "When she hasn't slept for three days that kind of thing tends to happen. But hoorah, I don't smell like vomit and baby powder, and I've got a clean dress on. Miracle of miracles."

I laughed, but stopped abruptly when he leant down and burrowed his face into the crook between my shoulder and neck. "You smell like heaven. And that dress was designed to kill me, I know."

I still shuddered whenever he drew this close, warm, and carrying a scent only Will could emanate.

"Oh, you have no idea, Traynor."

The party was lavish, and horribly overdone, despite our host's attempt to damp down the pretentious vibes. Perhaps they had recognised too late that this looked nothing like the humble charity ball they had promised, and had become a testament to their wealth and great stature.

The portions of food were criminally small, so Will shared his measly portions with me. I couldn't drink either, lest I ruin the baby's supply. We danced a little though, which was lovely. Will held me close, and whispered sweet things to me. It felt like a night we had snatched away from the past.

We left just as the clouds unleashed their heavy burden. Rain pelted down in furious whips, angry and unassuming.

"Come on, let's get under the canopy, you'll get sick."

That was Will. I let him hand slip from mine, and stepped back in the rain. The rain beat down harder, tapping on my skin, and washing away everything that had passed. I felt young, and whole again. My body hadn't been ravaged, and torn apart, and my heart had not been weighed with the hardships of Will's months of recuperation. I held my arms wide, and then turned, and motioned for Will. He was already watching me, transfixed, a smile at his lips, and simply reached out to grab my outstretched hand.

When we reached our home, we were dripping wet, laughing, and I was shivering, and then Will was there. He pulled me close, rubbed his hands between mine. Time stood still. His eyes locked with mine. Droplets of rain trailed down the edge of his face. My hands reached out and traced the edge of his wet lips with a fingertip. I swallowed.

Will peeled my dress off, skirting his warm hands along my skin as he did so. I stared up at him, and then swiftly undid his buttons. And then, Will laid me back on that bed, and made love to me like we were young again. The rain beat hard against the windows, but the balcony stayed clear and dry, and the doors welcomed the sound of lightning and rain on a night that seemed so familiar.

The sun rose the next day, and the baby's cries echoed through the halls and into our room. We stirred, and then blinked at each other for a moment.

"I'll take the baby."

"And I'll make breakfast. How does pancakes sound?"

"Sounds normal."