Baby Luz finally arrives!

Chapter Text

A/N: Baby Luz finally arrives!

Ian's POV

Ian had always considered himself to be the level-headed one in the relationship-

Usually.

Before today, he felt like he was ready for anything. Every parenting book in the library had been read, they had the nursery finished, the hospital bag was packed and ready to go, the doctor was on speed dial-

And then Eda's water broke.

Now he felt less than leveled. He felt like a too-full can of paint that had just been tipped over- and then knocked unconscious by its paint-brush wife misfited magic. And then slapped awake by her twin sister. As that is exactly what had happened as soon as they had arrived at the hospital.

"Honestly, Ian! How can you expect to raise a child if you can't handle the birth?" Lilith huffed.

Ian was sure she had said more, but he wasn't listening. His head was hurting and his heart was ready to poud out of his chest. In a few hours time, he was going to be a father-

"I didn't faint by choice." Ian groaned, tossing the rag to the floor.

The warlock knew he should be in the delivery room with Eda- but her violent, magic contractions were proving to be a danger to pretty much everyone. (Well, except for the doctor and nurses in their special armor. Of which, he did not have.). Their doctor had just ordered him to step out when the misfire occured. It was best that only trained professionals be in the delivery room.

It gave the soon-to-be parent some time to gather himself. Some time to prepare, sort out his emotions. The most prominent emotion was nervousness. In fact, he was so nervous that he was almost certain the swirling in his head was from it and not magic. There was no way he would be any help to Eda like this (unless maybe if he switched bodies with her like she had asked- but no.) He was so nervous he felt like he was going to pass out again-

But at the same time, somewhere deep inside of him, he felt excited. Soon their little bundle would be there, and she would be the best thing to ever happen to them. And amongst that glimmer of excitement, he felt pride for his wife for how she was handling things-

Always the strong and powerful witch, she was. The warlock had absolute faith in her, even if he wasn't in the room.

"Ian. Are you listening?"

Oh, right. His sister-in-law was still there.

"No- I'm sorry. What did you say?" He mutteted meekly.

"I was just lecturing you on how ill-prepared you are and implore you to take up my offer to move in until you and my sister can care for the baby-"

"Lilith, my wife shot me with a blast of wayward magic while pushing a tiny witch out of her body." It was almost frustrating, "Other than that, we've got this."

It irked him that she was here. Neither he nor Eda had asked her to come along. She had invited herself. It felt more like having the Emperor's Guard watching them instead of family. Like they were under inspection- And maybe they were. It was hard to tell with this one.

"You didn't have to come, you know?" Ian huffed.

Right now he needed to focus on the impending baby-

"Of course I did. My sister is having a baby. My unfocused, reckless, undisciplined sister." Yep. Definitely under inspection.

"Lilith, enough. Your sister may be a tad unhinged- but shes been handling things amazingly. I have no doubts in her abilities-"

"This isn't magic related, Ian!" Lilith exclaimed, "This is a living, breathing baby that SHE is responsible for!"

"Might I remind you that this is MY baby too? You make it sound like she's made another bad choice and is doing this alone!" Feeling a bit more pride settling into his chest, he stood up, straightened himself out, and glared down at Lilith.

"Then why aren't you in there with her?" Lilith shot back. "Instead of hiding out here while she fires uncontrolled magic at medical professionals?"

That was it. There was the push Ian needed. Squaring up his shoulders, Ian turned swiftly and walked boldly back to the delivery room-

And then a doctor tossed open the door and he ran directly into it.

By the time Ian woke up, his head was pounding, but no one was hitting him with a rag this time. Despite the blurriness of his vision, he could tell he was no longer in the hallway. His head was pressed against something soft and familiar feeling-

Eda. He'd know her anywhere.

"Welcome back." She murmured. Her voice tired and horse.

Tired- Right! The baby- wait- where was the baby!?

"Where is-" Ian started,

"They took her to get cleaned up. Should be back soon." Eda yawned.

She nuzzled her head against Ian's, and in that moment they both forgot whatever pain they had been in. Usually, Ian would have just enjoyed the quiet, but it wasn't just the two of them anymore. He couldn't relax knowing there wad someone he still had to meet- and answer for.

"I'm sorry I missed it." Talking. That was a good way to keep him alert.

"Ian, you took two major hits to the head. I'm just glad you can remember your own name." Eda teased, "I'm just sorry I was behind the first one."

"Don't worry about it. At least we're both awake now." His hand slipped down and found her smaller one, wrapping it in a firm and reassuring hold.

"... Holy crap, Ian... We're parents." She muttered, eyes closing every so often. "And I'm loaded on pain killers and can still form complete sentences... I did good today."

"You sure did..." Ian smiled, stroking a thumb over her hand.

The old pride had returned to his chest. There was proof that his wife could handle anything despite what Lil-

"Where is your sister?" Ian heard himself ask.

"I overheard what she said. So I threw her out." Eda's free, sweaty hand reached up to cup the side of Ian's face. He didn't mind how weird it felt. "It's our little girl's special day, and I'm not going to let her talk smack about us. Let her take her crap back to the emperor. Don't care."

A large smile tugged at the corners of Ian's mouth. While he was sure Lilith would be back, it did him good knowing it wouldn't be today. They needed a calm, peaceful atmosphere to meet their daughter in.

On the far end of the room, the door opened, and a little pink bassinet was wheeled into the room. Inside, the new father could make out dark maroon hair. The same colour as his wife's. Time stood still then, and for moment he had forgotten how to breathe. The doctor congratulated the new parents, and left shortly there after to give them a moment.

"Go on. Go say hi to her." Eda muttered, and Ian watched as she drifted off to sleep.

She deserved it.

So, on shaky legs, the warlock got up from the bed and made his way over to the newborn. Her messy hair hung heavy and poofy in front of her pink, scrunched up face. He couldn't see her eyes yet, but he could wait. After all, it had taken her long enough to show up. All he cared about was that she was alive, and she was finally here.

All nervousness, doubt, pride, anger- anything he had felt before was replaced with pure, unbridled joy for this tiny little witch.

Ian loved her already, and knew Eda was just as crazy about her as he was.

She looked so perfect as she slept, and he didn't want to disturb her. With a faint smile, he kissed her little forehead and whispered his greeting as softly as he could.

"Hello there, little Luz."