“Yeah. You’re both going to be safe,” Stark said. He paused. “The only problem is I’m not allowed in the operating room. Will you be alright by yourself?”
Kyle’s eyes flickered with emotions Stark couldn’t read. For a moment he thought Kyle would say no - that he would panic at the thought of being alone in a cold, sterile room. But to his surprise, Kyle nodded.
“Yeah. I’ll be okay,” Kyle said, his voice raspy and thin from the pain. “Anything to get this baby out of me.”
Stark couldn’t help but laugh. He rose from the bedside. “Okay. I’ll let her know you’re ready.”
“Wait.”
Stark turned. Kyle grabbed his arm and pulled him down into a kiss. Stark was vaguely aware of a few of the nurses sayingawwin the background. Kyle let him go and waved him off. “Okay. Get out of here. The sooner you go, the faster I can have this baby.”
“Alright. See you soon,” Stark said. “Both of you.”
Stark was escorted to the waiting room, where Killian and Scout rose to greet him.
“How is he?” Scout asked quickly.
“He needs a c-section,” Stark said. “The doctor said his body was too weak to do it naturally.”
“Stark,” Killian said in a firm voice. “He’s going to be okay. We have fantastic doctors.”
“I know.” Stark sighed.
“But…” Killian went on, his face softening. “I know exactly how you’re feeling right now. So anxious you could explode at the drop of a hat, right?”
“Yup,” Stark said.At least I have friends who know what I’m going through.
Killian and Scout led him to a seat as close to the operating room door as possible. He sat, shifting in dozens of positions until he finally gave up and knew he would never be comfortable until Kyle was out of there. His friends tried to distract him with small talk but his mind was always only on one thing - Kyle.
He didn’t know how long he listened to Scout and Killian talk before the world finally started to go hazy at the edges…
* * *
“Stark! Stark, wake up!”
He bolted upright at Scout’s excited voice, nearly falling out of his seat. He shook the fog of sleep away and looked around the room, frantic.
“What?” he cried. “What’s going on?”
“She’s here!” Scout was nearly jumping up and down with excitement. “Your daughter is here!”
Stark’s heart leapt into his throat.My daughter!
He stumbled over himself getting to his feet and running towards the operating room. He almost ran headfirst into the door when Killian called, “Not that way! They’re in here!”
Stark doubled back to where Killian indicated a cozy room with the door slightly ajar. He knocked quietly.
“Come in,” a nurse called.
Carefully opening the door the rest of the way, Stark stared in awe at the sight of his mate - and the tiny wrapped up bundle in his arms. Kyle looked exhausted but happy. His hair was still wetly plastered to his forehead with the strain and exhaustion, plus the fact that he had just undergone surgery.
He approached Kyle and the baby gently, as if he were a baby deer.
“How are you feeling?” he asked quietly.
“Tired,” Kyle replied. “Very, seriously tired.” He snuggled the baby closer to his chest. “But… also very happy. Isn’t she beautiful?”
Stark gazed down at the baby’s face. She had a beautiful black patch of hair and soft olive skin. Her eyes were shut tight against the brightness of the world and her hands were bundled up fists.
