Chapter Text
6 months later
“I hate everything!” Kaveh shouts as he rubs his stomach. He’s aching all over the place, and sweaty— so, so sweaty. His chest won’t stop leaking, so he wears nipple patches now. He hasn’t combed out his hair in four days, so it’s just a rat’s nest on top of his head.
And on top of it all, he’s late.
His due date was three days ago. He isn’t sure why his baby won’t come out; he just wants to meet them and hold them. Tighnari checks on him every day, and reassures Kaveh (especially Alhaitham) that everything is fine. The baby just needs extra time to cook.
But three days? Kaveh thinks that’s pushing it, really. His lower back hurts from how heavy his stomach is, and his ankles are always swollen now. He just wants his baby.
“I know, dear. Our baby will come soon, though, don’t worry.” Alhaitham reassures him as he washes Kaveh’s back.
Kaveh had been in so much pain, and just wanted to relax, so Alhaitham suggested a hot bath. The best idea he’s had in over 10 years, really. Let’s have kids , he said. It’ll be fun, he said. I want a big family , he said.
Pish posh.
Kaveh scoffs, “I’m not worried as much as I’m in pain, and suffering. Get your damn baby out of me,”
Alhaitham nearly laughs at that. He holds it in, though, not wanting to incur Kaveh’s wrath. That’s the last thing he needs, especially since Kaveh is so pregnant.
“Tighnari said that moving around will help. We can take a walk after? I’m sure the babysitter wouldn’t mind staying a little longer,”
Kaveh leans into Alhaitham’s touch as he carefully removes Kaveh’s hair tie, gently starts detangling the blonde mess with his fingers.
“He has a name, you know,”
“Oh, I definitely know,”
“Why don’t you use it?”
“Because I simply don’t want to.”
Kaveh snorts in amusement because that is patently not true. His husband just doesn’t want to acknowledge another alpha that’s in his territory, and helping with his pups despite it being his job.
Alphas are so silly.
“Okay, babe, sure. Hurry with my hair, then, the water is getting cold.”
“You want me to hurry? Let me go get the lawn mower out of the garage. Or would the weed whacker be better?” Alhaitham grabs the comb, and some conditioner to make it easier.
Kaveh takes his hand out of the water and flicks a few drops at his mate. “Shut up, asshole,”
Alhaitham chuckles and presses a kiss to the nape of Kaveh’s neck. He combs Kaveh’s hair and it takes less time than usual because of the conditioner. Once he’s done, he drains the water, and helps Kaveh out of the tub. He dries off the blonde with a fluffy towel and helps him dress into comfortable clothes. Soon, they leave their room, and out into the living room where Kuni is with the kids.
“Stop cheating, Amaan! That’s not how you play!”
“I’m not cheating! Prove it!”
“I saw you put a card under your butt!”
“No you didn’t! Liar!”
Amir and Amaan continue to argue over their Uno game. Kian and Brea are playing tea party while Kuni lounges on the couch on his phone.
“Can I fire him? He’s not doing his job.” Alhaitham says, pointing at Kuni.
Kaveh sighs, and Kuni doesn’t look up from the screen as he replies, “I’d like to see you try old man. Nahida will be on your ass.”
“Language, please, Kuni. Anyway, we have a favor,” Kaveh states.
“I’m not doing shi— stuff for him.”
Kaveh knows he’s referring to Alhaitham. Alhaitham does the same thing, just glaring at him.
Kaveh rolls his eyes. “Can you watch the kids a little longer for me? I need to move more to get this pup out.”
He pats his stomach and feels the baby kick. He smiles, and places his hand over the spot where the baby keeps kicking. Kuni quickly glances down at his stomach and shrugs. “Sure, I guess,”
Kaveh ruffles his hair, “Thanks, kiddo. We’ll be back.”
“I’m literally 500 years old.”
“Sure, kid.” Alhaitham responds instead.
They let the kids know that they’ll be back soon, and leave the house. They walk hand in hand around the city, the sun is beginning to set in the horizon. They pass by shops that are closing up or trying to sell their last few items of the day. The shopkeepers wave to them when they walk by, and congratulate them on their pregnancy. Kaveh doesn’t leave the house much when he gets too big and fat; he’s simply too tired. Some of these people haven’t seen him in months.
They’re walking across a small bridge when Kaveh feels pain wrap around his stomach and lower back— a contraction. He stops walking, tensing up, and squeezing Alhaitham’s hand. Contractions have been on and off, only being about seven minutes apart. He feels miserable.
“Are you alright?” Alhaitham asks once the pain subsides.
Kaveh nods. “Yeah, I’m all good now. That shit hurts.”
Kaveh starts walking again, and he notices it’s hard for Alhaitham to walk so slowly with smaller steps because of how long his legs are. It makes Kaveh giggle to himself as he waddles along.
“I’m sorry I did this to you,”
Kaveh rolls his eyes fondly. “Sure, you are.” He playfully shoves at his shoulder. Alhaitham smirks and kisses his cheek.
“Okay, I’m not sorry. I do wish I could take away the pain, though. I don’t like seeing you in pain.”
“Then stop giving me your spawns,”
“That’s like asking me to stop fucking you, and I don’t think either of us want that,” Alhaitham chuckles.
“That’s not what I mean! Just use a condom!” Kaveh laughs, covering his mouth.
Alhaitham genuinely looks surprised. “A condom? When was the last time I used one of those? The ones I have might be expired by now.”
Kaveh laughs again, but it quickly turns into a scowl as another contraction hits. Alhaitham helps him through it, and once it’s over Kaveh sighs.
“Ready to head home?” Alhaitham asks.
Kaveh nods. He feels like sobbing; he feels nauseous after that contraction; he feels like a damn whale, big and fat; he’s always sweaty and he just wants this to be over. Kaveh just wants his baby.
When they get back to the house, Kaveh is ready to burst. Amaan and Brea don’t really catch on (they’re still just babies ), but Kian and Amir notice. They calm down their younger siblings, and Kuni (bless his soul) takes them outside to the backyard.
Alhaitham guides him to their bedroom, and Kaveh turns to him, tears threatening to spill over. “The kids… Dinner…”
“I’ve got it, don’t worry, my love. You focus on yourself for once.” Alhaitham replies soothingly.
Kaveh hesitates for a moment, but let’s his mate help into bed. Before he could lay down like he so desperately wants to, Kaveh rearranges the pillows and fixes the mountain of blankets. Alhaitham doesn’t offer to help, knowing an omega’s nest is their sanctuary. Once he finishes, Alhaitham silently asks for permission to get on the bed, and Kaveh beckons him over.
Alhaitham holds him from behind since it’s the only position Kaveh can lay in comfortably at this point in his pregnancy. He clutches onto his body pillow, and Alhaitham doesn’t bitch about it for once.
And Kaveh cries.
He isn’t loud or sobbing, just a few sniffles here and there as he cries into his pillow. He lets it all out: his frustrations, his exhaustion, his feelings of incompetence, and anxieties. He’s so fucking tired. He wants it all to just end, to just stop so he can get a fucking break. He knows it’s all in his head, it’ll get better soon once he gives birth. He isn’t blaming his baby, never. The baby is simply growing, it’s him, it’s Kaveh.
His body has trouble adjusting when he reaches his last trimester. It’s happened with all of his babies. Kaveh feels broken, and run down by the end of it. He always says his body is just sorting itself out, but why does that entail so much pain, and aching? All of the nausea and throwing up all day? The constant sweating? Where does it end?
Kaveh knows he has help— he knows. But he hates bothering others. He lets it slide with Kuni because it’s quite literally his job to watch the kids. Though, he’s so exhausted from all of the housework he needs to do. If there’s one thing Kaveh has learned, having four kids will leave your house in tatters. It’ll look like a hurricane has run through it by the end of the week. It seems never ending. He can’t ask Kuni to help with any of that; the kids are already a handful. Especially since Brea doesn’t leave the kid’s side.
It’s hard.
Alhaitham is at work all day, and he’s also tired so Kaveh really doesn’t want to bother him unless it’s absolutely necessary. He knows his mate will do anything to help, but Kaveh would feel bad. He’s felt terrible in the past for calling Alhaitham home early; he can’t do it all the time.
After an hour, the crying has died down and he’s sleepy. Alhaitham has been softly kissing his neck and head for the last few minutes, while carding his fingers through Kaveh’s hair. It’s making him feel sleepier.
He’s halfway asleep when there’s a knock on their door. He hears Alhaitham tell whoever it is to come back later, but the voice sounds a little unsure— it doesn’t suit the person.
“I believe this is an emergency. It’s Brea,”
Kaveh is awake immediately, and tries to sit up, but his belly ends up cramping in a contraction. He groans softly, gripping the blankets.
“Kaveh, shit, are you okay?”
Kaveh nods, it’s just a contraction. “Go— go help Brea. My baby, please,”
Alhaitham hesitates for a second and is out of the room at the speed of light. He follows Kuni into Brea’s room, and the little girl is lying in bed, whimpering softly with a towel on her forehead and a thermometer hanging from her mouth.
Without being asked, Kuni explained, “We were playing and she said she didn’t feel good. I asked if it was her stomach and before she could answer, she threw up on the floor. Felt her forehead and she was burning up. I changed her, and brought her to bed. I haven’t given her any medicine, figured that would be crossing a line. The boys are still in the living room watching a movie.”
“Okay, thank you. Your quick and responsible thinking is much appreciated. You may go back with the boys.” Alhaitham says, kneeling next to his daughter. His heart is beating wildly in his chest; it’s never easy seeing your kids sick and in pain. Logically, he knows it’ll pass in two or three days, but it feels like a lifetime.
He takes the thermometer out of her mouth when it beeps: 101°F. She definitely has a fever.
Brea whines again, and Alhaitham rubs her tummy soothingly. “It’s okay, baby. Daddy’s here,”
“Daddy…” She whines, tears falling from her eyes. She makes grabby hands at him, and Alhaitham can’t say no. He would never.
He carefully picks her up, and cradles the toddler in his arms. She rubs her cheek against his scent gland, and Alhaitham emits a calming scent. After awhile, the door opens and Kaveh comes waddling in.
His eyes soften at the sight as he walks up to them. “How is she?” He whispers, gently caressing her red cheek with his finger.
“Not good. Temperature is over 100 degrees. She needs medicine.”
Kaveh nods, and kisses Brea’s head. He scents her real quick before going to get the medicine. It’s in the kitchen, so when he passes by the living room, he’s flanked on both sides by his boys.
“Papa! Is Brea okay?”
“Papa! Brea threw up!”
“Papa, do you need help with anything?”
Kaveh smiles down at his babies, and gives each of them a kiss, and a quick scenting. “Your sister will be just fine. She needs medicine and plenty of rest. Are my babies doing okay?”
They all nod simultaneously.
“Good. No one is feeling sick or anything?”
They all shake their heads.
“Great! If you guys start feeling bad, tell Kuni, okay? I’m gonna grab the medicine and go back with dad and Brea. Also, thank you, Amir, but I don’t need any help right now. Just stay with your brothers.” He ruffles Amir’s silver hair.
Kian and Amir go back to whatever they were doing, but Amaan stays.
“What’s wrong, buddy? Are you okay?” Kaveh asks, waddling into the kitchen. Amaan follows like a shadow.
“Yup! Want up, please!” Amaan says while reaching his arms up.
Kaveh is rudely reminded of his aching body. He was able to ignore it in favor of worrying about Brea, but now it’s like the pain is back. His baby wants to be held, and Kaveh wants to pick him up, but he isn’t sure his body will let him.
“Hmm, how does holding my hand sound? I love holding your hand!” Kaveh raids the medicine cabinet with one hand, holding out his other hand to Amaan.
The 4 year old thinks about it for literally a second and shakes his head. “Nope! Up, please! Please, papa!” Amaan grabs onto his shirt, and tries to climb up his leg.
Kaveh sighs quietly and grabs onto his arm when he nearly falls. “Why do you want up, hm? Are you sick, or do you just want cuddles?”
“Cuddles, please!”
And can Kaveh really say no to that?
So, he tries. He carefully picks up Amaan, and settles him on his hip in the most comfortable way he could. It is still a little awkward, but he can tolerate it. Amaan shoves his face into Kaveh’s neck and inhales loudly. He rubs his face on his scent gland as well.
“Amaan, what are you doing, silly boy? Why are you sniffing papa?” He finally finds the medicine in the cabinet.
“Papa smells funny.”
He continues to rub himself all over Kaveh’s neck. He’s probably just tired and not thinking straight, but if Kaveh didn’t know any better he’d say that Amaan is trying to get Kaveh to smell like the little boy.
Which is cute but also kind of funny. Kids don’t present until the age of 13 or so. Amaan still smells like baby powder and milk. Kaveh appreciates it nonetheless.
However… What does Amaan mean by Kaveh smelling funny? Kaveh shrugs it off, and goes back to Brea’s room with the medicine and Amaan. When he enters the room, Brea is back in bed and asleep. There’s a towel on her forehead as well.
“Sorry, I took so long. Had to check in with the boys, as you can see.” Kaveh explains quietly, readjusting Amaan.
Alhaitham takes the medicine and sets it on the dresser. “You picked him up?” Alhaitham reaches for Amaan, but the little boy turns away, clinging onto Kaveh.
Kaveh rubs his back. “Yeah, he said he wanted cuddles. Was I supposed to deny my baby?”
Alhaitham does not dignify that with an answer. He just doesn’t want Kaveh to hurt himself.
Kaveh sighs quietly.
“Papa smells funny, dad.” Amaan says again.
“Amaan, I don’t—“
“Does he now,” Alhaitham didnt form it like a question, like he already knew. Amaan just confirmed it for him: Kaveh does in fact smell different. Alhaitham immediately knew when Kaveh walked into the room the first time.
Kaveh looks at his mate like the man is crazy. “What do I smell like?”
“Like you’re in labor.”
Kaveh stares at him for a moment before laughing. “Labor? You’re crazy. I am not in labor,”
“Kaveh, we have four kids, and I was there every single time. I know what you smell like when you’re in labor, and this is it.”
Kaveh shakes his head. He can’t be in labor. Sure, he’s way past his due date, but he can’t have a baby now. Brea is sick; this is bad timing. He wants this baby out of him, don’t get him wrong, but one thing at a time please.
Alhaitham continues speaking when Kaveh remains quiet, “I left you in the room earlier. Did that contraction feel different?”
“It did, but I don’t think it made me go into labor.”
Alhaitham shakes his head. “Dear, you’re in labor whether you believe it or not. I’ll call Tighnari tomorrow.”
As if on cue, a contraction comes, and Kaveh groans softly. Amaan whines softly and Alhaitham grabs him from Kaveh. The little boy whines louder, reaching for Kaveh, but the blonde is busy clutching onto the wall, leaning forward a bit until the pain passes. It seems never ending, but it does pass by quickly.
He breathes heavily, still holding onto the wall. Brea stirs in her sleep, making small noises from Amaan’s crying. Kaveh feels so overwhelmed; his kids aren’t doing good, and he isn’t doing so hot himself.
Luckily, Alhaitham is here. Honestly, Kaveh feels like the luckiest omega in all of Teyvat to have an alpha as amazing as Alhaitham.
“Dear, go back to bed; I’ll call Tighnari now. Amaan can go back with Kuni, and I’ll stay with Brea. Does that sound okay?”
Kaveh shakes his head, and finally stands up straight. “I can take Amaan. It’s all right,”
Alhaitham is skeptical, but hands back the little boy to Kaveh. Kaveh waddles to the bedroom and deposits the baby onto the bed. Amaan gets comfortable under the blankets.
“Papa, are you okay?” He asks shyly.
Kaveh ignores another contraction in favor of comforting his child. “I’m okay, baby. I think the baby is finally ready to come out! Isn’t that exciting?”
Amaan thinks for a moment then nods his head. “Is Amaan okay?” Kaveh ends up asking.
“Yeah. Your smell was scary, but it’s just the new baby right? When are they comin’?”
Kaveh settles against his mountain of pillows, and Amaan tucks himself into Kaveh’s side. “I don’t know, baby, but hopefully soon. I’m ready to meet them; they’ve been in my tummy for too long.”
There is suddenly a knock on the door, and it opens to reveal Tighnari. He’s got his bag with him and a small smile, but Kaveh knows his best friend better— Tighnari is extremely excited.
“Uncle Nari!” Amaan exclaims, getting up to jump into Tighnari’s arms.
The fox catches him with ease, and kisses his cheek. “Hey, buddy! Is your papa finally ready to have a baby?”
Amaan nods. “Yes! Is the baby coming today?”
“I’m not sure, I have to check, okay? But you need to leave the room,” Tighnari says as he puts the boy down.
Amaan pouts, and Kaveh can tell he’s going to throw a tantrum. “Why? I wanna stay with papa!”
“Well—“
“It’s fine, Nari, let him stay. I don’t know what Haitham told you, but Amaan’s been reluctant to leave my side because I smell funny,”
“Because you’re in labor,”
“Apparently,” Kaveh laments with an eye roll. Suddenly, his stomach cramps into a contraction, and he reminds himself to breathe through it. It hurts so much that Kaveh grits his teeth, groaning loudly.
“How far apart have they been?” Tighnari goes about checking Kaveh after giving Amaan his phone to occupy himself.
Kaveh takes a couple of deep breaths before saying, “Like, three minutes. Maybe four,”
“Well, good news is that you’re nearly there— seven centimeters. I’d say this baby will be ready to pop by tomorrow. Just keep moving around—“
Kaveh groans at that, making his friend chuckle. “I know you don’t want to, but it’ll be faster. And stay hydrated, most importantly. Brea and Amaan will probably cling to you like a second skin, so be prepared for that. Would you like me to stay or is the babysitter fine? I could send Cyno as well,”
“No, we’ll be fine. I’m pretty sure Haitham already let Lord Kusanali know we got another one coming. Will you check on Brea, please? It’s probably just a simple cold, but I need reassurance.” Kaveh turns over onto his side after not being able to breathe properly on his back. He’s so heavily pregnant that it hurts to lay on his back, and it feels like the weight is crushing his lungs.
“Yeah, will do. For now, get some rest. It’s almost bedtime for the kids, though,” Tighnari mentions.
“Kuni is probably getting them ready for bed. Let him know to send them in when he finishes,” Kaveh realizes he needs to give Amaan a bath and tries to sit up.
Tighnari is quick to help, letting Kaveh squeeze his hand as hard as he needs to sit up properly. “Okay, I’ll go now then. Amaan, buddy, I’m leaving,”
Amaan looks up from the bright screen, and hands it over. “Bye, Uncle Nari! Will you come back tomorrow?”
Tighnari pockets his phone, and smiles. “Definitely, buddy. I’ll bring Uncle Cyno and your little cousin, too. They miss playing with you guys.”
Amaan cheers and Tighnari finally takes his leave, doing his rounds beforehand. Kaveh sighs, and gets off the bed. “Come on, baby, it’s bath time.”
Amaan doesn’t fight like usual, and Kaveh is grateful for that. He’s too tired to deal with it. He runs the bath and gives the kid a quick wash. He would’ve let Amaan play for a bit, but he just wanted to lay down. As he’s drying Amaan off a contraction comes. His stomach tightens and pain sears his back. He tries to ignore it, and it works for a bit. Now, Amaan is dressed and in bed, there’s a knock on the door.
“Come in,” Kaveh answers, sitting on the edge of the bed.
The door opens to reveal Amir and Kian, dressed in their cute pajamas with worried yet relieved expressions. Kuni is behind them, but steps no further than the doorframe.
“Papa!”
Kaveh pulls them into an embrace, and scents them. He releases calming pheromones for them, and he can feel their shoulders relax.
“My babies, I love you so much. Are you guys okay? Have you been good for Kuni?” Kaveh frets over them, fixing their hair, and straightening out their rumpled clothes.
Kian nods. “Yup! We’re okay! But are you, papa? Uncle Nari says the baby is coming tomorrow!”
“Is that true, papa? Are they finally coming? They didn’t come when they were supposed to,” Amir is rightfully skeptical and it makes Kaveh chuckle a little.
“Yes, they’re coming, I promise. I can feel them,” Kaveh explains. As if on cue, the baby moves a little and kicks, the imprint of a foot appearing at the top of Kaveh’s belly. Kian and Amir giggle as they play with their soon-to-be-born sibling.
Another contraction comes just moments later, hurting more than the one a few minutes ago. Kian and Amir stay frozen, worried glances on their tiny faces. Amir rubs his papa’s back, and Kian sticks close to Kaveh.
Once it passes, Kaveh sighs in relief. “I’m sorry, boys. It’s okay, now; I’m okay. Go on, and get to bed, okay?” He gives each of them a kiss. “I love you so much. Don’t forget to say goodnight to dad.”
The two oldest boys are hesitant to leave their dad alone, but ultimately leave when Kuni encourages them. Kaveh asks him to come back when he puts the boys to bed. Amaan had fallen asleep long ago, spreading out like he owns the place.
Kaveh takes a quick picture.
His baby is too cute.
When Kuni comes back, he stands in the same spot. Kaveh thought it was a little silly, but understood why. “Kuni, you can come in. It’s okay, I promise.”
The babysitter looks skeptical, but he isn’t sure if it’s okay to deny a pregnant person, so he takes one step past the threshold. Kaveh giggles; good enough.
“First of all, thank you for all of your help today. You did overtime, so I’m sorry if you had plans and we ruined them. I know you have your own things going on,” Kaveh smiles gently, and Kuni can’t help but feel comforted by it.
Kaveh has always given off a motherly vibe, and it’s been bleeding through since he got pregnant. Pregnant omegas give off a much softer scent that hides just beneath their natural scent. Kuni has smelled all different kinds before (even his own mother’s before she betrayed him), but none have made me feel… safe.
Until Kaveh.
He’s been alive for so long, yet none can compare to Kaveh. He’s one of a kind, and Kuni will never admit it out loud, but it’s admirable. Over the time of him babysitting he’s come to actually tolerate Kaveh. Well, no, that’s a little harsh. He tolerates The Scribe and the kids.
Kuni likes Kaveh.
He would never say anything, though. Kaveh would take it as an invitation to pinch his cheeks, and call him “my baby.” The thought makes Kuni shudder.
But would it be that bad?
To have a mother he never had; someone who genuinely cares for him. It doesn’t seem all that bad objectively. But Kuni knows better, so he can’t give in. He’ll only be betrayed once again, tossed aside. He doesn’t think Kaveh is that type of person, but he’ll remain cautious.
Kuni finally replies, “It’s whatever. Like I said, I don’t have much going on.”
“Are you sure? Then, what do you do on your off days? I’ve always wondered.”
Kuni shrugs. Of course he does things on his days off, but Kaveh doesn’t need to know his business. (He’s ignoring the urge to just tell Kaveh everything. Kaveh is just that type of person.)
“I just help Nahida. This isn’t what I’m here for, though.”
Kaveh chuckles, “No, it isn’t, sorry. I can’t help myself. I’m used to the kids telling me everything that’s going on in their lives, so I thought that you’ve been here long enough to share a little of your life. It’s okay if you’re not comfortable doing that; just thought it’d be nice to ask and show that I care.”
Kuni shifts uncomfortably, looking off to the side. “It’s whatever. Did you need something?”
Kaveh keeps his kind smile despite the pain he’s in. “Well, not really. I just wanted to thank you for staying a little longer today. You can have the day off tomorrow since this pup is finally ready to come out,” Kaveh pats his belly. “Unless you want to come, I don’t mind. You’re always welcome here. But, since you don’t want my mora, is there any other way I can compensate you for your time?”
Kuni shakes his head. There really isn’t anything he wants— at least, he can’t think of anything that’s reasonable. Kaveh’s comforting scent is trying to lure him in, but he won’t let it. He does wonder how good Kaveh’s hugs are; the kids are always wanting extra affection and cuddles. It’s not right to ask, though. It’s not right to even want it or think it. Kuni gets rid of the thought, shoving it to the back of his mind.
“No, I’m fine. Thanks,”
Kaveh pouts slightly. “Well, alright, I won’t pester you further. But, let me know if you need anything. I mean it— anything. You don’t have to worry about Alhaitham; just come to me. Thank you again, hun,”
Kuni nods, and quickly leaves before the blond notices the red tinge on his cheeks from the nickname.
Kaveh chuckles to himself. Kuni is so adorable, nearly as cute as his kids. Kaveh finally lies down after a long ass day. He groans in pain as he clutches his body pillow when a contraction occurs almost immediately. It passes, but another one comes just two minutes afterward. When this one goes away, Kaveh is breathing heavily and sweating more than normal. He fucking hates this.
Five minutes turn to 10 minutes when nothing else happens. Finally , he thinks as he gets comfortable. He’s so tired that he falls asleep quickly.
_________________
Kaveh awakes in a sweat. His shirt is drenched and he sits up to take it off. However, as he does so, there’s a searing pain in his lower abdomen. It wraps around his back, and he’s in so much pain he doesn’t realize that he’s been sobbing loudly, letting out a feral whine; a distressed noise for his alpha to hear, to know he’s in trouble.
“Kaveh! Baby, are you okay? I’m here, love, I’m here,” Alhaitham’s voice rings out from his left.
Kaveh can’t speak. He’s in so much pain, and his lower half feels wet— his water broke. Alhaitham says something indecipherable, but he can’t bring himself to understand what he said. All Kaveh knows is that he’s in so much pain it doesn’t feel like he’s in his own body. His surroundings are muddled, and all he can focus on is his lower half. He rolls over onto his hands and knees, grabbing the pillows and crying even louder.
He needs to push.
“Okay, okay, love. Tighnari is gonna make sure you’re ready to go, right, Tighnari?” Alhaitham’s voice sounds like it’s right in front of Kaveh, and he blindly reaches out.
He doesn’t know when his alpha came back, nor when Tighnari got here. It doesn’t matter because he’s ready.
“Let’s deliver a baby, guys,” Tighnari exclaims, sounding like he just woke up. “Push at the next contraction, Kaveh, okay?”
Alhaitham is holding onto him by his forearms. Kaveh holds onto Alhaitham tightly, pushing against him as he pushes with the little energy that he has.
“There we go, Kaveh, I see a head. You’re doing good,” Tighnari states. Kaveh shakes his head, whining loudly— another distressed signal.
“Come on, love, you’ve got this. Let’s meet our baby, yeah? They’ve been in there too long.” Alhaitham says, releasing as much of his scent as he can.
Kaveh shakes his head again. “I— I can’t, it hurts, I—“
“Push Kaveh, come on, just a few more,” Tighnari instructs him.
Kaveh tries his best, pushing when Tighnari tells him. He doesn’t know how many minutes— or hours— have passed, but he feels an immense pressure lift off of his chest when he hears a small but strong cry ring out in the room. Kaveh cries now in happiness.
“It’s a boy,” Tighnari announces.
Kaveh looks up at Alhaitham, but the man is looking at Tighnari with their baby. Kaveh moves a bit, signaling he wants to turn around. Alhaitham helps him settle against the pillows on the headboard. He wants to hold and see his baby, so he makes grabby hands for his child. Tighnari gently places the baby on his chest, and covers him with a small blanket. He’s already been wiped off, but Tighnari will clean him better in a moment.
The baby calms down as soon as he’s in his fathers embrace. Kaveh looks down at him, tears running down his face.
“He’s beautiful,” Alhaitham whispers, stealing the words right from Kaveh’s mouth.
“So beautiful. Our beautiful baby boy.”
Alhaitham’s eyes spring with tears, and it’s a sight that Kaveh will never tire of. Alhaitham cried during all of the kids’ births and Kaveh’s heart always pounds with an immense amount of love for him.
After a while, Kaveh gets into the bath to clean up while Tighnari checks on the baby to make sure everything is okay, and changes the bedding.
Once Kaveh is back in bed with Alhaitham sitting next to him holding the baby, Tighnari asks them, “What’s his name?”
Kaveh smiles, having thought of this name a few months ago. “Kasim.”
Alhaitham smiles and nods in approval. “That’s a good one. I shall think of the next one, then.”
“Whoa, slow your roll, bucko! You think I’m letting you anywhere near me after that? I don’t think so pal, unless you wanna carry a tiny human for nine months and then push it out under excruciating pain.”
Alhaitham chuckles at him. “You’re just jealous that I would be the most beautiful pregnant person you’ve ever seen.”
Kaveh laughs and shakes his head. “You’re ridiculous, Haitham.”
Tighnari interrupts their little banter. “Sorry to disturb you, but the kids are getting antsy. They’re gonna overrun Cyno in a moment.”
Kaveh sighs. The kids really shouldn’t be awake right now. Alhaitham had told him that Kaveh was crying and screaming around 4am. Amaan woke up crying as well, and Alhaitham ran into the room to take the kid out. He managed to call Tighnari while he calmed down Amaan, and Amir and Kian (who also woke up from the noise) helped with Brea.
It’s now currently 7am, and the kids are being ushered in by Cyno. Tighnari reminds them to be gentle and quiet as Cyno hands Kaveh Brea, who didn’t feel good enough to walk. After that, Kaveh thanks them and the two leave the room.
“Hi, my babies. I missed you guys so much,” Kaveh says as they crowd around their parents. Amaan presses himself close to Kaveh, and the blind stretches to kiss his head. “I’m sorry if papa scared you. I didn’t mean to.”
“It’s okay. Daddy said you were crying because you were happy the baby is comin’.”
Kaveh chuckles and shares a look with Alhaitham. “Yes, I was indeed happy. Are you ready to meet your baby brother?”
“Brother?” Kian nearly exclaims, and almost falls off the bed.
“Shh! Yes, he said brother. I wanna see him,” Amir says.
“Okay, guys, be careful. He’s sleeping,” Alhaitham informs them. The boys get as close as they can to peer at their new baby brother.
They smile upon seeing him, and Kian hesitantly reaches out to softly pet Kasim’s silver hair.
“What’s his name?” Amir whispers.
“Kasim,” Kaveh says.
“Hi, Kasim.” Amaan whispers loudly.
The kids talk quietly among themselves and Kaveh finds himself falling asleep. He’s gently woken up by a hand on his shoulder.
“Kaveh, dear? Are you tired now?” Alhaitham asks worriedly.
Kaveh yawns, and nods. “Wanna sleep.”
“Alright, come on boys. Let papa and Brea rest now. I think you boys should also go back to bed for a nap. We were all up early today.” Alhaitham puts Kasim in the crib in the corner of their room. Kaveh carefully puts Brea on the bed next to him.
The boys say their goodbyes with plenty of kisses and hugs. Alhaitham came back a few minutes later and lied down as well.
“Tighnari and Cyno have left, and the boys are in bed. It’s gonna be a late day for us.”
“Mhm… I’m so tired,”
“Rest, dear. You did good today. Thank you for giving us another blessing. I love you so so much.”
Alhaitham grabs his hand and kisses his knuckles. Kaveh smiles sleepily. “It’ll be years before I have another. I love you more.”
Alhaitham chuckles, and kisses his hand once more before getting some much needed rest.