Chapter Text
The first time he talks to the baby is while Amy’s asleep.
They were watching a movie, some new insect documentary Amy insisted he would love. And while he does learn that bees get high off cow poop, after a while he resorts to playing on his phone with one hand. The other plays with Amy’s hair, currently sprawled across his lap. It’s a win win for both of them, because Amy gets to watch her movie in peace AND a free head rub (her favorite thing in the world) while Jake gets to work towards his best score on Kwazy Kupcakes.
However Jake gets so into his game that after a while he doesn’t even notice that Amy has fallen asleep, her legs now curled into her side as one hand wraps protectively around her tiny bump.
The sight alone is enough to make his heart explode. She’s a little over halfway through the pregnancy, and it’s already so clear how much she loves their daughter.
Daughter.
The word sticks in his brain, causing a smile to appear. They just found out last week that their little bear is actually a girl.
Carefully, carefully he takes his hand that was stroking Amy’s hair and brings it to her belly.
“Hey there,” he whispers, his voice shaky. Why is he nervous?
“Hey baby,” he tries again. “How’s it hanging? You warm enough in there?” He stifles a chuckle. “With Amy supplying half your DNA I’m gonna guess you’re a little chilly. Here!”
He reaches over his head and grabs the blanket off the couch and drapes it over Amy and the bump. Afterwards his hand goes right back to Amy’s belly.
“That’s better,” Jake says with a grin. “God, I love you so much little one. I don’t even know you yet but I love you. I...hope you never forget that.”
Tears form without warning, causing his eyes to burn. He swallows before continuing.
“I hope I never have to leave you.”
He continues for a while, telling the baby stories about her mom (“One time she actually stuck her hand down a person’s throat! How cool is that?!”) and all the things he wanted to do with her (“We can go to a Mets game! Not the Yankees. Although, I guess if you like them I’ll go. But I draw the line at wearing a jersey.”). Again he loses track of time as he talks and traces random patterns all across Amy’s belly.
It’s relaxing, talking to the baby. It’s so natural he wonders why he didn’t start sooner. And somehow, someway, he knows she’s listening to him, getting ready to meet him irl in just a few months.
He’s just about to dive into the history of TMNT when he sees her hand reach out and land on top of his.
“Whatcha talking about?” she asks with a quiet, adorable yawn.
He grins down at her, his cheeks going red.
“A little of everything. You, mostly.”
She smiles up at him as she squeezes his hand.
“You’re such a good dad.”
His heart does a freaking somersault as he leans down and brushes his lips against hers.
“I love you both. My dream girls.”
Amy grins — no, she freaking glows — as she leans up to kiss him again.
“We love you too, cheeseball.”