Work Text:
“Ahh Papa! The baby is so small!” his son’s panicked tone made him pause. He watched as Metal took some breaths to compose himself, still carefully holding the infant (Lee’s beautiful grandchild!). “Is this normal?” He looked at Lee, eyes very misty.
Lee chuckled, eyes also quite misty. “Yes, it is normal. Babies start out very small.”
Metal swallowed, his tone turned soft. “Right, right I know this but I just didn’t realize…”
Lee reached to pat his son’s arm. “Do not worry, Papa has your back.”
The new father shot him a grateful look.
“What if they- I mean-” Metal let out a puff of air.
Rock Lee waited as his son gathered his wits.
The young man finally stood straighter. “Okay. I am okay.” He could do this.
“Of course! Your Papa has you!” He shot his son a grin, giving him a thumbs up. “Now go! Propose with all your youth!”
Metal’s face reddened. “A-ah…but-but what if-”
“I told you! I have your back, son!”
Metal smiled softly. “Of course.”
Metal Lee blinked bleakly.
He had to stay awake. He was the only one conscious while his teammates were both out cold. He was sure Udon-sensei was on his way. He just needed to wait.
He quickly sat up when he heard a noise, upon realizing Denki was moving he relaxed. He doubted anyone or anything was down in the underground cavern with them but…
He had to focus! His team was counting on him! If his Papa were in his position he would assess the situation more! Maybe-
“Metal!” Papa?
He swallowed, unsure. He had hit his head during their fall…now he had even more reason to stay awake.
“METAL! DO NOT WORRY! PAPA HAS GOT YOU!”
He let out a relieved breath before grinning tiredly as sounds of rocks and boulders were moved.
Metal hiccuped as he held his bloody knee. He had been running around Grandpa Gai’s garden then without warning he found himself on the ground! The five-year-old let a little whine escape before a sob.
“Metal!” his father called loud and clear.
Normally he’d respond but his knee just kept hurting! And bleeding! And hurting! He wailed feeling so helpless.
“Metal?” His eyes were too full of tears to make out his Papa, but he could tell it was him joining his side. “What is wrong?”
The five-year-old struggled to speak as hiccups and sobs interrupted any explanation.
“I see.” He felt his father inspect the owchie. “Do not worry! Papa has got you.”
Metal wiped at his eyes as his father scooped him up into his arms. “Let us get you a bandaid! Your Grandfather has all kinds of colors. Which would you like?”
He sniffled. “P-pink, please?“
“An excellent choice, my son!”
The set up was less than ideal but it was all he could do in such short notice. Pillows and blankets placed neatly on his living room floor would have to do. A yawn escaped him as he finally moved to settle down. He was so very ready to get a chance to rest.
(He vowed to get a crib as soon as possible!)
He gave the baby in his arms a gentle kiss upon their crown, before setting them down upon the layers of blankets he had set up as a temporary bed. He would’ve used his regular bed but he had been paranoid. He was sure Metal wouldn’t fall off but he couldn’t chance it! Especially not in his tired state! He had to do his best for the child!
The baby wasn’t disturbed as he finally gave his arms a well deserved rest.
Who knew becoming a sudden father would be so impactful physically?
(It should’ve been obvious but no one truly knew until they were a mile in someone else’s shoes, right?)
He laid on his side, eyes never leaving the child’s sleeping form. Once he was sure he could drift off he saw his son start to fuss. Springing up to sit he leaned over to pick the child up.
“It is alright,” he cooed as he rocked the child. “Papa has got you.”
This seemed to be the right set of words as they helped quiet any upset.
He smiled as he decided to hold his son a little longer.