Work Text:
Try Try Again
Steve panted and rested against the pillows. “I-I can’t do this..” he said tiredly. “Please can you just cut him out..?!” He begged as tears and sweat dripped down his face.
“Can’t you do something!?” Eddie asked looking at the doctors as he did his best to help hold one of Steve’s legs as he pushed.
“We’re doing what we can Mr. Munson..” one of the doctors said. “You have to push with your next contraction..”
Steve shook his head. “I-I think something’s wrong..!” He whimpered, holding tightly onto Eddie’s arm as he pushed.
“Eight…nine…ten..good ok one more good one and his head will be out..” the doctor said.
“Heart rate is 90 and dropping..” one of the nurse’s said looking at her.
“Ok Ok Steve stop pushing..” the doctor said as she examined him.
Eddie, against his better judgment, looked down and saw the blood beginning to start pooling between Steve’s legs. “Uh..what’s-what’s going on..?”
“I-I gotta get him out..!” Steve screamed in pain as he tried pushing again.
“Steve! Stop pushing!” The doctors and nurses ordered.
Eddie looked at him. “Hey hey Steve look at me ok? Look at me and listen to them and stop pushing..” he said trying to stay calm for him. He was helpless as he let go of his leg and moved to touch his face to get him to look. “Steve stop..I know it hurts..” he said as the machines around them started beeping. He looked around at everyone literally scrambling around him and absolutely no one was telling him what was happening.
Steve whimpered and continued to cry out in pain as contractions racked his body. “E-Eddie..? Wh-What do I do? I don’t know what to to..!” He asked shaking his head as he heard the chaos around him.
The doctor sighed a bit and looked up at them. “Ok Mr. Munson I need you to put your hands on top of his belly and gently push down while he does ok? Steve I know it hurts but I need you to push in three…two..one..now!”
Steve mustered up enough strength to push as hard as he could along with Eddie pressing on him. He screamed in pain.
“Ok good..” she said as she worked. “Head is out..page the NICU..” she said to one of her nurses. “Ok so three more can we do that? One…two…three..! Now!”
Steve leaned forward and cried out in agony the last few pushes till he felt the final release. He laid back against the pillows panting as he tried to catch his breath. He looked at Eddie with a bit of confusion and concern as he didn’t hear crying like he should be at this moment. “E-Eds..? Why isn’t he..Why isn’t he crying..?” He asked, panic starting to set in as he saw the nurses rushing the baby away.
“Hey is anyone going to inform us on what the hell is going on!?” Eddie shouted as he did his best to keep Steve calm. He looked over at the doctors and nurses desperately trying to do CPR and shouting so much medical lingo it hurt his head.
The nurses quickly helped finish by helping him deliver the placenta and making sure he wasn’t still bleeding. “We’ll talk in recovery in a few minutes when I know more..” the doctor said as they got him prepared to send to his recovery room.
“No no you tell me right now what’s happening to my son!” Eddie demanded as he walked with them as they took Steve out of the room.
“They are working on him now ok? We’ll know more when they finish.” She said.
They brought them back to the room he had labored for almost two full days in and there they sat for what seemed like an agonizing century before the doctor finally came in.
“Essentially the cord wrapped around the baby’s neck and some of his leg which is why it was so painful for Steve as it was literally tugging on the placenta as he moved down. But the way it was wrapped prevented him from getting oxygen..so as he came down it tightened the grip, suffocating him and we weren’t able to get him back..” she explained as gently as she could.
Steve broke down immediately as Eddie wrapped his arms around him, doing his best to console him while absolutely destroyed himself.
They wouldn’t be bringing him home at all.
_________
A year later…
Steve stretched a bit and rubbed his back as he stood behind the counter at Family Video as he closed for the night. He smiled a little seeing Eddie pull up. “Robin I’m out. See you tomorrow.” He said.
“Later!” Robin said waving him off as she finished her closing stuff. “Tell the bean to let you sleep tonight!” She called after him.
“It’s a baby, Robin, it won’t listen to you or me.” Steve said as he walked out and got in the van.
“Hey you have a decent day?” Eddie asked as he pulled out.
“I guess..” Steve sighed. “I am really tired..”
“Get some food and then you can go to bed.” Eddie said. “I have a session tonight with the gremlins.”
“Oh good so I can actually get sleep.” Steve joked looking at him.
Eddie had been a bit more watchful this time around and any pain or anything Steve had he freaked out about. Earlier in the year after deciding to try again they suffered a miscarriage early on. He had to constantly reassure Steve that nothing was wrong with him and that things happen.
“Ha ha..” Eddie laughed mockingly. He was hesitant to leave him but knew, thanks to Robin, that Steve needed some space to keep his stress levels down. “You will radio me if you’re in trouble though right?”
“Yes yes I’ll radio if I need you.” Steve said. This one had gone considerably better but then again their first had too and ended in a stillbirth. He wasn’t optimistic but did his best not to stress himself out about it. But so far making it five months was a good sign according to their doctor.
Eddie got him back home to their apartment and made sure Steve got food in him before leaving for D&D over at Mike’s place.
Steve sighed a little once he left and went to go make himself a comfy nest in bed so he could watch tv till he eventually would fell asleep.
Eddie arrived at Mike’s place and went to his basement. “Greetings brave adventurers!” He bowed as he set his stuff down.
“Glad you could finally make it.” Mike said.
Dustin looked up from his players handbook and grinned, “Steve finally let you leave I see.”
“Hey I think my kid and boyfriend takes priority..” Eddie said looking at him as he set up his DM screen. “Steve’s had it rough I think he needed me more than you assholes did.” He laughed a bit.
“How’s that all going?” Lucas asked.
“He’s good..we’re about halfway there with this one and so far everything has been spot on..” Eddie said not wanting to get their hopes up. He knew Steve would be done if this one didn’t pan out though.
“You still going to wait to find out what you’re having?” Max asked as she read her magazine.
“I think that’s what he wants to do.” Eddie nodded. “I think it hurts more if you know.”
The group nodded as all but Eleven and Max joined in the session. They much preferred to listen and watch than play.
Once their break started Eddie used Mike’s radio to check on Steve. “Hey how’s it going Mama Bird?” He called through the radio on their frequency.
Steve groaned as he had just fallen asleep. He grabbed the radio. “You’re gonna be dead when I get ahold of you I just finally fell asleep..” he growled.
“Ok ok sorry..I’ll be home around midnight. Over and out.” Eddie responded.
“You poked the sleeping bear..” Dustin said with a laugh.
“That I did Henderson, thank you for your observation.” Eddie groaned.
“Don’t try so hard to keep him in a good mood..hormones are a bitch.” Dustin said patting his shoulder.
Eddie shrugged and threw a chip at him before continuing the game.
~~~~~~
Eddie quietly entered the apartment a little later than he had told Steve because the session ran a bit longer than he intended. He set his crate with all the books and stuff in it on the kitchen table and went to get himself a beer. He got it out, looked at it and decided against it, putting it back in the fridge. He yawned and locked the door, making sure the lights were off and made his way to the bedroom. He closed the door to the bedroom and took his shirt and jeans off, tossing them to the laundry. He got in bed slowly and carefully as to not disturb Steve.
Steve was curled up in bed around his body pillow sound asleep.
Eddie smiled softly and watched him sleep like he had found himself doing a lot since they lost their son. He reached over and lightly put his hand on Steve’s belly and scooted down. “Hey kid..” he said softly. “Do me a solid and come out healthy this time..I know it sounds like a tough gig but I know you can do it..” he said softly. He lightly kissed the exposed skin and slowly moved up to wrap his arms around Steve. He kissed his forehead and soon enough fell asleep.
_________
Three months later
Steve looked around the exam room and sighed. “I really think I might need glasses..” he said squinting a little to read some of the posters.
“When we have time I’ll take you in.” Eddie said, holding onto his Family Video vest as he had to drop him off at work after their appointment.
“If I could get off work..Keith is an asshole..” Steve muttered as the doctor came in.
“Hey how’s things going?” She asked as she came over, sitting next to Steve. “Any concerns before we start?”
“Um is there a way to ease those Braxton hicks things? I get anxiety every time and I am losing sleep..” Steve asked as he pulled his shirt up.
“Best thing I can recommend is a warm bath.” She said as she examined him. “You lost a few pounds from last month which we should be seeing a bit more around this time. But it’s not a major issue till you’re losing double digit pounds.” She said. “You been counting movements?”
Eddie handed her the small notebook from Steve’s vest pocket. “There was one day where it didn’t move much but the next days it was on point..10 movements within two hours.” He said.
She looked through the notes they wrote down before handing it back. “Hey one day isn’t bad. That’s really good.” She said as she got the gel on Steve’s abdomen.
Steve looked at Eddie and smiled. “We’ve been a little obsessive..”
“Totally understandable after the things you’ve been through.” She smiled softly as she checked the heartbeat. “Good and strong heart and we have all four chambers so no worries there.” She said. “Size is perfect..”
Eddie held Steve’s hand and kissed his palm.
“You sure you don’t want to know what you’re having?” She asked as she checked cord position.
Steve nodded. “I’m sure.” He said.
Eddie wanted to know but he didn’t want to upset Steve. “So everything is good?”
“Looking like it.” She smiled, grabbing the photos for them. “Remember try not to stress too much this last month..” she said, handing Eddie the strip of photos. “I know it’ll be hard but if you start stressing try just spending some quality time together. Maybe watch a movie or just take time to cuddle. Trust me it helps.” She said. “I also am writing you a note for work as I really want you to spend the next three weeks off your feet.”
Steve laughed a bit. “Hopefully I’ll still have a job after that and the six weeks I get off for leave.” He said knowing Keith was looking for a reason to fire him.
She smiled. “Don’t worry labor laws will help you there.” She said handing him the note. “Call me if you need anything and oh! Have you figured out your birth plan yet?”
“I think he’s set on a home birth. I think the hospital stressed him out a bit.” Eddie said, helping Steve up.
She nodded. “Might I suggest a water birth. It’s less stress on the baby and mom.”
“That one. I want that one.” Steve said as he got his work vest on after cleaning up.
“Easily done at home in your comfortable environment.” She nodded as she made a note in his chart. “I want you two back here in two weeks.” She said.
Eddie and Steve nodded and left for the first time actually gaining a little more confidence.
__________
“You sure you don’t want me to just skip the session tonight?” Eddie asked as he kissed Steve’s cheek.
“I have a radio and plus this whole thing you know can take hours to days. It was two days last time..” Steve said. “My water hasn’t broken yet I’m fine..Robin will be here soon too.”
“If you’re sure..I won’t have a long one just in case..” Eddie said kissing him again.
“Ok go and beat the storm..” Steve said as he relaxed on his side using his body pillow to watch the news.
Eddie smiled and looked at his belly, “You stay in till I get back ok?” he said patting it softly knowing Steve was sore. He got up and grabbed his leather jacket to go to Mike’s.
Steve smiled a little and watched him go. He hoped he could have a little fun before the baby came to spend with the party, knowing they would miss him.
He winced at a contraction and did his best to breathe through it like he was supposed to. He kept count on the baby’s movements, trying his best to keep track of them along with his contractions.
Robin got there an hour later and helped get him up and moving a bit while she made dinner. She kept track of his contractions better than he could. “Steve-o you want some of this broth?” She asked bringing it over to him as he sat in bed.
“I’m ok, Robin..might need to call in the doctor soon though I have a feeling this is going to go faster than previously expected..” Steve said. “Its definitely dropped..”
Robin nodded as she looked out the window. “It’s storming pretty good..we should call Eddie back from his adventures.” She said as she grabbed the phone, setting the bowl on his nightstand.
“I’ll radio him..” Steve said as he got up to grab the radio. He winced and paused as he felt his water break. “Robin get me a towel..” he said almost too calmly for Robin’s taste.
“Ahh..! Ok ok..” Robin scrambled as she went to the bathroom to grab a towel while she called the doctor to come.
Steve grabbed the radio. “Eddie..? Eddie do you copy?”
~~~~
Max went over to the table. “Eddie radio for you.” She said as the thunder continued to rumble.
Eddie blinked and rushed her over. “You all take a short break.” He said as he got up. “I copy Mama Bird. What’s your status?”
/“Eddie for the last time stop it with the code name shit..”/
“Sorry what’s up you ok?” Eddie asked.
/“You May need to get here soon..water has broken..it’s happening faster than expected..”/
Steve looked at the others. “Gather all that shit and just keep it Wheeler I gotta go.” He said. “On my way keep it in till I get there!”
/“Eddie you know I can’t promise that..please be careful it’s bad out there right now..”/
Eddie looked out the window and sighed. “Shit..I’ll be ok just remember to breathe and call the doctor..over and out.” he said. “Wheeler I’m borrowing this radio.” He said as he got his coat on and found his keys.
The kids followed him to the car port. “Good luck dude! We’ll come see you guys tomorrow!” Dustin said.
“No when he gives the ok then you come over!” Eddie called over the rain as he scrambled to get into his van. He was soaked by the time he got in and drove off towards the apartment complex.
~~~~
Robin had just ended the call with the doctor when their power went out. “Shit..I’ll get some candles..you got any?”
“Mmmn…! Y-Yeah..under the sink..” Steve said, mid contraction as he held onto the foot board of the bed.
“Remember to breathe and think calming thoughts..” Robin said as she rushed to find them. She grabbed the lighter out of the drawer and also found a couple of flashlights. “Doctor can get here in an hour..” she said.
Steve nodded and did his best to breathe.
~~~~
The doctor arrived and got things set up along with her nurse. Thankfully the hot water still worked so they were able to get the tub ready for him. “I’m not gonna have you get in till you’re ready to start pushing because it could slow down progress.” She said as she finished her check. “You’re almost there though.”
Steve nodded, absolutely exhausted already. “I’m going to kill Eddie..”
“Don’t kill him it’s storming he will get here as soon as he can. “Better late than dead.” Robin said. “I’ll try him and see where he’s at.” She said as she went to the other room. “Eddie…? Where you at Dingus? We’re like approaching point of pushing territory…” she said over the radio.
/“I’m doing my best Buckley!! There’s trees down everywhere and I can barely see where I’m going.”/
“Shit..be careful!” Robin said as Steve cried out in pain in the bedroom.
/“He doing ok?”/
“He’s about ready to kill you but he’s progressing fast but good. The doc is helping a lot.” Robin answered as she went back.
/“Awesome I’m gonna try another route in hopefully one not covered in trees..tell him to breathe and I’ll be there soon.”/
“Copy.” Robin said as she went to Steve’s side, keeping the radio close. “There’s trees down on the roads but he’s doing his best to get here..”
~~~~
Eddie finally got back, coming in absolutely drenched. He tossed off his leather jacket as he heard Steve screaming in pain from their bathroom. He got there and quickly traded spots with Robin. “I’m so sorry I’m late..” he said kissing his hand as he squeezed it.
“You got here just in time.” The doctor said as she coached him, “Head’s already out.” She said. “I’m gonna need you to give me another one ok?” She instructed.
Steve panted and pushed again as he squeezed Eddie’s hand tightly.
“Three…two..one..great you’ve got one shoulder out let’s go for the other and you’re home free..” she said as she counted him down.
“You got this Harrington..” Eddie said as he held his hand as he pushed.
Robin sat behind Eddie and coached him as she put a cold compress on his forehead. “Good job Steve! Keep going!”
Steve pushed as he cried out in pain before leaning against the back of the tub as he felt the baby slide free.
The doctor quickly brought the baby to the surface and used a bulb syringe to quickly clean her airways as she let out a shrill cry. She laid her on Steve’s chest.
Steve held the crying newborn and rested his head against Eddie’s as he softly sobbed, trying to catch his breath.
Eddie smiled and watched her, wiping his eyes and making sure she had every toe and every finger. “She’s perfect..”
Robin tried not to cry but it was hard finally seeing the two of them genuinely happy again. “Totally called it being a girl..” she said.
Steve rubbed her back as she started to calm down a bit. The nurse handed him a wash cloth so he could help clean her up while he continued to bond with her.
After a few minutes the doctor got her cleaned up and swaddled so Eddie and Robin could help Steve up and get him dried off. Once he was back in bed, Eddie brought her over as it continued to thunder outside. “Robin you want to stay the night?”
“Yeah I’ll crash on the couch.” Robin nodded. “Try and get some rest you two..” she said as she left the room.
“Make sure you bring her in for shots and everything in a week.” The doctor said. “I’ll follow up with you two tomorrow.” She said before leaving with her nurse to brave the storm and go home.
Eddie nodded to her and carefully handed the baby to Steve as he sat down knowing he would want to have her close to him. He smiled and kissed his forehead. “Proud of you Harrington..”
Steve smiled tiredly. “Thanks for getting here mostly on time..” he said softly as he watched her yawn and stretched.
Eddie chuckled a little, watching her. “Look at her acting like she did all the work..”
“Hey..it’s tiring being born..” Steve said with a soft laugh as he kissed the top of her head. “We still have to name her..”
“What about Michelle..?” Eddie suggested. “Like that Beatles song you like..?” He said as he let her tiny hand grip his finger as she yawned again.
“I like that..” Steve smiled. “She’s so small..” he said as he watched her, not wanting to fall asleep but finding it hard.
Eddie went and grabbed his Polaroid camera and snapped a few pictures of them. He never thought he would be a dad after all the trouble they went through. He watched Steve fawn over Michelle and knew he could never be happier.
(The end)