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Cloud drove through the early morning lit streets, turning into the corner of their neighborhood. He glanced into the rearview mirror.
"How is he?" He asks quietly.
Aerith smiles down at the sleeping, chubby-cheeked infant, nestled in a blanket in his carrier. "Still asleep. Guess he's just as tired as we are."
"Are you feeling alright at least, Aerith?" Cloud was still concerned about her. Labor and delivering a baby isn't exactly as pleasant as it seemed.
"I am, don't worry. Still sore, but I did push a healthy baby boy out a day ago," Aerith teases. "It's to be expected."
Cloud maneuvers the car into the driveway, into the garage, turning off the engine. He gets out of the car and helps Aerith out, before lifting Denzel's carrier. He chuckles gently as he peeks inside. "We're home now, kiddo," he whispers.
Denzel doesn't respond, and just slightly shifted his body as he slept. Already a hard sleeper, like his mother. Cloud carried the car seat in, and set it down. Unbuckling the straps, he reached in and slowly lifted Denzel out.
Aerith walked over and stood beside Cloud, leaning her head onto his arm. "There's my little man," she coos, brushing a finger over Denzel's cheek.
"Can you believe we made this?" Cloud rocks his son back and forth in his arms, just staring. He didn't want to put him down.
"Mm-mm," Aerith shakes her head. "I can't believe it. But, we did. I love him so much, and he's barely even a day old yet."
Denzel at last opens his eyes, revealing their blue color. He gives a little yawn, stretching his chubby little arms and legs out. Grunting softly as his eyes adjusted to the light.
"There's the sleepyhead, hey sweetie." Aerith kisses his forehead. "That was a big nap! Did you sleep good?" She giggles as he gives a slow blink in response.
"Hey, buddy." Cloud rests his cheek against Denzel's, still rocking him. "Welcome home. Mama and I are so glad you're finally here."
It was still wild to believe, for Cloud. Just a couple days ago, Aerith was still heavily pregnant, practically about to pop. Then, as they were getting ready for bed one night, she had a look on her face.
"What, you alright?" Cloud asks, grabbing her arm. She looked at him, nodding.
"Mhm, just a contraction."
"Oh, okay- WHAT?!"
And that was how both of them nearly ended up in the hospital. Cloud about fell down the flight of stairs trying to get the overnight bags and car ready, while Aerith did her best to calm him.
But, of course, the stress of that night went away when he heard Denzel's first cries. And while Cloud was still a bit worried about being a dad, the emotional support from his friends, mom, and Aerith made him believe in himself. He'd do his best to be the father Denzel needed.
Aerith grabs a bottle, and starts to prep it. "I'm gonna feed him, it's been awhile. You wanna help?"
Cloud nods. "Of course." he headed over, helping while cradling the infant in one arm. He glanced back down at Denzel, who stared curiously at the new world around him.
Yeah, I got this.