therumjournals: (sylar baby)
therumjournals ([personal profile] therumjournals) wrote2010-04-27 08:46 pm

Birth / Date Night / Visit Home (3 Star Trek RPF Ficlets)

Title: Birth / Date Night / Visit Home
Author: [livejournal.com profile] therumjournals
Fandom: Star Trek RPF
Pairing: Chris/Zach
Word Count: 1,600
Rating: PG-13
Description: Taking care of the kids turns out to be the easiest part.
Coffee Fix 'verse series and timeline
Warnings: angsty, ovary-melting, and out of order
A/N: Seriously, don’t blame me if you get pregnant just by reading the first part of this. I’m gonna have quadruplets by the time I’m finished writing this thing.
A/N2: Icon from [livejournal.com profile] ewinfic because it was just too perfect.



Birth

“Oh my god, oh my god, this is crazy. Zach, are we insane?”

Zach stopped pacing for a second to look at Chris. “Yes. We’re insane.”

“No! You’re not supposed to agree with me! You’re supposed to say it’s going to be okay, we’re going to be fine, we’re going to be great at this.”

At least, that had been the pattern over the past seven months, ever since the adoption agency had called to let them know. Chris would have a minor breakdown just walking through the diaper aisle, and Zach would Google diaper reviews and print out the results from Consumer Reports. Zach would stand paralyzed in the nursery, looking helplessly between the seafoam green and mint color strips and Chris would pull them gently out of his hand and say fuck it, they were going with pistachio like they’d already decided, and Zach wasn’t allowed to go to Home Depot anymore.

But now, at the key moment, as they waited nervously, Zach pacing and Chris fidgeting in his seat, they were at a loss. Zach pulled out his phone just as Chris started dialing his, and they smiled at each other across the room as their conversations began the same way – “Mom, tell me I can do this.”

When they hung up they looked at each other and laughed and Chris stood up and they hugged and then the doctor came out and told them “Okay, it’s time.”

*

“Who wants to hold him first?” the nurse asked, and Chris nudged Zach forward. The nurse handed him the swaddled infant and Zach almost forgot to breathe for a second as he looked down at the baby in his arms.

Chris stepped in close and touched the baby reverently and looked up to see moisture glistening in Zach’s eyes.

“Our son,” Chris breathed, and Zach had to hand him the baby then so he could turn to wipe his tears on his sleeve.

*

“Support his head!”

“I know, Chris. Give me a little credit here, you’ve been making me practice on a Cabbage Patch Kid for the last two months.”

“Yeah. Sorry about that, by the way. I just realized how not like a Cabbage Patch Kid this actually is.”

“Thank you.”

*

“Chris, stop poking him.”

“I can’t! God, look at him. He’s so perfect.”

“He’s going to be perfectly pissed off when you wake him up by poking him.”

Chris tucked his hands under his chin as they watched Jesse sleep, tiny and perfect between them on the bed.

“So far, so good, right?” Chris asked, quietly.

“So far. Maybe someday you’ll even be able to change him without destroying three diapers first.”

“Shut up. It’s a lot different than a Cabbage Patch doll.”

“I’m honestly not sure which one of you is cuter right now,” Zach said, leaning over Jesse to kiss Chris on the lips.

“Zach?”

“Yeah?”

“What did your mom say when you called her today?”

“She said ‘Don’t worry, Zach. Chris has everything under control.’”

Chris laughed. “Oh god. Does she even know me?”

“She knows you all too well, I’d say. Why, what did your mom say?”

“She said not to worry, that I wouldn’t be doing this alone. That you’d be there every step of the way with me.”

“Awww, so sweet.”

“I was like, ‘Mom, you could’ve at least tried to say something comforting!’”

“Shut up, you fucker,” Zach said, punching Chris in the shoulder, laughing as Chris lunged to protect the baby’s ears from Zach’s profanity.

Jesse squirmed at Chris’s touch, opened his eyes, and started wailing.


Date Night

“Why do I feel like I’m in high school picking a girl up for our first date?” Zach asked, spinning his keys around a finger as he leaned against his car door.

“No idea,” Chris said, shrugging on his jacket. “You wanna give my dad a call and tell him you’ll get me home on time?”

“Who says I will,” Zach said with a sly smile.

“Uncle Joe, that’s who. We have to be back here by 10:00, he said. He’s got a hot date or something.”

“You’re not just saying that so you can get rid of me early?”

“That, too,” Chris said, and they climbed into the car.

*

Chris looked at his plate and the table and the fishtank along the wall of the restaurant. He took a deep breath and bit his lip and finally looked at Zach and said, “Do you know how to make one of those volcano things? Because the science fair’s coming up and Jesse wants to-“

“Twelve minutes,” Zach said, looking at his watch. “So close, Chris. So close.”

“Dammit!”

“I win.”

“What was the bet again?”

“If you can’t go fifteen minutes without talking about the kids, I decide where we go for dessert.”

“That seems like a rather harmless bet, Zachary,” Chris said, pointing his fork at Zach. “I don’t trust you.”

“Regardless, I was right, and now that the barrier is broken, I have no idea how to make a volcano thingy, but I will learn from my esteemed science mentor, Google.”

“And then you’ll make it for Jesse?”

“Maybe I would have if you’d won the bet.”

“I hate you.”

“No you don’t.”

Chris put a forkful of salad in his mouth and chewed defiantly at Zach.

**

“Oh look, it’s 9:45. Guess we don’t have time to go for dessert,” Chris said with a smirk as they got in the car.

“Yeah, well, guess what. For dessert we’re getting a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and going to your house.”

“Fuck, I knew you had something devious planned.”

“Only you would see eating ice cream out of the container as devious.”

“That’s not what I meant, asshole.”

“I hope you don’t use that kind of language around the kids,” Zach said, mock-scolding.

“No, I save it all for you, baby,” Chris said, and they both got quiet then as something uncomfortably like memories filled the car.

**

After the kids were in bed, checked on, and kissed, and Uncle Joe was sent off to his midnight booty call, Chris and Zach sat quietly on a bench in the backyard, passing a pint of Cherry Garcia between them. After a while, Zach set the carton down and rested his elbows on his knees.

“I’ve been trying to remember,” he started, softly, and Chris listened even though it sounded like Zach was talking to himself. “What went wrong? How did this not work, Chris?”

Chris leaned back against the wall of the house. “I don’t know. We were so angry, all the time.”

“We gave up, I think.”

Chris inhaled sharply. It was something he’d considered, too, but he’d never admitted it to Zach and tried not to dwell on it himself when the thought crept into his head, dripping with blame and heartache.

“I wouldn’t have thought it of us,” Zach said, standing up. “I’m gonna go.”

Chris reached for his hand and stood and wrapped his arms around Zach, and Zach hugged him back.

“Do you want to kiss me?” Zach asked, his voice soft at Chris’s ear.

Chris shut his eyes. “More than anything,” he murmured.

“So why don’t you?”

“Self –preservation,” Chris said, honestly.

“Chris,” Zach whispered, “stop doing this.”

Chris stepped back, sliding his arms from around Zach’s shoulders, until Zach caught him by the wrists and put his arms back where they’d been, and he pressed his face into Chris’s neck and mumbled that he was sorry, he was sorry and that this was enough.

They held each other quietly, until Zach broke the silence. “I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to,” he told Chris.

“I don’t,” Chris said. “And if I recall, that was always part of the problem.”


Visit Home

“I just thought, you know, maybe we could spend these four days that you’re home not fighting.”

Zach ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “I’m not trying to fight with you, Chris. I just, I had this idea in my mind of what it would be like.”

“What would it be like?”

“Like, we’d spend the days hanging with the boys and the nights fucking like we haven’t seen each other in weeks.”

“Is that what this is about? What about the night you got home?”

“Yeah, that was great, but honestly I was exhausted and I was practically passing out during,” Zach admitted.

“Wow, I’m flattered. Thanks. That really makes me want to jump right back into bed with you.”

“Chris, what is wrong with you? When you were gone, I didn’t turn into some mopey recluse. When was the last time you went out, Chris?”

“Make up your mind, Zach. Do you want me to go out and party it up and barf on some guy’s shoes, or do you want me to stay home and be a dad until you get back, then send the kids to my parents and fuck like bunnies for three days?”

“Chris, that is not fair. Look, I know that you’re…frustrated that I’m gone, okay? And I’m sorry, and actually, why am I always the one apologizing? I’m not the only one at fault here, Chris. I just…it feels like we’ve lost our wavelength, right? We’re not on the same page, or something. But we just need to get through this and everything will go back to the way it was.”

Chris ran a hand over his face and wondered why he felt that with every word out of their mouths, the way it was was slipping further and further away.

(Continued)
ext_397938: (GQ)

[identity profile] ashleyj28.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 12:54 am (UTC)(link)
So many conflicting emotions omg - sappy cute babies and get-back-together dates and falling apart - they better work their shit out, for realsies.

[identity profile] halfbreedchild.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 01:02 am (UTC)(link)
This ranges from gooey-ovary-bursting goodness to omg-tissues-NOW-kthnx.

I'm really addicted to this!
Definitely can't wait for more.

[identity profile] jouissant.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 01:22 am (UTC)(link)

This story is manipulating my fragile emotions, and I want MORE!

...Date Night broke me a little.

[identity profile] littlelightss.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 01:27 am (UTC)(link)
♥ ♥ ♥

Precious and heartbreaking all at once.

[identity profile] ladyblahblah.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 01:28 am (UTC)(link)
I wanted you know that your evil plan to keep me wibbling for the rest of time is succeeding. I'm gonna go whimper and rock in the corner until you post the next part.

I just want them to be happy. T_T

[identity profile] lavender-basil.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 01:36 am (UTC)(link)
Not sure I can leave a coherent comment because each part of this KILLED me. But they all killed me in different ways. First, I died from the cute. Then the date! Oh! Watching two people attempting to re-learn (re-love, I hope!) each other was heart-wrenching . And the last part? OUCH!

I know I keep saying this but this is so tender and real. I LOVE IT! :)

[identity profile] leopardchic79.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 01:39 am (UTC)(link)
I'm pretty sure my expressions while reading this are quite comical. Because they're all over the place! In the end, I'm still a big sap & want them to live happily ever after. :)

Love it!

[identity profile] lavender-basil.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 02:21 am (UTC)(link)
Also, where is your icon from? It is adorable!

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 02:26 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks so much! I'm glad this fic took you on a little emotional roller coaster, i think that's what i was going for (although, don't think I'm just doing this to make everyone's heart break - i go through the same emotions as i'm writing it!)

the icon is from Heroes, and i stole it from [livejournal.com profile] ewinfic :-)

[identity profile] 17edwardc17.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 02:28 am (UTC)(link)
.....this is the greatest roller-coaster I've been on for years. From ovary-'splosions to ...to -bawls....and jesus this is just perfectly upside down and backwards and to and fro. wow!

[identity profile] 17edwardc17.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 02:29 am (UTC)(link)
oh and lol I JUST saw your comment above...haha

[identity profile] foom101.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 02:41 am (UTC)(link)
OMG. This is so good. *Needs more*

[identity profile] 1lostone.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 02:43 am (UTC)(link)
GOOGLE A DIAPER REVIEW!!!!!
CABBAGE PATCH KID!!!!!!
MIDNIGHT BOOTY CALL!!!
...

and then the end smacked me upside the head. It's awesome bb. I can't wait to read the rest.

[identity profile] vapid-wastrel.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 02:51 am (UTC)(link)
i am loving these ficlets! every time i see them pop uo in my f-list, i get so excited. Keep being awesome bb!

[identity profile] nudeonthemoon.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 03:20 am (UTC)(link)
So sad, my heart is breaking, they are meant for each other but this reminds me of my own parents' divorce where it was just so difficult to say good bye... i hope chris and zach don't end up like my parents though and work it out!

[identity profile] withthepilot.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 03:22 am (UTC)(link)
Arrrrgh, my ovaries. I have to go beat them into submission now.

[identity profile] linelenagain.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 04:10 am (UTC)(link)
I clicked on this fic with my eyes open, thinking I was fully prepared for the attack on my ovaries. But they were just so cute and then the cabbage patch dolls and oh my lord I thought I was stronger than this, god damn it.

Oh man I can just see Chris as the type of dad who videotapes everything and then the kid hitting his teenage years and rebelling by wearing only sports jerseys and sweatpants all the time and I AM TOTALLY INVESTED IN THIS FAMILY AND IT'S YOUR FAULT AND I KIND OF LOVE YOU FOR IT BUT THAT'S NOT THE POINT.

“No! You’re not supposed to agree with me! You’re supposed to say it’s going to be okay, we’re going to be fine, we’re going to be great at this.” <-- I cannot describe the big stupid smile that line put on my face.

[identity profile] tinocka.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 04:58 am (UTC)(link)
It is wonderful :) So perfect :) I just wish it would be in different order so I would end with "happy" or "semi-happy" and not angst :D I love the angst, I do, but it´s making me hurt.

I can´t wait for more :)

[identity profile] the-deep-magic.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 05:31 am (UTC)(link)
Arrrrgh, this is driving me crazy and I love it!

[identity profile] lavender-basil.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 12:23 pm (UTC)(link)
I bet you go through the same emotions writing it!

BTW, I re-read it right now because I liked it so much. This fic has quickly turned into my, "oh.my.god.have.to.read."

And while I've never seen Heroes, that icon is about the cutest thing EVER! :)

[identity profile] amine-eyes.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 01:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Stop making me want Pinto!!! xD

I do love how the emotions change in each piece, but they're still recognisable :)

And practising with Cabbage Patch Dolls ... *snigger*

I also love this bit: they both got quiet then as something uncomfortably like memories filled the car.

*wibble* And how it's from an adoption agency, not MPreg - yaaaay!! :D

[identity profile] molleo.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 01:52 pm (UTC)(link)
oh god, I'm sooooo confused. Was the dinner out from after they split up? Hellllppppp! I love it all, though, even though I can't figure out the timeline. Thanks, bb.

[identity profile] missestrella.livejournal.com 2010-04-28 03:18 pm (UTC)(link)
I have so much love for this series ♥♥ MORE SOON, PLZ! ^^
*begging on my knees*

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:18 am (UTC)(link)
ha ha, they're working on it, bb :-D

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:18 am (UTC)(link)
thanks! woohoo, my goal is just to keep you coming back for more :-D

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:19 am (UTC)(link)
i don't do it on purpose! okay i do. but with LOVE! :-)

thanks for reading :-)

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:19 am (UTC)(link)
i know! it's killing me! thanks :-)

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:20 am (UTC)(link)
the next part is posted...i'm just gonna go ahead and predict that your comment will include the word "wibble" ...sorry!

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:21 am (UTC)(link)
don't worry, bb. i'm a big sap too :-)

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
woohoo! as you read, i'm right there with you. hope you're enjoying the ride!

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
your wish is my command! go read more! enjoy, and thanks!

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:23 am (UTC)(link)
ha ha, i'm glad you liked all those parts! it's still chugging along! hope you keep enjoying :-) and thanks for the comment!

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:23 am (UTC)(link)
ha ha, i'm working on it! thanks :-D

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
aww, i'm sorry :-( but this is fic and fic is an antidote to real life, so...i hope you keep on reading!

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
ha ha, you tell those baby-makers who's boss!

whut?

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:32 am (UTC)(link)
haha, I LOVE YOUR DEDICATION :-D so glad i could make you smile and overcute you :-) THANKS!!!

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:34 am (UTC)(link)
i'm sorry! there's more angst! but it will all be worth it in the end, i promise!

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
ha ha, i'm sorry..but not? :-) i'm glad you're loving it though :-)

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:36 am (UTC)(link)
bb, it's impossible to stop wanting pinto. IMPOSSIBLE, I TELL YOU!

i'm glad you're enjoying it and that you find all the different parts recognizable...i just hope i can continue that way!

thanks! and in the next part you learn a little more about the adoption, so go read :-D

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:38 am (UTC)(link)
it's okay! there is now a timeline! (http://therumjournals.livejournal.com/49161.html) thanks for reading, despite the confusion!

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 01:38 am (UTC)(link)
yay, thanks!

how about MORE NOW! (next part is posted!)

[identity profile] greenteaduck.livejournal.com 2010-04-29 09:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Ooooo!! D: So many emotions!

And I love it!

[identity profile] coeurdesoleil.livejournal.com 2010-05-01 02:10 pm (UTC)(link)
I love how all the snippets are out of order - it's like a puzzle trying to figure out what went wrong and how they can fix it, and I love that we get all these glimpses of what their life together used to be like and how they built a family together.

That hug in the living room at the end of Date Night was such an emotional moment! Omg, I kinda teared up at the tenderness and lingering pain in that scene!

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-05-02 06:18 am (UTC)(link)
I'll try to keep 'em coming (the emotions. and the ficlets.) thanks for reading and commenting :-D

[identity profile] therumjournals.livejournal.com 2010-05-02 06:19 am (UTC)(link)
oooh, thanks so much :-D i'm glad you're enjoying the out of order-ness and the glimpses of their life - that's definitely what i'm going for, glimpses that somehow paint a bigger emotional and realistic picture. and to make people cry ;-) but seriously, thanks and i'm glad you're enjoying this :-D