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toxic_cornSeries: Kristy and The Doctor
Title: Chapter Thirteen - Gallifrey
Author: toxic_corn and nutmeg610
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Characters belong to Ann M. Martin, Scholastic Books, and the BBC. Sometimes ABC even. And NBC. Okay, practically no one is ours, okay? We aren't collecting any money so pretty please don't sue? We're both broke college students.
Summary: Kristy Thomas has been doing well since her days as president of the Babysitters Club. She's about to graduate from the University of Connecticut and her best friend's finacee can get her a place in the LAPD. It looks like her future is set until a strange man in a magic blue box shows up and changes everything...
Authors' Note: Yet another pairing in the crack series. We found the idea of The Doctor having to put up with the blunt, bossy Kristy to be funny and from there the story grew. If you think that now we are officially certifiable, you're most likely right. This follows the other stories in the crack series: Your Boyfriend Snorts Cocaine, Mary Anne and Wanna Get It On, Dawn?
Catch up on earlier chapters at the organizational post.
Chapter Thirteen - Gallifrey
Did pregnancy drive you crazy, by chance? Because I think it's taking a toll on me. I'm asking you to be my guru here, Mary Anne. Not only have you given a birth to a child, you've given birth to TWO. At ONCE. Please, take pity on me in my ignorance.
- email from Kristy Thomas to Mary Anne Shelten
"I can barely walk," Kristy groused. She glared down at her swollen belly, the glare narrowing further at the floral pattern covering her pregnancy. Really, she never should've let her mother be in charge of buying her maternity wear. She'd known it was a bad idea the instant her mother's car had pulled out of the driveway, but The Doctor had vetoed the idea of her chasing after her waving one of Watson's golf clubs.
"Well, you're expecting any second now," The Doctor said. He handed her a dish to dry and she passed it on to Karen, who put it away in one of the opened cupboards.
Karen paused in the middle of humming and grinned evilly. "Yeah, you'll pop at any time."
Kristy's eyes widened as she felt the familiar stirring sensation inside that was always followed by a horrible explosion of-
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"
The Doctor fell out of bed, startled. "What? What is it?"
"Didn't you see?!!! It popped out like-" Kristy looked down at her belly and relaxed a fraction. "Oh. Bad dream."
Giving her a look, The Doctor got back into bed, rubbing his tailbone. "Don't be scared, darling. I told you, Time Lord babies are born the same way as human babies."
He'd told her this over and over again but it still didn't diminish her fear any. Not wanting to face up to that at the moment, she focused on his palpable annoyance at getting woken up at ten past midnight. "Are you okay?"
He nodded and leaned over to kiss her forehead comfortingly before settling back against the headboard. "Are you?"
"Mmm hmmm." She curled up a little where she lay on her side and looked at him. He was adorable, hair all sleep-tousled, but he looked exhausted. "I'm sorry for waking you up."
"Nah, it's alright. It's practice for when you undoubtedly go into labor at 3am."
She groaned at that idea. "Terrific." For several minutes she was quiet, thinking of the looming due date. Her last appointment with Dr. Tam had been last week and he'd told her that she could expect to give birth very soon. The nine months had practically sailed by and she still wasn't sure she was ready for this.
"I hope I'm doing everything right," she said quietly, thinking The Doctor had fallen asleep.
But he surprised her by answering. "You are. Trust me; I'm a Doctor."
Grinning, she lightly punched him in the arm. "The Doctor. Not quite the same thing."
"True, but still, I know a thing or two about medicine."
"Of course. Because you know a thing or two about everything."
"Yes. But just a thing... or two... or seventy."
From inside of her, Gallifrey stirred. She rubbed her tummy, hoping to soothe him. "I think we woke him up," she whispered.
"We? Who woke up screaming?"
"Who didn't wear a condom and knocked me up with his alien seed?" She snapped. Realizing how bitchy and not really appropriate to the situation it was, she softened her tone and tried to change the subject. "You're half responsible."
Looking down at her belly, she could see he'd drawn the wrong conclusion. "I know."
She was about to tell him she'd meant he'd continued on a conversation that woke their child up but something in that look bothered her. "Does it make you feel trapped?"
The Doctor looked up into her eyes. "No, of course not. I just feel odd about us not having the option to come to a decision about children ourselves. We had this little one pop up and surprise us."
"And if you'd had the option... what would you have wanted?"
He took a deep breath. "I would have wanted one if you did. I like little tykes," he added with a sad smile.
"Well," she said smiling tentatively. "You're getting one."
"Mmmm hmm." He lay back down again, facing her. He hadn't been able to be her boy blanket in months and Kristy missed that a little. Okay, a lot.
"This isn't good for the baby; I'd better get back to sleep." Kristy closed her eyes, feeling his breath fan against her face. It should've been gross and no doubt she would've thought so five years ago, but things were different with The Doctor. "Night, pretty."
"Goodnight, darling."
Like every night, he placed a protective hand on her stomach and she went to sleep smiling.
~*~
The digital clock read 3:12 when the contractions started. The ones she'd been told she'd know when she felt them.
Kristy shoved The Doctor rudely. "Incoming baby!"
He snorted awake and blinked in confusion; he still wasn't used to her parents' house after so many years on the TARDIS. "Hmm? What time is it?"
"Baby time!"
The Doctor grinned and rubbed his eyes. "Fantastic! Do you want to go to Dr. Tam?"
"Ye-EEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!" She squeezed her eyes shut from the pain. That had been a nasty one. "Sorry. Sorry sorry sorry."
"Don't say sorry." He gently helped her sit up and propped some pillows up behind her. "I'm just going to tell your mother where we're going so she doesn't wake up and fret like mothers do."
"Okay." She let out a pained whimper but then bit her lip. She didn't really want him to go and watched him longingly as he went out the door. Soon she'd be holding her baby. Well, if you called fifteen hours soon. Ohhhhhhh no.
The Doctor came back in quickly followed by her mom and Watson.
Her mother rushed to her side. "Honey, you need to breathe. Breathe through the pain, baby, just like they told you in your classes."
"Mommy," Kristy whimpered but started her Lamaze breathing which her mother did along with her, nodding in encouragement and stroking her hair.
"Right," The Doctor said to Watson. "Here's the key to the TARDIS. You just unlock it for me and I'll help her in." He went to the bed and pulled the covers back, carefully helping Kristy to her feet. "Come on, darling. Let's get the little Time Tot out of there, eh?"
Kristy winced a little but smiled. "Yeah... He wants to meet us."
~*~
The crew of Serenity was just getting started on breakfast when a familiar whooshing sound came from the rough vicinity of the cargo bay. Everyone looked up from their plates and looked around at each other.
Jayne perked up. "Hey, think it's that girlie bringing me more candy?"
"I think she might be in labor." Simon jumped up from his seat.
Kaylee gasped then squeed excitedly. "Oh, yay! She's having her baby! Ain't that shiny?"
Simon tore from the room as Mal face palmed, remembering how he always managed to make an ass of himself whenever Kristy was around. He glanced over at Inara but as always she was impossible to read and she quietly continued eating.
Down in the bay, The Doctor helped Kristy to the infirmary as a curious River looked on.
"This suuuuucks..." Kristy breathed, clutching on to him.
River peeked in through the infirmary door as The Doctor got Kristy settled down. "The gestation period for the fetus has ended. Now comes possibly hours of painful labor."
"What?" Kristy squeaked, hoping River wasn't reading a long, horrible labor for her.
"Possibly, not definite. Are you unaware of how babies are born?" She blinked owlishly and tilted her head to the side.
"I know how babies are bo-OOOOOOOOOOOOORN!!"
"Good; that is important information for a woman in the family way to have." River walked backwards into Jayne, who peered over her shoulder with a disgusted look on his face, not fascinated by childbirth.
"S'pose now would be a bad time ta ask if she brought candy, huh?" he said grimly.
"Ch-check in my baaaaaaaaaag." Kristy pointed at her pregnant-lady bag her mother had insisted during her first month to pack then because otherwise she'd regret it later.
Jayne took barely a step when Simon brushed by him and reached the bag first, tossing him a plastic sack of fun-size Butterfingers. "There. Stay out, I don't want you contaminating my infirmary."
"Well that's a fine how-do-ya-do. Bastard." Jayne tore into his candy.
Kristy screamed in pain and thought longingly of the days before when she hadn't felt pain.
"It's okay, darling dearheart," The Doctor said soothingly and squeezed her hand.
Simon looked under the sheet that modestly covered Kristy's lower half. "You're not quite dilated enough, Kristy. It's going to take a while. Just breathe through the contractions."
"Why does everybody tell me to keep breathing?! Like I'm going to stop? I sort of need to to live!!!" She started to cry and looked like she hated herself for doing it.
"Well surely you can give her something for the pain?" The Doctor asked Simon, distressed by Kristy's tears.
Already having something out, Simon took Kristy's arm and stuck the syringe into a vein and she promptly passed out.
The Doctor blinked. "Uh...is that supposed to happen?"
"It was a large dose and she's small. She'll be allright. At the worst, she'll have very strange dreams."
"Oh great. Just more of what she needs." He brushed his fingers through her hair. "Sweet dreams, Kristy. Sweet dreams."
"She'll most likely sleep for an hour. I have to get a few things I left in my room, I'll be right back. Keep talking to her; it um. Might help keep the dreams sweet." Simon slipped out quietly.
Sighing, The Doctor pulled up a stool and sat down on it. "So, this shouldn't be too difficult." He kept his tone light. "I mean, you're so strong that this will be over and done with soon. Then we'll have our little Gallifrey finally with us. I'll bet he'll have your nose... and eyes... and chin."
Jayne and River peered in through the window curiously, Jayne polishing off his fifth Butterfinger.
"May I have one?" River asked.
Jayne snorted. "No."
"May I please have one?"
"No! They ain't for you! The girl even wrote my name on this little note here." He read off from the sticky-note carefully, "'For Jayne, Be sure to......'" his voice sank, "'Share.'"
Beaming, River held out her hand and Jayne grudgingly dropped one of the Butterfingers into it.
"Thank you," she said, putting it in her pocket.
"Wonder what she's dreamin' about," Jayne said to distract himself from this new disappointment. "I get some real weird ones when I'm on the doc's meds."
River paused. "She's dreaming of home, and her friends."
"Well, that's boring."
"In your eyes, perhaps."
They stared at each other a moment but then quickly looked away.
~*~
Eight hours later, Gallifrey Adric Thomas entered the world.
The crew, minus Inara, had been gathered around the infirmary for the last half hour and they all crowded together when they heard the newborn's cries.
"Awww, lookit him!" Kaylee crooned, looking through the window.
River looked over Kaylee's shoulder into the room. "Very special. Half homo sapien sapien, half Time Lord."
"And it happened right on our boat, Cap'n. That's gotta be good luck," Kaylee said, smiling.
Mal glanced into the infirmary. "Well luck's sumthin' we could always use a bit more of."
"Maybe we'll all get ta hold 'im!" Kaylee said excitedly.
"Ugh, no thanks. I ain't holdin' no squirmin', spittin', cryin' machine," Jayne grumbled.
Inside the infirmary, Kristy gazed into her squirmin', spittin', cryin' machine's wrinkly red face and fell in love. "Ohhhh. Look at you." She laughed tearfully. "You certainly look like an alien. But all newborns do."
"Aww, he's alright, isn't he?" The Doctor tickled Frey under his little chin.
"Yes." She stared at their child in fascination. "And he's all ours."
The new parents basked in the awe of creating a life before they sensed they were being watched and looked up at the crew staring in at them.
"Maybe we should start inviting them in to see the baby," Kristy suggested.
"As long as they wash their hands first," Simon said firmly. He opened the door and addressed the assembled, "You can come in, and if you want to touch the baby there's antibacterial hand soap you can wash up with first."
Kaylee was the first one in and after a supervised hand-washing, she was reaching out for the baby. "Awwwww! In't he the cutest-- is he a he? 'Er a she?"
"We made a boy." She reluctantly handed Frey to her, not because she didn't trust Kaylee, but because she didn't feel completely ready to relinquish him quite yet.
Kaylee held Frey and cooed at him as River stood close by and regarded the baby curiously. "Interesting... how many hearts does he possess?"
"Two. Like my pretty Time Lord boy." Kristy reached for The Doctor's hand and he squeezed it, grinning proudly.
"Here, River. You hold 'im." Kaylee carefully placed the baby into River's arms, moving the girl's hands to gently show her how she should hold the tiny being. From across the infirmary, Simon watched this with his body tensed.
River inspected the child closely. "He's wonderful."
Kristy beamed. "Isn't he? I can't wait to take him home and show Mom."
"She will be a proud grandmother," River said and handed Frey back. She and Kaylee went outside where Mal, Jayne, and Zoe were still gathered.
"Go on in and meet 'im, Captain. He's so bitty and cute!" Kaylee insisted.
Mal's nose wrinkled. "Ain't got much use fer bitty cute things."
"Present company excluded," River added.
Looking from Kaylee to River, Mal nodded, knowledgable in the art of self preservation. "Right. Jayne, you go 'head in my place. I got important things ta do."
As the Captain strode off, Jayne stayed right where he was. Rolling her eyes, Zoe went right on into the infirmary.
"Go on in, Jayne," Kaylee prodded him.
"I already tol' ya, I ain't holdin' 'im." Scowling, Jayne shoved more candy into his face.
"She gave you candy, now you go in there and say thank you and at least take a peek." Kaylee planted her hands on her hips and Jayne knew he wasn't going to get any peace on board, and maybe the heating in his room would mysteriously malfunction if he didn't do what the girl said.
Snarling, he trudged into the room but tried to tone down his annoyance when Kristy looked up at him in surprise. "Hey, thanks fer the candy bars. Nice lookin' kid ya got there." He whirled to the door but found Kaylee and River blocking his exit.
"He don't bite, Jayne," Zoe said, deadpan. She smiled down at the little bundle in her arms and hummed a soft tune that made the baby gurgle.
"Never said he was gonna! But he spits up on my shirt, I'm gonna be pissed."
"He hasn't eaten yet, you should be safe," Kristy assured him.
"Wash your hands," Simon said tersely.
Jayne shifted awkwardly. "No offense 'er nuthin', but I don't really want ta hold 'im."
The Doctor, who had been watching this entire exchange with worry quickly said, "Well, I don't really want you holding him either, so it all works out, then."
Kristy looked offended but still said, "Okay. You're welcome, I hope you liked the candy."
Ignoring the look Zoe sent him as she returned the baby he said, "Yeah, it's good. An' I shared, like ya said to. Uhh, bye." He hurried out before anyone could toss the child at him while he was unaware.
"Did Mal want to meet Frey?" Kristy rested her son on her chest, eyes blinking shut drowsily. She felt Frey yawn and smiled; it'd been an exhausting day for both of them.
The Doctor glanced out the door. "I think he's off having delusions of grandeur."
"That's not nice." Kristy yawned herself. "What about Inara?"
"Still in her shuttle, I think," Zoe said.
"Okay." Kristy sighed softly and looked up at The Doctor. "Can we go home?"
"How about you get some rest here first, then when you're good and refreshed we can?" He tenderly stroked her hair.
"Mmm. Okay." Kristy stopped keeping sleep at bay and succumbed to it, cuddling her baby close.
~*~
"I wish you all weren't leavin'," Kaylee said, holding Frey's hand and looking sad. Frey gurgled in what seemed to be a comforting way and Kaylee smiled a little.
"Well, my mom still hasn't met her grandson," Kristy pointed out. "And he has loooots of aunties waiting to coo over him."
"Perhaps you could return to visit someday," River suggested.
"Count on it." Kristy handed Frey to The Doctor and gave River a big hug.
"May you be safe in your travels," River whispered in her ear.
"You too." Pulling away, Kristy saw Jayne. "See ya, Candy Man."
"Uh huh," he said, affecting disinterest.
Kristy put her hand out for him to shake and raising an eyebrow, he took it. Then a grin split Kristy's face and she tugged him to her only because her attack came by surprise and wrapped her arms around his middle.
"Can't believe you fell for that one!" she said, laughing.
"Yeah, yeah, ain't you sneaky?" he grumbled but patted her on the back a little.
"Hey, the least you can do is give me a hug after rejecting my baby." She stuck her tongue out at him.
"I weren't rejectin' 'im at all! I jus'-- uh, nevermind."
Kristy decided to leave it alone. "Right. Well, bye and be nice to River." She gave him a stern look and ignored his indignant sputter as she moved on to Kaylee for hugs.
"Aww, we'll miss ya sumthin' fierce! Don't be strangers now!" As the girl gushed and hugged her, Kristy looked over at The Doctor saying his own goodbyes and noticed River whispering something in his ear. He nodded to her as if they had both reached some kind of understanding and curiosity tickled at her.
"We won't! I want Frey to grow up knowing you all." Kristy smiled and gave Kaylee one last hug before moving on to Zoe for quiet hugs.
"Ya'll take care," Zoe said.
Kristy had noticed Zoe had been quite somber since their arrival and knew that she was thinking of her dead husband and the children she'd never had the chance to have with him. "You too. Maybe when Frey gets old enough, you can teach him to shoot."
That made Zoe grin. "Sounds like a plan to me."
Next was Inara, but Kristy just settled for a polite smile and moved on. The companion always acted strangely around her and there was always some odd tension between them that Kristy hadn't been able to understand for some time. It was a bit like the interaction between The Doctor and Mal, come to think of it...
"Been nice seein' ya," Mal said, nodding to Kristy and The Doctor.
Kristy shook his hand. "Thanks for letting us do this on your ship."
"Welcome. Just don't make a habit of it." He grinned a little to let her know he was kidding.
Giggling, Kristy touched her tummy. "I think it'll be awhile yet 'til I pop out another kid, don't worry."
Mal nodded a little and stepped away so Simon could get his hug, which Kristy gave him exuberantly. "You are the best doctor ever!"
Simon chuckled and hugged her back. "Thank you."
Having said goodbye to everyone, Kristy and The Doctor stepped into the TARDIS and waved goodbye one last time before shutting the doors.
"I'd better feed him before we go anywhere else." Kristy cuddled Frey and looked at The Doctor who was jogging to the controls. "What did River say to you?"
The Doctor set the coordinates and they took off. "She wanted you to know that the reason Jayne wouldn't hold Frey was because he was afraid that with his large hands, he would drop him, or crush him. River wanted us to know that Jayne likes our little one."
"Awww! If I'd known that I wouldn't have teased him," Kristy said guiltily.
"Maybe next time we visit we can coax him into holding our little one." The Doctor shrugged, not looking entirely pleased with that eventuality.
Kristy watched him a moment and then crossed to him to kiss him softly. She smiled into the kiss when The Doctor held her closer.
When they broke apart, she rested her head on his shoulder. "I can't wait to have my boy blanket again." For months, The Doctor hadn't been able to sleep on top of her as they were both accustomed to. It had been strange at first but eventually she'd gotten used to it. She hadn't liked it, but she'd gotten used to it.
"Mmm, that will be fun," he agreed, voice low. It would still be a little more time before he and Kristy could have the fun they were both used to, but it would be well worth the wait.
"I've missed you," she whispered and kissed his cheek, jaw, chin....
The moment was shattered when Frey started to fuss. They broke apart and looked at their little boy who wanted to be fed, preferably sometime soon.
"Ohhh, poor jellybean! Let's get you fed." Kristy gave The Doctor one more big kiss and then headed off to the bedroom.
The Doctor smiled, watching her go, then glanced at the controls. The TARDIS would take them to Connecticut just fine without him. He could nip off, perhaps watch his child bond with his mother...
Practically skipping, The Doctor followed the way Kristy had gone.
< Robot Invasion : Chapter Fourteen - In Which We're A Happy Family >
Title: Chapter Thirteen - Gallifrey
Author: toxic_corn and nutmeg610
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Characters belong to Ann M. Martin, Scholastic Books, and the BBC. Sometimes ABC even. And NBC. Okay, practically no one is ours, okay? We aren't collecting any money so pretty please don't sue? We're both broke college students.
Summary: Kristy Thomas has been doing well since her days as president of the Babysitters Club. She's about to graduate from the University of Connecticut and her best friend's finacee can get her a place in the LAPD. It looks like her future is set until a strange man in a magic blue box shows up and changes everything...
Authors' Note: Yet another pairing in the crack series. We found the idea of The Doctor having to put up with the blunt, bossy Kristy to be funny and from there the story grew. If you think that now we are officially certifiable, you're most likely right. This follows the other stories in the crack series: Your Boyfriend Snorts Cocaine, Mary Anne and Wanna Get It On, Dawn?
Catch up on earlier chapters at the organizational post.
Did pregnancy drive you crazy, by chance? Because I think it's taking a toll on me. I'm asking you to be my guru here, Mary Anne. Not only have you given a birth to a child, you've given birth to TWO. At ONCE. Please, take pity on me in my ignorance.
- email from Kristy Thomas to Mary Anne Shelten
"I can barely walk," Kristy groused. She glared down at her swollen belly, the glare narrowing further at the floral pattern covering her pregnancy. Really, she never should've let her mother be in charge of buying her maternity wear. She'd known it was a bad idea the instant her mother's car had pulled out of the driveway, but The Doctor had vetoed the idea of her chasing after her waving one of Watson's golf clubs.
"Well, you're expecting any second now," The Doctor said. He handed her a dish to dry and she passed it on to Karen, who put it away in one of the opened cupboards.
Karen paused in the middle of humming and grinned evilly. "Yeah, you'll pop at any time."
Kristy's eyes widened as she felt the familiar stirring sensation inside that was always followed by a horrible explosion of-
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"
The Doctor fell out of bed, startled. "What? What is it?"
"Didn't you see?!!! It popped out like-" Kristy looked down at her belly and relaxed a fraction. "Oh. Bad dream."
Giving her a look, The Doctor got back into bed, rubbing his tailbone. "Don't be scared, darling. I told you, Time Lord babies are born the same way as human babies."
He'd told her this over and over again but it still didn't diminish her fear any. Not wanting to face up to that at the moment, she focused on his palpable annoyance at getting woken up at ten past midnight. "Are you okay?"
He nodded and leaned over to kiss her forehead comfortingly before settling back against the headboard. "Are you?"
"Mmm hmmm." She curled up a little where she lay on her side and looked at him. He was adorable, hair all sleep-tousled, but he looked exhausted. "I'm sorry for waking you up."
"Nah, it's alright. It's practice for when you undoubtedly go into labor at 3am."
She groaned at that idea. "Terrific." For several minutes she was quiet, thinking of the looming due date. Her last appointment with Dr. Tam had been last week and he'd told her that she could expect to give birth very soon. The nine months had practically sailed by and she still wasn't sure she was ready for this.
"I hope I'm doing everything right," she said quietly, thinking The Doctor had fallen asleep.
But he surprised her by answering. "You are. Trust me; I'm a Doctor."
Grinning, she lightly punched him in the arm. "The Doctor. Not quite the same thing."
"True, but still, I know a thing or two about medicine."
"Of course. Because you know a thing or two about everything."
"Yes. But just a thing... or two... or seventy."
From inside of her, Gallifrey stirred. She rubbed her tummy, hoping to soothe him. "I think we woke him up," she whispered.
"We? Who woke up screaming?"
"Who didn't wear a condom and knocked me up with his alien seed?" She snapped. Realizing how bitchy and not really appropriate to the situation it was, she softened her tone and tried to change the subject. "You're half responsible."
Looking down at her belly, she could see he'd drawn the wrong conclusion. "I know."
She was about to tell him she'd meant he'd continued on a conversation that woke their child up but something in that look bothered her. "Does it make you feel trapped?"
The Doctor looked up into her eyes. "No, of course not. I just feel odd about us not having the option to come to a decision about children ourselves. We had this little one pop up and surprise us."
"And if you'd had the option... what would you have wanted?"
He took a deep breath. "I would have wanted one if you did. I like little tykes," he added with a sad smile.
"Well," she said smiling tentatively. "You're getting one."
"Mmmm hmm." He lay back down again, facing her. He hadn't been able to be her boy blanket in months and Kristy missed that a little. Okay, a lot.
"This isn't good for the baby; I'd better get back to sleep." Kristy closed her eyes, feeling his breath fan against her face. It should've been gross and no doubt she would've thought so five years ago, but things were different with The Doctor. "Night, pretty."
"Goodnight, darling."
Like every night, he placed a protective hand on her stomach and she went to sleep smiling.
The digital clock read 3:12 when the contractions started. The ones she'd been told she'd know when she felt them.
Kristy shoved The Doctor rudely. "Incoming baby!"
He snorted awake and blinked in confusion; he still wasn't used to her parents' house after so many years on the TARDIS. "Hmm? What time is it?"
"Baby time!"
The Doctor grinned and rubbed his eyes. "Fantastic! Do you want to go to Dr. Tam?"
"Ye-EEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!" She squeezed her eyes shut from the pain. That had been a nasty one. "Sorry. Sorry sorry sorry."
"Don't say sorry." He gently helped her sit up and propped some pillows up behind her. "I'm just going to tell your mother where we're going so she doesn't wake up and fret like mothers do."
"Okay." She let out a pained whimper but then bit her lip. She didn't really want him to go and watched him longingly as he went out the door. Soon she'd be holding her baby. Well, if you called fifteen hours soon. Ohhhhhhh no.
The Doctor came back in quickly followed by her mom and Watson.
Her mother rushed to her side. "Honey, you need to breathe. Breathe through the pain, baby, just like they told you in your classes."
"Mommy," Kristy whimpered but started her Lamaze breathing which her mother did along with her, nodding in encouragement and stroking her hair.
"Right," The Doctor said to Watson. "Here's the key to the TARDIS. You just unlock it for me and I'll help her in." He went to the bed and pulled the covers back, carefully helping Kristy to her feet. "Come on, darling. Let's get the little Time Tot out of there, eh?"
Kristy winced a little but smiled. "Yeah... He wants to meet us."
The crew of Serenity was just getting started on breakfast when a familiar whooshing sound came from the rough vicinity of the cargo bay. Everyone looked up from their plates and looked around at each other.
Jayne perked up. "Hey, think it's that girlie bringing me more candy?"
"I think she might be in labor." Simon jumped up from his seat.
Kaylee gasped then squeed excitedly. "Oh, yay! She's having her baby! Ain't that shiny?"
Simon tore from the room as Mal face palmed, remembering how he always managed to make an ass of himself whenever Kristy was around. He glanced over at Inara but as always she was impossible to read and she quietly continued eating.
Down in the bay, The Doctor helped Kristy to the infirmary as a curious River looked on.
"This suuuuucks..." Kristy breathed, clutching on to him.
River peeked in through the infirmary door as The Doctor got Kristy settled down. "The gestation period for the fetus has ended. Now comes possibly hours of painful labor."
"What?" Kristy squeaked, hoping River wasn't reading a long, horrible labor for her.
"Possibly, not definite. Are you unaware of how babies are born?" She blinked owlishly and tilted her head to the side.
"I know how babies are bo-OOOOOOOOOOOOORN!!"
"Good; that is important information for a woman in the family way to have." River walked backwards into Jayne, who peered over her shoulder with a disgusted look on his face, not fascinated by childbirth.
"S'pose now would be a bad time ta ask if she brought candy, huh?" he said grimly.
"Ch-check in my baaaaaaaaaag." Kristy pointed at her pregnant-lady bag her mother had insisted during her first month to pack then because otherwise she'd regret it later.
Jayne took barely a step when Simon brushed by him and reached the bag first, tossing him a plastic sack of fun-size Butterfingers. "There. Stay out, I don't want you contaminating my infirmary."
"Well that's a fine how-do-ya-do. Bastard." Jayne tore into his candy.
Kristy screamed in pain and thought longingly of the days before when she hadn't felt pain.
"It's okay, darling dearheart," The Doctor said soothingly and squeezed her hand.
Simon looked under the sheet that modestly covered Kristy's lower half. "You're not quite dilated enough, Kristy. It's going to take a while. Just breathe through the contractions."
"Why does everybody tell me to keep breathing?! Like I'm going to stop? I sort of need to to live!!!" She started to cry and looked like she hated herself for doing it.
"Well surely you can give her something for the pain?" The Doctor asked Simon, distressed by Kristy's tears.
Already having something out, Simon took Kristy's arm and stuck the syringe into a vein and she promptly passed out.
The Doctor blinked. "Uh...is that supposed to happen?"
"It was a large dose and she's small. She'll be allright. At the worst, she'll have very strange dreams."
"Oh great. Just more of what she needs." He brushed his fingers through her hair. "Sweet dreams, Kristy. Sweet dreams."
"She'll most likely sleep for an hour. I have to get a few things I left in my room, I'll be right back. Keep talking to her; it um. Might help keep the dreams sweet." Simon slipped out quietly.
Sighing, The Doctor pulled up a stool and sat down on it. "So, this shouldn't be too difficult." He kept his tone light. "I mean, you're so strong that this will be over and done with soon. Then we'll have our little Gallifrey finally with us. I'll bet he'll have your nose... and eyes... and chin."
Jayne and River peered in through the window curiously, Jayne polishing off his fifth Butterfinger.
"May I have one?" River asked.
Jayne snorted. "No."
"May I please have one?"
"No! They ain't for you! The girl even wrote my name on this little note here." He read off from the sticky-note carefully, "'For Jayne, Be sure to......'" his voice sank, "'Share.'"
Beaming, River held out her hand and Jayne grudgingly dropped one of the Butterfingers into it.
"Thank you," she said, putting it in her pocket.
"Wonder what she's dreamin' about," Jayne said to distract himself from this new disappointment. "I get some real weird ones when I'm on the doc's meds."
River paused. "She's dreaming of home, and her friends."
"Well, that's boring."
"In your eyes, perhaps."
They stared at each other a moment but then quickly looked away.
Eight hours later, Gallifrey Adric Thomas entered the world.
The crew, minus Inara, had been gathered around the infirmary for the last half hour and they all crowded together when they heard the newborn's cries.
"Awww, lookit him!" Kaylee crooned, looking through the window.
River looked over Kaylee's shoulder into the room. "Very special. Half homo sapien sapien, half Time Lord."
"And it happened right on our boat, Cap'n. That's gotta be good luck," Kaylee said, smiling.
Mal glanced into the infirmary. "Well luck's sumthin' we could always use a bit more of."
"Maybe we'll all get ta hold 'im!" Kaylee said excitedly.
"Ugh, no thanks. I ain't holdin' no squirmin', spittin', cryin' machine," Jayne grumbled.
Inside the infirmary, Kristy gazed into her squirmin', spittin', cryin' machine's wrinkly red face and fell in love. "Ohhhh. Look at you." She laughed tearfully. "You certainly look like an alien. But all newborns do."
"Aww, he's alright, isn't he?" The Doctor tickled Frey under his little chin.
"Yes." She stared at their child in fascination. "And he's all ours."
The new parents basked in the awe of creating a life before they sensed they were being watched and looked up at the crew staring in at them.
"Maybe we should start inviting them in to see the baby," Kristy suggested.
"As long as they wash their hands first," Simon said firmly. He opened the door and addressed the assembled, "You can come in, and if you want to touch the baby there's antibacterial hand soap you can wash up with first."
Kaylee was the first one in and after a supervised hand-washing, she was reaching out for the baby. "Awwwww! In't he the cutest-- is he a he? 'Er a she?"
"We made a boy." She reluctantly handed Frey to her, not because she didn't trust Kaylee, but because she didn't feel completely ready to relinquish him quite yet.
Kaylee held Frey and cooed at him as River stood close by and regarded the baby curiously. "Interesting... how many hearts does he possess?"
"Two. Like my pretty Time Lord boy." Kristy reached for The Doctor's hand and he squeezed it, grinning proudly.
"Here, River. You hold 'im." Kaylee carefully placed the baby into River's arms, moving the girl's hands to gently show her how she should hold the tiny being. From across the infirmary, Simon watched this with his body tensed.
River inspected the child closely. "He's wonderful."
Kristy beamed. "Isn't he? I can't wait to take him home and show Mom."
"She will be a proud grandmother," River said and handed Frey back. She and Kaylee went outside where Mal, Jayne, and Zoe were still gathered.
"Go on in and meet 'im, Captain. He's so bitty and cute!" Kaylee insisted.
Mal's nose wrinkled. "Ain't got much use fer bitty cute things."
"Present company excluded," River added.
Looking from Kaylee to River, Mal nodded, knowledgable in the art of self preservation. "Right. Jayne, you go 'head in my place. I got important things ta do."
As the Captain strode off, Jayne stayed right where he was. Rolling her eyes, Zoe went right on into the infirmary.
"Go on in, Jayne," Kaylee prodded him.
"I already tol' ya, I ain't holdin' 'im." Scowling, Jayne shoved more candy into his face.
"She gave you candy, now you go in there and say thank you and at least take a peek." Kaylee planted her hands on her hips and Jayne knew he wasn't going to get any peace on board, and maybe the heating in his room would mysteriously malfunction if he didn't do what the girl said.
Snarling, he trudged into the room but tried to tone down his annoyance when Kristy looked up at him in surprise. "Hey, thanks fer the candy bars. Nice lookin' kid ya got there." He whirled to the door but found Kaylee and River blocking his exit.
"He don't bite, Jayne," Zoe said, deadpan. She smiled down at the little bundle in her arms and hummed a soft tune that made the baby gurgle.
"Never said he was gonna! But he spits up on my shirt, I'm gonna be pissed."
"He hasn't eaten yet, you should be safe," Kristy assured him.
"Wash your hands," Simon said tersely.
Jayne shifted awkwardly. "No offense 'er nuthin', but I don't really want ta hold 'im."
The Doctor, who had been watching this entire exchange with worry quickly said, "Well, I don't really want you holding him either, so it all works out, then."
Kristy looked offended but still said, "Okay. You're welcome, I hope you liked the candy."
Ignoring the look Zoe sent him as she returned the baby he said, "Yeah, it's good. An' I shared, like ya said to. Uhh, bye." He hurried out before anyone could toss the child at him while he was unaware.
"Did Mal want to meet Frey?" Kristy rested her son on her chest, eyes blinking shut drowsily. She felt Frey yawn and smiled; it'd been an exhausting day for both of them.
The Doctor glanced out the door. "I think he's off having delusions of grandeur."
"That's not nice." Kristy yawned herself. "What about Inara?"
"Still in her shuttle, I think," Zoe said.
"Okay." Kristy sighed softly and looked up at The Doctor. "Can we go home?"
"How about you get some rest here first, then when you're good and refreshed we can?" He tenderly stroked her hair.
"Mmm. Okay." Kristy stopped keeping sleep at bay and succumbed to it, cuddling her baby close.
"I wish you all weren't leavin'," Kaylee said, holding Frey's hand and looking sad. Frey gurgled in what seemed to be a comforting way and Kaylee smiled a little.
"Well, my mom still hasn't met her grandson," Kristy pointed out. "And he has loooots of aunties waiting to coo over him."
"Perhaps you could return to visit someday," River suggested.
"Count on it." Kristy handed Frey to The Doctor and gave River a big hug.
"May you be safe in your travels," River whispered in her ear.
"You too." Pulling away, Kristy saw Jayne. "See ya, Candy Man."
"Uh huh," he said, affecting disinterest.
Kristy put her hand out for him to shake and raising an eyebrow, he took it. Then a grin split Kristy's face and she tugged him to her only because her attack came by surprise and wrapped her arms around his middle.
"Can't believe you fell for that one!" she said, laughing.
"Yeah, yeah, ain't you sneaky?" he grumbled but patted her on the back a little.
"Hey, the least you can do is give me a hug after rejecting my baby." She stuck her tongue out at him.
"I weren't rejectin' 'im at all! I jus'-- uh, nevermind."
Kristy decided to leave it alone. "Right. Well, bye and be nice to River." She gave him a stern look and ignored his indignant sputter as she moved on to Kaylee for hugs.
"Aww, we'll miss ya sumthin' fierce! Don't be strangers now!" As the girl gushed and hugged her, Kristy looked over at The Doctor saying his own goodbyes and noticed River whispering something in his ear. He nodded to her as if they had both reached some kind of understanding and curiosity tickled at her.
"We won't! I want Frey to grow up knowing you all." Kristy smiled and gave Kaylee one last hug before moving on to Zoe for quiet hugs.
"Ya'll take care," Zoe said.
Kristy had noticed Zoe had been quite somber since their arrival and knew that she was thinking of her dead husband and the children she'd never had the chance to have with him. "You too. Maybe when Frey gets old enough, you can teach him to shoot."
That made Zoe grin. "Sounds like a plan to me."
Next was Inara, but Kristy just settled for a polite smile and moved on. The companion always acted strangely around her and there was always some odd tension between them that Kristy hadn't been able to understand for some time. It was a bit like the interaction between The Doctor and Mal, come to think of it...
"Been nice seein' ya," Mal said, nodding to Kristy and The Doctor.
Kristy shook his hand. "Thanks for letting us do this on your ship."
"Welcome. Just don't make a habit of it." He grinned a little to let her know he was kidding.
Giggling, Kristy touched her tummy. "I think it'll be awhile yet 'til I pop out another kid, don't worry."
Mal nodded a little and stepped away so Simon could get his hug, which Kristy gave him exuberantly. "You are the best doctor ever!"
Simon chuckled and hugged her back. "Thank you."
Having said goodbye to everyone, Kristy and The Doctor stepped into the TARDIS and waved goodbye one last time before shutting the doors.
"I'd better feed him before we go anywhere else." Kristy cuddled Frey and looked at The Doctor who was jogging to the controls. "What did River say to you?"
The Doctor set the coordinates and they took off. "She wanted you to know that the reason Jayne wouldn't hold Frey was because he was afraid that with his large hands, he would drop him, or crush him. River wanted us to know that Jayne likes our little one."
"Awww! If I'd known that I wouldn't have teased him," Kristy said guiltily.
"Maybe next time we visit we can coax him into holding our little one." The Doctor shrugged, not looking entirely pleased with that eventuality.
Kristy watched him a moment and then crossed to him to kiss him softly. She smiled into the kiss when The Doctor held her closer.
When they broke apart, she rested her head on his shoulder. "I can't wait to have my boy blanket again." For months, The Doctor hadn't been able to sleep on top of her as they were both accustomed to. It had been strange at first but eventually she'd gotten used to it. She hadn't liked it, but she'd gotten used to it.
"Mmm, that will be fun," he agreed, voice low. It would still be a little more time before he and Kristy could have the fun they were both used to, but it would be well worth the wait.
"I've missed you," she whispered and kissed his cheek, jaw, chin....
The moment was shattered when Frey started to fuss. They broke apart and looked at their little boy who wanted to be fed, preferably sometime soon.
"Ohhh, poor jellybean! Let's get you fed." Kristy gave The Doctor one more big kiss and then headed off to the bedroom.
The Doctor smiled, watching her go, then glanced at the controls. The TARDIS would take them to Connecticut just fine without him. He could nip off, perhaps watch his child bond with his mother...
Practically skipping, The Doctor followed the way Kristy had gone.
< Robot Invasion : Chapter Fourteen - In Which We're A Happy Family >
