Like an Echo [KTH Fanfic]

Welcome

"Look at the tattoo I got for you," Jungkook cooed through the glass. "Look, sweet A."

"She can't hear you," Namjoon said. "Or see you."

"But she's in there and it's the thought that counts."

"Why don't you tell her when she goes back in with Lena and Taehyung?"

"But then Lena and Taehyung will hog her," Jungkook pouted.

Namjoon just laughed and shook his head.

"Why don't you come help me get food for Taehyung?" Namjoon asked.

Jungkook huffed and nodded, following the elder out of the hospital.
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"Annika," Lena cooed. "Hello, sweet one. Did you have a nice little bath?"

Lena was sitting up in bed, finally being able to hold her baby for the first time without being covered in blood.

"She looks just like you," Taehyung said as he carefully traced Annika's features. "A baby bug."

"She still looks all squished to me," Lena said. "Are you saying I'm squished?"

Taehyung looked at her, softly shook his head, and then kissed her.

"You're beautiful," he said. "She's beautiful. Fates, I'm so in love with her already."

"Whipped," she laughed.

"Hey, that's the father of your child you're talking to," Taehyung smiled.

"You just happen to be my soulmate and I know for a fact that you are whipped for our daughter."

"Yeah," his voice got softer as he continued to run his fingers along the edge of the baby's blanket. "Can I hold her for a while?"

Lena nodded and giggled as Taehyung pushed her to the side of the bed so he could sit fully with her. Carefully handing her over, Lena's heart swelled as he cradled Annika.

"Who's the whipped one now?" Taehyung asked. "I can feel that joy."

"Proudly whipped," Lena rested her head on his shoulder, smiling down at their daughter. "She's just so perfect."

"I know," he said.

"Hyung? Noona?" Jungkook peeked into the room. "Can Ara and I come in?"

"Come on in, just be quiet," Lena smiled.

Jungkook tiptoed into the room, followed by Ara who had her hand locked with his.

"How's our baby?" Jungkook asked as he grabbed a seat on the tiny couch next to Ara.

"She's good," Taehyung smiled. "She hasn't told us otherwise yet."

"How are you feeling, unnie?" Ara asked.

"Decent," Lena said. "Tired though."

"I can imagine," Jungkook said.

"Want to hold her, Kook?" Taehyung asked.

Jungkook's eyes lit up and he nodded.

"Go wash your hands real quick," Lena nodded towards the sink in the corner of the room. "Then she's all yours."

Jungkook bolted to the sink, tediously washing his hands before running over to the bed.

"Go sit down," Lena said. "Tae will bring her to you."

Jungkook sat down and looked up expectantly at Taehyung, who was carefully getting off of the bed. Handing Annika to Jungkook, Taehyung smiled before returning to bed with Lena.

"You're a natural, Kookie," Lena said as she kept a watchful eye on him.

"Really?" Jungkook asked. "I'm terrified. She's so tiny, it's intimidating."

Lena wrapped her arms around Taehyung, watching Jungkook hold the baby. Lena couldn't believe how much things had changed since she had met the three that were in the room with her.

Taehyung hadn't left her side since that first day in the airport. Whether they were together physically or not, she always felt his love wherever she was. He always made it a point to make her feel loved and she always did her best to make him feel the same way. Lena loved the way he let her see him at his worst, it let her know how genuine he really is. He's her best friend, soulmate, husband, lover, and now the father to her child.

Jungkook had made himself known as one of the most important people in Taehyung's life. The two had a bond that was nothing short of something crafted by the fates. Jungkook had become a close friend of Lena's and it made her so happy to watch him grow. Watching him with her baby let Lena know that he'd be a wonderful uncle just as he had been a wonderful friend.

Ara and Lena had always been awkward friends, but friends nonetheless. Lena was more than happy to share one of the most wonderful days of her life with her, and she couldn't wait for the day that Ara might help Lena plan Annika's wedding. Planning together had been a great bonding time for them, giving them time together alone, which was rare.

Annika hadn't changed a bit, obviously, but Lena was so looking forward to how she would change. Would she grow up to look like her? Would she favor one parent over another? Which uncle would she run to when Taehyung was busy? Which aunt? Would she sing and dance like her father or would she avoid the world entirely? So many questions about one tiny being who wasn't even a day old. So many things to change in the days to come.

"Taehyung?" Lena asked as she brushed her nose against his shoulder.

"Hmm?"

"Thank you for her."

"Thank you for her," he smiled. "Thank you for you."

"I thank the fates for you every day," Lena said. "I love you."

"I love you too, bug."