Unexpected bonds

Chapter eight: The unfolding pt.1

The daylight crept in through the gaps in the curtains, brushing against Midoriya's cheek like the softest of feathers. He stirred slightly, the warmth and comfort of the bed inviting him deeper into slumber. Yet, a gentle, rhythmic pain in his abdomen tugged him into consciousness, coaxing him to acknowledge the sensation that had become all too familiar over the past few weeks.

With a soft groan, he shifted in bed. The contractions hadn't intensified yet, but they were becoming more noticeable and frequent. As he lay there, he couldn't help but wonder if today was the day they would finally meet their daughter. The thought sent a thrill through him, mingling with a flicker of anxiety. Bakugo had left for work early, promising to return at a moment's notice should anything happen, but Midoriya's heart tightened at the thought of missing him for this monumental moment.

He glanced at the clock on the wall, the sharp ticking echoing in the silent room. 8:00 AM. Bakugo would be in the middle of his morning training session with the interns. Midoriya usually found solace in the knowledge that Bakugo was just a quick call away, but as another contraction rippled through him, that comfort felt bittersweet. He wanted Bakugo there, by his side, especially as the gravity of what was to come weighed heavily upon him.

Midoriya took a deep breath and focused on the contractions, timing them as he learned in the birthing classes. Two minutes apart – a tell-tale sign this was not just practice. His heart raced as the reality of labor began to sink in.

After the next wave of pain ebbed away, he reached for his phone on the nightstand, his heart thudding in anticipation as he opened a text message to Bakugo.

Midoriya: "Hey... it's starting. I think it's happening."

He pressed send with trembling fingers, watching the screen, willing his husband to respond quickly. The anxiety began to morph into excitement as he imagined Bakugo's fierce protective instincts kicking in, his determination to be by Midoriya's side kicking into overdrive. The seconds turned into an eternity as he anxiously awaited the reply.

Finally, his phone chimed.

Bakugo: "Shit, I'll be there in ten minutes. Don't do anything without me."

Midoriya bit his lip, a mix of anxiety and warmth flooding his chest. It was just like Bakugo to be short and to the point, but he knew beneath that brusque exterior lay a fervent concern for him and their baby. He could picture Bakugo rushing out of the training facility, ignoring traffic lights and speed limits, fueled by adrenalin and love.

As he waited, he felt the next contraction grip him tighter. He pressed a hand to his abdomen, breathing through the pain. It was profound, powerful—a reminder that his body was no longer just his own, but it was occupied with a tiny life growing within him. The thought filled him with a warmth that contrasted with the physical discomfort.

He stood up gingerly, deciding to stretch his legs while he waited for Bakugo. Each step was a small challenge, but he was determined to keep moving. Laboring didn't seem like a sedentary endeavor, after all. With each step, he counted down the minutes and breathed deeply, willing himself to be calm.

The sound of the front door slamming made him jump. Midoriya's heart quickened, and he moved toward the noise, but not without feeling a small twinge of apprehension. Would the sheer force of Bakugo's nature only amplify his discomfort?

"Deku!" Bakugo shouted, his voice strained with urgency, as he stomped into the living area. He scanned the space before his eyes landed on Midoriya, a sense of relief washing over him.

"Hey, I'm okay," Midoriya said breathlessly, taking a step toward his husband. "Just a few mild contractions."

Bakugo didn't answer, moving closer and enveloping Midoriya in a fierce hug. The warmth of his embrace was grounding, reminding Midoriya that they were in this together.

"You're sure you didn't try to do anything stupid?" Bakugo's tone was both demanding and concerned, his hands gripping Midoriya's shoulders to assess his condition.

Midoriya smiled weakly, the anxiety of the last few minutes dissipating in the face of Bakugo's unabashed care. "I wouldn't, not without you."

"Good. Let's get you to the hospital. Can you walk?" Bakugo asked, assessing Midoriya for signs of distress.

"I can," he replied, though he felt another wave of contraction wash over him, causing him to grit his teeth. "But I might need to lean on you a little."

"Always." Bakugo's fierceness turned soft as he wrapped an arm around Midoriya's waist, anchoring him against his side.

With Bakugo's support, Midoriya made his way to the door just as another contraction knotted his abdomen. He closed his eyes, breathing deeply as he swayed slightly. It was undeniable: this was it. They were about to become parents.

Once they stepped outside, the cool autumn air brushed against Midoriya's skin, invigorating him. The early sun filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the sidewalk. Midoriya closed his eyes for a moment and felt a sense of tranquility blanket him like a protective embrace.

"Now that we're outside, can you run?" Bakugo asked, always practical, his hands tightening around Midoriya to keep him steady.

"Only if you can keep up," Midoriya teased, his spirits buoyed by Bakugo's presence.

Without waiting for an answer, Bakugo took off at a blistering pace, Midoriya half-laughing and half-yelping in surprise as he tried to match his husband's speed. The adrenaline of the chase pushed through him, and despite the tightening contractions, he felt alive.

When they reached the hospital, Bakugo's usual bravado took a backseat to urgency as he pulled open the doors, yelling for assistance. Medical staff rushed around them, ready to assist Midoriya into the building, and before he knew it, they were whisked away toward a room.

As he settled onto the hospital bed, Bakugo hovered by his side, his ever-watchful eyes filled with determination. "You're doing great, Deku. Just breathe, alright?"

Midoriya nodded, gripping Bakugo's hand tightly. "I can do this. Together."

And with that unshakeable bond, they prepared to cross the threshold into parenthood, relying on each other through every contraction, every breath, and every heartbeat that echoed in anticipation of their new life.