Benedict Cumberbatch Imagines

The birth (part 3)

"Just one last push!"

You cry out in pain, squeezing Benedict's hand tight. And then it's finally over. A mewling cry means that your baby has been delivered. The pain subsides slowly but it's such a relief. You sigh and lean your head back on the pillow, exhausted. Ben strokes your neck gently as you wait for the doctors to tell you about your child.

"A healthy, happy little girl. Who wants to hold her first?"

You look up at Benedict's face as he starts to motion for the baby to be handed to you.

"Ben. I want you to hold her first."

He looks at you and his smile spreads before holding out his arms for the infant. The midwife gently hands her to him and his strong arms cradle the tiny girl.

"Hey little one. I'm your dad."

Bens voice is hardly above a whisper and his eyes fill with tears as he continues to stare at the child. Looking at them makes you well up too. He then looks at you, delighted.

"She's perfect."

He comes to sit next to you on the bed with the baby. You notice her pink face, all flushed from crying and her hands like tiny starfish. She's so small and new; there are no flaws. He's right. She's absolutely perfect. You slowly trace her ear with your finger and beam as a tear slides down your face.

You look up at your husband. He's just as much of a mess as you. Using your thumb, you wipe away a tear from his face and move your hand down to the back of his neck. Then, you kiss him. It tastes salty from tears and love and long nights waiting for this moment. Two became three. A family.

You hear a hiccup and look down at your daughter before kissing her too, your lips against her forehead. You again look at Ben who appears to know what you're thinking and he nods before handing her to you. As you hold her a wave of love swamps you and you feel an urge to protect this tiny bundle, to make sure she never gets hurt or scarred in any way. Benedict's arm drapes around your shoulders and he touches the newborns hands, chuckling when she clasps his finger.

"Thank you Benedict. I love her."

This is the end of "The birth" imagines. Please comment and even vote if you liked it!