Everything Stays: In the Future

The Birth of the Son

Fred was sitting on a chair next to a door that was labeled "Delivery Room". His head is crashed down and he is slightly shaking under realization of what was happening at the current moment. He takes in a few deep breaths as he calms his nerves and keeps a level head. He feels a hand on his shoulder and glances upward and sees his brother, Isaac Scorch, standing before him. Isaac smiles and moves to sit next to him and pats Fred's shoulder as well.

Fred takes in another deep breath and tries to collect his thoughts before turning to Isaac who has a smile on his face.

Isaac: So...how's it going? Ready for this?

Fred: Honestly, not really. Like, I'm trying here. But it just doesn't fell like I am actually ready for this.

Isaac: Hey, you'll be fine. It's you. Out of everything you've been through, I'm sure you'll be just fine.

Fred: Isaac. I don't think that would be the case. I mean, I'm kinda an emotional mess in the grand scheme of things. And overall I'm almost 23, I shouldn't be a father at this age.

Isaac: You know who was a dad at that age. Dad.

Fred: Really?

Isaac: Dude. Come on.

Fred: Yeah, I know. Still, I don't know. You remember anything at that time that dad did that was good that I could use?

Isaac: Talk to Detective Ignis. Get hints from him.

Fred: So, just don't do anything Dad did.

Isaac: Basically.

Fred: Gotcha.

Fred glanced back to the door and sighed again. He pinches the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. The door to the lobby opened again and the brothers look up and see Tai, Qrow, Ruby and Oscar walk into the room.

Ruby: Has she?

Fred: No. Not yet. She's still in there.

Qrow took a seat and a swig from his flask as Ruby took a seat next to Fred and Tai next to her.

Fred: I take it Raven won't be here today? Or that she even knows this is happening.

Both Qrow and Tai glanced at one another. Qrow takes another drink from his flask and Tai sighs and sits back in his seat.

Fred: Yeah, that's what I thought.

Ruby: Are your parents coming in to this?

Fred: My mom should along with Ember. My dad is in the middle of a mission.

Qrow: Little hypocritical, don't you think, kid?

Fred: Well, at least they tried to get here.

Taiyang: Okay. Can we not talk about this. Let's just be happy this is happing today. Being a grandfather at 52.

Fred: Didn't mean to make you feel bad.

Taiyang: I ain't complaining. Just happy for you guys.

Fred then glanced over to Oscar who was standing and listening in. The two then locked gazes and Oscar gave Fred a smile.

Oscar: How has Signal been? Fun working with Tai?

Fred: It's good. Though it is annoying when the father-in-law breaths down your neck every two minutes.

Taiyang glares at Fred.

Fred: Not wrong though. (To Oscar) So, how's been Beacon?

Oscar: That is not something I need right now.