Every Breath You Take [RDJ Fanfic] - COMPLETED

One Hundred Sixty Four

Corey's well rested in his dad's arms, keeping quiet besides a few mumbles and squeaks in his sleep.  Robert's still a bit awkward holding him for so long, but he'll get used to it.  He refuses to pass him to Devin, even as she leads him into one of the public outpatient rooms, security flanking them since the whole 'hey, baby Downey has arrived' thing hasn't been announced yet.  There's eyes on them, but since only a handful of people are sharing the room with Jimmy, it isn't phasing him.

"How's it going?" Devin asks, taking a seat next to the bed he's relaxing on.

He's not even in the bed, but they felt it was best to have him lie down for a little bit, so his legs are crossed and he's rested his head back on the pillow momentarily.  Well, until he hears her, anyhow.

"Lightheaded," he mumbles, then winks an eye open. "Better, but they said take it easy for a couple hours." 

But he sits himself up at the realization that he's not just alone with Devin and blinks the dizziness away, eyebrows raised in surprise.  I guess no one told him quite yet about Corey.

"Well hello there, little vampire child," he comments, making Robert laugh.  "Good to know the face that's been giving us hell for the last seven months."

"Hey buddy," Robert talks to our baby, light and positive.  "This is your uncle Jimmy.  He's gonna be around a lot, just like aunt Devin."

He doesn't sit, but he brings the baby over and holds him over his friend, letting him say hello as he scoots himself up in the bed, uncrossing his legs.

"I'd let you hold him," he apologies softly, "but maybe we should wait until you're one hundred percent..."

"It's cool," Jimmy states simply, peeking at the baby in the blanket.  "Well now...don't you look familiar..."

Devin huffs in amusement from his other side.  "Looks exactly like his dad...no Rach in there."

"Not true!" Robert snaps.

"I dunno, man," his friend teases.  "This kid should probably get the title of Robert the third."

"She said no," Devin laughs.

There's a small chuckle from both men, the little one still quietly making baby noises, but then a cold hush falls over the four of them, and suddenly, he's glad it's a remote room down the hall that they've set his friend up in.  Not that he'd feel safe bringing the newborn out of ICU quarters, anyhow...

"You know you didn't have to-" Robert starts after a quiet second, lifting his head back from the baby to his buddy.

But Jimmy's quick to interrupt, knowing him too well.  "Come on, man, we're family."

"Family still doesn't do things this...colossally dangerous."

"Just a little blood," he shrugs, reaching for his juice bottle at his side.  "You know I'd do anything for you, brother.  That includes her, and this tiny dude, now."

Glancing down with affection in his eyes, Robert stares at the soft face of our baby boy and smiles subtly, conflicted inside.  "He's got no idea..."

It's a small murmur, not to alert anyone else, but it's full of concern.  Of course, the baby won't remember any of this. It'll all be stories to him when he's older.  But for everyone else, what a long as day it's been.

"How'd she..." he starts, swallowing awkwardly to force anything out. "How'd she look, like do you think-"

His friend thinks for a moment, mouth open to try and form a reply, but nothing comes at first.  Then, "More color, after a bit...but I'm glad they took you to the NICU instead."