Youngjae groaned as he shifted under the blanket, uncomfortable and in pain. Pregnancy wasn't all sugar and rainbows like some people described it. It was hell at times, and he didn't hesitate to label right now as one of those times being that he was getting no sleep at all. And his swollen abdomen felt like it was yelling at him. That too.

He hissed at the dull but persistent ache that was keeping him awake and felt his husband shift beside him and cursed his discomfort for keeping not only him awake, but Daehyun as well.

“Jae…?” His husband’s voice was rough from grogginess and Youngjae could barely see him rub the sleep out of his eyes in the darkness. “What's wrong?”

“Pain...and no sleep.” The younger winced loudly as he tried to push himself to sit, alarmed when a wave of a spasm wracked his lower body. Falling back he clenched his eyes shut as he waited for the sensation to fade, balling his fists. When it finally did he let out a sigh of relief, opening his tired eyes to see Daehyun’s anxious ones staring back at him from above.

“Another spasm?” the older whispered and brushed a messy strand of Youngjae’s hair behind his ear, fingers tenderly lingering on his clammy skin.

“Yeah…just one though.” He leaned into his husband’s touch, comforted by the warm feeling. “I almost thought it was time; that one was strong.”

“Stronger than the ones before?” Youngjae nodded and Daehyun felt his pulse quicken. The younger was barely into eight months and already he was experiencing what seemed like false labor contractions, which worried him. Wasn't it too soon? “Do you need me to get you anything?”

Youngjae shook his head against the pillow, clutching tiredly to Daehyun’s arm. “Just stay here until I finally fall asleep, yeah?” he trailed off as Daehyun scooted next to him, as close as he could get with Youngjae’s swollen belly between them. The older nuzzled into Youngjae’s dark hair and his back rhythmically and steadily, trying to comfort him despite the ache. Youngjae breathed deeply, melting into Daehyun’s gentle touch and felt himself relax, distracted from the pain. Daehyun continued rubbing circles and was pleased to see most of the discomfort disappear from his pregnant lover’s face. In almost no time peaceful breathing could be heard from the younger and Daehyun started to doze off himself, arm draped over Youngjae’s waist protectively.

“Nngh…!”

The second time he awoke was harsher than the first, pain slicing down Youngjae's body like a knife until it subsided, and he didn't have time to curse pregnancy again because another wave of pain was on him less than a minute after the first. He tensed up at the sudden agony and let out a whine as yet another one rolled through his stomach and he knew this wasn't just a spontaneous contraction anymore. It was happening. “Oh ...Dae!” He weakly prodded Daehyun and let out another strained cry at the pain.

When the older heard the sound he shot awake, immediately panic-stricken at the sight of his writhing husband next to him. “Youngjae? What's wrong?! Is it time??”

“Basically...AH!” A short yell slipped past the younger’s clenched teeth and he curled in on himself, clutching his spasming belly. “Y-yeah, it's time…” He watched his husband jump out of bed and grab his keys and run off to get the car started before coming back to help Youngjae out of bed. In the meantime Youngjae did his best to sit up, cringing as the contractions abused his body, realizing that the pain subsided a little when he was upright. Sure it was barely a difference, but he’d take what he could get. At least now he could breathe.

He looked up when Daehyun raced back into the room. He shoved some shoes on and bent down to do the same to Youngjae, flinching when the younger released another pained whine.

“I-it's gonna be okay, Jae, just take some deep breaths.”

“Ugh...easy for you to say…”

“Can you walk?”

“Think so…” He stood with Daehyun’s help, leaning on his husband’s sturdy frame and then they were hobbling to the car, Youngjae occasionally folding in on himself in pain on the way.

Once they were safely in the car Daehyun wasted no time heading to the hospital. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't afraid; this whole situation was foreign to him and even though they had taken classes and studied what to do in exactly this situation his mind was drawing blanks. He figured the best thing at this point would be to get Youngjae to people who actually knew what they were doing so he focused on driving like he never had before, speeding just enough so it was still considered safe. He saw his husband in his peripheral, heart twisting as he writhed in what Daehyun could only imagine was agony. He held Youngjae’s hand every red light they were unfortunate enough to be stopped by, every now and then murmuring comforts and praises.

“You're doing great, baby, just hang in there. Almost there.” Youngjae could only attempt a weak smile that was overtaken by a low groan.

The pain wasn't letting up; it was getting worse. Youngjae figured that was how it was going to be but that by no means meant he was ready for so much pain at such a ruthless pace. Daehyun’s occasional grasps and soft voice were the only things helping him keep it together right now and he clung to those like a lifeline until they finally pulled up to the hospital after what felt like an eternity. Steeling himself, Youngjae shakily lifted himself out of the car once his husband came back with a wheelchair, leaning on the older’s sturdy frame for support. He was feeling faint so he forced himself to take steadier, deeper breaths as he was rolled in, but had difficulty doing so as the contractions continued to intensify. Was it actually supposed to hurt this much?

“Youngjae,” He pried his clenched eyes open to see that they were in the emergency lobby with nurses rushing towards them and Daehyun bending down to his eye level, “they're going to take us to a room now and assign you a doctor, how are you feeling?”

“Like I'm dying.” the younger spat with as much energy he could muster. “Nobody told me it was gonna feel like I'm being ripped in two, dammit!” He convulsed at the next spasm, truly and honestly feeling like he was going to die, and gripped his husband’s hand as they were quickly escorted to an elevator that would take them where they needed to go. He barely noticed a rushing warm wetness at his lower regions, heart flipping when one of the nurses explained that his water had just broken. This was it, it was really happening. No turning back now.

All he could hear was the blood rushing in his ears and the fast dialogue of the nurses above him along with Daehyun’s own anxious voice.

When they arrived at a room where he was to finally give birth Youngjae was gently hoisted out of the wheelchair, held up by Daehyun as the nurses instructed him to lie down on the prepared, white and sterile bed. They carefully stripped him of any impeding and wet clothing while rhythmically reminding him to breathe and relax as much as possible.

He couldn't. It hurt like hell. Worse than hell, if there even was a thing. Still holding Daehyun’s hand Youngjae squeezed, gasping “Am...am I actually s-supposed to feel like I'm dying? Is this normal??”

The assigned doctor who had just entered the room answered. “Everyone experiences labor differently, Mr. Jung. I'll be your doctor for this process, let me know if you sense anything abnormal.”

“Oh yeah, sure. As if I'd know--AGH!” It felt like someone was beating him with a sledgehammer and he couldn't help but scream in pain. He finally felt the start of tears leak from his eyes as the nurses and doctor placed him in position to give birth to a baby that he questioned was worth it or not.

He hated himself for thinking that, he really did. He and Daehyun were overjoyed by the fact that they'd been graced with the rare opportunity to have a biological child between the two of them; it didn't happen often. It was definitely worth it. But even so this hurt so damn much and his more primal instincts were telling him to abandon everything to stop the agony.

But he wanted his baby. He didn't go through a little over eight months of nausea, mood swings, incredibly frequent bathroom breaks and aches just to quit now. He knew Daehyun wanted the baby too, and was patient with Youngjae the entire pregnancy. He never once gave up on him and his hormonal self, and that thought gave him enough strength when the doctor told him his first command to push.

He squoze Daehyun’s hand tightly and pushed with all his might, crying out at the shooting pain down his back and stomach. But he kept going for what felt like hours, hours of suffering to what seemed like no end. Was he even making any progress? How long had it actually been? A particularly intense wave of pain that traveled down his body killed his spirit and he let out a whine. “Ahh...it's too much. Daehyun, it hurts so much…!” Youngjae was flat out crying at this point, tired and fed up with being in agony.

“I know, Jae, I know. Just hang in there, I'm here.” Daehyun brushed sweat-soaked fringe out of his young husband’s eyes, gently his clammy face. “I'm here.”

The contraction finally subsided and Youngjae collapsed back, panting roughly and barely registering the praise from the doctor.

“That's good, Mr. Jung! Keep that up; you're doing well.”

“N-no...I can’t--”

“Youngjae.” Daehyun’s stern tone shocked the younger and he weakly looked up at the handsome face of his lover. “Feel free to get pissed at me and whatever because it's not my say, I know that -- I'm not the one going through hell right now. But you're strong, you can do this. I've been with you long enough to know that you’re stubborn and it’s endearing as hell how competitive you are and how you never give up on something you set your heart to. So if you want this baby as much as I do, believe in yourself, Jae.” He placed a quick kiss to the top of Youngjae’s messy dark hair. “I wouldn't have fallen in love with a quitter. That's not you. You're much stronger than you realize.”

Fresh tears welled up in Youngjae’s eyes and his throat constricted at the undeniably loving expression Daehyun wore. “That's so...corny Dae, oh my god…” he but broke into a small yet the sincerest smile he had in a long time. Daehyun smiled back and Youngjae knew he had to do this for the three of them; himself, Daehyun, and their baby. He really wanted to see their baby, now more than ever.

As he felt the next contraction coming on he steeled himself to give it another go. He could do it. With Daehyun beside him he could make it happen. Once he felt he was ready he pushed, hard, determined to get to the end of this madness.

“Yes, just like that! That was your best one so far!” the doctor enthusiastically praised him. “Keep it up and you'll be done before you know it.” Youngjae did, finally feeling like he was making progress. Even though it definitely didn't hurt any less he continued his brutal pace of pushing with all his strength and then briefly resting until the next contraction hit him.

“Almost there, Jae, you got this.” Daehyun squoze Youngjae’s hand even though his own was aching like hell with the long durations of the younger’s crushing grip -- if this was the only pain he'd get then he'd deal with it. He rose with Youngjae whenever his pushes lifted him off of his back and forward, and moved back with him when he collapsed again. Daehyun kept this pattern the entire time, all the while murmuring comforts, compliments and support to his struggling husband.

Just when Youngjae felt like he was getting too tired again the doctor called out triumphantly “We can see the baby’s head, Mr. Jung! Won't be long now, just a little more.”

“Hahh...i-it's almost over…?” Youngjae wheezed. He couldn't believe it after what seemed like an endless cycle of torture.

Daehyun held Youngjae’s bangs out of his face, gently a cheekbone with his thumb. “Yeah, hang in there for a bit longer, then we can see our baby, alright?” He kissed where his thumb had been . “You're doing great, babe, just a little bit more.”

“Okay…” Youngjae whispered and focused his remaining strength on forcing the rest of his baby out, groaning loudly at the effort. More backbreaking pushes and agonized yells later the doctor and nurses were able to grasp the baby and pull it out, allowing the mother the relief he had worked so hard for.

The baby was quickly swept up to properly cut and tie the umbilical cord and then taken away to be cleaned as was protocol. Youngjae collapsed against the mess of sheets and pillows, finally able to supply his lungs with enough oxygen, and Daehyun beamed at him, chest swelling with affection and pride, relief flooding him as he bent down to embrace his husband gingerly. “That's it, Youngjae. It's over.”

The younger couldn't help but smile between gasps for air. “Yeah...thank god. We did it, Daehyun.”

“If ‘we’ counts just sitting here holding your hand then sure, I'll be a part of that ‘we’.” The older laughed and it seemed like the most beautiful sound Youngjae had heard in forever after all his screaming.

That was at least until he heard the shrill cry of their newborn child. His gaze shot over to the doctor who was just starting to wrap the small bundle in a soft blue blanket. Youngjae tried and failed to hold back tears as his baby was brought to him and placed in his tired arms, the doctor congratulating him and Daehyun on the birth of their first child, a baby boy. Then they excused themselves to give the new parents some time alone.

He was beautiful. So beautiful the words were taken from Youngjae’s mouth. Instead he cried silently, gingerly touching the small face of their son who had begun to calm down now that he was in his mother’s arms. Daehyun reached down to push a finger into the baby’s tiny hand, beaming brighter when he latched on.

“Jae...he's amazing.” Daehyun breathed, stunned that this little life was his, that this small, squirming mass belonged to him and Youngjae.

“He is.” He traced his son’s nose, overwhelmed with emotion. “You’re beautiful but you put me in a lot of pain, you know that?” he laughed softly, heart clenching when the little body nestled closer to his chest with a soft squeak. “But you're worth it. I'd do it all again just for you.”

Daehyun leaned down and tilted the younger’s chin up, placing a warm kiss against Youngjae’s quivering lips and lingering there in bliss. He pulled back, whispering “Thank you, Jae.” and nestled his nose into the younger's cheek. “I love you, Jung Youngjae.”

Youngjae chuckled. “Love you too, Dae, even though you're being sappy as . Sappy and calm, it's kind of freaking me out.”

“Hey, at least one of us needed to remain calm.” He teasingly shot the younger a pointed look and Youngjae scoffed, adjusting the bundle in his arms when their son squirmed.

He stared at their new little life with a smile. “Thanks for putting up with me for eight months.” the younger simpered. “And thanks for supporting us the entire way.” He the baby’s fuzzy head, still working on processing the fact that he was its mother, that he and Daehyun were parents now.

“Now you're being a sap-fest.” Daehyun laughed. He gently the baby’s face with a finger, amazed by the beauty of their son’s winged eyes and soft nose. His chest swelled when he recognized them as Youngjae’s. “He's got your eyes and nose, you know.”

“Does he?” Youngjae scrutinized the baby’s face, realizing he especially loved the shape of his small mouth. “My eyes and nose, and your lips.” He thumbed the tiny pink lips, admiring their full shape and how they parted upon being touched. The baby squirmed again and pressed his now open mouth to Youngjae’s chest, nudging lightly and pawing at his mother with his small hands.

Daehyun cleared his throat. “I think he’s hungry, Jae.” he murmured and stood to get the doctor. “Should I get help?”

Youngjae chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s really not that hard. Watch.” He pulled down the collar of his hospital gown, revealing the left side of his pudgy chest and hoisted their son up higher, shifting slightly at the feeling of hungry ling on his sensitive skin. Daehyun sat back down and Youngjae felt something click within him. Up to now he had trouble believing this new reality, that this was his baby and that he and Daehyun were its parents, but now he could feel the connection. It was almost funny, how something so simple as feeding his child could make him feel this way, but he didn’t need to describe the feeling. He just felt it, and that was that. “Daehyun,” he started, “he’s really ours?” and felt tears prick at his eyes. Damn his hormonal body for making him so spontaneously emotional.

But Daehyun’s eyes were misting too, overwhelmed with relief that Youngjae and the baby had made it through safely. “Yeah,” he voiced, “he is.” He leaned down and left a kiss on the top of his son’s hair, careful not to disrupt the baby as he fed.

Not long after the doctor re-entered the room, an amiable smile on her face as she approached the couple. She gestured to the baby. “I'm glad to see he was able to latch on successfully; well done, Mr. Jung.” Youngjae nodded in thanks. “Are you feeling any discomfort?”

“I'm just dead tired, that's all.” Youngjae offered with a weak laugh. He was sure he had bags under his eyes from the restless night and then the hours upon hours of being in labor.

“That's normal, I'm afraid.” the doctor gave a sympathetic simper at the new mother. “Now that all the hard work is out of the way there's just some paperwork to fill out, so that's good at least. Have you two thought of a name for your son?”

Youngjae glanced at Daehyun. The couple had bickered lightly over the name of their child months before Youngjae was even close to giving birth, the two never quite coming to an agreement. Daehyun was prepared to allow his husband to choose because he was the one carrying their baby, but Youngjae wanted the name to be a joint effort. He remembered what Daehyun had jokingly offered one evening to fulfill the desire for the name to be a group decision. “How about Jaehyun?” The name used to sound silly and cliched before, but now it rolled off his tongue nicely, feeling right.

Daehyun tilted his head, a funny smile playing on his lips. “Are you sure, Jae? I was only teasing about that one.”

But Youngjae was sure. It just felt right, looking down at his still ling baby. Bringing this child into the world had been a team effort between the two of them so the name was perfect to him. He grinned. “Yeah, I'm sure. Are you okay with it?”

“I am if you are.” The older brought his large hand down to softly the baby’s thin, dark locks.

The doctor moved to leave the room again. “Alright, in that case I'll collect everything we’ll need to fill out now that you have a name.” she said and beamed once more before exiting.

Daehyun returned his gaze back to the bundle in his husband’s arms. “Hey there, Jaehyun.” he murmured and was elated to hear a happy gurgle from their baby boy who disconnected his mouth from Youngjae’s chest in favor of smiling up at his father.

Youngjae looked at Daehyun amusedly. “I think he likes it, Dae.” he laughed. Jaehyun shakily reached his short arms up at Daehyun, small fingers grasping at the air. Youngjae lifted their son and asked “Do you want to hold him?”

The older stared for a moment before nodding hesitantly, carefully collecting the small body in his arms and holding him close.

He’s so tiny… Daehyun thought, adjusting his hold to support Jaehyun’s head and was amazed at how fragile his baby looked in contrast to his strong arms. He glanced at Youngjae. “Am I holding him right?”

“He seems happy so yes, probably.” Youngjae laughed, obsessed with the way Daehyun looked holding their son.

He thought back to when they'd first became friends, years ago in high school. Daehyun, a transfer student with an accent, didn't get along well with most of his classmates because he was from the countryside whereas they were all from the city, and he was often left out of groups and social circles because of it. One day Youngjae decided to leave his friends at their usual table to talk to Daehyun, timidly approaching and offering a shy greeting. He asked if he could sit with the older who readily obliged, surprised and happy both that someone had been kind enough to try to get to know him. After that day the two were inseparable, Daehyun joining Youngjae and his friends whenever they went someplace fun or went to study for the next big test.

Fast forward to college and Youngjae and Daehyun were still inseparable, close friends despite their different majors; Daehyun had taken a liking to music and Youngjae to science. Their friendship continued until one day when Daehyun mustered up enough courage to confess to the boy that saved him from loneliness when they first met. Youngjae was overjoyed because he'd had a crush on the Busan boy since before they became friends, and readily accepted the older’s confession. Then they were boyfriends, and just a year after graduation they married, and now here they were another year later with a child.

Youngjae pulled himself to sit up, now elevated enough so he could reach over and press his lips against Daehyun’s, the once shy boy that had turned into his reliable and impossibly handsome husband. He was happier than he'd ever been, and he couldn't help himself when he wrapped his tired arms around Daehyun’s neck loosely and let his lips linger against his husband’s soft ones, inhaling his comforting, familiar scent that made the hospital room suddenly feel more like home. They disconnected only when Jaehyun let out a squeak, staring up at his parents with shining brown eyes and the hint of a smile.

Daehyun chuckled. “We’re going to have to get used to being interrupted, aren't we?” he whispered and kissed Youngjae’s temple, nuzzling against the younger who simpered beautifully.

“That's part of the package, yeah.” Youngjae leaned into the touch and brought his hands down to hold Jaehyun’s tiny ones. He didn't think being interrupted would be so bad, if it was the adorable face of his son that would meet him every time.

A/N: Thanks for reading! I was honestly iffy about posting this because I've never written mpreg before but...I love the genre and if I wanna keep writing it, then gotta start somewhere right? Hopefully it wasn't cringe or anything <__>

AND LOOK AT THIS:

THEY'RE SO CUTE thank you darkerblack for drawing theseeeeee I love them and baby Jaehyun just makes me >w< so precious