RP: Nora & Alec Who: Nora & Alec When: Saturday, May 13th, 2009 (mid-morning, after these texts from Nora; backdated), then the following Monday, May 15th, 2009 Where: Nora & Alec's, then the VR Clinic What: Panic!! Warnings: Language
His panic level had risen from a comfortable curiosity to fearing the worst in a matter of minutes as Nora's texts came in, Alec opting to run home from the store lest he splinch himself from apparating. Even as he tried to unlock the door did he find his hand trembling, more than giving away his evident state of mind.
Finally getting the door open, Alec scanned the apartment, almost as if expecting another incident to have occurred with her shoulder. But no-- everything seemed to indicate that it most certainly hadn't.
"Nora--?!"
***
Nora hadn't meant to panic Alec, but honestly? She had no idea what to say. Nora had never once been in a situation like this, and she had no idea how to properly react. What to do, what not to do, how to process. It was like the world had thrown her for another loop. Eventually she'd get used to that, right? In the back of her mind, she doubted it.
After Alec had left, Nora had slowly come to a realization that should have hit her long before it did. Panicking slightly, she pulled out a calendar, counting weeks, checking, rechecking… No.. she had to have it wrong. Sometimes, it was normal for her. She shouldn't panic. But.. twice? That was.. Not as common.
Taking a deep breath, she did the only logical thing she could. Instead of panicking and crying and being completely unsure, she tested the theory.
And her theory was positive.
Leaning back against the edge of the sink, Nora stared for a good ten minutes before she finally slid her phone out of her pocket, typing her message to Alec. His questions.. .she couldn't answer his questions. Because thoughts weren't completely coherent yet, but they were getting there by the time he made his way through the front door.
"I… I'm in the bathroom," she called out, knowing there was no sense to go to him. He would be there in a matter of seconds. And then he would see for himself what was going on, because well, she left the test sitting on the sink.
***
The panic in his voice had to have been audible, the very tangible fear that Nora would have died in the time that it took him to race him, that she would have somehow perished because he was far too anxious to properly think straight when she'd messaged him the way that she had. Honestly, what had she been thinking?! The nightmare scenarios only seemed to multiply in his head when she told him where she was. For all he knew, she could have had an incident there, could have slipped and fallen in the shower, could have had a magical accident occur with irreparable damages--
"Oh thank Merlin," he whispered at the sight of her, safe, sound, alive, very much not bleeding-- to his knowledge, anyway-- Alec leaning in the doorway as he ran a harried, shaky hand through his hair. "You had me worried sick--"
Okay, so maybe it was unfortunate that his instinct had been to scan the bathroom for syringes just in case. But it was precisely why he ended up catching sight of… no, it couldn't be…
"Nora," he said slowly, blinking. "What is that?"
***
Nora did notice the condition Alec was in by the time he made it to the bathroom, and part of her was incredibly guilty for the worry she caused him. But… there were more pressing things on her mind. More life changing things on her mind. And she would be sure to apologize later. Right now she could barely think on that though, or how terrible her texts were, or how she could have made them better, because the positive pregnancy test that sat between the two of them was screaming far too loudly in her head for anything else to matter.
"Pretty sure as a doctor, you know exactly what that is, Alec," she said quietly, her eyes looking up at him nervously. Was this okay? It was so soon after they had gotten married. They hadn't had a chance to really figure anything else out. Did Alec want this? Did she?
Nora knew the answer was yes. Yes, she wanted nothing more than to have a family with him, but that didn't stop the surprise. She hadn't felt anything really. And she had… been drinking, and doing everything else on the cruise. What if?
Merlin, she couldn't think about that now or she was going to throw up.
"I didn't really realize while we were gone I had missed my period. And then… I did again and it just.. Registered. I guess. I… Alec?" She looked at him, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. "Tell me what you think?"
***
His mind switched into overdrive practically the second she gave her confirmation of his suspicions. Sure, he hadn't wanted to just assume, because fucking hell, how awful would that have been, if he'd gone and thought that they were pregnant, only to find out that this was… whatever the hell else it could possibly have been. Did drug tests come in this format? He certainly had no clue.
Okay. Okay. This was something that happened to other people all the time. Hardly unusual. And-- sure, if this had happened right after they'd gotten together back in January, then this absolutely would have been an issue, but… now…
Now he wasn't sure. But it also occurred to him that he supposed it didn't much matter what he thought. This was her body. Her decision. Hell-- they hadn't even really discussed the potential of kids, had they?
Well. This was certainly one way to get that conversation started.
Turning to look at Nora, he shook his head. "What I think doesn't matter depending on what you want. I'm not going to push something on you either way."
***
And there he went, being so bloody perfect. Fuck, it made her want to cry! She fought the tears threatening the corners of her eyes as she looked at Alec. At her husband. How had she gotten so lucky? What had she managed to do right?
Taking a deep breath, Nora ran a shivering hand through her hair, erupting in a nervous laugh. "If you would asked me if I wanted this several months ago, the answer would have been no." Stepping closer to him, her eyes gazing downward as though she would suddenly notice some change in her own body that she hadn't noticed before, Nora chuckled again.
"But now? Now the only thing in the world I want is a family with you. Yeah, this is bloody terrifying, and unexpected but…" she shrugged, hoping it was a good enough answer for him.
***
Letting out a breath he hadn't been aware he'd been holding, he took her into his arms, pressing a firm kiss to her temple as he let his eyes close, his words soft, muffled only slightly by her hair.
"That's what I want, too. It didn't much matter to me when it happened, but… if the timing doesn't seem too overwhelming… then yeah. Let's do it." There were few things he could think of that he wanted more.
Months ago-- before he'd even asked Nora out-- he hadn't even been sure if he even wanted kids in the first place, but… a little person, half him and half her? What wasn't to love?
"You want to make an appointment sometime soon and figure out a due date? Check on your health?"
***
"I think, in a situation like this, the timing will always be overwhelming," she said with a small laugh, happiness flowing through her when he kissed her, when he said it was alright. Because yes, at the end of the day it was her body, and it was her decision overall, but she'd never do anything without his input as well.
When he mentioned an appointment, a slight bit of panic shot through her, if only because she was worried about the answer she would get at said appointment. Had she damaged the baby already? Since she hadn't known? Fuck.
"Yes.. as soon as possible. It's not like.. I've been taking care of myself," she said, her face full of guilt. "Do you think you could work your Doctor magic and get me an appointment tomorrow?"
***
"Hey." Pulling back, he tilted her chin up, shaking his head as he looked at her. "Don't go there. We didn't know. It's not like we planned this. Whatever happens, it isn't your fault. Okay?" The last thing he needed was for her to go blaming herself, Alec sighing as he leaned in to press a kiss to her forehead.
"We're gonna be okay." Regardless of the news they'd get at the appointment. "And if something goes wrong… maybe this is the right time for us to talk about family planning anyway."
Merlin only knew how off guard this had caught them.
***
Nora knew he was right, but knowing there was a little being growing inside of her, if the test was accurate, anyway, made things different. She should have noticed something, right? But she resigned, nodding at his words. "I know it's just… a lot," she admitted, wrapping her arms around his middle and pressing her face into his chest. It was something she was noticing she did more and more to provide her with comfort.
Though the idea of something going wrong… how could everything change so suddenly? The idea terrified her.
"I still can't believe this. I mean, part of me can. But I thought I was good about taking my potions," she laughed, looking up at him, her eyes shining. "A baby... Merlin.. Just.." she bit her lower lip, but this time not out of nervousness. No, instead she was imagining what this was going to be like.. Her mind going a million miles per second.
"I love you so much. I'm sorry I scared you. Just.. the words."
***
Cupping her cheeks, he couldn't help but chuckle. "They escaped you?" Or, well. At least any and all comforting ones had. "You had me scared you'd gotten hurt… or that something had happened to your shoulder again, love." After being by her side for a month… the prospect of not knowing if something had gone wrong had suddenly become a great deal more terrifying.
"Since you're busy growing a human being, what can I do to help? I was going to order food, but… I'd say you should be the one to pick." Especially now. Was it ridiculous that he was actually looking forward to late-night trips out to get her whatever food she was craving at the time? Maybe. Not that it much mattered.
"And then we can discuss your work situation over dinner… see if you want to keep working as much as you have been." Maybe even consider their housing situation. This… changed a lot, after all.
***
Nora frowned when Alec told her he had been afraid for her well being, but she supposed after everything with Travis, she couldn't even be all that surprised. It still made her feel a bit awful though, and she'd have to remember to be a bit more careful with her wording in the future. But her mind had been racing! "They definitely escaped me," she agreed with a nod, a thrill going through her as he started talking about planning. Future things. Growing a human. Merlin, this was terrifying and oddly thrilling.
"Indian food," she blurted out before she even had the chance to think of anything else. It happened to be a very real weakness with her, followed closely by pizza and chinese. "And yeah… guess we have a lot to talk about. In some relationships, that would be sort of a terrifying thing. But… I'm.. excited," she admitted, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him down for a hard kiss.
"Still sort of feels surreal," she admitted when she broke away, a smile lingering on her features.
***
"Now," Alec grinned, looking more than a little amused, "how did you know that's what I was already planning on ordering?"
It certainly seemed serendipitous. As though everything was slowly falling into place.
Letting his forehead rest against hers, he smiled. "I love you. And I'm excited, too. I'd say we've handled enough hardship on your end that this is pretty overdue." And seeing as they would get to do this together, there was truly nothing he believed they wouldn't be able to accomplish if they only put their minds to it.
***
NEXT DAY
Nora wasn't sure she was completely ready for this, but she knew the sooner she got everything checked out, the better. Not knowing she was pregnant was terrifying enough, but the fact she was drinking and doing drugs the entire time on their honeymoon? Merlin only knew what damage she could have caused. The only silver lining was with how busy they had been, she had cut down quite dramatically on all of her negative habits in order to focus on the day to day. Hopefully that would be enough.
Alec had arranged an appointment last minute, and she stopped by his office so they could arrive together. Her hand was in his, and she couldn't help but squeeze his fingers rather hard, showing her apprehension. She didn't let it show elsewhere though as they were led back to an exam room.
Nora hopped up on the table, her legs swinging over the side as they waited. She tried her best not to chew on her thumbnail, but she might have failed miserably in that regard. Part of her was desperate for a cigarette as well - another bad habit she needed to break as soon as possible.
A few minutes later, a Healer walked into the room, an older woman with short brown hair, speckled with gray. She smiled warmly at both Alec and Nora as she looked at the papers in her hand.
"Mrs. Lenora Urquhart, yes? And Dr. Alec Urquhart. It's lovely to see you both here. I'm hoping this is a happy find for the both of you, yes?" Moving closer to Nora, she instructed her to lay back, her hands gently pulling up her shirt and feeling around her abdomen before grabbing her wand and casting several charms and spells. In all, it only took about ten minutes, and when she was done she scribbled down a few notes before looking between the both of them.
"Well, your test wasn't wrong. That's for sure."
***
There was a wonderful benefit to having offices in three different locations, if only because it meant that their walk to the clinic was more or less nonexistent once Nora had actually arrived. It also meant that she was bound to get excellent service, not that he would have settled for anything less. This was, after all, his wife. And… now also his kid. It hadn't entirely sunken in just yet, but they were getting there, slowly but surely.
"Very much so," he nodded, an undeniable smile coming over his features as he moved to stand beside the table onto which Nora was to lay herself, taking her hand.
"You okay?" he whispered softly, his train of thought only interrupted when the nurse confirmed yesterday's test.
"With two missed periods, I would hope it wasn't."
***
"I'm fine," Nora assured Alec with a smile, only wincing the tiniest bit when the woman hit a sensitive spot. Honestly, it was a hell of a lot easier of an exam than she was expecting, though she was still incredibly anxious about reports of anything being wrong. Things that were directly her fault… what if it wasn't healthy?
"I'd say with that information, along with the results of some of these charms, you're… somewhere around 9 weeks? If that sound about right." Merlin, 9 weeks?! Nora thought, going back and thinking about when that put them. Even before the trip, right?
"Ma'am… I know it might be too soon to tell but.. Uhm… is there anything wrong with it?" For a moment the nurse was silent, consulting her notes, before she shook her head. "Honestly, Mrs. Urquhart, it's too early to tell. But preliminary charms look good, if that helps put your mind at ease. This might help a bit too." With her shirt still up, the woman grabbed her wand again and gently moving it, found a particular spot and whispered a few words. At first, the noise was faint, but grew stronger with each passing moment.
A heartbeat.
Nora's eyes were wide at the sound as she looked up at Alec.
***
Alec knew all too well where Nora's train of thought had to have been going, and he let out a soft sigh as he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand, interlacing their fingers. Yes, nine weeks would certainly put it to before their trip. Fucking hell, what could have prompted that?
"What due date are we looking at?" Alec asked just before Nora offered one of her own inquiries, prompting him to squeeze her hand. The nurse wasn't wrong, of course. It would be too soon to tell. But how he could make her feel better was beyond him. She was so inclined to blame herself in these instances, after all… even if no woman in her position could have known, would have stopped themselves from drinking on their honeymoon trip after getting married and engaged… she'd still blame herself.
Glancing down at the sight of the awe on his wife's face, Alec smiled, warm and open with her as ever. Maybe Gladys was right, and this would help settle her nerves somewhat, Alec leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. "Hey," he whispered softly against her skin. "We made that."
***
At Alec's question, Gladys was silent for a moment, obviously trying to figure it out in her head for a split second. "I would say mid December, if I'm right on how far along she is? But once we get a bit further down the road, I'll be able to give you a more definitive answer." Though for the time being, she seemed pretty confident. Gladys had been doing this all for a long while now.
Turning her back on the couple to give them a moment of privacy, Nora couldn't stop the single tear that slid down her cheek at the sound, looking up at the ceiling and trying to take a deep breath. Not wanting to interrupt the current charm, she couldn't help but run a hand gently over her flat stomach, still in complete disbelief that this could really be happening.
"I just.. Is this real?" she whispered back at him, a half laugh, half sob breaking past her lips as she shook her head, still hardly able to comprehend everything she had found out in the last 48 hours. But even in her happiness, she was still incredibly worried. Merlin, anything could be wrong, and it would be her fault.
"It… sound so strong," she finally managed, taking his hand, and putting it over her stomach as she looked up at him. "I love you… so much."
***
His smile widened at that. A December baby. The perfect Yuletide gift for them both. Leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead, he squeezed Nora's hand.
"Of course it's real," he whispered, beaming down at her as he reached up to gently stroke her cheek. "You really think they'd set all this up for you just to lull you into a false sense of security? Coming up with a pretend heartbeat charm?" The thought was hilarious to him, but-- then again, Nora was so incredibly worried about this. Stress would do nothing to help the pregnancy, that was for certain.
Looking up at her mention of the heartbeat, he slowly nodded. "You're right. Our baby's a trooper." He hadn't expected her to place his hand on her belly then, but-- shit. That made it a lot more real, didn't it? There was a notable lump in his throat at the feeling, a soft laugh leaving him as he turned back to look at his wife. "I love you, too. And I'm so proud of you."