Callumlore🍏🍎

@kingdonmicrofic | july 31 | prompt: balloon | 496 words

After

Hand over her belly, Mel laughed as she shook her head. “It’s so silly.”

“Is it silly, or brilliant?” Frank looked entirely too amused as he arranged the balloons on the corner of the deck. They were bright and colorful and appropriate for a celebration, but no one would notice what, exactly, they were celebrating unless they looked at what was on one of the balloons.

@kingdonmicrofic | 500 words | Rated T | Read on ao3 | Previous installments here | CW: Non-graphic descriptions of childbirth

December 29, 2031 (38 weeks, 2 days)

“You need anything else before bed, sweetheart?” Frank asked, depositing Mel’s water bottle on her nightstand.

 Mel looked up from her book to answer just as the tight knot at the front of her belly squeezed. She tensed, grabbing for Frank’s hand as she breathed through the pain.

Frank frowned beside her in bed. “Should we start timing them?”

Mel shook her head. “I don’t think so, it’s probably just Braxton Hicks again. Hopefully, I’ll be able to sleep through them.”

Though Frank looked unconvinced, he didn’t push, kissing her goodnight before turning out the lights.

Mel awoke hours later with a groan, the time on her phone reading 4:43 am. Another wave hit her as she made it to the bathroom, gripping the countertop for support as it ebbed and flowed.

After she finished peeing, another one hit, stronger than the last. How long ago was the last one? Definitely less than five minutes…

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden pop, followed by a telltale gush between her legs.

“Oh!” she exclaimed, the warm trickle of amniotic fluid now running down her leg. “Um, Frank?” Mel called. She heard him turn over in bed with a groan.

“Frank!” Mel cried, louder this time.

As Frank ran into the bathroom, Mel snapped into focus as the initial shock wore off.

“Call Dr. Morrison, tell her my water broke and we’re on our way in.”

They sprung into action, moving seamlessly together as they got ready to go. Within the hour, Mel was gowned up in a room, already 3.5 cm dilated.

No matter how knowledgeable you are, nothing truly prepares you for the gauntlet that is labor.

As the hours wore on, Frank stayed by her side. He fed her ice chips, put cold washcloths on her forehead, provided counterpressure on her back as she groaned through each contraction.

“I don’t think I can do this, Frank. I’m so scared, please don’t leave me,” Mel whispered through tears as she hit transition.

Frank wiped her tears and pressed his forehead against hers. “Never, baby. I’ve got you, I’m right here, okay?” Mel nodded furiously. “You’re so strong, Mel. You can do this, I know you can.” She held onto him as her whole body shook through the rapid-fire contractions, supported and safe in his arms.

When Mel started pushing, she told Frank to talk her through it. His words strengthened her as the finish line approached—how much he loved her, how proud he was of her, how lucky he was that she chose him to love her, to father her child. Her tears weren’t just from the pain.

“Alright mama, one more should do it! Ready, and…push!” Dr. Morrison commanded.

Their daughter entered the world at 2:32 pm, 12 days early, but right on time.

Hungry Eyes — Dirty Dancing AU

you're my first heartache i guess (inspired by rivers and roads by @cvldbones!!)

him telling her about his addiction in a private room with the door shut

her whispering the answer to help him with robby

perlah waits for mel to leave before being becca's nurse and all the other conversations with becca are also done in a private room or outside in the ambulance bay away from everyone else. frank even brings up hippa which means he can't discuss any part of it in public.

the break room scene where they're alone again behind a closed door and the creation of another inside joke

and finally the fireworks where they're filmed from behind, we're listening to them talk over their shoulders

@kingdonmicrofic | 499 words | Rated G | Read on ao3 | Previous installments here

Dearest Little One,

There was a time when I thought I’d never get to have you. That I’d be all alone while everyone moved on without me. I’ve never been so happy to be wrong. Being your mama is a dream come true.

When your daddy and I met, I would have never guessed we’d end up here. It was a long road, but the journey was beautiful. Now, it’s given us you. 

Your daddy is an incredible man. He’s my best friend, my biggest supporter, and my strongest advocate. He is not without fault, but he tries every day to be a better man. He has a huge heart, and loves more fiercely than anyone I’ve ever known. I’ve seen him face adversity and overcome hardship, coming out stronger on the other side. He’s an incredible doctor, wonderful friend, and equal partner. He’s an excellent father to your older siblings, as I know he’ll be for you. 

He has so many wonderful traits I hope you’ll be lucky enough to share—I wish for you his courage, his intelligence, his whit, and his whimsy. I hope you have his eyes and chin. I pray someday you’ll find someone who loves you as wholly and completely as your daddy loves me, and that you give that someone the same love in return. 

From me, I hope you learn strength and resilience, but not so much that you can’t ask for help. I hope to teach you kindness, and show you that empathy and compassion go a long way. Also, selfishly, I hope you get my smile. 

You already have so many people that love you, Daddy and I most of all. As I said, you have two older siblings—Tanner and Penny—both of whom are very excited for you to join our family! Auntie Becca is excited too—she’s the one who painted the mural in your nursery. Nana and Poppy were over the moon when we told them about you, and you also have two angel grandparents watching over you. 

We also have an amazing community of people we work with, including your future godmothers. No matter where you go in life, there will be people you can rely on who only want the best for you. 

There are so many things we want for you, little one.

We will do everything in our power to give you the life you want, whatever form that takes. We hope you dream big and do great things, but more importantly, we hope you do them with integrity. We promise to love and support you unconditionally for all the things you are, no matter who you turn out to be. We’ll certainly make mistakes, but we’ll always try our best to do right by you. 

Lastly, we want you to know how much you are loved, and how very much you are wanted. You already have our whole hearts. We cannot wait to meet you. 

With All My Love,