#alien apocalypse

He wasn’t the only one awake however, as Asher’s eyes met his and he gave Montanha a sleepy smile, “It was storming hard and the girls didn't want to be alone. I'm glad you're home safe.” He said softly, Montanha nodded as he brushed a hand over Rosie’s face, moving stray hairs stuck to her mouth, “Glad to be back… Thanks for lettin’ me go on the run, I needed to stretch my legs a little.” his hands gently brushed Hazel's hair next, his fingers careful, and his expression wistful, as he looked at their baby, already so big.

“I know, but they're gonna keep growing no matter what.” Asher whispered, always seeming to know what he was thinking, “wish they could stay like this forever...” Montanha sighed softly. “They’ll grow to be strong though, strong and smart and good with a gun. But, for now, we still have these moments.” Asher assured, pulling the blanket up to cover the girls a bit more.

Montanha let out a light hum, “Your right... But still, crazy to think that two-ish years ago we were reuniting for the first time in over a decade. So much happened, it’s crazy.” Montanha then sat up carefully, so as to not disturb them, “If there was a world record for fastest relationship speedruns, I'd say we're at least in the top ten.” he joked softly with a chuckle

Asher laughed quietly at that, trying not to wake the girls, “God, I know. The only difference is that we're going to last forever. You and our daughters are the best thing to ever happen in my life.”

“Yeah, forever... You are my forever Ash.” Slipping off the bed carefully, he went around to Asher's side, getting on one knee to be able to kiss him as he laid in bed. Asher smiled into the kiss, but it was brief as Montanha pulled away, “I got somethin’ for you.”

“Oh? Somethin’ good I hope.”

Digging into his pants pocket, Montanha gave him a cheeky smile, before pulling something out and holding it in his fist, “close your eyes and hold out your hand.” Asher gave him a curious look, but closed his eyes as asked and held out a hand, expecting Montanha to drop something into it. Instead he felt Montanha grab his hand, flipping it over, before placing a kiss on his knuckles and making Asher chuckle softly. He then felt Montanha slip something over his ring finger, something cool and a bit weighty and suddenly his breath caught.

“Montanha, is this, is this what I think..?” he felt himself start to tremble a bit as he tried not to cry. “I know we can't actually get married.’ Montanha said softly, “There ain’t no paster nor any paperwork to sign. But I've always been sentimental and, well, I just want you and everyone we ever come across to know how much I love you.” Asher opened his eyes and a few tears fell, as he slowly sat up so as not to wake the girls. He then wrapped his arms around Montanha, pulling him close, “You old romantic. I love you so much.” Montanha nuzzled his face into his neck with a few tears of his own, “I love you too.” They held each other for a long moment, before Montanha pulled back and dug into his pocket once more, pulling out a bigger but identical ring, “You wanna do the honors?”

Montanha sighed, "I donno… I know she's technically a teenager, and I know you went on that trial run with her and said she did fine. But she's still my baby, and I can't help but worry about her..." Montanha shifted his weight, one hand pressing into his lower back. The baby had been restless all day, with a low, heavy pressure making it hard to stand still, but pacing hadn’t helped either.

“And she’s trained. You saw how good she handles a gun now.”

“She did do well…” Montanha admitted quietly. “She did more than well,” Asher said. “She’s sharp. And she’ll come back safe and sound.” Montanha didn’t answer, just staring out the window, brows furrowed. Asher put a hand on his shoulder, "I know hon, I worry about it too sometimes. But we have to have faith that she's strong enough to do things alone. You've raised an amazingly strong and confident young woman."

Montanha turned his head to look at him with a smile, "Thanks… And you trained her really well. I'm sure you're right and everything will turn out o-" suddenly he paused when he felt a sudden, pop, from inside him, confused he looked down and saw his sweats are now wet. "Wait-" Montanha said, looking utterly bewildered.

Asher saw the damp spot growing and, trying to keep calm for both Montanha and himself, looked at him, "Montanha... Don't quote me on this, but I'm sure your water just broke."

“Yeah, I realize that! But I'm not in labor? I mean, I don't feel anything right now. Also I thought the baby wasn’t due for another week!” Montanha said still utterly confused. Asher, gathering towels and putting a pot of water on the stove, "Yeah, but in that book we found it said every pregnancy is different right? Maybe they’re just making it a bit harder?" Hearing that, Montanha groaned, annoyed, "I really would rather it not be harder."

Asher exhaled, running a hand through his copper hair. “I know, mountain man. But hey, every kid is different, right? I mean, didn't you say Rosie came within like half an hour?” As he said this, he glanced toward the door. Montanha followed his gaze, his chest tightening. “She’s still out there.” he said quietly.

Asher hesitated, but only for a second, before he turned back to Montanha, “Hey, look at me.” Montanha tore his eyes away from the window, looking at him. “We gotta handle this first.’ Asher said firmly, ‘I know your worried, but right now you and the baby gotta come first. Rosie knows the route. She knows to come back. And when she does, we’ll be right here, waiting for her. All of us.”

Montanha’s expression wavered, torn between his worry for his daughter and the undeniable reality of his body beginning something he couldn’t stop. Eventually he sighed, relenting, “…She better come back soon.” he murmured. Asher gave a small, reassuring smile, “She will.”

Montanha smiled back, before he huffed, "Well, I just hope this one comes quickly as well. It better not take all day to have this baby." The rain pattered steadily against the windows as Asher cleaned up the small puddle forming at his feet. "Do you feel anything?"

"I don't feel anything. I'm just... wet." Montanha muttered, dabbing at the soaked fabric with the towel Asher handed him. The damp heat between his legs felt strange, yet familiar as he remembered the first time he went through this, though last time he had more, pressing, concerns. Asher nodded, taking the towel, “I’m going to get a fresh change of clothes.” Montanha said as he waddled to their bedroom.

Making his way to the room he dropped the wet sweats he had been wearing, before taking a moment to place his fingers between his legs, and look at the fluid that was still steadily leaking. It looked clear and when he smelt it, it didn't have any bad smell, so he figured it was fine. "Gonna need some sorta pad though if I'm just gonna leak everywhere..." he grumbled.

But with the apocalypse and everything, he didn't exactly have a supply of pads with him, so instead he took an old shirt he didn't mind getting dirty, but was still fresh and clean, and stuffed it into his new underwear before fighting his way into a fresh pair of pants. As he adjusted the draw string on his soft pants he felt another faint trickle of his waters, “Yeah… definitely needed that.” he murmured.

Once he was dressed he went into the kitchen, where the room smelled faintly of metal. Asher stood by the small stove, sleeves pushed up, carefully lowering a set of tools into a pot of boiling water. The rolling bubbles sent steam curling up into the air, fogging the nearby window. Knives. Cloth. Anything they might need.

Montanha stands in the doorway for a second, as Asher glanced up at the sound of Montanha’s footsteps, “All good?” Montanha nodded. “As good as it gets.” There was a brief pause before Asher asked, “You want anything to eat?”

“I donno." Montanha answers, rubbing at his stomach. "it would probably be good to get something in you." Asher pointed out, Montanha could see his point and nodded, “…Fine. But something small.” Asher gave a satisfied nod, already moving. “Sit.”

 Waddling to the table, the wood felt cool under his hands, as he eased himself down into one of the chairs at the table, shifting slightly to get comfortable as the wood creaked under his weight

Across the room, Asher worked quickly, pulling out what little they had. Bread, a bit of preserved meat, some pickles, it was simple but efficient. As he worked on it the storm continued its relentless assault outside and Montanha found his gaze drifting back toward the door again. Asher noticed, but didn’t comment.

A minute later, he set a sandwich down in front of him. “Eat.” Montanha huffed quietly but picked it up, taking a bite. Asher leaned back against the counter, “Any contractions yet?”

Montanha shook his head, chewing. “No. Not-” though just as he said this, he felt it. A subtle tightening, low but distinct. Enough to make him pause, brow furrowing slightly as he focused on it. “… Actually,’ he amended, swallowing, ‘I stand corrected.”

Asher let out a small, amused breath, the tension easing just a fraction. “Good timing.” Montanha shot him a look, but there was a faint hint of humor in it. “Yeah. Hilarious.” The sensation faded as quickly as it had come.

Montanha took another bite of the sandwich, slower this time. “…That one wasn’t bad.” he admitted. Asher nodded, “First ones usually aren’t.” He smiled for a beat, before the grip on the sandwich tightened slightly as his eyes flicked, once more, toward the storm outside.

“… She needs to get back soon.” he said quietly. “You wanna go sit down on the couch?” Asher offered, trying to distract him. "Sure." Montanha said as he makes his way into the living room, once there he settled himself down on the couch, which felt soft and worn.

The rain pattering steadily outside the window, mixed with the sounds of Asher’s movements in the kitchen, and the small creak from the house settling around them both. It was warm, and peaceful, exactly the kind of environment that should be welcoming a new life into the world. If only his daughter was there… He continued to think this, absentmindedly rubbing his swollen belly as Asher brings over the rest of his sandwich

He sat next to him, close enough that his thigh pressed against his, “Thank you Ash. I really appreciate it..." he said as he continued to munch on his sandwich, as Asher gave him a peck on his cheek. When the next contraction begins to roll through him, Montanha finished chewing his bite, and took a slow breath.

He was aware of more fluid leaking into his make shift padding, and couldn't help but grunt in annoyance, as his hand rested on his belly. When it retreats a moment later he leaned back, “I keep leaking, it's annoying... Why couldn't my waters wait to break closer to birth like they had with Rosie?” he complained.

Asher chuckled softly, rubbing slow circles against his back, "Maybe she just wants to cause some trouble." Montanha huffs a small laugh at that, "He wants to cause trouble." he corrected. Asher smirked, "You still think it's going to be a boy?"

“I'm about fifty-fifty on it.’ Montanha joked, ‘Though I guess we'll be finding out today which it is.” Asher nodded as he rested his head on Montanha's shoulder. Outside, the rain had picked up, coming down in heavy sheets now as wind rattled the windows.

*                             *                        *

By now, Montanha had eaten most of the food Asher prepared for him, though it sat a little heavy in his stomach, as his body did its work. A few hours slipped by like that, stretched thin between contractions and the steady rhythm of the storm. The two of them stayed on the couch, sometimes talking in low voices, sometimes falling into silence. Asher kept track of the contractions as best he could, though they were still spaced fairly far apart.

Montanha handled them well, as he would pause, deepen his breathing, and once it passed, would settle again. Eventually, the makeshift pad he’d rigged together earlier was no longer holding up well. He could feel the dampness again, more persistent now. Combined with the heat building in his body, it left him restless, skin prickling, clothes clinging uncomfortably.

He shifted for what felt like the hundredth time before letting out a low breath, “…I need to get out of these again.” Asher glanced over. “Yeah?” Montanha nodded, running a hand through his hair, which was starting to stick slightly to his skin. “I’m soaked. And I feel gross.” Asher gave a small, understanding nod. “Bath?”

“Yeah that sounds nice.”

“Alright.” Asher stood immediately, already moving. “Come on.” He pushed himself up with a grunt and made his way to the bathroom, his hand placed protectively on his belly.

The bathroom filled with the sound of running water, as Asher turned on the tub, adjusting the temperature, making sure it wasn’t too hot or cold. “Tell me if it’s too much,” he said, testing it with his hand. “It should be fine,” Montanha replied, though he appreciated the caution.

Once it was ready, Asher turned to him, offering a steadying hand as Montanha stepped out of his clothes again, discarding the damp makeshift pad with a grimace. “Definitely needed this.” Montanha muttered.

“No argument here.”

His movements were slow, belly heavy and low, as he eased himself down with Asher's steadying grip. The moment the lukewarm water enveloped him, he exhaled a long, relieved sigh as he felt his hot skin cool a bit, "Oh yeah, that’s the good stuff." he sighed as his shoulders sank. The buoyancy lifted some of the relentless downward pull.

The ache in his hips softened. He leaned back against the porcelain curve, legs spread comfortably beneath the surface, belly rising like an island above the waterline. Asher knelt beside the tub, brushing damp hair from Montanha's forehead, "Better?"

"Much." Montanha closed his eyes briefly, both hands coming to cradle the underside of his belly in the water. The baby shifted again, slower this time, as if lulled by the warmth. Another contraction started to build, gentle but present. This time, the warmth of the water seemed to soften it, dulling the edges.

He breathed through it, calm but focused, feeling the way his abdomen tightened slightly beneath his palms. "Alright," he murmured softly to the child within him. "Whenever you're ready, little one. Just… sometime today." Asher chuckled quietly, but his thumb kept tracing slow, reassuring circles along Montanha's shoulder. After several seconds, the contraction passed and Montanha let out a long exhale.

He felt drowsy from the mild warmth and the comfort of the water. He couldn't recall the last time he had been able to relax like this. Asher leaned forward and kissed Montanha's temple, "You look more comfortable now."

"Yeah, water helps a lot. The pressure's not as bad this way." His fingers flexed against the rounded curve of his belly as he felt another small shift inside. Asher smiled and reached down to rub Montanha's swollen abdomen. Montanha shifted slightly in the tub as the water rippled around the broad curve of his belly, he then looked over to Asher, "Hey Ash?"

"What's up?"

"Do you think you could make some snacks? I'm actually feeling more hungry now, oddly enough."

"Sure, what are you thinking?"

"Fruit probably. Do we still have fruit? Oh and more pickles."

"I believe so.' Asher said, brushing his finger along Montanha's damp shoulder, 'You soak, I'll make snacks." Montanha nodded, "aright, I'm going to stay in here for a few more minutes, then I'll come out there and join you."

"Sounds good, papa bear." Asher said as he stood and disappeared outside the room. A moment later, Montanha could hear the faint sounds of cabinets opening and the soft clink of dishes. Other than that, the bathroom was quiet, filled only with the sounds of Montanha's steady breathing.

He waited a moment longer, before shifting his position slightly, knees bent and relaxed in the warm water. His expression then turned thoughtful, "Okay." he murmured to himself. Carefully, slowly, he reached between his legs beneath the water. It wasn't something he'd done before, not like this, but curiosity and instinct nudged him.

His body felt different. Heavy. Open somehow. He prodded inside his opening gently, exploring with cautious fingers. Everything felt softer than usual, tender. The tissues yielding in a way they hadn't weeks ago. He could tell something was changing, loosening, preparing. But it didn't feel like he was close.

Montanha frowned faintly, "I have no idea what number that would be." he muttered under his breath, half amused, half impatient. Another contraction began, this one slightly stronger and faded moments later. As his fingers grazed over his labia, feeling how swollen it was, he bit his lip, and a slow huff of air escaped his lips. He definitely felt sensitive down there as well.

Curious, he started to rub at his folds a bit and roll his enlarged clit. Instantly, he felt a wave of pleasure and let out a soft sound as he continued to play with himself. The wetness between his thighs mixing with the heat of the bath.

Montanha rolled his hips slightly, exploring the unfamiliar pressure of his sensitive opening while his fingers work his enlarged clit in slow, purposeful circles. His breathing deepened as pleasure built, "Oh that feels good…" he murmured to himself, voice thick with surprise and arousal.

Another contraction began to build, but the pleasure he was creating somehow eased the discomfort of the labor. Montanha's free hand moved to his chest, rolling one of his nipples between his thumb and forefinger as he continued touching himself. "Oohh yes~" he moaned softly, rubbing a bit faster now against his sensitive folds as his belly begins to tighten. The pleasure ripples outward from his clit as his fingers moved faster, counteracting the dull ache of the contraction.

His breathing hitched as he felt his body responding in waves, every muscle in his abdomen tightening, as his fingers worked between his legs. "Oh god." he breathed, the water rocking gently as his hips lifted slightly, seeking more contact. The contraction peaks, his back arching slightly as his body seized between conflicting tensions. The pleasure building alongside the pain, the two sensations feeding into each other in a dizzying spiral.

Montanha then gasped as he reached a plateau, pleasure pulsing through him even as the contraction begins to fade. "Shit." he cursed as he started rubbing faster, trying to build himself up more, feeling like he was close. But as the contraction faded, he lost it and he lets out a huff of annoyance.

Still he doesn’t stop playing with himself, pushing a few fingers back inside himself as he moved them in and out a little. "Come on..." he murmured to himself, fingers slipping easily now, the water and his own arousal making everything slick and pliant.

He pressed up, finding the soft bundle of nerves inside that makes his back arch. A low groan escaped him as he pressed harder, fingers curling slightly. His breathing turning ragged as the pleasure started building again, his other hand moving to his clit in firm circles. The combination sent sharp jolts through his oversensitive body, his hips rocking slightly as he chased the feeling. "That's it." he breathed, words coming out thick and heavy. The water rippled as he moved, the contrast of the cool air against his overheated skin heightening every sensation.

He can feel his inner walls soften more as he continued the rock his hips, fingers curling inside him as he let out short bursts of breath. As he kept going, he felt the next tightening of a contraction, "yes, yes, yes!" he moaned, the slow squeeze of the contraction building him up more this time. Finally it sent him over the edge, his body tensing as pleasure erupted through him, his walls clenching around his fingers in rhythmic pulses.

He moaned openly now, the sound echoing in the steamy bathroom as his back arches slightly as he gasps. His fingers kept moving inside him even as he rode out the orgasm, prolonging the waves of sensation that spread from his core through his body. "Fuck…" he breathed out when it finally subsided, his muscles still twitching with aftershocks.

*                             *                        *

He took his time drying off, before waddling into the bedroom, towel held between his legs, to get dressed again, slipping on a loose shirt and another pair of reliable stretchy pants. He then made his way back to the kitchen, where he was met with a delicious spread of snacks with lots of little bits of fruit, bread, and even some of his favorite pickles to eat. When Asher saw him, he smiled, "Hey there, have a good bath?" Montanha smiled and picked out a pickle, munching on it. "It was nice."

"Sounded like you had a good time." Asher said with a smirk. "Shit, you heard me?" Montanha said feeling a bit embarrassed. "Pretty hard not to. But it's fine, it's your day, you can do what you want." Asher said as he took a bite of fruit. Montanha smiled as his shame faded, "I also checked myself in the bath. I think it's still pretty early, but there’s definitely been progress."

Asher nodded, chewing thoughtfully before swallowing. "That's good. Means everything's movin along. How are the contractions feelin now?" Montanha takes another bite of strawberry, savoring the sweetness. "Still comin, the bath helped to move things along."

"I'm sure it did." Asher said as he handed him a strawberry. As they shared the strawberries, they listened to the rain still tapping insistently against the walls and roof. After a minute, Asher straightened slightly, “We should try walking a bit. Help things along more.” Montanha considered it, then nodded. “Yeah probably wouldn’t hurt.”

“Alright.” Asher pushed off the table and stepped closer, offering his hand. “Come on, mountain man.” Montanha smiled as Asher helped him to his feet.

They started slow, just pacing the length of the cabin.

The wooden floor creaked under Montanha’s weight with each step, his gait slightly wide now. Asher stayed close at his side, one hand hovering near his back, ready to steady him if needed.

Making a lap in the living room, Montanha looked out the window, "Too bad it's raining, it would've been nice to walk down on of the natural paths..."

"Yeah, well, the rain washes away all those gross bugs.’ Asher said, trailing a hand along the back of the couch as he followed, ‘So it's not all bad." Montanha gave a small laugh, breath short with effort. "Suppose so." As he took another step however, he wrinkled his nose, “…Ugh.”

“What?” Asher asked, immediately attentive. “Just-‘ Montanha shifted slightly as another warm trickle made itself known, ‘-that.” He gestured vaguely downward. Asher grimaced sympathetically. “Yeah. That’s probably gonna keep happening.”

“Yeah, I figured. Still weird.” He adjusted slightly as they kept walking, already feeling the dampness building again. It was uncomfortable, but not enough to stop. They made another slow pass across the room.

Then another.

And as they did, the contractions began to change. One started to build, deeper than the others had been. He felt it low, pulling tighter, pressing inward with more insistence than before. Montanha’s steps slowed, “…Hold on.”

Asher was already turning toward him. “Got you.”

Montanha closed his eyes as the contraction gathered, his hand tightening on Asher’s arm as he leaned into him, broad frame shifting to rest more of his weight there. “Okay, yeah, that’s-” he sucked in a breath, nose wrinkling as the pressure intensified. Asher’s arm came around him immediately, steady and firm, “Breathe. I’ve got you.”

Montanha nodded faintly, focusing on that instead, on breathing, on grounding himself. The baby shifted at the same time, a heavy, insistent movement downward that made him tense slightly. “…Oh.” His hand dropped instinctively, cupping beneath the curve of his belly, fingers pressing lightly as if to support the weight. The pressure in his pelvis deepened, making him grimace.

The contraction crested, held, then slowly began to ease. Montanha exhaled, shoulders loosening as he sagged more fully against Asher for a moment. “Lower?” Asher asked. Montanha nodded, eyes still closed. “Yeah. A lot. Sorry, if I'm leaning on you too much. I just really needed the support." Asher shook his head, "You're ok Montanha. I'm sturdy."

"Ok, just holler if I end up knocking you over." Montanha joked which made Asher chuckle, "Deal." Asher said, adjusting his stance to better support him. After a few minutes, Montanha straightens, rubbing at his stomach. "We might as well keep walking a bit longer." Asher suggested. "Let's get moving." Montanha agreed, as the rain outside had settled into a steady drumming, water streaming down the windows in thick rivulets.

As Montanha and Asher made their way around the living room, Montanha caught his reflection in the window glass: round and tired, with sweat beginning to bead on his forehead. Asher looked at his reflection as well and smiled, "Such a handsome man." he cooed as he wraps his arms around his middle and kissed between his shoulder blades.

Montanha huffed a laugh, "I'm already gettin sweaty. I can't be lookin that handsome." Montanha said as he lean back into Asher's embrace. "Sweaty or not, you're wonderful." he murmured, nuzzling into the crook of his neck. His breath is warm against his damp skin, Montanha feeling his lover's heartbeat as his chest pressed against his back. Montanha sigh contentedly, savoring this moment of closeness despite the discomfort gnawing at him.

*                             *                        *

Hours slipped by and the contractions grew more consistent now, settling into a steadier rhythm. Stronger, too, enough to make Montanha pause more frequently, and to draw quiet, strained sounds from him he didn’t bother hiding.

“Mm, okay… okay…” he’d murmur through one, brow furrowed as he leaned into Asher’s side. “You’re doing good.” Asher would answer every time, hand firm at his back.

Montanha did his best to believe him.

The pressure in his pelvis had increased, too. Heavier, more insistent, like the baby was gradually settling lower with each wave. It made his stance wider, his movements slower. But it all felt like progress and that things were moving forward.

“…That one’s definitely stronger.” he muttered when it passed. Asher nodded. “Yeah. They’re picking up.” Montanha ran a hand over his face, damp again with sweat. “…Good. That means it’s working.”

“It does.”

But after some time, things went stagnant, and it didn’t get stronger, or longer. Just the same. The contractions stayed steady. They came regularly enough that Asher started quietly tracking them again.

Montanha frowned slightly but didn’t say anything. Another came after that, but again, no real change, “Asher.” he said quietly.

“Yeah?”

“These don’t feel like they’re getting stronger anymore.”

Asher didn’t answer right away. He watched him through the next contraction, paying close attention, timing it, reading the tension in Montanha’s body. When it ended, he nodded slowly. “…Yeah. I was noticing that.”

Montanha shifted on his feet, unease creeping in. “That’s not… right, is it?”

“Sit for a bit.’ Asher said, guiding him back to the couch, ‘You’ve been on your feet a long time.” Montanha didn’t argue as he eased down with a quiet grunt, shifting until he found a position that didn’t feel like too much pressure all at once.

“They can plateau sometimes.’ Asher said carefully, ‘It doesn’t always mean something’s wrong.” Montanha exhaled, but the tension didn’t leave him.

But as the hours ticked by, nothing changed, in fact things started to slow down again. The storm outside had softened slightly, but inside, the tension had only grown. Montanha had gotten back up at one point, starting to walk again, restless and desperate to speed up the contractions again. He felt uncomfortable, not just physically, but mentally as well. “I don’t like this.” he said bluntly. Asher still sat on the couch, leaned forward, elbows on his knees as he watched Montanha pace, “Yeah. I get that.”

“It felt like it was going somewhere.” Montanha continued, voice tight. “Like it was actually starting. And now it’s just-’ he gestured vaguely, frustrated, ‘stuck.”

Another contraction came and Montanha squeezed his eyes shut. Jaw tightening as he breathed through it, less because of the intensity, and more because of the growing frustration behind it. Montanha shifted again as he pressed his hands low over his belly. He pulled his focused inwards, trying to feel out where the baby might be and if it was still going down, but instead of feeling anything like that, it just felt wrong.

“…No.” he muttered under his breath. Asher looked up immediately. “What?” Montanha shook his head, as he stopped pacing, “This feels-’ he sucked in a breath, ‘-not right.” Standing still, he bent his knees as he tried rocking his hips, trying to ease the sensation.

It didn’t help. If anything, it made it worse.

A low, strained sound slipped out of him as another contraction built, not just tightening now, but grinding. Like something was pressing down without moving forward. “Shit!” he groaned, going to the table and bracing one hand against the table, the other clutching under his belly. “That’s, no, that’s not-” Asher was at his side instantly. “Hey, hey, talk to me. What’s going on?”

Montanha shook his head again, breathing heavier now. “It feels like.” he grimaced sharply as the contraction peaked, hips shifting again in a desperate attempt to find relief, “Like the head’s just, stuck. Like actually stuck.” When the contraction eased, it didn’t bring relief, just a lingering ache that made him curl slightly inward.

Asher’s expression tightened, concern deepening. “Okay… okay, that’s not-” He cut himself off, refocusing. “Let me help you walk.”

Montanha nodded quickly, already leaning into him again as they moved. He rocked his hips more deliberately now, rolling them, shifting side to side, trying anything that might change the angle.

It didn’t.

Another contraction hit and the same grinding pressure slammed into him, making him gasp and brace harder against Asher. “Mm, no, no, no.” he moaned, voice breaking slightly as he tried to breathe through it. “It’s not moving!”

Asher tightened his hold. “Breathe. Just breathe.”

“I am breathing,” Montanha snapped, then immediately grimaced, not at Asher, but at the sensation. “Something’s wrong.”

The contraction eased, leaving Montanha panting slightly, shoulders tense, hands gripping tight against his belly. He turned his head toward Asher, eyes sharp with worry. “Check. Please.” He said firmly, Asher nodded without hesitation. “Okay.”

He had Montanha stand still for a moment, then placed both hands carefully against his belly, focused and deliberate. He pressed gently, feeling for position, where the baby’s back was, where the pressure seemed centered.

Montanha stayed as still as he could, breathing uneven but controlled. “…Okay.” Asher murmured, more to himself than anything. He shifted his hands, pressing a little deeper, mapping it out, “…Oh.”

Montanha’s stomach dropped at the sound. “What?”

Asher exhaled once, thinking fast, “The baby’s not lined up right. It’s turned. That’s why it’s not descending, it’s caught.” Montanha swallowed hard. “Can you fix it?”

“I, I think so.’ Asher said, already piecing it together, ‘I read something about positioning, helping them rotate.” He looked around quickly, then nodded toward the wall. “Come here.”

Montanha didn’t argue. He let Asher guide him over, turning so his back was against the wall. “Alright,” Asher said, steadying him. “I need you to squat a little, not all the way, just enough. Yeah, there.” Montanha lowered himself slightly, legs braced, back supported by the wall. It wasn’t comfortable, but it was stable.

“Tell me when the next contraction starts.” Asher said, moving into position in front of him. Montanha nodded, breathing still uneven. They didn’t have to wait long as that familiar tightening began to build. “It’s coming.” Montanha said, voice tight. “Okay. I’ve got you.”

As the contraction rose, Asher moved quickly, linking his fingers beneath the curve of Montanha’s belly. Then he lifted, firm but careful, raising the weight just slightly, drawing it upward and inward.

Montanha gasped at the shift. “Hold on.” Asher said, keeping the lift steady as the contraction intensified. “Breathe through it.” Montanha did, though it came out strained, his face tightening as the sensation changed, still intense, but different now. Asher held the position the entire time, arms steady despite the strain.

“Almost, almost…” he murmured. The contraction peaked, then began to ease. “Okay.” Asher said, gently guiding him forward. “Lean a bit, yeah, just like that.” He slowly released the lift, careful not to drop the weight suddenly. Montanha shifted his stance as instructed, legs adjusting slightly.

They repeated it. Once. Twice. Three times. Each contraction, Asher lifted and supported, adjusting just slightly, encouraging the baby to turn, to find the right angle. Montanha focused on breathing, on staying steady, even as sweat beaded along his skin again, even as the effort started to wear on him.

Then the next contraction hit. Asher lifted again. And something shifted. A distinct, internal turn. Montanha gasped sharply, eyes flying open, “Oh!”

The pressure changed instantly. No longer feeling that grinding resistance, instead, something deeper, heavier and more aligned. “Oh my. That’s, yeah, that’s better.” Montanha exhaled hard, a small, half laugh, breaking through the tension as he sagged slightly, relief flooding through him.

“It moved?” Asher asked, a breath of disbelief and relief in his voice. “It definitely moved.” Montanha replied, one hand pressing low as, for the first time in a while, the pressure made sense. Asher carefully helped him straighten up, keeping a steady hold on him. “Okay. Okay, that’s good. That’s really good.”

Montanha nodded, still catching his breath, but the tight edge of panic had eased. “…Yeah, that’s better.” Asher didn’t waste time. “Come on. Let’s get you to the bed.”

*                             *                        *

Heading inside the bedroom, Montanha barely made it a step inside before he stopped, breathing heavier now, one hand gripping the edge of the bed, as he felt a new contraction start to build a lot sooner than he was expecting.

“Clothes.” he muttered. Asher nodded immediately as he went to help him “Yeah. Go ahead.” There was no point trying to salvage them now. His pants were already soaked through again, clinging uncomfortably to his legs, and his shirt stuck to his skin with sweat.

With Asher’s help, Montanha stripped them off with impatient, clumsy movements, tossing them aside without a second thought. The cooler air hit his damp skin, but he barely noticed as his focus had already shifted inward.

The contraction was building higher now, “Mm, hang on.” he breathed, dropping down instinctively, knees hitting the floor beside the bed. He braced himself with one hand on the mattress, the other cradling low under his belly as his hips began to move on their own, rocking, circling, searching for relief.

The pressure that had finally aligned was no longer just heavy, it was driving, pushing down with purpose. Montanha let out a low, strained sound as the contraction took hold fully, his head dipping forward.

Behind him, Asher was there instantly, “I’ve got you,” he said, voice steady but more focused now, one hand coming to rest firmly against Montanha’s lower back. Then he pressed and Montanha felt the difference immediately. A sharp exhale left him as some of the strain eased just enough to make it manageable.

“Yeah, yeah, that helps,” he breathed. “Good,” Asher said, adjusting his hand slightly, keeping the pressure steady as the contraction peaked. “Stay with it. Breathe.”

Montanha did, breathing roughly as the contraction held, then slowly, it eased. Montanha sagged slightly, catching himself against the bed, chest rising and falling faster now. “…That’s new.” he muttered. “They definitely jumped back up to where they were before.” Asher said in agreement. “And more so.” Montanha added, already shifting, already bracing as another one began to build far sooner than he expected.

His hips started moving again, rocking through it, his grip tightening on the mattress. “Okay, okay…” he breathed, voice lower now, strained but focused. Asher’s hand returned to his back immediately, pressing again, grounding him. “You’re doing it. That’s it.” Montanha nodded faintly, though his eyes were squeezed shut as the pressure deepened further, low, and insistent.

Between contractions, Montanha barely had time to fully recover now. His breathing stayed elevated, body tense, anticipation building alongside the intensity.

Montanha rocked through another wave, sweat starting to bead along his shoulders again despite the cooler air, his movements more instinctive now, less controlled. “It’s moving.” he said, breathless but certain. Asher’s hand tightened slightly in reassurance. “Good.”

As time dragged forward, Montanha’s movements grew less measured, more instinctive with every passing contraction, there were no more breaks, no more space to think too far ahead. Just wave after wave, each one pulling him deeper into it.

Another contraction surged, and he shifted, turning more fully toward Asher. “I need-!” he breathed, reaching for him. “I’ve got you,” Asher said immediately. Montanha leaned into him, broad frame pressing forward. Asher adjusted without hesitation, bracing himself, one arm wrapping around Montanha’s shoulders while the other stayed firm at his lower back.

Montanha rested against him, forehead briefly pressing into Asher’s shoulder as the contraction peaked. “Mmmm, okay, okay…” he murmured, hips rocking even here, searching for any angle that would eased the pressure. “You’re doing so good.” Asher said, voice low and steady near his ear. “Just keep breathing.”

Montanha nodded faintly against him, breath rough but controlled enough to ride it out. This position, on his knees and leaning on Asher, felt good. But the hard wood floor was killing his knees, so when he had a moment to breathe, he pulled back slightly, shifting again. “Bed.” he said, already moving. Asher didn’t argue. “Alright, easy.”

He helped guide him up and onto the mattress, steadying him as Montanha climbed onto it, settling back onto his knees. His knees braced against the bed as his hips kept moving, slower now but deliberate, the cushion of the mattress helping with the ache of it.

Just as the two of them settled on the bed, Montanha’s breath hitched slightly as he felt it, something deeper, something dropping. “Oh.” he exhaled, one hand immediately moving beneath his belly again. Another contraction hits, stronger than anything before it. And with it, an urge to push.

Montanha froze for half a second before his instincts kicked in and his chin tucked instinctively toward his chest, shoulders rounding forward as he bore down. Asher saw the change immediately. “Are you pushing?” Asher asked softly. Montanha didn’t answer, already in it, breath held for a moment as he followed the urge, body tightening around the effort.

Asher moved closer in front of him on the bed, one hand returning to his back, the other steadying his side. “That’s it.’ he whispered, ‘That’s it, just like that.”

Montanha let out a strained exhale as the push tapered off, immediately pulling in another breath before the next wave could take him. “Sorry, couldn’t stop it.” he muttered, breathless. “Don’t apologize, just do what you gotta do.” Asher replied gently.

Montanha nodded as he braced again, hands gripping Asher’s shoulders as his hips stilled, and he bore down without hesitation this time. A low groan escaping him as he pushed, chin tucked, body curling slightly around the effort.

*                             *                        *

With the clouds in the sky, it was hard to know the time as the rain gently plinked against the windows. A sound that was drowned out by Montanha, as he panted and growled, continuing to work.

He was still on his knees, braced against Asher on the bed, legs trembling slightly from the strain. Sweat slicked his skin, damp hair clinging to his face and neck. His breathing came in heavy pants, broken by low, guttural sounds he didn’t bother holding back anymore.

“Come on, come on-” he growled under his breath as another contraction built. When it hit, he bore down hard, a deep, strained groan ripping out of him as he pushed through it. Asher shifted in front of him, steady and focused. “That’s it Montanha, push.”

As Montanha pushed, Asher leaned down, checking for progress. That’s when he saw it. Just for a second there was a tiny sliver. “Oh!” Asher’s voice lit up immediately. “I see it! I see the head!”

The contraction eased, and Montanha sagged forward slightly, panting hard and as the pressure lessened, the head slipped back. Montanha felt that change and growled in frustration, but Asher didn’t let the disappointment settle, “Hey, hey, that’s normal. But I saw it. You’re right there.”

Montanha let out another small growl, “This was not how it went last time.” he ground out. “I know, but you doing so well.” Asher assured, petting his hair. Montanha seemed ready to say something, but soon another contraction was building and his concentration again focused inwards as it peaked, and he bore down again. Jaw tightening, a low growl escaping him as he pushed with everything he had.

Asher watched closely again and for a moment, the head peeked into view, “ There it is again! Just a little more this time!” he encouraged. Montanha tried to hold the push, but eventually he had to stop and just like before, it slipped back as soon as the push ended. Montanha groaned in frustration, dropping his forehead briefly against Asher’s shoulder, “It keeps going back!”

“I know. But you’re making progress I promise.” Montanha nodded faintly at Asher’s words, dragging in another breath as he tried to steady himself.

Rain kept gently falling as Asher watched Montanha give push after push, not giving up even as his composure had long since crumbled. He panted loudly now, growling through pushes, swearing under his breath when the pressure spiked too sharply.

“Fuck! Okay, okay…” he muttered, rocking slightly between contractions, trying to gather himself before the next one hit. With each push, the baby’s head kept appearing, each time lingering just a little longer and coming out just a little further, before slipping back again. Montanha clung to that, Asher updating him on his progress as he prepared for the next wave.

A strained, raw sound tore from his throat as he bore down with the latest contraction. Asher watched as the head emerged again, further than before. “Yeah, that’s it! Keep going!” Montanha pushed through the peak, body trembling with the effort, before he finally had to let go, breath breaking as the contraction eased.

As he slumped forward against Asher, chest heaving, Asher looked again and his face lit up, “Montanha, the head didn’t slip back in.” Montanha seemed dumbfounded, as he looked at him, “…It didn’t?”

“Here feel.” Asher said, as he guided one of Montanha’s hands down between his legs. Feeling with his fingers, he felt the soft, damp and sticky head of his baby, just sitting right there. And while he felt some of the head still sitting just inside his opening, he was a lot closer than he’d thought, “Oh my god…” he breathed. Asher leaned in, pressing a quick, firm kiss to the side of his neck, “They’re right there. You’re doing so well.”

Montanha nodded, unable to say much more than that and his breath still uneven as he adjusted slightly, bracing himself against Asher again. When the next contraction rolled in, Montanha bore down immediately, a deep, guttural sound leaving him as he pushed with everything he had left.

Asher was right there, arms bracing him, one hand firm at his back while the other steadied his side. “That’s it, it’s right there, Montanha! Push!”

Montanha bore down again, deeper this time, a raw, strained sound tearing from his throat as the pressure surged. “Ahh!” he cried out, the sensation sharp, and burning. “The head’s coming!” Asher said, voice loud and urgent, eyes fixed. “You’re right there! Keep going!”

Montanha didn’t stop.

He pushed again, and again, each effort stacking on the last, breath turning ragged as his body strained forward. Then Montanha cried out as the head crowned, the sound breaking into a rough, breathless gasp as the intensity peaked. His whole body trembled with it, hips jerking slightly as he instinctively tried to adjust away from the overwhelming stretch. “Ah- God!” he panted, chest heaving. “It’s too much!”

Asher shifted immediately, one hand coming up to cradle Montanha’s face, grounding him, “I’ve got you.’ he murmured, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek, then another to his temple, ‘You’re okay.” Montanha shook his head, eyes squeezed shut, breath coming fast and shallow now. “I can’t!’ he choked out, ‘I can’t do it! Fuck! Asher, it hurts too much!”

Asher held his face gently but firmly, “Hey.” he said softly, steady, unwavering. “Look at me.” Montanha forced his eyes open, barely. “You are doing it.’ Asher told him, voice low but certain, ‘You’ve already done the hardest part.” Montanha’s breath hitched, tears mixing with sweat on his face.

“I know it hurts.” Asher continued, brushing his thumb lightly along his cheek. “I know. But you’re doing it. And I’m right here.” For a second, Montanha just breathed, breath ragged and uneven. Then he nodded, “…Okay.” Another contraction surged up almost immediately as he tucked his chin again, gripping the bed tight as he bore down.

A deep, strained groan left him as the pressure spiked, “Yes just like that!” Asher encouraged, voice close, steady. “Push into it!” Montanha did and the head shifted. “I see more!” Asher said quickly, voice tight with concentration. “Forehead…”

“Shit!”

“Keep going!”

“Fuck!”

“I see the eyes!”

“Ahhh!”

Then with a sudden, shifting release, the head slipped free, making Montanha gasp at the sudden release of pressure. “The head’s out! You did it! You’re so close now, just a couple more!” he shouted, voice filled with excitement. Montanha panted hard, body sagging slightly against Asher, “…Okay, okay.” He breathed.

The next contraction started to build again and Montanha begins to feel the baby shift, “The shoulders are turning.” Asher said, watching closely. “Catch, catch the baby.” Montanha managed, voice strained. “I’ve got them.” Asher said immediately, adjusting his grip, hands cradling the baby’s head, ready. Montanha nodded weakly, then forced himself to focus again.

A strained groan left him as he bore down, his body trembling with the effort as he felt the shoulders begin to move. “Fuuccck!” The first shoulder slipped free, “Good! That’s it, one more!” Asher exclaimed. Montanha pushed again, a broken sound tearing from him as the second shoulder followed quickly after, his body yielding to the motion now.

Then a shout ripped from his throat as he gave everything he had left and the rest of the baby rushed free in a smooth, unstoppable motion. Asher caught the baby easily, his hands sure despite the awe that flooded through him as he held their child for the very first time, as they kicked and screamed, “Montanha, Montanha it's a girl!”

Montanha, sitting back on the bed, exhausted and a bit dazed just looked at him, “Huh? Girl??” Asher, grabbing a nearby towel, cleaned her off with it as he held her up, “Yeah, she's right here!” Montanha merely stared blankly as Asher placed the squirming, crying baby on his chest and he got a good look at her.

Finally processing what’s happening, his eyes welled up with big tears, “Oh my god. Oh My God!” Montanha exclaimed, voice cracking as he started to sob. Asher cuts the chord before coming over to hold Montanha, “I'm so fucking proud of you! She's fucking beautiful!” Montanha couldn't seem to stop crying long enough to talk, so he just nods as he holds his daughter close.

The rain had finally ended, and the moon was shown in the sky by the time they took care of the after birth and Asher joined him on his bedside, “How are you feeling, hon?” Montanha, who had finally calmed down, lets out a tired laugh, “So fuckin’ exhausted. Also very sore, oh my god, so sore. But I can't even describe how happy I am right now.” he says as he kissed the top of his daughter's head.

Her skin was a lot lighter than Montanha’s, but slightly tanner than Asher’s as she gave them both a disgruntled expression. Her hair was also a lot brighter than Asher’s and far curlier too. When she did occasionally open her eyes between bouts of crying, she shared Asher’s light honey brown eyes.

Pulling back and getting a better look at her, Montanha’s brows lifted in surprise, “huh, not expecting the redder hair though, also really curly…’ he then looked at Asher, ‘I know this just came out of me, but are you sure this one's ours? Looks nothing like you.” Asher chuckled at that, “My hair was like this when I was a baby too. It didn't really change until I hit about seven and then it darkened up to what it is now. Got it from my grandma.”

“Ok, good cause I was about to sue this hospital for allowing the nurse to swap out my baby like that.” Asher snorted and laughed, “Wouldn't I be the nurse in that situation?”

“Pretty sure I'm not supposed to kiss the hospital staff.”

“Could you make an exception on the nurse kissing rule this one time?” Montanha gave him a smirk, “I suppose...” Asher gently grabs Montanha's face and brings him in for a kiss.

*                             *                        *

Early the next morning, Rosie finally managed to make it home after the rain had kept her camped out in one of the abandoned stores. As she opened the door she called out, “Hello? Dad? Ash? I’m back!”

Coming out of the other room Asher looks tired, but smiles happily, “Hey, Trapper. You made it!” Rosie smiled, “Yeah, sorry that I took to long. I hope dad didn’t freak out too bad. Where is my dad anyways?”

“Well, he’s resting right now. He’s pretty tired after having the baby last night.” Asher explained. Rosie’s eyes go big at that, “What-” She drops her bag and runs to her dad’s room.

But when she reached the door, she paused and with a bit of hesitation, opened the door carefully, peeking in. Looking inside she saw her father sitting up right in bed, looking tired as he held a bundle in his arms. He looked over to her with a smile, “Hey Sprout…” he said softly. Rosie stepped inside, “You ok dad?”

“Yeah I’m alright, you wanna meet your sister?” Rosie’s eyes widened once more, “A sister?” she asked, voice soft but excited. Montanha nodded, “yeah, you wanna hold her?” Rosie nodded and went over to him, as Montanha passed the little bundle over to her, “Support her head ok? And put one hand under her bottom. Yeah, there you go.” Montanha said as Rosie held her new sister with a look of awe on her face.

“She’s so small…” Rosie breathed, feeling the little weight in her arms, feeling how warm she was. Montanha chuckled, “Say hi to Hazel, Rosie.”

“…Hazel,” she repeated quietly.

Then, after a second, she smiled.