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Nezha watched his spouse nuzzle and lick their sleeping son's head. They were so peaceful. What a wonder.
Wukong already had his son as close as he could possibly have him, yet he wanted to be closer. Sometimes he did wish his Caihong had been born of his womb, but he knew he would not have loved him the same if he had.
Wukong saw the slight scarring on his baby's head from the hands of the whose womb he did come from and couldn't help but wonder just how anyone could bare to hurt their child like that. A father's love just wasn't the same as a mother's, but...
Still...
How could anyone dare to hurt their baby?
Red Son had been shaved nearly bald following the incident, both to treat his injuries and because that was the only way his hair wouldn't look like he had been in a fight with an unruly weed wacker.
Which wouldn't have been too far off, but still.
It was funny, his hair being shaved so short made it look almost purple. Adorable.
SWK: *gives Red Son head kisses*
Nezha: *gets out of bed*
SWK: *chirps for him to get back in*
Nezha: Shh, you'll wake him! I have to get ready for work. I have a few meetings I need to get to today. One is about future public transportation plans!
SWK: Oh, okay! I'll leave you to it.
Nezha: Thank you, love. Take good care of Peony Baby for me.
SWK: I will. I always do.
~~~
Red Son woke up to his Mum covering him in kisses once more. Not as common a waking as it used to be, but it was a welcome one nonetheless.
RS: Mmm... Mum?
SWK: Good morning, my baby! Did you sleep well?
RS: Mm-hmm. I always sleep good with you, Mama.
SWK: Good.
RS: *picks his head up* *looks around*
RS: Where's Baba?
SWK: Work. He has to go to some boring meetings. Yawn.
RS: Aww, I wanted to cuddles.
SWK: I also wanted to cuddles with him. Your Baba has a very important job to do, though. More important than you know.
RS: I know. But can't he schedule around cuddle time?
SWK: Maybe I'll ask him. Ah, I'll ask if I don't forget before he gets home.
RS: *laughs* Which you probably will.
SWK: *laughs* Yeah, I probably will.
~~~
Red Son had been avoiding most mirrors and reflective surfaces since the "haircut" his mother gave him. He loved his hair, it was painful to be reminded it wasn't there anymore. Even more so to remember why.
Red Son was hoping neither of his parents noticed. Unfortunately, Wukong knew him inside and out.
Wukong didn't say anything to him, he merely put a present bag in front of Red Son's bedroom door and left it be. Red Son took it into his room wordlessly and closed the door before checking its contents.
Things to cover (or at least decorate) his head:
A beanie. Nope, it reminded him of the awful months when his Mum was without fur.
A few colorful headbands of various widths and patterns. Maybe some other time.
A flower crown! Fake ones that would easily last until his hair grew back too!
Oh, and his mum knew him too well! Matching earrings not too much deeper into the bag.
For the first time in a while, Red Son admired his reflection. Call it vanity, call it pride, whatever. It felt so good to finally enjoy his, no, her appearance once again.
~~~
Wukong looked up from his cooking pot to see his daughter happily prancing down the hall all dressed in flowers, flowery Mary Janes included.
He smiled at her. She smiled back. Caihong twirled for him. A soundless show of appreciation for the gifts. Wukong clapped.
Caihong sat down to watch him cook. It was the same dishes Jinzha had been craving, but in such large batches. Caihong knew how to make most of them, but they would never taste the same coming from her. Never.
~~~
SWK: Thanks for helping me deliver these to your uncle. I really am trying to be supportive without... you know.
RS: Yeah, I watched you during those years. You tried to hide it, but I could always see the mental torment and pain in your eyes.
RS: Nevertheless, I'm very grateful for everything you did for us. You did everything you could despite the circumstances and gave us an unconditional love that I had no idea was possible, especially in times like those.
RS: And to think I thought it all normal.
SWK: Yeah, well, so did I.
SWK: And you were just a kid! You didn't know any better! I did my best to give you the best and never let my traumas or insecurities affect you and I'm sorry if it did-
RS: You were the best mother you could possibly have been. Perhaps better.
RS: No parent is perfect and I acknowledge that, but you? You were flawless in my eyes. Still are. And if ever there was such a thing you did that hurt me, I forgave you long ago.
SWK: ... was there?
RS: ... Yes.
RS: It was... the first time I tried to call you "Mum". The very first time.
RS: You told me that I already had a Mum, one who loved me even if it didn't seem like it on the surface...
RS: And given the circumstances, what else could you do?! I was not legally your child, my biological parents were still in and out of my life and given your relationship with them at the time, to allow me to call you "Mum" would be traitorous!
RS: Not only that, but your then husband didn't want me, so you raised me alone.
SWK: I-
RS: And before you say anything, he was obvious about it despite your attempts to cover it up! He didn't want me.
SWK: ... it's true, he didn't. I tried to get him to, though.
RS: And I'm sure you tried your hardest, as you did with my biological parents too.
RS: But some people can't be changed and I think it's best if we stopped trying. All that's left is to build upon the ashes of what remains.
SWK: I know. I'm sorry.
RS: Don't be. If bridges were never burned, we might not be here to welcome the baby. A baby that was born because there is hope on the ashes of what once was.
Wukong couldn't bring himself to enter the hospital, no matter how hard he tried. No one forced him too, but he tried anyway, but still couldn't. Best he could do was sit outside the front door.
Wukong couldn't shake the feelings of regret and guilt at not being there for Jinzha as he waited for Nezha, but it lessened with time.
Hours passed, and Nezha did check on Wukong regularly. Wukong always insisted that he spend as much time as he could with his brother and nephew.
Guanyin went inside periodically to check on the two. When they did, another family member would take their place watching Wukong. Red Son first, then Erlang, then Muzha, then Zhang.
Guanyin had given Wukong a chalk set not long into the second hour of waiting outside, and gave the monkey free reign to scribble on the sidewalk in the front yard.
Seeing the scribbles put Nezha and their family at ease over Wukong's mental health. That, and hearing him sing as he did so.
~~~
Nezha walked out of the hospital as the sun was starting to set. He looked around and saw Wukong sitting with Guanyin a bit a ways away from the front doors. Wukong had likely moved over to more blank concrete.
Nezha went over to the two.
Nezha: Wukong, time to go home!
SWK: Aw, five more minutes? I'm almost done!
Nezha: Okay, five more minutes, then we're heading home. It's almost dark out.
SWK: Already?! It only felt like an hour!
Nezha: It's been five, actually.
SWK: Oh.
Nezha: It's okay, I'm glad you're having fun.
SWK: Me too. I thought I'd just be sitting in misery because my stupid trauma wouldn't let me go inside.
Guanyin: Sometimes all you need is a good distraction and a creative outlet.
SWK: And thank you for helping me find one. Couldn't have done it without you, Teacher.
Guanyin: Happy to be of help.
~~~
*in the car*
Nezha: Is it alright if I take you out to dinner? It's a little late, but if you don't mind, I'd like to treat you.
SWK: I'd like that.
SWK: Hey, Nezha?
Nezha: Yes?
SWK: I was thinking, would it be alright if I cooked food for Jinzha? I'd like to show him that I still love him and his baby, and that I still want to support him.
SWK: I want to be there however I can, even if it's only in a meal. Guanyin said we're allowed to bring food!
Nezha: Of course! That's sounds wonderful, I'm sure Jinzha will enjoy that.
Nezha: Though, Wukong?
SWK: Yes?
Nezha: You do know Jinzha loves you regardless, right? I did tell him your situation not long after I got your permission, and he is not upset or hurt by you, nor does he feel abandoned.
Nezha: He knows you're having a hard time with this, and he does not expect you to force yourself to do anything regarding him or his baby right now.
SWK: I know. I just want to show my love in whatever ways I can.
Nezha: Good. I'm very happy you do.
~~~
Wukong happily ate the noodles as Nezha talked about what happened in the hospital room. Well, more like gushed about the baby with such glee he could barely speak proper Mandarin.
Nezha: And he just has the tiniest hands! And little feets! Such little feets! Oh, I wish you could've seen the little feets!
SWK: It's been some time since I've seen little feets! Last time was our own son if I'm not mistaken.
Nezha: If you like how Red Son looked as a baby, you will adore Jinka! They have the same teeny-tiny hands and tiny nose!
Nezha: *expression softens* And the same magenta eyes... the ones my mother had.
SWK: *grabs his hand*
Nezha: He's so perfect. Both of our sons are. I'm so glad they have her eyes. Red Son got them from Iron Fan, though that gene skipped over her.
SWK: It skipped over Jinzha too, didn't it?
Nezha: It did! I myself have my maternal grandfather's eyes and both Jinzha and Muzha got Li Jing's eyes. Crazy how genetics works.
SWK: I would know! 29 kids and only two red heads like me! And one of them is adopted!
Nezha: *laughs*
~~~
Nezha was tucking Wukong in to bed when he heard the door open.
RS: Mum? Baba?
Nezha: Yes, Son?
SWK: Is something wrong?
RS: I... can I sleep in here tonight? I just want to be by Mum if that's okay with you two.
SWK: Oh, baby! You can always come to me, Caihong. And if it helps, I am doing much better! I actually had quite a good day, all things considered.
RS: *climbing next to him* That's good to hear. I was worried you would be upset by me.
SWK: Upset by you? Why would I be upset by you?
RS: Well, given what was giving you a hard time, I was worried that... you might want your children near you.
SWK: ...
SWK: I'm alright with you.
SWK: I will always love my children, but you are right that these things make it hard for me, but... you're special. You were my choice. My very first choice.
SWK: And I wouldn't choose differently no matter the circumstance.
RS: ... You promise?
SWK: I promise you. I will always love and want you.
TW: mentions of childbirth, labor, c-section, PTSD episode,
Erlang held Jinka to his chest and nuzzled his little head softly.
Jinzha and Jinka had been moved to the hospice room where Jinzha had chosen to spend his traditional postpartum confinement period.
Jinka was dressed in a blueberry onesie with tiny strawberry mittens, the mittens made by Wukong and the onesie a gift from Erlang.
Little socks were put on his feet that matched standard Celestial soldiers' socks. The beanie Jinka wore also was the same shade as a soldier's under-armor, both also from Erlang.
Erlang cherished every slight wiggle and coo out of his newborn grandson. Little Li Jinka had been given his first bath was now with Grandba both to bond with him and to give Baba a chance to rest and recover.
The call was given out. Now they just waited for the others to come meet the new member.
~~~
Muzha was the first to arrive, surprisingly. He didn't yet dare enter the hospice room.
He looked at Jinzha, saw that he wasn't holding the baby, and gave a quick visual search of the room before seeing Jinka on the changing table with Zhang.
Muzha's eyes went wide.
Muzha: Wow. There they are.
Jinzha: Beautiful, isn't he?
Muzha: He?! He's perfect! You made him?! *stammering* I know how but... how?!
Jinzha: I too question how I was capable of such a thing.
Muzha: *walks over and hugs Jinzha* Congratulations, Brother. He truly is very perfectly beautiful.
Jinzha: *pats his back so he doesn't stretch too far* Thank you.
Muzha: Are you recovering okay? How is your middle?
Jinzha: I'm doing alright. Still sore and the stitches are still very much there, but otherwise alright.
Muzha: Have you stood up at all yet?
Jinzha: I have in order to go to the bathroom, and by Buddha, that feeling in my midsection was not pleasant. *jokingly* I survived my first bathroom trip, though.
Muzha: *laughs* I'm glad. I have heard many a horror story from friends and professors. So many.
Jinzha: Don't let that put fear in your heart, Brother. We are quite well.
Muzha: Thank the Buddha.
Jinzha: How have you been? You seem like it has been some time since you properly slept!
Muzha: I could say the same about you! It was finals week, so naturally it was a stressful week of tests and sleepless nights spent studying.
Jinzha: Oh, Brother.
Muzha: Don't worry, I believe I did well on each exam.
Jinzha: That's not what concerns me.
Muzha: Don't concern yourself with me, you just had a child! I can worry about me.
Muzha: I know you were always the one looking out for me our whole lives but I'll be fine, I can care for myself now. You worry about- ... what is his name?
Jinzha: Jinka. His name is Jinka. The little golden centerpiece of my whole heart and home.
Muzha: *smiles* And Wukong said there's no such thing as a perfect name.
Jinzha: I thought much the same!
Jinzha: Would you like to hold him?
Muzha: May I?!
Jinzha: Absolutely.
~~~
Red Son came next. The fact he came alone was a surprise.
RS: *sees Jinka in Jinzha's arms* Oh my-
Muzha: Where's Nezha?
Erlang: Muzha!
Muzha: What? I'm just asking!
RS: Him and Mum are coming later. Mum's isn't doing the best, it seems.
Jinzha: *deeply concerned* "Isn't doing the best"? Whatever does that mean?
Erlang: Jinzha, mind the baby. I will handle all family affairs. You worry about you two, and no more.
Jinzha: You know it's not that easy or simple, Baba.
Erlang: I know, but I will handle it.
RS: I don't think there's much need for even that. My Baba says he's looking after Mum and they'll come when ready.
Erlang: Yes, but do you know what the matter is?
RS: I'm afraid I don't. Merely that it is Mum's mental health that she struggles with.
Zhang: *whispers to Erlang* Didn't Wukong's illness start in the mind?
Erlang: I believe so. But that might not mean what you think.
Erlang: We will give them space and welcome them when they are ready.
Jinzha: Would you like to come meet your little cousin?
RS: Oh! Yes! Of course! My apologies, I was a bit distracted-
Jinzha: No need! No need! Come, say hello.
RS: *walks over* Are you doing well, Uncle? You didn't experience too much pain did you?
Jinzha: I experienced the pains of labor, but I got an epidural before it became too much for me to bare. I question how your Mum ever endured it.
RS: As do I, honestly. I've heard so many horror stories from her alone! She always told me that she liked how I was "the easiest one to bring forth".
Jinzha: I don't blame him. Now enough about me, we're here for him.
RS: Him?!
Jinzha: Him. Li Jinka, my son.
RS: Jinka, you say? Oh, what a wonderful name. Just lovely.
~~~
Nezha showed up some time later. Alone.
He held flowers and a balloon that were clearly picked out by Wukong, but he stood there alone.
Erlang approached him, but Nezha did not acknowledge him.
Nezha: Brother! Are you doing well?
Jinzha: *surprised* I'm fine. Where's-
Nezha: Wukong picked these out for you as gifts. I'm sure the flowers have a meaning, you can question him about it later. Are you in much pain?
Jinzha: Nezha, I-
Erlang: *puts a hand on Jinzha's shoulder*
Jinzha: *takes a breath* I am doing just fine. Sore, but fine.
Nezha: Good. I pray a swift recovery over you and your child.
Jinzha: The baby is alright, Brother!
Nezha: Babies need to recover from birth too, you know.
Jinzha: Oh...
Nezha: I wouldn't worry too much, your son is healthy.
Jinzha: You can tell?
Nezha: Of course I can. Now, what name have you picked? We have been eagerly waiting!
Jinzha: Jinka. My son's name is Li Jinka.
Jinzha: Would you like to hold him?
Nezha: Oh, yes, please!
~~~
Nezha swayed as he held Jinka, singing songs old and new.
Jinzha joined in on a song their own mother had sung to them as children, prompting Muzha to join. Erlang recognized it as an old Celestial lullaby, joining in too.
Red Son barely recalled the melody, but got the hang of it soon enough, though he made mistakes here and there.
Jinka fell asleep to the choir of his family. Curled up in his uncle's warm embrace, swaying like the soft breeze, was the perfect napping spot.
TW: mentions of childbirth, labor, c-section, PTSD episode,
Muzha woke up on the floor surrounded by textbooks and flashcards.
Finals were finally over, Muzha did his best on every exam and hadn't done anything other than eat, study, and have a few too many energy drinks before the whole thing.
He probably looked like a drunk man in a crack house right now. Honestly, he felt like shit and it was entirely his fault, but it was finals season. Could you blame him?
Muzha picked up his phone to check the various group chats he was apart of.
A lot of texts were unread. Muzha decided to check the family group chat first.
The first text he saw:
"THEY'RE HERE???!!!"
Muzha rolled over onto his stomach and scrolled obsessively through the chat.
Erlang mentioned not revealing the gender or name of the baby over the chat, stating that information was to be revealed in-person.
The rest was mostly garbled nonsensical reactions from the various members of the family, except for one:
"I don't mean to push, but can we come meet them yet?"
Erlang responded hours later:
"Jinzha needs a bit more time alone with the baby. I will call you when he says it's time."
Nezha sent a thumbs up emoji.
Muzha was in awe.
And also frustrated.
He missed it?
He was never going to witness it anyway, but he missed it?
It had been hours since Jinzha's text about going into labor, and Muzha was preoccupied doing what? Studying? Sleeping?! BOTH?!
Muzha dropped his face into the floor and screamed into the carpet.
Then he looked back at his phone and texted:
"Is everyone okay?"
~~~
Half an hour later, Zhang responded:
"Baby and Baba are both okay."
Phew.
Muzha had studied medicine, but not c-sections specifically. He knew just enough of what could happen to worry, but not enough to say exactly what could go wrong. Not fun.
Thank goodness they were okay, though.
~~~
Nezha took Wukong on a walk through a Water District park called Lilypad Park not too far from their house.
It was suitably named, with lilypads, lotus flowers, and other semi-aquatic shrubbery in the ponds next to the walkways. There wasn't a singular path, but a series of connected low bridges with rails so young children wouldn't fall in the water.
Wukong moved about in his leg-propelled wheelchair as he pleased.
SWK: *still melancholy* This is nice.
Nezha: I'm glad you like it. Figured we needed some fresh air.
SWK: You take such good care of me.
Nezha: You would have done the same for me. In your own way, but still.
SWK: Yeah...
SWK: I like it here.
~~~
RS: Mum?! Baba?! What are you doing up there?!
Nezha & SWK: Tree!
RS: That doesn't answer my question!
Red Son was shocked and concerned by his parents being up a tree in their backyard. They were on the lower branches, no more than a few feet off the ground, but still!
Nezha: Trees are good for monkey mental health.
SWK: I missed trees.
Nezha: Don't worry, I'm keeping an eye on him. I won't let him fall. I can fly and I have my sash.
RS: Okay, well... Grandba called! He said we're allowed to come meet the baby now!
SWK: ... *puts his head on the branch*
Nezha: *rubs his back* You go ahead, we'll be there when we're ready.
RS: If you say so.
~~~
Nezha: We don't have to go if you don't want to.
SWK: I don't want to prevent you from going, though. I know how excited you are for them. I don't want to take that special moment from you.
Nezha: There will be more special moments. The baby has their whole life ahead of them. There's time. As much time as you need.
SWK: I still think you should go ahead.
Nezha: I'm not going anywhere without you.
SWK: Okay...
SWK: Can we go get Jinzha some flowers?
Nezha: Absolutely. We can get some for you too if you'd like.
SWK: Okay! *tail wags slightly*
~~~
Nezha: It's a beautiful bouquet. The balloon is a nice touch. I think my brother will like it.
SWK: *stops in front of the door*
Nezha: What's the matter?
SWK: I can't do this.
Nezha: Wukong-
SWK: I can't do this!
Nezha: Wukong, breathe. You don't have to. No one will make you go in. I promise you that.
Nezha: You enter at your own volition and no one else's.
Nezha: I can stay out here with you.
SWK: No! You need to meet them!
Nezha: I won't leave you here alone!
Guanyin: Then may I suggest a compromise?
SWK: Guanyin!
Guanyin: Hello, my disciple.
Guanyin: Nezha, would it appease you if I were to stay here with Wukong? I am not required elsewhere and won't be for some time.
Nezha: I... *sighs* I suppose that is suitable.
Nezha: But if he starts spiraling, summon me immediately.
Guanyin: I will do no less.
SWK: You go. I'll be alright with them. They make me feel safe.
Nezha: *takes deep breath* If you say so. Would you like me to present the gifts on your behalf?
SWK: Yes please, and make sure you acknowledge Jinzha first. We are not going to neglect him in favor of the cute, new baby, understand?
Nezha: Understood.
~~~
Guanyin and Wukong sat in the grassy field outside of the hospital. Wukong rolled around the grass as they talked.
Guanyin: You should be proud of yourself for making it as far as you did. That was no easy feat for you.
SWK: I know. Still, I can't help the nagging voice saying that I'm a coward and should be there for my brother-in-law.
Guanyin: You will be there when the time comes. And you are not a coward for turning away for the time being.
Guanyin: They do not have your history. They have not suffered as you have. You went through things most could only dream of in nightmares. And you survived.
Guanyin: Survival itself is a feat. Immortal or no, that was not an easy thing to endure!
Guanyin: Today you looked your trauma and pain in the eye and said "my brother is more important than you".
SWK: I did, didn't I?
Guanyin: You did, and we are very proud of you for doing so. Even if you couldn't go through the door, you should be commended for making it as far as you did.
Guanyin: Perspective is everything, my student. Use it in your favor.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
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MK: So, if the problem was with Nezha's new body not working, why don't they, I don't know, make him a newer one that actually works?
RS: I asked a similar question. Apparently, doing so would actually increase the chances of a newer body being even worse. It also creates a chance of damaging the soul in the process.
RS: I'm told that's how most body-and-soul combo reincarnation disorders are gained.
TW: mentions of childbirth, c-section, medical malpractice, kinda body horror I think, PTSD episode,
Jinzha was laid down on the operating bed, a curtain placed so he could not see the operation happening.
As much as Jinzha wanted to see his baby come into the world, he understood why that curtain was put there.
He had heard Nezha's horror story of waking up mid-surgery a few centuries back and witnessing the cut-open parts of his body and organs that were never meant to see the light of day squirm inside of him.
The doctors gave Nezha the wrong amount of sedatives and had to restrain him because of his (understandable) freak-out after he woke up.
And he was still a kid when that happened.
Nope, not gonna complain about the curtains. No. Not even a little bit.
~~~
Erlang: *over the phone* No, you guys can not come to the hospital yet. They just started surgery and we don't need any unnecessary panic over here.
Li: Well, what are we meant to do in the meantime?
Erlang: I don't know, play a board game or something! Why don't you go ahead and play Dungeons and Dragons? That can keeps you guys occupied for days if needed.
Li: But you're always the Game Master!
Erlang: Well, now is your chance to try something new or go find something else to keep yourselves occupied!
Li: Well... I guess we could try.
~~~
Wukong didn't eat much for breakfast on his own, even with Nezha's gentle insistence to do so.
Nezha even offered to feed Wukong himself if it would help him eat. "I'm fine"'s weren't going to persuade him, Nezha knew what was wrong, he was just trying to keep it from getting worse.
Wukong had to admit, it was nice being spoon-fed by his husband again. As much as he used to hate when it was a necessity, it was a very intimate thing between them.
Nezha always cradled Wukong's face as he fed him. Always gave little praises when Wukong took the food given to him. Always fed him slowly and made sure the temperature was never to much in either direction for him.
Nezha had always been the best at feeding him.
~~~
Erlang sat next to Zhang in the waiting room playing footsie with him under the coffee table before them.
Erlang was understandably distracted during the whole thing.
Zhang: You're worried.
Erlang: *sighs* How could I not be? We only just got him.
Zhang: *leans on him* *wraps his far arm around Erlang's waist* I know, but he will be okay. And, he will bring about our new grandbaby.
Erlang: Crazy to think about. I know we technically have other grandchildren, but...
Zhang: We get to watch this one grow.
Erlang: *smiles* *hugs him back* I know. I can't wait.
Erlang & Zhang: *kiss passionately*
~~~
There it was, the first cry!
Jinzha felt his heart erupt with a thousand emotions all at once.
He burst into tears immediately.
Jinzha: My baby! Bring them here! Bring them here!
Guanyin: We're cleaning up the baby and wrapping him in warm clothes for you. We'll be quick about it.
Jinzha: Him?
Guanyin: Him.
True to their word, Guanyin brought the little bundle over to Jinzha. The baby made his presence know to all within earshot.
Guanyin held the newborn next to his Baba's face, as he could not yet hold him due to the numbness in his arms.
But it only took five words to calm him.
"Hi, Jinka. I love you."
Jinka let out a small coo.
Jinzha melted at the sound.
~~~
Jinka was placed in a bassinet where he could be observed by Jinzha and those in the waiting room. Erlang and Zhang were still the only ones present.
Jinzha had never seen either of them cry before now, and he had never been so proud to have had a hand in another's tears.
When Jinzha was all sewn back together, Guanyin help undress Baba and baby for their first skin-to-skin time.
Jinzha was given a quick tutorial for holding a newborn, just in case he hadn't already been informed. He had.
His new little baby, safe in his arms at last. Only three months ago was the little one he held conceived. Now, safe and warm and healthy.
Jinzha: *kisses Jinka's forehead* Hello, my son. Welcome to the world!
Jinka: *squims and kick*
Jinzha: There's those strong legs! So much more room to wiggle now, isn't there? How lovely.
Jinzha: *adjusts the baby blanket* Let's keep you warm, shall we? Warm and safe.
Jinzha: Warm and safe and loved.
Jinzha: So loved.
Jinzha: *kisses Jinka's forehead*
Jinzha: Welcome to the world, my beautiful son. My Jinka.
So turns out there was a reason why Zhang was the other person listed as Nezha's legal guardian with Erlang Shen.
Every member of the Plum Hill Boys can easily hunt, skin an animal, fight in both hand-to-hand combat and with weaponry, both solo, in larger groups and in catastrophically large armies...
But give them a laboring new parent, and they fumble all over each other in a panic.
Erlang, Zhang, and a slight bit from Kang were pretty much the only actually helpful people in the room from what Jinzha could tell.
Erlang called the medical staff and told them that Jinzha had gone into labor. Zhang was helping Jinzha with breathing, remaining calm, and overall emotional support. Kang was...
Kang was on collateral damage control from the look of it.
Zhang didn't let Jinzha see or focus on most of what the rest of the Plum Hill Boys (and presumably Xiaotian too) were doing. He did hear a lot of incoherent shouting over top of one another.
Erlang couldn't go over to handle it due to being on the phone with Guanyin, who would be leading the operation at Jinzha's request, but Erlang did give them the mother of all side glares.
Those who saw him shut their mouths immediately.
But not all of them did.
Erlang: Thank you, we will await your call back. Thank you again and goodbye. *hangs up*
Erlang: *turns to the others* WHY ARE YOU ALL YELLING SO MUCH???!!! IT'S NOT HELPFUL!!! MAKE SOMETHING OF YOURSELVES AND LOAD THE LUGGAGE WE PACKED INTO THE CAR!!!!!
PHBs: *noises of panic and guilt* *scrambling to do as told*
Zhang: *to Jinzha* This is why Nezha was our only child.
Jinzha: I kinda figured. They seem more stressed than I am.
Erlang: We have been advised to remain here until the medical staff is completely ready for your arrival as I suspected. As soon as I get the call that they are ready, we will go.
~~~
Nezha: *lifts his head off of the pillow*
SWK: *groggy* What is it?
Nezha: I think Jinzha's having the baby.
SWK: That's nice.
Nezha: Don't you think we should go help him?
SWK: Realistically, would we actually be helping, or would be more extra sets of hands with nothing to help with?
Nezha: Probably the second one. Baba is with him, as are my other fathers.
SWK: Chances are we won't be allowed in the operation room with Jinzha either. No point in going over there, especially since it could take hours.
Nezha: True.
SWK: I know you're worried about him, but there's not much we can do but wait. Go back to sleep, it'll help pass the time.
Nezha: Okay...
Nezha: But if we get called to come over there-
SWK: Erlang will keep us updated as needed, now go to sleep.
Nezha: Okay.
Nezha: But-
SWK: SLEEP.
Nezha: Okay. *puts his head back down*
~~~
RS: *kicks in door* MUUUUUUM!!!!! BAABAAAA!!!!! IT'S HAPPENING!!!!!!
Nezha: *groggy* Huh?
RS: JINZHA'S HAVING THE BABY!!!!!! HE'S HAVING THE BA-
SWK: *lifts head off pillow* *gives a stern "now is not the time for this" look*
RS: *shuts his mouth*
SWK: Go back to bed.
RS: Yes, Ma'am. *turns and leaves*
SWK: We are not going anywhere until we are summoned, understand?!
RS: *already in his bedroom* Yes, Ma'am!
~~~
Okay, it was starting to become clear why childbirth was considered the most painful thing a person could ever endure. Not that Jinzha ever doubted it, of course he didn't, but to experience it firsthand... wow.
Jinzha had heard both his mother and brother-in-law describe the pains of childbirth before. This was not new information, none of this was, but it felt quite similar to hearing about a foreboding calamity that is believable yet never tangible, only to now experience it personally.
Jinzha considered himself to have a higher-than-average pain tolerance, but he admitted that even period cramps or heart attacks or his poor brother's cardiac arrest sounded like unbearable pain.
He was getting pretty close to what he assumed those felt like, and he wasn't even a quarter of the way along.
Zhang: Squeeze our hands, it'll help you. We don't mind.
Jinzha: Promise?
Erlang & Zhang: Promise.
Jinzha: Okay! *squeezes their hands*
Zhang: Jinzha, breathe!
Jinzha: *takes a big gasp of breath*
Zhang: *to Erlang* He is like his brother when it comes to pain, have you noticed?
Erlang: I have, it worries me.
Kang: He's not doing that breath-holding thing Nezha used to do, is he?
Erlang & Zhang: He is.
Kang: Oh dear.
~~~
Erlang got the call. Jinzha shuffled over to the vehicle as fast as he could go, which was not very.
Erlang drove with Jinzha in the back with Zhang, who was doing his best to get Jinzha breathing properly.
Jinzha: You said that my brother once had trouble with his breathing as well?
Zhang: Yes, and since your brother has chronic pain that varies in intensity, it would get to the point of near-suffocation. He can breathe underwater, which was helpful until he could be taught how to properly breathe through intense pain.
Erlang: It's not something taught overnight, unfortunately, but we will do what we can for you.
Jinzha: Getting to the hospital faster would be nice- *hitches his breath*
Zhang: Breathe, Jinzha, breathe. *rubs his back*
Jinzha: *does his best to breathe*
~~~
Epidurals were a blessing. Oh, how he wished his mother and brother-in-law could have had this during their births.
It was so much easier to breathe, too.
Guanyin: I take it the epidural is starting to work?
Jinzha: *nods* *takes long, steady breaths*
Guanyin: Good. We'll give it a bit more time for it to fully get in your system, then we will lay you down and begin.
Jinzha: And then my baby will come?!
Guanyin: And then your baby will come.
Jinzha: *cries happy tears* Oh, Thank the Tathagata Buddha!
Mama Wukong is trying to avoid her trauma triggers as best as possible without announcing that she's triggered. Jinzha is simultaneously having the best day of his life, and the worst pain of his existence. Fun!
