⚠ Warning: Slight mentions of loss and slight depictions of operations in this chapter. If affected, please read with caution. ⚠

~~~~~

*Mallory*

I finished folding up the last baby shirt and placed it on the pile.

It's been a couple of weeks since Vince came back and somehow, things have looked up a little now.

We all have gotten closer since then and the guys have even started writing up music for a new album without any fights as well.

We decided to still stay on hiatus for a bit, though, since we all could use a break after so much turmoil that's gone on.

With Jelly Bean already at Month 9 and due any day now, of course, Nikki and I are anxious in both a good and bad way for our baby.

I looked down and smiled as I held my hand over my really big baby bump.

After loosing Razzle Jr. and Angel, I had pretty much lost hope on ever having kids.

Then I found out I was having JellyBean, and now... I feel happy... Like everything really is going to be okay...

I rubbed my tummy softly as I took a deep breath, deciding to rest for a bit.

Nikki had gone with Mick to his house to help him clean some stuff up, since Mick was well enough to go back to his home, while I stayed to organize some stuff in the nursery.

I didn't mind him staying some extra time, but I know it'll be hectic once I go into labor, and I also know after that, Nikki and I will be looking at a lot of sleepless nights for a pretty good while, so for Mick's sake I think its best he doesn't have to deal with a crying baby every night, too.

I looked around the room and smiled softly.

(Picture: Example of Baby Sixx's new nursery)

Everyone really outdid themselves at the nursery.

Nikki had not only gotten help from the guys, but the boys in Skid Row also helped by painting the walls, and John and Valerie did help as well (John and Vince meeting didn't go bad, but they didn't exactly talk a lot either... I guess that's something...?)

In a surprising turn of events, Slash also offered some help with a few new clothes and decor for the baby's room. Duff and Izzy also helped with the flooring a bit. I was surprised they wanted to help at first, but then Duff told me he felt sorry of how things were left last time I saw them, and wanted to make it up to me. Slash was kind of always friends with Nikki, so he didn't mind lending us a hand as well.

Even Andy and Michael had come by once for a visit and helped me and Heather pick out some necessities and furniture.

I also had spent some time with Sharise lately, trying my best to cheer her up. She's helped me in picking out baby clothes and other stuff I'll need, and even gave me some mommy books to help me out. She's healing, but I can imagine what she's going through in a way.

I then looked over at the one empty space where the crib was supposed to be eventually, and sighed, frowning a bit.

Despite everything, though, we are somehow still needing a crib.

Nikki and I in the end got our money back late on the lost crib we ordered, but still have to look for one.

We initially planned to have the crib in our bedroom for the first few months the baby is home, and then eventually move the crib to the nursery.

Aside from the crib, however, pretty much everything is ready for baby JellyBean.

I then see Jack come in, wagging his tail as I sat on the chair.

"Hey, boy," I smiled. "Excited for your new playmate?"

He sat close to me, front paws on my leg as he sniffed my bump and happily looked at me while wagging his tail some more.

I giggle softly at him before hearing the doorbell ring, and then groaned.

No respect for the pregnant lady when she's got her feet up...

I forced myself up, and walked, (or"penguin waddled" as Nikki described once, earning him a night on the couch) out, heading downstairs to the door.

"Whoever it is.... You better have pizza!!!" I shouted as I made my way to the door, and opened it, surprised at who was there.

"Oh, Vince, hi," I said, smiling softly.

"Hey, um.... No pizza unfortunately, so, have mercy??" he said with a laugh. 

"Oh, hehe," I laughed, face palming. "Sorry... Cravings..."

"I get it. Sharise almost murdered me once for some french fries," he laughed. "I, uhh, actually wanted to stop by, see how you two were doing."

I sighed, looking down. "Almost there," I said. "The Braxton-Hicks can be annoying, but I'm managing."

He nodded. "That's good. Oh, uhh, I actually have something for you. Sharise and I talked, and well.... Close your eyes."

I looked at him questioningly.

"Just trust me," he said.

I chuckled and put my hands over my eyes as then Vince slowly lead me outside to the driveway. 

"Vince, what is this about?" I asked.

"Something you and Nikki might need," He said, then stopped us and stood next to me.

"Here," he said, moving my hands from my face and showing me.... what was next to his car....

I gasped in surprise, feeling tears immediately prick my eyes.

"Skylar's crib..." I said.

"Sharise and I talked, and figured you and Nikki might want it. I also bought some old toys and childrens books," he said, a sad smile on his face as I realized what he meant.

I shook my head. "Vince, no... I-I can't accept this, its too valuable."

"We insist," He said. "Better JellyBean has some use for it than having it collect dust in some attic or something...."

I walked over and placed my hand on the rail, reminiscing the memories of watching over baby Skylar while Sharise or Vince were out, sometimes waking her up and seeing her giggling face look up at me or whoever came to get her for her bottle.... Putting her to bed... Reading her stories....

My poor, sweet little goddaughter..... To think we will never see that sweet face ever again......

I then frowned as a thought crossed my mind.

"I know I've said it before.... But I'm really sorry I never told you about Razzle's baby," I said, looking over at him. "You were already hurting from loosing him, blaming yourself, and... I was only protecting you..."

"MJ... Its okay," he assured. "It no one's fault, especially yours... I don't blame you for keeping it a secret. Plus.... Knowing would have probably made almost everything worse at the time....."

I sighed and looked down.

"I wish he still a chance," he said. "Both of them..."

I sighed. "Yeah, me too..." 

He looked took a deep breath as I admired the crib.

"This is just really thoughtful, Vin.... Thank you...." I smiled. "We'll make good use of it."

"No problem. Sharise had it cleaned up and bought a new mattress for it, said you got the sheets for it already," he said.

"Oh yeah, it was kind of hard since we don't really know what we're having," I said. "But we managed."

"Well, you'll find out soon and shopping will be easier," he shrugged.

"Yeah, well, at least thanks to a long line of rockstar friends, JellyBean here has a nice collection of leather jackets already started," I laughed.

He laughed. "Never too early," he said, then motioned to the crib. "If you want I can help get this inside."

"Yeah, sure, let me help," I said, but he stopped me.

"Whoa there, missy," he scolded. "No heavy lifting of any sort, especially when you could pop any day now. I can handle the crib. Its not even as heavy as it looks."

I sighed and smiled. "Alright, alright, don't ground me," I joked.

He snickered as he grabbed the crib and was able to lift it while we headed inside.

"I made some mango juice earlier this morning if you want some," I offered as he set it down in the living room.

"Sure," He said happily. "Sounds good."

I smiled and as I was about to head to the kitchen a tightening pain struck me and I groaned as I held my stomach.

"Whoa, hey, are you alright?!" Vince asked worriedly as he rushed to my side while I held the edge of the door.

"I-I'm fine... Braxton-Hicks, b-but...." I said. "That one felt off....."

"Maybe you should sit down," he said with a worried look.

I sighed and nodded as he held my hand and slowly helped me to a chair before suddenly another tightening pain struck me and I gasped in pain.

That's when I felt a strange pop inside me.

"Shit, MJ, what... Oh fuck..." Vince said as he looked down.

I frowned and looked, and that's when I saw a puddle of liquid forming at my feet.

"W-What..." I mumbled.

"Holy shit, MJ, I think you're water broke...!" Vince said in shock.

"O-Oh my god..." I said.

"We gotta go to the hospital, now," he said urgently.

"W-Wait, I-I have to call Nikki...!" I said to him as he helped me walk.

"I'll call him. Do you have a bag ready?" He asked.

"Y-Yeah, in the nursery," I said.

"Okay, I'll get you to the car and then get it, just do some breathing okay?" he said.

I nodded as I took some steady breaths as he helped me to the car.

Oh my god... Its finally happening....

*Mick*

"Where do you want these?" Nikki asked, holding up some books.

"Those are old," I said. "I'll probably sell or donate them. You can just put them in that box over there."

He nodded and went over as Tommy was messing with my hat collection, when Nikki's phone rang.

He got it from his pocket and answered. "Hello... Oh hey, Vince...."

"Hey, can I have this one?" Tommy asked, pointing at the black beret he pulled on his head.

"No, not focus, damn you," I scoffed.

"What!? Is she okay!?" Nikki suddenly shouted, making us look over.

He looked terrified as he was on the phone.

"Oh fuck... Oh god... O-Okay, we're on our way. Tell her to stay calm, and I'll be there soon, its all going to be okay," he said, then hung up.

"What happened?!" Tommy asked.

"Mal's water broke, Vince is rushing her to the hospital," He said.

"Oh fuck! Well then let's go, now," I said quickly as we all dropped what we were doing and hurried to my car, speeding towards the hospital.

***

*Nikki* 

Mick skid the car to a stop in front of the hospital.

"Go on ahead, we'll catch up!" he snapped at me.

I nodded and quickly got out of the car and towards the reception.

One of the receptionists I know, an intern named Brooke, was there.

"Hey, she's already checked in into the maternity ward, 3rd floor, room 348," She said quickly. "So far no signs of labor, but contractions are pretty close. Vince is with her. Good luck."

"Thanks, Allie," I said and hurried in direction to the maternity ward and taking the elevators.

Once I arrived I rushed to the room and ran in, seeing Mal was in a hospital bed, Vince next to her and holding her hand, a pained look

"Nikki!!" She cried out as she saw me.

"Babe, I'm here," I said as I rushed to her side. Sweat beaded her forehead and she looked terrified. "Its okay. How are you doing?"

"M-My water broke, b-but I'm not in labor yet," she said in a shaky voice. 

I looked at her in confusion.

"They're trying to induce it," Vince said. "If she doesn't go into labor soon, she and the baby could be at risk."

I looked at him worriedly as then Mick and Tommy ran in.

"Heather and Sharise are on their way now," Mick said.

I nodded as Mal then gasped in pain, forcing her to squeeze both my hand and Vince's very tightly and making us yelp in pain as our hands were crushed in a vice.

"Its been like this for me for half an hour," Vince groaned in pain.

"You're relieved," I said to him, wincing in pain. "Tommy, step up."

"But I like my hands!!!" he whined, and that's when Mick shoved Tommy into the chair and just as another contraction hit Mal, her hand shot out and gripped Tommy's hand, making him yelp and almost fall off his chair.

She also gripped my hand, but I managed to keep myself together.

Vince got some ice from a nearby nurse and we stayed with Mallory, hoping for any signs of labor.

They gave her an epidural for the pain, which thankfully took away most of the pain. She was still feeling some discomfort, though.

Heather, Sharise, and Alexis soon arrived, as did Tommy's girlfriend Bobbi (Thank god Tommy's love life bullshit was left outside the hospital).

It wasn't long when 2 nurses walked in, one of them being Dr. Langdon.

"Nikki, good to see you," she greeted, then looked over at Mal. "How's our momma doing?"

"Currently ruining my career," Tommy whimpered out in pain as he tried prying his possibly fucked hand out of her death grip.

"Ignore him, he'll be fine," Mick said, motioning to Tommy with a wave of his hand, everyone looking at Tommy either worriedly or judging.

"Right..... Anything yet, Mallory?" Dr. Langdon asked as she checked Mal's vitals.

Mal panted. "I-I don't know... I-I don't feel any different...." She said. "The contractions are getting closer, though...."

"I'll have to see if you're dilated enough to start pushing," she said.

Mal nodded as then everyone except Alexis was escorted from the room while Mal was prepped to be examined, the bed arranged to look like some examining chair.

I stayed at Mal's side as the doctor examined her, Mal trying to stay calm.

"Looks like despite labor taking a while, you look ready to push," she sighed. "Do you want to try?"

"Y-Yeah.... I-I think I feel ready..." she said, nodding.

Dr. Langdon nodded and prepped the room a little. I was about to move out of the way, but Mal's hand held mine.

"No, d-don't leave me, Nikki, please," she murmured.

"Its okay, I'm not gonna leave," I assured, kissing her softly as I leaned over as best as I could and wrapped an arm around her.

"Are you ready, Mallory?" She asked.

Mal sniffled nervously as nodded as she held both my hand and Alexis's hand.

"You got this, cous," She assured her.

Mal took some steady breath before she started to push, but then ended up screaming in pain as she did.

"Mal!?" I said worried as she stopped, panting.

"It hurts so much..." she cried.

"Can you try one more time, Mallory? Let me know," Dr. Langdon said.

"Mal, please don't hurt yourself," I begged.

She caught her breath as she focused and then pushed again, screaming as she did.

"Come on, you can do it, hun!" Dr. Langdon encouraged.

Mal kept screaming before she stopped and fell back sobbing.

"No no, I-I can't, it hurts so bad, I can't...!!!" She sobbed hysterically.

Dr. Langdon looked over worriedly.

"What can be done? She's in agony!" I said, feeling scared.

"If we continue to wait too long for labor, it could hurt both Mal or the baby, and there's no way she can push without hurting herself," she said. "I know you are both worried about the option, but we have to perform a cesarean section, and soon.... There's no other choice left...."

I let out a shaky breath and sighed, looking over at Mal.

"Nikki.... Its gonna be okay...." she murmured.

"Mal.... I can't lose you, too...." I said. 

"You won't, it'll be okay..." she said, taking a deep breath as her eyes got watery.

She's scared... I know it....

I hesitated, but then nodded.

"Let's do it...." I said.

"But.... I need the room for a moment..... I need to talk to Mick... Just for a minute..." she said.

Dr. Langdon nodded. "We'll prep the OR for you," she said.

Mal nodded as the nurses stepped out and I looked at her nervously.

"Its only a few minutes, I just have to tell him something," she said.

I gulped and nodded. "Okay... We'll go get him...." I said. "I'll be right outside."

She nodded as I kissed her softly before Lex stepped up next.

"We'll be waiting outside for you, okay? You're gonna be okay," Lex smiled.

Mal smiled as she gripped Lex's hand before we walked out and I went to get Mick.

*Mallory*

I took a deep breath as I laid there, and then soon Mick walked in, sitting next to me.

"What's going on, kid? Talk to me..." He asked.

I sniffled as I looked at him.

"The problem right now is.... If it takes me too long to go into labor..... T-There could be risks..." I admitted. "So I have to go under the knife... And there could be risks there, too, its not unheard of...."

He frowned. "What kind of risks are we talking about here?"

I pursed my lips as some tears fell. "The kind were only one of us might make it out of this.....If we're lucky....."

His eyes widen in horror as I took another deep breath.

"I need you to promise me something," I said.

"What?" he asked, both confused and cautious.

"I-If either of us is getting out of this.... It has to be my baby...." I said.

He immediately started to shake his head. "Mallory, no....!"

"Mick, please..... If I don't make it, you have to promise me.... Take care of my baby...." I said, feeling tears. "You'll be his godfather, Nikki and I had decided already.... Please, watch over my kid," I cried. "A-And promise me, you'll take care of Nikki, too, don't let him lose himself-"

"Mallory, enough! Stop!!" he snapped, gripping my hands and stopping me.

"Mick, there's a chance I'll be okay, but the case that I'm not, you gotta promise me, please," I cried, gripping his hands back.

"You are not going to fucking die, do you hear me?! You are going to make it out of this with your kid, and you are going to be a great mother, and I don't want you giving up on me, giving me this death bed bullshit, understand!?"

I sobbed quietly. "I-I'm scared..." I admitted quietly. 

"I know you are... But its going to be okay," he said. "You said the risks are unheard of, then what are the chances? Talk to me, Chief Nurse."

I gulped and tried my best to think.

"U-Ummmm.... Slim," I said, thinking. "Not too slim, but they can be pretty small, depending the woman's health as well as the baby's."

"And is JellyBean under any complication? What about you?" he  asked.

"Aside from my water breaking, all seems normal, for both of us," I said. "Vitals are fine, but JellyBean's oxygen levels have changed very slightly since I was checked in, nothing drastic."

"Then focus on the bigger chances," He said. "The chances of you both heading home in a few days, a week tops."

I let out a shaky breath as he held my hand.

"You're going to do great," He said, assuring me. "If it makes you feel at ease, though, I promise here and now that I'll take care of your kid and Nikki if anything happens, which I know won't.... I'll make sure they're okay...."

I nodded, wiping my tears, and then carefully pulled him into a hug, and he wrapped his arms around me. "Thank you..."

He nodded. "Of course...." he said as we then pulled back. "So... Now I'm a godfather, too?"

I smiled and nodded. "If you'll accept..."

He smiled and nodded. "Absolutely..."

I smiled as we pulled each other into another hug and then there was a knock.

"You ready to be a mom?" he asked.

I took a deep breath and nodded.

On with the show....

***

*Nikki* 

They took Mal to the OR delivery room and were prepping her to deliver.

I was allowed to be with her, but had to change into some weird, itchy hospital scrubs.

I adjusted the cap over my hair as Mal was given some local anesthesia.

I wish we were able to be in a regular delivery room so this wouldn't feel so damn scary..... But not like we have a choice....

I walked over and knelt down by Mal's head as they put the sheet up.

She let out a quiet sob, and I looked and saw she was crying.

"Babe?" I murmured, stroking her hair.

"I-I couldn't do it... I.... I couldn't push," she whimpered. "I-I couldn't...."

I frowned and leaned down, kissing her forehead softly as she cried.

"Baby, its okay," I said softly. "You did your best, and hey... Look how far you made it.... There was a point we thought we would never even see this day, ever.... Now its here....."

She sniffled as she looked at me. "I don't know if I can do this....."

"You can. Its okay. I'm gonna be here," I said.

She looked up at me nervously. "P-Promise?"

I nodded, gripping her hand. "I promise... I'm not gonna leave... Ever...."

She sniffled and leaned up, kissing me passionately.

I wrapped my arms around her and kiss her back as she hugged my neck as best as she could with her IVs.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you two, but we're about to begin," Dr. Langdon said, making us slowly pull back.

I gently helped Mal lay back down as they got everything ready.

It wasn't long before they got started and Mal was as relaxed as she could be. I stood at her side, holding her hand as Dr. Langdon and other nurses stood around her.

"Making the first incision," Dr. Langdon said with the scalpel in hand, and starting.

Mal then gasped softly as they made the incision and gripped my hand.

"Does it hurt?" I asked quietly, deciding that talking might keep her mind off of it.

"N-No.... Its like... Its like a weird kind of pressure...." She murmured softly. "I feel it, but... There's no pain.

I nodded as I softly pressed my nose against her cheek. I continued to softly stroke her cheek with one hand while holding the other, which she was holding tightly.

She whimpered softly, and I look to see the doctors carefully tugging at the opening.

I gulped and then looked back, holding onto Mal's hand while nuzzling her neck, and then moving her hand to my chest.

She let out a soft sigh as she felt my heart thump against her palm.

I smiled as I held her hand against my chest and leaned over, softly murmuring the lyrics to Without You into Mal's ear, hoping it gets her mind off of this.

"I got an arm," Dr. Langdon suddenly said, and Mal's hand tightened as she let out a soft gasp, before seconds later, a cry filled the whole room.

At that moment, an invisible weight lifted off my shoulders I I looked, seeing the nurses hold our baby.

"Its a boy," A nurse told us.

I smiled big as Mal and I looked at each other.

"A son...." she said in amazement, and we smiled as I pulled her into a kiss

"You did it, baby," i assured her as I kissed her. "You did it."

*Mallory*

I felt tears stream down my face as then the nurses walked over to us, aour son in their hands while I felt other nurses work on closing my wound up.

"Here he is," Dr. Langdon smiled as she walked over to us, holding my son up in a blanket, a few small streaks of blood still on him.

He fidgeted slight as I cried, looking at him and wishing to hold him.

"Oh god.... He's beautiful," I sobbed as Nikki held his little hand.

"Hey there, little guy," he smiled, and that's when I noticed tears in his eyes. "You actually made it...."

The baby cooed softly as the nurses then moved him.

"We're gonna finish cleaning him and then examine him just to be sure all is well," Dr. Langdon assured. 

"B-But I want to hold him..." I mumbled, reaching out.

"You will, Mallory, I promise," she assured. "For now, though, you really need your rest after this operation. Meanwhile, we'll make sure all is well with your son."

I gulped, looking at Nikki, who gave me a smile.

"I'll make sure I'm updated on everything," He said.

I took a deep breath and nodded. "O-Okay..."

The nurses then got to work as I then felt the fatigue suddenly hit me.

"Nikki, I-I feel tired," I mumbled to him.

"Its okay," he said, kissing my forehead and stroking my hair. "Just rest up now, babe. You did so good..."

I smiled up at him. "I love you..."

He smiled back. "I love you, too...."

I then feel myself drifting to sleep, even though my heart was warm and I was more than excited to properly meet my new son.

We're finally a family...

~~~~~

Yay, Baby Sixx is finally here! 👶🏻🤘🏻🖤

I hope you all like the new cover, by the way! 🌻

🎧 Currently in Sapph's playlist:

Green Day "When Its Time"

♡~ sapphire.