It's that moment when you actually feel alive

"I love you too," Butcher said softly. He looked down at the attacking hatchling, "Do you want me to take this little Spartan with me?"

Mikey looked up, his eyes uncertain. His hands trembled. "Look after him for me." He whispered. Tears filled his eyes. "Please come back."

Butcher scooped up the hatchling attacking his leg and nodded, deciding to only pick up some things for Nils and leave his behind. He could always borrow from his friends, he reasoned. "I'll come back. Rest." He smiled softly.

Mikey pushed himself upright. "Do you promise?" He rested a hand on his stomach.

Butcher bent to kiss Mikey on the head, carefully balancing Nils. "I promise."

Mikey nodded in acknowledgement, eyes large and unfathomable. He leant in to kiss his son gently, before brushing his lips against Butcher's. "Be good for Papa now." He told his son, before turning to go.

Butcher watched Mikey then shifted Nils to go gather the things that the hatchling would need.

Mikey slowly walked up the stairs, a hand on his stomach. He closed the door behind him and gently lay down on the bed.

As Mikey left, Nick floated in, holding the baby close. He raised an eyebrow at Butcher.

Butcher walked down the stairs, bounching Nils gently to keep the child amused and shouldering a bag.

Mikey rolled over, not without effort, and started to sob, holding himself tightly.

"Andrew?" Nick darted after him. The baby whimpered slightly at being woken up.

"Yes?" Butcher paused then smiled in confusion. "Whose baby is that?"

Mikey closed his eyes, tears clumping his lashes together.

Nick raised an eyebrow. "Guess." He said quietly, moving to stand by him.

Butcher looked closer than looked at Nils. "No way that's Ryland's baby. She's? He's? too pretty."

The avian sobbed helplessly, wishing for it to end.

Nick smirked in agreement. "My thoughts exactly. But..." he shrugged. "She's Mikey's. And unless there's someone else, which I'm pretty sure there isn't..."

Butcher's smile faded. "What's her name?" He looked from the little girl to Nils and tried to imagine seven hatchlings in one place.

Nick shrugged. "I was going to ask Mikey, but... I heard what happened."

"Oh," Butcher looked down. "I didn't know it was even possible..."

Nick shrugged. "Don't blame yourself. You're a brilliant dad. You're going to be a brilliant dad." He looked back up the stairs. "I'll look after Mikey. You go show off to Carden and William that you're going to have seven - make that eight, counting Nils - beautiful children, in comparison to their measly three."

Butcher scratched his head and blushed slightly. "I don't know about that but... I know you'll take care of him while I'm gone right?" Butcher smiled and shifted Nils so he could pat Nick on the shoulder. "I'm going to check on how William's pregnancy is coming along." He stepped backwards and blew a kiss to Nick before leaving.

» Feel like I don't belong...
» I've been waiting for this moment all my life