Family business

[priderock]

the "WE'RE HAVING A BABY" meme

Nature is no respecter of persons, my friends. Whether it be childhood friends, newlyweds, or one-night stands, a single decision or accident can change everything, and there will be three people instead of just two.

Congratulations! The characters in these threads and those who reply to them are now expecting babies, no matter what their unique situation may be. Of course, depending on the characters, this might go over like a lead balloon. But wait! Even if the decision to have a baby was made and was consensual, the process is no walk in the park. There is lots to do...and only nine months to do it. Nine potentially drama-filled months.

HOW TO PLAY

• Comment with your character, preferences, etc.
• Not all options here are fluffy and happy. Some are potentially angsty or possibly triggering. Tread lightly. Be sure to mention what you want and what you don't want.
• Reply to others.
• For this, male characters can get pregnant because why not.

PROMPTS

• How'd It Happen: What led up to this event? How are you in this situation?


• Realization: There's a wrench in the works...or maybe it was expected, but you're just realizing you're pregnant.


• Positive Reaction: Yes, after all this time and planning! You're finally ready for a family.


• Negative Reaction: Oh, no. This is terrible. You're in no position to take care of a child!


• Freak Outs: But...how? You're a human, she's an alien, how -


• Deciding What to Do: If this wasn't planned, there needs to be a plan of action now.


• Keep it Secret: You're attempting to keep your pregnancy a secret from your partner. This is only a bandaid for the bigger problem.


• Telling Others: The other people in you two's life have to know at some point.


• Drama: No one wanted you to have a kid and the anger is palpable.


• Morning Sickness and More: Everything hurts and the mornings are hell.


• Learning: If you're in a technologically advanced society, you may get to see an ultrasound. Otherwise, there are folk remedies that can be tried.


• Manipulation: One of you is using the prospect of a child to bend the other to their will and make them stay.


• My Body is a Cage: The person carrying the baby is having a decent amount of discomfort, mentally and physically.


• Showing: It's a secret no longer with an expanding stomach.


• Support: The partner who isn't carrying the child should do their best to be there and help out...


• Overprotective: ...but to a degree. Don't act like the partner carrying the child is made of paper.


• Getting Ready: The house or apartment or castle has to be babyproof.


• Heart to Heart: It's time to talk about the big changes before the happen. Where do the two of you stand?


• It's Happening: THE BABY IS COMING.


• Rough Going: Childbirth is still a dangerous affair and there's no smooth sailing for you. So pace if you're lucky, scream in the bed if you're not.


• Bad End: Not all new beginnings last. Sometimes, they become unhappy endings.


• Coming Home: Finally, parents and baby get to settle down.


• Getting Used to This: Well, maybe settle down. There's still crying in the night, feedings to do, diapers to change...

Comments

[i_must_ride]

[Drogo has broken many Dothraki traditions since making Danaerys his bride. His Khaleesi. He can be a stubborn man, a proud man, and his current state is evidence of that. But his son's first cries break through his fever dreams, giving him a reason to defy the great stallion. He may be fighting for his life, but Khal Drogo has never been defeated in battle yet.

He digs in his heels, refusing to be born away into the afterlife.]

...Dany?

[decisiveconquest]

(All she needs is to hear that voice. Though she can't stand yet, their beds are close enough for her to be easily heard.)

He's here. He's safe. (Rhaego gives a whimper as he is lifted for Drogo to see.) His hair is dark like yours, Shekh Ma Shieraki Anni.

[i_must_ride]

(His voice is weak, and he can no more stand than she can, but Drogo turns his head to look upon his wife and their newborn son.)

Rhaego. (Drogo smiles proudly. He must regain his strength soon, so he can teach their son to ride.) Does he have your eyes, Yer Jalan Atthirari Anni?

[decisiveconquest]

(The weakness in his voice frightens her, however she knows his strength; he can overcome his illness. And now he has a new reason to do so. She kisses the baby's chubby cheek and settles him back on her chest.)

...yes, he does. (It might be too early to tell, however they are pale enough to make it likely.) He must have wished to see you. He came so quickly.

[i_must_ride]

(Drogo makes a contented sound of affirmation as he watches his Khaleesi with their child.) His father was an impatient child, too. Before we know it, he will be ready to ride alone.

[decisiveconquest]

I'm not surprised! (Daenerys places their little son at her breast. He drinks eagerly, wasting no time. His eyes are bright and his tiny hands try to grasp the air until she captures one for a kiss.)

His mother will have her heart in her throat when he does.

[i_must_ride]

As all mothers do. (Drogo watches, pleased to see how strong and alert the Rhaego is. He can almost feel him own strength returning as he looks forward to watching the boy grow.) His father promises to stay at his side until he gets his balance.

[decisiveconquest]

It can't be helped. (Now that she is holding her little Rhaego in her arms, she doesn't want any harm to befall him. Ever. She will be a full dragon to protect him, breathing fire and all.)

He is blessed. (She calls for aid, pushing herself up. Using strength born of pure stubbornness, she rises - with the help of one of her handmaidens - and carries Rhaego to him. Daenerys perches on the side of Drogo's bed and holds out the infant to him.) Your son, my Khal.

[i_must_ride]

(Drogo can't help the swell of pride that fills him as she carries their son to him. Much like the day she ate the stallion's heart, her force of will is stirring in more ways than one. For now, he focuses on sitting up so he can take the child from her.)

I could not be more proud.