T/W: Mentions semi nudity and childbirth, although nothing graphic. Also mentions nursing for a baby.

***
Steve

Lex was a little cold towards me for a few days after I confronted Eric about his shitty behavior towards her.

But then, Lex told me she talked shit out with Eric and afterwards, she seemed more like her usual self. I wasn't thrilled, knowing that she went to see Eric, alone.

But he is her friend so I decided to let it slide. Damn. It's times like this I really wish Tim were here so I'd have someone who knew Eric well enough to talk about it. Nothing I can do about that.

I just hope hope Eric Delko behaves himself. Because the more I learn about him, the less I want him around Lex.

***
Lex is pacing around the house.

"Something the matter?" I ask.

"No, I'm just on edge," Lex replies.

"We could go for a walk," I suggest.

"Nah. It's too damn hot out."

"Oh. Okay." I sit on the couch, trying to focus on my work, but Lex's pacing is making me edgy and uncomfortable.

"Are you having any pains?" I ask.

"Nope. It's all good." Lex smiles at me aa she wanders into the kitchen. I return my focus to my work. Lex exits the kitchen, drinking a glass of milk.

She heads up the stairs and I can hear her roaming around up there. Screw it. I'm not getting this done today. I close my laptop and head upstairs, where Lex is standing in our closet, appearing to be searching for something.

I hear a soft thud and peer into the closet. Lex is now bending over a cardboard box, rummaging through it.

"Need any help?" I ask.

"Maybe. Can you bring this box out?" Lex asks, stepping into the bedroom. I lean down, lifting up the box and bring it into the bedroom.

"You can just set it on the bed," Lex tells me. I do and she sits down beside the box, reaching inside. She pulls out an old, worn out photo album.

"What's that?" I ask.

"Old pictures of me when I was little."

"Oh, I gotta see that!" I exclaim. Lex laughs as I settle down on the bed. Lex opens up the photo album, showing me pictures of her as a baby, toddler and little kid.

"Aww," I coo. "Cute." Lex laughs again. She flips to the end of the album and abruptly shuts it.

"What?" I ask.

"Oh, just some old...photos...Speed took of me." Is Lex...blushing?

"Hand it over," I demand, holding out my hand. Lex reluctantly hands me the photo album and I flip to the back.  My eyes nearly pop out of the sockets.

These are some, ahem, risqué photos. Lex is half naked in them, although her privates are covered up.

"Damn!" I exclaim. "These are...risqué!" Lex laughs.

"Speed got a little...creative," she says. I nod, examining a few of the photos. They're all in black and white, which adds to the allure.

"He certainly did," I say. I close the album and hand it back to Lex, who replaces it back in the box.

"Why did you decide to bring this out?" I ask.

"I just wanted to show you some of my old baby pictures," Lex says. She moves stand, grabbing up the box and heads to return it to the closet.

I watch her. She's moving awfully slowly. Lex hasn't complained too much about her pregnancy, but I know it's gotta be hard on her body. Lex returns to me, sitting down beside me, reaching for my hand. I smile at her.

"You're awesome," Lex tells me.

"I know," I joke.

"Things haven't been easy for you over the last several months," Lex murmurs. "You've been wonderful."

I raise Lex's hand to my lips, kissing her fingers.

"I've tried to be as supportive as possible," I whisper. Lex touches my cheek.

"I'm sorry I got upset with you for talking with Eric," she says softly. "You were right; he was out of line."

"I admit, I shouldn't have ambushed him in the way I did," I say quietly.

"I just wish you'd consulted me first," Lex says.

"I should have," I agree. Suddenly Lex's entire body stiffens, as though she's in pain.

"What's wrong?" I ask in alarm.

"Just a...pain in my lower abdomen," Lex says.

"Do you think it was a contraction?" I ask.

"I...oh!" Lex tenses up, gripping my hand. "We should..time them," she says a little breathlessly.

Oh shit. If I had to guess, I might be a dad here real soon.

****
Lex

I'll spare everyone the graphic and gory details of my delivery to baby...Aria Elizabeth Speedle. But it was insane, difficult and painful.

I'm in awe of this beautiful, perfect child, though. I love holding her. So does Steve. He was a little unsure of himself at first, but from the moment he held Aria, it was obvious he was smitten.

I've been extremely emotional as well. Steve keeps asking if I'm all right.

"I'm good," I reply, wiping my eyes as I cradle Aria close to me.  She's sleeping and looks so angelic and perfect.

She has a head full of dark hair, nearly black. I hope it won't get much lighter. I also hope she'll have Steve's beautiful dark eyes. Steve is perched on the edge of the hospital bed, holding one of my hands.

"You sure, baby?" I give him a wavering smile.

"Yeah." I give Aria a kiss. "She's perfect," I murmur.

"You aren't disappointed that she's not a Timmy?" Steve asks.

"Are you kidding? I wouldn't trade her in for anything."

"I know exactly what you mean," Steve murmurs. "She's amazing."

***
Naturally as the day progresses, we end up with several visitors. Including Mom, Lorna, Jack, Calleigh and even Horatio pops in for a few minutes.

"She's beautiful," he tells me. I smile.

"I know." I can tell how proud and excited Mom and Steve's parents are.

"When is Uncle Grant coming by?" I ask Mom, who insists on holding Aria as much as possible when she's here.

"He'll be by this evening," Mom replies.

"Okay. Jay, too?"

"I think so," Mom says.

"I hope so. Steve?"

"Yes, baby?"

"When will Dave, Cass and Dustin get over this way?" I ask.

"Dave thought tomorrow," Steve replies.

"Cool." Aria releases a small wail and Mom brings her to me.

"How's the nursing going?" Mom asks. (Leave it to my mother to ask that!)

"Not too badly," I reply as I prepare to feed Aria, who immediately latches on, nearly sucking my nipple off. I wince slightly.

"You okay?" Steve asks.

"Yeah. Aria's just a little too eager to eat," I answer. Steve comes to sit by me. I note he's been practically attached to ever since Aria arrived. I suppose it's because he's anxious about becoming a dad. I reach out to touch Steve's back. He smiles softly at me.

"I'll go," Mom says. She comes to hug Steve and kisses the top of my head.

"I'll be by later, okay?" Mom tells us.

"All right," I say.

"Thanks for stopping by," Steve adds. Mom heads out. Steve leans over, smiling as I lift Aria to my shoulder.

"We're alone," Steve says, grinning. I make a face.

"I have news for you, Mr. Speedle," I say. "We aren't going to be alone for a long, long time." Steve laughs.

"You're not wrong, Mrs. Speedle."

****

A/N: Aww Baby Aria Elizabeth Speedle has arrived at last! Only one more chapter to go!