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Description
Shadow's POV

The months went by quickly as Silver and I began to prepare for the baby to arrive in May. We repainted and decorated our new nursery, even though it was a little room because we lived in my apartment, and bought child-safe equipment. Silver demanded that we needed to protect our child from any harm in any way possible. I couldn't argue, but at times he took unnecessary precautions to child-proof the whole apartment. I kept reassuring him that everything would be fine so long as one of us was keeping an eye on the kid. Silver would just sigh and sit on the couch, rubbing his swollen belly. I would eventually join him and we would cuddle together for the rest of the afternoon, Silver usually sleeping with his head on my lap.

I admit, Silver got big pretty quickly. Within the next few months, he almost couldn't get out of bed or even off the couch without me helping him. I sometimes had to restrain myself from laughing because he was too cute with a big baby bump and attempting to stand up on his own. His mood swings would sometimes get to him, as well as his cravings, and he would just get slightly emotional or start eating unusual combinations of food. I do recall him craving a lot of chocolate once, and I ordered him to lay off a bit. Much to my misfortune, he growled at me like a dog and protected his chocolate-covered cherries as if he would never see them again if I took them away.

Around month seven or eight, Silver held a baby shower at Blaze's house, figuring we would need a larger space for everyone to breathe in. She and Silver's parents were willing to help in any way possible to make things easier for Silver.

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It was a typical Saturday evening: Silver and I already ate dinner, he was reading a baby book while I did the dishes. We were hoping to squeeze in a movie before the day ended or when Silver drifted off to sleep at 8:30...whichever came first. Silver was usually a napper at high noon, sleeping until about 1:30 or 2 in the afternoon, and then another nap would hit at 4 before I prepared dinner.

Well, it seemed like any other day, except for the fact that Silver was due any day now since he was at about month 9. I was just about done with the dishes, until I heard a faint sound of a book falling to the floor. I suddenly heard the cries of Silver coming from the den, shouting the words I was axious and afraid to hear:

"Shadow! The baby...I think it's time...!"

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8 hours.

It'd been 8 hours since Silver had gone into labor.

His contractions started that previous night, 1 in every several minutes or so...I couldn't really tell because I was in a frenzy. He called his parents and all of our friends about what was happening, and they were all on their way to the hospital. When Silver and I arrived at the emergency room, and a team of nurses escorted him into a delivery room, leaving me to wait in the waiting room for minutes. Silver's parents came through the doors, with Angel holding a big bouquet of flowers. Dominic held her arm to guide her around since the bouquet was almost the same size as she was. They saw me in the waiting room, said their hellos and sat next to me.

Dominic placed a hand on my shoulder as he asked me, "Are you nervous about being a father, Shadow?"

I fidgeted with my fingers unconsiously, drawing in a deep breath, "A little..."

Dominic nodded, "It's normal to be nervous. I admit, I was scared to death when Angel was giving birth to Silver back in the day..."

"Hmph...I'm sure you were. I just hope he'll be okay...he didn't want me to leave his side, but when the nurse took him to the delivery room I wasn't allowed to be in there with him...right now, there's nothing I can do for him."

Dominic shrugged, "Maybe for now, but I'm sure that in a few minutes the nurse will come and tell us that we can go and visit him."

Angel set her bouquet of flowers down next to her and gave me a tight hug, which made me smile. I knew they were both doing their best to comfort me, but I still couldn't help but feel worried. Who wouldn't be worried about their husband or loved one going into labor?

"Mr. Shadow?"

I jerked my head towards the source of the voice, and it was the nurse. I felt my heart lift as I stood up to greet her.

She smiled and began to speak, "Silver requested not to be on an epidural to help ease his pain. He's still about 4 centimeters away from delivering, but he's doing fine. Please follow me to the delivery room; Silver's been calling your name for a long time when I was preparing him..."

Eagerly, Silver's parents and I followed her to the room where Silver was. I walked through the door, and there was Silver; His large baby bump was showing even with the blankets covering half of his body. Worry spread across my nerves as I saw the pain he showed on his face. He slowly opened his eyes and sat up a little as he heard the three of us walk in.

"Shadow...? Is that you? Oh my god, you have no idea how happy I am to see you...!"

I rushed over to his side and kissed his cheek, "Silv...are you feeling okay? The nurse said you're a few centimeters away from delivering the baby."

He leaned back into his pillows, "It hurts...and I'm really tired..."

"Well, you have been in labor for 8 hours..." I said.

Silver laughed quietly, "Have I really been here for that long? No wonder I'm exhausted..." He noticed his parents walk up to the bed, the both of them greeting him with kisses and hugs.

Angel set the bouquet of flowers on the table as she gave Silver a big kiss, "Are things going okay, sweetie? Do you need anything?"

Silver shook his head, "I'm fine, Mom, don't worry..."

I took his hand gently, "Why didn't you ask for an epidural, Silv?"

He looked at me in a funny way that I couldn't describe with words, "I don't want to take drugs...I just want a natural birth."

I asked him, "Are you sure about this? I just want you to be comfortable when you deliver..."

He nodded, "I'm sure, Shads. Don't worry, okay? I want this to be a memorable experience, for the both of us..." He leaned forward and kissed me as he led my hand to his large belly.

I smiled again, "Well, don't be complaining when you feel like you're going to explode from all of the pain."

Silver's parents decided to stay for a few more minutes, to help rid the nervousness from the both of us of becoming parents. They eventually left us alone so we could have some quality time together. I decided to lay in the bed with Silver, since I missed wrapping my arms around my husband throughout the whole night. I sighed as I began to pet Silver's soft quills to calm him down. I held him close, neither of us saying anything for the longest time. I noticed Silver wincing once in awhile, causing me to worry myself. He would only turn his head to face me, and then reassure me things would be fine and he would call the nurse if anything were to happen. I would just nod and we would continue to relax on the bed together. Silver finally broke the silence after several more minutes.

"Shadow?"

"What is it, baby?"

"I'm...I'm feeling sleepy...I'm gonna take a short nap..."

I nodded my head, "That's a good idea. Once you feel ready to give birth, your body will tell you. Without sleep, you feel more stress. But knowing you, you've been sleeping nonstop these past several months."

"Hey," Silver snapped quietly, "I've been tired, okay? Besides, I've been sleeping a good number of hours every night, and even taking some power naps every day. Why don't you try being pregnant sometime?"

"Thanks...but I'll pass...just get some sleep, okay?"

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It soon became 11 hours...almost 12...until Silver was finally ready to deliver the baby.

A group of nurses and doctors arrived in the room with all of the equipment needed, and a few minutes passed for preparation.

Silver grabbed my hand tightly, giving me a worried look. I began to pet his quills, whispering to him that everything would work out. He nodded, his body shaking unconsiously. Before I could collect my own thoughts of the vurrent situation, the doctor told us it was time.

After minutes of pushing, my ears began to ring from Silver's screams and cries. I began to pet his quills again, ignoring the pain in my hand from Silver squeezing it so hard.

I honestly couldn't imagine what Silver was going through right now...and I couldn't do much to help him at this point.

All I could do was watch, give him moral support, and wait for the best...

Meanwhile, the nurses scattered all over the room, while the doctor sat at the foot of the bed helping deliver the baby.

"Push, Silver, push! You're doing very well...keep going! Nurse, prepare blankets and towels for me, please. Okay, now relax...now get ready to give one final push. Ready? Now, push! Push! You're almost there...!"

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He was the most beautiful baby boy I had ever seen.

Born December 13, at 4:47am.

He had charcoal colored spines, a white mane of fur, and pure golden eyes just like his mother.

Silver held him in a white blanket as he leaned against my chest. He spoke up, "He's so cute...isn't he, Shadow?"

I kissed his lips when he turned to face me, "He is, cutie. Now, we have a family together..."

Silver giggled, "Do you know how much I love you, Shads?"

"Let me guess...a lot?"

My husband's smile brightened as he returned a kiss to me. He then turned back to our son and asked me something.

"Do...you want to hold him, Shadow?"

My eyes widened as he handed the baby to me. I chuckled as he yawned widely, and looked at me with his bright golden eyes. I couldn't jelp but keep smiling at my newborn son, although I was still in surprise that I was now a father.

"Shadow...?"

"Yeah?"

"What should we name him?"

I looked up from the baby, and over to him, "Huh...good question..."

Silver adjusted himself in the bed without straining himself, "Well, I've always wanted to name him after my dad..."

I thought aloud, "Dominic...? I like it...but it's missing another name...what about...Jun Dominic?"

Silver giggled, "Jun for a first name?"

I shrugged, "I've liked the name, Jun, especially when we looked in that book full of baby names."

I gave the boy back to Silver, who touched his cheek lightly. The baby's sleepy eyes closed again, and nuzzled into Silver's warm chest. My husband remained silent for awhile, staring at the infant

"Jun...Dominic...? I...I like it..."

He looked back up at me and smiled, apparantly getting his approval of the name. We suddenly heard knock at the door, and in entered a nurse with a clipboard.

"Hi...I'm just here to have you two fill out the birth certificate. How's Mom doing?"

Silver shrugged lightly, "I'm feeling okay. Tired, but overall okay."

She flipped a few papers over, pen in hand, "That's good. Okay, we need you both to fill out the name for the baby, and your signatures...have you figured out a name yet?"

"Jun Dominic the Hedgehog," I replied, Silver nodding in response after I spoke.

She wrote on the clipboard, giggling quietly, "That's a cute name...thanks. I just need your signatures now, so sign here and here..."

We took the pen and signed the certificate, gave it back to the nurse, and she stepped out of the room. I looked back to Silver, and I realized he was crying a little. I wrapped an arm around him, nuzzling him to comfort him.

He finally spoke up, his voice cracking, "Shads...we finally have our first child...right here, in my arms. W-We're parents now..."

I kissed him gently, and didn't say anything. Let's face it; I was speechless. What could I say? What was I supposed to say?

I got what I wanted: Silver became my partner, we got married, we had a home, had money...and now we finally had a baby.

...

To be honest...

...

...I don't think I could ever be happier...with the ones I love.

...

...

Silver was...the Light in My Shadow.

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Description
Shadow's POV

The months went by quickly as Silver and I began to prepare for the baby to arrive in May. We repainted and decorated our new nursery, even though it was a little room because we lived in my apartment, and bought child-safe equipment. Silver demanded that we needed to protect our child from any harm in any way possible. I couldn't argue, but at times he took unnecessary precautions to child-proof the whole apartment. I kept reassuring him that everything would be fine so long as one of us was keeping an eye on the kid. Silver would just sigh and sit on the couch, rubbing his swollen belly. I would eventually join him and we would cuddle together for the rest of the afternoon, Silver usually sleeping with his head on my lap.

I admit, Silver got big pretty quickly. Within the next few months, he almost couldn't get out of bed or even off the couch without me helping him. I sometimes had to restrain myself from laughing because he was too cute with a big baby bump and attempting to stand up on his own. His mood swings would sometimes get to him, as well as his cravings, and he would just get slightly emotional or start eating unusual combinations of food. I do recall him craving a lot of chocolate once, and I ordered him to lay off a bit. Much to my misfortune, he growled at me like a dog and protected his chocolate-covered cherries as if he would never see them again if I took them away.

Around month seven or eight, Silver held a baby shower at Blaze's house, figuring we would need a larger space for everyone to breathe in. She and Silver's parents were willing to help in any way possible to make things easier for Silver.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a typical Saturday evening: Silver and I already ate dinner, he was reading a baby book while I did the dishes. We were hoping to squeeze in a movie before the day ended or when Silver drifted off to sleep at 8:30...whichever came first. Silver was usually a napper at high noon, sleeping until about 1:30 or 2 in the afternoon, and then another nap would hit at 4 before I prepared dinner.

Well, it seemed like any other day, except for the fact that Silver was due any day now since he was at about month 9. I was just about done with the dishes, until I heard a faint sound of a book falling to the floor. I suddenly heard the cries of Silver coming from the den, shouting the words I was axious and afraid to hear:

"Shadow! The baby...I think it's time...!"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8 hours.

It'd been 8 hours since Silver had gone into labor.

His contractions started that previous night, 1 in every several minutes or so...I couldn't really tell because I was in a frenzy. He called his parents and all of our friends about what was happening, and they were all on their way to the hospital. When Silver and I arrived at the emergency room, and a team of nurses escorted him into a delivery room, leaving me to wait in the waiting room for minutes. Silver's parents came through the doors, with Angel holding a big bouquet of flowers. Dominic held her arm to guide her around since the bouquet was almost the same size as she was. They saw me in the waiting room, said their hellos and sat next to me.

Dominic placed a hand on my shoulder as he asked me, "Are you nervous about being a father, Shadow?"

I fidgeted with my fingers unconsiously, drawing in a deep breath, "A little..."

Dominic nodded, "It's normal to be nervous. I admit, I was scared to death when Angel was giving birth to Silver back in the day..."

"Hmph...I'm sure you were. I just hope he'll be okay...he didn't want me to leave his side, but when the nurse took him to the delivery room I wasn't allowed to be in there with him...right now, there's nothing I can do for him."

Dominic shrugged, "Maybe for now, but I'm sure that in a few minutes the nurse will come and tell us that we can go and visit him."

Angel set her bouquet of flowers down next to her and gave me a tight hug, which made me smile. I knew they were both doing their best to comfort me, but I still couldn't help but feel worried. Who wouldn't be worried about their husband or loved one going into labor?

"Mr. Shadow?"

I jerked my head towards the source of the voice, and it was the nurse. I felt my heart lift as I stood up to greet her.

She smiled and began to speak, "Silver requested not to be on an epidural to help ease his pain. He's still about 4 centimeters away from delivering, but he's doing fine. Please follow me to the delivery room; Silver's been calling your name for a long time when I was preparing him..."

Eagerly, Silver's parents and I followed her to the room where Silver was. I walked through the door, and there was Silver; His large baby bump was showing even with the blankets covering half of his body. Worry spread across my nerves as I saw the pain he showed on his face. He slowly opened his eyes and sat up a little as he heard the three of us walk in.

"Shadow...? Is that you? Oh my god, you have no idea how happy I am to see you...!"

I rushed over to his side and kissed his cheek, "Silv...are you feeling okay? The nurse said you're a few centimeters away from delivering the baby."

He leaned back into his pillows, "It hurts...and I'm really tired..."

"Well, you have been in labor for 8 hours..." I said.

Silver laughed quietly, "Have I really been here for that long? No wonder I'm exhausted..." He noticed his parents walk up to the bed, the both of them greeting him with kisses and hugs.

Angel set the bouquet of flowers on the table as she gave Silver a big kiss, "Are things going okay, sweetie? Do you need anything?"

Silver shook his head, "I'm fine, Mom, don't worry..."

I took his hand gently, "Why didn't you ask for an epidural, Silv?"

He looked at me in a funny way that I couldn't describe with words, "I don't want to take drugs...I just want a natural birth."

I asked him, "Are you sure about this? I just want you to be comfortable when you deliver..."

He nodded, "I'm sure, Shads. Don't worry, okay? I want this to be a memorable experience, for the both of us..." He leaned forward and kissed me as he led my hand to his large belly.

I smiled again, "Well, don't be complaining when you feel like you're going to explode from all of the pain."

Silver's parents decided to stay for a few more minutes, to help rid the nervousness from the both of us of becoming parents. They eventually left us alone so we could have some quality time together. I decided to lay in the bed with Silver, since I missed wrapping my arms around my husband throughout the whole night. I sighed as I began to pet Silver's soft quills to calm him down. I held him close, neither of us saying anything for the longest time. I noticed Silver wincing once in awhile, causing me to worry myself. He would only turn his head to face me, and then reassure me things would be fine and he would call the nurse if anything were to happen. I would just nod and we would continue to relax on the bed together. Silver finally broke the silence after several more minutes.

"Shadow?"

"What is it, baby?"

"I'm...I'm feeling sleepy...I'm gonna take a short nap..."

I nodded my head, "That's a good idea. Once you feel ready to give birth, your body will tell you. Without sleep, you feel more stress. But knowing you, you've been sleeping nonstop these past several months."

"Hey," Silver snapped quietly, "I've been tired, okay? Besides, I've been sleeping a good number of hours every night, and even taking some power naps every day. Why don't you try being pregnant sometime?"

"Thanks...but I'll pass...just get some sleep, okay?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It soon became 11 hours...almost 12...until Silver was finally ready to deliver the baby.

A group of nurses and doctors arrived in the room with all of the equipment needed, and a few minutes passed for preparation.

Silver grabbed my hand tightly, giving me a worried look. I began to pet his quills, whispering to him that everything would work out. He nodded, his body shaking unconsiously. Before I could collect my own thoughts of the vurrent situation, the doctor told us it was time.

After minutes of pushing, my ears began to ring from Silver's screams and cries. I began to pet his quills again, ignoring the pain in my hand from Silver squeezing it so hard.

I honestly couldn't imagine what Silver was going through right now...and I couldn't do much to help him at this point.

All I could do was watch, give him moral support, and wait for the best...

Meanwhile, the nurses scattered all over the room, while the doctor sat at the foot of the bed helping deliver the baby.

"Push, Silver, push! You're doing very well...keep going! Nurse, prepare blankets and towels for me, please. Okay, now relax...now get ready to give one final push. Ready? Now, push! Push! You're almost there...!"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He was the most beautiful baby boy I had ever seen.

Born December 13, at 4:47am.

He had charcoal colored spines, a white mane of fur, and pure golden eyes just like his mother.

Silver held him in a white blanket as he leaned against my chest. He spoke up, "He's so cute...isn't he, Shadow?"

I kissed his lips when he turned to face me, "He is, cutie. Now, we have a family together..."

Silver giggled, "Do you know how much I love you, Shads?"

"Let me guess...a lot?"

My husband's smile brightened as he returned a kiss to me. He then turned back to our son and asked me something.

"Do...you want to hold him, Shadow?"

My eyes widened as he handed the baby to me. I chuckled as he yawned widely, and looked at me with his bright golden eyes. I couldn't jelp but keep smiling at my newborn son, although I was still in surprise that I was now a father.

"Shadow...?"

"Yeah?"

"What should we name him?"

I looked up from the baby, and over to him, "Huh...good question..."

Silver adjusted himself in the bed without straining himself, "Well, I've always wanted to name him after my dad..."

I thought aloud, "Dominic...? I like it...but it's missing another name...what about...Jun Dominic?"

Silver giggled, "Jun for a first name?"

I shrugged, "I've liked the name, Jun, especially when we looked in that book full of baby names."

I gave the boy back to Silver, who touched his cheek lightly. The baby's sleepy eyes closed again, and nuzzled into Silver's warm chest. My husband remained silent for awhile, staring at the infant

"Jun...Dominic...? I...I like it..."

He looked back up at me and smiled, apparantly getting his approval of the name. We suddenly heard knock at the door, and in entered a nurse with a clipboard.

"Hi...I'm just here to have you two fill out the birth certificate. How's Mom doing?"

Silver shrugged lightly, "I'm feeling okay. Tired, but overall okay."

She flipped a few papers over, pen in hand, "That's good. Okay, we need you both to fill out the name for the baby, and your signatures...have you figured out a name yet?"

"Jun Dominic the Hedgehog," I replied, Silver nodding in response after I spoke.

She wrote on the clipboard, giggling quietly, "That's a cute name...thanks. I just need your signatures now, so sign here and here..."

We took the pen and signed the certificate, gave it back to the nurse, and she stepped out of the room. I looked back to Silver, and I realized he was crying a little. I wrapped an arm around him, nuzzling him to comfort him.

He finally spoke up, his voice cracking, "Shads...we finally have our first child...right here, in my arms. W-We're parents now..."

I kissed him gently, and didn't say anything. Let's face it; I was speechless. What could I say? What was I supposed to say?

I got what I wanted: Silver became my partner, we got married, we had a home, had money...and now we finally had a baby.

...

To be honest...

...

...I don't think I could ever be happier...with the ones I love.

...

...

Silver was...the Light in My Shadow.

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