Room 55

[gris_bug_man]

He hasn't used this room in months, but is pleased to see the things he stocked here.

Carrying Georgia over to the sink, he cradles her tenderly and waits for Jack to arrive.

Comments

[jack_inthegreen]

Jack climbs the stairs slowly and pauses in the doorway to Gil's room, watching his husband and their daughter.

It's a lovely sight. It lightens his heart.

[gris_bug_man]

He smiles over at him. "I think I could use some help. And she would like to meet her father."

[jack_inthegreen]

Jack smiles and joins him at the sink. He takes Georgia, cradling her in one arm and lightly touching her face with the other. "Hello, beautiful one," he murmurs, and smiles again as her rosebud lips part and her eyelids flutter.

[gris_bug_man]

He takes out a small washing basin, filling it with warm water.

And he keeps smiling, blinking the moisture from his eyes.

[jack_inthegreen]

"Georgia Rose," Jack coos softly, "little Georgie, with your mummy's eyes. Yes, hello."

The baby mostly looks sleepy and confused, and only starts a little when Jack eases her into the water.

[gris_bug_man]

A soft washcloth, a gentle touch. One would think Gil had done this before (but he hasn't.)

Gently, he cleans their daughter, Jack holding her protectively.

[jack_inthegreen]

Gil has good instincts. Jack knew that coming into this.

"Should we stay here tonight?" he asks softly. "Take her home tomorrow?"

[gris_bug_man]

"That would probably be best. All of us are exhausted," he says, equally quiet. "And I do have some baby supplies here."

He's well aware they did not have the difficult part, but all the same. Being born is hard work.

[jack_inthegreen]

"Good. I was expecting this tomorrow, really--but Sheila never ceases to surprise me." He imitates Georgia's wide eyes and tiny yawn, beaming at her.

[gris_bug_man]

"I had forgotten tonight was the Solstice--I am glad I saw Sheila in the bar." He grins, watching their antics, Georgia watching both with a solemn gaze.

[jack_inthegreen]

Jack shakes his head at himself. "Today feels entirely normal--which is not normal for me at all."

He wraps the clean baby in a soft hooded towel and begins to rub her dry. "That's better, isn't it, precious girl?"

[gris_bug_man]

He cleans up the used supplies, tucking everything away. "I know I have a bassinet here," he murmurs softly, laying his head on Jack's shoulder.

[jack_inthegreen]

Jack kisses his forehead. "Do you want to hold her again?"

[gris_bug_man]

He nods, holding his arms out, cradling her close instinctively.

"She's truly here." Pure wonder in his voice.

[jack_inthegreen]

Jack sits on the bed, watching them. "They do tend to show up, once they're on their way.

"She'll need to be fed soon. I'll get some formula from the bar, unless you've thought of that as well."

[gris_bug_man]

"There's a couple of bottles in there," he says, nodding at the small refrigerator. "I went by a brand Catherine recommended."

[jack_inthegreen]

Jack laughs softly and goes to the fridge. "I'll get to warming one, then.

"How long do we wait until we start showing her off to everyone?"

[gris_bug_man]

"Let's give her a bit of time to sleep," he says with a gentle laugh. "We can always do so tomorrow. And that reminds me..."

When Jack returns with the bottle, he trades his daughter for the bottle, his other hand taking out his cell phone.

"Conrad. Grissom. Yes, I am calling to inform you my daughter is born and my leave starts now. Do not call me before January 10th or I will be more than happy to--I am glad we understand each other. Goodbye."

[jack_inthegreen]

Jack laughs again. "I'll wait, I'll wait . . . though I expect Catherine and Sara will be deeply disappointed if they don't see her soon."

And he smirks at the phone call. Small words are so effective.

[gris_bug_man]

"Speaking of the two, we are invited to a Christmas Eve gathering in Barry Allen's suite, if you would like to attend," he says in a low voice, watching Georgia drink her first meal.

Babies are fascinating creatures.

[jack_inthegreen]

"I would, but it'll be too soon to bring Georgia and I'd not like to leave her with a sitter. Perhaps you could represent us? Or we could trade off?"

Tiny fingers touch the warm bottle and then flail away.

[gris_bug_man]

"I will check in with them briefly," he decides. "But I won't stay long." Long enough for his tarantula to be spidernapped, but that's a different story.

[jack_inthegreen]

"Very well." He touches Georgia's cheek lightly with a fingertip, encouraging her to suckle. "Isn't she beautiful," he murmurs.

[gris_bug_man]

"Absolutely," he says quietly, a hand gently stroking her fine hair.

[jack_inthegreen]

Georgia loses interest in the bottle, so Jack lifts her carefully to his shoulder and begins stroking her back. "First bath, first meal . . . first diaper change soon, I expect . . ."

[gris_bug_man]

Fortunately, Gil has prepared for that eventuality as well.

And it can't possibly be worse than autopsies.

[jack_inthegreen]

Georgia belches and whimpers, and Jack cleans her face as he murmurs to her soothingly. "You feel better now, don't you," he whispers. "Let's get your pjs on and try for some sleep, eh? You've had a big day."

[gris_bug_man]

He helps dress her in a light sleeper, humming and shhhhing, soothing the whimpers.

"Would you like me to stay up?"

[jack_inthegreen]

"I don't think I'll sleep yet." He smiles at Gil over their daughter. "I suspect I'll lie awake and watch her."

[gris_bug_man]

"I was thinking the same thing." She waves her tiny arms agitatedly, her wide-eyed stare drooping.

"Go to sleep, sweetheart. We'll be here when you wake up."

[jack_inthegreen]

Jack gets comfortable, pulling back the sheets and blankets and putting the pillows aside. He arranges Georgia between them, and starts singing an old, old lullaby to her in a soft voice.

[gris_bug_man]

The words are unfamiliar, but he can almost see their meaning in his mind, clear and beautiful. He hums, harmonizing, and Georgia drifts off to sleep.

Leaning over her carefully, he kisses Jack. "I love you."

[jack_inthegreen]

Jack grins and kisses him back. "I love you too. Gods, I'm so happy right now." He touches Gil's cheek lightly.

[gris_bug_man]

"This is...far greater than I would have ever believed," he says. The tears he has been fighting back the past few hours well up, and he is not ashamed.

[jack_inthegreen]

Jack kisses him gently, understanding the emotion entirely. "I love giving you what you want."

[gris_bug_man]

And they both lay awake, tending to Georgia when she wakes up, feeding, changing her as necessary.

Family.