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 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.