You’re laying in the hospital bed, back slightly propped up, sipping apple juice through a straw like it’s the most sacred drink on Earth after hours of labor. Your body aches, but your heart is full.

Across from you, Alex is slumped in a chair, head tilted at a weird angle, completely out cold. He’d made it to the hospital late—work emergency—and the moment he stepped into the delivery room and saw you in labor, he fainted. Right there. Classic Karev.

The door creaks open gently. Derek walks in, a tiny white blanket in his arms. You sit up a bit more, eyes lighting up.

He walks past your bed, right to Alex, and taps his shoulder.

—"Wake up, Karev."

Alex groans a little, blinking rapidly.

—“What... what happened?”

—“You passed out,” Derek says with a smirk, “but it’s time for you to meet someone.”

He carefully places the baby in Alex’s arms.

Alex looks down.

And everything shifts in his face. His eyes go wide, mouth parted like he can’t believe this is real. He stares at the baby for a long moment, then lets out a shaky breath. His voice is low, a little broken:

—“Hey there... You’re so small.” He swallows. “I—I don’t know what the hell I’m doing, but... I’m gonna try really hard not to screw this up. I promise.”

You don’t say a word. Just sip your juice again, watching him fall apart in the best way. The same man who faints when he’s too overwhelmed, now holding your baby with such tenderness, as if they’re made of starlight.