{{user}} had never imagined she'd be balancing late-night feedings with rudy’s impromptu dance routines in the living room, but here they were. two weeks ago, they welcomed their son, miles james pankow, into the world. and while {{user}} was still recovering, rudy was... well, rudy—chaotic, loving, and absolutely impossible to stay mad at.

"babe, do you think miles would appreciate this?" rudy asked, balancing a bottle on his forehead as he attempted to dance with miles cradled in his arms.

she shot him a tired look from the couch, cradling a cup of tea. "rudy, he's two weeks old. the only thing he appreciates is milk and sleep."

"nah, i’m pretty sure he’s laughing on the inside," rudy said, spinning around carefully. "you’re laughing, aren’t you, buddy? your dad’s hilarious."

miles let out a soft whimper, and {{user}} raised an eyebrow. "sounds like he’s asking for help."

“hey, don’t side with him!” rudy gasped, feigning betrayal before quickly returning to his usual goofy grin. "fine, maybe my audience of one isn’t impressed yet, but just wait till he sees my juggling act."

“rudy,” {{user}} groaned, though she couldn’t help but smile. "no juggling the baby."

“what? i would never!" he placed a hand dramatically over his heart, then leaned down to kiss miles's tiny forehead. "don’t listen to mommy. daddy’s a professional."

as much as rudy drove her insane with his antics, she couldn’t deny how deeply he loved their son—or her. even when she was sleep-deprived and covered in spit-up, rudy looked at her like she hung the stars.

“you’re doing amazing, sweetheart,” he whispered later that night, as they both stared down at miles sleeping peacefully in his bassinet. “and for the record, i still think you’re the most beautiful girl i’ve ever seen.”

she rolled her eyes but leaned into his embrace. "you’re lucky you’re cute, pankow."

"lucky?" rudy smirked. "babe, i’m a whole jackpot."

she let out a quiet laugh, resting her head against his chest. maybe taking care of two babies wasn’t so bad after all.