Here I Am
~~ WOOOOOOOOOOOOT...k,there were some people that had a few concerns over how fast she became pregnant. Well, i'm trying not to drag this fic on for a million years so i sped some things up. And besides, this is a world of fiction and anything can happen. So anyways, here is the next chapter...kind of short and full of Chester because he's so funny..hehe...enjoy!!:)~~



9 months later…



“ Jesus, I’m so nervous!”

Laura flipped through the magazine casually and glanced up to see Chester pacing around the living room like a mad man. It had been a very long nine months…and probably seemed even longer for Mike because everyday his nerves would grow.

They had kept the gender of the baby a secret…well Anna wanted it a secret. Mike wasn’t exactly too happy about that because he really hated surprises. Of course during the pregnancy, Anna’s hormones would fluctuate, sending pots and pans towards Mike’s head for some unknown reason.

The one thing Laura noticed about Mike during the last nine months was how cautious and uncertain he was about everything. He was very quiet and when asked a question or spoken to, he would just give a small smile and say a few words in response.

It was clear that he was trying to hide his anxiety about this baby…obviously lacking self-confidence about being a father. On many occasions, Laura would have to sit him down and tell him not to worry about it…that he was a great dad, yet looking into those brown eyes, you could see that he didn’t believe a word she said to him. Maybe when the baby was born, he would regain some confidence.

“ Chester, do you want a drink or something?” Laura muttered with an arched brow.

He frowned at her and glanced at the magazine with a cocked head. “ How can you read at a time like this? Your mom is having a baby RIGHT NOW. Aren’t you nervous?”

“ Why are YOU nervous?” she asked back.

Chester sat down on the couch beside her and twitched his hands nervously, causing the bracelets to shake. “ I don’t know…you guys are like family. What if everything goes wrong? What if the baby dies?” he asked with a worried look on his face that only made Laura’s smile grow.

“ Chester…relax. If everything went wrong, I’m sure dad would have phoned by now.” She explained calmly.

“ Do you think it’s born yet?” he asked quickly.

Laura sighed heavily and went back to reading her magazine. “ I don’t know…does it look like I’m there right now?”

“ How long have they been there?” He demanded and glanced at his watch.

“ Since eight this morning…why don’t you go make yourself some lunch…well, late lunch?” she replied with irritation.

“ How long does it take to deliver a baby?”

“ As long as it takes…” Laura sighed and flipped the page.

Chester sat back against the couch and breathed out heavily, annoying Laura even further. The last thing she needed was Chester making her even more anxious than she already was.

Not anxious because of the baby but anxious because she didn’t know how Mike would handle it.

“ What do you think they’ll name it?”

Laura dropped her magazine heavily against her lap and stared at Chester with a cold glare. “ Chester…could you PLEASE shut your mouth for five seconds?” she hissed.

“ What did I do?” he asked with a hand on his chest in disbelief.

“ You won’t fucking shut up. If you want to know what’s going on at the hospital then why don’t you just go down there and find out?”

“ Yeah and wait another seven hours with a frightened Mike and a cranky, pain filled Anna? I don’t think so.” He breathed and shook his head.

“ Then shut up.” She muttered and went back to her magazine, making it clear that she didn’t want to hear another word out of Chester.

The silence lasted a good five minutes…until the phone suddenly rang, causing Chester to nearly jump ten feet in the air. Laura grabbed the receiver and blinked slowly.

“ Yeah…” she muttered.

Chester watched Laura intently as she listened to the person on the other end of the phone. It seemed like the person had been talking forever because Laura suddenly felt Chester tugging at her sleeve.

“ Psst, Laura…who is it?” he whispered loudly.

She glared and him and flicked him away with her hand before replying to the voice on the phone. “ Yeah, that’s Chester…he’s bugging the hell out of me. Can we lock him up in the basement?” she asked.

Chester frowned as he heard a small laugh on the other end of the phone, then more talking. Laura gave a heavy sigh and nodded, not that the person could see anyway.

“ Will do…please come home before Chester starts gnawing my head off.”

Chester rolled his eyes and growled under his breath.

“ Bye…”

He watched as she hung up the phone and returned to her magazine. He stared at her for a long moment and then gave a short gasp in disbelief.

“ Hello!”

“ What is it now?” she asked and looked at him with a frown.

“ Was that Mike?”

Laura rolled her eyes and closed the magazine, knowing that she wasn’t going to get it finished today. “ Yes…are you finished harassing me now?”

“ What did he say?”

“ The baby was born about fifteen minutes ago.” She replied quickly and turned on the TV.

Chester gave a large smile and gasped happily. “ Really?”

“ No, I lied…” she muttered sarcastically.

He lowered his eyes and grabbed the remote from her hand, turning off the television. “ Hey, I was watching that.” She growled angrily.

“ And now you’re finished. Would you please let me in on this info? What else did he say?”

“ He said if you don’t quit harassing me, he’ll kick your ass out of the band.” She replied with a glare.

“ Honestly Laura, this is why you don’t have a boyfriend.”

“ Excuse me?” she demanded.

“ You are very…very…MEAN.” He stated as-a-matter-of-factly.

She growled under her breath and grabbed the remote from him…then threw it at his head. He groaned in pain and rubbed the red spot on his skull while giving her a cold stare.

“ So how did Mike sound on the phone?”

Laura stared up in thought and raised a brow. “ He sounded like Mike…”

“ No, I mean, was he angry? Sad? Disappointed? Scared? What, just tell me!”

She bit her bottom lip and squinted while trying to remember exactly how her father sounded. “ Well…to be honest he sounded a little stuffed…and his voice was kind of scratchy…”

“ Oh my God, was he crying?” Chester demanded.

“ I don’t know…probably. Well, I think he was happy…even though he was crying, he seemed kind of bubbly.” She explained.

“ Bubbly? What the hell does that mean?” he asked with confusion.

“ Never mind…the point is, if you want to get something out of him, now’s the time because he’s in a really good mood.” She explained casually.

“ Then everything must have gone well! When are they coming home?” He asked excitedly.

“ In a few hours…Jesus, calm down, it’s not even your kid.” She muttered.

“ I’m sorry…I’m just excited for you guys. Jeeze, try to show a little bit of compassion.” He replied with a frown.

Laura stood up and proceeded to the kitchen while shaking her head. “ Where are you going?” Chester demanded.

“ Kitchen…food…me eat…me hungry.” She explained and opened the fridge, grabbing a cinnamon bun.

“ Hey are there any more of those?” he asked and jumped off the couch towards her.

“ No, this is the last one. Mooch off of someone else.” She answered lightly.

“ You are EXACTLY like your father, do you know that?” he asked with a hurt expression on his face.

“ Proud of it.” She smiled back.

“ Can I have a piece?” he asked quietly with a pout.

Laura stared at him and rolled her eyes, finally ripping off a small piece and handing it to him. “ That’s all you get.”

“ Gee…a whole piece…thanks…” he muttered with lowered eyes.

“ You asked for a piece…and that’s what you got. Be happy.” She replied.

“ Fine…” he muttered and munched on his tiny morsel. “ So...have they named the baby yet?” he asked after he had swallowed his ‘whole piece’.

Laura shrugged and licked her fingers. “ I don’t know…maybe-.”

“ –Wait, is it a boy or a girl?’ he interrupted.

She blinked slowly at him, deciding weather or not to answer that question since she was so rudely interrupted. “ Stop interrupting me and maybe I’ll answer.”

“ God you are SO your father’s daughter…” he breathed in disbelief.

“ If I tell you, will you get all excited and freak out?” she asked cautiously.

“ No…I promise.” He smiled.

Laura raised a brow, knowing he of course would break that promise, but decided to tell him anyway. “ It’s a…”

She watched his eyes brighten with anticipation as she stalled, causing him further torture. “ An itty bitty, cute little, dark haired, brown eyed-.”

“ –Dammit tell me woman!” he shouted.

“ Baby boy.” She finished with a chuckle of amusement.

Chester’s eyes widened with excitement and he grabbed her, tossing her around in the air in fits of happy. “ C-Chester…let me go…” she breathed as he held her tightly in her arms, shaking the life out of her.

“ I can’t believe it! A little boy! This is so GREAT!” he shouted.

“ Chester, seriously…l-let me go.” She coughed.

“ Oh…sorry…” he muttered and released her from his grip. Laura wiped her dark hair out of her eyes and frowned at him while regaining her breath.

“ Aren’t you happy?” He asked with confusion.

“ Yeah I’m happy but I’m gonna go ballistic over it.” She coughed.

“ Laura…you have a little baby brother. Think about that for a while.”

“ Why?” she asked.

“ Because the little guy’s gonna look up to you. Who do you think is going to teach him how to belch, throw his peas and hide his dirty clothes under the bed and in the closet?”

“ Uh, easy…Mike.” She replied simply.

“ Okay, good point…but what about all the other stuff? Good music, bad music, the dangers of getting a shitty CD and having to return it but forgetting the receipt?” he demanded.

Laura stared at him in thought and then frowned. “ That would be Mike again…”

“ Damn, he’s going to be busy…” Chester muttered.

“ Chester…I’m happy…I’m excited…I just don’t really feel comfortable grabbing you and tossing you in the air…” she explained with a small smile.

“ Ah fine…be like your dad…hide your feelings.”

“ I’m not hiding my feelings…I’m conserving them for when they get home so just sit down and relax.” She laughed.

Chester gave a small nod and then a smile grew on his face once more. “ Aw, you’re gonna be a big sister!”

Laura chuckled softly and shook her head at him. “ Yes I am…and you are going to be the proverbial uncle Chester.”

His eyes widened suddenly to the size of grapefruits and he covered his mouth with a small gasp.

“ Wow…”

Laura lowered her eyes but kept her smile.

That’ll shut him up until they get home…

~~ Okay so, the homecoming will be coming soon for the next chapter so stay tuned for that. That will probably be the last chapter and then there will be an epilogue. Anywhoosies, thankees for the reviews and thankees for reading!!:)~~
Brand New Life
~~ WOOT I FINALLY UPDATED!!! HOPE YOU ENJOY THE FINAL CHAPTER!! *PS...Name of the baby was chosen by robbourdon/mike* THANKEES!! :)~~





A few hours had managed to turn into late evening by the time Mike and Anna had returned to their humble abode. Anna gripped the carrier tightly and stared around the living room with an arched brow.

It seemed that Chester and Laura had left the TV on blaring but no one was in the room. And to make matters worse, it was going to wake up the baby.

“ Michael…where are they?” she demanded quietly and looked into his dark eyes.

“ Just a sec.” he sighed and grabbed his cell phone, then dialed Chester’s number.After a few rings, finally he picked up with a scratchy voice.

“ Yeah what?”

“ Chester…where the hell are you and where is my daughter?” he demanded.

“ Everything’s fine…she’s with me. Hey are you guys home?” he asked with excitement.

“ Uh yeah…and please answer my previous question.”

“ Relax man. We’re in the backyard.”

Mike frowned and looked towards the sliding glass doors, seeing the outside world as pitch black. “ What the hell are you doing in the backyard? Get in here.” He ordered with a hushed tone.

Anna stared at Mike with confusion but then suddenly heard a small gurgle from the baby and placed the carrier down on the floor, bending down to tend to him. Mike shut off his cell phone and stuffed it back into his pocket as Laura and Chester walked into the house, closing the doors behind them.

“ Laura could you please turn off that TV?” Mike whispered.

She raised a brow and gave him an odd look, causing him to frown.

“ What?” he asked.

“ Nothing…you’re just getting all…Dad on me.”

“ TV, off, now.” He ordered and pointed to it with raised eyes.

She lowered her eyes and grabbed the remote, switching off the television. Chester stared down at the little baby with a wide grin and bright eyes. He was so adorable with his eyes shut peacefully in a quiet slumber.

His full red lips puckered a little which caused a small dribble of drool to roll onto his tiny little blue shirt. Of course, his head was filled with jet black hair, straight and fluffy. His tiny little hands balled into fists on his chest and his chest rose and fell gently with each tiny breath.

“ Aw, he’s so itty bitty!” Chester exclaimed softly.

Anna looked up at him and gave a small grin, stroking her son’s hair gently as he slept. “ What did you expect? He’s a baby.”

“ Yeah but I didn’t think he’d be so small and so…cute.” Chester explained with a chuckle.

“ What did you guys name him?” Laura asked eagerly with interest.

Anna sighed lightly and stared at her son’s rosy cheeks. “ Xander.”

“ Xander? Really?” Chester asked with an arched brow.

Mike frowned and stepped towards him slightly with crossed arms. “ Yeah, you got a problem with that?”

“ Uh…to avoid being injured…no…no problem…” he replied shakily.

Laura bent down and sat beside her mother and watched as the baby slept peacefully under the blankets. “ I think his name is wicked. And if he ever has trouble spelling his name…he can just sign all his homework with an X.” she giggled, eliciting a small laugh from Anna.

Chester sighed uneasily and backed away a little as Mike advanced on him with dark eyes. “ Anna…your husband looks very, very angry.” He warned quietly.

Anna looked up and couldn’t help but chuckle softly at the sight before her. “ Don’t worry Chester, its nothing personal. He’s just very protective right now…besides, he’s the dominant male…and you are getting awfully close to his newborn. I’d take a few more steps back if I were you.” She explained calmly.

“ Is he going to kill me?” he asked and swallowed hard, eyeing Mike cautiously.

“ Not yet.” Anna replied with an evil smile.

“ Great, just great. Mike is having the instinct to kill me.”

“ Actually, he has the instinct to protect his baby…followed by an urge to kill.” Anna replied quickly.

“ Well would you please call him off? He’s getting awfully close.” Chester warned uneasily.

Anna stood up slowly and walked towards Mike, grabbing his arm gently. “ Mikey…Chester’s a friend.”

He squinted his eyes slowly and kept a shivering gaze upon Chester. “ Well this ‘friend’ is going to have to back off.” He stated through his teeth.

“ Hey, I didn’t do anything wrong…I’m keeping my distance. And have you forgotten that I have a kid too and I would never do anything to hurt the little guy?” he asked desperately.

“ Careful Chester, you should have seen what he did to my principal when he grabbed my arm.” Laura explained with a laugh.

“ You beat up her principal?” He demanded in shock.

Mike blinked quickly and frowned a little. “ Beat up is such a…strong…two words. I roughed him up a little, that’s all.” He replied with a little more calm to his voice.

“ Man, I wish I had you as a dad when I was younger.” Chester muttered quietly.

“ Alright well I am officially exhausted and require sleep. Mike, take care of him?” Anna asked and kissed him.

“ Who, Xander or Chester?” he asked.

“ Good night.” She laughed and proceeded upstairs slowly.

“ I resent that.” Chester muttered as Mike looked back at him.

“ Don’t worry man, I was just joking. Besides, who’s going to be the baby sitter?” he asked lightly.

“ Laura.” Chester answered with a smile, looking down at her. She stared at him with lowered eyes and growled under her breath

. “ Thanks Chaz.”

“ Okay, look it’s almost ten…everyone who isn’t related to me…get out.” Mike ordered with a small sigh.

“ Gee, I wonder who that must be.” Chester stated sarcastically and walked towards the door, under the keen watch of Mike.

“ Thanks for staying with the brat while we were at the hospital by the way.” Mike added before Chester opened the door.

“ Yeah, yeah, you’re welcome. And Laura, don’t forget…you owe me a cinnamon bun.” Chester stated and shook his index finger at her.

“ Sure man…see ya.” She replied quietly, careful not to wake her sleeping brother. Chester gave a small nod and then disappeared behind the door, closing it gently.

Mike bent down beside Laura and adjusted the blankets around Xander cautiously. Laura stared at her father in awe and gave a short laugh, causing him to raise a brow of interest.

“ What?”

“ I’ve never seen you care so much about something.” She replied with almost a whisper.

“ Hey, I care about you…besides, his feet might be cold.” He stated with a furrowed brow.

Laura continued to smile and looked down at the tiny little life wrapped gently inside the blankets. He murmured softly as he slept, causing her to marvel at how cute he was.

“ So…is he going to be one of these loud, whiny, wake you up at one in the morning babies?” she asked.

Mike shook his head and stroked his son’s cheeks softly. “ Nah…he’s actually pretty quiet. I’ve only actually heard him cry once today and that was when he came out.” He explained.

Suddenly, little Xander frowned and opened his big brown eyes, whining softly while extending his fingers into the air. Mike lowered his eyes and gave a soft sigh.

“ I spoke to soon…”

The baby cried softly and squinted his little eyes shut while grabbing the air aimlessly, searching for something warm. Mike gave a small smile and pushed his hands gently beneath him, lifting him out of the carrier and standing up with him in his arms.

Laura stood up as well and watched Mike hold the baby against his shoulder while hearing his cries muffle within his dark shirt, becoming small murmurs of comfort. Mike frowned and rubbed his back gently while rocking slowly from side to side.

“ Great…he’s GOTTA drool all over my shirt.”

“ Aw, it’s like you know what you’re doing.” Laura giggled with amazement.

“ I DO know what I’m doing…I think…” he muttered quietly with a small frown.

“ I thought you were going to like…freak out or something. You know, leave mom at the hospital and run home then hide under your bed.” She explained.

Mike gave a short laugh and shook his head at her. “ Why did everyone assume I would freak out? It’s just a baby.”

“ It’s also a big responsibility. And seeing how you acted when you found out about me…well lets just say no one really thought you could handle this.” She muttered.

“ Well I can handle you so I guess that’s a pretty good sign.” He replied.

Laura walked around back behind him and stared into those big brown eyes of her little brother, peering at her with curiosity. He blinked slowly with large black lashes and gripped Mike’s shirt tightly with his little pink fingers.

“ He’s a curious little thing ain’t he?” Laura asked with a small smile.

Mike’s eyes lowered happily while feeling Xander sucking on the fabric of his shirt. “ Of course he’s curious. He’s a baby…and since you will be baby sitting him while I’m at the studio and your mother’s asleep…you’d better behave or he’ll pick up something he shouldn’t be learning.” He explained with a hint of warning.

“ Like what?’ she demanded in disbelief.

“ Like bad language and MTV.”

“ Dad, you guys play on MTV all the time…” she muttered with an arched brow.

“ Exactly, keep him away from the TV.” He laughed.

Laura walked around to the front of Mike and shook her head with a small grin. “ Great, you are going to get all fatherly on my ass and then I’ll have to vacuum the house.”

Mike raised a brow and looked around the room in thought. “ Who says I’ll be treating you different than I’ve always treated you?”

“ And how have you always treated me?”

“ Like a fourteen year old annoying brat.” He smiled.

“ Does this mean you’ll still let me slack off?” she asked with hope.

“ I let you slack off? Jesus, I’m a horrible father!” He exclaimed quietly.

“ Nah, you’re perfect.” She giggled.

“ Apparently I’m a good pillow too.” He pointed out and looked towards his son who had managed to fall asleep on his shoulder. He then looked back at Laura and softened his eyes.

“ You want to hold him?” he asked in a hushed tone.

Her eyes instantly widened and she backed away a little, raising her hands in defense. “ No…no way. Me and babies…not a good match.” She warned shakily.

“ Actually, I said the same thing about you when your mom told me about you. Besides, all you have to do is hold him…he’s really not that heavy…seven pounds or so.” He explained calmly.

“ B-but what if he hates me? What if he starts crying or something?” she asked with worry.

Mike gave a soft chuckle and lowered Xander away from his shoulder slowly, then placed his hand under his soft head for support. “ Its okay Laura, he’s asleep.” He whispered and held him out.

Laura sighed uneasily and stepped forward a little as Mike placed the baby into her arms with as much gentleness as possible. “ Lean his head against your arm.” Mike explained softly and adjusted her arms into the right positions.

She stared down at the little form and watched as he involuntarily gripped her shirt as he slept. Mike stepped behind her and smiled as he watched over both of his children with care. Laura’s frown slowly faded as did her discomfort as she felt Xander’s soft breathing against her shirt, warming her skin beneath.

“ See? It’s not so bad.” Mike explained softly with a quiet voice.

Laura stared into her little brother’s soft features and couldn’t help but give a small smile. He looked so peaceful and so comfortable, almost making her feel like she was going to fall asleep.

“ He’s going to be a brat when he’s older isn’t he?” she asked.

Mike chuckled softly under his breath and nodded. “ Well if he’s anything like me, he’ll be annoying as hell.”

Laura lowered her eyes happily and looked up into Mike’s soft brown eyes. “ Well I should head off to bed…take him please…” she muttered quietly.

Mike nodded and grabbed the baby from her arms, resting him gently within his own. “ Good night dad, love you.” She sighed and kissed him on the cheek.

“ Love you too, night.” He replied quietly with a smile. He watched her closely as she disappeared downstairs into her bedroom and then finally decided to go upstairs and put Xander to bed, hoping his night wouldn’t be filled with too much crying.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Anna rolled over and pushed her head comfortably into her pillow, readying herself to fall back asleep into a dreamy land full of peace and quiet. She gave a small frown as she heard the familiar cry of a baby echoing through her ears from the next room. She rubbed her eyes wearily and lifted her head, noticing that the bed beside her was empty.

She raised a brow of curiosity and confusion, wondering where he husband was, and then sat up and pulled on her robe. Anna padded quietly down the hall and into the nursery, flipping on a small lamp and adjusted her eyes to the sight before her. Mike was holding little Xander in his arms, rocking him gently from side to side, hearing his cries fade and become small gurgles of comfort.

Anna smiled weakly and walked towards them slowly while crossing her arms. “ You sure got up fast.” She explained quietly.

Mike nodded and stared down at the little life in his arms, which was staring right back up at him with big brown eyes. “ I figured you could probably use a little rest…well a lot of rest, considering what you had to do this morning.” He explained in a hushed tone.

“ Aw, that’s sweet Mike.” Anna giggled softly while admiring how he held his son gently with grace.

Mike smiled a little as Xander reached up with his tiny little fingers in an attempt to touch his face. “ Is he hungry?” Anna asked as she leaned against the crib.

“ Nah, I fed him that bottled whatever the hell you call it before I put him in his crib.” He explained.

“ Its breast milk.” She stated with clarification, eliciting a disgusted frown from Mike.

“ Okay…I don’t even want to know.” He muttered.

Anna chuckled softly and shook her head at him. It was amazing how he could be such a loving father and be so immature at the same time. “ And he doesn’t need a diaper change?” She asked curiously.

“ Nope, did that too.” He replied casually.

Anna raised her eyes with surprised and breathed out sharply in disbelief. “ Really?”

“ Yes…why do you look so shocked?” he asked with an arched brow.

“ Well…I just didn’t think you’d be all…into all of this. This maternal instinct you have is hitting you faster than I thought…and yes I am shocked.” She explained with a smile.

Mike laughed a little and felt Xander pulling at the chain around his neck. He stared at the small child in thought and then gave a small frown. “ You know…sometimes I wish you would have told me about Laura when she was born.” He explained quietly.

“ Mike…you know I couldn’t do that. It would have ruined your life. You wouldn’t have formed your band…gone on to higher things…and I just couldn’t have forgiven myself if that happened.” She replied.

Mike stared at her with soft eyes and nodded with understanding. “ Maybe…but you could have at leased contacted me when I was a little older…”

“ Yeah I could have…but then you would have been an emotionally wrecked twenty one year old with a new band and a new responsibility.” She explained.

“ I meant when I was twenty eight.” He answered, causing her to laugh a little.

“ Alright…yeah I could have told you then…but I didn’t even know if you had your own family yet.”

“ This is why you watch MTV and catch up on all the websites.” He smiled.

“ That’s called being a stalker.” She giggled.

“ Only if you hide in trees attempting to get a picture of me.”

Anna kept her smile as she approached him even closer and peered down into her comfortable son’s eyes. He turned his vision towards her slowly and a small smile appeared on his face, indenting the dimples on his cheeks.

“ Aw, how’s my little man?” she asked softly with a laugh and poked him gently in the belly, causing him to giggle.

“ Here Mike, I’ll take him off of your hands for a while and let you rest.” She stated.

“ Alright…” he sighed wearily and handed Xander to her gently, watching her cradle him within her arms in a way only a mother could. Mike slowly collapsed into the large rocking chair beside the crib and rubbed his eyes weakly.

“ You should get some sleep.” Anna suggested, eyeing him with concern.

“ I’m fine…I’ll survive.” He replied with exhaustion.

“ The last thing this baby needs is a cranky and very exhausted father. Get some sleep.”

Mike smiled a little and sat further back against the wooden rocking chair, eyeing his wife and son carefully. “ I’m not really that tired.” He sighed.

“ Mike what is with you today?”

“ What do you mean?” he asked with confusion.

“ You almost kicked Chester’s ass and now you are refusing to sleep. Is something wrong?” she asked quietly.

Mike stared at the small child within Anna’s arms and sighed softly to himself, watching him reach up, attempting to tug on his mother’s hair. As he watched the small life wiggling and murmuring softly, he couldn’t help but feel an immense peace flood its way through his body like warm water over his skin.

Just one tiny life…and it meant more to him than anything in the world, more than his band, more than his music, more than his own life. In this moment, he realized how much he loved and appreciated his life.

He loved Anna so much…he loved Laura with all his heart and soul…and he loved this little baby conditionally with no end.

“ I love him…” he replied with distant eyes and a quiet voice.

Anna stared at Mike silently for a few moments, taking in what she had just heard him say. A small smile appeared on her lips as she walked towards him slowly, lowering Xander into his arms. Mike gripped him gently and placed him on his chest, allowing the small child to lie against his soft shirt.

Xander gripped his shirt tightly and gave a soft sigh, causing Mike to smile as he rubbed his back gently.

“ I love him so much…” Mike whispered as he stared down at the baby in awe.

Anna lowered her eyes happily as she watched a small tear roll down Mike’s cheek. She wiped it away gently and kissed him on the head. “ I know you do…we all do…he’s so perfect.” She replied softly.

“ Hey guys?”

They both looked up to see Laura walking slowly into the room while rubbing her eyes wearily. “ Hey Laura…you awake?” Anna asked with an arched brow.

“ Yeah, I heard you guys walking around…”

“ Well, I find it odd that we are all awake yet the baby barely made a sound.” Mike explained wearily.

Laura gave a short chuckle and nodded a little. “ Besides, I couldn’t really sleep anyway.” She explained.

“ Well then come have a seat.” Anna muttered and placed a chair down beside her daughter, then sat down in another one.

Mike watched them intently, slowly feeling his eyes becoming heavy with fatigue. Laura sat back against her chair and turned to her mother who was running a hand through her hair casually.

“ I find this so weird that dad isn’t freaking out.”

“ Same here…I guess he’s just grown up.” Anna replied softly.

Laura chuckled under her breath and shook her head in disbelief. “ Trust me mom…he’s never going to grow up.”

Anna looked back at Mike and nearly had a heart attack at the sight before her. It was so adorable, her heart almost burst in two. Xander had fallen asleep on his father’s chest, breathing softly and comfortably, listening to Mike’s steady heart. Mike had also fallen asleep holding his child closely with his head down almost on his own chest.

“ I guess he was more tired than he thought.” Anna whispered happily.

Laura giggled as she watched them both sleeping peacefully.

Here I am - this is me
There's no where else on earth I'd rather be
Here I am - it's just me and you
And tonight we make our dreams come true

It's a new world - it's a new start
It's alive with the beating of young hearts
It's a new day - it's a new plan
I've been waiting for you
Here I am

Here we are - we've just begun
And after all this time - our time has come
Ya here we are - still goin' strong
Right here in the place where we belong

Here I am - this is me
There's no where else on earth I'd rather be
Here I am - it's just me and you
And tonight we make our dreams come true

Here I am - next to you
And suddenly the world is all brand new
Here I am - where I'm gonna stay
Now there's nothin standin in our way
Here I am - this is me

{Song: Here I Am}
{Artist: Bryan Adams}

~~ I hope you all liked this chapter. BUT, i am not quite finished with this fic yet. There will be an epilogue coming soon so watch out for that!! WOOTNESS!!!...ok so if you liked it, or, hated it, please review, give me your thoughts and such and i will update as fast as i can. THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL MY READERS AND REVIEWERS!! U GUYS MAKE THE FIC!! *hugs for all*~~
Baby Steps
~~ Okay...so...uh, i lied. The last chapter wasn't the last...well it kinda is...anyways, here's a small one in between before the epilogue. ENJOY! :)~~


1 year later…

Anna smiled as she peered into her son’s deep chocolate brown eyes, watching him giggle and laugh as she tickled him gently. She bent down and lowered him to the floor, standing him up on his feet, holding him up so he didn’t fall over. Mike treaded down the stairs heavily and bounced into the kitchen like a five year old, causing Anna to frown.

“ Michael, honestly, how old are you?”

He grabbed a carton of milk from the fridge and began to open it but not before Anna growled at him from the living room.

“ CUP!”

Mike sighed heavily and rolled his eyes, then placed the carton down on the counter while grabbing a cup from the cupboard.

“ What, have you turned six years old today or something?” she demanded.

He turned around slowly and took a large swig of his milk, and then gave a loud belch, causing Xander to giggle loudly. Anna lowered her eyes and shook her head, not knowing where this sudden immaturity came from.

“ And I just love how you’re not answering me.” She stated.

He gave a smug smile and crossed his arms, leaning back against the counter. “ Actions speak louder than words.” He muttered.

“ So let me guess…you are acting like you don’t really care that the whole cup thing is important because you don’t want to actually say it to my face, is that it?” she asked.

“ You’re a really quick one Anna.” He smiled and shook a finger at her.

“ Mike…”

“ I don’t know how you do it.”

“ Mike?”

“ Its like you just know!”

“ Michael!” she shouted, annoyed that she couldn’t get his attention the first two times.

Maybe it was better if he had kept his mouth shut.

“ What?” he asked with a frown.

“ Xander is standing.”

“ So?”

“ Standing on his own.” She finished as she stared at her son, holding himself up with his own two legs.

Mike walked over towards them quickly and raised a brow of surprise. She was right, he was standing up on his own…while giving a very quizzical look, wondering why his parents were staring at him.

“ Wow…hey you think he might be able to walk?” Mike breathed in question.

“ I don’t know…hold on, go sit over there.” Anna ordered quietly.

Mike backed up a few feet and kneeled down against the hardwood floor. Anna smiled and turned Xander around, facing his father. “ Okay sweetie…see daddy?” she asked.

Xander placed a finger in his mouth and stared at Mike with big eyes.

“ Go see daddy…” she encouraged softly in his ear.

Mike smiled and outstretched his arms slowly. “ Come on Xander…come here.” He stated lightly.

Xander eyed him curiously and grabbed Anna’s shirt tightly with one hand. “ Its okay sweetie…go see daddy.” She chuckled.

After a small moment, he let go of his mother’s shirt and kept his finger in his mouth, watching his father’s hands with interest.

“ Come here.” Mike whispered with encouragement.

Xander’s smile widened and he gave a loud giggle, shaking his head roughly. Mike lowered his eyes and his arms, then stared at Anna hopelessly.

“ What was that?” he asked.

“ I think he thinks you’re funny…I don’t know why.” Anna laughed and hugged her son tightly, making him laugh louder.

“ Gee…I’m glad he thinks I’m so funny looking.” Mike muttered.

Anna smiled at him and shook her head. “ Aw Mike, he loves you…maybe it’s just the spikey hair…”

“ What about the spikey hair?” he demanded with a furrowed brow.

“ I don’t know…he finds it amusing…besides, he’s just a baby…he doesn’t know what he’s doing anyway.” She explained with a chuckle.

Anna sat Xander down on the floor and then stood up slowly. “ I’ll make some lunch.” She sighed and wiped the dust off of her jeans.

Xander’s eyes instantly squinted with tears as he watched his mother disappear behind the centre island. He looked to his father and whined helplessly, not understanding why no one was holding him.

Mike grabbed a magazine from the coffee table and opened it, still on the floor by the way. His eyes widened when he saw a picture of his band on the cover…then a story about his new ‘arrival’.

“ Jesus Christ…” he muttered with a frown.

“ What?” Anna asked as she pulled a frying pan out of the cabinet.

“ I’m so hot…wow, I love how this lighting brings out my eyes.” He smiled, causing Anna to roll her eyes.

With all the ‘distracting’ photos in the magazine and with Anna busy with lunch, no one had noticed how upset Xander had suddenly become. His face became red and he whimpered quietly to himself, staring at his father. Suddenly, he placed both of his hands on the shiny floor and with a small grunt, got to his knees and then shakily wobbled upward onto his feet.

He gripped the edge of the couch tightly and then moved one of his legs forward, attempting to reach his father. Of course Mike hadn’t noticed his son’s attempt and continued to stare at his own pictures in the magazine, marveling at his own ‘delicious looks’.

Xander took another step forward and slowly let go of the couch, extending his arms. Mike glanced up briefly and saw him standing there with outstretched arms and grasping fingers, then looked back down at the magazine…then quickly looked back up, dropping the magazine.

“ Oh my God, Anna come here!” he exclaimed softly.

She frowned and walked around from behind the island and peered into the living room. She raised her eyes as she watched Xander taking a few steps towards Mike and then stopping to regain his balance.

“ Come here Xander.” Mike stated gently and extended his hand towards his son.

Anna walked around behind Xander and kneeled onto the floor, making sure he didn’t fall backwards and smack his head against the floor. He took a few more shaky steps and then quickly gained speed, whimpering endlessly for human contact.

“ Aw its okay little guy, come here.” Mike smiled with soft encouragement.

Xander gripped at the air and moved his legs quicker until finally he fell into his father’s arms. Anna gasped out with excitement and watched Mike’s eyes widen with joy.

“ Did he just walk?” he demanded.

“ Yeah, he did! Oh my God!’ Anna exclaimed happily and crawled towards them. When Xander noticed his parent’s cheerful voices, his fear slowly diminished and a dimpled smile grew across his face.

“ Wow, you walked!” Mike sighed happily and lifted him up into the air, leaning back against the edge of the couch.

Xander giggle and screamed happily as Mike lifted him and lowered him quickly into the air and then back down again.

“ What the hell is going on?” Laura demanded as she walked upstairs from her room.

“ Xander just took his first steps!” Anna explained cheerfully.

Laura stared at her and frowned. “ That’s what all that screaming is about? My God people, calm down. It’s only a few measly steps.” She explained.

“ Laura…they’re his FIRST steps. This is a pivotal moment in his life. Now he can walk.” Mike stated happily and lifted his son back into the air, lowering him down only to kiss him gently on the nose, causing him to giggle softly.

“ And now he’s going to be able to run and then you’re really going to have to watch him.” Laura explained with warning.

Mike frowned a little and then glanced at Anna who now sported the same frown. “ Great…now we’ll never be able to catch him.” She muttered.

Mike chuckled and shook his head, staring into Xander’s happy eyes, so full of life. “ Can’t wait.”

~~ WOOT SHORT...EPILOGUE COMING SOON!!!