[bhdire8]

"Alex, i think today would probably be a long day. Just try to stay relaxed now, you have a long battle ahead of you. I will be here with you and would hit the hospital once your contractions come nearer. Do not worry too much, even though i know it's hard alright?"

[lxcttrll]

Alex nodded, rubbing his belly when Rosemary delivered a small kick to the top of it. "It's starting to ease up now," he murmured, knowing Martin was going to time the contractions.

[bhdire8]

"Great. We can stay in this position for a little longer, and then we can consider walking around a bit to maybe speed things up a little. If you could, close your eyes to rest a bit."

[lxcttrll]

Alex closed his eyes at Martin's command, allowing himself to relax and rest.

[bhdire8]

The contractions, mainly on the back, were now approaching 45 minutes apart. Martin had kept Alex hydrated and helped him through the contractions.

"Now this is the peak, pant now, focus on your breathing."

[lxcttrll]

Alex gripped the sheets for something to hold on to, panting softly as he tried not to cry out, barely stifling a moan.

[bhdire8]

Martin rubbed on his back throughout the contraction. When he felt the muscles finally relaxing, he asked quietly after Alex caught his breath. "Is it still the back that's hurting the most?"

[lxcttrll]

Alex sighed shakily and nodded, pulling a pillow to the edge of the mattress to lay his head down.

[bhdire8]

"Let me get a heatpack for your back. Could hekp release some tension." Martin got up quickly to retrieve the packs that were ready. They had been preparing for this moment.

[lxcttrll]

Alex nodded weakly in response, allowing himself to drift off as Martin went to get the heating packs.

[bhdire8]

Martin returned to a half sleeping Alex, which was a nice thing. He didn't rouse him wanting him to get the rest, until the next contravtion, that is. This went on for 2 hours and Martin felt like could be time for some walking.

[lxcttrll]

Alex nodded, standing shakily with Martin's help, walking slowly around the apartment, holding his belly in one hand and rubbing his back with the other.

[bhdire8]

When contraction came Alex will stop and Martin will hold on to him, let him hug his shoulder while he pressed on his back. He murmurred nonsense beside his ears until the contraction past.

[lxcttrll]

Alex gripped onto Martin, rocking his hips softly as he felt Rosemary ease down. The contractions were getting undoubtedly closer, and he hated it.

[bhdire8]

When Alex relaxed again, Martin felt around the belly to check Rosemary's position. The belly was now oblong and hanging low, and the baby's head was deep in the pelvis and could no longer be felt from the belly. "Love, resume walking?"

[lxcttrll]

Alex continued to walk around, rubbing his back. "Should we go to the hospital soon?" he asked softly. Alex couldn't risk Rosemary having complications from his anemia, or any problems Chris had that Alex didn't know about.

[bhdire8]

"Well yout contractions are still 20 minutes apart, even if we go now they would ask us to leave. We would have to let it progress more first. Alex you are doing very well so far, dont you worry." Martin kissed Alex as they started swaying again.

[lxcttrll]

Alex huffed a small sigh and nodded, knowing Martin was right, clinging to him and swaying softly with him, almost slow dancing.

[bhdire8]

This went on for another 5 or 6 contractions, each and everytime Martin would get Alex in his arms to help him through it. When Alex's feet started quivering from exercise, Martin suggested "maybe we should go to the bath. Let the heat and buoyance do some magic."

[lxcttrll]

"Yeah, sure," Alex agreed weakly, moving himself to the bathroom, leaning against the counter and rubbing his now misshapen belly as Martin ran the bath.