Not Even Once//PT2 of Just Once Series

Chapter 36//Prep

Vik and Ali spent most of the next five months inside, preparing for the big arrival. Any day, it would happen. She was ready, and so was Vik. They'd been taking many classes-breathing, birthing, anything that comes to mind when you think pregnancy. The Sidemen had also come to the classes. Alice was worried that if she'd be out with one of the others, that they wouldn't know what to do. It's important they'd learned. She'd say, despite all of the boys moans and groans.

Eventually, they'd all agreed reluctantly. They had finished their last class a week ago, as Alice's due date was approaching quickly. October 18th, her own mothers birthday.

The current date was October 15th. Alice had been stressing the past week. She was ready, yes, but in no way was Josh. Constantly calling her on the phone, complaining.

"But what if I don't get there in time? I wanna be there when my niece is born!"

"Joshua, I'm sure you'll be there on time. The hospital isn't that far from the house." Alice would smile, laughing at how much her brother cared for her.

"Alice! What if Vik isn't there? What if Simon or I have to take you?!"

"Listen to me! This is what we've prepared for..." She could just barely see Vik in the nursery, looking frustrated with two pieces of the crib in his hands.

"I known I know..." Josh sighed. This was about the fifth time he'd asked her this.

"I have to go, Vik's having some trouble..." Alice giggled.

"I'll talk you you later, Ali."

"I expect a call from you, tomorrow. And the day after that... And... The day after that..." She laughed.

"Sorry, I'm just nervous!"

"You're gonna be a great uncle. Stop worrying... I'll see you later."

"Bye."

"Bye." Alice put the phone in the receiver, still staring at her husband. She made her way over to the doorway, stopping. "Need any help?"

"Nope, no... Nah, maybe... Yeah..." He sighed, shaking his head.

"Alright, let me help you." Alice, being pregnant as she was, bent over. She picked up the two pieces from his hands.

"Thanks." Vik picked up some other pieces, not seeming to figure out what they were or where they went.

"Seems easy." Alice snapped the two pieces together, causing Vik's jaw to drop.

"Ali! You have magic hands!"

"Damn right I do..." Alice smirked.

"Oh god, I didn't mean it that way."

"I know, I'm sorry." Alice giggled. She put the now one piece to the ground, taking some more and adding them to the crib.

"I forgive you." Vik stood from his place in the floor. He kissed her forehead.

"Are you ready for this?" Alice asked, not really knowing what she was saying.

"Of course. T-minus three days till due date!" Vik smiled, placing a hand on her stomach.

"Don't we have an appointment tomorrow? Our last one, right?"

"Yep! Just to make some final checks and such, it'll be easy." Vik reassured. Alice nodded, wrapping her arms around his torso. He kissed her forehead once more.

"I love you." She whispered, thinking.

"I love you more."

"Good."

"Great."

For the next hour, Alice and Vik finished up the crib and watched an episode of their new favorite show-Arrow. They had binge watched a few seasons in the past few months. It was nice to just have some time for Alice and Vik to just peacefully prepare for their child. Life would be so different when Emilia was born. They had to enjoy the now, while being excited for the then.

"Hungry?" Vik asked, pulling out a pan from the kitchen cupboard.

"Depends, what's being made?" Alice propped her head up with her fist.

"I don't know... Chicken? Some rice? Sounds good to me."

"Or I could just order pizza..?"

"Also sounds good... Let's do that." Vik laughed, putting the pan back where he'd found it.

"Okay." She giggled, dialing the number for the pizza place they'd always ordered from.

It took half an hour for their pizza to be done and delivered, which wasn't bad. They sat at their newly bought table and ate, Alice only had a few slices-same as Vik-so they wrapped up the pizza and put it in the refrigerator.

After they'd finished, Vik disappeared in his office to record, leaving Alice with a kiss on the cheek and a 'I'll see you soon.' It was late, but Alice knew that the day was only half over for his American friends. She hadn't minded much when he'd said he had to record with them. All of those boys who called themselves the 'Pack' were extremely kind, and didn't hold him long after recording was over.

By the time all was said and done, it was 11:30. Alice was in bed when Vik came back, complaining about some video to himself.

"What's wrong?" Alice asked, turning the lamp on.

"I don't know how I'm gonna be on top of things when Emilia comes. I'd like to at least take a month off so I can help you out, but I really can't spend all day recording anymore. I need to take care of you." He fell onto the bed, sighing.

"Vik, sometimes you just have to take a planned break. Don't waste your time making your fans happy while you have a daughter to take care of. I'm sure the fans will understand, anyway."

"I'm sure they will, but I don't know if I'd personally want to do that to them. That puts me at so much risk." Vik turned to Alice, signing once more.

"You're gonna have to do it no matter what. I want you to be in this child's life. I don't care what it takes."

"Fine, Alice I will tell my fans. A month, tops. That's all." He crossed his arms, flipping onto his other side.

"Good. I don't want to hear you complain ever again. This is your child as much as it is mine." She turned out the lamp, closing her eyes.