First day home - Dad!Ross x Reader
you can finally take your baby boy home and ross and you couldn’t be happier
content warning: really fluffy, breastfeeding eventually
Ross turns off the engine, and for a moment, the two of you sit in silence, letting the weight of the moment sink in. Your baby boy, Reuben, is nestled safely in his car seat next to you, fast asleep after the long drive home. You feel the exhaustion pulling at you, but at the same time, there’s an overwhelming sense of peace.
Ross glances back at you, his hand still on the gear stick, his eyes soft as they search your face. “You alright, love?” His voice is gentle, full of concern.
You nod, a tired smile tugging at the corners of your lips. “Yeah, I’m alright.” Your voice is softer than you intend, still worn out from the past few days, but the smile you give him says more than words could.
Ross leans back, his hand coming to rest on yours, squeezing it gently. “You don’t have to be alright, you know. You’ve just brought our boy into the world. You’ve done… everything. More than everything.”
“I’m just so glad we’re finally home,” you whisper. “It feels like we’ve been waiting forever.”
“We made it, love. We’re home.” He pauses, his thumb tracing lazy circles over your knuckles. “And you… thank you, for havin’ our baby.”
Your throat tightens at the tenderness in his voice. “Ross,” you murmur, meeting his gaze. “We did this together.”
He nods, but there’s something in his expression that tells you he’s still in awe of you. “Yeah, but you’re the one who went through it all. I just… I’ve never been prouder of anyone in my life. I hope you know that.”
You feel tears prickling at the corners of your eyes, but you push them back, not wanting to dissolve into a mess of emotions. Not right now, not when everything feels so delicate, so new.
Ross moves then, getting out of the car and opening the door to where the baby is, he’s carefully unbuckling Reuben from the car seat, his movements slow and deliberate, as if he’s afraid to disturb him. He cradles the Maxicosi in his arms, looking down at the tiny baby bundled up inside, a soft smile spreading across his face. “Look at him, love. He’s perfect, isn’t he?”
You nod, unable to take your eyes off Reuben. “He’s ours.”
Ross stands up, shifting the Maxicosi in his grip. “Let’s get you both inside, yeah?”
You step out of the car, every movement reminding you of the strain your body’s been through. Ross is already by your side, one arm wrapped protectively around you while the other carefully balances the baby.
“Easy, love. Take your time,” he says guiding you into your house.
As you step inside, everything feels different. The house hasn’t changed, but there’s a newness to it—a warmth that wasn’t there before. You stop in the hallway for a moment, taking it all in, your heart swelling as you watch Ross walk further into the living room with John.
He sets the Maxicosi down gently, then glances back at you with a smile. “Feels different, doesn’t it?”
You laugh softly, nodding. “It’s like… everything’s shifted. I don’t know how to explain it.”
He walks over to you, brushing a strand of hair away from your face. “You don’t have to explain it. I feel it too.”
You step closer to him, resting your forehead against his chest, breathing in the familiar scent of him—warm, grounding, home.
“I’m so tired,” you admit softly, your voice barely above a whisper.
“I know,” Ross murmurs, wrapping his arms around you, holding you close. “You’ve done more than enough for one lifetime. I’ve got him. You get ready for bed, alright?”
You pull back slightly, shaking your head. “I don’t want to miss anything. I want to be there for everything.”
His smile is soft, understanding. “You’ll still be there, even if you rest for a while. You’ll need your strength for the days ahead, love. Let me take care of both of you.”
You nod slowly, letting out a long breath. “Alright, thank you, Ross.”
“Course,” he promises, pressing a kiss to your temple.
You start to make your way to the bedroom, but pause in the doorway, watching Ross bend down to pick Reuben up from his seat. He cradles the baby against his chest, one large hand supporting his tiny head as he sways gently from side to side.
“Hey, little man,” Ross whispers, his voice so soft you almost don’t catch it. “We’re home now. Can you believe it?”
Reuben stirs slightly, letting out a small sound that makes Ross chuckle. He glances over at you, catching your eye. “See? He’s already chatting with me.”
You laugh softly, leaning against the doorframe. “You’re a natural, you know.”
Ross shrugs, but there’s a proud smile on his face. “Just doing my best. But I think he’s more interested in sleeping right now.”
You smile at the sight of them, feeling your heart swell with love for both of them. “He looks so tiny in your arms.”
Ross glances down at Reuben, his expression softening even more. “He’s a miracle, love. Our miracle.”
You step closer, your hand resting on Ross’s arm as you look down at your baby. “We did good, didn’t we?”
“Yeah, we did. Better than good.” He leans down, pressing a soft kiss to Reuben’s forehead before looking back at you. “Now, off to the bedroom with you. I’ll bring him and lay him down.”
His eyes soften, and he kisses you gently, his lips lingering on yours. “I love you too, more than you know.”
With that, you finally allow yourself to retreat to the bedroom, changing into a shirt of Ross and some pair of sweats. You don’t take your time as usual but that’s okay because your two favorite boys are more important.
You brush your teeth, comb your hair and then you move into the bedroom.
When you step back into the bedroom, your heart immediately melts.
Ross is laying on the bed, Reuben curled up on his chest. His large hand is resting on the baby’s back, so gentle despite its size. The soft, rhythmic rise and fall of his chest with each breath is calming, and Reuben is tucked snugly against him, sleeping so peacefully. The sight is almost too much to handle, your chest tightens with love.
Ross looks up at you as you enter, his eyes softening even more when they meet yours. "Hey, love," he whispers, careful not to disturb his son. "Thought you’d passed out in there."
You laugh quietly, walking over to the bed, sitting on the edge as your fingers brush over Reuben’s tiny hand. “I almost did. But I didn’t want to miss this.”
Ross smiles, his thumb lazily stroking his sons back. “He’s out like a light. I didn’t want to move him, don’t want to wake him up.”
“He won’t wake up, don’t worry.”
Your eyes flicker to the crib beside the bed, already set up and ready for Reuben’s first night at home. “He looks so content with you.”
“Yeah?” Ross murmurs, glancing down at him with a tender smile. “I just… I don’t want to do it wrong, you know? I don’t even know where he should sleep or what is best for him, in the crib or in our bed.”
You chuckle softly,“everyone has an opinion, don’t they?”
Ross’s eyes lift to meet yours again, his gaze so full of warmth it nearly knocks the breath out of you. “What do you think, love? Should we put him in the crib, or should he stay with us tonight?”
You bite your lip, your heart aching at how perfectly he fits against Ross’s chest.
“I don’t think it really matters for him as long as he’s in the room with us,” you say softly, your eyes flickering between your baby and Ross. “But I think I’d be more at ease if he sleeps in our bed the first days.”
Ross nods, understanding without hesitation. “Then he stays with us,” he whispers. His voice is so sure, so steady.
You crawl into bed beside him, tucking yourself into his side. Ross shifts slightly, turning so that the three of you are curled up together, Reuben nestled safely between you both. You can feel Ross’s arm wrapping around you, anchoring you in place as his fingers lightly brush over your shoulder.
“I’ve got you,” Ross murmurs, his lips pressing a soft kiss to your hair. “Both of you.”
You smile, your head resting on his shoulder as you gaze down at Reuben, who is still fast asleep, his tiny chest rising and falling in sync with yours. "Thank you, Ross. For everything. For him. For this."
“I’ll never stop thanking you, love. You’ve given me everything I didn’t even know I needed.”
“Let’s set him down properly, in the middle is probably the smartest, right? So he won’t roll off the bed in the middle of the night.” Ross carefully rests his hand on the head and lays him down in between the two of you.
“Perfect,” you say as you press another kiss to his lips, a little firmer this time, letting it linger for a moment longer. You both smile against the kiss, the warmth between you both filling the quiet room.
“Good night, baby,” you mumble as sleep already pulls you under.
Hours later, you’re stirred awake by the soft, unmistakable sound of Reuben fussing. It’s not loud yet, just those tiny little cries that let you know he’s starting to wake. You blink groggily, taking a moment to orient yourself. The room is dim, the soft glow of the nightlight casting a warm light over everything.
Ross stirs beside you, his brow furrowing slightly as he wakes up too. “He’s up?” His voice is thick with sleep, his eyes still half-closed as he reaches out to gently rub Reuben’s belly.
You nod, already shifting to sit up. “Yeah, he’s hungry.”
“Little guy’s got a good appetite.”
You smile, gently scooping Reuben up into your arms. His tiny face scrunches up, his cries growing a bit louder now that he’s fully awake. “Shh, shh, it’s okay, baby,” you whisper, cradling him close as you settle back against the pillows.
Ross watches you, his eyes soft and heavy with sleep but filled with that same adoration you’ve seen all day. “Want me to get anything for you?” he offers, his hand still resting on your leg.
You shake your head gently. “No, I’ve got him.”
He nods, his gaze following your every movement as you position Reuben to nurse. Your heart swells as he latches on, his tiny hand curling against your chest as he settles into the familiar rhythm.
Ross shifts beside you, propping himself up on one elbow to watch. “You’re amazing, you know that?” he murmurs, his voice low and full of awe.
You smile softly, glancing over at him. “It’s nothing.”
“It’s everything,” Ross says, his eyes never leaving you. He reaches out, his hand gently brushing over Reuben’s head, then up to cup your cheek. “Everything.”
You lean into his touch, feeling that familiar warmth spread through you again. Even in the middle of the night, even when you’re bone-tired, this moment—this life—is everything you’d ever dreamed of.
Ross stays close as Reuben nurses, his presence a steady, comforting weight beside you. He doesn’t say much, just watches with that same soft smile on his face, his hand occasionally brushing over Reuben’s head or resting on your leg. You feel wrapped in love, the quiet night around you only amplifying how perfect this moment is.
As your son finishes nursing, instead of immediately drifting back to sleep, he starts making soft, uncomfortable sounds, little squirmy noises that have you glancing down at him with concern. You brush your hand over his back, trying to soothe him, but he fusses again, squirming in your arms.
“What’s that, mate? What’s goin' on, eh?” He looks at you, raising an eyebrow. “Think he needs a change?”
You sigh, smiling despite the weariness settling into your bones. “Probably. Poor thing looks like he’s trying to tell us something.”
Without missing a beat, Ross sits up, already swinging his legs over the side of the bed. “Alright, I’ll get it. You rest for a second, love.”
You hand Reuben over carefully, watching as Ross cradles him expertly in his large hands. You can't help but marvel at how natural it looks—your giant of a man, so tender with your tiny baby. Reuben squirms a little in his arms, letting out a soft whine, and Ross just chuckles.
“Alright, little man. Let's get you sorted.”
Ross stands up, walking to the chest of drawers where you've set up a makeshift changing station.
Ross lays Reuben down on the soft mat, glancing back at you with a tired but fond smile. “Don’t worry, love, I’ve got this. You did the hard bit. This is the least I can do.”
You smile, leaning back into the pillows, feeling a deep sense of gratitude wash over you. “You’re a natural, Ross. I swear, it’s like you’ve done this a million times.”
He chuckles as he unsnaps Reuben’s onesie. “Feels like it, doesn’t it? Just trying to learn from my gorgeous missus.” He shoots you a cheeky grin over his shoulder before focusing on Reuben again. “Alright, mate. Let’s see what we’ve got here.”
Reuben fusses a little more, his little legs kicking as Ross works quickly and gently, changing him with a practiced ease you hadn’t expected. You hear the soft crinkle of the diaper as Ross swaps the old one out for a fresh one, his large hands moving deftly but gently.
“There we go,” Ross murmurs, his voice soft as he talks to Reuben. “All clean, hm? Feels better already, I bet.”
You can’t help but smile at the sound of Ross's low, soothing voice as he talks to your son like they’re having a proper conversation. Reuben seems to settle almost instantly, his little face relaxing as Ross finishes up, fastening the diaper and snapping his onesie back in place.
Ross scoops him up again, cradling him against his chest as he walks back over to the bed. “All done,” he says softly, carefully climbing back in beside you. “Think he’s ready to sleep now.”
Ross smiles at you, “we’re amazing.”
You both watch as Reuben’s tiny eyelids flutter, his body finally settling into a peaceful sleep. Ross gently shifts, laying the baby down between you again, his arm wrapping around you as you all nestle together once more.
“Now let’s try to get some sleep before he wakes us again, yeah?”
You chuckle softly, your eyes already feeling heavy as you relax into him. “Sounds like a plan.”
And with that, the three of you fall into a peaceful, much-needed sleep, the night quiet and calm, the warmth of your little family wrapped up in each other. You know when Reuben wakes again, you'll be ready—together.
