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Chapter 8 - Chapter 7: Legacy

"You're Not Supposed to Be Downstairs"

Time Skip — Nearing Full Term

Starling City, Queen Mansion

Nova Hale was 38 weeks pregnant and officially over it.

The doctor had ordered strict bed rest. That meant no stairs, no standing for too long, and definitely no wandering around the mansion like she wasn't carrying a full-blown supernatural hurricane in her uterus.

But try telling that to Nova.

Her back hurt. Her legs were restless. She hadn't seen a staircase in a week, and if she spent one more hour horizontal, she was going to scream. So when the cravings kicked in—pickles and vanilla ice cream, again—she took matters into her own hands.

She'd snuck out of bed, waddled slowly down the stairs like a rebellious goblin, and collapsed dramatically onto the living room couch. The Vampire Diaries was already playing on the big screen—comfort TV at its most ridiculous—and she had a bowl of ice cream in one hand and a pickle spear in the other.

She was content. Almost smug.

Until she heard the front door open.

Thea.

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🕓 Twenty Minutes Earlier — Queen Mansion, Upstairs

Thea dropped her backpack at the door of their room, fingers already reaching to check in on Nova. She was tired. Classes had been brutal. The lunchroom whispers hadn't stopped. And all she wanted to do was crawl into bed, kiss her very pregnant girlfriend, and maybe pass out on her stomach for the next six hours.

But the bed was empty.

No Nova.

No pillows rearranged.

No blankets kicked off in a fit of hormonal rage.

"Nova?" Thea's voice echoed through the second floor. Nothing.

Her heart flipped.

"Nova, baby, this isn't funny—"

She moved fast, jogging to the stairs—then stopped dead halfway down.

There, in full view, was Nova Hale, throne of pregnancy pillows behind her, feet propped up on the coffee table, TV blaring vampires and werewolves as she stuffed a pickle into her mouth and alternated bites with ice cream. 

Thea blinked.

Then blinked again.

"Are you kidding me right now?"

Nova looked up, wide-eyed, guilt smeared in vanilla ice cream across her lip.

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🍦 "I Just Wanted Snacks"

"You're supposed to be on bed rest," Thea said, storming toward her.

"I was resting," Nova said, defensively. "Upstairs. Like, all day. But then the baby wanted pickles and—"

"That is not a valid excuse," Thea cut in, arms crossed. "You're two weeks from your due date. The doctor said—"

Nova's bottom lip wobbled.

Thea's voice died.

Nova burst into tears.

"I just wanted to feel normal for five minutes!" she sobbed, wiping her face with the back of her hand. "Everything hurts and I can't even breathe without someone looking at me like I'm gonna explode!"

"Hey, hey, hey," Thea softened instantly, dropping to her knees in front of her. "I'm not mad. I was just scared. You scared me, babe."

Nova sniffled. "I hate crying."

"You're literally full of hormones and carrying a whole child. Crying is allowed." Thea kissed her hand gently. "Let's just get you back to bed, okay? I'll bring the snacks and Damon Salvatore."

Nova nodded miserably, allowing Thea to help her to her feet. "Damon's hot Thea, but I would rather have Rebekah Mikaelson, Hayley Marshall, or Bonnie Bennett."

They got as far as the hallway before Nova suddenly stopped short.

"Nova?" Thea asked, holding her steady. "What's wrong?"

Nova blinked.

Looked down.

Then looked back up at Thea, face pale and stunned.

"I think... my water just broke."

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🌙 "It's Time"

Starling City — Queen Mansion, Early Evening

Water hit the marble like spilled wine—fast, shocking, final.

Nova Hale stood frozen in the hallway, one hand braced on the wall, the other gripping Thea's shoulder like it was the only thing keeping her upright.

"I think my water just broke."

Thea's eyes went wide.

Then her brain kicked in.

"Okay. Okay. We trained for this. Sort of. You're fine. I'm fine. The baby's fine."

Nova made a strangled sound that was definitely not fine.

"We're having a baby, Thea!" she shrieked, panicked. "I'm literally leaking! Thea, what if I die—"

"You're not gonna die," Thea said quickly, already steering her back toward the stairs, voice firm but calm. "You're just going to squeeze a tiny person out of your body and maybe scream a lot, but it's going to be okay. Just breathe. I've got you."

Nova hyperventilated. "I am about to push a watermelon sized human out of my vagina, Thea."

Thea ran.

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🎒 Go Bag, Go Time

The go-bag was where it always was—top of the hall closet, pre-packed with sweatpants, oversized hoodies, snacks, phone chargers, and Nova's favorite lip balm. Thea slung it over her shoulder like a tactical pack and grabbed Nova's hospital folder off the dresser.

"Stay there!" she shouted toward the hallway as she passed. "Don't move! Don't stress! Just—exist gently!"

"I'm leaking! Everything is stress! I am in pain and I still want fucking pickles." Nova called back, near hysterical.

Thea didn't waste another second.

She called for the driver.

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🚗 The Ride to the Hospital

The Queen family town car pulled up within two minutes—probably breaking every speed regulation in the city.

Thea helped Nova into the backseat, heart racing as she buckled her in and slid in beside her, clutching her hand.

Nova's breathing was shallow. She'd gone quiet in that way that wasn't calm—it was shock. Her eyes were wide and glassy. Her maternity dress clung to her belly. She looked half between scared and furious with her own body.

"It's okay," Thea whispered, pressing her forehead to hers. "You're doing great. Just focus on breathing. In and out. I've got everything else."

Nova nodded weakly. "I can't believe this is happening."

"I can." Thea kissed her hand. "We're about to meet our daughter. That's what's happening."

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📞 The Calls

In between contractions and comfort, Thea pulled out her phone.

Moira was first.

"She's in labor. We're en route. St. Sebastian's. Triage as soon as we get there. Yeah—I'll keep you posted."

Then Walter. Then Laurel, who cursed loudly and said she'd be right behind them.

Next, a group message to the Beacon Hills crew—Derek, Cora, Stiles, Lydia, Malia, and Scott.

🐺 Thea: "Nova's in labor. Headed to hospital now. Baby Queen-Hale is coming. Standby for updates."

Derek: "On our way. We should be there in a few hours with the jet you have on standby for us here."

Stiles: "DON'T FORGET HER FAVORITE SNACKS FOR POST-DELIVERY."

Lydia: "Tell her she's stronger than anyone I've ever met."

Thea smiled through the chaos and tucked the phone away. She squeezed Nova's hand again.

"You are surrounded by people who love you."

Nova's breath caught. "I'm scared, Thea."

"Good," Thea whispered, brushing hair off her forehead. "That means you care. But you're not doing this alone. I'm here. Every step. Every push. Every curse word you're about to scream at me."

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🏥 St. Sebastian's Medical Center — Arrival

By the time they pulled up, triage staff were waiting outside the emergency entrance with a wheelchair.

Nova was breathing harder now, her whole body tense and heavy as Thea helped her out of the car. Her legs shook. Her hands wouldn't stop flexing.

"Thea—"

"I've got you," Thea said, kissing her cheek. "Let's meet our girl."

They disappeared into the hospital lights, go-bag in hand, hope clutched tightly between them.

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🌙 "Wait and Bleed"

St. Sebastian's Medical Center — Labor & Delivery, Room 204

Five hours in, and still no baby.

The room was dimly lit, the soft beeping of monitors syncing with Nova's increasingly ragged breathing. Her hair clung to her face with sweat, and her oversized hospital gown stretched awkwardly over her bump. The contractions were relentless now—coming faster, closer, sharper.

But she still wasn't dilated enough to push.

"You've got to be kidding me," Nova growled through clenched teeth as another wave of pain hit. "How am I not ready? I swear to God, if this baby doesn't come out soon, I'm going to shift mid-labor and claw my own uterus open."

"That's... not medically recommended," Thea said gently, perched at her side, rubbing slow circles over her back.

"Shut up!" Nova snapped, eyes wild. "This is your fault anyway!"

Thea blinked. "I mean—yes, technically—"

"Technically?!" Nova practically snarled. "You did this to me! With your smug Queen genes and your stupid perfect face—God, I hate how hot you look in this lighting while I'm dying!"

Thea didn't flinch. She just kissed Nova's temple.

"I love you, too."

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👥 The Family Arrives

Moira Queen swept into the waiting room like a storm in heels, Walter close behind, his tie already loosened. Laurel followed next, carrying three coffees and zero patience. But the real surprise came last—

Quentin Lance. Cop. Known to blame Oliver Queen for the death of his youngest child, Sara . Fully invested father figure, and after meeting Nova when she stayed with Laurel once became protective of the young girl. Now pacing the waiting room like someone was about to deliver a verdict.

"It's taking too long," he grunted.

"That's labor, Quentin," Moira sighed. "Not a drug bust."

Laurel handed him coffee, which he grumbled over but accepted.

Back in the room, nurses were in and out, checking monitors, adjusting wires, giving encouraging smiles that Nova wanted to punch.

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🐺 Five Hours Later — The Pack Arrives

The energy in the waiting room changed the moment the elevator doors opened.

Derek Hale was the first to step out—tall, scowling, and radiating alpha energy like a thundercloud. His eyes locked on Thea instantly.

Behind him, Stiles Stilinski followed, less growl and more glare, his arms crossed and jaw clenched.

Lydia Martin, polished and calm, whispered something to Isaac Lahey, who looked half-pale just being in the hospital again.

Scott McCall, ever the peacemaker, tried to mediate the tension. Kira held his hand. Chris Argent and Melissa McCall exchanged nods with Moira and Walter. Sheriff Stilinski took a seat beside Quentin and offered him a quiet "small world."

"How's Nova?" Derek asked, voice clipped.

Thea looked up from where she sat beside Nova's bed. Her hand hadn't moved from Nova's back in hours.

"Still not dilated enough. But she's strong."

"She's also in hell," Nova groaned from the bed. "And the hell was your idea!" she added, glaring at Thea again.

"Technically," Stiles muttered, "that is accurate. You did knock up a Hale."

"Don't start with me right now, Stilinski," Thea snapped, not moving. "She's in pain. Help or get out."

Derek didn't speak. He just walked past everyone else and moved to the opposite side of the bed. His hand brushed Nova's hair back gently, surprisingly soft.

"You're doing good, kid," he murmured.

Nova cracked a smile. "Still mad at her?"

"Furious," he said.

"You'll live."

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💢 Emotions and Hormones

A contraction slammed into Nova again, sharp and unforgiving. Her entire body arched off the bed, knuckles white against the rails.

"Fucking—OW! Thea—Thea, you absolute MENACE! I swear on the moon, if you ever touch me again, I will burn your stupid leather jacket collection!"

Thea, calm as ever, held her hand. "That's fair."

"You're too calm—why are you so calm?!"

"Because one of us has to be," Thea whispered, leaning down to kiss the top of her hand. "And because this ends with you holding our daughter."

Nova's breath caught in her throat.

The room fell quiet.

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🕒 The Wait Continues

Nurses came and went. The monitors beeped on.

Contractions came harder. Nova screamed once. Cried twice.

She kept squeezing Thea's hand like a lifeline. She wouldn't let go.

Outside, the waiting room filled with overprotective wolves, tired cops, worried parents, and one emotionally over-caffeinated pack.

Inside, everything waited.

Thea didn't move.

Nova didn't quit.

They'd made it this far.

And labor had just begun.

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🌙 "Push Comes to Shove"

Labor & Delivery Room — St. Sebastian's Medical Center

11 Hours In

Thea had finally drifted off in a chair beside the bed, head tilted awkwardly, Nova's hand still gripped in her sleep. The monitors beeped steadily. The IV line dripped. The storm outside had quieted.

Nova couldn't sleep.

Her body felt like it was being torn in half, and she hadn't even started pushing yet. Her whole frame throbbed with fatigue and pressure and emotion—but her eyes were dry. Not even hormones could squeeze more tears from her at this point.

She didn't realize she wasn't alone until she saw the familiar silhouette leaning against the doorframe.

Derek.

His arms were crossed, his usual brooding scowl softened, though worry still lingered in the lines of his face. He looked... older than usual. Or maybe just tired.

"You should be resting," he said quietly, stepping inside.

"Can't," Nova whispered. "She's moving a lot." She rested a hand on her belly. "She's restless. Or maybe she knows she's about to wreck my whole body. Feels like she's trying to kick her way out." 

Derek let out a soft grunt that might've been a laugh. "Sounds like someone I know and Hale genes."

Nova gave him a look. "So this is our families fault now?"

"Wouldn't be the first time."

A long pause stretched between them.

"I didn't think you'd come," she admitted.

Derek sat at the edge of the bed. His expression sobered.

"I almost didn't. I was... angry. At everything. That you didn't tell us. That this happened so fast. That you're not a kid anymore and I missed most of it."

Nova didn't answer right away.

She just whispered, "I was scared you wouldn't be proud of me."

That cracked something in him.

He reached out and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear—gentle, almost reverent.

"Nova, you could've set the world on fire and I'd still be proud. I'm your big brother. That doesn't stop just because life got complicated."

Nova's throat tightened.

"She's going to have Thea's eyes," she said softly. "And probably your scowl. God help me."

Derek smirked. "She'll be terrifying. Like her mom."

"Like her moms," Nova corrected.

They shared a long look.

And for the first time that day, Nova breathed a little easier.

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🚨 It's Time.

The nurse burst in without warning.

"Okay, we're fully dilated. Time to push."

Nova's eyes shot wide. "Wait—what?!"

Thea snapped awake. "Did she just say—"

"Ten centimeters. Let's go, mama. We're about to meet your baby."

Suddenly the room filled—Moira, Melissa McCall, two nurses, one OB, and the sound of bright hospital lights flicking on. Nova looked like she wanted to crawl straight out the window.

"Nope! No. Nope. We are not doing this," she shouted. "Close me back up. Shove her back in. I changed my mind."

Thea leapt to her side, grabbing her hand.

"Nova. Babe. You've got this."

"I don't got this! I am actively not getting this! I swear to God, Thea, if you ever touch me again I will make you regret it."

"You said that last week," Thea replied, brushing sweaty hair off Nova's forehead.

"WELL I MEANT IT!" Nova screamed, then turned to the doctor. "I hate all of you. I hate this bed. I hate this ice chip cup. I hate my uterus. I HATE THIS STUPID HOSPITAL GOWN—"

Melissa stepped in, cool and maternal, placing a calming hand on Nova's shoulder.

"We're right here with you, sweetheart. Just breathe. You're doing great."

Nova sucked in air through her teeth. "You all keep saying that but none of you are being ripped open from the inside right now!"

Moira chuckled softly and leaned closer. "You're strong, Nova. Let yourself be."

Nova gritted her teeth.

Then the next contraction hit.

"OH GOD. OH SHIT. OKAY—YEP—NOW I'M PUSHING! THIS IS HELL! THIS IS ACTUAL HELL!"

Melissa: "Let's breathe through it. Ready? One, two—"

Moira: "That's it. You're almost there."

Thea: "You're amazing. You've got this, baby."

Nova screamed and squeezed Thea's hand like she was trying to break bones.

"I swear to GOD I'm never having sex again!"

Thea leaned down, lips brushing Nova's temple. "Yeah, that's cute, but we both know you like it too much."

Nova's eyes went wide with fury. "THEA QUEEN IF I HAD THE ENERGY I WOULD KILL YOU RIGHT NOW."

The room actually laughed—nurses, doctor, even Melissa—but Thea just grinned through the pain of her crushed hand.

"Still holding your hand," she whispered.

"YOU'RE LUCKY I LOVE YOU!" Nova roared as another contraction rolled through her.

And Thea just stayed right there.

Not even for a second did she let go.

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🌙 The Birth

St. Sebastian's Medical Center

Labor & Delivery Room — Late Evening

The world narrowed.

Pain. Sweat. Shouting. Pressure.

The monitors beeped in wild rhythm. Nova's screams echoed off the tile. The room was a blur of nurses, commands, bright lights. But Thea was the constant. Thea's hand, still in hers. 

Thea's voice, low and soothing through the storm. "Come on, baby. You're almost there. One more push. Just one."

Nova screamed.

A primal sound. A broken thing. A real thing.

Her back arched. Her knuckles went white. She saw stars and shadows and felt her body split like it was made of paper.

"You're doing great," Thea said, brushing her hair back. "You've got this, Nova. Just a little more."

And then—

a cry.

One high, piercing, perfect cry that cut through the chaos like moonlight on still water.

Nova's entire body stilled.

She was still gasping, still shaking, still half-delirious—but her eyes locked on the nurse cradling something small. Pink. Wrinkled. Loud.

"Congratulations," the doctor smiled, eyes gentle now. "It's a girl."

A girl.

Their daughter.

The nurse turned to Thea and asked, "Would you like to cut the cord?"

Thea blinked, caught off guard—then nodded quickly, voice cracking. "Yeah. Yes, I would."

She stepped forward, hands shaking as the doctor guided her. One clean snip—and then it was done.

The nurse took the baby cleaned her off, wrapped the baby quickly, tucked her into a soft pink hospital blanket, and placed her against Nova's chest.

She was warm. Tiny. So incredibly real.

Her cry quieted the second she made contact with Nova's skin.

Nova blinked. Tears fell freely now. "She's here."

Thea leaned down, pressing a kiss to Nova's hair. Her eyes were just as wet. "She's perfect."

The baby shifted, squirming once before stilling again. Her nose pressed to Nova's collarbone. Her tiny hand curled against Nova's chest, and she let out a tiny sigh.

Melissa whispered, "She knows her mommy."

Moira, from beside the bed, choked out a soft, teary, "Welcome to the world, little one."

Nova couldn't stop staring.

"She has your eyes," Thea murmured, voice thick.

"No, look again," Nova said, smiling faintly. "Hazel and green. A little bit of both of us."

Thea leaned closer—and sure enough, those newborn eyes were a strange, striking mix of hazel and green, shining under the soft lights.

"And that hair," Moira said, smiling through her tears. "Definitely yours, Thea."

A dark brown tuft, soft and already curling slightly.

Nova's arms cradled her close, fiercely protective, even in her exhaustion.

Thea sat carefully on the edge of the bed, one arm wrapped around them both.

"Do you want to hold her?" Nova whispered.

Thea's breath caught. "God, yes."

She was careful—gentle—as she lifted their daughter into her arms. The baby blinked slowly, then yawned and curled into Thea's chest without a fuss.

Just like that—

Thea fell in love.

All over again.

"Hi," she whispered, smiling down at her. "You're so little. So perfect."

There was a long, quiet beat.

Then Thea said softly, "Her name is Allison."

Nova turned to look at her.

"For your Allison," Thea said, voice steady. "Because she mattered. Because she helped make you who you are. And she deserves to live on."

Nova's breath caught in her throat. Her eyes flooded again. She nodded, once, firmly.

"And Olivia," she whispered. "For your brother."

Thea froze.

"Oliver," Nova said. "You never say it out loud, but I know you still miss him every day. So we name her for him, too."

Thea couldn't speak. Just held the baby tighter.

Moira stepped forward, brushing tears away. "A name full of strength. And love."

Nova exhaled.

"Allison Olivia Queen-Hale," she said. "That's her full name."

Moira whispered from across the room, "She's a Hale and Queen by blood. That's a powerful legacy."

Melissa whispered, "A hell of a name for a girl who's gonna do big things."

The baby let out a tiny coo in response—soft, sweet, strong.

Nova leaned her head on Thea's shoulder. "We made her," she whispered.

"And now we raise her," Thea whispered back.

Nova looked at her. "I never would've made it through this without you."

Thea kissed her again, deeper this time, still trembling from everything they'd just witnessed. Everything they'd become.

And between them, tiny Allison cooed softly in the space where their lives changed forever, wrapped in warmth and family and a name that held so much history.

Allison Olivia Queen-Hale took her first peaceful nap in the arms of love.

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Sorry I haven't posted in a while been busy with work and working on another story. I am working on the next chapter so that should be out next week or so.

Don't forget to comment and Like!!! Thanks for reading!

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