Patrick OBrian

Fatherhood was terrifying, but his wife was more so. It was true he should be spending more time with the baby, he had been very busy with the Justice League, it wasn’t that Patrick didn’t want to be home, of course he did, it was just that there was always something to do. A mission, an emergency, Batman calling for some reason.

But now there was the baby. His baby. It was strange to think about, that there was now a small person waiting for him at home, someone who didn’t understand that their father was a superhero or that sometimes he had to disappear for hours to save the world. But his wife had made him spend time with the baby while she slept.

“So.” He looked at the baby. “It’s just you and me.”
The baby moved one of their hands.

“Yeah, exactly.” Patrick smiled, stroking the baby’s hair. “Your mother said I need to spend more time with you.” The baby obviously didn’t respond.

“I agree.” He paused briefly.

“Although I don’t know why she thinks we don’t spend enough time together.” The baby moved their hand again, gurgling, kicking their feet. “That’s what I’m saying.”

Patrick nodded as if they had just had a completely normal conversation.

“You and I understand each other.” The baby started making a small sound and Patrick raised his eyebrows almost to the ceiling. “What?”

He leaned in a little closer.
“What did you say?”

Another sound.
“That’s what I thought.” Patrick smiled proudly, stretching his arms out to pick up the baby. “Your first word. It was probably dada.”

It was not.