Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The drive home from the hospital was, objectively, safe and uneventful.

Emotionally? A three person panic attack set to the sound of tires on asphalt.

Eddie was behind the wheel, calm and focused. Jess sat in the back, strapped in beside the car seat, whisper singing to Dahlia. And Buck, currently in the passenger seat, leg bandage visible under his sweats and a crutch propped awkwardly between his knees, he was trying very hard not to tell Eddie how to drive.

“You’re too close to the car in front of us,” Buck said, watching the road like a hawk.

“I’m three car lengths back,” Eddie replied evenly.

“Yeah, but,”

“Buck,” Eddie said with that tone. The one that meant 'I adore you, but stop before I lose it.'

Jess leaned forward from the backseat, voice warm but teasing. “Eddie’s literally the safest driver in Los Angeles. You can relax.”

Buck twisting halfway around just to wince with rib pain, but he had to check the car seat anyway. “I’m just saying, Lia’s in the car. She’s our whole world, and there are potholes, and trucks, and,”

“Birds,” Jess added dryly. “You forgot birds.”

Eddie smirked at that. “You know, Buck, when Maddie said you’d make an overprotective dad, I didn’t think she meant immediately.”

Buck scowled, but affectionately. “Excuse me for wanting our beautiful baby girl to live long enough to graduate kindergarten.”

“Kindergarten?” Jess said. “Are you already planning her graduation speech.” she paused "Ohh! I'll make a jiggle!" Eddie laughed, shaking his head.

“Of course I am,” Buck replied seriously. “It’s going to be very inspiring.”

Eddie sighed. “She’s three days old, babe.”

“Exactly,” Buck said, as if that explained everything.

Lia made a soft, squeaky noise from the car seat, and both Buck and Jess froze like someone had detonated an alarm.

“Was that,” Buck started.

“A cry?” Jess whispered.

Eddie didn’t even glance back. “That was a grunt. She’s fine.”

Jess leaned down to peer into the carrier, voice softening instantly. “She’s dreaming.”

“About what?” Buck asked automatically.

Eddie glanced at him sideways. “Probably about the two adults who won’t stop talking.”

Jess laughed quietly from the backseat. “She’s definitely yours, Buck.”

By the time they reached the loft, both parents looked like they’d run a marathon barefoot.

Eddie parked, turned off the engine, and said, “Okay, see everyone survived.”

Jess smiled wearily, unbuckling. “Barely.”

Buck was already fumbling for his crutches. “I can carry her,"

“No,” Eddie and Jess said in unison.

Buck blinked. “Wow. Rude.”

Jess opened the back door carefully, lifting the carrier. “You’re still on crutches, and healing Mr. Hero. I’ve got her.”

Buck sighed but didn’t argue this time. “Fine. But I’m holding her first when we get inside.”

“Deal,” Jess said softly, smiling down at the tiny sleeping face. “Ready to see your new home, baby girl?”

Eddie kisses Buck on the cheek "I'll talk to you later?" 

"Call me when you have some downtime?" Buck replied, knowing Eddie had work. Eddie smiled giving him a kiss before jumping back in the car.

The loft looked different now. Softer somehow. Maybe it was the pastel blanket draped over the couch, or the tiny bassinet tucked beside the window, or the stuffed panda on the couch.

But mostly, it was the feeling. The warmth that filled the air.

Buck stopped in the doorway, one hand on each of his crutches, eyes shining. “We’re really home.”

Jess smiled, stepping past him. “We’re home.”

Ferguson padded across the floor like a tiny, judgmental butler. He sniffed the air, spotted the carrier, and immediately started meowing like he was announcing royalty.

“See?” Jess said. “Even Ferguson’s excited.”

“Or he’s jealous,” Buck muttered. “He’s already glaring at me.”

Jess crouched down beside the couch, setting the carrier on the coffee table. “Okay, Lia. Big moment.”

Buck sat down, getting comfortable on the couch. Jess grabbed Lia out of the carrier and gave her to Buck. His heart thundered in his chest. He’d held her in the hospital, but somehow this, in their home, their space, felt like it mattered more.

“Hey there, beautiful,” he murmured, voice soft and reverent. “Welcome home.”

Buck’s movements were slow, deliberate, but sure. His ribs ached faintly, his leg twinged, but none of it mattered. Lia fit perfectly against his chest, warm and tiny, her little hand gripping his shirt.

Jess smiled, voice catching. “You look good with her.”

Buck looked down at the baby and smiled, soft and endless. “She’s perfect.”

“Of course she is,” Jess said. “She’s half me.”

Buck grinned. “Half of both of us, a whole miracle.”

Ferguson sniffed at Lia’s foot and immediately curled up beside Buck’s leg like a fuzzy guard cat.

Jess chuckled. “Looks like she’s already got a security detail.”

Buck smiled, brushing a hand over Lia’s hair. “A whole crazy one.”

Of course, the peace didn’t last.

Twenty minutes later, the door opened without warning.

“Surprise!”

Jess groaned. “Oh, God.”

Cece stood in the doorway, holding takeout containers and beaming. Behind her came Schmidt, balloons tied to his wrist, he gasped dramatically. “Oh my God, is she here?”

“Keep your voice down!” Cece hissed.

Schmidt lowered his volume exactly zero percent. “Where’s the baby?!”

Jess sighed but smiled. “Sleeping. Or she was.”

Cece’s eyes softened instantly when she saw Lia nestled against Buck’s chest. “Oh my God. She’s still so cute!”

“She really is,” Buck said.

Winston patted Ferguson carefully. “He’s been hanging out here, waiting. Wanting to pay his respects.”

Cece pulled out her phone. “We need more pictures!”

“No pictures,” Buck said, clutching Lia instinctively. “She’s sleeping.”

“She’s adorable,” Schmidt whispered. “Like if love was a human burrito.”

Buck blinked. “I… kind of like that.”

Jess rolled her eyes. “Don’t encourage him.”

Schmidt ignored her, snapping a photo. “Look at that! New parents, with a post chaos glow!”

“I’m literally on crutches,” Buck said flatly.

“That just adds character,” Schmidt said, like it was obvious.

Cece sighed. “Okay, picture done. Food time.”

Within minutes, the kitchen looked like a buffet. Pasta, salads, desserts, and what might have been a casserole (or possibly a science experiment). Buck assumes Nick or Winston made that one.

After Jess ate, she grabbed Buck a plate of food, a bottle of water and his painkillers. Bringing them over to him. She opened the bottle and put the pills in his spare hand, handing him the opened bottle. Buck swallowed the pills with the water. And Jess put the bottle on the coffee table. Buck couldn't help but appreciate it, everything with Jess was easy. Simple. 

Lia made a small sound, then settled again, her tiny fist resting against Buck’s chest.

Jess leaned her head on his shoulder, sighing contentedly. “You realize this is the last moment of peace we’ll have for, like, eighteen years.”

Buck chuckled. “Worth it.”

Cece smiled from the kitchen. “You guys are disgustingly cute.”

“Thank you,” Jess said proudly.

A few hours later, the loft was quiet again. Their friends had finally left, Cece promising to come back in the morning with 'reinforcements and coffee.'

Jess was half asleep on the couch, her hand resting on the arm of the baby bassinet. Buck limped over from the kitchen with a glass of water and a soft smile.

“You should go to bed,” he said gently.

She blinked up at him. “You should too.”

He shrugged, lowering himself onto the couch beside her. “Can’t sleep yet. I keep, arh checking to make sure she’s breathing.”

Jess laughed softly. “I heard that's normal for new parents."

He nodded, gaze on the sleeping baby. “I never thought I’d get to have this, you know? After everything. After… the lawsuit, the accident, all the times I felt like I was on the outside. This,” He gestured at Lia. “this feels like finally coming home.”

Jess’s eyes softened. “You deserve it, Buck.”

“So do you.”

For a moment, they just sat there. The city lights glowed outside, the sound of traffic a soft backdrop to Lia’s tiny breaths.

“She looks like you,” Buck murmured.

Jess smiled sleepily. “Poor kid.”

He chuckled quietly. “No, lucky kid.”

Hours later, Buck woke to the sound of quiet cooing on the baby monitor.

Jess was gone from the couch, replaced by Ferguson snoring dramatically beside his leg. The light from the hallway glowed faintly.

Buck grabbed his crutches and moved toward the nursery.

He found Jess sitting on the floor, hair a mess, cradling Lia and humming softly. The baby was wide awake, big eyes blinking up at her mom.

Jess looked up, smiling. “Someone decided 3 am was party time.”

Buck smiled back, sitting on the nursing chair. “Well, she’s got my energy levels.”

“She’s also got your ability to make everyone around her melt,” Jess teased.

He reached out, brushing Lia’s tiny hand. She grabbed his finger instantly, grip strong.

Buck’s breath caught. “She’s got your strength too.”

Jess leaned her head against his leg. “We’re doing it, you know. We’re actually doing this.”

“Yeah,” he said quietly. “We are.”

They sat there in the nursery, the three of them wrapped in the soft quiet of the night.

Eventually, Lia’s eyes fluttered closed again. Buck exhaled slowly, his chest aching, not from the healing ribs, but from the impossible, overwhelming love that filled it.

“Welcome home, Little Lia,” he whispered.

Chapter Text

It started, as most Buck related disasters did, with determination and absolutely no supervision.

Jess had gone to shower. Eddie had gone to grab coffee. Dahlia had been peacefully napping.

And Buck… Buck had decided this was the perfect time to prove to himself he could handle everything on his own.

Which, in Buck speak, meant chaos.

The mission, Operation Dad on Crutches and some healing broken ribs.

But still be decided he would be fine to change his daughter’s diaper without asking for help, the problem Buck was still learning to balance on one good leg and not move to fast with the healing ribs.

At first, it went well. Dahlia blinked up at him from her changing table, cooing softly as Buck leaned on one of his crutches and placed the other against the wall.

“Okay, Lia,” Buck said confidently. “Dad’s got this. Just you and me. Team Buckley.”

He got the diaper off. He got the wipes ready. He even managed to talk her through it.

“See? Easy. Piece of,”

Lia kicked.

One perfect, tiny baby foot smacked the open wipe container, sending a wet sheet flying into Buck’s face.

“Okay,” he muttered, blinking through baby scented chaos. “Minor turbulence.”

He went to grab another wipe. His crutch he was leaning on slipped. He caught himself on the table, and the table rattled. Dahlia startled, arms flailing like a baby octopus.

“Hey, hey, no! Don’t,”

Too late.

Baby powder everywhere.

A cloud of white erupted like a snowstorm. Buck coughed, waving one arm. “Okay. We can fix this.”

But Dahlia was making noises. Tiny, baby noises.

“Oh, you think this is funny, huh?” Buck said, grinning despite himself. “You’re just like your mom.”

Then came the real problem, the diaper.

Somehow, in the chaos of crutches, baby wipes, and powder Armageddon, the clean diaper had vanished.

“Where," Buck looked around frantically. “Where’d it go?”

He spotted it. On the floor. Just out of reach.

“Okay,” he muttered. “I can do this.”

He extended his crutch like a fishing pole, hooked the diaper, and miraculously, dragged it closer.

“Yes!” he whispered triumphantly. “I am unstoppable!”

He reached out, forgot to steady himself and the next second, thud.

Buck was on the floor, half under the changing table, staring at the ceiling while Dahlia cooed above him, probably impressed by his athleticism.

“Okay,” he sighed. “That didn’t go as planned.”

The sound of a camera shutter made him freeze.

Jess stood in the doorway, hair wet, wrapped in a towel, holding her phone.

“Are you… taking pictures?” Buck asked from the floor.

“Oh, absolutely,” Jess said, grinning. “This is going straight in the group chat.” she laughed and then sang "Buck’s on the floor, the room’s a war, and this photo is headed for the group chat!” 

“Jess,"

“Too late.”

Jess: [Photo attachment] Guess what Buck’s up to!

Cece: …Is that BABY POWDER EVERYWHERE?!

Schmidt: Is he on the floor??

Winston: Bro, is that the diaper on the lamp??

Eddie: …Buck, what did you do.

Buck: THIS WAS A CONTROLLED EXPERIMENT.

Hen: Looks like you lost control, Captain Crutches.

Chim: This is giving me flashbacks to when you tried to clean the firehouse fridge with gauzes.

Hen: And somehow still managed to flood the firehouse kitchen.

Athena: Don't push yourself Buckaroo.

Bobby: Don't overexertion yourself. You need to be okay for your girl, and we want you back at work after your paternity leave - Bobby Nash

Buck: Thanks Bobby. 

Jess: He keeps saying “I can do it things myself.”

Cece: Classic.

Nick: Wait, why is there powder on the CAT?!

Winston: FERGUSON IS INNOCENT, HE DOESNT DESERVE THIS.

Buck: Ferguson is fine.

Schmidt: That’s not what his face says. He looks traumatized.

Buck: HE JUMPED INTO THE BLAST ZONE.

Eddie: I’m on my way back. Don’t move.

Buck: …I’m on the floor, Eddie. Not going anywhere.

Hen: OMG! 

Jess: [Photo attachment 2] The aftermath.

Cece: WHY IS THE DIAPER ON HIS HEAD?!

Jess: I tried to clean up, he wouldn't let me. So...

Chim: I can’t breathe.

Athena: I’m printing this for the fridge.

Bobby: No one’s printing that for the fridge. - Bobby Nash

Cece: I already did.

Maddie: Tell my brother I’m proud of him.

Buck: THANK YOU, MADDIE. Finally, some support.

Maddie: For giving us entertaining content.

Hen: Legendary content.

When Eddie arrived ten minutes later, the scene looked like a sitcom crime scene.

Buck was still on the floor, covered in powder, crutch tipped over. Ferguson sat beside him like a fluffy witness to the disaster.

Eddie stopped in the doorway, blinked once, and then just said, “Wow.”

Buck pointed a powder covered finger. “Don’t say it.”

“I wasn’t going to say anything,” Eddie said, setting the coffees down. “I’m just… taking it all in.”

Jess laughed from the nursing chair, holding baby Dahlia. “I decided Dahlia needed to be changed and cuddled, and Buck was determined that he didn't need helping getting up. I already sent the evidence to everyone. Even Bobby.”

Eddie pinched the bridge of his nose. “You know what? Not even surprised.”

He helped Buck up gently, dusting off his shirt. “You okay?”

“I’m fine,” Buck said. “Just… dusty.”

Eddie glanced around. “There’s powder on the ceiling, Buck.”

Buck looked up. “Yeah. I don’t know how that happened.”

Jess snorted. “Physics gave up halfway through.”

Eddie smiled despite himself. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

“Are you talking to me or her?” Buck asked, nodding at the baby.

“Yes,” Eddie said smiling. "Both."

Jess cackled. “God, that was great.”

An hour later, the powder was mostly cleaned up, Buck had been banned from the changing table until further notice.

Eddie was rocking Lia on the couch while Buck sulked beside him, scrolling through his phone.

“I’m a perfectly capable adult,” Buck muttered.

Eddie smiled. “Sure you are.”

Jess walked by with a grin. “Capable adult who just lost a fight with baby powder, diapers, crutches and wipes.”

Buck frowned. “I’ll have you know, she made noises. That means it was entertaining her, great parenting.”

“She was mocking you,” Jess said.

“Same thing.” Buck shurged smiling.

Eddie chuckled, handing Lia over. “She’s gonna grow up thinking chaos is normal.”

Jess and Buck exchanged a look, then said together: “Good.”

Later that evening, after the baby was asleep and the chaos had calmed, the group chat lit up again.

Hen: So… how’s our resident disaster dad doing?

Jess: Okay. Mostly.

Cece: Did he learn anything?

Buck: Yes. Baby powder is not aerodynamic.

Winston: You learned that today?

Chim: I’m still laughing at the diaper on the lamp.

Athena: I’m just impressed he didn’t actually break anything.

Chim: Yet.

Eddie: Don’t jinx it.

Jess: Okay but Lia LOVED it. She was cooing at him.

Cece: AWWW she was mocking him!

Jess: That's what I said!! 

Schmidt: And it was at Buck’s pain. This kid is great.

Buck: She’s got a great sense of humor already.

Chim: Just like her aunties and uncles. 'Cough me'

Hen: Not you Chim.

Eddie: I’m calling it Operation Don’t Let Buck Parent Alone Until He Is Healed.

Buck: Rude.

Cece: Accurate.

Jess: Entirely accurate.

Schmidt: Naming the next group chat that.

By midnight, the loft was finally quiet again.

Jess had gone to bed, Chris was fast asleep on the pullout sofa, and little Lia was snuggled softly in her bassinet. She was there because Chris had asked if she could sleep beside him instead of in her nursery, so they’d placed the bassinet right next to his spot on the pullout, just for tonight. His small hand rested on the rim of the bassinet, protectively, as if guarding her.

Eddie smiled quietly from where he stood. “That’s adorable,” he said softly.

Buck’s eyes lingered on the scene, his voice gentle. “Yeah,” he murmured. “He loves her so much.”

Buck moved and stood at the window, leaning on his crutches, watching the city lights blink. Eddie joined him quietly, a hand brushing his back.

“You know,” Eddie said softly, “for a guy on one leg, you’re doing pretty great.”

Buck smiled, glancing over. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” Eddie said, bumping his shoulder gently. “You’re a good dad, Buck.”

Buck’s throat tightened a little. “Thanks. I’ve waited my whole life to hear that.”

Eddie’s eyes softened. “You earned it.”

Buck smiled. “Still, next time I try to do something stupid,”

“I’ll record it for the group chat,” Eddie said instantly.

Buck groaned. “I walked right into that.”

Eddie grinned. “On one crutch, yeah.”

Buck laughed quietly, looking back out at the city. “Okay, fine.”

Eddie leaned closer, voice warm. “You’re doing just fine.”

Buck’s eyes drifted to the bassinet, to the tiny baby who had already changed his entire world. He exhaled softly, smiling.

“Yeah,” he murmured. “We’re gonna be okay.”

Chapter Text

It started with Bobby.

Of course it did.

After receiving twenty seven texts, four pictures, and one group chat video of Buck attempting to balance a baby bottle on his right crutch while simultaneously making a coffee, Bobby decided, enough was enough.

At 8:00 a.m sharp, there was a knock at the door.

Jess answered, bleary eyed and holding a very awake Lia, who was wiggling in her arms like she’d just discovered her limbs existed.

“Morning, Jess,” Bobby greeted with his usual calm smile. “We’re here for an inspection.”

Jess blinked. “Inspection?”

Behind him stood Athena, Hen, Chim and Maddie each holding something different. 

Jess groaned. “Oh God. What did Buck do this time?”

Hen smiled, brushing past her, “Nothing life threatening.”

“Yet,” Athena added.

Bobby stepped inside, clipboard in hand. “We’re instituting The Loft Nurse Rotation.”

Buck limped out from the bedroom mid yawn, a crutch under his arm, hair sticking up in seven directions.

“Morning,” he said groggily. “Why do I smell disinfectant?”

“Because,” Hen said, spreading paperwork across the counter, “you’re officially under supervision.”

“What?”

Athena crossed her arms. “Between your injuries and new dad exhaustion, you are one baby sneeze away from passing out.”

Buck frowned. “I’m fine.”

“You fell off a stool yesterday,” Jess reminded him.

“I was reaching for the formula!” Buck protested.

“On the top shelf,” Eddie said, emerging from the hallway, clearly had just got out of bed himself. “Even though I told you not to.”

Buck huffed. “I’m capable!”

Chris laughed from the loungeroom, "I'm more capable then you, Buck!" Everyone laughed at that.

Hen handed him a form. “Then sign this, stating you are not capable, need to rest up, and accept our help.”

Jess tried so hard not to laugh.

Bobby cleared his throat, flipping a page on his clipboard. “We’ve organized shifts. We are on a rotation and Athena’s on call for emergencies.”

“What kind of emergencies?” Buck asked suspiciously.

Athena raised an eyebrow. “Any involving you.”

Jess grinned. “So...daily?”

The door opened again. Cece, Schmidt, and Winston walked in like a chaotic parade.

Cece had a coffee tray. Schmidt had flowers. Winston had Ferguson in a new baby carrier.

“Okay!” Cece announced. “Who’s ready to parent the parents?”

“Please no,” Buck muttered.

Schmidt placed the flowers on the counter. “Hydrangeas. For morale.”

Winston gestured to Ferguson. “He wanted to help.”

Ferguson yawned dramatically, unimpressed.

Athena sighed. “I can’t tell if this is the most organized or the most ridiculous intervention I’ve ever seen.”

Jess smiled. “Probably both.”

Hen set down her binder. “Alright, everyone, let’s review the schedule.”

Bobby nodded. “Today: Eddie supervises Buck’s PT exercises, Chim assists with the next few hours, Jess rests, and Cece runs backup.”

Jess blinked. “Backup for what?”

Chim raised his hand. “Probably for when Buck decides to ‘experiment.’”

Buck frowned. “Hey, I haven’t,”

A crash interrupted him.

Everyone turned.

The bottle sterilizer had tipped sideways.

Buck froze mid reach, still holding a crutch and an empty bottle. “Okay, that one was gravity’s fault.”

Hen muttered, “And this is why we’re here.”

Group Chat - Operation Keep Buck Alive

Hen: Day 1 of the rotation. Subject has already attempted to sterilize bottles while balancing on one crutch, and still with healing ribs.

Chim: I told him to sit down!

Jess: He said, quote, I have a system.

Eddie: The system = chaos.

Athena: I’ve seen hostage negotiations go smoother.

Cece: I’m printing him a T shirt that says ‘Don’t tell me what to do, I’m on crutches.’

Schmidt: Matching one for Lia that says ‘My dad’s chaos is genetic.’

Winston: I’ll design the logo.

Buck: STOP GANGING UP ON ME.

Hen: Please note the subject’s defensive behavior.

Chim: Classic Stage 1 denial.

Buck: I CAN SEE THIS CHAT, YOU KNOW.

Athena: Good. Accountability.

Eddie: He’s glaring at his phone right now.

Jess: He’s glaring at his phone while forgetting he’s still holding a half full mug of coffee, and leaning unsteady on a crutch.

Hen: Spill count?

Jess: 3.

Cece: Record pace.

Bobby: Everyone remember the goal here, keep the baby safe and the father upright. - Bobby Nash

Schmidt: Should we make that the team motto?

Hen: Already done.

By noon, Buck was sulking on the couch, leg propped up, while Lia dozed on his chest.

Jess sat beside him, eating leftover pasta and pretending not to laugh every time he muttered something under his breath.

“I’m not fragile,” Buck said for the tenth time.

Jess smirked. “You’re literally on an injury rotation.”

Eddie returned from the kitchen with coffee, setting it down. “Yeah, Buck, I don’t think ‘fragile’ is the problem.”

“What is, then?”

Eddie grinned. “Stubborn.”

Buck opened his mouth to argue but stopped when Lia squirmed in her sleep. He instantly softened, rubbing her tiny back. “She’s dreaming.”

Jess smiled. “About chaos, probably.”

“Genetics,” Eddie murmured.

Schdmit walked by with his own clipboard. “You four are disgustingly cute.”

Chim popped his head in. “I’m making lunch! Nobody panic!”

Bobby’s voice called from the kitchen: “No new ideas, Chim!” he paused "keep it basic, please!"

Jess whispered to Buck, “Ten bucks he burns something.”

Buck whispered back, “Fifteen he burns everything.”

Seconds later, there was a whoosh and a muffled “It’s fine!” from the kitchen.

Hen sighed. “I’ll get the fire extinguisher.”

Eddie chuckled. “This is our life now.”

Buck smiled softly. “Yeah. Kinda perfect, isn’t it?"

Jess leaned against him. “Perfectly insane, but yeah.”

Later that evening, after the chaos had settled, Dahlia was asleep in her crib. The group had mostly dispersed, Hen off home, Chim was banned from the stove, Bobby and Athena heading home.

The loft was quiet again, golden in the low light.

Eddie was cleaning bottles at the sink. Jess was folding laundry on the couch. Buck sat nearby, scrolling through the group chat with a grin.

“Okay,” Buck said suddenly, “listen to this, Schmidt renamed the chat ‘The Buckle Up Brigade.’”

Jess groaned. “He’s so proud of himself.”

Eddie called over, “I saw that. Hen already pinned it.”

Jess snorted. “You know it’s official when Hen pins it.”

Buck laughed quietly, looking at them both. “You know, I thought I’d go crazy stuck at home, but…” He glanced toward the crib. “I think this is the happiest I’ve ever been.”

Jess softened. “You’re allowed to be happy, Buck.”

Eddie nodded, wiping his hands on a towel. “And you’re doing great, you're a great dad. Just let your body heal, please.”

Buck smiled. “Yeah, okay, okay.”

Jess threw a folded blanket at him. “We know your lying.”

Buck grinned. “Worth a shot.”

That night, the group chat buzzed again.

The Buckle Up Brigade

Hen: Status report, Day 1 successful. Baby = thriving. Buck = 70% intact.

Cece: That’s an improvement.

Athena: For now.

Jess: I’m calling it a win.

Eddie: Same.

Schmidt: Can we schedule a family game night at your place next week?

Buck: Only if you’re on cleanup duty.

Winston: PTSD flashbacks. Schdmit on clean up duty it's traumatic for us all. 

Cece: Oh 100%, OCD meets power. 

Bobby: Everyone go to bed. - Bobby Nash

Jess: Dad voice engaged.

Buck: Love you too, Cap.

Bobby: Don’t push it, Buck. - Bobby Nash

When the chat finally went quiet, Buck sat his phone down and leaned back. Lia stirred softly in the crib, a tiny sigh escaping her lips.

Eddie walked over and kissed her forehead gently. “Night, princess.”

Chris standing next to her crib, Chris refusing to go home again. "Night little sis." He grinned. 

Jess smiled sleepily from her bed. “Night, boys.”

Buck watched them all, heart full to bursting. “Goodnight, my little family.”

Chapter Text

Jess stood in the loft’s living room, baby carrier strapped to her chest, sunglasses perched on her head like a mom in an ad for relaxation, who hadn’t slept since 2014.

Buck limped around with his crutch, stuffing things into the diaper bag like a man preparing for war. Luckily, his ribs had all healed and his leg will be all good in just another week. 

“Bottles, wipes, spare outfit, emergency backup outfit, formula, bibs, tiny socks,”

Eddie, leaning on the counter, sipped coffee. “We’re going to the park, not Everest.”

Buck frowned. “Everest didn’t have geese, Eddie. I’ve seen things.”

Jess rolled her eyes. “It’s a park. With grass. And children. You’ll live.”

“Will she?” Buck countered, pointing to the carrier. “The sun is a natural enemy of baby skin.”

“Buck,” Eddie said dryly, “you’ve applied sunscreen to her three times.”

Jess smirked. “At this point she’s coated like a glazed doughnut.”

“Better safe than crispy,” Buck muttered, checking the diaper bag one more time.

"I have beer for us!" Nick says happily walking over to them. 

The door opened without warning.

“WE HEARD THERE’S AN OUTING!” Schmidt entered like a cruise director, sunglasses on, arms full of snacks. Cece followed with coffee. Winston trailed behind holding Ferguson’s carrier, Ferguson has a sun hat on.

Jess blinked. “We didn’t invite the entire Loft.”

“Yes you did,” Cece said cheerfully, handing her a coffee. “You just didn’t say it out loud.”

Buck groaned. “Okay, but no one’s feeding geese.”

Schmidt gasped. “You think I would feed wildlife?!”

Cece laughs “You fed a raccoon Cheetos last month.”

Schmidt snaps outraged “That was Chip, and he looked hungry!”

Eddie muttered, “We’re doomed.”

The weather was perfect, bright sun, soft breeze, kids yelling somewhere near a playground.

Jess sat the picnic blanket down with military precision. Cece spread out snacks. Winston immediately released Ferguson, with a child's lead, so he could run off and who strutted around like he owned the park.

“Look at him,” Winston said proudly. “The people’s cat.”

Eddie raised an eyebrow. “You brought the cat to the park?”

Winston nodded. “He deserves fresh air.”

Ferguson immediately ran under the picnic table.

Buck ignored the Ferguson fiasco and fussed over Dahlia’s stroller like it was a NASA prototype.

Jess laughed softly. “You okay?”

“Perfect,” Buck said, crouching to adjust a strap. “I read three articles about stroller safety last night.”

Eddie leaned over his shoulder. “You mean you fell down a YouTube rabbit hole.”

Buck didn’t deny it.

Fifteen minutes later, everyone was actually relaxed.

Jess was chatting with Cece. Eddie was lying on the grass, eyes closed, listening to Buck hum softly to Lia. Even Ferguson was purring peacefully.

And then Schmidt happened.

He’d wandered toward the lake with a croissant, humming to himself.

A goose appeared.

“Hello, majestic bird,” Schmidt said grandly. “You remind me of me, graceful, misunderstood, vibrant plumage, AH!”

The goose hissed.

Schmidt shrieked.

Cece bolted upright. “No way this is happening again.”

Winston laughs loudly “You fed it, didn’t you?!”

Schmidt snaps back “I PANICKED AND OFFERED BREAD!”

The goose lunged.

Eddie sat up, laughing. “Oh my God, is he running from a goose?”

Jess laughs at him “He’s being honked at!”

Buck screams “Don’t run! They sense fear!”

Schmidt, sprinting away from it screams, “I’M A SENSITIVE SOUL, BUCKLEY!”

The goose chased him in circles while Ferguson watched like it was prime time television.

Jess: Live footage of Schmidt vs Goose 2025 [Video Attachment]

Cece: I told him not to bring pastries near the lake.

Hen: Why is there always chaos around you people?

Athena: Is that a goose or a small dinosaur?

Chim: My money’s on the goose.

Buck: I’m officiating this fight.

Eddie: He’s losing. Badly.

Bobby: Please tell me no one’s injured. - Bobby Nash

Jess: Only his ego.

Winston: And his croissant.

Cece: Moment of silence for the pastry.

Schmidt: I CAN SEE THIS CHAT.

Hen: Then stop antagonizing geese.

Eventually, the goose retreated, the chaos settled, and the gang relaxed again.

Jess lay back on the blanket, Lia on tummy between Buck and Jess. “You know,” she said quietly, “this feels nice.”

Buck smiled. “Yeah. First family outing and we didn’t lose anyone.”

Eddie chuckled. “Yet.” he paused "Next time, Chris is coming, even if he wants to go to Denny's for video games."

Buck smiled, and then leaned up to give Eddie a quick kiss "Definitely, no excuses next time." Eddie smiled. 

Cece sipped her iced coffee. “Nice family outing.”

Schmidt flopped dramatically beside them, still panting. “I stared into the eyes of nature’s wrath.”

Winston laughed “And screamed like a cartoon character.”

Buck couldn’t stop laughing. “That was great. I missed this.”

Eddie glanced at him, smiling softly. “What, the chaos?”

“Yeah,” Buck said. “But also… this. Us. All of it.”

Jess looked over, teasing but warm. “You’re getting soft.”

“Blame her,” Buck said, nodding at Lia. “She makes everything feel… lighter.”

Eddie reached over, brushing his hand over Lia’s tiny socked foot. “She’s got you wrapped around her finger.”

Buck grinned. “Already does. Just like you.”

Jess snorted. “Gross. You guys are gross.”

Cece laughed. “You say that while literally snuggling Nick on the blanket.”

Jess laughs “Still gross.”

Nick grins "They are gross, we are not."

Later, while they packed up, Buck insisted on folding the stroller himself.

“Babe, you’re on crutches,” Eddie warned.

“I can do it!” Buck insisted, pressing a button.

The stroller snapped shut so suddenly he nearly fell backward.

Eddie caught him mid falling. “Yeah, you’re nailing it.”

Jess giggled. “Should I record this too?”

Buck pointed at her. “No more group chat videos of me.”

Cece lifted her phone. “Too late.”

Cece: He just folded the stroller on himself.

[Video Attached]

Hen: Classic.

Athena: Tell him to wear a helmet next time.

Chim: He should be a reality show.

Bobby: Called “Don’t Do That, Buckley.” - Bobby Nash

Eddie: I’d watch it.

Jess: We already live it.

By the time they got home, Lia was fast asleep in her carrier.

Buck sat on the couch, exhausted but grinning. Eddie sat beside him, hand resting on his knee. Jess was on the floor, scrolling through her phone and laughing at the chat replay.

“She’s a total angel,” Jess said softly, watching Lia sleep. “Even through the chaos.”

Buck nodded. “Yeah. She’s our little Lia.”

Eddie smiled. “The calm in the storm.”

Cece from the kitchen: “More like the eye of the hurricane.”

Buck laughed, leaning back. “Yeah… but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Eddie looked at him, soft and honest. “Same here.”

Chapter Text

It started at 1:43 a.m.

Buck sat up in bed, hair sticking out like static, eyes wide in the dark. He woke up to something, but couldn't work out what.

Then came it again, the sound that could shatter any silence, a wail so powerful it could summon angels, ghosts, and concerned neighbors.

Lia.

Jess mumbled through the baby monitor, “Your turn…”

Buck blinked. Clicking the button to respond to her, “What?”

“You heard me,” Jess said weakly. “Dad time. Go.”

Buck groaned, dragging himself out of bed, at least his leg was out of the cast now, and was healing well, he grabs the bottle like it was a weapon of survival.

“Okay, sweetheart,” he said softly, reaching down to the crib, “Daddy’s got you. Shhh, it’s okay,”

Lia wailed louder.

“Okay,” Buck whispered, panicking a little. “Not okay. Got it.”

He picked her up, rocking her. “We’re fine, right? We’re fine.”

From the monitor, Jess muttered, “You sound like you’re trying to convince yourself.”

“I am trying to convince myself,” Buck yelled back, so she could hear him from her room. “She doesn’t come with an off switch.”

Twenty minutes later, Buck had tried everything.

Rocking. Singing. Swaddling. Dancing.

Jess, half asleep, peaked in at one point to find him whispering dramatically to Dahlia.

“Please. Please, little one. You’re so cute. You have my eyes. Have mercy.”

Jess snorted. “She doesn’t negotiate with terrorists.”

Buck glared over his shoulder. “You’re not helping.”

Jess grabbed another bottle and handed it to him. “Maybe she just wants food.”

“She just ate,” Buck said helplessly. “But… okay.”

He offered it. She refused. Screamed louder.

“Okay,” Buck said, defeated. “We’ve entered level three meltdown.”

Jess leaned her forehead on his shoulder, exhausted. “I think she’s teething.”

Buck blinked. “She’s a month old.”

“Early bloomer?” Jess offered.

“Jess, her teeth haven’t even RSVP’d yet!”

At 2:15 a.m., Buck made a desperate decision. He texted the group chat.

Buck: SOS.
Cece: …what did you do.
Jess: WE didn’t do anything. Lia did.
Hen: Baby awake?
Buck: Baby angry.
Eddie: I’m on my way. Chris is at Hen's already. 
Nick: Me too.
Chim: This is why they invented white noise machines.
Athena: Or birth control.
Bobby: Athena... - Bobby Nash
Athena: I said what I said. But hey, I got my first grandbaby out of it, so please do it again. 
Cece: Sending moral support and memes.
Winston: Ferguson is awake in solidarity.
Schmidt: I made a lullaby playlist.
Jess: Schmidt, if it’s Nicki Minaj again, I swear!
Schmidt: BABIES LOVE ENERGY.

By 2:30 a.m., there was a knock at the door.

Jess opened it, hair a chaotic mess, wearing a robe and mismatched socks.

Eddie and Nick stood there, both holding coffee cups and looking half awake, half concerned.

“Is she okay?” Eddie asked immediately.

“She’s fine,” Jess said. “We’re not.”

Nick handed her the coffee. “Parent fuel.”

Buck appeared behind her, hair sticking up, Dahlia wailing in his arms.

“Please tell me one of you can fix this.”

Eddie smiled softly, taking the baby. “Hey, princesa. What’s wrong, huh?”

Instant silence.

Buck’s jaw dropped. “What, how...why?!”

Jess blinked. “He has dad magic.”

Nick grinned. “It’s the Diaz Effect. Works on all ages.”

Eddie gently rocked Lia, humming in Spanish. The wailing stopped completely. Lia blinked up at him, mesmerized.

Buck just stood there, hands still in mid air. “I hate that I’m jealous of you right now.”

Jess collapsed on the couch, laughing. “We’ve been defeated.”

Fifteen minutes later, the living room looked like a sleepover gone wrong.

Eddie had Lia asleep on his chest. Jess was half dozing beside him. Nick was sprawled on the floor scrolling through his phone.

Buck came back from the kitchen carrying snacks.

Jess peeked up. “Did you just… bring chips?”

Buck shrugged. “She’s asleep. We celebrate.”

Nick grinned. “A man after my own heart. Marry me."

Eddie looked up with a soft smile. “He is taken, and so are you.”

Jess looked at Nick "If your proposing to anyone, it's me." She glared, but a smirk broke through.

Nick froze "Not anytime soon right? Babe? Please tell me your kidding." 

Everyone laughed, and then instantly stopped when Lia moved slightly. 

Buck sat down next to him, whispering, “I like you like this.”

Eddie grinned, low and quiet. “I love this.”

Jess rolled over, smiling sleepily. “This is weirdly domestic.”

Nick yawned. “We’re like… the world’s weirdest two couple parenting sitcom.”

Cece texted at that exact moment.

Cece: You guys up?
Jess: Yes. Lia’s finally asleep.
Cece: Good. Schmidt’s lullaby playlist was banned from Spotify.
Buck: Why??
Cece: Because the algorithm thought it was a rave.
Schmidt: Unappreciated artist here.
Chim: Send the setlist.
Athena: Don’t.
Winston: Ferguson liked it.
Cece: Ferguson also licks light switches.

The room was quiet again, the soft sound of the baby monitor filling the air.

Jess looked over from the couch, watching Buck and Eddie sitting together, their heads close, Dahlia asleep between them.

Nick smiled faintly. “You know… they’re really good together.”

Jess nodded softly. “They are. Like puzzle pieces that didn’t realize they fit.”

Nick leaned his head on her shoulder. “I think we are good together too.”

Jess smiled, eyes soft. “We are. Let's go to bed, leave them alone for a bit, and have some time alone also.” she smirked. 

Nick looked over at Eddie and Buck again, Buck leaning against Eddie’s shoulder, exhausted, but smiling like he’d finally found home.

“They won't need us,” Nick said quietly. “You aren't too tired?”

Jess laughed "I am exhausted! But I am twirly, plus afterwards, it might relax me enough to sleep!"

Nick grabbed her hand, pulling her to the bedroom "Yep, okay. Buck, Eddie we are going to have some us time." 

Buck and Eddie both laughed quietly, "Yeah, we got this." Eddie says, getting more comfortable with Buck and Lia.

Buck says loud enough for them to hear "Don't be too loud!" Which causes Eddie to laugh, and Nick and Jess saying "No promises!" 

At 6:30 a.m., Jess woke to sunlight streaming through the curtains and the faint sound of… snoring. Nick aside her, still out cold, Jess resting on his chest.

Eddie was asleep on the couch, Lia still in his arms, Buck leaning against him, half slumped.

Buck had a blanket over his head. 

Jess smiled, as she made her way into the living room, the kind of smile that hurt your cheeks.

She took a picture.

Jess: [Photo attachment] Look at my idiots.
Cece: Oh my GOD. That’s adorable.
Hen: Babies sleeping on dads, that's everything.
Athena: Frame this.
Chim: I can’t believe Buck actually looks peaceful.
Bobby: This might be the first documented this. - Bobby Nash
Jess: I’m making it the lock screen.
Buck: [three hours later] I WAS ASLEEP YOU MONSTERS.
Eddie: Still adorable though.
Jess: It was adorable.

Later that morning, Buck shuffled into the kitchen, hair a mess.

Eddie was already up, flipping pancakes.

“Morning,” Buck said softly, rubbing his eyes.

Eddie turned, smiling. “Hey. Sleep okay?”

Buck nodded slowly. “Yeah. Thanks to you.”

Eddie set a plate down. “Team effort.”

Jess stumbled in, yawning, holding Lia. “Correction: Team Chaos and the Miracle Baby whisper!”

Buck grinned, reaching for Lia. “She isn't wrong.”

Jess passed her over, and Lia immediately cooed. Buck pressed a kiss to her tiny forehead.

Eddie leaned against the counter, watching him, his boyfriend, his family, his home and smiled.

“Hey, Buck?” he said softly.

“Yeah?”

“You’re a great dad.”

Buck froze, eyes wide. Then his voice cracked just slightly. “You really think so?”

Eddie smiled. “Yeah. I know so.”

Buck’s smile went soft and full and bright. “You know I learnt mostly from you.”

Jess grinned between them. “Okay, stop being cute. Some of us haven’t had coffee.”

Eddie handed her a mug. “Already made you one.”

She blinked. “Okay… you can stay.”
Nick’s muffled voice came from the couch. “Nobody’s leaving. I live here now.”

Jess sighed. “So you won't marry me, but your moving in?”

Nick grinned "Baby steps, babe."

Buck smiled at Lia. “Who has a mom and three dads.”
Eddie leaned in and kissed her temple. “And love you so much.”

Lia cooed "That's right you do." They all say in unison. 

Chapter Text

It started with a plan.

Or at least, Buck thought it was a plan.

They were leaving for Dahlia’s pediatrician appointment, a routine check up, nothing dramatic. Easy. Calm. Simple.

In theory.

In practice, Jess had been pacing the living room since 7 a.m. with three diaper bags, and a folder labeled 'Emergency Baby Situations.'

Buck leaned against the kitchen counter watching her with an amused smile. “Jess, she’s not enlisting in the military. It’s just a checkup.”

Jess turned, deadly serious. “You say that now, but what if they need a blood test? What if she’s allergic to latex? What if the pediatrician’s new, and unsure of things?”

Buck blinked. “That is… really specific.”

Eddie walked in, looking far too calm for the level of chaos in the room. “You two ready?”

Jess pointed dramatically at him. “Don’t you start with that tone. You’re not the one who had to Google ‘how to keep your baby alive in a waiting room.’”

Eddie blinked. “Wait, that’s… a thing?”

Jess shrugged. “It is now.”

Buck laughed, reaching over to take Lia’s baby carrier. “We’re going to be fine, Jess.”

“Fine?” Jess gasped. “You didn’t even pack the extra wipes.”

“I packed three kinds of wipes!”

“You packed the wrong kinds!”

Eddie sighed, muttering to himself, “This is going to be a long day.”

Eddie drove. Buck sat in the passenger seat. Jess and Dahlia sat in the back, surrounded by what looked like a mobile nursery.

Jess leaned forward halfway through the drive. “You’re going too fast.”

Eddie glanced at the speedometer. “I’m doing thirty five.”

“She’s in the car, Eddie!”

Buck turned around. “Jess, we’ve taken her out before,”

“Not for something this important,” Jess interrupted. “This is her first doctor’s appointment! It’s a milestone!”

“Pretty sure her first milestone was existing,” Buck said under his breath.

Jess kicked his seat. “What was that?”

“Nothing,” Buck said quickly.

From the back, Dahlia made a small cooing noise. Jess immediately softened. “Oh, baby, I know. Mommy’s stressed too.”

Buck looked at Eddie. “Do you think it’s too early to stop for coffee?”

Eddie snorted. “Absolutely not.”

Jess’s head shot up. “No! We’ll be late!”

Eddie sighed. “Jess, her appointment is in forty minutes.”

“Exactly,” Jess said seriously. “If we’re late, the doctor will think we’re irresponsible.”

Eddie chuckled. “Jess, I literally saved a toddler from a burning building last week.”

“That is impressive, but still nothing to do with this!” she shot back.

Buck grinned and mouthed to Eddie, She’s unhinged.

Eddie smirked. “Yeah, but we love her.”

Jess glared. “I heard that.”

The pediatrician’s office was small, bright, and suspiciously quiet. Posters of smiling babies decorated the walls. Buck held the car seat carefully.

Jess marched to the desk like she was checking in for a NASA mission. “Hi, we have an appointment for Dahlia Day Buckley. Six weeks old. She’s the adorable one.”

The receptionist smiled. “Of course. Fill out these forms.”

Jess grabbed them like a woman on a mission. “I prefilled some of them from the website. And I made copies. Just in case.”

Buck leaned toward Eddie. “This is why we get along, something I went to do, she did it first.”

Eddie chuckled. “Clipboard Jess.”

They took a seat, and Buck immediately started overthinking. “Do you think they’ll weigh her? Should we have fed her first? Oh no, what if she spits up on the doctor?”

Eddie smirked. “Then the doctor learns what real life is like.”

Jess was too busy reading the pamphlet titled “Your Baby’s First Check Up: What to Expect.”

Nick texted the group chat. 

Nick: So… how’s it going?

Jess: Waiting room. Baby is adorable. Buck anxious. Eddie too calm.

Cece: Please record it if Buck faints.

Hen: He fainted once during his flu shot, so that’s a valid concern.

Buck: I did not faint!

Athena: Sure you didn’t, sweetheart.

Jess: He’s already sweating.

Buck: IT’S WARM IN HERE.

Eddie snickered as Buck glared at him. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

“Just a little,” Eddie said, grinning.

A nurse opened the door. “Dahlia Day Buckley?”

Jess jumped up. “That’s us!”

Buck tried to follow quickly. He nearly toppled, catching himself on the counter.

Eddie caught his arm before he faceplanted. “Whoa, easy.”

The nurse smiled politely. “You guys all coming in?”

Jess nodded. “Oh yes. Team effort.”

The nurse blinked. “Team?”

Eddie smiled. “You’ll see.”

The exam room was small. Buck stood awkwardly near the changing table while Jess handed over the medical folder. Eddie, somehow, looked like he’d been through this exact thing a hundred times.

Dr. Patel walked in, cheerful and composed. “Alright, Dahlia Buckley! And… let me guess...Mom and Dad?”

Jess smiled brightly. “Yes, and that’s Dad.” She gestured to Buck. “And that’s… also Dad.” She pointed at Eddie.

Dr. Patel paused. “Oh! So you’re...”

Buck jumped in. “My boyfriend.”

Eddie added, “We are family.”

Dr. Patel blinked. “Alright then. The more love the better!”

Buck looked relieved. “Exactly!”

Jess nodded seriously. "My boyfriend is at work, early delivery, so three dad's and a mom.”

The doctor smiled, deciding not to ask further questions. “Okay, let’s get little Dahlia up here.”

Lia gurgled happily as Buck carefully lifted her onto the exam table, moving slow with his nearly healed leg. Jess hovered like a hawk.

“Careful with her head!” Jess fretted.

Buck sighed. “Jess, I have held her before.”

“Yeah, but...”

Eddie chuckled. “You say that like he hasn’t held her every hour since she was born.”

Dr. Patel smiled. “She’s a healthy little one. Weight looks great, growth perfect. Strong lungs too.”

Buck winced. “Yeah, we’re aware.”

When the doctor checked Lia’s reflexes, Jess gasped softly at every movement.

“She’s perfect,” Jess whispered. “Look at her tiny toes.”

Buck smiled. “She’s definitely yours. I can tell by the dramatics.”

Jess shot him a glare, but it was softened by the way she brushed Lia’s tiny fingers.

Dr. Patel handed Buck a printout. “Everything looks great. You’re doing amazing.”

Buck blinked, caught off guard. “Really?”

“Really,” Dr. Patel said kindly. “You’re doing everything right.”

Eddie smiled proudly, squeezing Buck’s shoulder. “Told you.”

Buck grinned, cheeks pink. “Guess we passed the test.”

Jess gasped. “Oh my God, do we get a sticker?”

Eddie groaned. “Please don’t encourage her.”

When they stepped out into the sunshine, Buck looked lighter. Jess clutched Lia close, smiling proudly. Eddie slung his arm around Buck’s waist as they made their way back to the car.

Jess turned to them, eyes shining. “She’s healthy. She’s perfect. We’re actually surviving this.”

Buck laughed softly. “Yeah, we really are.”

Eddie opened the car door for her. “You both are doing great.”

Jess grinned. “So are you.”

Buck looked at him. “You really think so?”

Eddie smiled. “100%.” he says giving him a quick kiss.

Jess buckled Lia into the car seat, whispering, “You were so brave, baby.”

Eddie whispered, “So were her parents.”

Buck smiled at him. “You’re kind of perfect, you know that?”

Eddie chuckled. “Don’t let Schmidt hear that. He’ll quote it forever.”

Jess buckled herself in. “Speaking of, send the group chat an update.”

Buck pulled out his phone.

Buck: Dahlia crushed her first checkup.

Cece: Knew it. Tiny overachiever.

Hen: Proud aunt moment.

Chim: Did anyone cry?

Eddie: Buck almost did.

Buck: LIES.

Athena: Sweetheart, it’s okay. Bobby cried every time you ended up in hospital.

Bobby: …Athena. - Bobby Nash

Buck: Awe pops! 

Jess: The doctor said we’re all doing amazing.

Schmidt: Did you at least get a sticker?

Jess: No, but I asked.

Cece: Of course you did.

Nick: See you tonight.

As they drove home, Lia snuggled quietly in her car seat, Jess singing softly.

Buck leaned back, watching the two of them in the rearview mirror, feeling something deep and simple settle in his chest.

He turned his head slightly toward Eddie, voice low but full of warmth. “Thanks for coming."

Eddie smiled. “Of course, Babe. We’re a family.”

Chapter Text

It started like all good ideas in Buck’s life, a random thought.

“Let’s have a BBQ!” Buck had said, bright eyed.

Eddie laughed "As long as I don't have to cook." 

Jess, who had been nursing her coffee, had murmured, “Translation, he wants to show Dahlia off.”

Buck didn’t even deny it. “I mean… yeah.”

Eddie had caved completely the second Lia gurgled at him.

By noon, the Diaz backyard was chaos disguised as a community. Offering his place, rather then the loft.

Balloons hung crookedly because Winston had insisted on using duct tape 'It’s industrial strength!'

Nick was manning the grill uninvited and arguing with Chim about temperature precision.

Schmidt, wearing an apron that said Kiss the Chef (Only If You’re Named Cece), was barking orders like he was hosting MasterChef Firehouse Loft Edition.

“Nick, the chips go near the dip, not on the dip!” Schmidt scolded.

Nick shrugged. “It’s called innovation, Schmidt.”

Cece, perched on a lawn chair with lemonade, sighed. “It’s called a mess.”

Hen and Karen were arranging a dessert table that looked like a bakery exploded. Bobby was at the smoker, Athena at his side supervising everyone. Eyeing Nick, because last time he burnt the food.

Jess arrived last, Dahlia strapped in a tiny sun hat, already the undisputed queen of the party.

Eddie took her immediately, smiling like the sun itself was in his arms. “Hey, princesa. Ready to charm everyone again?”

Lia cooed like she knew exactly what she was doing.

Jess grinned at Buck. “She’s got your ability to make people melt.”

Buck leaned on his crutches. “And your ability to boss me around.”

Jess smirked. “We make good genes.”

“Alright,” Hen announced loudly, “ground rules! No one drops the baby. No one feeds the baby anything solid. And no one lets Winston near the grill again.”

“Hey!” Winston shouted.

Bobby held up the spatula. “You put marshmallows on the ribs last time.”

“It was creative expression!” Winston said, letting Ferguson out of his carrier.

Athena muttered, “It was a crime.”

Chim handed Eddie a beer and clinked bottles. "She’s still so perfect.”

Eddie smiled softly. “Yes she is.”

Hen leaned in, smirking. “So how’s Buck handling fatherhood?”

Eddie chuckled. “Like it’s a rescue operation, only with less screaming. Mostly.”

Across the yard, Buck was attempting to balance a plate on one crutch while talking to Winston and Coach. It was going badly.

“Need help, Buck?” Coach called.

“I got it!” Buck yelled, right before the plate tilted and landed face down in the grass.

Jess laughed from across the yard. “Parent of the year!”

“Why are there witnesses?!” Buck groaned.

Nick had declared himself a Drink Director and was making fancy mocktails for Jess and Eddie.

“Try this,” he said, handing Eddie a glass. “It’s called The Post Shift Parent.”

Eddie took a sip. “It tastes like… anxiety and pineapple.”

Nick grinned. “Exactly.”

Cece plopped down beside Jess. “You realize Dahlia is the calmest person here, right?”

Jess nodded. “That’s because she hasn’t heard Schmidt’s playlist yet.”

As if on cue, Schmidt yelled, “Alexa, play ‘Super Bass’!”

Hen groaned. “Again?!”

Schmidt defended, “Babies love Nicki Minaj!”

Cece deadpanned, “Babies also love silence, Schmidt.”

Buck, laughing too hard, almost fell off his chair. Eddie reached out instinctively to steady him.

“Careful, Baby,” Eddie murmured, low enough for only Buck to hear.

Buck looked up, cheeks pink. “Thanks”

Eddie smirked. “Anytime.”

Jess caught the exchange and smirked.

Athena appeared with baby wipes and a spare blanket, completely in charge. “Alright, who let her get too close to the sun?”

Jess blinked. “She’s literally under an umbrella.”

“Still,” Athena said, carefully tucking the blanket around Lia. “Grandma instincts.”

Bobby chuckled. “Cant be too safe.”

Jess grinned. “Better safe grandparents, then not.”

Buck’s face softened. “You guys are unbelievable.”

Athena patted his cheek. “You love us, so, deal with it.”

As the sun started to dip, the grill sizzled and the smell of barbecue hung in the air. Dahlia was passed around like a celebrity.

Schmidt posed with her. “Look at us! A power duo!”

Winston muttered, “She blinked twice. That’s a baby code for ‘help.’”

Hen snorted soda out her nose.

Cece snapped pictures while Coach tried to keep Ferguson away from the food.

Athena caught him. “Winston.”

He froze. “He teleported!”

She crossed her arms. “He has a GPS collar for a reason.”

Meanwhile, Eddie and Buck sat side by side on the steps, Lia cradled between them.

“She’s getting heavier,” Buck whispered.

“She’s thriving,” Eddie said softly.

Buck looked at him. “You and Chris staying at the loft tonight?”

Eddie smiled. “Yeah, Chris is gaming with Denny, but once everyone leaves and we are done, we will be over.”

Jess, from the grill, called out, “You two are disgustingly sweet!”

Nick added, “Yeah, tone down the Hallmark!”

Buck grinned. “Jealous?”

Nick laughed. “Absolutely not. I have my own hallmark movies.” He winked at Jess.

Jess smirked. “Damn right.”

Eddie burst out laughing.

At some point, Chim tripped over a sprinkler and soaked his sneakers.

Hen declared it poetic justice.

Schmidt tried to save the chips and dropped the bowl.

Cece filmed everything.

Athena yelled, “Winston, get that cat off the table!”

Winston protested, “He was guarding the ribs!”

Buck was laughing so hard he had to sit down. “This is the best day ever.”

Jess leaned against him, smiling. “You mean the messiest.”

“Same thing,” Buck said.

Eddie put an arm around his waist, pulling him close. “Its crazy.”

Buck smiled, eyes soft. “And you love it.”

Eddie’s grin answered for him, then leaned in for a quick kiss.

By the time the sky turned pink, Dahlia was asleep in her stroller, a little bow askew. Jess was curled up beside Nick, who had gone still mid sentence, half asleep himself.

Cece and Schmidt were arguing about who had to pack the leftovers,

"You don’t ‘pack’ ribs, Cece!”

“Watch me!”

Bobby and Athena were cleaning up, shaking their heads but smiling.

Hen and Karen sat quietly by the fence, watching the chaos dissolve into calm.

Eddie and Buck were still on the back steps, sharing a beer.

“She’s gonna remember this, you know,” Buck said softly, nodding toward the stroller.

Eddie smiled. “Maybe not today. But someday.”

Buck leaned back, breathing out. “Feels good to belong.”

Eddie looked at him. “You always did, Buck. You just had to see it.”

Buck’s throat tightened. “Thanks.”

Eddie chuckled. “For what?”

“For being you, being my everything.”

Eddie’s smile softened. “Always.”

Behind them, Athena called out, “You two lovebirds coming in for dessert?”

Buck laughed. “You mean the pie Winston accidentally sat on?”

Athena groaned. “Don’t remind me.”

Later that night, after everyone had left, the Diaz house was quiet.

Buck was sitting on the couch, Dahlia asleep in his arms. Jess leaned against the doorway, smiling softly. Eddie came over, crouched beside them, brushing Lia’s tiny hand.

“She had a good day,” Jess whispered.

“She did,” Buck said. “So did we.”

Eddie smiled. “Yeah. Ready to head out?”

Buck nodded. “Yeah. Let's get home.”

Jess laughed. “Come on.”