Chapter Text
A/N: Gabby is an OC and Chase's daughter born during his time with the Commanders.
Chase scoops a heap of fluffy scrambled eggs onto the plate before a small hand shoots out to grab his wrist.
“No, Daddy! Not like that!” Gabby exclaims. “A smile face,” she instructs, with an incredulous tone like she can’t believe she has to tell him everything.
Suppressing a smile, Chase raises his hands in surrender. “My bad, lil bits. Show me how to do it.”
With an exaggerated sigh, Gabby strains on her step stool to reach across the counter. She grabs two pieces of toast she’d previously used a cookie-cutter to trim into heart shapes and carefully places them onto the plate.
“These are eyes,” she informs him.
Chase nods seriously. “Okay, what’s next?”
“You have to fix the eggs.” She hands him the spatula. “Make a circle.”
Under Gabby’s watchful gaze, Chase shapes the scrambled eggs into a shape that generally resembles a circle. He glances over at this toddler head chef for approval. She nods her head, almost dislodging the construction paper heart crown she’d made at pre-school the previous day.
“Good job, Daddy. Now,” she pulls over the plate of bacon. “Make a smile.”
Chase lays the strips of bacon into a crescent shape at the bottom of the plate and leans back to survey their work. Not bad. He lifts his hand for high-five and Gabby slaps their hands together enthusiastically.
They complete the same process twice more - another adult-size plate and a smaller version appropriate for Gabby’s unpredictable eating habits. They’re just wrapping up when Nick comes shuffling into the kitchen. Chase’s heart stutters in his chest at the sight of Nick’s sleep-ruffled hair and his soft undershirt and sleep pants.
“Nicky!” Gabby shouts at a volume fit for a stadium. She climbs down from her step stool and runs over to him. “Happy Balenkine Day!” She lifts her little arms expectantly and Nick doesn’t hesitate to scoop her up and place her on his hip with a smile.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Gabby girl.”
“Look!” Gabby points to the plates laid out on the counter.
“Wow, that looks great! Did you cook?”
Gabby nods. “Daddy helped. Just a little bit.”
Nick shoots him a smirk over her head. “That, I believe.”
Chase rolls his eyes. “Let’s eat before somebody is late for school. Go sit in your chair, lil bits. Me and Nicky will bring the food.”
Nick bends down so Gabby can hop out of his arms and scurry out to the breakfast nook. As soon as she rounds the corner, Chase crowds Nick back against the counter. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Nicky.”
“Right back at you, baby.”