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Eddie woke slowly, lulled into consciousness by the gentle, rhythmic kicks coming from his baby, nestled safely in his seven-month belly. He Blinked against the soft morning light filtering through the curtains before he glanced over at the clock: 6:40 AM. Early as hell.
He turned his head to check on Buck who was still dead asleep, curls tangled and strewn across the pillow. Eddie couldn’t help but smile, making a mental note to wake him if he didn’t rouse on his own soon. Buck’s workdays were busy, but he had a way of sleeping through even the loudest morning alarms if Eddie wasn’t there to nudge him awake.
Carefully, Eddie slipped out of bed, trying not to disturb Buck as he made his way to the bathroom.
After freshening up, he changed into a comfortable pair of gray sweatpants and a soft black T-shirt that stretched snugly over his bump. The T-shirt had been one of Buck’s favorites until it became Eddie’s go-to piece during the pregnancy, oversized but still cozy, with just enough room to fit perfectly over his growing belly.
Eddie makes his way into the kitchen, Chris was still snoozing in his room, leaving him a few quiet moments to himself. He gathers the ingredients he needs for breakfast with ease, deciding on pancakes and fruit for breakfast—a favorite in their household.
As Eddie whisks the batter, he starts to feel a steady rhythm of tiny kicks from his daughter again, as if she was letting him know she was hungry and just as eager for breakfast. They were gentle but strong enough that he couldn’t ignore them, each kick making him smile.
“I know, princesa, I know. You’re hungry,” he murmurs softly, rubbing a hand over his stomach. “Breakfast is coming up. Just be a little patient with me, okay?”
He begins pouring the batter in the pan, lost in the comfortable routine, when he hears the familiar, slow footsteps of buck padding down the hall.
Seconds later, a pair of warm arms wrap around him from behind, Buck nestles his face into the crook of Eddie’s neck, his hands coming to rest tenderly over Eddie’s belly.
“Morning,” Buck mumbles, his voice still thick with sleep.
Eddie couldn’t help but lean back into Buck’s warmth, smiling as he feels his husband’s soft, breathing. “Morning to you, too. Did you sleep well?”
Buck hums, pulling Eddie a little closer, his hands never straying from Eddie’s belly as he gently rubs small circles. “I always sleep well with you next to me,” he says, his voice as warm as his embrace.
Eddie rolled his eyes, but his smile never falters, “You’re way too cheesy in the morning.”
“Cheesy, but you love it,” Buck quips, a grin spreading across his face. “And you love me for it.”
“Mm, maybe,” Eddie teases back, but they both know he’s long past any ‘maybe’ when it comes to Buck.
Buck presses a kiss to Eddie’s shoulder, his hands drifting to feel the little kicks beneath them. “What about you? Did little missy let you sleep last night?”
“Surprisingly, yeah.” Eddie sighs, content. “She stayed calm through the night, but the second I got up this morning, she’s been kicking up a storm. She’s definitely your kid with this energy.”
Bucks expression morphed into a playful one.
“Oh, so she’s my kid when she’s full of energy and acting up, but when she’s sweet and calm, she’s all you?” Buck’s eyes sparkle with mock offense as he gently turns Eddie around, one hand still resting on his belly.
Eddie’s face breaks into a smirk. “Exactly.”
Buck shakes his head, chuckling, and leans down to press a soft kiss to Eddie’s belly. “I see how it is.” He looks up at Eddie, his smile softening. “But you know she’s gonna have the best of both of us.”
Eddie feels a warmth spread through him as he looks back at Buck, thinking about the little family they’re building, their everyday moments filled with quiet, tender love. He gives Buck’s hand a squeeze before turning back to the stove, a happy smile lingering as he flips the first pancake.
“Can you keep an eye on these while I go wake up Chris?” Eddie asked, gesturing to the pancakes sizzling on the stove.
Buck gave a soft smile, nodding. “Of course, baby.”
Leaving Buck to the pancakes, Eddie made his way down the hall to Chris’s room. When he pushed the door open, he found Chris already awake, sitting up and rubbing his eyes—a sleepy look still lingering on his face.
“Oh, good—you’re up,” Eddie said, smiling as he walked over to Chris’s bedside. “I need you to get dressed soon. Buck’s going to take you to school on his way to work in a little.”
Instead of answering, Chris leaned forward and wrapped his arms around Eddie, resting his head gently against Eddie’s belly. Eddie’s heart melted as he instinctively brought a hand to Chris’s head, softly running his fingers through his son’s hair, smoothing it down.
The baby gave a light kick, almost like she was greeting her brother.
By the look of Chris’s expression, Eddie could tell he was holding back from saying something. “What’s wrong?” He asked softly.
“I don’t want to go to school today…”
Eddie’s eyebrows raise, both in surprise and amusement. He looks down toward Chris only to find him staring back up at him, a pleasing look in his eyes.
“You don’t want to go to school? Since when?” He smiles, trying to keep his tone light, but he knows Chris usually loves school.
Chris shrugs, looking down at his hands, then glances up at Eddie with a small, shy smile. “Just want to be with you today.”
The confession tugs at Eddie’s heart. Ever since he’d gotten pregnant, Chris had become more attached, a little more protective, and a lot clingier. And though Eddie knew he couldn’t give in to it every time, he couldn’t help but melt just a little at Chris’s earnestness.
Eddie reaches out, brushing a hand through Chris’s hair. “I get it, mijo. And I love that you want to spend time with me. But school’s important.” He keeps his voice gentle, but he can see Chris’s face fall, his frown deepening.
“Please?” Chris’s voice is soft, his eyes pleading. “Just for today?”
Eddie hesitates, knowing he should probably stand firm on his decision. Especially with Buck not being in the room, who would 100% help persuade Eddie in Chris’s favor. But with Chris looking so hopeful, Eddie finds himself caving.
He smiles softly. “Okay, but just this once. Only because you asked so nicely.”
Chris’s face lights up with joy, his earlier disappointment vanishing in an instant. “Really?”
“Really,” Eddie says before he raises a finger, giving Chris a gentle but firm look. “But tomorrow—you’re going to school. No excuses.”
Chris nods in agreement.
“Let’s go eat breakfast,” Eddie said, guiding Chris toward the kitchen. As they entered, Eddie took in the sight of Buck at the counter, finishing up slicing fruit and arranging it neatly in a bowl next to the pancakes that were already stacked and ready to go.
One thing Eddie loved about Buck was how thoughtful he was—always stepping in to help without needing to be asked. It was the kind of quiet support Eddie treasured, a reminder that he was never doing anything alone.
Eddie cleared his throat, catching Buck’s attention. “Alright, change of plans. Looks like someone won’t be going to school today…but only for today.” Eddie gave Chris a gentle, knowing look.
Buck looked up, a teasing grin spreading across his face. “So, Chris finally got you to cave in, huh?”
Chris giggled, walking over to Buck for a morning hug. Buck wrapped his arms around him, lifting him just enough for Chris’s feet to dangle for a moment before setting him back down.
“Hey, don’t get used to it,” Eddie said, already moving to grab the plates and set them at the table.
The three of them sat down to eat, passing the fruit bowl around and topping their pancakes with berries and slices of strawberries. Chris chattered on happily about his plans for the day, grateful for the unexpected day off with his dad.
Buck, between bites, looked up at the clock. “I wish I could stay longer, but I’ve gotta get moving soon,” he said, a bit of urgency in his voice. He squeezed Eddie’s hand under the table, before turning to Chris and giving him a playful look “You take good care of your dad today, alright? I’m counting on you soldier,”
Chris nodded enthusiastically, a big grin on his face. “I will, I promise!”
Buck gave Chris’s shoulder a playful ruffle before standing up and heading toward their bedroom. After a few minutes he came back dressed in his uniform.
He grabbed his bag and keys, and gave Eddie a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be back before you know it,” he said softly. “Have a good day, both of you.”
Eddie smiled, watching Buck leave, already feeling grateful for this little moment together before the busy day ahead.
After they finished breakfast, Eddie got up to start clearing the table, stacking plates and gathering the glasses. “Alright, since you’re staying home today, you know you’ll have to help me out around the house, right?” he said, flashing Chris a look as he put the dishes in the sink.
Chris let out a small, reluctant grumble but nodded anyway, unable to hide the smile tugging at his lips.
“Good.” Eddie grinned. “You can start by taking all the laundry to the laundry room for me, and then clean up your room afterward, please.”
“Okay!” Chris said, hopping out of his chair, his grumble forgotten now that he had his ‘assignment.’ He darted down the hall to gather up the laundry, and Eddie chuckled to himself, feeling grateful for these quiet, cozy moments at home with his son.
As Eddie continued the dishes, he caught himself humming a little tune, his hand resting instinctively on his belly. It was days like these, simple and full of love, that made him feel completely at peace.
Once Eddie finished the dishes, he made his way to the laundry room, taking note of the overflowing baskets Chris had left for him. As he sorted through the pile, he spotted a few white shirts mixed in with the colored clothes in Chris’s basket “Chris! What did I say about mixing whites with colors?”
“Sorry, Dad!”
Shaking his head with a soft smile, Eddie separated out the clothes, tossing the whites into a different pile. He started the machine, adding just the right amount of detergent, moving methodically despite the gentle nudges from his daughter. She seemed particularly active whenever he was moving around.
Once the laundry was underway, Eddie turned his attention to the living room. He went about fluffing the couch pillows, folding blankets, and picking up stray toys. Just as he was smoothing the last pillow, Chris reappeared, looking pleased with himself. “I’m done with my room!” he announced proudly.
Eddie smiled, ruffling Chris’s hair. “Nice work, bud. Thank you for helping.” He took Chris’s hand and led him to the couch, where they both settled on comfortably. Chris nestled against Eddie’s side, one arm resting gently on Eddie’s belly, just in time to feel a light kick.
“Does it hurt when she kicks?”
Eddie chuckled, loving how curious his son was. “Sometimes it does, but most of the time it just feels like a little nudge,” he explained. “She’s just saying hello, letting me know she’s there.”
Chris’s face softened with wonder as he snuggled closer, resting his cheek against Eddie’s belly
They sat together for a quiet part of the morning, enjoying each other’s company. Eventually, Chris asked to watch TV, Eddie agreed, while he decided on reading a book, hand rubbing his belly as the soft sounds of a cartoon played in the background.
After a little while, Eddie remembered the laundry. He marked his page and got up, heading back to switch the clothes into the dryer. On his way back, he paused to check on Chris. “Hey, what do you want for lunch?”
Chris’s eyes lit up. “Grilled cheese?”
Eddie chuckled, shaking his head. “You had that three times in a row this past weekend, buddy. Pick something else.”
Chris scrunched his nose in thought before a new idea hit him. “Turkey sandwich and yogurt?”
“Now that I can do.” Eddie grinned, giving Chris’s shoulder a gentle squeeze before heading to the kitchen to start on their lunch.
Eddie returned to the living room with two plates in hand, setting them on the coffee table. “Alright, after you eat, I want you to start on some of your homework,” he said. “TV goes off.”
Chris nodded, glancing down with a small sigh but understanding. They both dug into their sandwiches, Eddie enjoying the warmth of the simple meal. He noticed Chris watching him closely as he took another bite, grinning up at him occasionally with a look of admiration that made Eddie’s heart swell.
Just as they finished eating, the dryer buzzed from down the hall. “I’ll be back in a minute. Start on that homework.” Chris nodded and switched off the TV as Eddie headed to the laundry room.
Pulling out the warm clothes, he could feel the weight of his belly slightly more today but took it slow, settling onto the couch to start folding. He sorted Chris’s shirts, matching socks, and folded baby clothes, all while keeping an eye on Chris, who was working diligently at the table.
It didn’t take long for Chris to finish his homework, and he brought it over proudly for Eddie to check. Eddie smiled, glancing over the neat handwriting and the correct answers, nodding approvingly. “Looks good, nice work!”
Chris beamed, clearly pleased to have his dad’s approval.
As the day wound down, Eddie could feel the fatigue settling in. He probably should’ve gotten up at one point to start dinner but he was feeling too tired. He and Chris spent most of the day in each other’s company until the front door finally creaked open, signaling Buck’s return. Chris’s face lit up instantly. “Buck!” he called out, throwing his arms around Buck’s waist the moment he was close enough. “I missed you.”
Buck grinned, wrapping his arms around Chris with a warm hug. “I missed you too, Superman,” he said, tousling Chris’s hair before glancing up at Eddie, his eyes softening as they met Eddie’s. Buck made his way over, pressing a gentle kiss to Eddie’s cheek. “And I missed you too.”
Eddie smiled, feeling a familiar warmth at Buck’s closeness.
“Are you hungry? I can whip up something real quick. I got a little tired from running around all day, but I probably should’ve—”
Buck cuts him off.
“Eddie, please don’t finish that sentence.” Buck gave him a gentle but firm look, his hand finding Eddie’s. “There’s no need to apologize for not cooking dinner. You’re tired and, might I remind you, pregnant. It’s okay. We can do takeout.”
Eddie hesitated, “Are you sure?”
Buck leaned down, placing a soft, reassuring kiss on Eddie’s lips. “Positive. Besides, it’s kind of my job to take care of you too.”
Eddie smiled, the tension in his shoulders easing. “Well then… Chinese food?”
Ever since he’s gotten pregnant his cravings for Chinese food has been crazy. There’s just something about pork buns, he swears.
“Perfect choice,” Buck said, grinning as he pulled out his phone to place the order.
When the food arrived, they all sat down for dinner together, Chris filling Buck in on his “day off” and the homework he’d finished. Buck listened, nodding and chiming in as he served Eddie an extra helping, always mindful of his appetite.
Eventually they finished eating, Eddie made a move to start cleaning up when Buck stopped him, shaking his head. “I’ll clean. You go relax.”
Eddie gave him a look before sighing. “Buck, you’ve been working all day, I can clean a few dishes,”
Buck makes a face. “You say that like taking care of a house while carrying a baby and watching a 10 year old is not hard work. You can take a step back and rest sometimes, you deserve that.”
Eddies heart melts. Buck always had a way with his words and they never failed to make him feel loved.
“Okay, fine. But hurry up, I’m tired and you know your daughter won’t sleep without you.” He teases before making his way to the living room where Chris was already dozing off into a food coma on the couch.
Eddie shakes his head at the sight, amusement written all over his face. “This kid…” he mumbles to himself, walking over to the couch. He softly rubbed under Chris’s chin who leaned more into the touch.
“Someone’s tired, I see.” He whispers gently.
Buck who had just finished cleaning made his way over to Eddie.
He hoisted Chris up into his arms. “Well, at least getting him to bed will be easier tonight,” he murmured, rubbing Chris’s back. Chris often tried to bargain his way into an extra hour, insisting he was “big enough” now. But tonight, his eyelids were already drooping, his head resting heavily on Buck’s shoulder.
As Buck carried him toward his room, Chris let out a small, sleepy protest. “I know you’re tired, bud, but we’ve still gotta brush those teeth and put on your pajamas. Then you can go right to sleep, okay?”
Chris nodded, pressing his face into Buck’s shoulder, his voice a mumble. “Can I sleep with you guys tonight?”
Buck’s eyes softened at the request. Chris rarely asked to sleep in their bed, usually quite proud of his independence, but tonight it seemed he wanted the extra closeness. Buck looked over to Eddie for approval, knowing Eddie was usually a bit more firm about bedtime routines.
Eddie’s expression softened as he looked at Chris, already half-asleep against Buck. “Alright, just tonight,” he said, giving Buck a little smile. “But only because you’ve been such a big help today, and you look like you can barely keep your eyes open.”
Chris perked up, just a little, managing a drowsy smile.
A few minutes later, with teeth brushed and pajamas on, they all settled into bed together. Chris snuggled up close to Eddie, and Buck already on the verge of sleep.
Before Chris was fully asleep he opened his eyes, giving his dad a look, Eddie could already tell what he was going to ask.
“You’re still going to school tomorrow, don’t even ask.” He said.
Chris grumbled, “dang it.”